And you’re still not ready for any of this.

“Outrageous! Absolutely unthinkable that milady would just forgive your little break-in! And now... now she’s even inviting you for tea!” - the maid growled, rifling through one of the towering wardrobes. “If it were up to me, you’d have been Youkai feed a long time ago.”

She turned to glare at you, her eyes sweeping from your feet to your face with undisguised contempt. At last, she pulled out a snow-white, elegant men’s shirt - short-sleeved, slightly puffed at the shoulders - and marched over to you, tossing it onto your chest with a scowl. You started to raise your hands to button the silvered clasps yourself, but she slapped them away without hesitation.

“Hands off. I’ll do it. You’re meeting with Lady Remilia—you’ll look appropriate, and I’ll make damn sure of it.”

With swift, precise motions, she buttoned the shirt all the way up and tucked it into your trousers. Then she stepped back to assess her work, arms crossed.

“A handsome fit for a gentleman. What a shame you have to wear it.”

Her words stung more than you’d like to admit.

“That’s my part done. You’ve been washed, groomed, and dressed—just as Lady Remilia instructed.”

She stepped in close again, standing barely inches from you. Despite the unpleasant grimace on her face, you couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she is.

“I'm responsible for you. Got it?” - she hissed through clenched teeth. “Piss yourself one more time or do anything stupid, and I swear I’ll mount your head on the mansion gate myself. Is that clear?!”

For a split second, her eyes carried the same terrifying intensity as the mistress of the house. You nodded quickly, swallowing hard.

“Good” - she said, her voice snapping back to its usual cold monotone. “I expect to see you in the parlor across the hall in no more than five minutes. Don’t forget about my promise.”

She turned around and stormed out, her heels clacking sharply against the stone floor.