Kays Translations

Chapter 59: The Three Apprentice Girls

The day after meeting with the Marquis, Mother began her new work.

At first, she had planned to commute in a small, compact carriage, but unfortunately, the carriage makers had none in stock. On top of that, they were too busy maintaining carriages for tax collection to take on new orders, so she was forced to walk instead.

Fortunately, the government official uniform she wore was based on military attire, which apparently made it comfortable for walking. Still, the administrative hall was a fair distance from home, so Stefana acted as her escort, carrying her bags and ensuring she arrived safely.

Mother’s uniform itself was a sight to behold: dark green fabric adorned with white trim, denoting her status as a civil servant. For women, the uniform was tailored into a skirt, giving it both authority and elegance.

But that was beside the point. Five days after Mother began her duties, Heralda arrived at the house, escorting three girls who were candidates for the position of maid.

“I am Arthur, the son of Martine Felde, the mistress of this estate. My mother has entrusted me with managing the household, including the hiring of staff,” I introduced myself.

The three girls seemed taken aback to realize they were speaking to someone younger than themselves. As soon as I finished, their gazes instinctively darted to Heralda, who stood quietly behind me to the right. She froze, smiling politely.

—She must have forgotten to mention that.

“Ahem. Please have a seat; we’ll begin the meeting.”

The actual interviews had already been conducted by Heralda, so today was just a formal introduction. To avoid intimidating them, we didn’t sit in the grand reception room. Instead, the meeting took place in a small lounge next to the entrance hall, decorated in the cozy style of a café.

“I’m Manon. Nice to meet you,” said the first girl, her warm smile complemented by reddish-brown hair.

Manon, an orphan, had previously been targeted by brothels due to her well-developed figure. She had even considered giving up on finding legitimate work and becoming a courtesan if she failed to secure employment. Heralda had chosen her because she had diligently cared for younger children at the orphanage, proving she had the patience and aptitude for maid duties.

“I’m Kacha,” said the next girl, speaking with a casual, almost boyish tone. Her short brown hair and confident demeanor made her look more like a young man than a girl. Strong and assertive, she had worked alongside boys in the orphanage, hauling heavy loads, and had originally planned to become an adventurer. Dorothea had selected her, believing she would be perfect for the physical labor required in the estate.

Finally came the softest, almost inaudible voice: “E… Epha.” Her head remained bowed, her eyes hidden behind her long bangs. Epha had struggled to speak during the interview and refused to meet anyone’s gaze, which initially led to the decision not to hire her. Yet, when Heralda later found her reading in the next room, she realized that Epha could read and write. Quiet as she was, she could handle administrative tasks, making her a potential asset as a maid if kept behind the scenes.

Though she didn’t speak beyond that initial introduction, Epha nodded or waved slightly to show understanding whenever Heralda spoke, quietly asserting her presence without drawing attention.

These were the three Heralda had brought. Honestly, I had expected her to bring girls whose skills were secondary to their willingness to do household work—but the personalities of these three were surprisingly strong.

“You have been selected by Heralda,” I began, correcting myself mid-sentence with a cough. “Ahem, Heralda chose you in the interview, so your employment is already decided.”

I had forgotten Heralda’s warning to me earlier: “Do not use honorifics when addressing the staff.”

“However, you have not received maid training, so you will learn on the job as apprentices.”

It would be challenging to work while being educated, but they needed to learn the minimum manners before being allowed to wear the formal maid uniform.

“There will be no days off during your apprenticeship, but do not push yourself if you feel unwell,” I continued.

The lack of holidays was meant to ensure they had sufficient time to study proper etiquette. Once they earned Heralda’s approval, they would be granted breaks.

“Your wage will be five copper coins per month—a modest sum—but your food, lodging, and clothing will be fully provided. The Felde family will also cover your head tax, so you may spend your allowance freely.”

This type of employment arrangement was common for minors: a low wage, but secure sustenance. It prevented apprentices from running out of money or failing to pay taxes.

“That’s all from me. Any questions?” I asked, and Manon tentatively raised her hand.

“Um… about the work sent from the orphanage?”

“That has already been arranged. For details, coordinate with Bartel, our cook,” I explained.

Manon’s question had been about transporting food supplies. Previously, the amounts purchased were small enough that Rodolf could carry the loads alongside Bartel, but with the arrival of three more girls, it was clear that two people would no longer suffice.

Thus, the plan was to contract a merchant guild for procurement and delivery, as other estates did. However, Dorothea had proposed having the orphanage children handle the deliveries. Many children in the orphanage started working around the age of ten to save for independence. Some, like Kacha, were already experienced in hauling goods. This approach would benefit the children and the orphanage while keeping costs lower than hiring a merchant with delivery fees.

“Thank you, Al-kun,” Manon said.

“—M-Manon!” Heralda’s voice rose immediately in protest at the casual nickname.

“I’m fine with her calling me that. I’m common-born, unlike Mother,” I said lightly.

“…Understood,” Heralda replied, though her tone betrayed mild reluctance. Only Stefana and Rugena needed to call me formally, given their status as slaves; otherwise, it could lead to complications.

“Well, I don’t think there are any more questions, so this concludes the meeting. Heralda will handle your preparations, so follow her instructions,” I said.

I had instructed Heralda to bathe the apprentices, ensure they were clean, and check for injuries or illness.

“Understood.”
“Yes.”
“—!”

Their responses were… uniquely individual, leaving me a little uneasy.

“Then, I leave them in your care, Heralda.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of everything,” she replied.

I returned to my room, leaving the three apprentices in her capable hands.

Later reports revealed the hardships each girl had endured: Manon had some prior experience, partly to test herself before potentially becoming a courtesan; Kacha bore a few scars from her labor and protective duties during deliveries; and Epha’s left eye was apparently damaged for reasons unknown.

Hearing this, I felt a renewed awareness of the harsh lives each of them had lived.

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