Chapter 5
You finally met the person who you're supposed to replace. She's quite older than some of the maids as defined by her graying hair. But she was the sweetest to you. Next week was her last week and after getting preparations done, she's also helping out with the event coming this week.
"Now," Soohyun begins. "You will be shadowing Lia throughout this entire event as we can only prepare for so much."
"Don't worry, I will do my best." You declared.
"Aw, you're adorable!" She coos over you. "Better than my daughter who refused my affections since she was a teenager."
You keep quiet, not sure if you're feeling prideful or embarrassed at her comment. Soohyun lets you follow her and explains every step so much that you feel a bit overwhelmed. The day of the event is coming up soon and you know for sure the castle is in a bit of panic as they try to settle everything.
Your hands are shaking and before you know it, the day has arrived.
Lia takes out all the fancy clothes from the wardrobe, deciding which would be best. Felix is actually up early today, snacking on some pastries you brought while Yeji does his hair. There's silence and you're watching carefully, ready to take the plate back to the kitchen.
You're a bit nervous but you suppose that everything will be alright today. Hopefully. Once Felix is done, you take notice and quickly rush to him. "I'll take that back, Fourth Prince."
His warm eyes look at you while he smiles. "Thank you. I do apologize you didn't have enough training for events such as this."
"It is fine, Fourth Prince." You take the plate back and leave no room for argument while you rush back to the kitchens. The event will start at noon and it's barely ten o'clock. While you pass through the hallways, you see multiple maids cleaning for a second time in any areas guests may be. The ballroom is especially noisy while they decorate it and set up a few things. You're barely at the kitchens when someone appears.
The Second Prince!
Immediately, you do what you're taught and bow until he passes. That is, until you see his shoes stop right in front of you. "You work for the Fourth Prince, right?"
"Yes, Second Prince." You say it and surprisingly, you remain calm.
"Tell me," He starts. "Has my brother finally taken responsibility for the event today?"
You're not sure what he means but you think it's best to keep it vague. "I am not quite sure, Second Prince. He sent us away for this past week."
There's a moment of silence and you fear that you may have screwed up. "I see," He finally says, which makes you relax somewhat. "Lift your head."
Ah shit. There goes your nerves again and you finally lift yourself up, eyes meeting his face but not quite his eyes. "Is there anything else you're not telling me?"
Huh? You honestly don't know what he's going on about. "N-No, there isn't, Second Prince. I am still training under Miss Lia." You managed to stammer a bit.
"Ah, that's right." The Second Prince eyes you down. "I forgot that this would be your first time." He doesn't say a good-bye or "you're dismissed" as he continues walking on. His own maid sends you a pitying look and rushes after him. It seems the Second Prince took on the intimidating air of either the Queen or King. Your legs feel stiff and you try to calm yourself down before you start the day.
You're a bundle of nerves. Lia is reassuring you that as long as you stay by her side, everything's going to be fine! At last, the person who calls out the guest (hey, you don't know every position in the castle) shouts the name of the first guest. Here you go!
People started to trickle in and you're handling a tray with cheese and crackers. It's awkward to hold the tray as they pick out their snack. Lia is holding glasses of champagne which is a much difficult challenge that you're not ready for. You're following her like a lost puppy, stopping every once in a while as a guest asks for food.
A few times now, you've seen the princes talking with princesses in beautiful dresses. Their extravagant dresses made you a little jealous as you can tell with the high quality fabric and jewels. Oh well, you were not born in nobility. A couple of hours go by and another guest is calling out to you for what you have on your tray.
Your eyes take a look at the lone food. It's the last one left and you hold out the tray for them to take. Just then, someone else comes into the picture. "Hey, I wanted that!"
Your eyes flicker to another guest who's a brawly man and literally appeared from nowhere. He seemed like he was difficult to deal with. The other guest is appalled at his behavior and you don't know what to do.
Thankfully, that's why you have Lia.
"We'll be back with more in a moment, meanwhile, please take a glass." She offers. The man huffs but takes the offer. Quickly, she ushers you to the back where waiters are carrying food from the kitchens. There's plates and trays for the other workers to carry around. "Damn idiot." She mutters under her breath while you thank her. "No worries, she waves it off. You're still learning but most of the time offering another is the best solution."
You nod, soaking in the information for next time. You give the empty tray to a waiter who is collecting empty everything and pick up a new tray with fresh food. Surprisingly, your hand isn't tired yet. You follow Lia back out to where she goes back to the general area of where the man was previously before.
He appears out of nowhere again and takes a piece off the tray. It scares you a bit but you still remain calm. "Wow, you two were quick!" He comments. "Tell me, what are they paying you here?"
You don't know what to say. Lia steps in. "We're flattered you think highly of us but we have family here. I do hope you understand."
The man huffs. "And? How much for the both of you to work for me?"
Now you're just appalled. Lia's thinking and she's about to come up with an answer when someone else steps in. "I'm sorry, Duke Anston. They are my personal maids so I cannot allow you to bribe their employment." Your eyes flicker to Felix who wears a friendly but tense smile.
"Ah Fourth Prince!" He seems to completely forget about the two of you. "Have you met my daughter?" He's looking around for her.
"Yes, I have," Felix is still smiling. "I don't think we're compatible but she was a nice girl."
There's huge disappointment in his face. "A-Are you sure? My Amelia is such a sweet girl and would be perfect for you!"
It seems like Felix is getting agitated. "I told you, Anston, that we're not compatible. I'm looking for someone who has goals and a drive but Ameila didn't talk about herself at all. She was only interested in me the whole time. Though she is a sweet girl." He's still smiling.
Anston pales at the fact. "O-Oh, forgive me Fourth Prince. I must go now." Then he runs off, probably to find his daughter.
"Thank you Fourth Prince." Lia says and you also thank him, the two of you bowing.
"No worries!" Felix is quick to shift back to his normal self. "I'm just a little bored here and thought to step in. Anston is probably one of my least favorite dukes." Then he leans in to whisper to the two of you. "Though really, Amelia is not a sweet girl, he's such a liar."
You're surprised by the information and how he casually told the two of you. Meanwhile, Lia is subtly trying to hide her giggles. "I knew it. Most nobles are like that except of course, you."
"You know it." He laughs. "Well, I'm going to be bored for the rest of the night so don't be surprised I talk to you two often."
"We won't mind. We serve you." Lia responds and with a genuine smile, Felix strolls around looking bored as possible.
You're quite grateful to him. You continue following around Lia and every so often, Felix would come by to make a quick remark or a little conversation. By the end of the night, you gathered he wasn't quite fond of events. You would have to not be a genius to figure that out. Thankfully, the last of the guests are leaving and you're helping with cleaning up.
That's when Felix comes by. "You did great for your first time!"
A smile graces you. "Thank you Fourth Prince."
"Ah Lia is training you too good. One day, you'll say my name casually." Felix sighs. "Though be sure to get a good rest tonight and see you tomorrow."
"I will," You politely bow. "Do have a good night's rest, Fourth Prince."
He nods and takes off. You finish up by gathering some of the table clothes and Lia comes to you. "You did great. I think we're going to have you stay the night for two days to slowly get you used to it."
You happily nod and the words click in. Oh! You're going to start your overnight shift!
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