The morning fog still clung to the ancient stones of the Asteria estate, but inside, the usual meticulous chaos of the game was in full swing. Among the wave of slender figures, Rose moved with a calm, almost imperceptible diligence, her soft-toned, almost faded pink hair against the crisp white of her apron. He was, as always, a few steps behind the others; Her slightly plump figure and a few freckles failed to attract attention in a house accustomed to elegant and aristocratic lines.
"Rose, are those wallets packaged correctly? "Don't tell me you've lost Lady Lyra's favorite tea blend again" The voice belonged to Lady Seraphina Asteria, Lyra's older sister, her tone was fresh and distant. Seraphina, a vision of mature grace with ice-white hair and piercing red eyes, stood by the carriage entrance, watching the maids with a critical eye. She wasn't expecting a response, just a gesture of fulfillment.
Rose bowed and her cheeks colored slightly. -No, Mrs. Seraphina. "Everything is accounted for." He adjusted the strap of a heavy leather trunk, his hands surprisingly strong despite his modest appearance. While other maids fluttered around, arranging delicate clothes or selecting precious jewelry, Rose took care of the bulkier and less glamorous tasks. He folded Lyra's riding boots with a care that bordered on reverence, polishing the already shiny leather until it reflected his own sincere reflection.
Lady Lyra Asteria, also with white hair and red eyes, but with the most impetuous air of youth, mocked from inside the carriage. —Honestly, Serafina, you expect too much help. Especially *this*." His gaze flickered towards Rose, a disdainful look. "Just make sure it's done. "I don't need any unnecessary luggage, literal or otherwise"
Rose felt a familiar pang, but her smile did not waver. She was used to it. She was the one who washed personal bedding that others avoided, repaired seams late into the night, and often did not eat properly to ensure the comfort of her ladies. Her thin and elegant coworkers sometimes patted her on the shoulder in quiet camaraderie. "It's hard to get close to the ladies, isn't it, Rose?" One whispered, "His feet are far above us." Rose simply nodded, offering a kind word, her own good nature untarnished by her quiet struggles.
She was the last to get into the carriage, settling into a narrow corner, with her small, worn trunk hidden under her seat. Lyra and Seraphina were already engaged in conversation; Their voices were a low murmur that occasionally turned into high-pitched, competitive exchanges.
"I heard that Duchess Beatrice's daughter, Elara, has landed a position at the Royal Conservatory", Lyra reflected, rummaging through a loose thread in her riding gloves. "What a shame. She had such a lovely collection of... *toys*."
Serafina simply arched a forehead. "Childhood chases, Lyra. Focus on academia. Although I guess Elara's current *friend* is quite attractive. Not that it matters. They are all interchangeable, right? "Just passing fun."
Siguió un leve, casi imperceptible olfateo de Serafina. "Aunque creo que la última adquisición de Lady Valerius está bastante… bien desarrollada. No es exactamente mi gusto por un *juguete*, pero ciertamente no es poco atractivo" Había una nota despectiva en su voz, una clara indicación de que esas "chicas talentosas" eran meras distracciones fugaces, nunca verdaderamente cautivadoras.
Rose escuchó, entendiendo las corrientes subyacentes. Hablaron de otras jóvenes de alta cuna, de sus aventuras y coqueteos, con un aire distante, casi clínico. Era un mundo de placeres fugaces, donde la admiración rara vez se profundizaba en el afecto genuino. Para las hermanas Asteria, el amor era un concepto tan distante y abstracto como las estrellas. Su propia rivalidad, aunque a veces aguda, tenía más que ver con el estatus y los golpes sutiles que con cualquier animosidad profundamente arraigada, simplemente la forma en que individuos poderosos se ponían a prueba entre sí.
The trip passed with more such exchanges, the sisters discussing the latest scandals in the capital, the competitive nature of the academy, and the merits of various family properties. Rose remained calm and observant. She was used to being overlooked, a part of the background, a warm, slightly plump shadow. She was a good maid, always positive, always willing to help. But what's more about attracting the attention of such formidable and emotionally distant women? That thought never crossed his mind. She was simply Rose, the maid, her own unique qualities, her deep well of untapped potential, and the subtle, seductive scent she carried, completely unknown and unrecognized by the cold, beautiful women she served.