Romina's - Retribution

Romina had been against the appointment from the moment Drevazio mentioned it.

Serving in the retinue of the royal family was the greatest honor. However, she’d devoted herself to restoring their noble house’s former standing, and a position within the Diamond Palace would be interpreted as a political gesture. Not to mention, House Sorovia had also been approached. Working alongside people with whom her family shared generations of bitter grievances was the last thing she wanted.

Then, there was the princess herself.

By the time the proposal came, high society had already decided what she was—a lowborn child unworthy of a crown that had yet to even touch her head. She had been punished for defying the king. Due to undisclosed circumstances, she’s confined. Her reputation was already at rock bottom before she moved to the palace.

Her father held a different perspective, though.

"So, you believe the rumors?" Drevazio had asked.

"What I believe is that royalty receives punishment for a reason."

"There is a reason. That does not mean you know them."

"Do you? Have you met her?"

Her father did not answer.

He was always like this whenever the royal family was involved. He knew things but refused to explain them, and that's what's frustrating. He did not force her to accept the offer. In the end, she agreed out of pure curiosity.

"Go on and see for yourself. If she proves to be what they claim, withdraw from her service."

Hence, Romina became Aya’s retainer.

She immediately regretted it. On her first day, Maruscha already had the entire palace under her control. They’re supposed to meet the princess together, but then, the head maid had gone ahead without informing her. According to her, she’d simply wanted to express her gratitude to Lorenz, who assumed guardianship in the interim, before his departure.

‘No, she planned it from the start,’ Romina had suspected. ‘To cultivate influence among the servants, manage information, and make herself indispensable to the household—typical of House Sorovia.’

Maruscha’s strongest weapon wasn’t her social network or unchallenged authority.

Rather, it’s the princess’s trust. She was appropriately strict during lessons, but she balanced it with fervent affection. She would dote on her with familial care, which often bordered on impropriety for a mere aide. It’s clear what she’s after.

Her ultimate goal was to be appointed the noble guardian.

‘That’s for the king and her predecessor to decide. A retainer has other duties to fulfill. For all her competence, she neglects to introduce the knight guards and personal attendants that Rah Aerowenlore personally recommended to Her Highness,’ Romina had lamented. ‘That should've been the priority. As head maids, we can’t always supervise her on top of overseeing the whole palace and preparing for the crowning ceremony.’

Fortunately, the princess was forbearing, never demanding nor complaining.

It could be because Aya was a commoner. At this point in time, she still hadn’t fully grasped the standard treatment befitting her elevated station. She thanked the servants who brought her meals. She apologized when she inconvenienced her tutors. She’d even used to clean around the castle.

Once, Aya had helped someone from being hurt and ended up getting scolded. By then, the image Romina had of her was filled with cracks. It was that moment that shattered it altogether.

Even when she received nothing in return, she kept giving her all. Not once did she bewail the restrictions and expectations imposed upon her. She endured blatant apathy, quiet contempt, and forced isolation. Where she thought she's naive and gullible for trusting too much, she soon learned it was because she hadn’t experienced other forms of kindness.

To Aya, relationships were a give-and-take. If she obeyed, she'd be rewarded. If she erred, she'd be punished. It’s a barter exchange with no exceptions.

And that deeply unsettled Romina.

“When I said the girl has potential, I meant something else. Imagine it, Miss Romina. In one month, she has become the ideal lady! And she does not even have to pass all her classes,” Maruscha had told her. “Instead of focusing on her weakness, we should endeavor to hone her strengths. Did you know? She can make realistic illusions of people!"

As she feared, Aya had done as told, like she always had. She made an exact copy of herself using magic. Whether her magecraft teacher was aware or not, only the head maid knew. When she checked, Favian had confirmed that she’s doing personal research. But he's sworn to secrecy, so she failed to ascertain if that was the princess’s illusion or something else.

This time, Maruscha’s reward for Aya turned out to be more of a punishment.

It so happened that she’d committed a grave offense on one of the princes during the tea party. Knowing the princess could be replaced, albeit by an illusion, the head maid started inflicting penalties she would've never dared before. She’d hit her for the smallest mistakes. She’d hit her again for signs of defiance. 

She’d hit and hit her until she couldn’t raise her hands once more.

“Do understand, Miss Romina. If she were still a commoner, she would have lost those very hands that harmed royalty—worst, her own life. This is for her sake.”

But the princess was a princess, a Divine Vessel.

Romina, too, had been mortified by her actions, but there were lines one could not cross. Aya could be corrected, reprimanded, and even locked up. Yet, Maruscha still chose this method of discipline.

Ever since, the woman regarded her differently—not with disappointment or frustration, but with cold calculation that easily gave way to seething fury.

“That girl! How could she let someone into the palace?!”

"Miss Maruscha, please calm down," Romina told Maruscha as they hurried to the parlor. “There must be a misunderstanding. The princess is-”

The doors flew open.

Inside, Aya sat across from the last person both Romina and Maruscha expected to see—Drevazio. The princess blinked. The maids stared.

The guest calmly took a sip from his tea. "Good afternoon."

“Father-?”

"Young Miss.”

The head maid interrupted her with strained politeness. She walked further into the room. Each step echoed the indignation she meant to convey.

"I was not informed of this gathering. Had something happened to you, we would have been none the wiser.”

Aya stiffened but remained seated. "I-I am fine, Lady Maruscha."

"That is not the point."

"We were only talking.”

Maruscha took a deep breath. “I taught you better than this. Must I truly explain myself? Oh, but of course, you cannot see the problem. You rarely do until I point it out to you.”

The princess winced. Romina had seen that reaction many times. Whenever she was scolded or threatened, she would make herself smaller. Maruscha would then take satisfaction in it and become harsher.

But something was different with the princess today.

Aya looked straight at Maruscha. "Please tell me, then. Who decides when I may receive guests? Should I go to the king?"

The room went silent. For a second, that sounded like a warning. Romina had never heard Aya speak in such a manner before. The air around her seemed to change.

Maruscha frowned openly now. "I simply want to ensure proper procedure is followed."

"Who decides when I may leave the palace?"

"Young Miss-"

"Who decides which letters I am permitted to answer?"

The head maid inhaled sharply. "I filter correspondence that could be harmful to you."

"Perhaps, you could help me, Lord Drevazio." The princess glanced briefly at her guest.

He set down his teacup. "With pleasure."

"Is it customary for a royal family member to get the head maid’s approval before meeting someone?"

"No. Who is in charge of your etiquette training, princess? Did they not teach you such basic rules?

“Young Miss!” Maruscha flushed red and glared at Aya. “I act only in your best interests."

"Then, why…? Why have I become afraid to tell you something like this, Lady Maruscha?"

Romina paled.

Finally, she understood. This was no impulsive decision. This was a trap. The tea, the pastries, the nobleman sitting calmly across from the princess—all of it had been designed to create a situation the head maid could not control once she entered.

‘But how did Her Highness pull this off? And how did she contact Father? She is not one to scheme.’

"You are far too young. I am the one person in this place willing to right your wrong, dear."

Romina furrowed a brow. ‘Alas, she resorted to the same tactic.’

"You are frightened because you have been encouraged to doubt me, darling, but when something bad happens, you will understand why I have to be the way I am."

"Who would make me doubt you?” Aya asked, and the head maid's gaze snapped towards Drevazio. “But was it not you who would not allow me to see anyone? Today is our first proper meeting.”

Maruscha’s expression twisted in anger. “Do not lie to me! A foolish girl like you knows nothing! All of this is that man’s idea!”

Aya sat completely still.

The windows remained open, yet the warm breeze drifting in seemed to vanish. Even the afternoon light appeared to dim, and an unnatural darkness cast over the room. At that moment, time felt suspended.

“You say I know nothing…” The princess stood. “...Maybe that is everything I need to know.”

Suddenly, a shadow took form before them.

It was massive.

It was thick, long, and hairy.

And it moved.

A monstrous caterpillar lifted its slick, grotesque head and stared directly at the head maid.