<Episode 3>
I can’t believe the Empress’s exclusive maid was chosen this way.
It doesn’t make sense.
If you were to become the empress’ personal maid, the noble families of the
islands would be lining up to let you in.
Among them, you will have to choose and go through strict verification before entering.
But it took less than a week for you to go to the interview and get accepted?
Although there was nothing problematic on paper, it was a strange thing.
‘I have already entered the palace, so there is nothing I can do.’
Because I can’t leave here just because it’s suspicious.
Paresa suppressed the uncomfortable feeling and continued walking.
If it doesn’t work out, you can’t do it.
Paresa immediately thought of a violent idea that was difficult to express in
words.
‘… … It’s a last resort.’
Paresa thought about the aftermath.
It may not be unbearable, but it will be a huge headache. Just think about it.
“Hurry up.”
Before she knew it, the chamberlain was gesturing from across the distance and urging her on.
Paresa diligently dragged her bag and increased her speed. Only the sound of rolling wheels echoed in the quiet palace.
The chamberlain’s suspicious reaction.
And why was it necessary to hastily select the Empress’s exclusive maid through an employment agency?
How is the Empress evaluated in the system?
Paresa had no idea.
But it didn’t take long to realize it all.
* * *
Paresa was guided straight to her lodgings.
Several maids who came into the lodgings at the end of work time greeted the chamberlain.
Meanwhile, they glanced at Paresa with ambiguous faces.
Those ambiguous eyes that are neither hostile nor benevolent… … . Pity?
‘Is being an exclusive maid that difficult?’
But the Chamberlain did not let Paresa pay any attention to them.
He handed me the folder he had been holding in his hand since earlier.
“This is an employment contract. “Hurry up and sign.”
A contract for the empress’s exclusive maid. The contract, with its title engraved in gold leaf letters, was both luxurious and majestic.
Paresa read the contents of the contract. Starting with the most important salary.
“Basic salary is 3,000 Nir?”
Considering that the mid-range hotel she stayed at cost 50 Nir, it is quite a large amount for a newcomer.
Of course, it was not an unreasonable amount. Imperial maids cost money to
maintain their dignity and all.
Meals are provided at the accommodation, so as long as you don’t splurge, you will be able to get a portion.
I work 6 days a week and can take one day of vacation every month. And working from 9 to 6.
Although they sometimes work overtime, they say they are paid twice the hourly wage.
Conditions were still beautiful.
As I was reading the contract, the chamberlain handed me something else.
“Now take it.”
“yes? This.”
The envelope he gave me contained thick bills.
Money with the imperial wizard’s seal that cannot be manipulated. Paresa’s eyes automatically counted the money.
‘Weekly wage? no.’
At first glance, it is similar to a salary.
“They give you one month’s salary in advance for the first month. It’s a rule.
“The additional allowance will be paid at the end of the month.”
It was so generous.
‘What if I don’t do my job properly?’
Is there no apprenticeship period? And is being an imperial maid really treated this well?
Naturally, suspicion arose. The chamberlain spoke after reading Paresa’s subtle expression.
“The work is not difficult, so you will get used to it quickly. “I believe in the
passion you showed.”
… … Faith is something of a burden.
Although I talked nonsense during the interview, it was my first time serving
someone and working as a maid.
He added in a light tone.
“It’s my dream job anyway, so I’m not going to quit within a month, right?”
“Okay… … “Yes.”
Paresa answered hesitantly. I wouldn’t quit so quickly.
I don’t know if there’s a good reason for that.
“If there is an unavoidable reason to quit, such as an accident, you can deduct the daily wage and refund even if you quit before then. Even consolation money is paid. but… … “Keep this in mind.”
A low voice flowed from his mouth.
“If you quit your job without a valid reason without completing the period, you must compensate three times the amount you received.”
Paresa asked carelessly toward the chamberlain holding out a pen.
“What if I can’t reimburse?”
What would you do if I secretly took you out? Paresa even kept that in mind.
“It’s like being wanted. “The imperial family’s affairs are not child’s play.”
“… … okay.”
No matter how much I’m thinking about leaving, I want to avoid being wanted.
The sight of a portrait of Paresa Menzel, who ran away while working as a maid, being posted on the streets was terrifying to even imagine.
Everyone who knows her is too shocked to laugh at it.
“Come on, come on.”
Is the reason he finally handed out the documents his thinking that he can’t
refuse it after coming this far?
… … That judgment was correct.
Paresa could not resist the urging and signed the document with the feeling
of guaranteeing a debt.
There’s something uneasy about it, but there’s no reason to go back.
‘But you can survive for a month, right?’
The process of learning the sword is rigorous. Compared to that, I’m just a maid. Paresa thought carelessly.
The Chamberlain took the folder and exhaled slowly.
A look of relief and guilt.
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Be dressed neatly and ready by 9 o’clock. “Once
you enter the accommodation, there will be someone to guide you, so go and get some rest.”
It’ll probably get tiring starting tomorrow. I felt like I knew it without needing to say anything.
Paresa entered the dormitory.
* * *
As I passed the entrance to the accommodation, someone was waiting for Paresa.
“Hello, Paresa Menzel? “Welcome to the imperial palace.”
This is one of the maids I briefly saw earlier. She probably looked at herself
with pity.
“hello,”
“We are the same age, so we talk comfortably. “My name is Marie Duncan.”
“Yes, Marie. Please take care of me.”
Although it was understandably unpleasant to see a newcomer, Marie giggled
as if she liked it.
“Okay, cool! Follow me, Paresa. Chamberlain Bebe told me to show him the room and left.”
Paresa couldn’t believe her ears.
“… … Bebe?”
Marie laughed.
“So, I guess you didn’t hear? The Chamberlain doesn’t like to say his name. I
found out later too. You can just call me Chamberlain. “The Empress’s palace is under her jurisdiction, so she will hardly ever see other chamberlains anyway.”
That stern face and the name you would give to a small, adorable child do not match at all.
“Thank you, I guess I need to pack my bags.”
Marie willingly led her into the room.
“You are an exclusive maid, so you have to stay in a single room. “The key is
here.”
Paresa took the key from her and entered the room.
It was a more spacious room than the room in the mid-range hotel where Paresa was staying. The interior seemed to have taken the elegance of the imperial palace.
Silk wallpaper with floral patterns. An antique rocking chair and sofa that look like those used in the imperial palace, and a cozy-looking bed.
There was a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
“Your maid’s clothes will be in the closet. Since there are 3 sets, you can wash them in turns and wear them. “It comes out differently every season.”
Marie pointed toward the door on one side of the room.
“That’s the bathroom.”
It’s a single room, which I didn’t expect, and it even has a separate bathroom.
I really liked it because it was free.
“Are all the maids’ rooms like this?”
“No, I’m sharing a room for two. But you are the exclusive maid. “There must be a place for you to stay in the empress’ palace.”
“okay?”
Really, it’s the best.
A smile appeared on Paresa’s face.
Far from being envious of Paresa like that, Marie’s expression was strange.
Like I want to say something but I can’t.
“Do you have something to say to me?”
“Yes? Oh, that’s right. Life as an exclusive maid won’t be easy. “There are many difficulties.”
“Which one?”
“just… … all of it.”
The ends of my words became blurred. Marie blinked her eyes and spoke firmly.
“Cheer up, if you’re a dedicated maid… … “Not only is the salary higher, but
if you stick with it, you’ll be treated better.”
The ominous feeling grew even stronger as I looked at Marie’s face, which was radiating sympathy as she tapped my shoulder.
The good feeling disappeared in an instant.
“… … Ok, thanks.”
What on earth do you not know?
Paresa packed up her luggage with an ambiguous feeling. He didn’t have any
luggage, so he finished organizing it quickly.
It was a perfect night. Looking out the window at the starry sky, Paresa calmed his mind.
‘Whatever it is, we’ll find out tomorrow.’
Paresa went to bed early.
I thought she was going to have a nightmare, but she actually slept soundly without waking up even once.
