After returning to my room, I spent the next few hours replaying Justin’s words. The more I thought about them, the more frustrated I became. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why this world was so apt to force me into subordination.

At one point, Martin had stopped by to hand me several catalogs. I spent a long time flipping through the pages while wishing women were allowed to wear pants in this world. Walking around in dresses all the time wasn’t only inconvenient – it was annoying.

The majority of the clothing items were long elegant ball gowns, slim fit outerwear, and shoes that could break someone’s ankle. The jewelry was more interesting, to a point at least. Most of the items were gaudy and in poor taste. The only one I found that looked alright were a pair of small diamond-studded earrings.

This world is ridiculous, I thought, slapping closed the last catalog. I think I preferred not having the option to choose clothing while I was living at “home.” Well, mostly. I recalled the horrible dress I had to wear at the last ball. I guess these outfits are at least presentable.

I laid back on the bed, staring at the intricate ceiling above me. Depictions of roses in shades of reds and purples scattered across the surface. Every so often thorns would appear – reaching outward. What a weird motif.

The sound of soft knocking on the door pulled me from my thoughts. What now? I wondered. sitting up and running a hand through my hair. Oh. I realized, blinking a few times. It must be the maid Martin had said would be coming.

“Come in.” I called – not sure what to expect. At the Duke’s mansion, I hadn’t been assigned a maid – not even Kyla in the story had. Was he sending someone to keep an eye on me?

The door opened slowly, and a familiar face appeared. Alora. Why is she here? I had stolen the key from her – something that would have gotten her fired. The only reasoning I could think of was that she was sent as punishment.

She walked forward, glanced up at me before bowing her head, and looking at the ground.

“Good afternoon, Lady Kyla.” She said, voice devoid of emotion. “I’ve been reassigned to care for you here.”

I stood slowly, making Alora flinch. Why is she afraid of me? I took a step toward her trying to see if there were any signs of abuse on her. I wouldn’t put it past the headmaid to have beaten her. Unfortunately, most of her body was covered by her outfit.

“Did you volunteer or were you sent here against your will?” I stopped a few feet away.

“I don’t understand the relevance in answering that.” She stiffened – back going rigid.

“I want to know if you’re here of your own choice.” I sighed. “It’s not a difficult question is it?”

“I am following orders.” Alora said simply, shrugging. “After I lost the key to the attic, I was no longer needed at the manor.”

“Right,” I scratched my face, glancing away from her. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine.” She grumbled. “It’s not like you made me lose the key.”

“You don’t have to work here.” I pointed out. “It sounds to me like you were more or less demoted.”

“Not everyone comes from privilege.” She blurted out and looked up – flushing a deep red. “I shouldn’t have said that. Please forgive my outburst.”

“It doesn't matter.” I waved a hand in the air, dismissing her words.

Other actual nobles may have punished her – but I knew too well how it felt. Being at the bottom of the food chain was never easy. Even in the world I had come from, it always struck me as arrogant when someone flaunted wealth without ever having to have made it themselves. I couldn’t tell Alora that though.

“I’ll pretend you never said that.” I turned on my heel, and walked over to the far wall, sitting on the window seat.

Outside, much of what I could see was thick woods, stretching toward a mountain in the distance. Directly below, a few servants moved around quickly, going about their day as normal. I wish I had been reborn as an extra in this world.

“Are you in need of anything at this moment?” Alora asked, drawing my eye. She wrung her fingers together – eyes glued to the ground again.

Did I need anything? Something entertaining.

“Could you find me something to read?” I asked. It would be better than doing nothing.

“A book?” Alora glanced up. “What type of book are you interested in?”

“Something that isn’t a tome.” I shrugged. “Actually, could you get me a book on the history of the empire?”

“Yes…” Alora turned, walking toward the door. “I’ll be back shortly.”

“Sure.” I looked back out the window. “Thanks.”

For a long time, Alora didn’t return. After an hour, I was contemplating leaving the room and finding the library – when a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.” I called, turning toward it.

Instead of Alora, Martin walked in pushing a cart. The smell of potatoes and meat wafted from a covered plate, making my stomach grumble.

“Sorry to disturb you.” He said, pushing it to the center of the room. “Lord Justin had to step out for business. You will, unfortunately, be dining alone this afternoon.”

“Thank you.” I walked over to the cart as he removed the lid. Chicken, carrots, and potatoes steamed off the plate. A small bowl of something that looked like strawberry shortcake lay beside it. A single glass of wine glimmered in the light.

Isn’t this a bit much for lunch?

“Once you are finished,” He pulled out a small bell, setting it down beside the glass. “Please ring and a maid will come to clean up.” At my confusion – he continued. “The bell is a magic item. It triggers its pair in the kitchen.”

“Oh. I see. Thank you again.”

“Of course.” He bowed and walked back toward the door.

“Wait a moment.” I called, stopping him as he began to shut it. “I sent my maid on an errand to get me a book. She hasn’t returned.”

“She might have gotten lost.” Martin mused, stroking his chin. “I’ll search for her. Don’t worry,” He chuckled, closing the door. “No one goes missing in the manor for long.”

Really? I thought, rubbing my arms as a shiver ran down them. What an ominous thing to say.

I stared down at the food and sighed.

I’m sure it’s nothing. I thought, poking a piece of chicken with my fork. The chances of her going missing as a random side character were slim to none – especially with her just arriving.

She’ll turn up soon enough.

Or so I thought.