"Rose, was it," Celestira said.
"W-what, your ladyship?" Rose said, startled.
Celestira raised an eyebrow and said, "Your name."
"Y-yes, your ladyship, my name is Rose," Rose said nervously.
Hmmm, Celestira tapped her finger on the couch's armrest, then asked, "Do you have any family members you care about?"
Rose looked confused as she answered, "Yes, my sick mother… if I may be bold, may I ask why your ladyship wants to know this?"
Celestira then smiled and said, "Rose, would you like to be my personal maid? I will also pay for the treatment of your mother, but I would do so regardless of whether you become my maid or not."
Rose, in disbelief, said, "What? Your ladyship, you don't need to do that. I can't accept such a favor and…" Rose looked dejected as she continued, "I am too untrained to be your maid. I keep being clumsy and dropping things." Rose gripped her arm and finally said, "I am useless."
"I don't care." Celestira sat up straight and looked at Rose, repeating, "I don't care if you are untrained or clumsy; I just want someone to be my eyes in this household."
The smile on Celestira's face faded, and a chilling aura surrounded her as she continued, clasping her hands together, "But you should keep one thing in mind: I never recruit ineffectual people."
Celestira then smiled brightly, as if she had said nothing intimidating a few minutes ago, and said, "I will give you time to decide, and I will pay the treatment money for your mother regardless, I am sure the smallest gem in my jewelry box is more than enough. Now it's up to you whether you seize this opportunity or let it pass due to your hesitations."
"Oh, and here it is." Celestira then took off her right earring and placed it in Rose's hand.
Waving her hand dismissively, she then said, "You may take your leave, just keep in mind I don't make the same offer twice."
The door closed, and Rose was escorted out of the room, her heart racing as she thought, What was that? I know she was formidable, but this didn't feel like the demeanor a noble lady would exhibit to her servant—it felt more like… a predator observing its prey, waiting for the right moment to hunt. Her fingers tightened around the earring in her palm.
---
In Celestira's room
"Woah! You were very intimidating just now. What if you scared her too much and she tells all the maids about your conversation with her?" Elfanso asked, popping out of the blanket.
"She won't," Celestira said nonchalantly. She is an outcast among the maids, and if she had such intentions, she wouldn't have considered the offer of becoming my personal maid in the first place.
Celestira then picked up a pen and paper and said to Elfanso, "Your fruits are on the table. Eat them quietly while I write my letter."
Elfanso, with the speed of light, ran to the table and said playfully, "At your service, my lady!"
Now what— Suddenly, a knock interrupted her thoughts. I have a bad feeling about this.
To be continued...