A carriage rattled along the cobblestone street, its wheels clattering softly against the uneven stones.


    The carriage was pulled by two sturdy horses, their sleek coats glinting in the morning sunlight.


    Its construction, though simple in design, carried an understated elegance.


    The black wood frame and iron bindings were polished to perfection, the craftsmanship subtle yet unmistakably noble.


    Large enough to accommodate twelve passengers—six on either side—the carriage resembled an open wagon without a roof.


    At the back, a small staircase allowed for easy boarding and disembarking.


    The occupants of the carriage were a dozen young maids, each dressed in identical uniforms with matching bandanas tied neatly around their hair.


    The only distinctions between them lay in their faces and heights, subtle traits that set them apart in an otherwise uniform appearance.


    The morning sun, just past nine o''clock, bathed the surroundings in a gentle glow.


    The mansion''s modest front garden lay beyond an iron gate, with a circular pathway around a small fountain.


    The garden was functional rather than grand, designed for carriages to turn around efficiently.


    Positioned within a noble mansion complex, the street outside was largely empty save for the occasional passing of a noble family''s carriage.


    By the gate stood Ann, her arms crossed and her expression a mix of boredom and neutrality.


    She had been waiting for some time, her gaze occasionally flicking toward the street.


    Beside her, Ophelia stood poised, her perfect posture a picture of professionalism.


    While Ann''s presence seemed casual, almost begrudging, Ophelia exuded the serene authority of a seasoned head maid.


    The carriage came to a gentle stop on the street just outside the gate.


    Three maids descended, their polished shoes clicking softly against the ground.


    They lined up from shortest to tallest, though the tallest was only marginally taller than Ann herself.


    Bowing in unison, they greeted, "Good morning, Madam Ophelia."


    Ophelia inclined her head gracefully, her hands resting lightly on her abdomen.


    "Good morning," she replied, her tone polite yet detached.


    Ann straightened her posture in response, her earlier nonchalance replaced by a semblance of propriety.


    She echoed the gesture without words, a subtle deference to Ophelia''s lead.


    Without further exchange, Ophelia turned toward the mansion, her movements precise and measured.


    Ann followed suit, the three maids trailing quietly behind them.


    The mansion loomed ahead, its pale stone facade gleaming under the sunlight.


    Intricate carvings framed the large windows, and the symmetrical design conveyed an air of quiet grandeur.


    As they walked through the garden toward the front door, the sound of their footsteps mingled with the soft gurgling of the fountain.


    The heavy front doors opened to reveal a grand interior.


    The foyer was dominated by a sweeping staircase of pristine white marble, its polished steps curving upward in an elegant arc.


    Golden railings adorned the staircase, their intricate designs catching the light from the chandelier above—a sparkling cascade of crystals that bathed the space in a warm, inviting glow.


    The polished floors reflected the light, adding to the opulent atmosphere.


    Ophelia came to a stop at the base of the staircase, turning to address Ann.


    "Continue cleaning the second floor and guide them as needed," she instructed, her tone even.


    "Yes, ma''am," Ann replied without hesitation.


    Her demeanor shifted entirely, her stance now embodying the disciplined air of a professional servant.


    Ophelia''s gaze shifted to the three maids.


    "And you, girls—listen to Ann. Proceed as usual. I will be in my study if needed."


    "Yes, Madam Ophelia," the maids responded in unison, their voices tinged with a mix of deference and nervous energy.


    With that, Ophelia ascended the staircase, her movements as graceful as ever.


    Once she disappeared from view, Ann motioned for the three maids to follow her.


    They climbed to the second floor in silence, their footsteps muffled against the carpeted steps.


    Ann led them to a room.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Ann pushed the door open, revealing Lady Beatrice''s study room.


    It was a cozy yet cluttered space, resembling a miniature library.


    Shelves packed with books lined the walls, some volumes half-open or stacked haphazardly on the floor.


    A study table sat by a wide window that overlooked the back garden, where vibrant flowers framed a small patio often used by Lady Beatrice for breakfast and tea.


    The morning sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow over the scattered papers and books.


    Cleaning supplies were already neatly arranged in one corner, ready for use.


    Ann stepped inside, holding the door open for the others, her voice calm yet firm.


    "We start with Lady Beatrice''s study room."


    The three rookie maids filed in after her, their eyes briefly scanning the room before settling on their respective tasks.


    As soon as Ann shut the door behind them, the atmosphere shifted.


    "Fuuueeeeh," the bubbly rookie sighed, her shoulders slumping dramatically as she let out a deep breath of relief.


    The cheeky rookie stretched her arms high above her head, twisting side to side with exaggerated motions.


    "Eghhhhh. This feels great," she said, her tone unashamedly carefree.


    "Hey! Don''t get too comfortable!" the serious of the three hissed, her voice sharp but kept to a whisper.


    Her posture was stiff, her expression a mix of disapproval and urgency.


    "Okay, okay," the bubbly and cheeky maids replied in unison, their tone laced with mock reluctance as they picked up their cleaning kits.


    The three maids began to disperse around the room.


    The bubbly rookie, ever energetic, moved to pick up the scattered books while the cheeky one grabbed a duster and focused on the shelves.


    The serious maid, who often assumed the role of an unspoken leader, started wiping down the tall windows with deliberate, precise movements.


    Despite her firm tone earlier, her exasperation melted into quiet focus as they settled into their tasks.


    Meanwhile, Ann wandered to the study couch and casually plucked a newspaper off the table.


    Without bothering to join the cleaning, she sank into the cushions, unfolded the paper, and began flipping through the pages with an air of practiced laziness.


    The cheeky rookie began humming softly as she worked, her tune light and aimless as she stacked books neatly on the shelves.


    "Relaxing is fine, but don''t start humming," the serious maid muttered without turning from the window she was polishing.


    "Ahh... sorry. I just got too comfortable," the cheeky maid replied with a sheepish grin, though her hum trailed off into silence.


    The serious maid sighed, shaking her head as she continued wiping the glass.


    "You two are always too careless. Don''t forget—we''re working in Lady Beatrice''s mansion."


    "Ehh, I''m not humming," the bubbly maid interjected, her hands busy dusting an ornate figurine on the table.


    Ann, still lounging on the couch with the newspaper, chimed in without looking up.


    "It''s fine. Just don''t start singing something stupid."


    The serious maid let out another sigh, clearly resigned.


    She said nothing more, but as the minutes passed, a faint tune escaped her lips as well—soft and almost imperceptible, but there nonetheless.


    The cheeky maid noticed immediately and exchanged a knowing glance with the bubbly one, both stifling quiet giggles as they resumed their work.


    The room settled into a rhythm of light conversation and diligent, albeit casual, cleaning.


    The cheeky maid, dusting a table lamp near Ann''s couch, couldn''t help but glance at the newspaper in Ann''s hands, her curiosity piqued.


    "What''re you reading, Big Sis Ann?" she asked, leaning slightly closer.


    "Boring stuff," Ann replied without lifting her eyes from the page, her tone flat.


    "Boring?" The cheeky maid tilted her head. "Like what? Tell me more."


    "Murdered politician," Ann answered curtly, flipping to another section of the paper.


    The serious maid, wiping down the tall windows, paused mid-swipe.


    "Eh, that''s boring?" she asked, her tone skeptical.


    Ann let out a small sigh, her gaze still fixed on the article.


    "Because that Sherlock guy isn''t mentioned in it."


    "Ahaha, yeah," the cheeky maid laughed.


    "A newspaper without Mr. Holmes? What''s even the point?"


    "Last month''s criminal section was more interesting," Ann said, settling further into the couch as she scanned the next page.


    The serious maid nodded in recollection, her voice thoughtful.


    "You mean the off-duty King''s Guard murdered near Northam Estate?"


    "Yeah," Ann replied, a small smile creeping onto her face.


    "That week was really interesting."


    "I followed that case too," the cheeky maid chimed in eagerly, dusting with one hand while the other gestured animatedly.


    "I didn''t expect the murderer to be the hansom cab''s coachman!"


    Ann chuckled softly.


    "The best part was how the week-long, complicated investigation led straight back to the most obvious suspect."


    The serious maid''s tone turned contemplative.


    "It got even bigger because a nobleman from the Northam Family was questioned. A family that prestigious showing up in the crime section is already a huge deal—even without Mr. Holmes."


    The bubbly maid, cleaning a nearby figurine, scrunched her face.


    "Ehhh, stop talking about scary stuff."


    "But we''re talking about the King''s Guard," the cheeky maid teased, turning her attention toward the bubbly one.


    "Didn''t you dream of marrying one?"


    "Not if he''s cheating and in debt like that victim!" the bubbly maid shot back, her voice indignant.


    "I don''t want to marry that kind of person."


    Ann turned a page, her expression unchanged as she added casually,


    "Here''s something different: a whale and a leviathan fought in the Atlantic Ocean. Traders reported seeing it."


    "Where? Where?" The bubbly maid abandoned her figurine and darted toward the couch, leaning over Ann''s shoulder.


    "Hey, I''m still reading," Ann said, her tone more annoyed than forceful.


    The bubbly maid groaned in disappointment.


    "Ehhh, no photo?"


    The cheeky maid snickered, placing her duster on her hip.


    "You think giant sea monsters will wait for a cameraman to set up a shot?"


    "At least put in an illustration!" the bubbly maid huffed, crossing her arms.


    "I read they''re working on small, easy-to-carry cameras," Ann said, her voice calm as ever.


    "Maybe next time, someone will actually capture one."


    "Hey, back to work!" the serious maid snapped, her exasperation cutting through their chatter.


    "Eeeehhh..." The bubbly and cheeky maids along with Ann groaned in synchronized disappointment.


    The serious maid blinked, then hastily added,


    "I-I mean not Big Sis Ann!"


    "Good," Ann replied simply, resuming her newspaper reading.


    The cheeky maid, stealing one last glance at the paper before returning to her cleaning, caught sight of another headline.


    "Oh! The King''s Guard will be present again at Saint Aelric Academy''s freshman hunting tournament!" she exclaimed.


    "Really?" The bubbly maid''s eyes lit up with excitement.


    "Are we off duty that day? I want to see them!"


    The serious maid, now polishing an ornamental mirror, added,


    "I think we get the day off two weeks from now."


    "Lady Dorothea must be there, too," the bubbly maid said, her enthusiasm spilling over.


    "She''s the student council president after all."


    Ann, still absorbed in the paper, muttered dryly,


    "I thought it was because Lady Beatrice is a freshman at that academy."


    "Eeeeehh?!" The trio froze, the realization dawning on them like thunder.


    They covered their mouths, their voices dropping to frantic whispers.


    The serious maid, now visibly flustered, said,


    "Now that you mention it, Big Sis Ann, I didn''t see Lady Beatrice in the garden this morning..."


    "Is Lady Beatrice going to be fine?!" the bubbly and cheeky maids asked in unison, their tones filled with genuine concern.


    Ann glanced up briefly.


    "I think... Edward''s with her. And if not, Edward''s to blame."


    The cheeky maid hesitated, then asked nervously,


    "Wait, if Lady Beatrice is going to school, does that mean Big Sis Ann will go with her?"


    "Eventually," Ann replied with a slight shrug, a small but eager smile creeping onto her lips.


    "For now, Madam Ophelia said Edward will accompany her until she gets used to school life."


    The cheeky maid''s eyes widened in panic.


    "That means when we''re on duty at Lady Beatrice''s mansion again, there''s a chance Big Sis Ann won''t be with us!"


    "That''s for sure," Ann said, her tone as matter-of-fact as ever.


    "Madam Ophelia will likely oversee all of you."


    "Haah, our sanctuary will be gone..." the cheeky maid groaned dramatically.


    "And if not, Big Sis Ann won''t be able to relax," the bubbly maid added, her tone mournful.


    "Hey, that''s our usual job. Don''t complain," the serious maid scolded, her voice stern.


    Ann smirked faintly behind the newspaper.


    "It''s fine. Madam Ophelia''s always busy. If I''m with Lady Beatrice at school, Edward will probably oversee all of you."


    The trio''s expressions turned grim at the mention of Edward will probably in charge of them.


    Their reaction spoke volumes, their unease practically radiating as memories of their encounters with him surfaced.


    Their silence filled the room, broken only by the soft rustling of Ann turning another page.