"Wow. This room is way bigger than Sir Henry's."
Martha thought so as she stood in front of the new miss, who smiled at her warmly. She actually seems nice, Martha mused. But the young master was kind too.
It had not been long since Martha had arrived as Henry's personal maid. In that short time, she had realized that Henry was a good, sensible child, one who simply needed more love.
"He is very good. Kind, honest, innocent… and also very cute."
Martha was answering the little miss's questions. It was clear that the young lady was very curious about Sir Henry. She asked enthusiastically, and Martha answered positively, hoping the two children would get along well.
"Mmm… do you think I can get along well with him?"
Ricarda sat on her bed, one hand running over her beautifully braided golden hair, and asked Martha in a concerned voice.
"Don't worry, miss. I'm sure he already likes you. He can be quite shy, though, but there's no need to worry."
Martha was very kind. Even though Ricarda had known her for only a few minutes, she already felt lucky to have someone like her. When Martha coaxed her into taking a nap, Ricarda obediently closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.
Once Ricarda was asleep, Martha quietly left to continue her regular duties.
Meanwhile, the little boy left alone in his room was lost in deep thought.
'I must take the first step to befriend her. After all, I am an adult.'
As he lay there, dozing off while thinking about what to do, he suddenly heard a noise coming from the window.
The room was huge. It had a massive bed, big enough for more than twenty Henrys to sleep on, a worktable with a chair, a small table holding a lamp, and a cabinet for clothes. There was only one door and two windows. One of the windows seemed broken. Henry had tried to open it before but eventually gave up.
The sound came from that window.
He was sure.
Just as Henry got off the bed to investigate, the door opened.
"Young master, the duke has invited the master to have lunch together. This servant is here to escort you."
The servant entered without knocking, though her tone was respectful.
Henry didn't think it was good enough.
"Next time, remember to knock on the door."
He glanced once more at the window but didn't investigate further. It was already time, so he followed the servant to the dining room.
When Henry entered, his eyes first landed on the mean bastard.
And then, on her.
Ricarda.
She looked the same… maybe a little younger.
But the image of her holding a knife was already carved into his mind, and it surfaced again for a split second.
Don't overthink it, Henry. It's fine. She's harmless. And that was weird because how could she suddenly change her hair and become so cruel out of nowhere? Tsk. It must've been a dream.
Henry shook off the thought and turned his gaze away from Ricarda.
Next to her stood Martha, helping her.
After Henry sat down, the duke ordered the servants to serve the food.
Once he tasted it, Henry couldn't deny that it was heavenly. He ate until he was full, deeply satisfied. It was the first proper meal he had had since breakfast, and the food here really tasted good.
However, the duke looked visibly confused as he stared at Henry. Whenever Henry had meals with him before, he was gloomy and nervous, his unease written all over his face. But now, Henry was eating like someone who had never seen food before.
"Ricarda, do you like the food?"
The duke set his spoon down and asked gently. Henry also glanced at Ricarda, curious about her answer.
But her reply disappointed him.
"I don't like oily food."
She commented on the type, not the taste. The servants stiffened in panic, her words implied dissatisfaction, and punishment could follow.
"Then you should tell them beforehand," the duke said calmly, lifting the glass of water beside his plate.
"Let the servants know what you prefer. They will prepare it for you."
Even as he spoke, he stole another glance at Henry, who seemed completely different from before.
Henry didn't notice. His attention was fixed on Ricarda, who pushed a piece of meat into her mouth with elegant movements.
'What are you acting for? It's obvious you like the food. Or are you trying to win the duke's heart by playing weak and fragile? Huh. Fine, win it. Who cares?'
Henry felt a flicker of envy.
Petty, he knew.
Still, Henry enjoyed the meal. He made sure to thank the servants sincerely for preparing such delicious food. They looked delighted, their expressions brightening. In their hearts, the young master quickly became the
kindest child imaginable.
Ricarda watched him, cheerful, relaxed, talking freely with the servants and secretly felt a little envious herself. He hadn't spoken to her at all.
Later that night,
"Young master, I am your newly appointed personal maid. From now on, I will take care of you."
A woman in her thirties visited him. She introduced herself as Mira.
"Okay. See you tomorrow, Mira."
Henry was already sleepy and didn't feel like talking much. He soon fell asleep, slowly adjusting to his new surroundings.
And before drifting off completely, he silently hoped that it wouldn't all be confusing again when he woke up the next morning.