I'm the Heroine's Maid

Every day is the same. You get up in a dusty room along with ten roommates, you get mildly warm water to bathe, dress, and do the work you're assigned. For me, that work is cleaning the hallways that are often abandoned and dusting areas in forgotten libraries and rooms. Cleaning is mostly what I do, but somehow, I'm always assigned to the most isolated and lonely locations in the whole mansion. Not much to talk to, which I suppose is a good thing; I'm not really a person to chat, and if I do, there's not much to find in common with these folks.I coughed as I stepped out of the spare bedrooms. If you think about it, if you have this many bedrooms that one is collecting dust, then why not have one of the maids sleep there instead of having to share with others? I'd much rather have that room than...well, I guess there are some pros to sharing a room. For example, when you sleep, there's always subtle movement or noise. Sure, some nights these girls take it too far and end up a giggling and squealing mess, but it's better than the deafening sound of chirping or the soft breeze of a cold wind.I had sisters before this, before the transmigration. I was in the lower class, so I had to share a room with my two older sisters my whole life, and I never really got used to sleeping in a lonely room.I was stepping down the staircase when suddenly the maids rushed up and bumped into my shoulders. I could have fallen if it weren't for the railings. She said sorry half-heartedly and continued on."Alice!" A voice calls my name, and I immediately tilted to the one person who would have that powerful and gravelly tone."Yes, Madam Amelia?" I asked as I continued downwards to her level."What are you doing?" She questioned me like just standing there was a bad thing, with her narrowed eyes and sharp tone.I looked down at my broom and slowly answered, "Uh...cleaning, Madam, you know, the...the attic?" I motioned my broom right and left, playing charades with the chief maid. That'll definitely show her."The attic." She repeated with one raised eyebrow before sighing. "Right, well never mind that. I want you to do a series of tasks: clean the west wing hallways, second floor, and moreover, I want you to assist the other maids cleaning the Rose Suite."I blinked. The Rose Suite is a room where only the most significant figures stay. In fact, most rooms in the west wing are of importance. "Is there a special guest coming or something?"The chief maid's brows furrowed. "Haven't you been listening? What were you thinking yesterday when I made that announcement?"I thinned my lips. "Um...I was...I was next to a window...""Ah," she said. "That explains it. Well, to recap, the Duke is bringing in a patron, a child, and that child is now a part of the Marrow Family, so we must make a collective effort to ensure this place is immaculate for the child."Child...patron...coming to the Duke's mansion..."Oh, oh! I see, I totally understand. Right, I'll get right on that, Madam!""Please do, and no need to shout.""Yes, Madam Amelia!" I waved her a goodbye as I dashed upstairs. This child is the heroine of the story. I can't believe I missed that! Well, I can believe it; I am aware I'm not good at focusing on the details of conversations, but I try. Nevertheless, this person is the heroine. Not just a heroine, but someone who has been through a terrible experience. I must make sure she is at least welcome here, and to do that well, everything starts with the room."Hello," I opened the door to the Rose Suite and bowed slightly to the maids. "Madam said I should help you guys. What do you need?"The other maids looked at me, then at each other, before one waved to the vase. "That vase needs some flowers. Just get some from the garden, and this place will feel fresher." Then she quickly added, "Don't step on anything important or bump into another glass."That was one time. I smiled, "Sure."I walked out, a lot of pacing back and forth, but that vase already had flowers in it. Some were wilted, sure, but not enough to send me to the garden for new ones. They just didn't want me around, I guess. Well, whatever. I don't really care what they think anyway.The warm sun glinted through the greenery of the garden. I had to shield my eyes from the light as I strolled down the pathway. The gentle fragrance of fresh air and minted flowers was enough to lighten my mood. I puffed up my chest. So they want to send me on menial tasks? Fine. I guess I'll complete the best menial task ever. I'll show them with the great flowers I pluck.I spent... well, time is irrelevant, but by the time I finished arranging an assortment of flowers—mainly daisies and sunflowers—I turned back and pushed the door open ever so slightly to slip right in. I walked past the arched windows and hanging lanterns to the grand foyer. As I approached, I noticed a swarm of maids all lined up beside the door. Standing on my very toes, I caught a glimpse of her—the heroine, Diane Marrow. Her tiny figure was hard to discern as a whole, but I could make out bits and pieces. I leaned forward slightly to see her face but ended up stumbling and bumping into a few maids instead.I smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry," I whispered as their glares burned through me, feeling my face heat up. I sighed and stepped away.So Diane is here now. I should probably get up and put the flowers in the room. I turned on my heels and headed another way to reach the second floor. There are plenty of passageways, and I know most of them, so it won't be a problem. Sneaking a final glance at what the maids were all bowing at, I saw the Duke there as well, accompanied by his son. They were almost identical except for the fact that the son had ocean blue eyes, whereas the Duke's were greyish. The young Duke—I think he has different ones, ruby red instead. That was always the preferred feature of the male lead, but when I looked back into the Lord's eyes, I couldn't help but favor the depth of dark oceans over the sparkle of rubies.In fact, if it weren't for the fact that his head turned and our eyes met, I might have continued staring like a creep. I snapped my head away and moved hastily.