It was still early, and the castle remained cloaked in the quiet morning mist. Most of the servants were still lost in sweet dreams.
Saipan was not in the study; only his young assistant sat at the desk.
Since the assistant couldn’t make decisions on his own, Phil had pestered him multiple times before he finally agreed to leave the application for Saipan to stamp when he returned.
“The application’s been submitted. Even though the seal hasn’t been stamped yet, we can’t just sit around waiting. Today’s a rare light workday—we’ll start practicing maid etiquette!”
In the middle of the corridor, Phil’s cat ears twitched lightly in the breeze.
Su Ling nodded obediently. Ever since the news had spread that she was going to become a personal maid, both Phil and Karsanna had suddenly become especially enthusiastic.
Something about it felt… off?
Still, Su Ling didn’t dwell on it. Passing the maid examination was far more important at the moment.
Besides, having caused plenty of trouble due to her inexperience when she first entered the castle, the fact that others were beginning to accept her now was reassuring.
The special training plan had already been arranged: Karsanna would play the “master,” Phil the personal maid, and the two of them would demonstrate everything for Su Ling. Karsanna was quite satisfied with this idea and got into character immediately.
“Su Ling, listen closely. If Her Highness plans to dine in bed, you need to notify the kitchen in advance.”
The trio moved to the kitchen. Phil carried a delicate tray of breakfast and walked to Karsanna’s bedroom.
Knock knock knock.
Phil knocked softly on the door, then entered respectfully and began helping Karsanna dress. She carefully put the clothes on Karsanna while describing the meal:
“Today’s breakfast includes your favorite fried eggs and toast, along with freshly squeezed juice. I hope it suits your taste.”
“Hey Phil, you need to use honorifics when speaking to me,” Karsanna immediately took on the commanding tone of a noble.
“This is just a practice session—it’s not real,” Phil protested.
“Even so, I’m the master. And you’re the lead trainer here. If you can’t even manage that, how are you supposed to teach Su Ling properly?”
“You…” Phil’s cat ears twitched in irritation as she pouted. Eventually, she sighed in defeat.
“Fine… Ma—Master, please forgive my earlier discourtesy.”
Phil then turned to Su Ling and pointed at Karsanna’s clothes.
“Su Ling, see? When dressing your master, you must be gentle, follow the proper order, and choose clothes appropriate to the weather and occasion.”
“I—I understand!”
“Now it’s lunchtime!”
In the dining room, Phil pulled out a chair for Karsanna and pretended to pour tea.
Phil’s gaze flickered toward Su Ling, a mischievous glint flashing subtly in her eyes. Karsanna gave her a small nod. The two clearly had something planned.
“Su Ling, watch closely. When Her Highness is dining, you should do this.”
As Phil spoke, she picked up a napkin and dramatically tied it around Karsanna’s neck.
“Your turn.”
Seeing Phil’s demonstration, Su Ling tried to imitate her. She picked up the napkin and awkwardly tried to place it around Karsanna’s neck the same way.
Phil’s lips curled into a smirk.
Perfect! Hook, line, and sinker.
She thought gleefully: Only bumpkins tie napkins around the neck! A real court maid knows to place the napkin on the lap. If Her Highness sees Su Ling doing this, she’ll blow her top!
Phil laughed inwardly but kept her expression neutral, continuing the “performance.”
Su Ling, unaware of Phil’s inner thoughts, just kept practicing earnestly, folding the napkin again and again just as she’d been told.
“Hmm, not bad,” Phil nodded at the end, feigning approval. “That’s all for today. I need to get back to work.”
“Please wait.”
Just as Phil turned to leave, Su Ling suddenly reached out and grabbed her sleeve, hesitating to speak.
Phil jumped in surprise and spun around.
Did she find out? Phil wondered, alarm bells ringing in her head. Everything had gone too smoothly, and she was starting to feel uneasy. She watched Su Ling’s lips intently, waiting for her to speak.
Then, Su Ling pulled a small handmade bunny doll from her pocket and held it out to Phil.
Though the doll wasn’t particularly fancy, it was sewn with great care—it was clear she’d spent a lot of time on it.
“Miss Phil, thank you for your guidance today! I don’t have much money and can’t afford anything expensive… so I made this doll myself. I hope you’ll like it.”
Su Ling wasn’t sure what girls usually liked, but based on memories from her past life, she figured cute things like plush dolls were probably a safe bet for a gift.
“Su Ling, actually… I…” Phil opened her mouth to say something but swallowed the words.
“I’m sorry… is the doll too plain?” Su Ling looked down, crestfallen. “If Miss Phil doesn’t like it, once I get my monthly salary, I’ll ask Lord Saipan to help me buy something better.”
Phil fell silent.
She stared at Su Ling’s sincere eyes, feeling a pang of guilt. Her earlier plan to make fun of Su Ling now left a sour taste in her mouth. She began to regret it—but didn’t know what to say.
“Alright, alright, just take it already,” Karsanna said before Phil could reply. She snatched the doll from Su Ling and gave her a side glance. “That’s all for today’s training. Let’s get back to our duties.”
“Hey! Karsanna—”
Karsanna just shot Su Ling a cold glance and forcefully dragged Phil away.