Chapter 6: Turning the Mother and Daughter into Maids.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye since I welcomed the mother and daughter into the Aegrid Estate.
Maria-san’s health had completely recovered, and Liese, as if her previously emaciated figure was a lie, had transformed into a healthy and radiant girl.
Both mother and daughter had now naturally settled in, like members of the household.
However, on that day, after breakfast in the dining hall, Maria-san bowed her head to me with a serious expression.
“Lord Serios. It pains us to continue being guests like this. Please, would you allow us to work in this mansion?”
Liese, who was at the dining table, hurriedly imitated her mother and bowed her head.
“I feel the same as Mother! I… I also want to be of some use!”
At those words, I put down my fork and looked at their faces. Indeed, continuing to treat them as “guests” any longer might be uncomfortable for them.
“Even if you say you want to work, your health has only just fully recovered. There’s no need to push yourselves.”
When I said that, Maria-san shook her head with a serious expression.
“Even so… to repay the kindness you’ve shown in helping us, please let us work. Even just cleaning the mansion or doing laundry would be fine.”
At those words, I thought for a moment. And what I came up with was to welcome them as official employees of the mansion.
“Understood. In that case, I’ll hire you as Maids for this mansion. However, since you’ll be working, you’ll have to undergo proper training.”
Maria-san looked surprised, but she immediately bowed deeply.
“Thank you very much! We will definitely meet your expectations!”
Meanwhile, Liese showed a little hesitation, but eventually nodded as if she had made up her mind.
“I… I’ll do my best too! Please look after us!”
That afternoon, I summoned Arnaud, the Butler, and Faina, my Personal Maid. Faina is a Maid working at the Aegrid Estate, and though she’s a young girl, she understands me the best.
“Faina, I have a new job I’d like to ask of you.”
When I said that, Faina nodded with a calm demeanor.
“Please leave it to me, Lord Serios. What might it be?”
“I’ve decided to formally hire Liese and Maria, those two, as Maids. Liese, in particular, is close in age. I want to entrust you with her education as my Personal Maid.”
Faina showed a surprised expression, but quickly returned to a serious one.
“A Personal Maid? Understood. However, Lord Serios, training will take a considerable amount of time. Moreover… that girl, Liese, seems to have potential, but she still appears very inexperienced.”
“No problem. That’s your job, isn’t it?”
When I commanded her, she smiled, the corners of her mouth turning up.
“Of course!”
With Faina taking on the role of instructor, Liese’s education would be flawless. Under her strict guidance, Liese would undoubtedly acquire the skills of a Maid.
From the next day, Liese’s and Maria-san’s new life began.
Maria-san, under Faina’s guidance, began learning basic duties such as cleaning and laundry. Meanwhile, Liese was to receive special training as a Personal Maid.
Faina’s instruction was strict, and from the very first day, Liese was struggling desperately.
“Liese, I will teach you again. The way to arrange these plates is…”
“Y-yes! Ah, I’m sorry…!”
I could see Liese from the corner of the hallway, hurriedly almost dropping a plate and being cautioned by Faina. I watched her from a short distance.
“Lord Serios, is this alright?”
Arnaud, who was beside me, quietly asked.
“It’s fine. It’s something she needs to learn for herself.”
Even as I said that, inwardly, I was a little worried. She’s still young. Besides, considering her previous environment, the strict life in this mansion would likely be a considerable burden.
But seeing Liese’s earnest expression, I found myself wanting to see her strive and grow.
In the evening, Liese prepared Tea by herself for the first time and brought it to my Office. On a small tray, a teacup, a teapot, sugar cubes, and milk were neatly arranged.
“Lord Serios, I’ve brought your Tea!”
Liese, who entered with a nervous expression, had her hands holding the tray trembling slightly.
“Hmm, put it there.”
When I instructed her, she gently placed the tray on the table. Her movements were still awkward, but I could tell she was trying her best.
“How was it? Your impressions of your first day of work?”
“It’s very… difficult. But Faina-san is teaching me carefully, so I think I can learn little by little!”
An expression mixed with anxiety and hope floated on Liese’s face. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but let a smile play on my lips.
“I see. But there’s no need to rush. Little by little is fine. I’m not in a hurry for you to become perfect.”
“…Thank you very much! Um!”
“Hmm?”
“I will absolutely become useful to you, Lord Serios!”
Those earnest words, combined with her appearance, which was returning to a healthy figure, made her very cute.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Yes! Please tell me anything! Um, I’ll do anything you command, Lord Serios!”
She bowed happily and left the room.
When a beautiful girl says she’ll obey any command, it inevitably sounds immoral.
But, for my part, as long as I can live out my life peacefully without being resented by her, that’s all I want. So, as I watched Liese’s retreating back, I let out a small sigh.