Valeri settled onto the long, comfortable seat in the study, the faint scent of polished wood and aged paper filling the spacious room. The casual smile that had once played on her lips vanished, replaced by a mask of unreadable calm. There was no welcome here—only business.
"Actually, I went to get a male servant, not a girl," Eryndor said plainly, eyes steady on her. "But you're here now, and you'll have to do."
She said nothing, only met his gaze without a flicker of fear.
"You will be my personal assistant," he declared. "A tutor will be assigned to educate you. I don't need ignorance in my presence." His voice held a sharp edge. "You sound smart. It shouldn't be a hassle."
Valeri's expression remained blank, the wheels turning behind steady eyes.
"And what will be my service to you?" she asked coolly.
"That depends solely on how you progress in your education," Eryndor replied.
She weighed his words silently. Escape wasn't an option—not yet. To flee now was to gamble blindly. Knowledge was the key to this new life—a second chance not to be wasted.
With that, she was dismissed.
Unbeknownst to her, Eryndor watched her retreating form through half-lidded eyes, his expression unreadable. As the heavy door slammed shut with a loud thud, the old man's gaze turned inward, contemplating the mystery of the girl who had walked into his estate.
Valeri's mind raced. Now I know a little of how I got here. Time to see if staying works in my favor—or if I need to fight harder.
She sought out Emily, the maid who had first guided her through the servant quarters. Eryndor's warning lingered: she was to remain close, watched carefully under Vrim's supervision. Her appearance was unlike any other, and that alone was enough to breed suspicion.
On her way, a sharp collision startled her. The woman she bumped into sneered, "Look where you're going, sla—"
Valeri raised an eyebrow. "Slave, huh? And who told you my name was Slave? If that's so, I should call you the same. Did no one teach you manners? Or to not stare? I'm sure we had that much at least."
The woman flushed bright red, caught off guard. "Just watch yourself next time."
"Trust me," Valeri said flatly, "there won't be a next time." She turned away, leaving the startled maid behind.
Further down a corridor, voices drifted from the kitchen: light gossip among the maids and servants.
"I heard the master brought in another," one murmured.
"Yeah, she better be grateful. He usually picks the worst nobles' discarded trash."
"Her life'll be worse than hell."
Emily's firm voice cut through the chatter. "Don't let the master hear you gossip. You know it's forbidden."
A hush fell. Everyone remembered the fate of the last servant caught spreading rumors—banished without a trace.
"But I heard she looks different..." another voice trailed off, steeped in curiosity.
Emily snapped, "Viv!"
At that moment, a gentle knock on the kitchen door paused all conversation.
"Come in," Emily called.
Valeri stepped into the room, met with dozens of curious, shocked eyes. She guessed their presence before she saw them—skillful shadows moving silently, whispered tones of hidden talents and mysterious abilities.
She cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Good day. I was told to find Emily to receive my tasks for the day."
Some blushes bloomed, others shifted nervously. After a beat, the kitchen returned to its usual hum, the delicate balance of secret murmurs and whispered work restored.
Emily stood near the hearth, wiping her hands on her apron. When Valeri approached, the maid's sharp gaze softened slightly, but there was an unease in her posture.
"Valeri," Emily greeted quietly, "you made quite an impression coming in like that."
Valeri gave a faint, wry smile. "I prefer to make my own way." Her eyes scanned the room, noting the subtle glances exchanged between the kitchen staff. "Seems I've stirred the pot."
Emily nodded knowingly. "You've upset the delicate balance here. People talk—some admire you, others watch for a weakness."
A young maid shuffled forward, voice barely a whisper. "They say you're different. Not just smart, but dangerous."
Valeri's gaze sharpened. "Dangerous? Perhaps. Dangerous is necessary when survival depends on it."
Emily glanced around, lowering her voice. "If you want to last here, you'll need allies. There are those among us who hate the chains as much as you do. But trust is scarce and costly."
Valeri tilted her head, considering. "And what about you? Where do you stand, Emily?"
The maid hesitated, then met Valeri's eyes. "I watch and wait. I'm careful. But I can teach you the ways of this place. Help you stay unseen when you must."
A faint grin tugged at Valeri's lips. "A useful offer. I'll take it."
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through from the corner. "Enough of this whispering. Get back to work."
Heads turned as the cook appeared, his eyes dark and suspicious. The moment passed, and the kitchen resumed its rhythm, but the message was clear.
Valeri nodded to Emily. "We'll speak again soon. In this house , I'll need all the help I can find."
Emily smiled faintly. "You have that—if you're willing to take it."