Harsh measures?
Linko couldn’t understand why the young lady would give such an order.
From her perspective, Miss Fulo seemed obedient enough—there was absolutely no need to resort to special tactics.
Her demeanor was that of a commoner, but against the backdrop of a face no noble could rival, it was insignificant.
A slight correction of posture and some basic etiquette lessons would suffice.
Linko fully believed that anyone who saw Fulo elegantly attending a ball would assume she was the scion of some grand duke or royal family, not an ordinary girl.
Yet she had not forgotten that training Fulo was not her sole responsibility.
Besides being the head maid, she was also a trusted subordinate of House Deran’s family head.
Her visit to this villa was not entirely at Moria’s behest but also with the tacit approval of Duke Deran himself.
Her grandmother had told her plainly: “The master is very concerned that the young lady suddenly wants to elevate a commoner to nobility. This time, you’re to assist and make sure everything is clarified.”
Within the entire House Deran, the young lady who had long left the territory to pursue a career as an adventurer was a subject of intense scrutiny by all nobles and the family head alike.
Linko naturally understood the weight behind this order.
But after a brief observation, Linko was convinced anyone would come to the same conclusion about Fulo.
She was just a brat with sharp words but manageable behavior.
The only truly captivating feature on her was that face.
That the unmarried young lady would lavish such attention on a common girl, housing her in a secret villa like this and planning to bring her to multiple balls attended by high society soon after—Most likely, she was being kept as a lover.
After all, to nobles, gender and race hardly mattered when it came to seeking amusement.
Not long ago, the noble uproar over a certain duke who had elevated a Succubus to nobility was the talk of the town, yet no one dared to bring it up directly in the end.
Those in the know called it rumor, even though that Succubus slave was always by the duke’s side, attending banquets just like a noble lady.
Such sordid affairs in high society were nothing new to Linko.
In comparison, if the young lady intended to do something similar, there was no reason to care.
In terms of status or race, compared to that duke’s pet, the frowning, reluctant girl before her who quickly finished her breakfast was far more acceptable.
Unconsciously, Linko’s lips curled into a slight smile as she looked at Fulo.
“Terrible taste.”
Fulo didn’t catch the faint expression on the maid’s face.
She pouted, unwilling to admit how her palate had become so refined.
She already understood why Moria and the others didn’t try to brainwash her outright—they preferred these subtle changes she could sense but not resist, tormenting her little by little and enjoying her gradual submission to satisfy their desire for conquest.
With the original filter shattered, in her eyes, Moria looked more and more like a savage feudal noble.
She was almost too tired to judge her actions anymore.
A mere change in taste was nothing.
What was truly troubling was the insidious shift in her perception.
The saying “give an inch, take a mile” wasn’t just a warning from Moria but a declaration of her plan—so long as Fulo yielded, more extreme methods would follow.
Yes, to escape the current situation, she first had to accept it.
That wasn’t a problem.
But her present circumstances didn’t allow her to do so.
The moment she tasted something delicious, a terrifying thought arose in her mind.
I’m not Flos; I’m just a girl with his memories.
As long as I behave, I can live a life more comfortable than most people in this world.
What’s the point of resistance?
Gender, preferences, tastes—this series of habitual changes, coupled with the earlier speculation that she might be a substitute body, made Fulo increasingly fearful and restless.
Resistance would bring punishments at most, but compliance carried costs no one determined to fight for freedom and dignity could bear.
Moria’s method was ruthless.
So perhaps it was time to try a different approach?
Fulo carefully scrutinized the head maid before her, this woman apparently Moria’s loyal servant.
Maybe she could test her tolerance levels—this would make future actions easier.
With that thought, Fulo raised her chin.
Though the movement was ungainly and reminiscent of an arrogant peacock, as long as it caught Linko’s attention, that was enough.
“Tea!”
If they were to treat her as the core of the group, then a bit of bratty behavior couldn’t hurt, right?
Yet her display failed to rouse even the slightest reaction from the maid.
Linko only nodded gently.
“Miss Fulo, since you have the habit of drinking tea, the associated etiquette should not be difficult for you. I will demonstrate once, then you follow, and I will correct your movements.”
As she finished speaking, other maids tidied the table and placed an exquisite tea set in front of Fulo.
From brewing to sipping, Linko’s demonstration was seamless and graceful, embodying the elegance of nobility flawlessly.
But Fulo, whose plan had been thwarted, had no intention of admiring it.
She continued thinking about what gesture might provoke a reaction from this ever-expressionless maid.
“Please.”
Upon hearing Linko’s words, Fulo—already parched from the heavy breakfast—perked up.
She poured herself a cup and took a swig.
Then she looked at the maid, who furrowed her brow, her smile stiffening.
Feeling amused, Fulo drank the rest of the tea hastily, then, without any grace, picked the tea leaves at the bottom of the cup with her fingers and chewed them before defiantly sticking out her tongue.
“Done drinking, thanks for the treat. I’m going to sleep now~”.
What reaction would the maid have to this?
Fulo eagerly awaited an answer, but that hope soon turned to regret.
Before she could stand, Linko said nothing, yet the other maids acted swiftly to push Fulo back down.
“Just finished tea and already want to rest, Miss Fulo?”
“No… that’s not allowed…”
Fulo gave a nervous laugh, watching Linko calmly pour another cup and demonstrate once more.
“Of course, before you become a qualified lady and at least master tea-tasting etiquette, you cannot rest. Besides, the awakening effects of tea mean you won’t be sleepy anytime soon.”
“I have no intention of becoming a noble, nor do I wish to be a lady!”
Hearing this, Fulo stiffened her neck, adopting a posture of refusal.
But this reaction only seemed to bring Linko a look of relief.
As if Fulo’s resistance was exactly what the head maid expected, a sense of unease blossomed within her.
【Have I pushed too far?】
This thought flashed through her mind, and Linko withdrew all expression, staring blankly at her.
“The young lady said, if necessary, harsh measures may be used.”
“W-What do you mean?”
Fulo swallowed instinctively and tried to cross her arms in defense, but Linko reached aside to grasp the staff a maid had brought.
“Repeatedly performing a certain action can form a specific habit. This applies to everyone.”
“Ah?”
“Miss Fulo, if you cooperate, things will be much easier. If not, it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen many like you—spoiled brats.”
As the tip of Linko’s staff glowed softly, Fulo distinctly felt her body begin to act mechanically on its own.
“What kind of etiquette lesson is this! Ugh—”
Before she could curse, tea sealed her mouth.
The maid’s expression softened.
“Since you enjoy tea, drink a few more cups. There’s still time. Use the tea to stay alert so we can continue your education.”
“This is torture, it’s cruel punishment, I want to co—”
Clearly, like her healing gift, Linko, the head maid, possessed a strong and precise power of control.
To ensure Fulo focused all her energy on learning etiquette, Linko thoughtfully gave her temporary muteness.
Testing the maid’s tolerance limits, Miss Fulo unwittingly discovered the maximum amount of tea her stomach could handle.
Damn noble doctrines, wuwuwu…