Odetta gazed out of the car window, the vibrant landscape whizzing by as she reflected on her recent milestone: she had just turned 18. Her mother had made a decision for her, one that Odetta had reluctantly agreed to—serving as a maid for the Varga family, friends of her mother. The compensation was generous, which had swayed Odetta's hesitation. Now, as the car glided to a halt at the entrance of the Varga Estate, she felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
The imposing gates stood ajar, welcoming her into a world that seemed both enchanting and foreboding. The car navigated through a winding path flanked by towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets as the breeze danced through them. Odetta could hardly contain her awe as they approached a magnificent old castle, its façade entwined with nature's embrace, giving it a timeless, almost ethereal quality. She stepped out of the car, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared in astonishment at the estate that would soon become her home.
"Miss, here are your luggages," the driver announced, placing her bags down with a soft thud. Odetta felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her—would she truly manage to adapt to this new life?
A creaking sound interrupted her thoughts as the grand door swung open, revealing a distinguished middle-aged man dressed in a tailored black suit. His grey hair was impeccably styled, and despite the passage of time, he exuded an air of charm and handsomeness. "Welcome, Miss Odette, to the Varga Estate," he greeted her with a graceful bow, his voice rich and welcoming.
Odetta offered him an awkward smile, "Thank you. It's Odetta, by the way, not Odette," she corrected gently.
The man cleared his throat, a hint of embarrassment flickering across his features. "Ah, my apologies, Miss Odetta." He extended his hand in a gesture of introduction. "My name is Alexander; I am the butler here. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Odetta shook his hand warmly, "I'm Odetta Gilmore; the pleasure is mine."
Just then, another car rolled up, its engine purring softly as Odetta exchanged a curious glance with Alexander. A second middle-aged man emerged, adjusting his suit and surveying the surroundings with an air of familiarity. He walked toward them, exuding a sense of urgency, and asked, "Varga Estate?" Receiving a nod from Alexander, a look of relief washed over his face. He clasped Alexander's hand firmly. "I'm Isadore Crowley, the new butler," he introduced himself, his tone infused with a hint of pride.
Alexander nodded in acknowledgment and gestured for them to follow him inside the estate. As they entered, Odetta was taken aback by the contrast between the exterior and the interior of the castle. While the outside appeared abandoned, the inside was adorned with exquisite furnishings, albeit cloaked in shadows that added to the aura of mystery. "Welcome once again. I am Alexander, your fellow butler," he addressed Isadore. "For now, the only maid here is Odetta; you will be responsible for cooking and cleaning. There is another maid, but she is aging and rarely comes."
Odetta's eyes widened in disbelief—she would be tasked with cleaning this entire castle? The thought felt overwhelming.
"Isadore, as butlers, our duty is to ensure the safety of the lady and the young lady of the estate," Alexander stated, his tone serious.
Isadore nodded, a frown creasing his forehead. What could they possibly need protection from? The old building, surrounded by dense forest, might attract wild animals, but it was also a fortress of wealth, suggesting potential intruders.
The creaking of the wooden stairs drew their attention, and a striking woman descended gracefully, a black cat cradled in her arms. Dressed in a flowing white silk gown and walking barefoot, her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders with every step. Her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the newcomers. "Oh! The new butler and maid!" she exclaimed, her voice melodious as she approached them. Alexander inclined his head respectfully.
"This is Lady Lenora, wife of Mr. Adamir," Alexander introduced her, his tone imbued with reverence.
Lenora smiled warmly, releasing her cat, which darted away in playful abandon. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Odetta's hair with an approving touch. "What a beautiful girl you are! What is your name?" she asked.
"My name is Odetta," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her heart.
"Ah, a lovely name for a lovely girl. You resemble your mother in her youth," Lenora remarked, her gaze softening. "You are 18, am I right?"
"Yes, my lady," Odetta confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I see. You are four years older than my sweet daughter. I can sense that you will become good friends," Lenora mused, her eyes shimmering with kindness. She then turned her attention to Isadore, who stood momentarily frozen, lost in thought. "And you are?" she inquired with curiosity.
Isadore snapped back to reality, his face flushing as he stammered, "Isadore—" but his voice cracked mid-sentence, eliciting a soft giggle from Lenora. The warmth of embarrassment flooded his cheeks, and he fought to regain his composure.
Once he steadied himself, Isadore managed to respond more clearly, "Isadore Crowley, my lady."
Lenora turned her gaze to Alexander, as if seeking confirmation. "He is the new butler," Alexander clarified, his voice steady.
Lenora hummed thoughtfully. "Well then, I hope you find your stay here to be pleasant. Make yourselves comfortable," she instructed, her tone imbued with genuine hospitality. With a final smile, she announced, "Excuse me, I am off to the garden. Alexander, please assign the lovely girl to the room next to my daughter's."
"As you wish," Alexander replied with a respectful nod. Lenora smiled again before gliding away, leaving Odetta, Isadore, and Alexander behind.
"Follow me, please; I will show you to your room," Alexander instructed, his voice steady and authoritative. As he began to walk away, Odetta followed closely, but Isadore remained rooted in place, still entranced by the enchanting lady who had just departed.
Alexander turned back, sensing Isadore's lingering presence. "Crowley?" he called, prompting Isadore to snap his head up.
"Yes?" Isadore replied, his thoughts still swirling.
"Come now; we don't have all day," Alexander urged, his tone firm yet patient.
"Ah, y-yes," Isadore stammered, hastily catching up to the pair, his mind still filled with the image of Lady Lenora, whose beauty had captivated him from the very first moment.