Elyora walked through the mansion's quiet corridors on her way to the dining room.
The halls were spacious and well-maintained, illuminated by the soft light of morning filtering through tall windows. Despite the mansion's size, very little noise lingered within its walls. Even her footsteps seemed muted against the polished floor.
It was along one of these corridors that she encountered a maid.
Ydara.
The youngest of the mansion's of the triplets.
Beside her floated a P-Pob, that small rectangular robot that hovered silently at shoulder height. Its movements were smooth and precise, keeping pace with her without the slightest delay.
Ydara carried a wooden food box in both hands.
The container was carefully sealed and wrapped, suggesting that its contents had been prepared for a specific recipient rather than for the household's breakfast.
As Elyora approached, Ydara noticed her immediately.
She shifted slightly to the side of the corridor and stopped.
The P-Pob adjusted its position beside her.
A gentle smile appeared on the maid's face.
"Good morning, Lady Elyora."
Ydara gave a polite bow, careful not to tilt the wooden food box she carried in both hands. The container was large enough to limit her movement, so she kept her posture controlled to ensure the contents remained steady.
"Good morning, Miss Ydara," Elyora replied.
Ydara inclined her head.
"My sister has already begun preparing the dining table for you."
Her voice was calm and professional.
"The meal is ready. I was on my way to inform you."
"I see."
Elyora nodded.
"Thank you."
A brief silence followed.
Then she added, "I'll head there now."
"As you wish, Lady Elyora."
The exchange was simple, yet pleasant.
Ydara resumed her errand, moving at a slightly hurried pace, while Elyora continued toward the dining room.
Within moments, they disappeared in opposite directions.
–––
The dining room was already prepared by the time Elyora arrived.
A long antique wooden table occupied the center of the hall. Though aged, it had been maintained with exceptional care. The surface was polished clean, and every chair surrounding it appeared perfectly aligned.
Twenty chairs stood around the table, each carved from matching dark wood. Their designs were elegant without being excessive, displaying the craftsmanship of an earlier era.
Above them hung a chandelier.
Morning light passed through its crystals and scattered softly throughout the room.
The walls were painted a muted shade of green that complemented the dark wood furnishings. Large windows allowed ample daylight inside, giving the room a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The wooden plank floor beneath everything gleamed with careful maintenance.
Not a speck of dust was visible.
Someone clearly took great pride in preserving the mansion.
Near the table stood another maid.
She moved from place to place, making small adjustments to utensils, plates, and decorations. Every movement was deliberate, as though she followed a standard invisible to everyone except herself.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, she paused.
Then she turned.
Yderin.
The middle sister of the triplets.
At first glance, she looked remarkably similar to Ydara.
Both shared the same wheat-blonde hair and refined features.
The most obvious difference was in their eyes.
Where Ydara's eyes were emerald green, Yderin's were grey with a faint hint of blue, cool and distant like a quiet sea under muted skies.
A P-Pob hovered beside her, its front limbs extended as it silently assisted her in her work.
When she saw Elyora, Yderin immediately straightened and offered a respectful greeting.
One hand rested over her chest as she inclined her head.
"Ah... you've arrived."
Her voice was soft and composed.
"Good morning, Lady Elyora."
"Good morning, Miss Yderin."
Yderin smiled politely.
"I was informed of your arrival."
The statement briefly caught Elyora's attention.
'Informed?' The word lingered in her thoughts for only a moment before she dismissed it.
Yderin continued.
"Please forgive the delay. Everything is being prepared for you."
"There is no need to apologize," Elyora replied. "You've already done more than enough."
Yderin lowered her head slightly in appreciation.
"Thank you for your understanding."
She then stepped aside and gestured toward the table.
"If you would kindly take your seat, we will begin serving shortly."
Elyora followed the gesture.
The dining room was orderly, comfortable, and unexpectedly welcoming.
For someone who had arrived only a week ago, the mansion still felt unfamiliar in many ways.
Yet moments like this made it increasingly difficult to think of herself as merely a guest.
She approached the table and took her seat.
Her eyes wandered over the dishes before settling on the fruits arranged at the center of the table.
They looked remarkably fresh.
After a moment of hesitation, Elyora reached for a piece and took her first bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
The fruit was crisp and sweet, with a freshness that surprised her.
She looked at the piece in her hand, then at the basket.
"…It's really good."
Yderin noticed her reaction and smiled.
"Enjoying the fruits?"
Elyora nodded.
"They're very fresh."
"G takes care of the fruits and vegetables himself," Yderin said, sounding rather pleased. "He puts a lot of effort into growing them."
Elyora paused.
"G?"
"Yes."
The name brought a faint memory to mind.
A while ago, she had happened to see him outside.
G had been walking across the mansion grounds with a basket of fruits in one hand. A robot accompanied him, quietly following at his side.
And beside them was his strange little pet.
Elyora remembered staring at the creature for a few moments.
It was certainly unusual.
Yet, despite its strange appearance, there had been something oddly adorable about it.
She hadn't spoken to G that day.
In truth, she barely knew him.
But the sight had made her curious.
She wondered what kind of person would spend his time tending to a garden, walking around with a robot, and keeping such an unusual creature as a companion.
Elyora looked back at the fruit in her hand.
"So he grows these himself…"
Yderin nodded.
"He does."
She took another bite, her attention lingering on the basket.
Her curiosity about G had slowly grown.
Whenever she saw him around the mansion, there was always something about him that caught her attention. His dark hair constantly fell over his face, often covering his eyes and making his expression difficult to read.
There was a quiet mystery surrounding him—something she couldn't quite explain.
The more she noticed him, the more curious she became.
Around her, the mansion continued its quiet routine.
The P-Pob hovered patiently.
Yderin returned to her preparations.
And beneath the morning light, the day slowly began.