A crimson cloud stretched across the Jotunheim sky, painting the heavens in breathtaking hues as golden light bathed the grand palace. A cold wind whispered through the cracks in the kitchen windows, carrying a refreshing chill that sharply contrasted with the chaos inside.
Pots boiled over with hissing water, and steam filled the air, mixing the pungent aroma of spices with the scent of freshly baked bread. The maids buzzed around like worker bees, some carrying trays, others cutting meat or preparing the silverware.
"Add the onions now!"
"Don't let the fire die out! We need it to roast this venison!"
The sharp voices of the cooks and maids overlapped, making the kitchen feel like a ship caught in the middle of a storm. Everyone was busy preparing dinner for the palace residents.
Meanwhile, I stood in the corner, watching the mayhem as I unfastened my stained apron. Traces of seasoning and animal fat clung stubbornly to my fingers.
"Finally, it's over." I let out a long sigh, releasing the exhaustion that had been weighing on me. A relieved smile spread across my lips.
I walked toward the head steward, who stood in the center of the kitchen. He was a tall man with neatly trimmed silver hair, always impeccably styled. Despite being well over two hundred and fifty winters old, his face remained sharp and full of youthful vigor.
"Master Sigvard," I called politely. "May I return to my chambers? My shift is over for today."
He glanced at me briefly, then gave a small, knowing smile before nodding. "You did well today, young lady. Go, before this kitchen turns into a shipwreck."
I beamed at him and gave a small bow. "Thank you for your kindness, Master."
With light steps, I left the kitchen. The clatter of pots and pans still echoed behind me, but since my shift was officially over, I paid it no mind.
The atmosphere shifted drastically the moment I shut the door behind me. The palace corridors were eerily silent. Not a single sound of shouting or clashing metal could be heard.
Every room in this palace was designed to be soundproof. The walls themselves were enchanted artifacts, absorbing noise so that nothing leaked beyond them. Even if you pressed your ear against them, you wouldn't hear a thing.
I walked forward, staring blankly ahead. My footsteps echoed through the vast hallway, where luxury dripped from every piece of furniture.
Silence. Only the hush of emptiness greeted me. Unlike the bustling mornings, when servants scurried about their tasks, the night shift was much smaller.
I had worked a little later than usual today because some senior maids had suddenly asked for my help in the kitchen. I had no choice but to comply.
I scowled at the memory. "Annoying. Next time, I'll hide and finish my shift quickly—just like Emma always does."
But a moment later, a small smile crept onto my lips. My mission was almost complete. "It doesn't matter. In ten days, I'll finally be free from this tedious job. That's certain."
Unfortunately, that thought alone wasn't enough to keep the anxiety at bay. My mood soured again as my current predicament crept back into my mind. "Damn it. I hate my situation."
I walked slowly toward the palace gardens, hoping the crisp evening air would clear my head. "Maybe a stroll will help ease my worries."
When I arrived, I was welcomed by a sea of pale blue winter flowers and the gentle trickle of a small fountain, its soft gurgling creating the perfect harmony. I stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath, letting the fresh scent of frost-kissed leaves fill my lungs.
"This place never fails to give its best," I murmured with a faint smile.
I stood there for a while, letting the evening breeze wash over me, carrying away my tangled thoughts. My eyes traced the horizon, where the sun was slowly sinking into the distant sky, signaling the arrival of night.
"Too bad I can't stay here for long. I should head back to my room. At least I feel a little better now."
As I made my way back, I noticed the knights stationed at the corridor's corners, whispering among themselves.
Their gazes occasionally met mine, but I only responded with a polite smile and kept walking. There was no reason for them to be suspicious of me—or at least, that was the impression I needed to give.
When my chamber door finally came into view, a warm smile graced my face. Emma was surely waiting for me inside. That girl was my little source of joy in a life full of pretense.
But my smile faltered as I remembered that Emma wasn't my only roommate.
Anneke and Gutner—two Jotuns whose presence made my time with Emma all the more difficult—also shared the room.
Living with them for nearly a year had been an exhausting task. Pretending to be cheerful and innocent every single day was more draining than working as a palace maid.
I paused in front of the door, staring at the handle with hesitation. Taking a deep breath, I muttered under my breath, "Annoying. Wearing a mask for an entire year is exhausting."
I grasped the doorknob, turned it, and pushed the door open.
But the sight that greeted me made my eyes widen. I almost stopped breathing when I saw Yatagarasu standing right behind the door.
He stood calmly, arms crossed, a sharp grin curling on his lips. Behind him, I saw Emma, Anneke, and Gutner—all of them looking at me with expressions filled with fear and disappointment.
I quickly composed myself, forcing a bright smile as usual. "Is there something wrong, sir? What brings you here?" I asked as cheerfully as I could, even though my heart pounded violently.
Yatagarasu didn't answer immediately. He stared at me intently, his piercing gaze cutting through my pretense. His grin widened, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Sir?" I blinked innocently, trying to maintain my act of a sweet, clueless girl.
But the damn person just stood there, tilting his head slightly—like a bird studying its prey. His growing smirk made sweat bead at my temple.
Come on! What's with this bastard? Doesn't he realize how hard it is to keep up this fake smile and act like a good girl? I swear, I'd love nothing more than to tear him apart!
Meanwhile, my roommates huddled closer behind Yatagarasu, as if they were truly afraid of me.
This was bad. He was definitely suspicious of me. I needed to prove myself.
"Wearing a mask for an entire year, huh, Emma?" he finally spoke, his voice deep, laced with mockery. Then, he shook his head slightly. "No. Not Emma. Your name is Anitra, isn't it?"
However, before I opened my mouth, in the blink of an eye, he closed the distance between us. His face was so close that our noses almost touched. Our eyes locked. His gaze burned through me, as if he had already figured everything out.