Water maids.
"Today, they're recruiting a water maid in the palace?"
"Yes. Do you want to go, Krahn? You'll see a lot of things inside!"
I'm having a conversation with the maid who works inside the palace. She's a water maid. About being a water maid, it's nothing that special. They wear that fancy looking clothes that I want to try it so badly.
"Sure! I'm done with my work so I think I can do things inside the palace."
"Eh?! But aren't your brother going to get mad when he comes to know this again?" said Hakurei, "Will you please think about your safety first?"
I understand how he feels about me who always getting hurt. But what can I do? I love taking myself into the risky parts of life.
"Don't worry." I confidently uttered, "My brother won't know anything unless you tell him. You'll tell him?"
"Uh! Why would I do that?!"
"Then, everything will be fine. Trust me."
"Alright."
I faced the water maid again as I beautifully smiled at her. I clicked my fingers, even swirls happily for the decision I come to decide.
"I will go with you today!"
"That's great."
She's grateful that I will come to her today. Sadly, Hakurei will not be joining me today. Water maid is only a job for girls, and he is not eligible for that kind of work. He'll be staying behind.
"Haku… Please look up to my brother. If he asks anything about me. Say I'm in my work. Don't mention anything about me getting inside the palace." He nodded.
"Alright. Please be careful."
When he confirmed it. I left together with the water maid I talked to before. She led me to the place where I have to change my clothes, and fix myself neatly before entering the palace. When I look myself in the mirror where I changed, I was a bit stunned by how different I am.
"I look someone cute."
I leaned my hands in my face. I smiled happily. These are the clothes that I want to wear, even though I'm just a slave. This kind of clothes shows that I'm still someone who is almost an ordinary one. Not a Slave or a Noble, but a commoner.
My hair was braided, fixed done by myself. I learn braiding thanks to my mother. She's actually good at braiding and hair-dressing. My mother doesn't even look like a slave at all. She's like someone who has a rank in the palace.
"Hey, are you done?" the water maid has finally approached me. "Why are you taking so long?" and she's a bit impatient.
I giggled a bit.
"I'm sorry, Milady. I'm just looking myself in the mirror."
"...Then please hurry. The chief water maid is here."
"Y-yes!"
Since the water maid called for me. I stopped looking at myself in the mirror as I go outside. The other young water maids have fallen in line neatly. I went in the back as we wait for the arrival of the chief of the water maids.
This whole place is so good compared to my village. The structures of the buildings are sure looks stronger and well-built, yet in my village, our home is like a hut that will be blown by a strong wind anytime.
How cruel that the kingdom doesn't do much about the slaves. We're maybe a slave but we're still human beings. Why do being a poor one has to suffer a lot? We didn't choose to be poor, but the kingdom isn't helping them at all.
A few more minutes, the chief of the water maids has arrived. She's well-dressed that I think she's working inside the palace.
"Are these the water maids that will enter the palace today?"
Wait, did I hear that correctly. We will be entering the palace?
"Yes, My Lady."
The chief began observing us. She walked around us; I think she was checking our outfits if it is nicely done. I'm glad I was so careful on wearing mine.
"Alright." she said, "The water maids shall clean the clothes of the palace maids today. Everyone must acknowledge that any water maids that came in sight of the crown prince must pay their respect. Keep that in mind."
Crown prince? Is he strolling inside the palace?
Wait, isn't it this is luck? I will be able to see the prince with my own eyes—but wait, didn't I already see the prince? There's another prince, his brother?!
That's so cool. Would you look at my luck today? I'm so happy.
"Follow her. She'll take you in each area you are designated with."
"Yes, Milady." all of us replied in synchronized.
I lowered my head as I can't stop smiling for myself. I'm so proud of myself. This is the right thing that I did today.
It'll be an honour to see the crown prince within my slavenly eyes. Goodness, I can't wait to see him!
The lady brought me to the place where I will have to clean the clothes of the palace maid. Due to my curiosity, I had to ask something from her something.
"Uhm. Do you think, the prince will pass here somehow?"
"Oh? You're hoping to see him either? I am also hoping that I can have a glimpse of him. But I don't think he passes in this area. However, if we are fortunate enough, we might be able to see him!" She's also hoping for it.
"Then, we should get going so that we can finish this quickly."
"I agree."
Both of us began having a hand-to-hand cleaning of the clothes. We're bound to finish this as quickly as we could. The clothes are stinky, I wonder what do these maids do in their everyday works.
I can't believe they have to be this disgusting.
Oh no, stop complaining. You've asked for this.
It's been one hour since we started our job but there's no prince passing by. I guess we're not that lucky to see him, huh?
I'm a bit disappointed. I'm obviously waiting for him so, not seeing him today is truly upsetting. When we're done with the clothes, the two of us—my partner, would just sit and rest for a while.
"I'm beaten—"
"Hm!" both of us looked at the dark sky, the sky that was never lit by the sun. It's daylight yet, it's dark. This kingdom doesn't have a sun that shines above the sky.
It's all these dramatic stars and the moon. I think that's what makes this place special.
"Hey, I haven't asked your name. What is your name?"
"Krahn."
"Just Krahn?"
"Yeah?"
"Call me, Khione."
"Your name sounds something like nobility." I amazedly said to her. "It does. Look, we have K at the beginning of our name! Our name is special!" she replied.
"Friends?"
"Friends."
And that's how I met Khione.