Chapter 6
“Milady! Hurry up and wake up! It’s the worst thing ever that I have to come all the way to the annex!”
I woke up to her shouting first thing in the morning.
But… I was still in the middle of my talk with Riel. He never got to tell me about the Divine Beasts.
“Here, wash your face with this.”
A bucket full of water was slammed down with force.
…Fine. Let me wash my face and get my thoughts straight.
“So cold!”
Seriously? It’s the middle of winter, and she expects me to wash my face with water that feels like ice?
She takes advantage of the fact that I never complain, and acts however she pleases, as if she’s forgotten who she’s supposed to be serving.
“Stop whining and hurry up! I’ve got a lot to do, I’m busy, you know. Ugh, what a nuisance.”
This maid’s name is Lily—
despite being in service, she always looks down on Tiana.
Lily is trusted by the head maid, and she often insults Tiana with cruel words.
If Tiana makes even the smallest mistake, Lily whips her—always in places hidden under clothing, over and over.
Because of that, Tiana grew to fear Lily deeply.
“Hah, you really are hopelessly slow,”
Lily sneered at me.
“No wonder everyone calls you the Duke’s Family Stain.”
My thoughts froze for an instant, and a chill ran down my spine.
I had already sensed that people whispered that about me behind my back… but hearing it aloud was unbearable.
【The Duke’s Family Stain】
The members of House Asterl have, for generations, all been born with extraordinary talents.
My elder brothers and sisters were no exception, each possessing brilliance far above others.
But me—Tiana—
I had no talent whatsoever. In studies, in physical ability, even in magical power… I was below average in everything.
The more I lagged behind, the more isolated I became.
To make matters worse, my mother, Duchess Flora, was frail and sickly.
After giving birth to me, her health deteriorated rapidly.
Yet, because I was still a child, I craved her affection.
Even though she was supposed to rest, I would always run to her, wanting to play by her side.
One day, her condition worsened because of me.
It was decided she would move to a secondary estate owned by House Asterl, in a warmer climate than the imperial capital.
Everyone adored the Duchess, so sending her away from the capital was heartbreaking—but for her health, they agreed.
After that, nobody paid me any attention.
Unable to openly share my feelings anymore, I withdrew into myself.
And those around me began to believe my family had abandoned me, branding me…
“The Duke’s Family Stain.”
But still—
for a mere maid like Lily to say that to my face was infuriating.
If I want to change my situation, then first I have to change myself.
I need a plan. A way to drive that maid out.
How should I get rid of her…?
