Molly sighed, realizing that Bella wouldn't understand unless she spelled it out clearly. She explained, "I know she's technically a servant, but she's only seven years old. Making her work at this age is too cruel. The workload here isn't heavy, and there's no need for her to take on any responsibilities. Didn't you agree that we don't need to be too serious about our work and that it's okay to slack off when we can?"
While this might have been true in a different world, it wasn't so simple in this one. Before Molly's reincarnation, children her age were cherished and pampered, treated like little princes and princesses by their families. But this was a harsh, unforgiving world, and a seven-year-old child had to work. Even Molly, who was far from an ordinary child, had started working at six, enduring harsh conditions and the stern oversight of a strict head maid. Her experience wasn't unusual among humans in this world; in fact, she was considered lucky.
Molly's cold gaze made Bella uneasy, causing her to take a step back.
"She might be treated like a noble child if she were a vampire," Molly continued. "But she's human, and in this world, she doesn't have that privilege. It's normal for a seven-year-old to work, and I'm sure you didn't spend your childhood without lifting a finger. By sheltering her like this, you're not helping her—you're harming her."
"Miss Adele is a student, and this farm is just part of her coursework. In a few years, after she graduates, another vampire will take over. Do you think that vampire will tolerate a child who can't do anything?"
Molly's blunt words shattered not only the girl's vision of a carefree life but also Bella's hope of staying with Adele forever. Bella's face turned pale, but Molly felt it was necessary to make her understand. Without further explanation, Molly left, leaving Bella to process what she had said.
After that day, the girl's presence around Adele decreased significantly as Bella began assigning her small tasks. Although these tasks seemed numerous to the girl, Molly knew they were minimal compared to what she herself had endured at that age. However, the girl, having started with no tasks at all, found even this minor workload overwhelming. Fortunately, Bella had the sense not to assign her night shifts, knowing the child needed her rest. This meant the girl rarely saw Adele and mostly encountered Molly during the day.
The girl looked at Molly with a mix of resentment and defiance, clearly aware that it was Molly who had influenced her new responsibilities. Though no one had explicitly told her, she had picked up on the shift. One evening, Adele, bundled in warm clothes, was taking a rare walk down the hallway when she spotted the girl carrying a small bucket of water to the kitchen.
Seeing Adele, the girl's face lit up with joy. Her eyes, filled with admiration, fixed on her savior. Adele, with Molly by her side, approached the girl, who quickly set down her bucket and curtsied. Adele yawned, dismissing the formality. "There's no need for that."
The girl, mistaking Adele's words as special treatment, beamed with pride and eagerly explained her actions. "Miss Adele, I'm fetching water! Miss Bella has given me some chores to do, so now I can help around the estate too!"
Though her words were brave, her tone held a hint of complaint. For a child of her age, she was remarkably clever, understanding how to play on the emotions of those around her. In another time and place, she might have thrived as a beloved, spoiled child.
But Adele didn't pick up on the girl's subtle hints. Instead, she nodded approvingly. "You're doing a great job. Keep it up."
The girl was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a response.
What else could Adele say? She wasn't about to coddle the child, offering sympathy and praise for doing the bare minimum. In Adele's mind, it was only natural that the girl, like everyone else, should contribute to the estate. Adele's approval was sincere; she believed the girl was simply fulfilling her responsibilities.
Molly watched the exchange, her gaze cold and analytical. When Adele called out, "Molly, what are you doing? Hurry up," she quickly responded, "Yes, Miss Adele, I'm coming," and caught up with her, leaving the girl and her bucket behind.
Bella had not assigned the girl to night shifts, so it was clear the child had sought Adele out intentionally, hoping for some sign of pity or favoritism.
After a while, Adele and Molly made their way to the dining hall for dinner. The staff greeted Adele warmly, smiling rather than bowing deeply. Adele acknowledged them with a gracious nod.
Molly picked up her tray and found a seat. Though the food was still mediocre, she had grown used to it. Meanwhile, Adele couldn't help but feel a bit smug. After a month of searching, her father's agent had finally found a skilled human chef willing to move to this remote location. The chef was due to arrive in a few days, and Adele was excited, though she kept this news to herself, planning to surprise Molly.
Two days later, the agent arrived on time with the chef. He also brought a letter from Adele's father, which Adele accepted but set aside for later. She first focused on meeting the agent and the new chef. The agent, a vampire, treated Adele with the utmost respect, fully aware that she would one day be the head of the Black family.
"Miss Adele, this is the chef I found. She's skilled in many cuisines, with a particular talent for desserts. Even among vampires, her work is highly praised," the agent introduced.
Adele raised an eyebrow. "Praised among vampires?"
The agent's words suggested that this chef had experience working for vampires, which implied a high level of skill and a correspondingly high salary. That she had agreed to take this job, despite the remote location and lower pay, was intriguing.
Sensing Adele's curiosity, the chef, her voice trembling slightly, offered an explanation. "I—I volunteered for this position. When I heard about the opportunity to cook for humans… I… I…" She swallowed hard, summoning her courage. "I don't want to cook for vampires anymore, so I decided to come here."
This explanation made sense.
The agent, however, looked displeased, his expression betraying his irritation. Molly guessed he was thinking, Being able to cook for vampires is a privilege, and you're ungrateful enough to give it up?
For Molly, though, it was a relief to have a chef who wanted nothing to do with vampires.
Molly hadn't expected Adele to hire a chef solely for the humans, but on reflection, it made sense. The food at the estate and the farm was passable but far from satisfying. While it was enough to keep them full, it did little to make meals enjoyable. Molly often found herself eating out of necessity rather than pleasure. Knowing the new chef specialized in desserts, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation.
Although the agent seemed offended, Adele did not share his sentiment. Her time at the farm had taught her that most humans harbored deep-seated fear and resentment toward vampires. Affection was a rare emotion among them.
After a brief exchange, Adele dismissed the agent. "You may go now. Thank you for your service," she said politely.
The agent bowed deeply, removing his hat. "Yes, Miss Adele. I wish you a pleasant day. I'll take my leave now."
The agent usually stayed in the nearby village, only visiting the estate to deliver messages. Today was no different; he turned and left without further delay.
Once the agent was gone, Adele summoned Bella to introduce the chef.
"Bella, this is the new chef. She will be responsible for preparing your meals and training the current kitchen staff. Please show her around the estate and arrange her accommodations."
Bella accepted her orders and escorted the chef away. With everyone gone and only Molly remaining, Adele could barely contain her excitement. She turned to Molly, her face practically glowing with suppressed joy.
"Just so you know," Adele began, trying to sound nonchalant, "I didn't hire this chef just for you. It's for the benefit of everyone at the estate and farm, to improve the overall diet. It's not because you've been having trouble eating or anything like that!"
"Of course, Miss Adele."
Molly's calm, indifferent response caught Adele off guard. She blinked in surprise, a small "Eh?" escaping her lips.
Adele had tried to act cool, but now she was the one who felt confused.