It's merely a theory but if she's right, then Amaryl now have a rough idea how the scheduling were done. The guards she saw walking around during her former duties were unlikely just a coincidence.

She already noted, the guards were made up with veterans with few greenhorns. Unlike their clumsy, laid-backed counterparts, the veteran had installed discipline into their bones and memorise the time change of their shifts. They moved at the exact time the bell tower chime while the greenhorns gave hints on the situation outside.

With the lastest guard exchange, this marks the fourth day she was imprisoned. From the wet clothes, dripping drops to the floor, she conclude it was raining, almost conveniently with how the guards cheered for it. Skipping training maybe. She seen them practice around the perimeter before.

It's a shame she couldn't share the same sentiment as them. Than a happy occurrence, this would mean they will have to face two different weather conditions, both could affect their health if not taken the necessary countermeasures. And something tells her, their health won't be the main priority in their mind.

Troubling. The same fact makes her more confused on the primary objective of their imprisonment. Were they only here due to angering one of family members? But then, none of them had come visit the basement. Shouldn't they personally came to conduct the punishment to show the worth of the commited crime? Even if they dislike getting their hands dirty, wouldn't they send someone as a replacement? The guards only did as their title entails. Guarding them.

What exactly was the end game?

×

She noticed it before but whenever food were served, the others would always rushed to eat them as like they haven't eaten for weeks. Has there been  a case where the food were held hostage?

Although she was sure the clothes didn't belong them as with hers but she doubts they were lower than commoners at the very least. There were little side-effects which would lead to poor health from missing one day of eating. She would understand if they had health circumstances. As long as they're fully hydrated they'll be fine.

All in all, if anything, they were treated with decent generosity despite their current situation.

"-you get what you get. You don't see me asking for more food, don't ya?"

Amaryl ears perked up at the man's voice. He was one of the more vocal occupant about his displeasure towards both her and the noble family. The same girl who previously offered her a blanket had her whole body shaking and shutters an apology.

Ah, so that's the cause of their actions. Not that she could blame them with the ideology. Every person for themselves. Honestly, food were served three times at the scheduled day while not much to say, it was the same type of dishes the workers were given during meal times. There was no need to rush like it would run out. Maybe, it would but that way of eating would only lead to a stomach ache. It's a miracle nothing happen during her short time here.

Seeing the conversation finished, Amaryl beckons the girl to come closer.

"Come here, g— Alys."

The girl jumps and look at her wide eyes. While a bit hesitated, she shuffles her way to Amaryl. Again, the same warnings were thrown in but let's not care of it, shall we?

"Here." She gently passed the bowl of soup to her, "Be careful, it's a little hot. You might burn yourself."

The room fell into silent, even the guards held their breath. She doesn't understand why exactly. The one who broke the delicate atmosphere was the small brunette.

"B-but, you'd get hungry, big sis." Alys gave her a pain look.

"It's fine." Amaryl dismissed and pats her head. "I'm not hungry, anyway."

She rose up and hands over the bread to another child and shares the mix salad with the other women.

"Oi, you think you're some saint giving your food to someone else?" The man exclaimed.

"Darryl!" The woman with the bad back scolds. So that's his name.

Amaryl kept her eyes even with him, making him flinched back and says, "Of course not. I was merely not hungry. It's better giving it to someone else than wasting, no?"

He grits his teeth, muttering a curse and glares. "Fine! See it that way! Then one day you're the one regreting. Life isn't all sunshine, brat."

She nod respectfully. "Thank you for the advice, sir. I'll be sure to take heed of it in the future."

Her words despite not having ill-intention, fueled his anger. "Why you—" He was about to struck his hands when he suddenly collapsed.

In a ready defence stand, Amaryl shifts her eyes at the collapsed man to the open door. The guards inside at first were shock and frozen to their places, after looking the same way as her eyes direction, they immediately straightened their backs.

"Greetings to Chief Leader!"

Don't both held the same meaning?

Amaryl drops her stance and gave a curtsy to him. She saw him once and was given a small introduction on him before.

Sir Leo. A commoner turned knight. He quit the Knight's Order a year ago due to unknown reason. Now, he served as the leader of the Roselle Family's guardsmen. He seems to have a frosty personality which was rumored to be the reason of his resignation.

The man didn't gave any acknowledgement and orders, "Being out the red eyes. Madame has summon her."

"Yes, sir." They saluted and rushes to open the cell. The others ran to the back, seemingly afraid than taking the chance to escape.

Ah, that might unreasonable for them to do. The 'Chief Leader' does seem like a person who wouldn't hesitate to raise a hand on a lady if required.

Now, what exactly does madame Roselle needs her for?

×

As they walk through the corridors, Amaryl took the chances to observed her surrounding. It's almost near noon, there had been a light rain shower and the servants were doing their absolutely best on staying indifferent. They should be shower with praised on how they acted. It settles one thing on her mind, they were absolutely in the know, but how deep?

They stop at a door, which Sir Leo inclined his head to enter. She nods, proceeding to knocked and announced her arrival.

"Come in." A voice reply from the other side.

Amaryl place a hand on the handle. First meeting after a week times. You can handle this.

×

"Good day, Madame Roselle." Amaryl made a curtsy.

The older woman sat on sofa with tea being set on the table. She hopes she wasn't interrupting her tea time.

"I'm surprise you haven't forgotten your manners, dear." Madame Roselle said behind her fan.

"I wouldn't dare to." Amaryl immediately answered, curtly. "If I may asked, why has Madame summon me?"

Madame didn't reply, only gestures her to seat diagonally to her, which she abide.

"I have a proposal to offer you."

"A proposal?"

"Correct." She shuts her fan, laid it on the table and raised a cup to her mouth.

Her thoughts went into spiral, trying to processing the words Madame had uttered. It was.. Unexpected. Though, Amaryl already knew her answer before it began.

She bowed her head. "I have to apologise to Madame. No matter how the offer is, I have to decline."

"My," Madame gave a close-eyes smile. "Wouldn't it be polite to hear it first?"

"Yes, of course, Madame."

×

"It seems Madame had a misunderstanding. It's one thing to served under someone and another to served someone."

"I see.." She narrowed her emerald-like eyes before reverting back to her cheerful persona. "Well, that's true. Your situation was unlike the others. You may go now."

Sir Leo opens the door to escored her out. Once again, Amaryl gave her respect.

"Have a nice day, Madame."

"Likewise, dear."