Even though I was attending the Academy on a scholarship and exempt from tuition, there were other costs that came with attendance. Since my character’s family was poor, the only way I could cover those expenses was to get a part-time job. Classes were generally held in the mornings, so I could work in the afternoons. The main character’s status changed depending on the job she took up, making the decision an important element of the game.
“Your application is rejected.”
“Please, isn’t there any way?”
“I told you already, you’re rejected!”
I was at the François family home, interviewing for the position of maid. The Academy allowed students, formerly only rich kids, to bring two maids to school with them. This was irrelevant to scholarship students, who didn’t have the funds to hire help, but it certainly wasn’t irrelevant to me. Becoming Claire’s maid would give me an excellent reason to always be by her side.
The senior maid normally decided whether to hire new staff, but Claire was attending my interview, too. After all, I’d told her of my application in advance.
“Miss Claire, are you sure we can’t hire her?” the senior maid said hesitantly. “She has such exceptional skills…”
While I wasn’t quite at the aristocrat level, I was much better versed in etiquette than the average commoner, which was an important trait for a maid. I could also work magic, meaning I could protect myself.
“The problem is her personality! I would never have a moment’s rest if I had to be around a maid like this all day.”
“But it seems she’s very loyal.”
“It’s not just loyalty, Madam. I am in love.”
“And I simply can’t have a maid who talks to me like that!” Claire squawked.
“What in the world is going on? What is this racket?”
“Master…”
“Father.”
The man who entered the room had the same bright blond hair as Claire, but his was combed back. He was of medium stature, with no memorable features other than his aristocratic mustache, but the way he carried himself made it clear he was of noble birth.
This was Dole François, Claire’s father and head of House François. Dole was the Bauer Kingdom’s Minister of Finance, which made him the third-most powerful person in the kingdom and also the most influential aristocrat. He’d been one of the first to oppose meritocratic policy, and it wasn’t an exaggeration to call him a thorn in the king’s side. In the game, for better or worse, he behaved with a noble’s courtesy, esteemed tradition and formality above all else.
“We are hiring a maid to accompany Miss Claire at the Academy, but the Lady disagrees with my selection.”
“I see. Well, our senior maid would only select a candidate of high capability, so what is the issue, Claire?”
“Her personality is impossible. She is always attempting to make a fool of me…”
“Aha… So the issue isn’t a lack of qualifications but a lack of respect for her employer?”
As a side note, Dole adored Claire. He was undoubtedly a large part of why she had such a spoiled personality.
“I wouldn’t say that’s the case,” the senior maid said. “She applied for the position because she wants to serve the Lady Claire. Unlike most interviewees, she seems to have no financial motivation.”
“Well, she might just be saying that.”
“When I asked her how she would serve the Lady if she were hired as a maid, her answer was exceedingly well thought out and specific. I don’t believe it’s just lip service.”
Dole hemmed and hawed a bit, deep in thought. “But Claire is unfond of her. And if Claire dislikes her, I do not see how you can hire her.”
“That is true, but—”
“Exactly, Father!”
“Your Excellency! Please forgive me for my disrespect.” Sensing the tables turning against me, I played my trump card. Dole frowned at my outburst.
“You, a commoner, utter these words to a noble? And the Minister of Finance, no less? It seems Claire was correct in her judgment. One can only tolerate so much impudence.”
“Irvine Manuel.”
The instant I said this name, the color drained from Dole’s face. There was a hint of a smile on his lips, but his eyes were cold as stone.
“And who might that be?” he said.
“March 3rd, five hundred thousand gold,” I said.
“Father?”
“Claire, senior maid, please leave us.”
“But we must not! At least let me call for a guard—”
“That is an order.”
“Must I leave, too?”
“I’m sorry, Claire. I just want to confirm a few things. Please go,” Dole said to Claire in a soft voice.
“Fine…” Claire begrudgingly left the room.
“Now, then. Who are you and what do you know?”
Unlike when he spoke to Claire, Dole’s tone as he questioned me was harsh and cold. Depending on my answer, there was a possibility I wouldn’t leave the mansion alive. But my life had a very important purpose: I intended to live to love Claire. I wasn’t going to die.
I spoke with Dole for thirty minutes straight.
“You will hire this person as Claire’s maid.”
These were the first words out of Dole’s mouth after we were done talking and he called the senior maid and Claire back into the room.
“Why?!”
“We can trust her. She will be suitable as Claire’s maid.”
“I don’t accept this! What did you say to my father?!”
“Nothing special. I mean, I told him about my love for you, Miss Claire.”
“Would you stop joking around?!” Claire was even more upset than usual, and why wouldn’t she be? Her father, who had been her staunchest supporter only minutes before, had suddenly switched teams. “Father, do you mean that someone who speaks to me like this is to attend me?!”
“Having spoken to her, I am convinced of her earnestness. She is completely loyal to you, Claire.”
“But her loyalty is impure! She wants to make a fool of me!”
“Claire.” Dole dropped his voice a bit. When a crafty politician like him did that, it had an impact. “It’s easy to have an obedient person serve at your side. But as the eldest daughter of the François family, it will be up to you to take the reins someday.”
“Ugh…” Claire didn’t have a leg to stand on once he’d invoked her position as the eldest daughter. Her father knew exactly how to handle her. “So, you insist that we hire her?”
“That is correct.”
“Fine…” Claire was clearly dissatisfied, but she held her chin high and said, “As my maid, you must do as I say. Be prepared!”
“Thank you so much! I will do my best!”
And that was how I landed the job of Claire’s maid. Just don’t expect me to tell you what I said to Dole—that stays secret.