Floor 2 - Mansion (10)

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Head Maid taught me how to clean!
I learned which way to sweep with a broom and how to flick a feather duster around.
The work is hard, but it’s fun!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Housekeeper taught me how to clean windows!
Put cleaner on a cloth and wipe, wipe, wipe in zigzags.
It was amazing watching the dirty windows turn sparkly clean!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Housekeeper taught me how to do laundry!
It was hard because it was my first time. My hands were freezing and my arms hurt… but she helped me, so we finished early!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Head Maid taught me the hard kitchen jobs!
How to prepare Master’s meals, wash dishes, arrange the tableware…
The Head Maid really scolded me because I was too slow and kept dawdling.
The Super-Strict Demon King!
I need to hurry up and get used to housework…

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I cleaned the Study!
There were tons and tons of difficult-looking books. Does Master usually read things like these?

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I cleaned the Main Hall!
It was so big that it was pretty exhausting…
Whenever I took a break, I admired the Young Lady’s portrait.
She looked as elegant as a doll!
She was so beautiful and pretty that I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
I’ve never spoken to the Young Lady before, but whenever I happen to see her, my heart starts pounding.
The Housekeeper says she’s around my age…
But she’s been sick for a long time, and her health isn’t very good.
I hope the Young Lady gets better as soon as possible.
For Master’s sake too, I’ll do my very best to serve until then!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I cleaned Master’s Bedroom!
It’s where the handsome and dignified Master sleeps. It was soooo much bigger than the Attic where I stay.
The bed was soft too!
It smelled really nice for some reason, and I wanted to stay there forever!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I cleaned the corridor windows!
Wipe, wipe, wipe, just like the Housekeeper taught me. Then I spotted Master and the Young Lady in the garden.
The two of them were enjoying a peaceful walk together.
They looked so happy, walking side by side and chatting.
I wonder how happy the Young Lady must be. Someday, I want to go on a walk like that too!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I did the laundry.
I rinsed everything with water, scrubbed the dirty spots carefully with detergent, dried it all in the sun, and ironed it nicely.
I made the Young Lady’s nightgowns and dresses nice and clean!
Every single one was luxurious, pretty, and dazzlingly bright.
I wonder how much clothes like these cost?
They probably cost more than a whole month’s wages for a maid.
While admiring the Young Lady’s dresses, I suddenly looked down at my own clothes.
A shabby, grimy top and a skirt patched with old scraps of cloth.
Whenever they tear, the Housekeeper sews them back up for me!
She’s so nice.
Someday, I want to wear a dress like the Young Lady too!

[Month X, Day XX]

Guests came today!
I was busy from morning until night without a moment to rest.
I ran around all day and got completely exhausted. But luckily, I didn’t make a single mistake this time!
Ahem! I’m a proper veteran maid now!
Even the Super-Strict Demon King herself praised me today.
After the guests left that evening, the Housekeeper made me black tea with the leftover tea leaves!
I was so excited, but when I tried it, it wasn’t as good as I expected…
It smelled wonderful, but it was sooo bitter!
She laughed awkwardly and added milk and sugar for me.
Then it became super delicious!
Did she use magic?
The cookies she baked with it were really, really good too!
I want to eat them every day!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I tidied up the Study!
I shelved dozens of new books that had arrived at the Mansion. Then Master walked in and startled me!
He even praised me for working so hard at such a young age.
His gentle voice made me so embarrassed that my face turned red.
My heart felt all ticklish… I’d never felt anything like it before!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today is the Young Lady’s social gathering!
The Young Lady’s friends visited the Mansion. They were all so elegant and wonderful that my mouth fell open.
They must be very close, because they had such a cheerful tea party together. Drinking black tea, munching cookies…
I secretly watched through the window while I cleaned it from outside.
It looked amazing!
Every gesture and every word was so refined and elegant.
I want to try it too.
Talking with people, drinking black tea…
Hehe.
Just imagining it made me so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling.

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I prepared Master’s dinner!
The Head Maid scolded me because I set the silverware the wrong way around…
Strange. I’m sure I put it on the left just like I was taught.
But when I looked from the other side, it suddenly moved to the right!
How?!
There can only be one culprit.
It must have been a ghost!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I read a book after work!
Master told me before that I could read books from the Study whenever I got bored.
He’s so kind!
I brought one book with me.
Its title was Forbidden Love.
It’s a hard word, so I don’t really know what “forbidden” means.
But I know what love is!
It’s a romantic love story between a wealthy master and a poor maid.
For some reason, I kept imagining myself and Master, and my heart started pounding.
But the story was a little strange.
There were so many words I’d never seen before that it was hard to read.
I asked the Housekeeper to read it to me, but she flipped through a few pages, said I was too young for it, and took the book away!
No fair! She’s keeping it all to herself…
I want to read it too!

[Month X, Day XX]

A doctor came to the Mansion today!
He examined the Young Lady and left, but afterward, Master’s expression suddenly grew dark.
Even the strict Head Maid was unusually gentle today. Did something happen to the Young Lady?

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, Master entrusted me with an important duty!
I’m going to be the Young Lady’s personal maid!
Sadly, her condition has gotten much worse… so they said she needs someone dedicated to caring for her.
From now on, I’ll probably spend most of my time serving at her side.
Hearing that she’s so ill made my heart ache.
I’ll do everything I can to support the Young Lady!
You can do it!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I worked hard serving the Young Lady!
We spoke for the first time ever, but I was so nervous that I could barely talk…
The Young Lady didn’t like that and scolded me!
Eek!
She called me stupid, and I got so embarrassed that I wanted to hide somewhere…
So embarrassing…!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I worked hard serving the Young Lady again!
The Young Lady is waaaaay scarier than she looks…
Every time clumsy little me made a mistake, she exploded in anger.
If I didn’t understand an order immediately, or if I was even one minute late, she’d shout at me.
I was constantly on edge, never knowing when she’d scold me. She’s very sensitive and prickly.
Compared to the Young Lady, the strict Head Maid is an angel…!
Today I actually missed the Head Maid and wanted to see her.
Tomorrow I’ll stay extra focused and not make any mistakes!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Young Lady scolded me really badly…
I was rushing around, tripped, and broke a plate by accident.
It was completely my fault…
The Young Lady exploded because I’d broken one of her expensive favorite plates.
Her face turned red, and she screamed and screamed at me.
I felt so sorry and ashamed that I could only hang my head…
I’d tried so hard today because I wanted to be praised…
I was hurrying so I wouldn’t be late carrying out the Young Lady’s orders, and my foot slipped…
I felt so embarrassed and pathetic that I almost cried.
Then Master heard the commotion and came in, so I held back my tears.
Thankfully, Master didn’t scold me. He comforted me and calmed down the furious Young Lady.
He was so gentle and kind…
Completely crushed, I left the Young Lady’s room as though I’d been thrown out.
My work ended early today.
What do I do?
What if the Young Lady has me thrown out of the Mansion…?
I want to keep working as a maid.
I want to stay by Master’s side.
I don’t want to be abandoned again…
I don’t want to go back to where I was before meeting Master.
My heart kept pounding.
I’m scared for tomorrow to come…

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I talked with the Butler.
Thankfully, he said Master had forgiven me. I was so relieved that I burst into tears.
The Butler, who’s always so serious and stern, panicked.
I’d never seen him like that before, so I started laughing without meaning to.
He gave me a piece of candy, and it was sweet and delicious!
What a relief…
Thanks to Master’s kindness, I could continue working as a maid.
For now, instead of nursing the Young Lady, I’ll go back to my usual housework and odd jobs.
Good…!
Soon, I’ll give the Young Lady a sincere apology…

[Month X, Day XX]

Today is a special day! It’s the day before the Young Lady’s birthday!
I’ve actually been preparing a present for her for a while.
Ta-da!
It’s a rabbit doll!
I made every stitch myself using the sewing skills the Housekeeper taught me whenever we had spare time!
I’ll give the Young Lady the doll for her birthday and properly apologize for the mistake I made before.
I don’t know if she’ll forgive me… but I worked really hard on it, so I hope she likes it!
Even I think this little rabbit is adorable, and I’m its mom!

[Month X, Day XX]

Today is the Young Lady’s birthday.
I gave her my present with all my heart, but she didn’t seem pleased.
She glared at me with disgust and snapped that I shouldn’t act like we were equals.
She didn’t accept my heartfelt apology either…
Then she sneered at the present and rejected it.
She called it vulgar and filthy, then tore the doll apart.
I’d worked so hard on it…
My hands, covered in little wounds from the needle, trembled.
The Young Lady threw the ruined doll onto the floor.
She ordered me to clean up the filth immediately and left.
I couldn’t say a word.
I quietly cleaned the floor.
I swept up the torn doll and all its scraps with a broom.
I couldn’t throw it away.
I put it in my apron pocket.
I patched the torn parts and sewed it back together.
Maybe she doesn’t like rabbits…
I was sure she’d love it…
I guess I got my hopes up for nothing.
I felt miserable.

[Month X, Day XX]

A guest I’d never seen before came to the Mansion today!
We’ve been getting a lot more visitors lately.
The Housekeeper said they’re all doctors.
The Young Lady’s illness keeps getting worse…
Master hasn’t been sleeping lately because he’s so worried.
He must love his daughter very, very much…
My heart hurt too.
I was worried about the Young Lady, but I was also just a little jealous that she received so much of Master’s love.

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, the Young Lady collapsed during a walk.
Her health has gotten so bad that even walking is difficult now.
She’s become even more sensitive too. She gets angry and shouts over the smallest things.
Sometimes she even throws whatever she can grab.
The Head Maid was badly hurt when the Young Lady threw a vase at her. Her head was bleeding…
I hope she’s okay…
Unlike before, no one laughs in the Mansion anymore.
I hate this atmosphere.
I want everyone to be happy.
I hope the Young Lady gets better soon…

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I helped the Housekeeper assist Master with the Young Lady’s care.
Master cared for the Young Lady with all his heart.
He kissed her forehead, stroked her hand, and prayed.
Without resting for even a moment…!
Master looked so warm and caring as he stayed by her side.
But the Young Lady shouted at him and got angry.
Why would she do that…?
I don’t understand.
Master loves the Young Lady more than anyone.
It’s more love than some people could ever dream of receiving…

[Month X, Day XX]

Today, I spent the whole day rushing around to help care for the Young Lady.
I helped the Housekeeper and the Head Maid with all the little chores.
But I can’t stop thinking about yesterday.
Master gave the sick Young Lady all the love he had.
I was jealous. So jealous.
If I were the Young Lady, I might’ve died from happiness!
So why…?
When I’m sick, I’m grateful just to have someone beside me.
The Housekeeper once took care of me when I caught a cold…
She was so, so kind.
I’d never felt anything like it!
But the Young Lady was different.
She treated all that love and devotion as though it were simply hers by right.
When I don’t have any of it…
The Young Lady had everything I didn’t.
A huge room, pretty clothes, friends, afternoon tea parties, a father who truly cherished and loved her…
Then what about me?
While the Young Lady sleeps soundly, I have to wake up before dawn and get ready for the day in the Attic.
I put on an ugly old apron instead of a pretty dress…
Then I spend the whole day cleaning and doing laundry without a moment to rest.
I’ve even nodded off by accident and gotten scolded by the strict Head Maid lots of times…
While the Young Lady leisurely enjoys tea, I wipe windows while barely keeping my eyes open.
Of course. I’m a maid.
This is how I’m supposed to live, serving Master for the rest of my life.
And yet…
I keep comparing myself to the Young Lady.
Just once, even for a single day, I want to know what it’s like to receive Master’s love.
What if I’d been born as Master’s daughter?
My days would be completely different…
Every morning, I’d wake up in a soft bed with sunlight shining down on me,
put on pretty clothes,
eat the delicious breakfast the Housekeeper made for me,
carry a parasol instead of a broom and walk through the garden with Master while smelling the flowers…
enjoy tea while chatting happily with people,
and even the Head Maid would greet me with a smile. No matter what mistake I made, everyone would gently forgive me instead of scolding me.
Then at night, I’d fall asleep in Master’s arms, surrounded by all his love.
Hehe…
Just imagining one happy day where I’m the Young Lady makes me so happy that I can’t stop smiling.
A silly little smile keeps creeping onto my face.
A sweet dream where everyone surrounds me and treats me like I’m precious…
I’d feel like the main character.
My heart feels all ticklish.
Just imagining it makes me so happy that I can’t stop smiling…
But that’s strange.
Why am I crying?
Huh? Why are there tears…?
No matter how many times I wipe them away, they won’t stop. Because I know it’s a dream that can never come true.
I hated the Young Lady for having all of it, and I envied her too.
At the same time, it hurt to see her lying there sick and weak.
Please let the sick Young Lady recover and become healthy again…
I clasped my hands and prayed to God.
Please let her get better soon.

[Month X, Day XX]

A light drizzle fell outside the window today.
I have good news!
The Young Lady’s condition suddenly stabilized!
Did God hear my prayers…? Seeing how relieved Master looked made me feel relieved too.
He hasn’t slept properly for days because he’s been caring for her…
Thank goodness.
I finally had a little free time, so I caught up on the cleaning I’d fallen behind on.
I prepared the Drawing Room so it would be ready for guests at any time.
I swept the floor and scrubbed the windows until they squeaked…
Winter will be here soon.
I was cleaning the dirty black fireplace when,
someone suddenly appeared right in front of me!
Eek…! A thief!
I got so scared that I started whacking them over and over with the broom in my hands.
Then the person said they weren’t a thief.
They said they’d come to see me, a maid…
He kept saying strange things.
A deal?
That I could become Master’s daughter…?
Impossible.
It’s a lie!
But the person whispered to me in secret.
If that were really possible…

**

**

“…”

I had become completely absorbed in the diary.
It ended there.
The remaining pages had been torn out, so there was nothing more to read.
But this was enough.
It was obvious who had written this cheerful, lively diary.
The Mansion’s maid.
There was something strangely familiar about the diary’s writer, like the person we’d just been talking to.
At last, I realized the final secret hidden within the Mansion.

“…The girl we met wasn’t the Mansion owner’s daughter.”

At that moment,
an ominous set of footsteps began echoing from somewhere in the distance.

Click, clack-
Closer.

Click, clack-
Closer still.

At first they were faint, but they steadily grew clearer. I knew that sound. I’d heard those shoes before.
As the footsteps approached one by one, I knew immediately.

“Gyeong-ah, draw your gun.”

She was coming.