Su Ling’s life as a personal maid had officially begun.
Unlike her previous duties, being a personal maid was completely different. She was no longer just responsible for cleaning and basic chores—now, she had to attend to the princess’s every need, mood, and whim, ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly.
From outfit coordination and makeup to the smallest habits of daily life, Su Ling had to handle everything personally without the slightest negligence.
In the morning, golden sunlight filtered through intricate window latticework and spilled onto the velvet carpet, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.
Dressed in a neatly pressed maid’s uniform, Su Ling entered the Hailuosen Castle dining hall, carrying a tray delicately filled with elegant pastries and freshly squeezed juices, the aroma tantalizing.
The other servants were already in place. Su Ling carefully walked up to Princess Sista and spoke softly, “Your Highness, breakfast is ready.”
“Mm.”
Princess Sista slowly turned her gaze, her deep eyes glinting like stars in the night sky.
Su Ling silently recited the etiquette Phil had taught her, placing the food gently on the table, then nervously spreading a napkin… over Sista’s neck.
Sista frowned slightly and cast a cool glance at Su Ling. Her voice was calm and cold: “Su Ling, the napkin is meant to go over the lap, not the neck.”
“I-I’m so sorry!”
Su Ling’s face turned pale with shame. Guilt welled up inside her, and her hands involuntarily gripped the tray tighter.
“Forget it. It’s probably those bullies who taught you wrong again. Just remember next time.”
Sista sighed lightly, seemingly unbothered by the mistake.
Su Ling quickly placed a plate of French toast and a cup of hot milk in front of Sista.
Sista barely looked at them, the corners of her lips curving faintly. “The coffee’s good. No sugar. I despise sweetness.”
Su Ling’s heart tightened, but she kept her composure and respectfully responded, “I always keep Your Highness’s preferences in mind.”
Sista parted her lips slightly, letting out a soft hum of acknowledgment before calmly beginning her breakfast with the grace of royalty.
Su Ling stood quietly to the side. This was the first time she had observed Sista from so close.
Time around Sista seemed to slow. Su Ling’s eyes followed the movements of her slender fingers, marveling at her poised, almost choreographed way of eating.
Every motion radiated noble elegance. Yet, her crimson eyes were cold, like a wintry wind that could freeze the air around her.
After breakfast, Sista rose to head to the study. She gave Su Ling a cold glance and said, “I have documents to deal with today. Go do something else for now.”
Su Ling was taken aback, then realized this was a rare reprieve. She bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“But don’t get too excited,” Sista added with biting sarcasm. “Your duties aren’t done. Go find Karsanna in the tool room. Check the condition of the study’s book collection with her. Don’t let me find any mistakes.”
Su Ling’s nerves tensed again. She knew Sista tolerated no slack in her work. She inhaled deeply and nodded. “Understood. I’ll be thorough.”
Sista said nothing more and walked out of the dining hall. Su Ling watched her leave with a quiet sigh.
After breakfast, Su Ling headed to the study to begin her next task.
But when she arrived at the door, she noticed something was off—the door wasn’t fully open, unlike usual. She frowned slightly, puzzled.
Just as she was about to go in, she noticed a small figure shifting near the entrance—someone was peeking through the crack in the door.
The figure seemed familiar, but Su Ling couldn’t place them at first. She stepped forward quietly, trying to get a better look.
As she approached, the person suddenly sensed her presence and turned to flee.
“Bohm?” Su Ling blurted out, surprised.
“Ah—!”
The figure stopped, turning slowly. It was Bohm, a quiet little maid from the palace, who usually kept to herself.
“Su Ling, I…” Bohm’s voice trembled, her eyes filled with panic.
“What are you doing here?”
“I… I just wanted to see what the castle study looked like.” Bohm’s voice grew softer as she lowered her head, unable to meet Su Ling’s gaze.
Su Ling sighed gently and walked over, placing a comforting hand on Bohm’s shoulder.
“Alright, I get it. No need to be so nervous.”
“Mhm… mm.” Bohm’s voice cracked slightly as she looked up, tears glimmering in her eyes.
But just then, Su Ling caught movement through the door crack. Curious, she leaned in to take a peek—and saw a young woman inside.
“Don’t look—!”
Bohm panicked, trying to stop her, but it was too late. Su Ling’s eyes had already peeked through.
It was Tii.
Bathed in morning light, Tii wore her usual simple dress, her fiery red hair cascading down. Wearing pristine white gloves, she was carefully organizing the bookshelves.
Every book she picked up was inspected page by page, then gently returned to its spot.
Was… Bohm spying on Tii?
Su Ling was confused.
“I’m sorry… please, don’t tell her…” Bohm whispered, staring at the ground, her voice trembling.
Su Ling was just about to respond when a breeze blew past, nudging the door open. Tii looked up at the sound, spotting Su Ling and Bohm at the entrance.
Her gaze swept over them gently. She was momentarily surprised, then offered a warm smile.
She set the book down softly, walked to the door, and extended her hand.
“Su Ling, Bohm—what brings you here?” Tii’s voice was like a spring breeze, calm and soothing.
Su Ling was about to answer when something in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Bohm—the timid girl next to her—was still staring fixedly at Tii, her cheeks visibly flushed.