After the physical assessment was completed, it didn't take long for Ruby's stellar results to land on Julien's desk.
"Impressive."
Tapping the edge of his pen against his chin, Julien smiled as he studied the papers in his clutch.
"Such high points shouldn't be possible for ordinary people, no?"
The question was naturally directed to the man standing within the shadows.
"Yes." Mario stepped out of the dark and nodded. "I heard that she used to be a field runner, one that's at the level of national athletes."
Mario's positive confirmation made Julien's smile turn wider. However, the flickering lights in his eyes suddenly turned stagnant as he caught the flaw in his words.
"Did she tell Lylia that?" Julien asked, his smile fading.
"Yes." Mario once again nodded.
"And her reaction?"
"Her contempt for the Madam turned even greater."
Julien snorted as if he had expected that, his voice dropping a few degrees colder, "It won't be long before her suspicions rise."
"I will make sure she causes no trouble to our plan, Master." Mario quickly assured. He couldn't hide his concern for Lylia.
After all, no matter how much she had changed, she was once and forever a friend he's reluctant to lose. Julien naturally understood this as his voice softened.
"Then… we'll leave it at that for now. Make sure the training proceeds as planned." Julien finally stated, his dark eyes reflecting the man's silhouette with expectation, "Mario, you're the only one I can trust. Don't disappoint me."
"You can be assured, Master. Then, please have a good night."
The door closed with a soft "click".
Julien's tense shoulders eased down as he spun his chair, stopping to face the moon with a longing gaze.
"Finally… it shouldn't be long…"
He muttered under his breath, his voice barely a romantic whisper to the night. At the moment, his smile was incredibly soft, the light in his eyes never so gentle as they swept across each star scattered in the sky.
For once, he closed his eyes, never feeling this peaceful before.
Meanwhile, somewhere on the other side of the mansion, Ruby's eyes cracked open.
She couldn't sleep a wink. And it's all that bitch Lylia's fault. She just couldn't push the matter of the 17th Madam out of her mind.
Rolling around the spacious bed, Ruby let out a painful groan.
This can't be done! She needed to vent the pent-up frustration inside her! And what better way did she have aside from indulging herself and her stomach till her mood improved?
Ruby's thoughts were simple. To the kitchen, it is!
Having been led there once, she was naturally able to navigate her way far better than the first time.
The hallway was silent and empty as each light bulb flickered on and off along with the tapping of her hard slippers against the marble floor.
Ruby thought that she was alone, which assured her since Mario's companion last time hadn't brought any good memories to her.
However, as she stirred the pot of boiling gruel with a wooden spoon while her other hand reached to the switch to control the fire, a fluffy head suddenly popped out from beside her.
As the bundle of soft hair brushed against her arm, Ruby nearly shrieked with a jump, more than ready to admit her mistake.
But then, she realized. What was she acting guilty for? She was not a thief!
She was the Madam of the house. Even if she had been secretly hired, and might not be the only one on the list but rather the 17th, she should be allowed to sneak some snacks at night, right?
Regaining her composure, Ruby confidently met the curious eyes of the intruder whose name she didn't know.
Unlike her, who had been told enough to wear her mask wherever she went, the intruder didn't wear hers, revealing a pair of big bright eyes, round nose, and freckled rosy cheeks.
The girl looked young and cute, the type who would garner a series of "awws~' from the older aunties wherever she went. Her innocent appearance lowered Ruby's guard a little.
"Hello, Madam." The young girl greeted with a sheepish smile, "I'm sorry for scaring you. It's just that… I can't help it. It smelled so good. Can you tell me what you're cooking?"
Before Ruby could answer, the young girl suddenly exclaimed, her eyes turning brighter as she introduced herself. "Ah! My name is Gretta. I'm the maid in charge of cleaning the Madam's room and providing your daily necessities."
Ruby blinked. This voice… she seemed to have heard it somewhere. Rummaging through her memory, Ruby realized that the girl must've been one of the shadow maids she had cornered previously.
At that time, the girl had been reluctant to speak to her, treating each word as valuable as gold. What caused the change in her attitude? Was it…
Ruby's gaze thoughtfully fell onto the gruel simmering in her pot, heaving in the soft and rich milky scent as she immediately adopted a kind smile.
This seemed to be a good opportunity to relieve her doubts and gather some valuable information. Ruby decided to be straightforward with it.
"Gretta." She repeated, tilting her head amicably as she offered. "Are you starving as well? I don't mind sharing a portion of my meal but… you need to answer a few questions in exchange."
"Of course!" Gretta readily nodded. She then clasped her gloved hands together, looking so moved that she overlooked the slyness in Ruby's tone. "What do you want to know, Madam?"
"We'll leave that for later. First, can you lend me a helping hand?"
"Yes!" Gretta was more than eager to help if it meant she would get a fair share for herself.
Just as Ruby was about to prepare the side dishes, another voice suddenly rang out from behind her. Startled, Ruby instinctively turned around.
"The smell is enticing indeed. With such fragrance, it would be impossible for the taste to be bad."
Pushing up her black-rimmed glasses with a finger, a young woman seemingly in her mid 20s revealed herself from behind the kitchen island, sporting a stern bun and professional kitchen attire.
With an expressionless face, she waved at Ruby, her voice as mechanical as the stretch of her facial features.
"Hello Madam. I'm the kitchen helper, Sherry. I can assist you with anything kitchen-related. As payment, can I have a taste of your cooking? I promise not to squeal and kiss your feet." She solemnly vowed.
Before Ruby could properly react, another meek voice spoke from beside the kitchen helper as a thin hand shakily rose to the air.
"I–I can be helpful as well. Don't mind me, I was just passing by when I heard the noise…"
"Lies! I saw you hiding behind the cabinet before I took your spot!" Another head popped out from the cabinet near the fridge. "By the way, can I have a bite as well, Madam? When it comes to the matters of the manor, I know even more than that young brat Gretta."
Two or three more voices soon followed up with eager nods. Ruby stared at the group of uniformed staff gathering around the kitchen island, already sensing the incoming headache from miles away.
She had merely planned to get herself some midnight snacks to relieve her stress. How did she end up gathering this crowd of cold-blooded assassins who used to hide their bloodlust beneath the pretense of their humble uniforms?
Weren't they supposed to remain forever in the shadows, never exposing themselves to the light?
What were they doing here, surrounding and buzzing around her like bees around a recently emerging flower?
Ruby was rendered speechless herself.