The rolling of the carriage wheels on the rocky dusty road rose dust to the bright humid air, with the occasional blowing wind carrying the fragrance of marigolds swaying on the roadside. Aveline took a deep sigh as she recalled what transpired hours ago.

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Meaning I can hire you as maidservants, but I’ll only take one with me to the capital.”

Aveline and Bridget both looked at each other.

“Then please take Bridget—”

“Sir can take Aveline—”

Both spoke at the same time and were stunned by what each of them had said.

“No, Ave. You should go.”

“What? No. What about you?”

Bridget shook her head. She took Aveline’s clenched hand and squeezed it hard, then looked at her apologetically.

“Sorry, I lied.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m also included among those who’ll stay on at the restaurant.”

Old man Nox’s restaurant was also known as Traveller’s Rest Area, as many travellers came to Klen Mountain to catch magical beasts or find rare herbs, passing by Perta Village. Lately there had been fewer passing travellers, so business was slow.

“So…”

“Yes. I was sad you’d be left alone. Truth is, I’ve also inquired all over the village if there’s any available work—sadly there’s none. So I thought, if ever we’re accepted, I could also resign and work together with you as maidservants. Sadly, that’s impossible as well.”

“Bridget—”

“So you must go.”

Bridget looked at Aveline with determination in her eyes.

She’s like this always. Always looking out for me.

Aveline felt a lump in her throat.

Am I really useless?

****

The carriage suddenly pulled to a stop. Aveline awoke from her reminiscing and immediately surveyed her surroundings.

“Miss, you can get down now.”

As the driver pulled open the door and helped her down, what greeted Aveline was a very huge house with many windows.

Is this what they call a mansion?

She marveled at the majestic sight before her. The townhouse stood three stories tall, its cream-colored stone walls gleaming in the afternoon sun. Tall arched windows lined each floor, their glass panes catching the light like jewels. Ornate iron balconies decorated the second floor, adorned with trailing ivy that cascaded down in elegant green curtains. The entrance was framed by towering marble columns, and a grand staircase swept upward to heavy oak doors carved with intricate patterns of roses and vines.

The mansion was surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, with cobblestone paths winding between beds of colorful flowers. Ancient oak trees provided shade over stone benches, and a fountain bubbled peacefully in the center courtyard, its water dancing in the dappled sunlight.

“Where is this?” she gasped.

“This is the townhouse, Miss.”

“Townhouse?”

Weren’t they going to the capital?

“Yes, Baron Elfon said there’s some change of plans. The young grand duke is heading straight to the capital to pay respects to the emperor as per custom and plans to stay there for a couple of months before going to the grand duchy.”

So that’s why Baron Elfon switched to horseback riding and rode ahead a while ago. The mansion at the capital must be buzzing right now.

“The baron said he’ll fetch you after a few days.”

Aveline simply nodded and hummed in affirmation.

****

After her luggage, which was pitifully small, was brought to her temporary room, she immediately flopped down on the soft mattress.

“Soft~”

Really soft.

But immediately after, she became downcast. She missed Bridget already. She sat up and looked around. Although a maid’s room, it was still way better than her last room, which had been cramped and next to the stable.

At least here there’s a table, chair, and cabinet, although I’ll only be here temporarily.