Chapter 11: Daily Life at the Manor

“Welcome. I am very glad you could return, Ailiya,” the Marchioness said.

Marchioness Elsa sat upright in the seat of honor, watching Ailiya. Her tone carried a hint of admiration.

The girl’s appearance was exceptional. Her cool, detached air was something even the pampered noble daughters in the Royal Capital might not be able to match. This was definitely like finding a treasure.

Ailiya bowed slightly, her hands folded over her maid uniform. Her movements were so perfect they were beyond reproach. “It is my honor to serve you, Marchioness.”

Although she was usually cold, Ailiya felt she should put on a show of enthusiasm at a time like this.

Lady Elsa nodded with satisfaction and turned to look at the butler, who had been standing by her side. This butler appeared to be around fifty years old, his hair combed meticulously.

“Go and call all the maids in the mansion to the main hall so they can get to know each other,” the Marchioness instructed.

“As you wish, Marchioness,” the butler bowed slightly and turned to leave.

A few minutes later, a series of light footsteps echoed. Before long, the butler returned to the hall with the only four maids in the house.

The butler cleared his throat and signaled the girls to line up, preparing for simple introductions.

“There is no need to be so nervous,” the Marchioness said in a flat tone.

“This is Ailiya. Starting today, she is a member of the Kastian manor and will serve as the Head Maid. I expect you all to cooperate fully with her.”

The four maids replied in unison, “Yes, Marchioness.”

Then, the butler dutifully introduced the four to Ailiya, along with their assigned duties: Sasha and Lana, who were primarily responsible for cleaning; Anna, who handled the laundry; and Martha, who assisted in the kitchen.

Ailiya’s ice-blue eyes scanned the group. Her gaze lingered on Martha, the eldest maid, for half a second, immediately sensing something was wrong.

“Ailiya, since you have just arrived, familiarize yourself with the various areas of the manor and its daily rules first.” The Marchioness turned her gaze toward the older maid.

“Martha, you have the most experience. You will guide Ailiya through the estate for the next two days. Of course, regardless of the circumstances, Ailiya remains your Head Maid. Do you understand?”

The Marchioness considered that Ailiya was a new addition. Although she appeared composed, her actual professional skills remained unknown, and she needed time to get used to the Marquis mansion.

Martha stepped forward, her head lowered, her voice devoid of emotion. “Yes, Marchioness. I will show Miss Ailiya around the grounds properly.”

Martha turned around and walked ahead with a stiff face, her tone dry. “Follow me, Miss Ailiya.”

Ailiya bowed slightly, excusing herself from the Marchioness appropriately. “Then I shall go and familiarize myself with the work, Marchioness.”

The lady gave a small nod and picked up her teacup, saying no more.

The two walked through the corridor one after the other and reached the courtyard. Martha pointed at the vines on the walls choked with weeds and the tall iron gate in the distance, which was mottled with rust, beginning her duties as a senior employee.

“The outer courtyard is quite large and full of fallen leaves and weeds. Now that you are the Head Maid, you will have to worry about scheduling these tedious tasks.”

After walking around for a bit, they arrived at the training ground.

“This is where the manor’s guards usually train. It needs to be cleaned every evening. While they are training, clean drinking water and towels must be prepared in advance. However, they are away on business for a few days, so you don’t need to worry about it for now.”

Martha pointed at the pitted bluestone ground and curled her lip. “Cleaning this area is exhausting, so you should keep that in mind when assigning staff.”

After leaving the training ground, Martha led Ailiya through the corridor to the kitchen.

The kitchen was quite spacious, but it felt a bit empty due to the lack of staff. Before the stove, a slightly chubby chef was bowing his head, chopping vegetables.

“This is the estate’s chef, Carter,” Martha said, tilting her chin up as she introduced Ailiya. “Carter, this is the newcomer, Ailiya. The Marchioness just appointed her as the… Head Maid.”

Carter stopped his knife and casually wiped his hands on his apron. He looked Ailiya up and down and gave an honest smile.

“Hello there, beautiful Head Maid. We don’t have many people at the manor, so the rules aren’t that strict. If there’s anything specific you’d like to eat in the future, just let me know.”

“Hello. Thank you for your hard work,” Ailiya said with a slight nod, her tone flat. She had no interest in casual pleasantries.

Just then, a freshly prepared lunch sat on the nearby long table. Martha walked over, picked up the tray, and shot Ailiya a look.

“Let’s go. It’s time to eat. Come with me to deliver Young Master Leo’s meal. The Young Master has a bit of a peculiar temper. Since you’ve just arrived, follow me and learn the rules.”

The two carried the tray to the room at the end of the second-floor corridor. Standing before Leo’s door, Martha stopped.

She straightened her back on purpose and cleared her throat, assuming the posture of a senior employee as she instructed Ailiya.

“Young Master Leo has been under confinement by the Marchioness lately, so he is in a terrible mood. Just watch how I do it.”

With that, Martha stepped forward, folded her hands in front of her, and bowed slightly. She knocked gently on the door with an almost exaggerated air of respect.

“Young Master, it’s me, Martha. I’ve brought your lunch.” Martha whispered, her voice sounding exceptionally gentle and caring.

The room was silent for two seconds before Leo’s voice drifted out, sounding clearly irritated. “Leave the food outside! You aren’t allowed to enter!”

Martha did not give up. Maintaining her preachy and overly concerned tone, she continued to persuade him through the door.

“Young Master, how can that be? You are still growing; eating cold food is bad for your stomach. If the Marchioness finds out you aren’t eating properly, she’ll be angry again. Be a good boy and open the door so I can bring the tray in…”

“So annoying! Mind your own business!”

“Stop bothering me! You’ve been blabbering at the door and interfering with my studies! Leave at once!”

At the mention of studies, Ailiya almost failed to suppress a laugh. With her keen sense of hearing, she caught the sound of frantic rummaging behind the door, followed by the subtle noise of something being shoved under a table.

‘This kid is probably up to no good again.’

Seeing that Leo was truly impatient, Martha could only sigh helplessly and gently place the tray on the low table by the door.

She turned around and led Ailiya downstairs. Along the way, Martha continued to maintain her air of seniority, preaching with heavy-handed sincerity.

“Do you understand now, Head Maid? Young Master Leo just has the temperament of a child and a strong sense of pride.”

“As servants, we must be patient and caring. In the future, if you come to deliver things to the Young Master alone, make sure not to upset him. You must know how to go along with him and soothe him, understood?”

“Yes, I’ll remember,” Ailiya nodded perfunctorily.