“It’s really strange. If it were the Lady, she’d be begging me to help her dress from head to toe.”
After suffering both mental and physical torment, Lian’s morning at the Duke’s manor had only just officially begun.
She trailed behind Feiyin, who seemed lost in thought, her own face devoid of hope as she felt the thin, unfamiliar fabric now clinging to her body.
It was as if she had lost something extremely important—no, she really had!
Thinking back to when she had left her room to use the restroom, Lian nearly wanted to slam her head into the wall right then and there.
“Ugh…”
“Did you not sleep well? Judging from how energetic you were just now, I thought you were quite spirited.”
As they left Youlin Courtyard, the maids who lingered and worked in the halls and gardens greeted them just as before, bowing respectfully to the Head Maid.
But unlike before, some of the gazes that used to be directed solely at the Princess now curiously landed on her as well.
“Is that the new sister? She’s a bit tall, kind of cool-looking, isn’t she?”
“Wasn’t she brought in by Sister last night? And now she’s walking with Sister again early in the morning… Could it be that Sister likes this kind of cool style? Ooh~”
The strange gossip of the maids reached Lian’s ears loud and clear. If she wanted to, she could pick up every word spoken throughout the entire manor.
Lian En Klauscher had long grown used to being in the spotlight, but Lian Klauscher had not.
Of course she cared what others thought of her in this humiliating state.
But surprisingly… the reviews weren’t bad?
“You said you were going to show me the ropes for my job… Where are we headed?”
After fiercely battling her chaotic thoughts and calming herself for the moment, Lian patted her cheeks and asked Feiyin, who was leading the way ahead at a leisurely pace.
“Today you’ll be working at the ‘XÄ«long Pavilion.’ I didn’t take you there yesterday—it’s a guesthouse where Madam entertains honored guests. It’s said to be inspired by Lord Laide Dolagg’s palace in Dragon City.”
“Laide this time…?” Hearing yet another old comrade’s name, Lian’s eye twitched.
From the Youlin Courtyard where she stayed, to nearly every building Feiyin had introduced since yesterday, the inspiration and naming all traced back to her and her companions from the Brave’s Party.
It made sense—the owner of this mansion was the party’s biggest fan.
From the currency circulating in the territory featuring their portraits, to this palace resembling a theme park… Just how deep must one’s affection run to build such a marvelous place?
Lian wasn’t a fool. Secretly, she resolved that even if she could only be a humble maid in this house for now, she would do her best to fulfill her duties and lend whatever help she could.
“I’ll leave you to the steward there. Please do your best.”
“Eh? I thought you were in charge of me?”
“As you said, I am very busy. After settling you in, I have other work to attend to.”
Feiyin turned to her, the corners of her lips quirking up in a playful smirk—Lian had never seen such an expression on her face before.
…
……
…….
“Miss Lian. Then, I’ll take my leave—”
A moment later, at the porch of XÄ«long Pavilion, Feiyin bid Lian farewell. She started to turn away but seemed to remember something, leaning in to whisper by Lian’s ear:
“Do your best. I’ll come pick you up tonight… and Madam will come too, you know?”
Those words instantly lifted Lian’s spirits. She was just about to ask Feiyin for more details when a massive hand settled on her shoulder.
“She actually brought a newcomer herself. That’s rare.”
Watching Feiyin’s departing figure, Lian swallowed nervously and shifted her gaze to the towering figure at her side.
The steward of Xīlong Pavilion—Laite—looked about sixty, but his physique was more robust and powerful than many men half his age.
He was so tall and muscular, his tailored butler uniform looked ready to burst at the seams.
“Ah, ahaha. I’ll be in your care today.”
Lian was already considered tall among women, but in his presence, she felt like a chick facing an eagle.
Even his gaze alone radiated an overwhelming sense of authority. After giving Lian a once-over, Laite turned and strode into the pavilion.
“Follow me.”
Lian could only hurry after him, passing through the grand porch into the opulent guesthouse.
A majestic dragon statue stood proudly in the courtyard, and the corridor walls were adorned with grand relief murals depicting the ancient legends and epics of the Dragon Tribe, meticulously carved by master artisans.
This was a style completely different from that of Yilansiya in the eastern reaches of the continent. In Aitixila, the strongest race—the Dragon Tribe—their deep-rooted and time-honored faith was the greatest symbol of the United Kingdoms of the West.
Dragons were both gods and sovereigns there. During the Great War, Lian had journeyed there to challenge Laide Dolagg, who was not only one of the Seven Demon Dukes of the Demon Realm, but also the reigning Dragon King. After a death match lasting three days and two nights, she had only barely eked out a victory.
After that battle, Laide joined the Brave’s Party and forged a deep bond with her.
The entire Dragon Tribe and the United Kingdoms of the West became allies, which dramatically shifted the war’s balance.
Come to think of it, the Dragon Tribe was among the most devoted to their oaths… Could Laide also see her as a traitor who broke her word?
Gazing at the familiar décor, a phantom pain from the past suddenly swept through Lian’s whole body.
Having defeated the Demon King, she felt her power had reached an unprecedented peak. But even so, she never wanted to face Laide in a duel to the death again.
Lost in these thoughts, Lian had followed Laite into a spacious hall with a glass dome. Rows of neatly dressed maids and servants were already waiting inside.
“Ahem, hm!”
After signaling for Lian to join the group, Laite cleared his throat twice.
His voice was so deep and thunderous, it immediately drowned out all the chatter and echoed throughout the hall.
“Silence.” With his command, all the servants instantly quieted down, falling into formation and tidying up their appearance.
Lian quickly found an empty spot to join in, just in time to avoid standing out once the lineup was complete.
Once the assembly finished, Laite began to speak.
He offered a few customary greetings before moving on to his instructions:
“The Crown Festival is drawing near. Starting today, XÄ«long Pavilion will receive guests of honor from across the Empire, and even from across the continent. But our duties remain unchanged—while attending to our guests’ needs, we must always show the professionalism and conduct worthy of palace servants.”
Crown Festival—every late autumn, the northern lands celebrated this festival to give thanks for the harvest.
Now that Laite mentioned it, Lian remembered that her wedding with Meliya had also taken place on the eve of this festival.
That was also one of the reasons she hadn’t noticed the time change when she returned to the farm.
But there was something in Laite’s words that bothered her even more—professionalism? Conduct?
When it came to battle or magic, she could boast of her professionalism and conduct. But as a maid or servant…
A few beads of cold sweat broke out on Lian’s forehead.
Laite paused, then swept his gaze over several of the servants, including Lian:
“To ensure a smooth welcome for our guests, other departments have sent additional staff. I hope you’ll all look after one another and cooperate.”
As his words faded, a maid standing next to Lian nudged her gently with her elbow.
“You’re the one Lord Laite mentioned, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!”
The maid whispering to Lian was an adorable girl with light brown hair and freckles.
She winked at Lian, her smile as warm as the autumn sun.
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