CHAPTER 2 [R-18]

Ariel entered the maids' quarters with a group of maids carrying luggage. Just like the grand mansion, the maids' quarters were quite decent. The other maids grumbled about having to sleep six people in one room, like a chicken coop, but for Ariel, it was surprising enough that each maid was provided with a bed that had a mattress. In the past, they used to huddle together with ten people in one room, squatting on the floor for a nap, which was why this was a significant improvement.

Ariel left behind the maids who were already fighting to claim the upper bunk beds and explored the room where she would be staying. It was a small room with everything one would need, simple yet sufficient. There was a small frame hanging on the wall, and on the desk, there was a bottle of olive-colored liquid with a wide leaf of an unknown plant inside.

Ariel thought of Cecilia and somehow associated her with that wide leaf, vibrant and resilient, as if she would ride wolves through the snow-covered wilderness. It was fascinating to think of such a plant in connection with that woman. Perhaps it was because she had applied ointment to Ariel on her first day?

It was gentle. Ariel gently touched the spot on her neck where she had a wound. It was an ointment used by the ladies, and it had a pleasant fragrance, giving her the feeling that the wound would heal quickly. Did the other maids here also receive inspections to determine whether they had wounds or not? Ariel looked around at the other women who would be sharing the room with her.

There were two women who already seemed familiar with each other, and one person who seemed indifferent to the world, unpacking her belongings alone. The other two were just starting to exchange greetings. Everyone seemed excited about the new job, but Ariel didn't pay much attention. For a maid, it was best to go unnoticed and quietly do her own work. Like a shadow, supporting the young ladies to live comfortably. Maid work was something she had been confident in her entire life.

She must stay in this mansion for a very long time without being driven out, diligently saving money. Just now, she overheard in the corridor that there was already a maid who was thinking of leaving for another mansion once she had saved up a certain amount of money. Since being a maid originally involved moving from one house to another, it seemed like they would work hard for a short period, earn money, and then leave.

However, Ariel was determined to bury herself in this mansion as much as possible. It seemed that the other maids didn't realize how valuable it was to work in a house that treated maids systematically and humanely, while also allowing them to earn a lot of money.

Nevertheless, Ariel was someone who had gone through everything from the bottom. She had experienced all sorts of hardships and met all kinds of lunatics. She had developed a thick skin and audacity, being able to smile and serve even while cursing inwardly. If they just gave her money, she could pretend to fall asleep in a horse stable instead of this comfortable mattress bed within three seconds.

To Ariel, her previous owner was truly the worst. Ariel trembled at the thought of her former owner. She decided not to think about that crazy woman anymore... In comparison, Cecilia, whom she saw yesterday... Ariel couldn't tell if Cecilia knew she was lying or if she genuinely believed her lies, but she somehow felt that Cecilia seemed like a good person. The scent of the ointment she applied to her nose yesterday kept lingering."

As she was lost in my thoughts, reminiscing about that time, Meryl, the head manager who oversees all the maids, called for them. Normally, new maids would start receiving their wages from the next month, but this time, it was decided that they would receive their wages along with the existing maids. Everyone was delighted by Meryl's words, urging them to work diligently with the mindset of serving only for the young ladies.

Meryl went through the money and the people and handed each one a leather pouch containing silver coins. Ariel was the last in line. After waiting for a long time, when her turn finally came, Ariel looked at Meryl with sparkling eyes. However, upon seeing something written on the documents, Meryl paused for a moment and raised her glasses upon looking at Ariel.

"Your name... is Ariel?"

"Yes... I am Ariel."

Could it be that Meryl knows and the previous owner knew each other...? Ariel stood in front of Meryl, feeling extremely tense, and observed her reaction.

"...I'm not sure why, but it seems that the young lady has decided to increase your wages fivefold."

"What?"

"There are no additional duties... It seems that the young lady truly favors you."

Ariel couldn't hide her astonishment and confusion as she stood there with her mouth agape. Meryl handed her the thick pouch of money with an indifferent expression. It was the heaviest money pouch she had ever received.

Oh, my goodness... Ariel tightly embraced the money pouch, trembling with the fear that someone might steal it, and returned to the maids' quarters. She had never held such a large sum of money in her hands before. With this money, she could eat warm meals every day until the next payday and replace her worn-out clothes with new ones. But at the same time, she was afraid. Why? Why did they give such a large sum of money to an insignificant maid who had been chased away by her previous owner from the start?

Ariel lay on the bed, caressing the money pouch with a mix of fearful and joyful emotions. And in that moment, just before falling asleep, she realized that Cecilia had known all along that she was lying and that Ariel had gone without proper meals for a long time.

"Ariel, Lady Cecilia is calling for you."

The next afternoon, Meryl called for Ariel. Ariel, who was sweeping the floor with the other maids, suddenly became the center of attention. As she knelt down and wrung out the mop in a bucket, Ariel could hear the whispers of the maids as she stood up. That girl, she's a maid who came in with a recommendation letter from Madame Monami. Ariel followed the head manager with an uneasy heart. Since maids are known to move around a lot in this profession, it was possible that she could come across a maid she had worked with in her previous household if luck wasn't on her side. While her previous owner wasn't as wealthy as Cecilia, they were quite well-off, so among the dozens of maids, the chances of them remembering Ariel were low. However, Ariel couldn't rule out the possibility that her previous owner was searching for her after releasing the maids. Whether it was for a good reason or a bad reason, those who frequently received calls from their superiors tended to be remembered unnecessarily wherever they went.

"You called for me, My Lady."

As the manager opened the door, Ariel bowed with her waist and greeted her. Cecilia looked at Ariel in her maid's attire and smiled with satisfaction.

"You have a sturdy figure, so any clothes suit you well."

Upon Cecilia's words, Ariel hastily glanced at Meryl for any reaction. If you say it like that, it sounds like we know each other's naked bodies! However, Meryl seemed oblivious and quietly closed the door and left.

Now, only Ariel and Cecilia remained in the room. Cecilia's room had an overall luxurious yet calm atmosphere. It was filled with furniture that seemed ten times more expensive than Ariel's worth.

The large and round Chinese porcelain pieces caught the eye, and the telephone with a golden-colored receiver looked fascinating. The furniture, overall, contributed to the heavy and dignified atmosphere of Cecilia's room.

Cecilia was sitting on the velvet sofa just like before. On the table made of marble, there were ceramic teacups adorned with flower patterns. The warm and pleasant scent of tea filled the air. It smelled like jasmine and primrose.

"Have you ever tried tea?"

"No, I haven't."

In truth, Ariel had secretly tasted a cookie or two while serving guests and preparing refreshments, or she would drink the leftover tea after clearing the dishes when the guests left. The sweet snacks were delicious, but she didn't quite understand the taste of tea. She often didn't have time for meals and would hastily drink cold tea in the kitchen, so she had never had properly brewed warm tea before...

Ariel looked at the pale brown liquid in the delicate teacup. Thin wisps of steam carried a pleasant aroma. Although she thought she had prepared plenty of refreshments while working as a maid, she had never encountered tea with such a delightful fragrance. The maids had mentioned that Cecilia was involved in a tea-related business, and it seemed that the properly brewed tea made by someone with genuine skills was indeed different.

Cecilia suddenly leaned over towards Ariel's face. She held a long black cloth in her hand, which was folded into a long handkerchief with red and black sides. In an instant, Cecilia covered Ariel's eyes with the cloth and tied it tightly. Ariel, taken aback, opened her mouth slightly and reached out her hand into empty space.

"I can't see anything like this, My Lady."

"That's why I tied it."

Cecilia said with a mischievous smile. Ariel momentarily displayed a disappointed expression at Cecilia's words. She had run away across the sea to escape from a crazy boss, and now was she dealing with another psycho? Ariel felt despair inwardly but managed to maintain a smiling face outwardly.

"Now, grab onto my arm."

As Ariel gestured into thin air, she grabbed Cecilia's arm. Cecilia's skin felt soft and slightly cool. Unbeknownst to herself, Ariel leaned her body against Cecilia and slowly walked towards the front of the sofa.

Even though she knew she shouldn't rely too much on the young lady, not being able to see what was in front of her made her feel uneasy. Ariel couldn't sense what the young lady was intending to ask her to do. The only sound she heard was the clinking of teaspoons stirring teacups.

Ariel anxiously waited in her heart, silently wondering what task the young lady would assign her next. Whatever the case, it was the first time she, as a maid, had faced the young lady, so she needed to make a good impression. She was now receiving five times her previous wages, and Ariel didn't want to miss this opportunity. Although someone might think she had gone crazy for money, she couldn't refute the truth.

Cecilia barely held back her laughter when she saw Ariel's face. She slowly walked towards Ariel with a teacup in her hand. As Ariel felt the young lady's footsteps getting closer, she became even more nervous. What could the young lady possibly want? After a long wait, Cecilia finally opened her mouth.

"Would you like to open your mouth?"

Ariel couldn't hide her momentary confusion. However, Cecilia didn't add anything else, as if her words were flawless. So, this was something she had to do... Ariel could sense that she couldn't hesitate any longer.

"Ah..."

With an uneasy heart, Ariel slightly opened her mouth. With the blindfold on and her mouth open, Ariel looked like a child waiting for something. Finally, the sensation of metal touched her tongue. It was a teaspoon with tea on it.

The tea was slightly hot, but it wasn't enough to burn the tongue. It was the perfect temperature to drink. As Ariel savored the taste and swallowed it with a gulp, she felt the warmth of the tea spreading down her esophagus, making her stomach feel warm. Soon after, the aroma that had been contained in the tea rose up from within, making her whole body feel relaxed and warm.

"...It makes me feel better."

In that moment, Ariel, who had been filled with tension, suddenly felt her muscles relax, and she could sense the warmth rising from her stomach. If it was going to be like this, she should have been told earlier. She had needlessly been on edge. However, on the other hand, she began to suspect whether the young lady had intended this all along.

"Is that so? This is a red tea that I'm personally making."

"The aroma is really nice. I'm not very familiar with it, so what kind of scent is it?"

"Well, want to guess?"

"Jasmine? It smells like the scent I've often come across."

"Starting with jasmine is the safest bet. It's important to stick to the basics."

Cecilia continued to prepare another cup of red tea to have Ariel taste it. As Ariel heard a rustling sound, she spoke up.

"But I don't really know much about tea..."

"That's why I brought you here. Because you don't know anything."

Cecilia wore a meaningful smile, but Ariel couldn't see it. Not knowing anything, Ariel couldn't hide her feelings of unease about Cecilia's evaluation of her. As a maid, she was supposed to know everything while pretending to know nothing. Without being told, she had to comb Cecilia's hair, hold the back of her dress, and sprinkle powdery powder to keep her from sweating. At the same time, she had to know nothing about what she had seen and experienced as a maid. But that was only an assumption when one knew everything. Saying that she didn't know anything meant she was unfit as a maid.

Ariel was afraid she would be unemployed again in just one day. She was determined to perform well in the next tasting. Cecilia poured a little less tea from a different cup and fed it to Ariel again. The spoon clinked against Ariel's teeth.

Hmm... Ariel slowly savored the red tea with her eyes closed. Usually, she only ate hard and cold food, so suddenly drinking this fragrant red tea, which was so sweet, made her feel a little dizzy. It was like when she leaned closer to the young lady earlier and a completely different pleasant fragrance arose.

"It's smooth. Warm..."

Is that so? Cecilia gently stroked Ariel's head as if acknowledging her. Ariel recalled the touch of Cecilia's hands that had roamed all over her body. The young lady's hands were warm and gentle too. Ariel couldn't bring herself to say those words.

After that, Ariel did her best to assist with the red tea tastings and tests. She used all the fragrant and beautiful words she knew to express the aroma as much as possible. At first, she was unsure how honestly she should speak, and it made her nervous. However, Cecilia's red teas were truly fragrant and smooth, to the point where she didn't need to add a single lie. They gave a feeling of relieving and calming one's mood. Ariel knew next to nothing about red tea, but she thought the teas made by the young lady were truly exceptional.

This time, it's a rose scent. It's slightly sweet, but not unpleasant. As Ariel received the tea and took a sip, a droplet of tea trickled down her lips. Startled, she wiped her mouth with her sleeve, but she felt like a bit had also stained her clothes.

After a moment, Ariel felt Cecilia wiping her chest with a handkerchief. Feeling somewhat awkward, she remained silent and waited for Cecilia to finish wiping her clothes.

Furthermore, as Cecilia approached, Ariel sensed a different fragrance from the red tea. Cecilia's scent mixed subtly with the fragrance of perfume. The scent of someone who had bathed with water infused with luxurious fragrances for a long time. A pleasant fragrance emanating from the skin that had absorbed a consistently good aroma naturally, rather than an artificially masked smell...

"...It also has a pleasant fragrance from you, My lady."

"Really?"

Ariel shyly nodded her head. Under normal circumstances, a maid would never make comments about the scent of their mistress. If it were a usual day, she would never have said such things. But for some reason, covering her eyes gave her courage. Could it be that saying there was nothing in her sight led to these words?

At that moment, a much stronger, sticky, and sweet fragrance emanated compared to the scents she had encountered before. If it was this sweet, she expected it to become hotter and more intoxicating, but for some reason, this fragrance gave her a slightly cool feeling.

"Do you like sweet things?"

Ariel thought it was a natural question from the young lady. Sweet things were a rarity in her life, something she rarely had the opportunity to taste. However, in that moment, she felt a thin stream of honey touching her tongue. It wasn't tea.

Cecilia wrapped honey around a wooden honey dipper and held it up high, letting it fall onto Ariel's tongue. Ariel was taken aback by the overwhelming sweetness she had never experienced before. She had only licked the remnants of honey left in the corners of dishes or tasted the leftover honey mixed with various powders. This pure and sweet honey, so refined, was something she had never tasted before.

Ariel, captivated by the sweetness, forgot her demeanor as a maid, lifted her head, opened her mouth, and extended her tongue to receive the dripping honey. Wetting the back of her head made it a bit difficult to maintain her balance. Ariel unconsciously grabbed Cecilia's body. She closed her eyes and gently stroked Ariel's forehead as she extended her tongue. Beads of sweat clung to Ariel's neck.

Just a little more, just a little bit more. Ariel extended her tongue further. The honey she missed while eating was smearing around her lips and dripping down. Cecilia dipped her finger in honey and put it in Ariel's mouth. Ariel hesitated at the feeling of the honey-drenched finger, but soon moved her tongue to lick Cecilia's finger, leaving no spot untouched.

The sound of licking filled the room. When Ariel finished sucking the honey, Cecilia's finger was covered in saliva, and when Ariel released her mouth, saliva stretched out. Only then did Ariel realize what had happened. She couldn't believe she had made the young lady's finger so sticky with saliva.

"I'm sorry, My lady. I should have stopped because I thought I should assist you, but... No, it's just that it was so sweet that..."

"This finger has become completely sticky."

"I'm truly sorry. I'll wipe it off. Or should I remove the blindfold first..."

Ariel spoke hurriedly. Cecilia untied Ariel's blindfold, and despite Ariel's efforts to maintain composure, her face clearly showed signs of confusion.

Cecilia also made an effort not to laugh upon seeing Ariel's expression, but a subtle smile couldn't be helped. Cecilia used her finger to wipe off the honey around Ariel's lips. Then, this time, she slowly sucked the honey off her own finger. Ariel stared blankly at Cecilia. Did the young lady see me eating honey like that? Did she... feel the same strange sensation as I did?

"We're both covered in saliva, aren't we?"

"I'm sorry. I..."

"Since we're dirty, shall we go wash up?"

Cecilia held Ariel's shoulders and spoke.

"Wa-wash up?"

"Yeah. I happen to enjoy taking baths."

Cecilia said in a tone that questioned why Ariel was so embarrassed. Yes, come to think of it, it wasn't strange at all. Although there were maids specifically assigned to fetch bathwater, it was common for a close maid to pour the water or scrub the back during the lady's bath. Assisting the young lady's bath was just part of the maid's duties. It was just a part of their work.

It wouldn't be strange at all if the young lady suddenly wanted to take a bath, considering that the maid's dirty saliva was all over her. Moreover, Cecilia had a large bathtub in the bathroom attached to the room, exactly as she had mentioned, so she could go for a bath anytime she wanted.

"Yes, understood. I'll prepare it right away."

Ariel felt embarrassed for having unnecessary thoughts. She lowered her head and quickly retrieved clothes from the drawer for Cecilia to change into. She also prepared hot water for the young lady's bath. She had planned to quietly pass the time without attracting attention... But she couldn't resist sucking the young lady's finger on the first day. What kind of craziness was that? Ariel's mind was filled with confusion, unable to overcome a momentary desire.

"It's ready. Shall we go for a bath, My lady?"

Ariel, returning to her maid's posture, spoke again.

"You're quick, as expected. You're skilled."

"Sigh. Please forget about the earlier impropriety."

"Alright then... Will you help me undress?"

Cecilia spoke, spreading her arms. Yes? Ariel was momentarily taken aback, but quickly reminded herself that helping the young lady with her loose and flowing dress was a common occurrence. It was a common occurrence. This kind of thing... Ariel first embraced the young lady's waist and untied the ribbon at the back.

I am a maid... I am a maid... Ariel repeated to herself as she unbuttoned each button. Cecilia couldn't help but notice Ariel's trembling fingertips. Once all the shimmering golden dress buttons were undone, the young lady's waist became visible through the opened gap.

Ariel lowered her gaze and took the young lady's hand to unfasten the bracelets on Cecilia's wrist. Then Cecilia grabbed Ariel's hand and placed it on her left chest. Is it not pounding here really fast?

Ariel once again failed to maintain her maid's posture.

* * *

Cecilia's chest perfectly fit into Ariel's hand. No, it was slightly larger. Just by touching it with her palm, she could feel its softness. Ariel was on the verge of squeezing Cecilia's chest.

The dress, completely unbuttoned, slid down gracefully. Cecilia's body had an overall smooth and gentle curve, rather than being thin. Ariel hurriedly picked up the dress that had fallen to the floor and placed it on the table, making sure it didn't touch the ground. It was more comforting to focus on doing something rather than constantly glancing at the young lady's body. The problem was that from now on, Ariel had to help the young lady bathe.

The bathroom floor of Cecilia's room was covered in marble with a wave pattern, creating an elegant atmosphere. There were dimly lit candles, providing just enough darkness to read a book. In the center, there was a large white bathtub with golden faucets and buttons that released bubbles. Ariel finally understood why there was a separate maid for receiving a bath. The young lady who enjoyed bathing would meticulously adjust the temperature and scent of the bathwater for her half-body bath.

Beside the bathtub, there was a fluffy shower robe hanging and a drawer filled with bathing supplies. Inside the drawer, various bathing products were neatly arranged. Dried rose petals, lavender powder, pink spices emitting a mild fragrance, and all sorts of herbal ingredients that were good for fatigue recovery. Depending on the countless combinations and proportions, the scent would vary greatly. It seemed that the young lady, who was accustomed to making tea, paid delicate attention not only to the water for bathing but also to the scent of the room.

Ariel noticed the tools for wiping Cecilia's body, massaging her feet, and giving a full-body massage. It seemed that the young lady enjoyed sweating or receiving a massage while taking a half-body bath in hot water. Ariel was worried about whether she could prepare a bath that would satisfy Cecilia, but she had the intention to do her best. Since she had increased her salary by five times, she should become a maid worthy of that.

After partially filling the bathtub with hot water, Ariel pondered for a while on what scent to add to the bathwater. She thought about the fragrance of the tea she had shared with the young lady earlier and wondered what would suit her. Should it be a refreshing herbal scent, reminiscent of the ointment the young lady had applied to her, with a hint of soft vanilla? Or should it be a luxurious woody scent, like the young lady's image? While contemplating various options and examining the spice powders, the weary Cecilia suddenly approached Ariel from behind. Cecilia was wearing a silk robe that she briefly wore before going to bed.

"Are you still not done?"

"I haven't decided what to add yet. What scent do you like?"

"Hmm..."

Cecilia looked at the bath ingredients with an expression of childlike curiosity, as if choosing a toy.

"If I had known, I would have brought honey as well."

"Well, yes, but... I kind of want to stop eating sweet things now..."

Cecilia burst into laughter at Ariel's words. Ariel belatedly realized what she had said and lowered her head deeply. How dare she say such things to the young lady. It was a remark that would have caused ants to swarm in a buzzing pit if it had been another mistress, with honey being applied to the wound.

Fortunately, Cecilia looked at Ariel as if she found her cute and took out a small glass bottle from the lower drawer, handing it to her.

"Let's use this."

It was a small glass bottle containing red powder. Before putting the powder into the bathtub, Ariel momentarily removed the cork stopper and sniffed the fragrance. It had a strong scent of roses, and somehow, it made her feel dizzy. Ariel dissolved the powder in the bathtub and rolled up her sleeves, stirring it with one hand. The water quickly turned red.

Beautiful... Ariel thought as she smelled the fragrance rising from the hot steam. Cecilia took off her silk robe and placed one foot in the bathtub. The water gently swayed and caressed Cecilia's calves. After sufficiently warming her body, they needed to create foam and wash her body. Ariel dipped a sponge into a foaming soap and fiddled with it a few times in her hand.

"I'll start from your shoulders."

Ariel held the sponge and gently pressed it against Cecilia's shoulder, being careful not to be too forceful. Cecilia gathered her long hair into a bundle, revealing her white nape. On her neck, there were short, fine hairs with a little foam at the ends. Cecilia's body, immersed in the hot water, appeared slightly moist from the sweat.

Ariel leaned forward and pressed closely against Cecilia, starting to wipe the area above her chest. The line that extended from her waist to her hips was smooth and devoid of any scars. Ariel secretly wanted to run her hand along that slightly indented line. And Cecilia's chest, which she couldn't hold earlier... She wondered what sensation she would feel if she caressed those enviable curves.

Ariel swallowed her saliva and averted her gaze, desperate to hide the thoughts that arose when she looked at her mistress. Even when she mixed the bathwater earlier, she had to stare only at the bottom of the bathtub, avoiding stealing glances at Cecilia's chest.

The foaming bubbles descended, shimmering on Cecilia's chest. Ariel trembled and grasped the sponge, moving downward. Her eyes, filled with nervous tension, briefly met with the young lady's.

"..."

The two of them remained silent, gazing at each other for a moment. Even though only the rising steam brushed against her, Ariel couldn't help but feel dizzy.

Unable to endure the distance, Ariel hastily grasped the sponge and began to wipe Cecilia's chest. Cecilia still silently watched Ariel, and Ariel desperately avoided the young lady's gaze. The sound of Ariel's elbow lightly touching the bathtub water echoed in the air.

With a firm grip on the sponge, as Ariel pressed it against the plump flesh, she could feel the mound of Cecilia's chest beneath the soft skin. To maintain her balance, Ariel's hand gripped the cold bathtub. Just like the cold and smooth bathtub, Cecilia's skin was soft to the touch, but it was an even more pleasant sensation due to its warmth.

However, there was a faint scar on the young lady's side. It was not clearly visible as her body was immersed in the heavily foamed water... Ariel leaned forward to confirm if she had really seen it. In doing so, she inadvertently got closer to Cecilia, feeling her breath.

Having been in the bathtub for a long time, Cecilia's cheeks were flushed. There was a slight bead of sweat at the tip of her chin. As Ariel looked at Cecilia's lips, she couldn't help but think of the honey from earlier.

Licking the young lady's fingers had been incredibly sweet. Cecilia must have also seen my mouth and tongue sucking on the honey. As Ariel imagined, Cecilia had felt Ariel's plump tongue teasingly between her fingers. They gazed at each other with slightly parted lips.

It was hazy.

Cecilia placed her hand on Ariel's shoulder and gently pulled her towards herself, gripping the back of Ariel's head. A kiss? On the first day? Ariel's face turned even redder than Cecilia's, and she had no choice but to open her mouth as Cecilia led the way.

'It tastes like black tea...'

Ariel thought as she intertwined her tongue with Cecilia's. The feeling of two tongues mingling was even more slippery and moist than touching the foamy young lady's body.

When Ariel tried to move her body back a little, Cecilia embraced Ariel's neck and pressed her closer, kissing her more passionately than before. With each intense movement of their bodies, the bathwater overflowed onto the floor. Ariel gripped Cecilia's shoulders.

When they separated their mouths after intertwining their tongues, both of them were slightly out of breath, but it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, as their breaths became more obstructed, they felt closer to each other. However, Ariel felt quite dizzy. It was partly because of the hot steam rising from the bathtub and partly because of Cecilia's unpredictable feelings.

What does she think of me? Ariel looked at Cecilia with mixed emotions, but Cecilia merely smiled at Ariel with a face that seemed to say she had enjoyed a pleasant bath. Then, she stood up from the hot water and carefully walked out of the bathtub, supporting Ariel who was feeling dizzy.

Ariel rinsed the foam from Cecilia's body with lukewarm herbal water and helped her put on a shower gown. As she fastened the buttons of the gown and went upstairs, Ariel felt an indescribable sense of emptiness. She couldn't understand why Cecilia was acting this way.

However... she felt self-reproach for not touching the young lady's chest when we kissed. If she were to worry about whether the young lady genuinely liked her or treated her like a plaything, it might be frustrating, but it wouldn't be embarrassing. Ariel silently followed Cecilia, feeling pathetic and bewildered by her own thoughts, as they walked towards the bedroom.

However, the idea that a lady of Cecilia's stature, in such a grand mansion, could genuinely have feelings for a maid like her was even more absurd. To Cecilia, Ariel was just someone she could easily summon and have do anything she wanted. But at the same time, Ariel was nothing more than a maid, someone she could hit and discard at will, or conversely, someone she could like and play with like a doll. Thinking in that way was more realistic and gave Ariel peace of mind.

"You seem a bit disappointed."

"Huh?"

When Cecilia suddenly asked, Ariel's expression betrayed her surprise. Cecilia reached out her hand and gently touched Ariel's cheek.

"Shall we finish it on the bed?"

"..."

Ariel couldn't easily respond. If the young lady called the maid to the bed, she would have to comply at any time, but Ariel couldn't even imagine daring to desire the young lady. It seemed like something that shouldn't be discovered.

'If the young lady knew what kind of thoughts I have about her right now...' Ariel raised her eyes and looked at Cecilia, who was smiling and looking at herself. She couldn't bring herself to say anything.

Those gray eyes that seemed to have nothing left, like a burnt-out candle, and yet could absorb everything. Thanks to them, Cecilia's usual expression seemed incredibly cold and ruthless, but now Ariel didn't find her as intimidating as when she first saw her.

"My Lady, you have an appointment in an hour for the society gathering."

A voice of another maid could be heard from beyond the door. Cecilia looked at Ariel with an expression of inevitability, then quickly prepared to change her clothes.

Maidens who helped with Cecilia's makeup entered the room and began applying oil to her hair, combing it, and drawing her eyebrows. Ariel had never even tried doing makeup. With nothing else to do, Ariel stood there absentmindedly, then quietly left Cecilia's room.

Somehow, everything that happened today felt like a dream.

* * *

Ariel quickly adapted to her new job. Working as a maid was something she was familiar with from a young age, and gathering information about her new mistress while being discreet was a skill she had acquired to survive.

From overhearing the conversations of passing maids, it seemed that this grand mansion belonged entirely to Cecilia. Moreover, Cecilia was rapidly growing her own business separate from the family affairs and was single-handedly managing everything. Letters from men asking her to marry them in order to expand the business arrived in abundance every day, but Cecilia didn't pay them any attention.

Among the nobility, there seemed to be rumors that Cecilia was a woman obsessed with work. She was a workaholic woman with no interest in men. However, Ariel believed that anyone who lived with Cecilia for just a week would be in awe of her ability to flawlessly carry out all her tasks.

First thing in the morning, as soon as they woke up, the maids would comb her hair and apply oil. Cecilia's luscious and alluring black hair always had a shine and a pleasant fragrance. As Ariel brushed the young lady's hair with a wooden brush, she thought that her black, long hair complemented Cecilia's composed and cool demeanor.

Cecilia, with her expressionless face, gave off quite a cold impression, but her crimson lips always carried a relaxed smile. Despite this, all the other maids were all afraid of her and found her difficult to approach.

From lunchtime onwards, Cecilia would invite people who were involved in tea-related societies or engaged in transactions to her house for a meal. Despite the mansion being located deep in the forest, visitors from all around the world would always find their way to Cecilia's mansion.

Although the mansion was situated in a secluded area, having the beach right in front of the forest made it convenient for ships to wait. Ariel herself had also come to this place by boat. At that time, there were nobles who had come to see Cecilia, and individuals like Ariel had to crouch in a corner to avoid catching their attention and endure seasickness.

The guests who came to the mansion were diverse, with some speaking French and others speaking German, but Cecilia was always fluent in conversing with them. Guests who knew that Cecilia had a fondness for fragrant plants occasionally brought rare species of seeds as gifts. In return, Cecilia would often give them tea or perfume that she personally crafted as a gesture of gratitude.

From the afternoon until evening, Cecilia would attend to pending matters, and at night, she would take her gray wolf Jackal for a walk. There were times when Ariel had to give Jackal apple slices as a treat, but while it was enjoyable to go see Cecilia, Jackal always remained too frightening.

Before long, Ariel came to realize that Jackal was not a dog but a wild wolf. Although it had aged and fallen behind in the hierarchy of the pack, it had once been the alpha wolf leading the wolf pack in the forest behind the mansion. That's why Jackal always appeared confident and carried an imposing posture whenever it walked. Every time Ariel saw Jackal, her body would quiver. It reminded her of the feeling she had when she first stood in front of Cecilia.

However, she thought Cecilia's appearance while walking with Jackal under the moon was beautiful. Cecilia never missed a day of going for a night walk with Jackal, even amidst her busy schedule.

She had never seen Jackal nuzzling its head against Cecilia's leg, but there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between the two. It was like the sharp gaze of predators that never missed their prey.

Cecilia loved her work and this mansion, and she had every qualification to be the mistress of a grand estate. As a fellow woman, Ariel admired Cecilia and felt proud to be her maid.

Above all, whenever Cecilia and Ariel locked eyes, Cecilia would always smile warmly, making Ariel feel like she had become a special presence. However, as soon as Ariel saw Cecilia, she would quickly avert her gaze and hurriedly move away to another place. It was because if she continued to meet Cecilia's gaze, she felt like she would become a special existence to Cecilia and that thought quickly spread as a desire within her.

When Ariel found it difficult to stop thinking about Cecilia, she would stay behind and sweep the floor, wipe and organize the items in the warehouse until the very end, even when no one asked her to. She felt relieved, thinking that she could quietly follow behind Cecilia, who was establishing herself as a businesswoman, as her maid.

Yes, I'm just a maid, and as long as I work diligently, that's all that matters for a maid. Working busily like that seemed to help organize my complicated feelings. No, in fact, it was more accurate to say that it kept my body work hard to not give myself a moment to think about Cecilia.

In terms of social status, wealth, and abilities, Cecilia and I were completely different people. We were both young women, but Cecilia was overcoming her limitations and achieving things that were difficult for me to accomplish, while I... 

Ariel paused while wiping the staircase railing. I am Cecilia's maid. Moreover, I earn five times more money than the other maids while doing the same work.

I came across the sea with a desire to earn money and work, and thankfully, I received a small favor from Cecilia. That alone is enough. I shouldn't dare to overstep my boundaries. I shouldn't desire more. Ariel thought that way as she vigorously cleaned the staircase.

As she was cleaning as usual today, she suddenly felt someone's breath behind her. Ariel was startled and turned around.

"My lady...!"

Cecilia was looking at Ariel with a natural smile, as if mocking her for trying so hard to erase her thoughts about Cecilia.

"It seems like you've been avoiding me strangely these days."

"No, that's not true."

"It must be my imagination then."

"I would never try to avoid you... How dare I."

Ariel cautiously looked up at Cecilia and spoke. Cecilia gently stroked Ariel's head. Her touch was slow, as if teasing her. But for some reason, Ariel didn't feel bad, although she felt uneasy about whether the other maids passing by the corridor would see them. Fortunately, no one was around yet, but doing this in a place where anyone could see would only create unnecessary gossip.

"At that time, I must have been too hasty."

Cecilia, who was stroking Ariel's head, fiddled with Ariel's bangs and spoke. Ariel had thick golden hair, like the color of a daffodil. Cecilia's hand trailed down Ariel's nose and reached her chin.

Cecilia, holding Ariel's chin, leaned in closer. "We have plenty of time, so let's take it slow today..." Cecilia's whisper tickled Ariel's ear. It seemed like Lady Cecilia was enjoying Ariel's expression.

"What if someone sees us like this, My lady?" Ariel asked, her voice filled with worry.

"Are you scared?" 

Cecilia murmured with a chuckle. Well, the young lady could just go back to her room, but it would be quite embarrassing if her former colleagues found out... However, Ariel couldn't bring herself to say those words to the young lady.

Cecilia observed Ariel's troubled expression and then held Ariel's hand, as if something had come to her mind. Even Ariel's hand had some small scars, just like her back.

Cecilia briefly kissed the back of Ariel's hand. It was the first time Ariel had received such treatment. Ariel felt awkward and wanted to withdraw her hand, but at the same time, the young lady's hand was so soft that she wanted to continue holding it.

"Fingers can be quite sensitive."

Ariel looked at Cecilia's smooth and delicate hand, which was holding her own hand covered in wounds. Normally, she would suspect that Cecilia was teasing her now, but thanks to the kiss Cecilia had given her, the young lady's words sounded sincere.

"Shall we try the opposite today?" 

Cecilia began putting one of Ariel's fingers in her mouth. Startled, Ariel tried to pull her hand away, but Cecilia had already firmly grasped it. She felt the soft and large tongue licking the tender flesh between her fingers. ... It felt strange.

The young lady didn't miss that. Cecilia explored Ariel's finger and raised only her eyes to look at Ariel's face. Ariel felt like she was being stared at by a beast, as if it was about to devour her.

"My lady! There you are." 

Franken, the butler, spotted Cecilia from afar and walked briskly towards her. An intruder appeared. Cecilia chuckled as she observed Ariel's tense expression and then casually wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, putting on a nonchalant expression. Ariel's finger was now red.

"...Indeed, crowded places can be uncomfortable. Come to the garden later this afternoon."

"The garden?"

"Yeah, the Garden of Light. You'll know if you ask Meryl. Oh, and tell them to cancel any afternoon appointments because I'll be meeting with someone."

Ariel made a troubled expression. It seemed like the young lady would never understand that a newly hired employee, who not only received more than enough money couldn't just become infatuated like that. Well, if she mentioned Cecilia's name to Meryl, they would definitely comply, but...

Franken, the butler, approached Cecilia and informed her about an important business meeting that had been scheduled. Cecilia's expression instantly turned serious, unlike when she was talking to Ariel. After hearing Franken's words, they both left to the conference room to discuss something.

Ariel remained alone there, lost in thought, until she remembered the young lady's words. If it was the garden, it must be referring to the greenhouse located in a corner of the mansion. Cecilia loved plants and had created a glass dome greenhouse in one part of the mansion's yard. She grew various plants and flowers there. It was a place the young lady particularly liked, where she could relax and quietly rest while looking at the plants when she got tired of work. It was also a place where the lower-ranked staff dared not casually enter.

The greenhouse, also known as the Garden of Light, was filled with vibrant, plump leaves and flowers. When the door opened and one stepped inside, a refreshing and pleasant scent of roses filled the air, and the sound of footsteps on the soil was soft with each step.

Cecilia always adorned the greenhouse with top-quality breeds and beautiful plants. Whenever she had free time, she would gently stroke each wide leaf as if caressing a young child's back. The sunlight reflected off the glass dome, and as the young lady, dressed in a white gown, leisurely walked among the flowers, anyone could truly understand why this place was called the Garden of Light.

Ariel finished her lunch and immediately went to the entrance of the Garden of Light to wait for Cecilia. It didn't take long for Cecilia to arrive. Her long hair was tied up, probably due to the heat from work. The look suited her very well.

"Did you wait long?"

"No, I just arrived."

"We've had lunch, so shall we take a walk?"

Cecilia naturally led Ariel to a forest path where large sequoia trees were planted. Of course, this vast forest was also part of Cecilia's mansion's garden. Come to think of it, there were separate servants who took care of the garden. However, they lived in cabins within the forest, so Ariel had never met them.

"Here, it's really beautiful when the flowers bloom in spring."

Ariel walked closely beside Cecilia, captivated by the grandeur of the towering sequoia forest. Seeing the young lady amidst the lush forest of sequoia trees made her face look even more beautiful, peeking through the green leaves.

Unconsciously, Ariel found herself gazing intently at Cecilia's face. As the wind rustled the trees, causing Cecilia's white dress to sway, her clear eyes were focused and shining, looking ahead with certainty on the path they were taking.

A thought crossed Ariel's mind. She wished the lady would hold her hand affectionately once again, just like before. In that brief moment, holding hands and walking together on the path, they felt like lovers.Knowing it was a greedy desire, Ariel still couldn't help but want to be by the young lady's side on that path.

"...I want to come here with you again when the flowers bloom."

She blurted out her inner thoughts like that.

"...Do you want to skip work again?"

Cecilia's words made Ariel's face blush belatedly. What was I saying... No, Cecilia was the one who suggested it first. Cecilia burst into laughter at Ariel's pouting expression. Then, she briefly enjoyed Ariel's slightly pouting face before discreetly taking her hand.

"And then..."

"I'll come in spring, and in winter too." Cecilia said with a twinkle in her eyes. Ariel's heart began to race. This feeling was unfamiliar to her.

* * *

Ariel was carrying a laundry basket as she made her way to the laundry room. Ever since meeting Lady Cecilia, no matter how difficult the tasks were, they didn't feel burdensome anymore. Even when doing physically demanding work, just the thought of the young lady's face gave her strength.

She used to think it was something only possible in romance novels that maidens read. But now, whenever she recalled the young lady's smiling face during difficult times, she couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh, questioning if it was really herself.

Sometimes, she would find herself chuckling and remembering the moments she spent with the young lady. In those moments, she would startle, wondering if anyone had seen her, and then quickly pretend to go about her business as if nothing had happened. It might have seemed foolish, but she couldn't help it. That's how much she liked the young lady.

Ariel took a moment to look around the spacious laundry room, where rows of washing machines were lined up. Until now, Ariel had never used a washing machine before. She always thought that laundry was something you carried on your head in a laundry basket and went to the riverside or a laundry area to do.

According to what she heard from the caretaker, the young lady had recently purchased these state-of-the-art machines in bulk from the western region for the maids. Ariel didn't know exactly what these large and noisy machines were, but the fact that the young lady had bought such expensive machines to lessen the maids' workload was touching.

She had heard of machines that automatically washed laundry, but her previous owner had never even considered buying one, saying, "Huh? I can just tell the servants to wash the laundry by hand, right?" Ariel shed tears silently and took a seat in front of an empty washing machine. But how do you use this thing?

Ariel was not familiar with machines. While everyone else was able to open the lid, there were strange buttons all over, and thick hoses hung loosely. She had no idea how to use the washing machine like others did.

"Um, do any of you know how to use this?"

Ariel cautiously asked the two maids sitting next to her.

"Oh, you must be the new person."

"First, you need to press the power button."

One of the maids pressed the round button, and a buzzing sound started. The maid effortlessly threw all the laundry into the washing machine, pressed various buttons, added detergent, and when it was done, closed the lid. Ariel made a resolution to try it herself next time and watched the process carefully.

"Thank you so much. I've done a lot of maid work, but this is the first time I've seen a washing machine in a house..."

"We saw it for the first time when we came here too."

"Right? To buy washing machines like this for the maids... Lady Cecilia is truly remarkable."

"There's no noble as kind to the maids as Lady Cecilia."

"That's right! She's the first owner we want to serve for a long, long time, just like a real lady."

The maids nodded and agreed with Ariel's words.

"It would be great if Lady Cecilia could continue managing this mansion even after getting married."

"Um....Married?"

Ariel's eyes widened at the mention of marriage and she asked again. The maids nodded as if they already knew and said,

"Lady Cecilia, it turns out she has a fiancé."

"It seems like the reason she had been rejecting engagements until now was because of that."

The maid next to her nodded and spoke.

"Well, then when is Lady Cecilia getting married?"

"I don't know. Maybe within this year, at the latest."

As the washing machine spun round and round, Ariel couldn't say anything. The maids took the finished laundry and bid her farewell, but it went in one ear and out the other.

In her mind, she knew it was even more surprising that someone like her didn't have a fiancé until now. But she couldn't understand the actions the young lady had shown her until now. Ariel recalled the moments when she felt that she and Cecilia had connected. The times when Cecilia's breath brushed against her ear and when she playfully touched the young lady's elbow...

"Why?" The question kept coming to her mind, but she already knew the answer, which made it even more agonizing. Why? Well, because I'm a maid. Pranks were sweet between maids, and marriage with a socially stable and impressive person was the wise choice for everyone to see. No, did I even consider marrying the young lady? Ariel burst into a bewildered laughter. It was unbelievable. It was absurd, both to herself and to the young lady.

In the deepening darkness of dawn, it was the day when Ariel was in charge of the evening kitchen. The kitchen steward sent Ariel on an errand to deliver a morning snack to Lady Cecilia. They said that Lady Cecilia was still awake, working late into the night. Seeing Cecilia's face after a long time was a pleasant experience for Ariel, but she also felt nervous about how to approach her.

"My lady, I've brought the snack."

However, there was no response for a long time. Ariel cautiously opened the door and entered Cecilia's study. Cecilia was lying facedown, fast asleep on the desk, which was piled high with books. Ariel gently placed the snacks next to her and stared at Cecilia's sleeping face for a while.

Cecilia, who always had a haughty expression, looked completely different in her deep sleep. Ariel realized that her complicated feelings from the past few days instantly eased as soon as she saw Cecilia's face.

Since she seemed to be in a deep sleep, it seemed better not to wake her. Cecilia looked extremely tired. Ariel gazed at her sleeping face for a long time. Strangely, no more complicated thoughts arose when she saw the young lady's face. She simply felt the desire to continue looking at that face for a long time. Ariel reached out and gently brushed the disheveled bangs away from Cecilia's forehead.

Today, she must have been busy entertaining foreign guests after spending the whole day researching tea. Among the guests, there were quite a few who underestimated her because she was a young woman. Especially those who sought to elevate themselves by emphasizing their superiority in business dealings with her, despite being on equal footing as individuals. However, the young lady knew how to handle such people appropriately without losing her dignity.

Knowing this about her, Ariel couldn't help but like the young lady. The moment Ariel saw Cecilia's face again, she had to admit her own feelings. Ariel gently kissed Cecilia's forehead. It was a small desire.

She knew she could never become the mistress of the grand mansion alongside Cecilia, but she wanted to stay by her side for a long time. That was the duty of a maid. That level of desire seemed permissible.

Ariel brought a soft blanket from the bedroom and covered Cecilia's shoulders. As she was about to leave after seeing Cecilia sleeping peacefully, Cecilia opened her eyes. "Have you woken up?" Ariel hurriedly cleared the blanket and asked. Cecilia looked at Ariel and silently reached out, pulling Ariel closer, wrapping her arms around her neck.

"When did you arrive? Without any signs."

"I brought it to give you strength."

Ariel said, looking at the coffee cup and snacks on the desk.

"If you want to give me strength, this is what I need..."

Cecilia slowly pulled Ariel's clothes closer, then kissed Ariel's collarbone through the disheveled fabric. Despite the thought that she shouldn't be shaken, it felt pleasant and ticklish. Cecilia found herself wrapping her arms around Ariel's waist. She could feel the thick books in the study pressed against Ariel's back. Cecilia untied the maid's ribbon and unbuttoned her clothes, locking eyes with Ariel. The distance between them was so close. If she took a long breath, it felt like she would touch the lady. Cecilia raised her head and kissed Ariel deeply. Playfully, Cecilia lightly sucked on Ariel's lower lip and slipped her tongue inside. Ariel could feel Cecilia gently caressing and circling the center of her chest.

Ariel opened her eyes and looked at Cecilia's face. Cecilia was staring at her intensely, as if their noses were about to touch. The young lady had never hidden her desire-filled eyes from her. However, at the same time, she seemed to be holding back tremendously. Beyond the gaze of Cecilia, who was barely holding back, Ariel could sense the sharp fangs of a fierce predator aimed at her.

Cecilia buried her face in Ariel's chest, stroked her hips, and tightly pressed Ariel against her body. Cecilia turned her hand and covered Ariel's legs, gradually pushing closer. Closer, closer. Cecilia's desire for herself could be felt. Cecilia wanted to touch Ariel's body, to kiss and lick her, and see Ariel's blushing face. It was the first time someone desired her so intensely. Ariel moaned in Cecilia's embrace, like a small canary. Cecilia kissed Ariel's neck and slid her hand between the thin maid's skirt. She could feel the underwear and as she inserted her hand, she touched Ariel's cl*toris. It was round at the tip.

"Shall we go to the bed?"

Cecilia whispered in Ariel's ear. Ariel nodded silently, her face turning red. Cecilia's bed was softer than any bed Ariel had ever laid on. Everything was so soft and gentle that she wondered if she could really lie down in a place like this... The kisses she received from the young lady on the bed were also sweet. Cecilia stripped off all of Ariel's clothes and tossed them under the bed, then began to tickle and tease Ariel's entire body once again. Every time Cecilia's touch reached an especially sensitive spot, Ariel would flinch. And every time that happened, Cecilia had a mischievous smile on her face.

"May I tie you up?"

Cecilia took out a red cloth from the drawer next to the bed. The texture was soft, and it didn't seem like it would hurt her wrists. When Ariel nodded, Cecilia crossed Ariel's hands and tied them upwards to the bedpost. Ariel had been naked since earlier, but now that her arms were restrained, every single touch of the feathers felt even more tantalizing. Cecilia traced her lips from Ariel's collarbone down to her belly button. Ariel lying on the white bed, with her small and firm body and breasts that fit perfectly in one hand. Her plump and round buttocks. There wasn't a single unappealing spot. It was adorable how Ariel reacted sensitively and suppressed her moans whenever Cecilia's tongue touched her.

If Ariel were to lose herself and surrender to pleasure, what expression would she make... Cecilia looked up at Ariel between her legs and smirked. As she extended her tongue and licked between the red flesh, Ariel responded immediately. "My lady...!" Ariel called out pitifully with her arms bound, but Cecilia had no intention of stopping. She pressed her forearm against the inside of Ariel's thigh, preventing her from closing her legs, while gripping her b*ttocks with one hand. Cecilia buried her face between Ariel's legs and began earnestly pleasuring her. Her nose touched the cl*toris. Cecilia used her thumb to rub Ariel's swollen cl*toris from side to side.

"Mmm... Haah... Ahh..."

Ariel couldn't help but moan, raising her head. Her wet neck looked sexy. Every time Ariel twisted her body, the cloth that bound her wrists tightened. As Cecilia licked her with her tongue, there was a sticky sound. Ariel clenched the bedsheet with her toes, causing it to crumple, while Cecilia buried her face between the maid's legs. Ariel felt the flexible, firm, and warm tongue of the lady. Unable to bear it, Ariel let out moans uncontrollably from her mouth and repeatedly flexed and relaxed her toes. Cecilia put her own finger into Ariel's open mouth. It tasted salty. Because of the strength applied, Ariel's calves trembled. After a brief intense storm, Ariel breathed heavily as the lingering sensations passed through her entire body.

Ariel nestled naked in Cecilia's embrace and fell asleep. When the pleasure overwhelmed her, she felt a fearful hesitation, as if she shouldn't reach the end. But after experiencing an orgasm, she found it fascinating how her body's muscles relaxed and became comfortable. Above all, the touch of Cecilia's skin and the warmth of her embrace, as she provided a pillow for Ariel, felt incredibly comforting. Ariel imagined herself falling asleep like this forever, like a young child. With a bashful smile, Ariel tightly held Cecilia's hand.

Before the morning sun rose, Ariel carefully slipped out of Cecilia's embrace, so as not to wake her. She picked up her scattered clothes from under the bed, dressed quickly, and took one last look at the sleeping Cecilia's face. She was sleeping deeply, unaware of the world, just like last night. Indeed, she looked adorable when she slept. To think that this lady had licked between my legs so intensely... She desired my body with a gaze that was both loving and predatory, not missing a single detail. Perhaps I am the only one who knows that side of her face. It made me think that maybe that was enough. Ariel gently stroked Cecilia's luxurious hair, then hurriedly left the room before anyone else woke up. I am a maid, after all, and I need to prepare for the morning. Ariel murmured softly to herself.

* * *

Meryl, the female manager who oversaw the maidservants in Cecilia's mansion, was responsible for managing their overall lives and assigning tasks that suited each individual. Although she had white hair scattered here and there and wrinkles filled her eyes, she was a person who had not lost her sharpness despite her age.

Since Meryl was in charge of managing whether to dismiss maids or hire new ones in the spring, she was someone Ariel needed to impress. Ariel didn't want to be a standout maid but rather someone who quietly worked diligently, thinking, 'If I were that friend, I would be evaluated as someone who always works diligently.' There were maids who continued to work in the kitchen, as well as those who were solely responsible for the lady's wardrobe or bath management. However, Ariel was not assigned to any specific area and received daily tasks from Meryl.

The maids who weren't assigned to specific tasks like Ariel lined up in the corridor of the maids' quarters every morning to receive their assignments one by one. That day, the lady was planning to leave the mansion for a while, so they didn't need to prepare the bath for tomorrow. That's why Ariel and the other idle maids gathered in the corridor to receive their new tasks.

"Violet, go to the kitchen today and help with making macarons. The rest of you, assist in packing the lady's belongings. She's going away for a while, so nothing should be overlooked."

Belongings? Where is the lady going off to? Ariel wondered as she watched the maids in front of her heading towards the storage room. There weren't many people left now.

"Oh, you're the new maid who joined back then. Your name... was it Ariel?"

"Yes, my name is Ariel."

"Right. What are you good at? It seems like we could use some help in the kitchen."

"I can cook, but I'm also skilled in sewing."

"Sewing?"

Meryl looked at Ariel with an intrigued expression. She had seen many new maids who were good at cooking or skilled in makeup and dressing up, but it was rare to find a maid who excelled in sewing.

It was understandable, as sewing was something all maids could do and didn't particularly stand out, but at the same time, it was a task that someone had to do. It was similar to being known as the best maid at cleaning, for example.

Meryl became curious about Ariel's sewing skills and wondered how proficient she was, considering that sewing was a skill that any maid could possess.

"There used to be a designer who exclusively made the lady's clothes in this mansion."

Meryl gestured for Ariel to follow her. With a sense of unease and anxiety that the task might be significant, Ariel followed Meryl. They were heading towards the Garden of Light.

"When that person left, they left behind all the fabrics, threads, and things like that in the workshop."

Meryl opened the door to a small cottage. Inside, there were looms, tools for dyeing fabric, and various colorful fabrics stacked neatly. The small and cozy cottage was dim inside, but sunlight streamed in through the windows. It had a feeling of a cottage in a forest of dwarves.

Ariel crossed the threshold and looked around the small workshop. There were fascinating machines she had never seen before, as well as machines she had touched when she used to work at a dyeing factory. Ariel ran her hand over the fabric wound around the spinning wheel. It was soft and shimmered like silk. Ariel had never worn new clothes that someone else had worn before. The reason she became skilled in sewing was that she would barely salvage worn-out clothes just before they tore or wear cheap, easily torn maid uniforms.

Clothes made with such fine silk and adorned with jewels were precious items that even middle-class people, let alone someone like Ariel from the lower class, couldn't easily acquire. After the factories were established, the middle class grew, allowing them to wear clothes made of fabric, not rough crops. However, clothes made with the finest materials using delicate thread extracted from silkworms were reserved for the upper class.

"If dresses made with this fabric are made, they would be truly beautiful."

"Imagine how elegant Cecilia looked when she wore the dresses made by that person..."

I want to see it too. Ariel thought to herself as she touched the sky. Meryl, as if she had read Ariel's thoughts, smiled knowingly and pulled something out of the drawer to hand it to Ariel. It was a dress made of blue fabric adorned with black chiffon, shimmering like sapphire. Ariel looked at Meryl with a puzzled expression.

"It's the dress the designer was working on before leaving. It's still unfinished, but it's almost complete. Can you finish it?"

"...Is it for Cecilia?"

"Cecilia loved that designer's clothes the most."

Ariel raised her hand and unfolded the dress. The blue fabric gradually turned purple at the hem, creating a beautiful effect, and black chiffon was added to the shoulders and sleeves, creating a mysterious atmosphere. It was an almost finished garment. However... Upon closer inspection, there was a large tear in the middle of the back.

It seemed to be a deliberate sabotage, as the fabric was of such good quality and the tear was so neatly made that it would have been difficult to notice before trying on the dress or inspecting it carefully. It was a trace that could only be interpreted as someone intentionally damaging the dress, perhaps to hinder Cecilia or drive away the designer. Ariel felt that she had gotten involved in something bigger than her own thoughts.

"If you want, you can use electricity. Sewing in a dark place can strain your eyes."

Meryl pulled the string next to the light bulb hanging from the ceiling, and the bulb flickered before finally turning on. Ariel looked at Meryl with a bewildered expression. She had just intended to do some inconspicuous stitching, but how dare the maid use electricity... Ariel quickly pulled the string again to turn off the light. Then she pointed to the oil lamp on the desk and said, "I'm fine with using that."

"Does that mean you'll take care of it? I'm considering having the lady wear that dress at the next dinner party."

"Is it an important party?"

"She's going to meet an important noble client this time. It's scheduled to be held together with that noble."

There was no doubt that it would be a very important social gathering. Ariel looked at the shimmering blue dress held in her hands. If the lady were to wear it, she would look beautiful, like a queen of a midsummer night's dream forest.

"It's my first time touching such a beautiful dress... but if the lady is going to wear it, I'll do my best."

"Then for the time being, I won't give you any major tasks. It's better for you to do maid duties during the day and make clothes in the evening. Come to me after dinner to get the key to the workshop."

"Yes. Should I start by cleaning the hallway now?"

"...Cecilia will be meeting a noble from the northern region for dinner later."

"Oh, yes. I heard. That noble is also an important client..."

"She won't be back for another two weeks. How about going to meet her briefly?"

Is that okay? Ariel's face seemed to say as she looked at Meryl. Ariel was truly the type whose thoughts showed on her face. Meryl felt like she knew why Cecilia had taken a liking to Ariel.

Meryl nodded her head. Ariel gave a small bow to Meryl and immediately rushed off to see Cecilia. Meryl remained in the cabin and looked around the empty workshop. It had been ten years since that person left. It was about time for someone new to come into the workshop... Meryl turned the wheel aimlessly, without any real purpose.

Cecilia finished preparing for her outing and was getting ready to leave when she heard an urgent knocking sound. "Come in," she said, and the door opened, revealing Ariel. Ariel had run all the way from the garden and had a flushed face. It seemed like she had hurriedly come to see Cecilia before leaving.

Cecilia found Ariel's behavior adorable and smiled as she twirled around in her chair. Cecilia was wearing a black hunting hat with long, white feathers. She wore a black dress that shimmered like a black snake, with golden dust sprinkled on the surface, reflecting light with every movement. She also had a cloak with soft fur on her shoulders. It was an outfit that made one feel like taking a stroll in the snowy wilderness with a dagger. Even the fur on the dress was of the highest quality.

She's going to a very cold place. Ariel had never seen snow in her entire life, but she had seen illustrations and murals of snow-covered landscapes in books. Snow piled up on black pine trees, and white snow extended endlessly beyond the horizon, creating a place where no sound could be heard. It was a place where small snowflakes fell incessantly, moving forward endlessly. A deserted wilderness where only Cecilia and Ariel existed. Ariel thought about walking in the footsteps of the lady. Even if the lady didn't bother to look back, just following behind her would be enough.

"I heard you'll be gone for a long time this time."

"Yes. The northern region has rough roads and frequent snowfall, so it takes a long time to travel back and forth."

"Seeing how long you've been preparing for this trip, it must be a really important party."

"It's a party hosted by a very important client I've been doing business with for a long time."

"Then you should hurry and go."

Ariel hesitated as she looked at Cecilia. "Please take care. Stay healthy. Don't get hurt." She had come here just to say these brief words, but why couldn't she bring herself to say them? Perhaps there was an underlying meaning behind those words, like "Have a safe trip, My lady. Even without me."

Given the nature of the lady's multiple businesses, it was natural for her to travel to various regions or meet important nobles. To the lady, those people were more precious than Ariel. Like the fiancé she had heard about yesterday. Ariel didn't like herself for holding onto the busy lady, but she couldn't easily let her go. Even though she knew she wasn't someone who could stop the lady from leaving.

"...Have a safe trip, My lady."

Ariel tried to greet her as cheerfully as possible, but her voice inevitably lowered. Cecilia, who noticed that something was different from usual, looked at Ariel with a puzzled expression.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Ariel flinched at Cecilia's sharp words that seemed to penetrate her heart. However, Ariel was also someone who had some experience in social interactions. Ariel continued speaking without flustering. However, she could also feel the sadness emanating from her own voice. This shouldn't be happening. She had that thought in her mind, but her heart wouldn't follow. It felt like her head and heart were heading in completely different directions.

"What? No, my lady... You've always been kind to me."

"That's strange. It doesn't sound like you're saying it with a voice of kindness."

Cecilia spoke in a sulking voice. Ariel herself knew that she couldn't hide her own emotions just now, so she couldn't say anything. Ariel maintained silence without a word.

"...."

"Did I suddenly become unlikable? That's a big problem. I have no intention of letting you go."

Cecilia placed her hand on Ariel's shoulder and spoke. Ariel could feel a slight pressure in her hand. She could sense Cecilia's determination not to let go of her. Ariel realized it in that moment. She was already trapped, and she couldn't escape until she spoke up properly. Ariel hesitated and slowly opened her mouth.

"That... Because others mentioned you having a fiancé... Of course, as a maid, it's not my place to get involved, but..."

"That. Who did you hear it from?"

Cecilia suddenly frowned and spoke. As Ariel looked into Cecilia's eyes, all the rumors that had been circulating about Cecilia until now suddenly began to make sense. Ariel instinctively felt that she had to speak only the truth now.

"Um, I heard it from the maids in charge of laundry... Their names were Penny and Tisha, I believe..."

When Ariel mentioned the names of the two maids, Cecilia reached out from her seated position and picked up a white telephone, quickly dialing the rotary dial. With a clack sound, Meryl answered the call.

"I've received a call, my lady."

"Meryl. Among the laundry maids, are there any named Penny and Tisha?"

"Are you referring to the two who are always together?"

"Yes. From today, dismiss both of them."

"Yes. I will arrange for new maids to be hired soon."

Upon hearing those words, Ariel felt a chilling sensation in her veins. The fear she had felt earlier was nothing compared to what she felt now. The lady had been so kind to her that Ariel had forgotten the position of a maid.

Meryl, without questioning the reason behind Cecilia's order to dismiss the maids, maintained a professional attitude and swiftly severed ties with the two maids who had become too carefree. Cecilia showed no hesitation in cutting people off either. After hanging up the phone, Cecilia looked at Ariel with a stern expression.

Now it's my turn. Ariel swallowed nervously. Cecilia looked at Ariel, who was visibly frightened. Thinking about the engagement that had happened a long time ago, Cecilia frowned as she recalled that time.

Cecilia's parents had never once supported her dreams. From the moment she was born as a girl, they had never seen eye to eye, starting from the time when she refused to marry at a suitable age and tried to inherit a portion of her father's business. Her parents couldn't understand Cecilia, and Cecilia herself had no intention of growing up as an ordinary woman according to her parents' wishes.

However, every time, Cecilia managed to obtain what she wanted in the end, and she had never once lost to her mother, who hoped for her to live a normal wife's life. Except for that one humiliating engagement ceremony.

The engagement came about through a lie that if she got engaged, her father would pass on the business to her. Originally, the engagement should have proceeded smoothly to the wedding, but Cecilia was never the type to be deceived twice, and her parents were ashamed of the failed marriage and kept it a secret from everyone. That's why even now, there were so many men sending letters to Cecilia, thinking she was still engaged.

"Since we're going to break off the engagement anyway, you don't have to worry about it."

"...Is it really okay?"

At that moment, all traces of amusement vanished from Cecilia's expression.

"Tell me what is it in this world that can't be done. I'll try anything."

With a firm and stern face, Ariel couldn't say anything more. As Ariel became frightened once again because of herself, Cecilia softened her expression and gently asked Ariel.

"Or rather, would it bother you if I meet other people?"

"No, of course you should meet them. They are the people necessary for the work you do, and they are important and influential people..."

Ariel couldn't meet Cecilia's gaze and looked down at the floor as she spoke. A moment of silence passed. Ariel endured the awkward gap for a while but couldn't bear it any longer, so she handed Cecilia the leather gloves that she had taken off and placed them on the desk.

It felt like she was saying, "Please take care." Cecilia accepted the gloves and looked at Ariel, then gently touched Ariel's cheek with her bare hand, placing the gloves on her lap. Startled by the sudden touch, Ariel flinched, feeling both confused and pleased.

"To me, you are also an important person."

"What?!" Ariel blushed and lowered her head. It was the words she had wanted to hear the most, even though she couldn't hear them while their lips were locked.

But I am a maid, My lady. She couldn't find the words to say it again. It was difficult to define in one word what feelings she held for Cecilia.

When she heard Cecilia talking about going to another country or meeting famous nobles from a certain region when she was in the maids' quarters, Ariel couldn't help but think that Cecilia lived in a completely different world from her own. 

Wearing a plain-colored maid's uniform that pales in comparison to the glamorous clothes she had never worn or touched. Someone who was born so noble. 

The emotion she had towards such a person... It was difficult to distinguish whether it was love or inferiority. Perhaps it could be both. She couldn't dare to overlook the fact that she was just a maid, but she couldn't help but want that feeling deep inside.

However, it wasn't that she wanted to pickpocket earrings or necklaces from the lady's wallet as she used to do when wandering the alleys. She just felt that she shouldn't reach out her hand towards the lady. She couldn't easily believe if the lady's sincerity towards the maid was genuine. But...

"My lady..."

Cecilia looked at Ariel as if her gaze pierced through her. Whenever Cecilia looked at her like this, she couldn't control her heart. It felt like the lady could see through everything about her. Deep down, Ariel wished that the lady knew everything about her. With trembling emotions, Ariel lifted her gaze and met Cecilia's eyes.

"My lady... Can I really trust you?"

When Cecilia's eyes met Ariel's anxious gaze, Cecilia seemed to understand everything, as if she was relieved and beckoning Ariel to rely on her. She wore a comforting smile that made Ariel's breath catch every time she saw it. Cecilia took Ariel's hand and kissed the back of it.

"My beautiful lady, would you dance with me?"

"What? But I don't know how to dance..."

"It's okay, I'll lead. Just follow along."

Cecilia lifted Ariel up and placed one hand on her waist while holding the other hand facing Ariel and raised it upwards. Slowly swaying from side to side, they walked together. Ariel did her best to imitate Cecilia's movements as awkwardly as possible.

At first, Ariel was tense, trying hard to match Cecilia's steps to avoid stepping on her feet. But as time passed, she naturally leaned against Cecilia's body. She closed her eyes and remembered the time when she drank honey and tea in the lady's embrace. Back then, she had both a fondness and an endless fear of the lady. But now, the thought that she could trust the lady, and maybe this moment could last forever, felt sweet and foolish in her usual thinking.

Cecilia raised one hand and spun Ariel around. Ariel didn't know how many times she should spin, so with each lift of Cecilia's hand, she spun around, feeling disoriented. Cecilia laughed and stopped Ariel, who was feeling dizzy.

It was a dance with the lady under the moonlit night. Even without an orchestra, it felt like a pleasant melody was playing from somewhere. Ariel wished that Cecilia would never leave and that they could stay embraced like this for a long time.

"Your dancing skills are extraordinary. Have you attended social parties?"

"Well, I've been accompanying a busy lady like you."

"You must have a great teacher to dance so well."

As Cecilia happily spoke, Ariel smiled without saying a word. She had found a wonderful mistress. Even amidst Cecilia's busy schedule, she was grateful that Cecilia made time for her. She couldn't believe she could be this happy. She had always dreamed of happiness, and now that such a moment had arrived, she felt those thoughts. The sweet things she could never have. The sweetness contained within.Ariel reached her hand towards it and held Cecilia's hand even tighter. Cecilia noticed that Ariel had drifted into a different reality and gently pressed her forehead against Ariel's.

"I'll be back soon. You'll be waiting, right?"

"It's okay to take your time."

"Really? Won't you miss me?"

"I don't want you to be unable to work properly because of me."

"I'll do my work properly and come back quickly."

"Okay then."

Ariel embraced Cecilia. "I'll wait for you." she whispered softly into Cecilia's ear. Cecilia smiled at Ariel and prepared to leave, putting on her gloves. In front of the main gate, servants and maids who had moved the luggage were waiting for Cecilia in front of the carriage.

Cecilia gave some instructions to the coachman and double-checked if she had gathered all the important items. Meryl was reporting something to the lady by her side. Ariel found it fascinating how the lady, who had been so affectionate just a moment ago, looked so dignified standing there alone. "I'll be back." Cecilia winked at Ariel before closing the carriage door. Only Ariel and Meryl noticed that gesture. "Take care, My lady." Ariel said.

And so, the days began for Ariel to spend alone in the mansion without the lady.

[13, 219 words]

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