Chapter 16: You Certainly Have Grown
Though her mind was filled with a tumultuous mix of shock and disbelief, Sandra skillfully maintained an outward facade of composure. She met Maya's piercing gaze with a seemingly emotionless expression, refusing to betray her internal turmoil.
Her voice calm and measured, Sandra attempted to reason with Maya. "No, Maya, I did not insult you. But the point I was trying to make is that once young master is married, his wife would naturally become the primary source of support for him. It's not a matter of your capabilities or the orders you've received. It's simply the way things are expected to be in our society."
Maya's voice wavered with a hint of uncertainty as she processed Sandra's explanation. "But... how can you say that I won't be able to take care of him anymore? My parents and the lord himself entrusted me with the duty to attend to his needs, no matter the circumstances. It's my obligation, and I will fulfill it to the best of my abilities."
"Maya, when you were young, didn't you observe your parents? Didn't you witness your mother taking care of your father, supporting him instead of relying solely on the maids?"
Maya's face assumed a pensive expression, her finger gently touching her chin as she delved into her memories. The silence stretched as she grappled with recollections that seemed elusive, much to Sandra's surprise.
"I actually... can't remember," Maya finally confessed, her admission hanging in the air, thick with a sense of uncertainty.
The revelation struck her as odd. In her understanding, children possessed keen observational skills, their young minds absorbing the nuances of their parents' interactions. It was through these observations that they learned language, developed their own personalities, and gleaned insights into the dynamics of relationships. Maya's inability to recall such details raised questions about the depth of her childhood observations.
Although Sandra was taken aback by Maya's response, she maintained her composed demeanor, masking her astonishment. Her thoughts whirled with possibilities, contemplating the implications of Maya's statement. Yet, aware that pressing further might breach sensitive territory, she chose to release a weary sigh, a subtle sign of resignation. "Well, if my words are not resonating with you, then perhaps it's best for you to ponder them as if I were speaking to myself," she offered, hoping that Maya would find her own path to understanding in due time.
Sometimes, understanding could only be reached through personal reflection and contemplation, and Sandra hoped that Maya would eventually come to that realization on her own.
As Sandra uttered her final remark, a fleeting glance shifted towards Maya's chest, a subtle observation that caught her attention. Had there been a change in size?
"...You certainly have grown," Sandra remarked, her tone hinting at a possible double entendre, though she quickly realized the unintended misinterpretation.
Misunderstanding Sandra's comment, Maya responded with a touch of self-reflection. "I may have physically grown, but my mindset remains somewhat naive. Despite my growth, there is still much I have yet to learn."
Sandra chose not to clarify her words, allowing Maya to attribute her remark solely to physical changes. Instead, she redirected the conversation towards a piece of advice she felt compelled to share. Her eyes met Maya's, devoid of emotion but filled with a resolute sincerity.
"Maya, now that you're beginning to recognize your true feelings, I urge you to remember this: When someone else enters Lord's life, no matter how many they may be, resist the urge to become angered or resentful. Instead, support him in his choices and endeavors. It is in embracing this mindset that you will embark upon a path of genuine mental growth," Sandra advised, her words carrying a weight that resonated deep within Maya.
Maya's response held a steadfast resolve, devoid of anger or possessiveness. "I have no right to be angered, even if he chooses to have multiple wives in this household. If I can stay by his side during that time, that's all that truly matters to me."
Sandra's gaze locked with Maya's, and in that moment, she saw a glimmer of growth within those eyes. A flicker of realization swept through Sandra's thoughts. 'You claim not to be growing mentally, but you are simply unaware of your own growth. It is happening within you,' she silently acknowledged.
Drawing in a breath, Sandra decided to shift the focus back to their responsibilities. "Well, now that you understand this, I suppose it's time to continue with our duties. And Maya, you should make your way back to our lord. It appears that he is awaiting your return."
"He is?! Oh no!" Maya exclaimed, a sense of urgency gripping her as she hastily turned to leave the kitchen. But before she vanished from sight, she paused, casting one final glance at Sandra. "Oh, and thank you for giving me advice, Sandra. I never expected you to offer guidance. You always seemed indifferent, as if nothing and no one could faze you."
Sandra's expression remained unchanged, a mask of detached composure. "What do you take me for? Just go and attend to your duties."
With a resolute nod, Maya acknowledged Sandra's words. "Yes!"
And with that, she disappeared from the kitchen, her departing footsteps gradually fading away. Left alone in the silent space, Sandra couldn't help but release a weary sigh.
"I wonder... when will I experience true mental growth?" she mused silently, her gaze shifting down to her hands. They were hands stained with the blood of others, a testament to the darker aspects of her existence. "No matter how much I may have grown in other ways, will I ever truly mature mentally?"
Her murmured thoughts dissolved into the air, unheard by anyone but herself, as she contemplated the depths of her own soul.
••••
Cian and Erica found themselves on the serene balcony of the manor, savoring a moment of tranquility over steaming cups of tea. The gentle breeze rustled through the surrounding foliage, creating a soothing atmosphere.
After delicately placing his teacup onto the saucer, Cian turned his attention to Erica, "So, Erica, did you enjoy the tour?"
Erica, feeling a mixture of excitement and awe, clasped her own cup, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns on its surface. "I... I truly did," she responded, her voice carrying a hint of wonder. "Your residence is truly remarkable, Lord Cian. This is actually my first time venturing out to another household independently, so I don't have any points of comparison. However, one thing is certain—this land holds a rich history that has played a pivotal role in shaping the very kingdom we know today."
"I see. I'm glad that you found enjoyment in our manor," Cian replied, though his attention seemed to wander elsewhere, his gaze distant.
"Lord Cian, you appear to have something on your mind. Would you like to take a break?" Erica asked, concern evident in her voice, as she observed his preoccupied state.
Cian snapped back to the present, shaking his head gently. "No, I'm fine. It's just..." He trailed off, his words left hanging in the air.
The truth was, Maya's absence weighed heavily on his mind. During times when he found himself unsure of what to do, Maya had always been by his side, offering guidance and support. Cian's interactions outside of his family were limited, with his conversations primarily confined to his elder sister, father, and Maya. As a result, engaging in conversations with others, like Erica, presented a challenge for him.
Every time Erica attempted to initiate a conversation, Cian's mind raced, striving to process and formulate the best response. He dissected each word, read into every nuance, and analyzed the subtlest of details. In truth, he often found himself overthinking, diving deeper into the intricacies of the conversation than an average person might.
Erica, being an introverted person herself, could empathize with Cian's struggle in conversation. Sensing his unease, she searched for a solution that would allow them to spend time together without the pressure of constant talking.
"Um... Lord Cian, would you like to play chess with me?" she suggested, her voice gentle and understanding.
Chess, a game that required strategic thinking and concentration, seemed like the perfect choice. It allowed them to engage in an activity that didn't heavily rely on conversation, while still enjoying each other's company.
"Oh? You play chess now?"
"I may not be as skilled as my sister, but I have a decent grasp of the game now. My father taught me how to play, and I've been practicing to improve my skills. It would be enjoyable to play together."
While she knew she couldn't match her sister or Cian in expertise, she had invested time and effort into improving her chess abilities.
Though not an expert, Erica saw this as an opportunity to share a meaningful experience with Cian. A game of chess could create a bridge between them, allowing them to enjoy each other's company without the pressure of constant conversation.
"...Well, if you want to play with me, then I suppose I can indulge you in a game of chess," Cian said. "But I must warn you, Erica, no one, not even your sister, has managed to best me in this game."
"Hehe, I'm aware," Erica giggled, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and confidence.
While Cian's words might have come across as boastful, Erica understood the truth behind them. Cian's reputation as a formidable chess player was well-deserved, surpassing even the skills of renowned players like Harkes Kings. His ability to analyze the board, anticipate moves, and devise intricate strategies had left many opponents in awe.
Erica had witnessed Cian's prowess firsthand, observing his precise and calculated maneuvers. The way he effortlessly outmaneuvered his opponents, leaving them bewildered and outmatched, was a testament to his skill. Cian possessed an unmatched talent for the game, a fact that Erica admired and respected.
"I should retrieve a chessboard for us, Erica," Cian said, rising from his seat. In the absence of Maya, his personal maid, he felt a mix of freedom and a subtle longing for her familiar presence.
•••••
As Cian made his way towards the room where the chess boards were stored, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Maya, who seemed to be headed back towards the balcony.
"Oh, young master? Where are you off to?" Maya inquired, her voice filled with curiosity.
"I'm going to retrieve a chess board. Care to join me?"
Maya's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh? Uhm... Okay, sure!" she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.
Together, they entered the room that had been witness to countless intense chess matches between Ciel and Cian. The scent of polished wood lingered in the air, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
"By the way, what did you need to discuss with the head maid earlier?"
Maya's expression flickered for a moment, hesitating before responding, "Oh, it's nothing of great importance, young master. Just some matters that pertained to the maids. You need not concern yourself with it."
Cian's expression revealed a trace of dissatisfaction with her vague response. However, he understood the boundaries that existed between him and the maids of the household. There were aspects of their lives and duties that remained their own, not meant to be divulged to their master.
Sensing his discontent, Maya quickly reassured him, "It's nothing major, really. Just a discussion that needed to take place among the maids and the head maid. You need not worry, young master."
Cian nodded, though a faint curiosity still lingered in his eyes. He respected Maya's need for privacy and decided not to press any further. After all, he had always valued the autonomy and individuality of each member of his household, understanding that their personal matters were not always meant for his knowledge.
Cian, momentarily setting aside his concerns, made his way towards the cabinet where an array of chess boards were stored.
He reached the cabinet and carefully opened it, revealing a collection of intricately designed chessboards, each one representing a unique battle arena for strategic minds. Cian's fingers glided over the smooth wooden surfaces, contemplating which board would be most suitable for their game. After a moment of consideration, he selected a board with delicate carvings, its polished wood gleaming under the soft glow of the room's lighting.
"Let me carry it for you, young master."
"Sure, Maya. Thank you."
As Maya reached out to take the chessboard from Cian, an unintended mishap occurred, causing the board to slip from her grasp and crash onto the floor. The impact sent the chess pieces scattering in all directions, creating a chaotic scene.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry, young master. Let me gather the pieces," Maya apologized hastily, her face flushed with embarrassment. She immediately knelt down to retrieve the fallen chess pieces, diligently picking them up one by one.
As she collected the scattered pieces, she noticed that a few of them had rolled underneath the table. Determined to retrieve them all, she gracefully maneuvered herself on all-fours, her body stretching beneath the table in an effort to reach the stray pieces.
Cian couldn't help but gulp, his gaze inadvertently drawn to the sight before him. The unfortunate angle revealed a glimpse of Maya's white panties, stirring an unexpected reaction within him. His body reacted involuntarily, and he became acutely aware of a certain bulge that had formed in his trousers.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone