Chapter 2:

Holy shit! What a score! The weird lady Eris had thrown herself into turned out to be a bigshot! She stared at the woman while eating the food that had been bought for her. It was all going according to plan. Now, which side of town to panhandle next? 

…Not the East. She’d already seen what unsavory acts took place over there. This town really was a freak-show, allowing a district wide hunting ground for unsavory acts. She shivered. Maybe the West? It was more laborers than the nouveau riche, whom she usually farmed pity from, but they might look kinder on a child than nobles. 

The low humming of the woman next to her broke her concentration. “Hmm.”

Oh no. Could she want something from her? Would she be forced into manual labor for just a handful of snacks?! How could she slip away…no, better to get her guard lowered first. Play along, I’ll dip later. 

“Yes?” 

Eres channeled her inner cuteness, even tilting her head to the side. Shameless, you say? Humans are creatures of infinite adaption. If she couldn’t use the only weapon of her current body, how could she deserve to live in this world? Therefore, even as a former man, if she must be disgustingly cute, so be it. Live! I want to live!

“Do you have anywhere to return to?”

Eres’s soul shook. Oh. This lady, was she some kind of predator? Was she going to be sold into manual labor? Perhaps…she hadn’t marked this woman, but had been the mark from the beginning?! Panic tore through her. 

She shook her head, unable to say anything.

The kindly-looking woman’s eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. She lowered her head towards Eres.

“Would you like to?”

Huh? Would I like to? Like to what? Get sold into a coal mine? No! Thank! You! 

She almost refused on instinct, but figured she’d fish out whatever possible benefits. Maybe she could end up with a full coin pouch before disappearing into the dark alley? 

Eres cautiously looked at the woman, her voice full of trepidation. 

“What…do you mean?”

The woman turned her body towards her, straightening her back as she did. “My name is Lana. I am the head maid for the nobles presiding over this city. I’ve been looking for more workers—would you like to serve under me?”

Eres’s mouth dropped open. Nobles? Head maid? What was this turn of events? Wait, employment?! Wasn’t she like, five years old? As someone who had been longing for retirement at the ripe age of eighteen in her previous life, wasn’t this a bit early to start working?!

She hesitated.

Lana noticed the stiffness in her body, and leaned forward, gently putting a hand on her shoulder.

“I won’t ask for anything unreasonable. I’m merely looking for prospective maids to train. And…”

She leaned forward, a smile dancing over her lips. “We provide full room and board for employees.”

A tremor ran though Eres. Room and board…? Could there be such a convenient job? Since she’d woken up, her bed had been mud and her blanket dirt. She was already exhausted from living on the street with no means of acquiring food. This offer…it was something she had no reason to refuse. If it were real.

Eres glanced at Lana, still suspicious. “Why me?”

The woman appeared taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“Surely there are many people applying for this position, yet, you’re talking to an orphan on the street. You can’t be that lacking in workers.”

Lana’s eyes widened. She smiled again, this time even wider. With a throaty chuckle, she pat the top of Eres’s head.

“Hmm, well, let’s just say you remind me of someone close to me. I think you would get along. And it would be a shame to let someone with your wit get away.”

Eres eyed her. This lady sure was good at sweet talking. Could she let such a heaven-sent opportunity get away? No! The secret to living a good life had always been one part effort, nine parts connections! That is to say, nepotism is the strongest weapon!

 “You have an eye for quality, ma’am. What would my duties entail?”

If she had to endure a few head-pats from a beautiful woman, well, her pride could handle it. 

“You would be training under me as a maid. I promise it wouldn’t be a loss for you. The salary is quite generous.”

A…maid? Eres bit her lip. Images of countless anime flashed through her mind. It couldn’t be that kind of maid, could it? No, even if it was, to go from homeless and broke to clothed and fed…

“Ok. You’re not going to kidnap me or anything, right?”

Lana laughed. “Where did you learn such things? Of course not.”

She stood, gripped Eres’s hand, and pulled her to her feet. Seeing her legs tremble from hunger, she paused. Lana nodded to herself.

Eres tilted her head. What was this lady doing? Weren’t they going to g—

“Eeek!” 

A rather undignified sound flew from her throat as Lana swooped her up in her arms. Eres looked at her in confusion.

What was this sudden warmth? This woman had really picked her up! She wasn’t a child! 

Wait. No, she was a child. Hmm. Was this a wound to her pride? 

Eres considered jumping back out into the alley before squashing the thought. If it meant a daily meal, even this much could be acceptable. 

She squeaked when Lana pressed her further into her embrace. This lady! Why was she squeezing so tight?!

She could barely wiggle as the woman walked to her destination. She popped her head over Lana’s shoulder, breathing deeply now that she could finally move her head. She gazed around herself, somewhat enjoying the comfort of being carried. 

Ah, this truly was a divine sensation. It was a shame that one day, every person carried by their parents would be set down and never enter their embrace again. It was somewhat nostalgic, if a bit demeaning. 

Eres looked around as the streets turned residential. Which house would they be entering? This one? That  one?

Yet no matter how impressive the villa they walked past, Lana marched on. She wiggled around, trying to see their destination.

Lana laughed, before adjusting her grip on the girl to allow her to look forward. 

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

After around ten minutes of walking, a building entered Eres’s vision. It was so massive, she didn’t consider it a residence at first. It was only when she realized that Lana was walking in that direction that she froze. 

“Who…did you say you worked for?”

“His lord Duke, Lionel Fritz.”

Duke, oh ok. No wonder the mansion was massive. No, wait, Duke?! Eres looked at her in shock. Was this lady really bringing a dirt-covered orphan into a duke’s mansion? Huh? Was her life in danger? If she looked at the ducal family wrong, would she be waking up in a different world again?

Eres swallowed. She pressed against Lana, hiding her face in her shoulders. She wasn’t comforted. Not at all. 

Lana brought her in the gates, walking past the curious stares of people tending the garden and servants milling about. Eres blushed at their inquiring gazes. This really was too much for an introvert…

Eres turned around at the sound of approaching footsteps. A butler with two maids behind him approached. 

The man’s gaze fell on Eres’s dirty clothes and hair. “Head Maid? May I ask what you’re doing?”

Lana readjusted Eres in her arms. “I’ve found a gift for the young lord.”

“…”

“Prepare a bath. Anne, Tia, wash this child and see her into clean clothes.”

Lana leaned forward, set Eres’s feet on the ground, and pushed her towards the two women. Eres stumbled, looking up in a panic. She could feel her face turning red as she looked at the two maids. The looked at her with curiosity. The one on the left, Anne, smiled at her and reached a hand forward.

“The bath is this way. You’ll love it, I promise.”

Eres hesitated, looking back at Lana. The head maid pressed on the small of her back gently, a smile dancing over her lips.

“Go on, don’t be shy. No harm will come to you. We’ll meet after you’ve freshened up.”

Eres stepped forward, still embarrassed and shy. As a grown adult, receiving this level of care was rather embarrassing. Still, she grasped Anne’s hand and followed.

Tia walked close by, saying little. She didn’t speak, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Was she a fellow introvert? Eres nodded, feeling a little closer to her. 

Eres’s eyes widened as they led her inside. The interior was massive, sparkling marble and cut stone were matched with fine wood, and dazzling glass chandeliers adorned the roof. They said duke, right? Is this not the level of the royal family?!

Anne led her to a side path on the first floor, before dragging her into a large changing room. 

“Alright, let’s get you all cleaned up.”

Ah. Right. That. 

Should she mention the embarrassment of receiving aid to bathe as an adult? No, the feeling of a warm bath for the first time since coming here was indescribable. It was truly worth the awkwardness. 

Eres was shocked at the level of grime that washed away from her. The water nearly turned black from the dirt. 

Her skin was still sore from the rough scrubbing required to clean the dirt off as Anne and Tia dressed her in fresh clothing. Of course, Eres’s face twisted when she realized it was a dress. She had tried to ask for pants, but could barely get a word out before being stuffed into a girly outfit. 

How long had it been? An hour? Two? Regardless, Eres was exhausted when she finally escaped from the clutches of the two maids.

Ugh! Damn! They even played with her hair, forcing it into different styles before settling on a simple ponytail. All that attention and time, playing with braids, and they settled on the simplest option?! Was she a doll?!

Eres quieted the rage in her heart as she glared at the maids. Tia smirked at her.

“You’re fun to dress up.”

Anne nodded. “I’ve never seen red hair before. It’s so pretty…I’m jealous, Eres.”

“You can have it,” She mumbled.

“The head maid is waiting for you in her quarters, Eres. Come on, this way.”

Anne gripped her hand again in a vice and dragged her to the stairs. Eres stumbled behind her, cursing her luck. How had it ended up like this? Should she run off again? 

Lana’s room was rather luxurious. Was that the perk of being head maid? It was well decorated with furniture, a double bed, and various paintings on the wall. Just what kind of salary was she given…?

“Eres?”

Lana looked at her in shock. Perhaps the impression of a street rat was too strong, because she barely seemed to recognize her. She stood up and hurried to her side, looking Eres over at every angle.

Tia chuckled. “She cleans up nice.”

Anne nodded. “I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I realized her hair was red!”

“You two have done well. Take your night duties off. Thank you.”

They nodded, bowed, and exited the room at her dismissal. 

Lana smiled at Eres, a happy, satisfied expression crossing over her face. She grabbed her arm and dragged her to the couch, sitting her down. 

“Tea?”

“Yes, please.”

“Hehe, so well mannered. I might’ve made a better choice than I thought.”

Why did she look so smug? Eres couldn’t help but feel nervous. Just what did this lady have in store for her? 

The smell of tea wafted to Eres’s nose as Lana poured her a cup of tea. Oh my god…that smell is divine.

Eres eagerly reached forward, almost slurping it down, but looked at Lana’s expectant expression. Her eyes were sharp, observing Eres’s every movement. 

Wait. Was this a test? Eres averted her eyes, and slowly reached for the cup. She picked it up, pinching the handle between her thumb, index and ring finger, and used her middle finger to support the bottom. She emulated a regal posture from her memories of movies and tried to sip it gracefully. 

She blushed when her wrist couldn’t support the weight and a splash fell out on her dress. She flushed further as Lana laughed.

Eres glanced up at Lana pitifully as the woman picked up a napkin to wipe her dress. Lana rubbed the tea stain before bringing her hand upwards, tilting Eres’s chin up. 

“Where did a child like you learn such elegant drinking technique? Though, your execution could use some work.”

“I…copied people I saw drinking before.”

“Hmm.”

Lana set the napkin down before brushing a strand of hair behind Eres’s ear. She smiled at her, a kind and loving gaze settling over her face. Eres’s face scrunched up in confusion when Lana bopped her nose playfully.

“Ma’am?”

“Oh dear, forgive me Eres. I was taken by how adorable you are.”

“Uhhh…”

“Eres.”

“Y-yeah? I mean, yes?”

“I would like you to stay with me tonight. Is that okay?”

Eres looked at her blankly. What was with this lady? Did she do this for every orphan on the road? Why was she being so kind?

“Um. Sure.”

“I still have duties that need attending to. Feel free to roam the grounds, if you wish. I’ll find you when it’s time for bed.”

Eres nodded. 

“Good.” Lana pat her head again. Geez, why does she like doing that so much?

Eres escaped from under her hand and darted out of the room. The door closed, muffling Lana’s gentle laughter. 

Could she really go wherever? Eres scratched her head. She really didn’t belong here. Wouldn’t someone chase her out? She tugged at the collar of her dress and wandered around. 

She gave herself a tour of the building, giving polite greetings to the workers when she saw them. No one approached her, though they gave her curious looks. When she had a basic understanding of the layout, she meandered into the garden she’d passed earlier. 

It was gorgeous. Vast hedges and bushes of flowers were laid out, putting any botanical garden she’d seen in her previous life to shame. Was this the power of money? That duke must be ridiculously loaded.

It was still surreal she was allowed to be here at all. Was the head maid a big softy or something? Still, she didn’t see any other “projects” running around causing mayhem, so maybe she hadn’t brought other children here? Eres was confused. Happy, but confused. Could something this convenient really happen?

She looked up at the sound of running water. She’d wandered a ways into the garden, only belatedly realizing where she was. A fountain with a wolf howling was set into stone before her. Water shot from it’s mouth, spilling over into the fountain. She walked up, peering into the pool. 

Her reflection peered back. Shocking red hair, a delicate face. Surprisingly pretty. But what good was that? She’d die in the street all the same if she couldn’t secure a future.

Could she snatch some coins from in here? If the head maid got tired of her, maybe she could line her pockets before getting kicked out. 

Seriously, what was this situation? She ruffled her hair in frustration. Couldn’t she have been reincarnated with parents, at least? At least then she wouldn’t have to worry about much until adulthood. Now she was the only one responsible for herself. How long would this job even last? 

Eres clicked her tongue. “Ah, fuck…I want a cigarette.”

“Ah.”

A sound rang out behind her. Eres swiveled around. 

A young boy was sitting on a bench behind her, peering up from a book in his hands in shock. His black hair tussled softly in the wind, the ends barely reaching his widened eyes. 

“What…did you just say?”

Eres’s stomach dropped. “N-nothing, haha nothing…”

The boy stood quickly, threw his book to the side and took two steps towards her. 

“E-eh…?!”

Eres backed against the fountain as he approached. 

“You just said…cigarette?”

“N-no I didn’t.”

The boy closed the gap, standing right in front of her. Eres averted her eyes from his intense gaze.

“Hey.”

Eres didn’t answer. What was this kid’s problem?! This snot nosed brat was way too close! Should she push him away? Punch him? 

Perhaps sensing the girl’s wariness, he took a step back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

He looked her over with a careful glance. “Who are you? I haven’t seen you here before.”

“I-I’m Eres. The head maid brought me here today.”

“I see…Eres? Why don’t you sit over here? I have some snacks we can share.”

He gave a brilliant smile.

This kid. Was he just surprised to see someone his own age? He had approached with surprising intensity, but now he was calm. 

Eres followed him to the bench. She couldn’t deny her stomach food after going hungry for so long. The sight of cookies on a platter caused her stomach to rumble again. 

“Please, help yourself.”

She did. Eres sat next to him and picked up a cookie. The explosion of chocolate and sugar rocked over her senses. 

“Mmmm!!”

Was it because her body had never had it before? The flavor was so intense she almost fainted. It was! So! Good!

Everything else but the cookie disappeared. The taste of sugar, the crunchy texture juxtaposed with the smoothness of the chocolate…

Suddenly, it was like the treat vanished from her hands. She looked at her chocolate covered fingers in shock, realizing she’d already eaten the whole thing. Her eyes landed on the other cookie on the platter, but she held back. It would be rude to eat the last one. 

Her hands trembled from the effort of holding back. Such a delicacy after starving for days…this was truly a temptation. 

“Please, take it.” The boy lifted the platter to her, a smile on his lips. His chin was supported by his other arm in a relaxed posture as he watched her eat. 

“A-are you sure?”

“No need to hold back. Eat it.”

Eres snatched the other cookie from the platter and stuffed it in her mouth. Ahh~! Tasty!

She was still distracted by the flavor when the boy asked her a question.

“Hey, do you have your phone on you? For the time?”

Eres shook her head. “No, it’s not on me.”

She finished the cookie and licked the chocolate from her fingers. Ah…perfection. 

She looked at the boy to thank him, when the smile on his face snapped her attention back in focus. 

The boy leaned forward. “Interesting.”

Wait. What had he asked her? Phone…?

Her eyes widened in shock. “Y-you’re…?”

“Hello,” He said, “Fellow traveler.”