Chapter 15: Did She Just Read My Mind?!
"..."
Maya remained silent throughout the exchange, her presence a constant reminder of her duty to assist Cian. However, an indescribable pain gripped her chest, making it difficult for her to contain her emotions. She yearned for the anguish to dissipate, but she couldn't quite understand the source of her suffering.
"So, what do you propose we do, Erica?" Cian inquired, his gaze fixed on her.
Erica's eyes widened in realization. She hadn't prepared a proper plan since her visit was somewhat impromptu.
"Oh? Ah! I-I'm sorry. I hadn't planned anything!" Erica apologized, feeling a tinge of embarrassment.
"No need to apologize. We can come up with something together. How about we start by exploring the entire manor? Would that be alright with you?"
A smile brightened Erica's face, grateful for Cian's understanding. "T-That's just fine by me! I would love to explore the manor with you, Lord Cian."
As the two of them prepared to embark on their exploration, Maya couldn't help but watch their interaction with a mixture of conflicting emotions. Her heart yearned for something she couldn't quite grasp, and as she observed Erica and Cian's budding connection, a sense of melancholy settled upon her.
As Erica and Cian prepared to leave the room, Maya remained rooted in place, unable to move. Her presence seemed disconnected from their shared excitement.
Noticing Maya's hesitation, Cian turned around and addressed her. "What are you doing, Maya? Aren't you going to come too?"
Erica's eyes widened in surprise at Cian's invitation. She had assumed that the maid would stay behind, granting her an opportunity to have some private time with Cian. Her heart sank at the thought of Maya accompanying them.
"...Okay," Maya replied quietly, her head bowed.
Cian furrowed his brow, puzzled by Maya's unusual behavior. There was an unspoken tension in the air, and he sensed that something was amiss.
"What's the matter, Maya?" Cian inquired, his concern evident in his voice.
Maya's eyes flickered, torn between revealing her inner turmoil and maintaining her professional composure. She knew she couldn't burden Cian with her own struggles, especially not in front of Erica.
"It's nothing, young master," she replied with a forced smile. "I shall accompany you both. After all, it is my duty to assist you."
Cian's gaze lingered on Maya, sensing that her words didn't quite align with her true feelings. However, he chose not to press the matter, sensing that there were deeper complexities at play. Reluctantly, he turned his attention back to Erica.
"Shall we go?"
•••••
"Wow! Lord Cian, this garden is absolutely stunning," Erica exclaimed as they strolled through the manicured paths. Though not as grand as the gardens in Bluerose, it possessed a unique charm that captivated her.
Cian smiled, appreciating Erica's genuine enthusiasm. "Indeed, Erica. This garden was designed by the renowned landscape architect, Sirius Deign. His exceptional talent is evident in every meticulously placed flower and carefully crafted pathway."
As they continued their leisurely walk, Erica's gaze fixated on a particular statue nestled among the vibrant foliage. It depicted the esteemed first generation house of the Lambharts, the legendary General Fier Lambhart II.
"That statue over there is truly remarkable," Erica remarked, her voice filled with awe. "It portrays the great General Fier Lambhart II, the founding pillar of your esteemed lineage. Such a fitting tribute to your family's prestigious history."
"Indeed, Erica. General Fier Lambhart II was a revered figure, known for his unwavering loyalty and exceptional leadership. He laid the foundation for our noble house, and his legacy continues to inspire us."
Maya, on the other hand, observed the scene before her, her expression inscrutable. Her gaze shifted from her own maid uniform to Erica's elegant attire, highlighting the stark contrast between their stations. A sense of loneliness gnawed at her heart as she watched Erica engaged in lively conversation with Cian.
In that moment, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of profound isolation.
'So even though the young master and I are always together, we exist in separate realms...'
Despite their proximity and the countless hours they spent in each other's company, there seemed to be an invisible barrier that separated them.
"So, Erica, have you been enjoying your time here in our manor?" Cian asked, his attention focused on Erica.
Erica's eyes sparkled with excitement as she responded, "Yes, Lord Cian. This place is truly captivating, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience the grandeur of your family's estate."
"I'm delighted that you've enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if our manor would meet your expectations, but I'm glad it has pleased you.
"Of course, I would like it. It is your home, after all."
Maya's heart continued to tighten with each passing moment, and she reached a breaking point. She could no longer bear witness to the closeness between Cian and Erica, a reminder of the divide that separated her from their world. Gathering her courage, she spoke up.
"I would like to apologize, Young Master, but I need to excuse myself momentarily. There is something I need to discuss with the head maid," she stammered, her voice betraying her inner turmoil.
Cian turned his attention to Maya, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Is there something specific you need to ask her?"
"I... It's a private matter, young master. It concerns the duties of a maid, and I believe it's best discussed with the head maid in private."
Cian furrowed his brows, sensing that there was more to Maya's request than she was letting on. However, he respected her need for privacy and nodded understandingly.
"I see. Very well, Maya. Please take care of your business. We will continue our exploration of the garden in the meantime."
"Thank you." Her heart heavy with sadness, she reluctantly turned away, preparing to leave. However, as she glanced back one last time, she was startled to find them already moving away.
With a deep breath, she finally took a step forward, determined not to look back again.
Having distanced themselves from Maya, Erica couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for the personal maid who had caught her attention. She turned to Cian, her voice laced with genuine worry as she voiced her thoughts. "Uhm... Lord Cian, forgive me for asking, but I couldn't help but notice that your personal maid seemed burdened by something. Is she doing alright?"
Cian remained silent, his gaze fixed on Maya's retreating figure as she made her way back to the manor with a resolute stride.
Erica observed his silence and followed his gaze. "Lord Cian?"
Realizing his distraction, Cian snapped back to the present, his attention returning to Erica. "Apologies, Erica. I seemed to have drifted off for a moment. What were you saying?".
Caught off guard by the sudden shift in Cian's demeanor, Erica hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to revisit her concerns. Sensing his detachment, she decided against it, opting for a simple response. "Oh, it was nothing of importance. Let us continue with the tour."
Cian nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes now focused in the opposite direction, ready to guide Erica forward. The brief moment of introspection passed, tucked away for another time. The tour resumed, with Cian taking the lead once more, his thoughts veiled in a shroud of secrecy.
•••••
Meanwhile, Maya found solace in the kitchen, where she was washing her face, desperately trying to wash away the lingering words, "You're only a maid, right?" that echoed in her mind.
After finishing washing her face, she let the cool water soothe her skin before patting it dry with a soft towel. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled by a voice coming from beside her.
"It seems like you're going through a difficult time, Maya."
"Eh?!" Maya yelped, startled. Lowering the towel from her face, she saw Sandra standing next to her. "Oh, it's just you, Sandra. Don't scare me like that."
"Have I startled you, perhaps?"
"Can't you see that just by seeing my reaction? And what do you mean, me going through a difficult time?"
Sandra's yellowish-brown eyes locked onto Maya's deep brown eyes, as if she was trying to peer into her very soul.
"I can sense it in your heart. It's evident that you're going through a difficult time, consumed by inner turmoil ever since you entered that room with the young lady of Bluerose. Could it be that you've finally realized there are other women who are more suitable for him than you?"
Maya's eyes widened briefly, caught off guard by Sandra's sharp observation, but she quickly composed herself. "I don't know what you're talking about, Sandra. I've never even considered myself suitable for him, nor have I entertained such thoughts. Besides, given my lowly station, it's impossible for me to be a suitable match for him."
As Maya spoke those words, a somber realization settled upon her. She couldn't deny the stark contrast between her humble origins and the elevated status of Cian, the young master she served. He belonged to a world of privilege and opulence, a realm far beyond her reach as a lowly maid. In the grand tapestry of their lives, she felt invisible, a mere speck unnoticed by those in power.
"You're lying to yourself, Maya."
Confusion furrowed Maya's brow. "What do you mean? I wasn't lying about anything. I have never considered myself a suitable match for him, nor have I allowed romantic thoughts to cloud my mind. My devotion as his personal maid is all I've ever desired. It grants me the privilege of remaining by his side, and that alone is enough for me."
Sandra's gaze pierced through Maya's defenses, searching for the truth hidden beneath her words. "But what if he decides to get married, Maya? What will you do then?"
Maya took a moment to contemplate the question. She remained resolute. "Nothing will change. I will continue to stay by his side, just as I have always done, and support him in any way I can."
Sandra sighed. "Let me make sure I understand this correctly," she began, her voice tinged with incredulity. "Even if he is already married to another woman, you're still willing to stand by his side as her personal maid?"
Maya, undeterred by Sandra's skepticism, responded with a serene smile that seemed to emit an ethereal glow. It was as if her very presence exuded an otherworldly radiance, though Sandra couldn't help but wonder if it was just a figment of her imagination.
"Yes," she replied, her voice unwavering and filled with unwavering dedication. "Even if he has a family of his own, I will not waver in my commitment to serve as his personal maid."
"So, if I understand correctly, you're saying that you want to be with him in the future, regardless of the circumstances?"
A resolute determination gleamed in Maya's eyes as she nodded, her smile unwavering. "Indeed. I am prepared to fulfill my role as his personal maid until the very end, even if it means staying by his side until death separates us."
Sandra's sigh was heavy with exasperation as she attempted to reason with Maya once again. "Listen, Maya, in this world, your approach simply won't work. If the lord ever gets married, his wife would naturally be the primary source of support and care for him. As a maid, your role would diminish significantly. Don't you understand what I'm trying to convey?"
Maya's response was filled with genuine confusion as she struggled to grasp Sandra's perspective. "I don't understand. Isn't it my duty as his personal maid to take care of him? Why would his wife be solely responsible for his well-being? I am here for him."
"Huh?" Sandra exclaimed.
She couldn't help but find Maya's reaction somewhat peculiar. It was common knowledge that housewives were expected to be the pillars of support for their husbands, providing care and assistance in every possible way.
The fact that Maya couldn't grasp this basic understanding left Sandra questioning her intelligence, albeit rather rudely in her thoughts.
"Did you just insult me?" Maya's voice suddenly turned icy, her once warm eyes now emanating a cold, piercing glare.
Sandra's reaction was instinctive—a barely perceptible flinch.
'Did she just read my mind?!' Sandra screamed silently within the confines of her own thoughts, her mind reeling from the possibility that Maya possessed a power she had never anticipated.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone