"Thanks..." I mumbled watching Soleifi rummage around in the draws of a dresser. I relaxed slightly from her seemingly happy aura.
Just then, she pulled a thin, white towel out of a draw and folded it over her arm. I watched her snatch a few ceramic bottles from the shelves and looked back at me smiling.
"Let's get you bathed shall we?" Soleifi said taking my hand. Before I could reply, she was already pulling me into the corridor and leading me across to another room.
Compared to the mansion, the inn was shabby but I couldn't help having a feeling of belonging from the atmosphere. A murmur of voices could be heard from downstairs and I couldn't help but wonder what Victoria was doing.
"This way!" whispered Soleifi beckoning me into another room a few doors down from the first. This room was clearly a bathroom but was obviously different from the one at the mansion and in my first life. A wooden tub was located at the centre of the room with a folded changing screen leaned against it and a wardrobe sat across from it.
Soleifi started to unfold the screen and set it up in another corner of the room.
"If you start getting undressed I'll fill up the bath," she said laying the towel and pots down on the floor "I'll see if I can find you some clean clothes for after"
I could feel the questions bubbling up inside of me and I couldn't help but start vomiting questions, "Why are you helping me?" I blurted making Soleifi flinch "Why are you giving me help at all?"
I caught a quick look of surprise on her face before the corners of her mouth perked up softly showing her dimples in both cheeks. As she set everything she was holding down, she came closer to me a smile still shining brightly on her face.
"We wouldn't just leave a noble lady outside all alone, now would we my lady?" Soleifi replied pushing the bridge of her glasses back up her nose. "Call it what you want but I think it's just common courtesy."
My eyes widened. 'How does she know I'm noble?' I wondered taking a step back in surprise.
"H,how do you...?"
"Not many villagers around here have as extravagant nightgowns as you M'lady" Soleifi replied giving a short bow, "Now let me introduce myself, my name is Soleifi it's my pleasure to serve you today"
I felt my body tense at her words. A pleasure? To serve me? Never in my life have I ever heard those words said to me. Was that a normal thing to say? I felt the emotion bubbling up inside of me and the edges of my mouth perked up in a soft smile as tears welled up in my eyes.
Soleifi flinched as she saw my face and quickly shuffled closer to me.
"M'lady? I apologise if I offended you in any way!" She expressed frantically.
Without hesitation, I wiped the tears from my eyes sniffling. I'd never thought I'd cry over anything this small even in my old life ,in fact, I'd never even had a thought of crying about my life.
"No I'm fine it's nothing," I replied wiping my eyes and looking back up at her "I promise"
"If you're sure you should probably go into the bath soon then miss" She turned back and started to prepare the bath, clearly concerned for my wellbeing.
Even the thought of making someone worried made me feel guilty to my bones. I've always obediently agreed and stayed silent... so why am I changing now? Is it because I've been reincarnated into someone else?
Whatever it is, I have to deal with it from now on as well as trying to survive while living my best life. I nodded at the thought. Sounds about right.
The sound of splashing water distracted my buzzing mind from the problems. Warm steam floated around the bathtub giving off a warm atmosphere. I flinched remembering to get unchanged.
------------------------------------
Soleifi had helped me wash quite thoroughly and it definitely helped me feel better after running through. the rough shrubbery I'd experienced a few minutes earlier.
Currently, I'm sitting on a fresh- sheeted inn bed with a comfortable mattress and a carved headboard. Of course it wasn't as intricate as the gigantic bed at the weird mansion but it certainly feels a lot more inviting.
Honestly the past events have confused me so much that I could pass out right here right now, but there is still more to be done!
Arising from the firm but comfy bed, I plodded over to the bedroom door, cautiously peeking outside.
"Soleifi...?" I whisper softly.
Instead of my eyes meeting olive green eyes, hazel green eyes stared into mine. Victoria was here instead.
"Sorry, Soleifi had to take care of some things downstairs. What can I help you with, my lady?" Soleifi says smiling softly tilting her head to the side curiously.
I gulp nervously. It's now or never!.
"I'd like to get a job here." I say staring deep into her eyes try my best to look confident.