My Life Was Taken by My Charm-Wielding Sister—But It Ends Here (The Mind-Reading Noble Lady’s Journey to Happiness After Escaping Her Toxic Family) - Episode 15

After finishing her greetings with Airny, Otilie was led to her private room.

“The towers in the castle are divided by purpose. There’s the administrative tower for official duties, the tower where the royal family lives, and then the tower where the servants live. There are also halls for evening parties and meetings, a library, a greenhouse, a chapel, and other facilities, but unfortunately, we won’t be able to tour all of them today. No matter how much time we have, it wouldn’t be enough. And from here on is the servants’ tower. I’ll give you a map later.”

“I see… Thank you.”

Walking behind Airny, Otilie desperately took notes.

(If I let my guard down, I’ll probably get lost.)

Her memory wasn’t bad, but with such a vast place and so many similar rooms lined up, it might take some time to get used to it.

“Your room is this way. It gets good sunlight, doesn’t it? Lord Varick chose it especially for you.”

“Lord Varick did…”

As she looked around the room, Otilie felt warmth in her chest.

She had been shown a corner room with a nice view. The top floor of the tower where the servants lived. Since there were fewer rooms than on other floors, she probably wouldn’t get lost unless something unusual happened.

Incidentally, since it wasn’t preferable for Varick, a member of the royal family, to enter the servants’ living area, he had been asked to return to his office and attend to his official duties. Right now, only Airny and Otilie were in this room.

“A bed, a dresser, a closet, a writing desk, a bookshelf. We had some basic furniture put in beforehand. Is there anything else you’re lacking?”

“Not at all! I couldn’t possibly think of anything. Truly, thank you so much.”

Otilie bowed deeply, feeling overwhelmed.

This room was much larger than her private room back home, and the furnishings were beautiful and luxurious. As Otilie secretly marveled, Airny replied, “Not at all.”

“And this is Karan, your personal maid.”

“Eh? A maid for me?”

Airny nodded and glanced back. The person who appeared in the room next was a lovely young woman about the same age as Otilie.

“Karan, greet Lady Otilie.”

“Yes. Um… My name is Karan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

As she said this, Karan bowed to Otilie. Unexpectedly, Otilie found herself averting her gaze.

“Lady Airny, I’m very grateful for your consideration. But having a maid is too much for someone like me. I didn’t even have one back home.”

In fact, she had even fetched her own meals. This felt far too privileged and made her uneasy.

“Of course, I’m aware, as I’ve heard from Lord Varick. However, you know nothing about this castle, and as someone who will support the busy Lord Varick, I believe you need someone to support you in turn.”

Airny replied without changing her expression.

“That’s true. But…”

Certainly, what she said made sense. Otilie was originally a lady who should be cared for by others, and living alone in an unfamiliar place would be difficult. She understood that to support someone else, she needed to establish her own foundation first, but…

[Maybe I’m really not needed after all?]

Just then, she could hear Karan’s inner voice.

[Even though Lord Varick picked me up, I was removed from my previous duties by my senior, and I still haven’t been given any real work. If this continues, I’ll be driven out of the castle someday. I’ll have no place to go. I want to be of use to Lord Varick too.]

(Is this girl… someone Lord Varick brought from somewhere?)

Though she didn’t know the details, it seemed Karan had a background similar to Otilie’s. Otilie couldn’t help but feel a sense of kinship.

“Um… what exactly should I have her do?”

Honestly, she didn’t really know what to ask for. When Otilie inquired, Airny pondered, “Let’s see…”

“For example, the dressmaker will be coming to this room soon, so why not have her help you choose a dress? Lord Varick said Karan has good taste.”

“Is that so?”

Come to think of it, they had talked about dresses earlier. He had said he wouldn’t allow her to stand beside him in shabby clothing.

(It’s true, I’m not familiar with fashion and don’t know what kind of dress to choose.)

It would be reassuring to have help. Otilie glanced at Karan.

“And there are plenty of things you can ask Karan to do, like helping you change clothes, doing your makeup, preparing meals and tea. Understand, Lady Otilie. Working under Lord Varick means you yourself must learn to command and direct people.”

“Command and direct people.”

She had never thought of that. Of course, it had only been a short while since Varick took her from her home, so it was natural that her imagination hadn’t caught up with the reality of her new role. Still, she keenly felt how naive her understanding had been.

“So why not start with something close to home, practice with Karan?”

Airny suggested to the thoughtful Otilie.

“That’s a good idea. Um… by the way, how should Karan’s salary be handled?”

She felt hesitant about having the palace cover the cost of her own care. Otilie asked timidly.

“Of course, it will be billed to the Marquis of Einhorn.”

[Well, we could keep her employed directly by the palace but this way is better for your peace of mind, isn’t it?]

Along with her reply, Airny added that explanation in her mind. She probably judged it better not to let Karan hear such internal details. Otilie gave a small nod and turned back to Karan.

“Then… I’ll be in your care.”

“…! Yes, um… I’ll do my best!”

As Otilie spoke, Karan’s eyes sparkled happily.

[I’m glad she accepted me! I have to work hard so I can be of even a little help to Lord Varick!]

Listening to her inner voice, so similar to her own, Otilie gently narrowed her eyes.