Sloane observed the girl testing her maiden skills.
—"I've never seen her before."She stared at her suspiciously.
She looked at Martha then again at the girl.
She was frail-looking with pale skin. She had ear length coal-black hair and eyes. Her skills were passable.
Sloane decided to interrogate her.
"What's your name?"
The maid's eyes met those murderous blood-red eyes.
She quickly lowered her gaze trembling with fear. She could feel the tremendous aura from the young girl.
"It's Anne milady."She choked on her words.
" For how long have you been working here?"
"I-i have been working here for about a year now."
She stammered. Her color turned paler.
"Martha. Why do I not know of this maid?"
Martha looked half shocked by the question.
She came near the girl and whispered in her ear.
Sloane flushed in embarrassment.
Martha nodded feeling satisfied now that she was on the right.
It turns out that the young lady of Nirvana never used to bother with servants or trivial matters in the past.
—"Could it be that I chose her without even looking into the personal information?"
She cleared her throat. Then looked at the clueless blonde girl.
"Miss Reina. From here onwards, this woman shall be your loyal maid. Please ask her if you want anything."
Sloane looked at Anne."Do you agree with my decision? From now on you are to attend this young lady here. Fulfill her needs."
"O-ofcourse your ladyship." She turned blue.
"Then Lady Reina. I shall take my leave as of today."
"Ah yes. It's late. Sorry for taking up your time for me."
"I need to know if my guest is comfortable."
—"The princess may be murdered if the word reaches the Royal Palace. I need to be extra careful."
She reached the entrance. Reina tagged along escorting Sloane to the entrance.
Upon seeing Orion, she blushed a little.
-"You will be her guard until I assign another one."Sloane whispered.
Orion nodded obediently taking up the task.
Sloane mounted on her mare.
"Have a safe journey Milady." Martha prayed for her.
" Lady Sloane, "Reina called out.
Sloane looked at her. Her blonde hair glistened under the sunset.
"You are my savior." She gently smiled.
For a moment, Sloane was dazed. She felt like she witnessed a faint image of her deceased mother in the girl's stead.
——————
At the Nirvana residence...
"My lord. Lord Valentino is here."The butler announced.
Azriel who stood near the window as he watched his daughter's return didn't respond.
"... My Lord?" The butler called out again.
The door opened and Azriel turned.
"Lord Valentino?"
"It's been a while since I have been waiting for your permission."
"...I apologize for my ignorance."
"That's not what I'm concerned with My Lord."
Sebastian sat on the couch. There were two other men with him.
"Shall we get to business?"