"─ ─ Please let me do my job...."

Sofia hit Gilbert with a few claims. Today is Gilbert's holiday and in his private room Gilbert and Hans have been discussing the exploitation of the Mansion. When Gilbert and I were together, they said it was because the injury had healed, but now that Hans is here, we won't be distracted. Sofia squeezed her courage out of the conversation where she thought the conversation was over. Both eyes are turned towards Sofia. Sofia squeezed her skirt with both hands.

"─ ─ Master Gilbert, the injury has already healed.... it's hard for you to leave without doing anything. Is there anything I can do for you?

It's been another week since Sofia started taking care of Gilbert's room at the Forster Marquis. Shoe scratches and cuts healed, and Gilbert's life in a place where Sofia wasn't inconvenient gradually regained her energy.

I was told that I wanted to know, but I didn't have much time to talk to Gilbert, who was not at home at work. However, all the Marquis servants were kind to Sofia and Gilbert was not a bad person.

But as I thought so, I couldn't help but think that I was really packing. I want a reason why I can stay here. I can't afford to rent Gilbert's beds forever. I wanted to return the bedroom to Gilbert, who must be tired of working as a knight. And if I could, I wanted to do something for Gilbert, who helped me.

Sofia, that's ─ ─

"Isn't it good?"

It was Hans who controlled Gilbert's expressionless words. Sofia looks up. I knew it was a contemplative expression.

─ ─ Tell me why.

Gilbert turned his sharp eyes towards Hans. Hans has a rather embarrassing tone, not at all.

"Dear Gilbert, it will be hard for her to stay like this. Above all, this house is understaffed now. It's safer than letting someone work outside badly, and that's what Miss Sofia wants."

Gilbert closed his eyes and seemed to be refuting what he had just said. Sofia keeps an eye on Gilbert's behavior in an uncomfortable mood. Eventually Gilbert opened his eyes and turned to Sofia.

"I see. ─ ─ Is that okay with Sofia?

Sofia nods with her eyes shining. Gilbert seemed to be surprised, but Sofia was happy to be recognized for one thing.

"Yes...! Thank you very much."

Having a job means you can stay there. Now Sofia has nothing to prove but to stand up straight. Gilbert's expression loosened slightly to Sofia, where nature blends with pleasure.

"─ ─ That's fine. Talk to Hans, get out of my seat."

Sofia bowed to Gilbert and went back to the back room. In a single room, Sofia holds her mouth with both hands. It's a small step, but it's a step I've decided to take.

"It's Sofia, thank you for starting today."

The Forster Marquis has a servant's hall in the basement. Two days later, Sofia was greeting at the morning ceremony. Brand new made-to-measure uniform with indigo brooch on the neck. It is worn by all Marquis servants and I am glad that I am wearing it myself.

"─ ─ Sophia is mainly responsible for cleaning and managing the old tools. Remember everything else, little by little."

In the words of the maid chief, the people who were present at the morning ceremony ─ ─ among them, the maids cheered with joy. Sofia leans her neck without knowing why everyone is happy. The maid chief sighed small.

"I know you're happy, but that's not how you behave."

The strings of tension were tightened by a harsh voice, and the hall quickly quieted down.

"Well then, Sofia. Take over the job from Carina first. Carina, show me the mansion and explain your work by evening."

One of the maids in line stepped forward and lowered his head. Sofia knew a maid called Carina. He must have followed me to Sofia's side since I came to the Marquis.

"Yes, sir, maid."

When Carina turned her gaze to Sofia, she smiled at her to de-alert her. Sofia shook her shoulders slightly in surprise.

"─ ─ That's all. Thank you again for today."

Regards, the servants sounded and Sofia opened her mouth in a hurry.

Thank you very much.

The maid left the scene at a glance at Sofia. Others seem to be heading to their positions, scattered. In the meantime, only Carina approached Sofia.

"It's Carina. Say hello today, Sofia."

Thank you, Mr. Carina.

Carina smiled bitterly and shook her right hand to Sofia, who straightened her posture and lowered her head.

"Carina, it's fine. I don't need any respect, so please speak normally."

Sofia felt the tension dissipate in Carina's bright and light tone. Carina, who changes her expression slowly, seems to be close to Sofia's age and is a little relieved.

"─ ─ Thank you, Carina"

Since when do you talk to someone equally with a friendly look? Sofia smiled modestly. Is Carina illuminated? Her ears turn red and her tone speeds up.

"It's okay, it's okay. I'll explain. Do you have a memo? ─ ─ It's not as big as a mannerhouse, but it's so big that you'll get lost if you don't remember it properly!

Carina nodded satisfactorily to Sofia, who took a small notebook and pen out of her apron pocket. Sophia hurried along with Carina, who walked out immediately.