Chapter 02 Roles of a Slave

Arrived at the fortress on the outer side of the palace at the west area where lodgings for all the kingdom servants are, including for knight dorms. This place was solely built for their facility.

Mellisa and the others are currently getting off from the carriage after passing identification procedure from the outer gate guard. On the way to their designated room, Mellisa passed a bunch of soldier who keep glancing towards their directions with a hungry eyes. Human was innately true to their desire.

She guessed that the rumors spreading in Chaos city were proven to be true.

They're soldier prize, means to be handed at the celebration days.

The question is, what date will they celebrate?

Mellisa was just following the knight in charge of their allocated commodities until further order be given, they're instinctively behaving more submissive after seeing the place that bought them including Mellisa.

The palace surveillance were too tight for her to try to run away, She'll just straight to meet grimm reaper if she recklessly choose to run away.

'I need another way...'

The knight who guiding them, took the slaves to a huge mansion near the servants quarter. The following way to that building was quite complicated, it took many turn and Mellisa might be caught before she can escape.

"This building will be your temporary residing place, in the near time some servants and maids in charge will come to greet you with the new instruction. Until then, please familiarize yourself with each other." The knigt talks while opening the door to the mansion. There're womans inside the mansion, with enough number to make the space crowded.

As soon as they saw the newcomer, everyone gossiping in audibly. Whispering to each other while watching Mellisa group.

"You can rest and getting familiar with the everyone in here, except for the girl named 'Mellisa'" The knight words made a lively hall completely silent.

"Mellisa, does Sir Knight asking about you ?" Amelia's tugging her sleeve, making her aware from the zoned out state she was in.

"Is Mellisa your name ?" The knight caught us talking, and now he saw Mellisa in the center of slaves.

"Yes, its my name." I didn't bother to answer Amelia question, showing how dumbfounded her feelings are.

"Follow me." The knight simply requested it forthrightly, leaving the guffawed crowd.

[I hastily following after him without looking back, I didn't even know what Amelia's expression is.]

He just led Mellisa into another location, where the servants residents currently in. At there, a woman with stern expression already waiting in front of the mansion gate.

"Mrs. Irvine, I brought her here as sir Allen instructed. Her name is Mellisa, seventeen years old. The last personel that Imperial family prepared as additional awards for the newly appointed Prince."

"I understand Sir Wodrick, Let me taking care of her from now on."

The middle-aged woman who's called Miss Irvine smiled amiably, making the knight called Wodrick smiled back in return.

"Well then, Excuse me."

At least, Sir Wodrick leave us and went ahead alone until Mellisa cant see his back again. Thereafter, Mellisa faced the kind-looking aunty gazes fell on her.

"Follow me, in the meantime I will explaining some circumstances for your present time and in the future. So, listen carefuly."

"Alright, Mrs. Irvine."

Then Mrs. Irvine start stuffing Mellisa with an important information she needs to remember. Mrs. Irvine's talking about her employment staff for the newly established illegitimate prince after his grand war on winning the battle as a key figures.

He was the son of the emperor, from one of his unknown lovers. Found and had a rough living outside the imperial cradle, yet the king only promised his birthright after he achieved semething worth to be applauded. Sadly for the poor empress who wished his son sat on the throne without problems faced a reality.

The son born out of wedlock came back winning a war. In line with that, the king gave his son 'garnet palace' and his right to be acknowledged as a prince.

Mellisa was the last staff they bought for the crown prince residents servant, apparently she realized that whether the emperor or empress[A3] wasn't favoring him in the slightest. By giving slave as a prince servants, was probably one of their insults.

Mrs. Irvine briefly told Mellisa her job, by doing this the empire was removing her status as a slave. She was given her identity and right similar to a commoner but bound to serve the Royal family as long as there's no crime involved and they're intended it.

[So, I might be holed here for the rest of my life ?]

Presently, Mellisa and Mrs. Irvine arrived at their destination, Mellisa followed her inside the room and seeing pairs of thirty[A4] eyes looking at her side. They're her collagues and has been here for a week training as a servants.

"Hilda..."

Mrs Irvine called a neat looking woman with a decent appearance. She has freckled face with brown hazel eyes, and reddish brown hair. A figur who easily will toppled modeling world with a little bit make up because of her unique beauty.

"She's Mellisa, the additional maid for his highness prince palace. Do check her worth at works, and assign another maid to help her adjusting well."

"Alright, Mrs. Irvine."

"Yan, make sure to learn time to time from Halbert."

"I will Mrs. Irvine."

A neat looking man step up and bow after answering Mrs. Irvine words.

"I'll leave it to you. Farewell, everyone."

Everyone bowed to Mrs. Irvine, so did Mellisa. Immediately after Mrs. Irvine gone, the athmosphere eased. Mellisa could feel the tense athmosphere when she came inside the hall. Some were hostile to her, but she can't pinpoint who is that person.

"You're Mellisa right ? My name is Hilda, Garnet Palace appointed Head Maid. He's Yan, the Butler of His highness as well as his close aide. Be sure to be polite at everyone even tough we're once slaves."

"I understands, Head Maid." Mellisa meekly answered.

"Good. Then... Belinda, will be your roomate. Help her as Mrs. Irvine instructed."

A woman with the same age as Mellisa stand beside her. Short cut hair with dust blode colour cheerfully accepting the order.

"Leave it to me, Head Maid."

"Then, everyone dismissed."

Thereafter, Mellisa and the girl named Belinda left the hall just as Head Maid Hilda ordered. Belinda told her, that this was Garnet Palace where the prince would reside. She's here around one week ago, undergoing servants training along with the rest. Compared with them, Mellisa did nothing to be accepted and its understandable that they felt its an unfair treatment.

They didn't even bother to greet her, when Mellisa and Belinda arrived at their room. Belinda let her sleep on the other bed, showing her uniform and kindly informing that Royal family jobs paid well. Their wage is around thirty silver and ninety bronze for common maids and servant except for the higher jobs category like Head Maid or Butler position and Prince personal maid.

"Rest well for today, I'll help you tomorrow and answering your questions as long as I can."

"Thank you, Belinda." Mellisa sincerely expressed her feelings.

Both of them eventually rest on their bed.

Mellisa stare into the dark ceiling, wondered about todays event. She hold it in with only her will alone, forcing to act calm and collected. She's still alive and breathing, but this body wasn't hers. Denied that this just a dream can't explain all the sensory of her body reacted to the touch.

This is too real to be a jokes, laughing to the bitter feelings that slowly creept inside her minds... Mellisa eyes finally landed to her own hands that tremble unsconsciously.

'Oh my goodness... its only been a day.'

How long is it, the last time she read a fictional novel. Two years ago before the walkers fucked their reality. The protagonist who transmigrated in to the other world was always popular theme among reader. They're all had cheat ability to know the future beforehand, hence make a situation became one-sidedly dog fight. Sadly, even if she somehow thrown into one of the her favorite novel, Its been too long to remember.

Its not like it was important, besides she'll just living a good life. Eating delicious food, and doing simple work. 'Yeah... that would do. Travelling and enjoying life' Mellisa thought consoled herself, while nodding her head in excited mind because finding her purpose in this life.

Feeling her anxiety gone to some extent, Mellisa eventually rest not knowing her roomates still wide awake.

In the next morning, Mellisa ate her breakfast portion hungrily. Its been a long time she could enjoy eating foods without worry. Even though its just simple bread, soup, and baked potatoes.

"Wow... you're already energetic in the morning." Belinda exclaimed, sitting in front of her who was being avoided by the rest of the servant.

"Well... I was hungry."

"Of course, we're often starved before. That's why we need to hang on this job right ? What do you think ?"

"I do agree about the payment, but i don't know about the future."

"Eh, do you have some where to go ?"

"No, I don't." Mellisa giggled because Belinda face was confused by her words.

Mellisa just stating whatever she could thinks off, while drinking the clear water in the glass. She took the dirty tableware and washed it, soon following Belinda to do her job.

Mellisa was assigned to do the windows and bedroom cleaning in the morning as a result of her condition which was lack nutrition. She needs to be healthy before doing the heavy work. Belinda was supervising her and teaching her Royal family work ethics.

While doing her job diligently, in the three days Mellisa hear the news about the prince celebration days will be held tomorrow at the plaza capitals of Leoness Kingdom.

Garnet Palace, has been busy at that time. Preparing the to greet the palace owner. It also one of the reasons Mellisa had a hard time seeing the Head Butler when working.

Thinking about it, Mellisa didn't know what happened to Amelia.

***

Today's the illegitimate prince celebration.

The Duke Corven army can be seen from a far, coming from the North Gate. Their march gaining masses cheers because of the overwhelming victory from the neighboring kingdom.

The prince standing in between his close aides and one of the Lioness Kingdom Pillar whose Family lineage has sworn allegiance to the Royals Family. They safely arrived at the capital and resting after the Emperor Henry C. Salvatore IX welcomed them.

The prince was taken into the King's hall where's every nobles are present to witness his right being acknowledged.

"As the Emperor promised, I Henry C. Salvatore IX hereby declared Alexander as the Third Prince of Leonnes Kingdom. You'll be known as Alexander Caspian Salvatore, the Third in line of Leonnes Succesor. Along with this, I grant you Garnet Palace and five platinum coins and two gold chest as the rewads in playing a commendable role in the war. Do you Accept ?"

"I'll abide His Majesty decree." The Prince calmly stated.

He was given what the Emperor promised, and eventually had to attend the banquet in the afternoon. The Empress Leona E. Bernadette and First Prince William C. Salvatore, along with princess and prince attend as formality; they're holding their temper well not to lashed out at the new prince.

The Banquet still going on until 10.00 P.M in the evening, but the prince excusing himself to his palace before the party ended. Therefore, all the servants frantically rushing into the Garnet Palace main hall to greets Prince Alexander C. Salvatore.

Mellisa, along with them stand in line behind the main door. Several maids seen busily tidying up their appearance including Belinda who seems wearing make up as well. Before Mellisa came to the main hall, she's taken a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Mint pastel hair, and clear grey eyes that close to the lighter tone with blue tint in its pupil edge, pale skin and pink colored lips almost mistaken herself as a doll.

It's a little disorienting, her previous average face transformed into a younger face; more attractive if not for the experience from the past two years in a living hell. She would love to straight away became a supermodels for playboy magazines; just add some shape mostly on the chest part. The girl in the mirror would arouse many men.

She didn't do anything to make her beautifull; just neatly tying her hair in low-pony tail and neating her uniform[A6] . Mellisa's health is getting better as her sunken eyes gradually fades. She did feel that the in the past three days, several girl has been hostile to her. All of it because of the oppurtunity to approach the prince that she didn't even interested in it.

"His Highness Alexander C. Salvatore arrived at the Garnet Palace." Butler Yan loudly informed the servants which was inside the hall while opening the closed door.

"Welcome to the Garnet Palace, Your Highness." The servants simultaneusly speak to greets the owner before eventually curtsied according to the Royal Family maid ethics.

Mellisa's personally thinks that everyone still clumsy in practicing it, its probably look funny from the prince point of view.

"Pfft."

'See- as I predicted.'

"Lift your head." A low barritone voice belongs to the prince formally ordering the servants.

Everyone in a heartbeat lift their heads up, slowly looking at the third prince appearance. Black midnight hair around his shoulder tied in pony tail, sharp golden eyes, high nose, v-jawline, and his warm beige skin came into view. He had towering size, almost reaching 190 Cm, athletic body belong to the leanest built but has firm muscle especially in his chest and shoulder areas. Its all shown under his movement when taking off his outer suit.

Mellisa's sure that he might be became younger Geralt from The Witcher series she often watch before the pandemic hit the earth, in conclusion; The third prince charm was certain.

His appearance certainly different from what Mellisa heard about Royal family who had Blonde hair and Golden eyes. Only one trait belong to the Royal Family shown in him, which was his Golden eyes. Officially making him the black sheep of Salvatore Royal.

Mellisa was looking at him like everyone else does, unlike her who often saw people like him in appearance except for his golden eyes naturally didn't reacting too much. Only if Mellisa sees everyone shocked face, she'll realized that her reaction alone was different.

In the mean time, Mellisa was caught in his line of sight. Both of their gazes meet in the air.

'Huh ? Did he and I make eye-contact ?' Mellisa pondered, when the prince coolly talking to his aide besides him.

"Butler Yan, give them each one a room near my chamber. They're my personal knight, Sir James and Sir Elmer[A9] ."

The third prince introducing them to the butler, fraternal twin knight except for their hair, eye color and height. They looked like a loyal subject only to the prince.

"I'll preparing it. Your Highness."

"Then, I'm gonna rest for today."

"Bring Hi-.."

"Its fine, Butler Yan. I'm gonna ask myself."

The energetic Butler forced to swallow what he want to speak, looking at the Prince who was approaching a certain maid in the last corner.

Mellisa was absent-minded after the prince start talking with the Butler. She's actually feeling sleepy, and will soon escaping herself from duty. Except for the sudden figure approaching their directions.

'Oh, why did he came this way ?' Mellisa watch him like everyone else.

Glancing to her side, Belinda seems excited at the prince who approaching them.

'Weird...' For a moment ago Mellisa believed that the prince will ask Belinda or the one around her but when his eyes fell on her, she's not sure about it anymore. Just preparing for the worst morning starting tomorrow.

"You, take me to my chamber." He stated, with his eyes looking straight into Mellisa eyes.

"Then, please follow me Your highness." Resigned, Mellisa just turn a blind eye from the hostile gazes behind the prince.

Mellisa led the prince to the upper floor of the palace, where the master bedroom are. They walk through the dimly lit corridor, because some of the candle has been put off for an unknown reasons. Making the corridor a little bit eerie, like when she used to walking in dark alleyway after her scouting duty. Of course the palace corridor wasn't scary at all.

The prince just walk behind her without saying anything, so do Mellisa just doing what he was asked her to do. Therefore, fifteen minutes passed on the way to the prince chamber. Its only after a few turns, Mellisa arrived at his front chamber.

Unlocking the door, Mellisa first open the door.

"Please come inside, Your Highness."

Letting the prince seeing the room first, Mellisa following him only after he did come inside. She was observing the prince who was looking at every room corner.

"Does His Majesty needs anthing else ?"

"Yes, take out my sleeping attire and help me changing."

'What is this lunatic saying ?' Her poker face almost cracked as she instinctively wants to choke him. Mellisa brought his sleeping attire from the cabinet, putting it on top of the table beside the where the prince standing.

"Here His Highness, please excuse my rudeness."

"Sure..."

Mellisa was standing near the prince when she asks him with her two hands in the air. Ready to help him changing, Alexander himself was a bit taken back because of her blunt way of speaking.

Alexander's observing her lean pale hands skillfully unbuttoning the clothes vest, as she neatly placing the vest on the table. Untying the cravat from his neck also removing the brooch, then loosening each button on sleeves and front clothes. Consequently revealing his body as she imagined it would be, she's tried to averting herself from it otherwise she can't help but to fancy his muscle.

"What's your name ?" Alexander voice oddly pleasant, He's crouching his towering body so Mellisa can undressing him a little bit faster. He's watching the mint haired girl who had excellent control in her expression, curious to one of the servant that Queen send to insult him.

He's also know they intends to keep him in check, at least the queen send all slaves who has excellent face and adequate skill. Clearly most the female servants want to jump to his bed.

Not that he can complain.

"Mellisa, Your Highness." She's replied, while planning to remove the pants used by the prince. Her hand reaching his waist overlapped with the prince palm, stoping her.

"Stop, from on I'll do it myself." Alexander's gaze towards her momentary wonder, but she didn't show any particular expression. She pulls back her hand and positioning herself back, politely.

"I understand, should I bring some refreshement ?"

"No, I'm going to rest. You're free to go." Alexander shake his head, refusing what Mellisa suggested while untying his pony-tail and receiving his pants. Steadily he changing it to his nightwear pants. While Mellisa at that time tacitly closing her eyes, just to avoid seeing it.

"Here..." Giving the used pants to Mellisa, Alexander sat on his bed.

"Then, Please rest Your Highness. I'll excuse myself." Mellisa calmly took all the clothes on the table with her, she left him after shutting off the lamp inside the room as he wishes.

His golden irises following the slender figure who casually left the room with no regret or whatsoever. Alexander was deeply amazed by her, this woman was much better become the queen eyes rather than the rest of the staff.

Since he read his mother letter given by his adopted father at the age of ten, his life change. Even previously the pendant that he thought his mother memento turns out to be one of the emperor gifts he gave to her mother just to be abandoned.

Thankfully, because of that thing too. It helped his claim easily, weighing the words he's spoken because the thing he visibly inherited from his father lineage was this eyes and Salvatore constitution where their power can't be used to harm their lineage. The rest of it was his mother traits.

The life of a bastard that has been acknowledged is not that bad actually, just by being there he can annoy them.

'William is it...' Figur of a blonde haired man with a same eyes as him afloating in his mind, as he was laying on top of the bed. He was born first, but became the third. A mother who loves her child a little too much; and a father whom spreading seed everywhere. Being born as A salvatore lineage because of the king carelessness.

'I should lay low for a while...' Thinking the future he will draw, Alexander mouth rising up as he struggles to hold his amusement. He should play along with the maids as well. With that in mind, Alexander decided to sleep with only his pants intact like he usually does.

Forgotting the petite maids who long gone.

In the meantime, Mellisa who came out from the prince chamber sighed. Looking at the darkened night, she wants to rest. Folding the third prince clothes before handing it to the maid in charge of washing clothes tommorow morning, Mellisa saved it in her cabinet and Belinda's not in her bed.

'She have spare key, I can just lock it from inside.' Mellisa recalled the key on Belinda pocket that she always bring everywhere. Yawned, Mellisa's locked the door and dragged herself to the bed drowsily.