Side Chapter One: Mary's frustrations

The third month of Spring, Day eighteen, year 1771

It's been a few months since Lenka underwent a complete transformation. She was always a wild child and a constant source of my anger. Not too long ago, she would refuse to get out of bed, refuse to get dressed, and would often sneak out of the manor and cause trouble. I can't count the number of times my Mother scolded me for not keeping an eye on her. Her father would just laugh it off and then push the work of disciplining her onto me.

There were far too many days that I would go to sleep angry and resentful of that child. I have watched over her for years, and then, one day, it all changed. I don't know what happened to her, but one day, she woke up from a nightmare and just changed.

Now, she is trouble in the worst of ways. Just a few days ago, her father let her take in that beastkin. She then made her father force the guards to keep quiet about Kate being the only survivor of the beastkin shipwreck that was heading to THE KING. Then, they made up a story about how Kate was some noble's unwanted, illegitimate child that they had taken. And, of course, without even realizing it, Lenka made up a perfect lie.

It's not the first time that their family has taken in an illegitimate child, and considering how many bodies were washing up on shore right after, it makes for an easy-to-believe lie that no one survived. It annoys me to no end how clever and cunning that child can be. Heck, there are times when I swear she is reading people's minds and knows precisely what will happen and how people will react.

She reminds me of my Mother. Cunning, devious, and always has some secret agenda. I can barely handle one of them, let alone two. Because of Lenka, I now have to teach Kate and do my other chores. The worst part is my Mother tried to talk our lord out of it, but he refused and said. "If that's what Lenka thinks is best, then I trust her judgment." Does he not understand that Lenka is trying to get on the king's bad side and get us all killed?

Why does he trust that child so much, like she couldn't even read, let alone dress herself, until a few months ago? I understand that it's his only daughter, and he's been so busy dealing with his lordly responsibilities. But come on, she's a child, why would you do something so dangerous for the whim of a child? He even ignored my Mother's advice, which has never happened before. Like, do you want them to lower our house's status even more?

"... don't value my subordinates based on status. I value them based on potential..." I constantly repeated those words in my head ever since Lenka said them. Maybe there is more to that child than I can see. I can't deny her intelligence and the way she conducts herself. It's almost captivating how she remains emotionless, no matter what happens. She could be facing death itself and not even bat an eye, and she always does these crazy things and just acts like it's a normal everyday thing.

There was one time when I thought I saw her smile, so maybe she is not completely emotionless. It was very brief, perhaps only a second or two, when she looked at Kate eating her meal and almost reached out to pet her head. She seems to have a somewhat fondness for Kate for some reason. I just hope it's not because she looks and sometimes acts like a pet. I don't really know yet what potential Lenka sees in Kate, but I hope that Kate has the potential to ease that troublesome child.

First month of Summer, Day six, year 1771

I really don't want to admit it, but Lenka was right about Kate. Kate is a quick learner and is an excellent help with the chores around the house. She is a diligent worker and is working hard to learn everything as quickly as possible. However, she does have a few flaws that she needs to work on, such as being terrible at hiding her emotions and being somewhat clumsy.

Her tail starts to wag whenever she is excited, and when she is scared, her tail spikes up. The oddest one of them all is when she is with Lenka, and she has a bizarre mix of emotions. It's like she is excited, honored, scared, and embarrassed all at the same time. That's also where her clumsiness comes in.

She is composed and on task by herself, but around Lenka, she's completely different. Perhaps it's because they are around the same age, or maybe she feels that she owes her a considerable debt. I don't know anymore; Lenka's odd behavior has clouded my judgment of these things. Kate is just acting like a normal child while working under someone who is anything but normal. I do feel bad for Kate, considering that Lenka wants to use her as a lady-in-waiting. I just hope that Lenka doesn't put that poor girl through hell.

First month of Summer, Day twenty, year 1771

I have recently been seeing my mom brew blue rose tea. Which is odd because the only one who used to drink it was Lenka. Did Lenka start to like it again? No, it couldn't be it; there must be another reason for it. KATE, that has to be the reason, but why? Now that I think about it, wasn't Mother questioning me about them the other day? Hmm... I can't remember what she asked, but knowing my Mother, she was probably sticking her nose into something she shouldn't.

That's my Mother for you; it's her fault that we are even servants, to begin with. Oh, right, now I remember her asking if they were getting along. I just said, "They're getting along fine, I guess." I have no clue what she even meant by the question. Like, Lenka isn't exactly the friendly type. Her response was just a simple "I see." Then she had that devious smile she always gave when she was up to no good.

I really wish that my Mother would stop talking in some cryptic language and just ask what she wants. She appears to have recently developed an unusual attachment to Lenka and her daily activities. Just the other day, I saw her snooping through the study, looking at all the books Lenka was reading. Then, casually filled out some order forms for new books. I'm happy she's finally helping Lenka study, but knowing my Mother, there is some devious reason behind it.

Well, whatever, it's not my problem. I'm just glad that Kate has enough experience to watch over Lenka now, which gives me a lot more free time. With my newfound free time, I can always check in on how Leon is doing, but unfortunately, my Mother is always one step ahead of me. She was waiting for me outside the side door. I tried to run, but my Mother was too fast, and I ended up being lectured by her for what felt like hours.