The Villainess turns the Hourglass - Chapter 85

Chapter 85. Asterope Franz, Part II

Translator: Khan

Editor Group: Liber Reverie

In Annie’s case, she had borrowed Aria’s clothes and accompanied her to meetings a few times, but she hadn’t escaped from doing chores since she had been a maid who had helped her master’s going out. The intensity was only a little weak, so she had to clean up in the morning and in the evening. It was very easy and simple compared to other maids and servants, but the difference between doing and not doing it was huge. Such was the gaze and treatment of the people around them.

But this time, it was different. They decorated themselves gorgeously and their work was to do a role as a playmate or a partner to talk with their master. It was also their job to take care of their surroundings at all times so that clean dresses would not get dirty.

And it was mostly the work of aristocratic ladies. In the family of the count, commoners rarely became playmates. No such maid had ever been found with Mielle, either. Annie wrapped her cheeks with her hands. Jessie also blinked incredulously.

“Annie, I need a maid to clean up for you and pour the tea. Do you have a maid you can recommend?”

“Oh, yes! In fact, I haven’t said anything, but so many maids have been envious of me when they saw me enjoy living in clover by your side! If I speak out one word, ten maids will be attached.”

‘Yeah, I knew it.’ Just by her words, Aria could guess how envious the other maids and servants of the mansion must have been.

Furthermore, it was assumed that their envy had pierced the sky because Annie always wore jewelry and ornaments she had received from her, except for some idiots who had sworn allegiance to Mielle.

“That sounds good, then. Can you recommend a maid who is decent and behave in a pleasant manner? You pick one.”

“Yes…? Yes! I’ll find a very amiable girl as soon as I get back!”

Annie, who was the youngest in the mansion, behaved as if she were a head maid. In fact, what Aria asked her to do was the job of a head maid, so it was not wrong. Next to her, Jessie scratched her cheek and said softly,

“Well… you don’t have to do that to me, miss.”

‘Oh my, did Jessie think that I only liked Annie?’ There was only one woman, Jessie, whom Aria truly believed. In the past, she had been the only one who had remained with her to the end while suffering many miserable humiliations.

Because of that, she had been put to a miserable end by the shallow, stupid Aria. If she had begged Mielle in the end, she might not have met such an end.

There was no way she’d love Annie more than Jessie. She just did so because she needed to coax Annie materially. Annie was a maid who she could abandon in the middle, but Jessie wasn’t. She was going to take her to the end and take responsibility.

“What are you talking about, Jessie? Have you still not realized that I like you best? You’ve been with me since I was so stupid. I’m sure Annie will understand this. Isn’t that right, Annie?”

“Yes! Jessie served you a year earlier than I did. Of course, it is right that you like Jessie the most!”

Annie seemed to have no complaints because she received more material support than Jessie. And her goal was to raise her status, not to be favored by Aria. Jessie blushed.

“I don’t have a maid who I can rely on you. So don’t think in vain.”

“… yeah, miss.”

Perhaps waiting for the conversation to end, as soon as Aria’s words were over, the staff reappeared with some clothes for the maids.

Although the quality and decorations were inferior to those Aria had just tried, they were delighted to see that they did not think of it. In particular, Annie made a fuss, saying, “I don’t know if it’s a dream or not.”

“Oh, my supreme-ruler… to wear such beautiful clothes!”

The eyes of the staff were cold as they watched Annie raise her voice. This was rare because it was a boutique favored by aristocrats, and they seemed to be proud of themselves.

Even if a maid was making a noise, it was a private room, so there was nothing to be seen. There were a lot of people doing worse than her. Besides, it was she who had rented this room, so whatever they did here, they were free.

It didn’t look very good. She would use it often, but she didn’t want to be laughed at, and she didn’t like their eyes because they evoked nostalgia from the past.

Aria who rose from the sofa looked at the clothes that the staff had brought. It must have been very luxurious for Annie and Jessie to wear, but she shook her head with a sigh as if she were touching something trivial and cheap.

“I think their qualities are a little bit poor for my maids. Do you think I am here just to buy these clothes of poor qualities?”

“Ah, … yes, we’ll bring another clothes.”

The staff rushed out with their clothes. Aria put two more rejections on the clothes they had brought and nodded when they brought in what was little different from the dress she had bought.

“Miss, miss, can I really choose one of these clothes?”

“Yes. Don’t you have to wear that much if you want to go with me in the future? That way, there won’t be anyone who doesn’t know themselves and ignores you.”

Aria looked angrily at the staff. Then an employee who was helping to change clothes dropped the dress she was holding in surprise. Aria clicked her tongue at her.

“Get rid of the dress you just dropped. And I don’t know why there’s only one cup of tea. You have three guests here.”

“… I am sorry, I’ll correct my mistake.”

It was only then that the attitude of the staff became polite. Then, not only Aria but Annie and Jessie, they had proper courtesy too. The quick-witted Annie also showed the elegance she had learned from Aria, and Jessie simply put on and took off her dress quietly as usual.

Each of them was presented with three dresses. They were high-priced dresses that Aria could wear right away. Annie, wearing the most beautiful dress that Aria had bought her, drank black tea, wary of getting scratched.

Jessie, who sat next to her, asked with a pale complexion, “Are you sure you don’t mind buying us these dresses?”

“It’s all right. I’ve been saving a lot of pocket money.”

“But…”

Unexpected spending had cost most of her pocket money, but she had no regrets. And if it was money, it could be refilled automatically. Even if she had exhausted everything right now, she would not be without it. She would have it again anyway.

After seeing Aria’s relaxed expression, Jessie seemed to have reminded her of the fact and removed her anxiety from her face. Her master had bought very expensive jewelry just last year, and she did the golden brooch, too. It was not enough for her to worry about the spending of an aristocratic lady.

“It’s a shame to just go back, dressed up like this in a long time. We’d better go to a cafe.”

Now in the mansion, Mielle was playing some charade with her friends, so she didn’t want to rush back. She thought it would be better to sit on the outdoor terrace and think about how to cope in the future.

“Miss… well…”

Then, unexpectedly, Annie twisted her body and said, “How about ‘Flower Mountain’ cafe, if you don’t mind?”

“Flower Mountain?”

“Yes, actually, it’s a cafe I’ve always dreamed of… I’ve always wanted to go there. I think it wouldn’t be difficult with you.”

‘Isn’t it a cafe where only aristocrats can go in and out of if it’s Flower Mountain?’ It was even the most luxurious cafe in the Empire. On the terrace there, it was popular because they could look far down the Imperial Castle.

‘You are cute.’ Aria originally planned to go there, but she really liked her when she expressed her opinion. Aria smiled softly.

“All right. Annie, according to your opinion, we’d better go to the cafe of Flower Mountain, and talk to the driver.”

“Yes! Miss!”

Annie hurried out to inform the driver, and as Aria was preparing to leave the boutique, Jessie called her name.

“Can I buy a newspaper while we are out?”

“Oh, is it already time for the newspaper to come out? Then let’s stop by there.”