An Adorable Way of Showing Loyalty
The princess’ maid-in-waiting was a very honorable position that was coveted by all the maids who were serving in the castle. It is very rare, if not totally unheard, for a commoner to take on that role. It is usually given to the second or third daughter of an upper nobility.
Also most importantly, it commands a higher salary. It is nearly double than that of a regular maid. And for Anne who was a newcomer, it was nearly three times.
It came as a shock to everybody. Not just because Anne was a commoner, but also because she wasn’t really that good as a maid, in fact, she was scatter-brained. Her sudden selection attracted hostility from almost all the other maids. However, Mia proudly declared this with a smile.
“From now on, Anne is my exclusive maid. She’ll be under my patronage. Everyone, please think about what that means.”
With that announcement, it snuffed out any future harassments. It was a reminder of her power and authority. After all, it is the direct nomination of Princess Mia, who is known for her selfishness. They know the fate of their fellow maids who were fired just because of the Princess’ whims. So they were not willing to take the risk by harassing Anne.
“Uhmm… Miss Anne, about what we have said before…”
From that day on, the relationship between Anne and the senior maids have changed. Instead of bullying her, they were extremely kind to her. It was a great help since she was clumsy. But it still made Anne a little uncomfortable.
It’s great because I get a raise in my salary but…
Not knowing why this happened made her feel uneasy. Even more, it was Princess Mia was known to be selfish who fired maids on a whim. This made her feel more uncomfortable. If someone was kind to her for no reason, it can’t be helped that Anne is a little scared. So Anne decided to brave it and ask.
“Your Highness, why are you so good to me?”
That day, Mia was sitting on a bedside chair in her room, reading an old diary. Mia has been spending a lot of time reading that book nowadays.
I wonder if it’s the diary of someone famous.
Mia, who raised her face at Anne’s voice, answered with a lovely smile.
“I’m just rewarding your loyalty.”
Her answer left Anne even more confused.
“Uhm, what have I done for you, Your Highness?”
“Nothing. But I know that you are deeply loyal, and so I am repaying your devotion. That’s it.”
I’m pretty sure I am not that loyal as Her Highness thinks…
Anne screams inwardly.
She has not come to the Whitemoon Palace to offer her loyalty to His Majesty, the Emperor, or Her Majesty, the Princess. Then, what is it for? It’s for money.
Anne came from a poor merchant family. She had five younger siblings and so her parents are struggling to make ends meet. Anne’s income was really a lifeline. Therefore, the increase in salary was a big welcome. But being rewarded for her non-existent loyalty… she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
I’m going to lose much sleep over this…
Mia smiled as if she didn’t care about Anne’s internal struggles at all.
“So, now I want you to show your loyalty immediately …”
“Huh!?”
She has no such loyalty! Anne wanted to scream but of course she didn’t dare to.
Sweet moons, what is she going to ask me to do?
Mia brought her face close to Anne and grinned with a childish mischievousness. Well, Mia is after all, still a child.
“Take this, and buy for me some sweets and snacks from the common people please.”
“… Huh?”
It was a very adorable way of showing loyalty. Anne who was tense just now, was caught by surprised, and couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
“With this…”
She screamed when she saw how much she was given.
“N-No! Your Highness, this is too much!”
What Mia had given was a huge gold coin called a fullmoon gold coin. It was the average salary of a maid for sixty days.
“Oh, is that so? But I don’t have other money at hand… Oh, yes, then you should buy something delicious for your family with the change.”
Even if I go to the best restaurants, I still won’t be able to use this up!
“Oh, and from now on, call me Mia, not Princess or Your Highness.”
“What? That …”
“Then, I’m counting on you. Do it as soon as possible. After all, I need sweets for my thoughts … Ufufu, a snack of the common people, I’m looking forward to it.”
Mia started humming happily while Anne watched her mistress in total confusion.
