NOVEL NEXT Threatened to rest
I opened my eyes again. I remember losing control of my body as I lost consciousness. I look at the ceiling. How long have I been asleep this time? I look around and see no one. I move my hands to rise but I hear a ringing sound. I look at my arm and there seems to be a bell tied there. In a few seconds, head maid enters the room surprising me.
“What are you doing here?”
Head maid bows before speaking.
“I was contacted for assistance.”
“Assistance?”
“Yes. Sylvia and Emilia contacted me separately asking for my help. Since they have pledged themselves to your cause, they could not go against your orders. So, they asked for my assistance in dealing with the situation.”
“What situation?”
“The situation of your health, milady. From what I have heard from your cohorts, they have asked for you to rest multiple times to no avail. Of course, they could not force you for you are injured and your body is weak.”
“And you believe you can stop me?”
“Yes. For I have not pledged my allegiance. As such, I have a method to stop you.”
“Go on. What method do you have?”
“As of now, the master has not sent any inquiry to your situation. If you do not rest properly, that will change very soon.”
“Are you threatening me, head maid?”
“Interpret my words how you see fit, milady. I am only doing my job as the head maid of Duke Eterna.”
Head maid does not joke. She is a very serious individual. She will get along nicely with Blanche Frost. I take my time to think about it. The very fact that my father has not sent an inquiry is suspicious but I have no way of confirming anything. I cannot make any major moves with the resources I have.
“Fine. I accept.”
“Excellent choice, milady. I will be staying here for the next two weeks to watch over you. This was also requested by Sylvia as she cannot stop you if you decide to do anything again.”
Sylvia did that? It is an improvement but it is still not enough. But this is a sign of progress.
“What about father?”
“No need to worry. The master has provided his schedule to me. I have already arranged everything in the mansion. Everything will go smoothly until I return.”
“You do understand that I will remember this slight?”
“Yes, milady. I am prepared to accept what punishment you deem for me.”
“Then, I want you to pledge yourself to me.”
Head maid’s face remains the same as she bends her knee to kneel.
“But, not for now.”
Head maid looks confused to me as she stops.
“Your punishment is that you are to become mine once I decide to. Do you understand?”
“I understand, milady.”
It might seem weird but pledging oneself is something sacred. It means staking your life and pride for another. When one pledges to another, they inherently choose to be a part of someone. They commit to another and follow them until the end. Breaking a pledge is something immoral. It is breaking a sacred oath that one has promised. Commoners might not understand such a thing but for nobles it is something that equals their pride. And a noble’s pride is something that they cherish more. I have no doubts that head maid has already pledged herself to another but I have no care for that. For, this is my decision.
“How long was I asleep?”
“3 days.”
Shorter than I thought.
“I see. Who else is in the dorm?”
“Sylvia. The Vermillion girl is currently in class.”
“Can you call Sylvia for me?”
“Understood, milady.”
I have no choice but to waste time now but head maid’s presence is an advantage for me. Due to my injury, I am forced to stay which means Sylvia is also forced to stay. With head maid here, I can order Sylvia to do other tasks.
“Mistress, you’re awake!”
“Leave us be, head maid.”
“Understood, milady.”
Head maid leaves the room leaving us alone.
“Sylvia. Has anything changed?”
“Are you asking about head maid, mistress?”
“No. I shall handle that matter another time. Has anything changed in the school?”
“I have not gone to school in the last few days mistress. If you wish to know, we can ask Melanie once she returns.”
“I see. Then, you must go to school in my stead.”
“What? I need to take care of you mistress.”
“Head maid will be here for the foreseeable future. Hence, you must go to class and participate. You may take care of me once you return from classes.”
“But I must take care of you, mistress!”
“Are you defying my order?”
Sylvia looks restless. She does not know what to do. I give her time to think but eventually, she relents.
“I understand, mistress.”
“Good. Do you remember what I did to the commoner?”
The sudden change in topic bewildered Sylvia but she recovered instantly.
“Yes, mistress.”
“Good. While at school, you must do it to her again. Whenever you see her, once a day.”
“Is that truly necessary, mistress?”
“No.”
“Oh.”
“But I want to. That is all you need to know. Do you understand?”
“Yes, mistress.”
“Good. Once Melanie returns, call her to my room. I need to speak with her.”
“Understood, mistress.”
“Also, what happened with Blanche Frost?”
“I have not been informed, mistress.”
“I see. You are dismissed.”
Sylvia leaves the room leaving me alone. Head maid will be here for the next two weeks so my movement has been restricted but that is fine. There is no major event occurring in this month. So, there are no major moves that I can take. As I rest my head and try to sleep, I remember something.
“Wait, there was something.”
It was not really a major event. It was something small that suddenly happened without any warning. A Condemnation event of the female main character.