Vol. 4 - Ch. 26 - Interlude: Mary's Recollection

Mary stopped in front of a familiar wooden door when she reached the end of the east wing.

It had been two years since she walked this corridor daily, and now it felt nostalgic. Remembering the first time she came here, a warm emotion welled up from the deep, sharp ache in her chest.

Six years ago, Mary was still a novice maid. Although she was the second daughter of a mid-rank viscount family, she was at the lower end. She lacked the talent to work as a civil servant and was not of high enough status to serve as a lady-in-waiting in a prominent household.

Even her elder sister struggled to find a match, and her parents were working hard to help. So, Mary didn't expect to find a place to marry. Working as a maid in a mid-rank noble's mansion would help the family finances and might offer new opportunities. Although she had earned the necessary credits for a servant at the academy, it was not uncommon to graduate without finding a job.

For mid-rank or lower nobles, this was the norm.

When it was decided that Mary, an ordinary mid-rank noble, would serve the Beriard family, it caused a great commotion. Her entire family was speechless for a moment, then shouted with joy, crying with happiness.

Mary was fortunate. At that time, Didier had emotional issues and many servants had come and gone, hired almost as disposable workers, even those of lower status.

The conditions were to be healthy in body and mind and to have common sense. Mary's hiring was the result of her parents' love and her peaceful, ordinary life.

"It's almost time for Master Didier's test. Mary, stay sharp."

"Is it like the practical exams at the academy?"

Hearing from a senior maid about her hiring and the fate of the servants Didier had broken, Mary finally understood her purpose there. She wasn't lucky; she was merely given a role that suited her capabilities, which actually made her feel relieved.

I thought I had used up a lifetime's worth of luck, but apparently not. I still have some luck left.

Mary was surprisingly positive.

And Mary successfully endured Didier's endurance test.

Bright and positive but not lost in dreams or ideals, Mary was uninteresting to Didier.

Though it seemed Mary would remain a maid for Didier, the situation changed dramatically.

Suddenly, the Beriard family's kidnapped daughter was brought back shortly after birth.

The servants gathered early in the morning were given strict orders to keep silent, and the castle was filled with a tense atmosphere. The veteran servants said little, only explaining what had happened to the child.

The master's child by a mistress, taken away from her real mother shortly after birth, and snatched by someone on the way to the castle.

Raised in harsh conditions to be a slave, it was unknown if she was cursed. A child with pure white hair, a color not seen in this world.

Mary, still a novice, was assigned as her personal maid, realizing that Dior despised the child of the mistress.

The room given was in the old tower at the east end. The lower floors were used for storage and as a punishment room for servants. It was far from the dining hall, almost like confinement.

Ordered to clean it quickly, Mary pitied her unseen master as she worked.

This is terrible... Even if she's a mistress's child, she's still Lord Sergio's daughter, isn't she? Locking a three-year-old in a place like this... Even if she doesn't understand now, there will come a time when she realizes her situation...

"I should at least pour out all my affection to her.

It was presumptuous of her to think about the lord's daughter, but Mary, who was raised with love by her family, couldn't contain her emotions.

After finishing the minimal cleaning and moving in the furniture, she was called to the family conversation room late at night. There, she saw a small child with still unsteady feet and pure white hair.

At the sight before her, Mary felt a choking sensation in her throat.

No, she's only three years old... This is what it means to be a talent of the Beriard family... But this is just...

She wasn't an ignorant child. She had discernment and understood the situation well. Even if she poured out her affection, perhaps that child had already known despair.

The child's body she held didn't have the chubby flesh typical of children, feeling instead like a dry wooden doll.

Upon entering the eastern tower she had prepared herself, the frustration of not being given a proper room spilled out in words.

'Young lady, I apologize, but please use this room for now.'

'Why apologize? This room is wonderful! It's my first time seeing such a soft futon!'

The innocent smile of little Sheriel stabbed Mary's heart more sharply than any harsh words from Didier. She believed her own situation was completely acceptable and even thought she was blessed. But this was something she could never accept.

She struggled desperately to contain the rising anger and frustration, but instead her hands trembled slightly.

The next morning, when Sheriel asked about Mary with an apologetic look, Mary naturally knelt down.

A maid was nothing more than a hired servant. They could never pledge loyalty as lifelong subjects to their master. However, the moment she was called 'Mary,' her heart was set.

As long as she was allowed, she would stay by her side and return all the affection she had received. She wanted to make her even a little healthier, a little warmer, and able to smile a little.

Even during the cold meals, she remained calm, quietly gazing at the garden through the small window.

She brushed off Didier's malicious words with a cool demeanor, yet showed clear anger when harm was aimed at her as a maid.

When she first stepped outside, she looked up at the sky, not running around but calmly enjoying the scenery.

She was amazed by little things and showed interest in fairy tales, but never burst into laughter.

Gradually, the maids who sympathized with Sheriel increased. Her astute and unchildlike behavior was indeed that of the Beriard family's heiress, but they felt no monstrous cruelty or terror from her.

What they felt was simply the sorrow of knowing that Sheriel understood the harsh circumstances that even adults might break under."

"Mary, were you here?"

Sarah's voice from behind interrupted Mary's recollection.

"Yes, I wanted to take a good look while I could."

"We're thinking the same thing."

For the past few days, Sheriel had been burdened with something significant involving other countries and had been holed up in her room with Julius.

Knowing classified information could put them in danger, so they couldn't approach the room until the designated time.

After finishing their work and with time to spare, the two had come to see the newly completed water purification facility.

"Though I thought I had gotten used to it, Lady Sheriel continues to surprise me," Sarah said.

"Mary, you've been serving Lady Sheriel all this time, haven't you? When did she start showing such talent?"

As they descended the spiral staircase, Mary recounted to Sarah the early days with Sheriel, which she had just been remembering.

From beside her came the occasional sound of sniffles, and Mary gently patted Sarah's back as she dabbed at her eyes with her apron.

"...That Lord Didier..."

"Right? It's unbelievable, isn't it? It didn't happen immediately, but gradually, he grew to adore Lady Sheriel, and we were all relieved. Lord Didier changed significantly."

"And Lord Dior? When did she come to accept her?"

"Strangely enough, the malice and jealousy seemed to fade away over time. Meals improved, and tutors were arranged. Conversations remained scarce, making for lonely meals, though."

In the first few weeks, Mary had been so wary of Dior that she tasted Sheriel's food for poison in advance. She was certain that day would come, but before she knew it, Sheriel's treatment had improved.

"Even the devil couldn't help but love Lady Sheriel."

"Indeed. But Lord Dior came to trust Lady Sheriel when she was five years old."

"What happened!?"

Sarah, with her eyes red, leaned in eagerly, but they had just arrived at their destination on the first basement floor.

"I'll tell you that story another time. We've arrived."

Opening the new wooden door, the sound of water splashing could be heard. Large barrels reached up to the first floor, and there was an open ceiling. A narrow bridge was constructed to allow an overhead view of the barrels, with a large spout extended, adorned with a special magic circle.

"It doesn't smell as bad as I thought. Last time I came, it wasn't operational yet, so I expected it to be awful by now."

Sarah bent back to look up, sniffing the air.

"They said the water is mostly purified in the first barrel. Who would have thought of using waste disposal this way?"

"Lady Sheriel is a genius. She's an angel, a goddess, a miracle itself."

Sarah's admiration for Sheriel was akin to worship. Considering the events of two years ago, it was understandable.

"There's been nothing for us to worry about."

Sheriel had forged her path without asking for anyone's help.

Mary remembered only once hearing her sobbing behind a door on the night of her baptism ceremony. She couldn't make out the details but realized Sheriel needed to let out her unspoken feelings.

When she heard Sheriel's sobs, she wanted to open the door and hold her, but she knew Sheriel wouldn't want that.

Leaving Sheriel to cry in private, Mary had only been able to feel the pain in the servants' quarters.

That little girl had created something remarkable. The water from the purification facility was used not just for bathing but also in the kitchen and laundry. No more drawing water from the well; clean water flowed with a twist of the magical faucet.

In just a few days, the servants' work had been revolutionized.

The new laundry room right next to the water purification facility was bustling with activity, washing a large number of sheets.

"Good job, any issues with the water or magic tools?"

"Oh, how unusual to see you both here! Is Lady Sheriel still holed up? She should take a break soon!"

Despite being at work, cheerful voices echoed from the maids.

The most transformative change brought about by the water magic tools was in laundry work. Using soap required everyone to contribute to the large amount of water and magical energy. In the cold winter, they could barely warm the water enough to dip their feet in.

Rinsing was done with cold well water, and working in the unprotected backyard was strenuous labor. In summer, they endured strong sunlight, while in winter, their hands and feet froze, making it the toughest job imaginable.

However, with the construction of the water purification facility moving indoors, the maids were overjoyed.

"There are no issues, only amazement! Is this warm water? You just turn the magic tool and hot water comes out!"

"The lather is great, and it cleans dirt so well!"

In large tubs resembling dug-out floors, several maids rolled up their skirts and cheerfully splashed around. Although the tubs were divided depending on what was being washed, each could adjust the water temperature.

When the plug at the bottom was removed, the water naturally drained away, and turning the faucet again replaced it with fresh water.

"How about adjusting the temperature and magical power? We were told by Lady Sheriel to report any issues immediately."

"We hardly use any magical power. I just lowered the temperature a bit too much now."

Despite the approaching winter, sweat beaded on everyone's foreheads.

When washing outside, they lost body heat to the cold water and outdoor air, so they moved vigorously to maintain warmth. They still weren't used to washing with warm water after just a few days.

"Even in winter, washing warms you up!"

"Yes, and here's a secret: after work, we wash ourselves here. Of course, after work! The water is so good, it doesn't dry out our skin, and we all chipped in to buy Lady Sheriel's soap."

Mary and Sarah were surprised by this revelation. In the castle, bathing was a luxury reserved for the nobility, and there were quite a few who admired it. Yet, they had managed to come up with such a clever trick in just a few days.

Though told it was a secret, Mary quickly reported it to Lady Sheriel, believing she wouldn't be angry. Exhausted, Lady Sheriel let out a small "oh my" upon hearing the report, and before retiring to bed, she was once again busy writing documents.

A month later, a large bathhouse for the servants was built on the upper floor of the water purification facility.

Lady Sheriel had said, "I intended to build a large bathhouse in the main building, so this is its prototype," but she had also prepared hair-washing agents and soap at the castle's expense, clearly considering the servants' welfare.

Needless to say, the laundry maids who had slipped up that day were ecstatic as they headed to the large bathhouse.

We've surpassed 100 episodes!

I'm dizzy at the progress of still being nine years old after using 100 episodes. I apologize for being late.

I've mostly skipped details about the progress of the main story, daily life in the castle, and the impact on supporting characters so far, but from now on, I'm thinking of writing occasional side stories. We've surpassed 100 episodes!

Thank you very much to everyone who has read it and shared warm feedback. I truly feel we've made it this far thanks to everyone's support. Thank you very much.

Including the time I spent gathering my thoughts before my initial post, it has been three months since I started writing. The protagonist is nine years old now after three months of writing.

Going forward, there will be some gritty details, so please be aware if there are any descriptions of violence in the foreword.

It's been a long message, but I hope for your continued support in the future.

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