Chapter 5: Cooperation

Eina took the necklace to the maid guarding the entrance. Holding it up in front of her with a restrained smile, "M-M-May I take this one?"

The maid looked at the necklace, grabbed out the registry and marked off a necklace, jotting down the characteristics of the girl who took it, after all she was unaware of their names, "That's fine, miss".

Rose came up from behind holding an elegant writing brush and its stand. She held it up to show the maid, "This, please" saying it in her regular calm voice.

The maid was a little surprised. She had seen many young girls given a reward from the madam, but this girl was the first to look away from the jewellery or the gems, and focus on a literature based reward. She said "Yes" repeating the step she had just taken for Eina's reward.

After the two girls and the maid left the room, Eina felt the gazes return. Doing her best to restrain her body's defensive reaction, trying to remain as natural as possible. She kept her head lowered, following behind the maid.

When they returned to the main house, Alessia was sitting in the courtyard, looking much more relaxed. With a subtle blush on her elegant face, she rested on the chair, sipping tea; while gazing at the well maintained flowers in the garden.

Seeing the group returning, Alessia took a glimpse at what the girls were holding, 'Jewellery box and a pen. How fitting' she thought. With a slight smile, she gestured towards the maid, standing next to her "Lin, take them to the yard next door, and give them a few servant girls to take care of each of them".

"Yes, madam" the maid named Lin said. She took over the children from the maid that had just returned. Lin left with the two girls and the remaining maid stood in the position where Lin had just been.

"Lana, tell me what you think of them" Alessia said to the maid next to her.

"The timid one seems easy to manage. Rarely lifted her head, peeking from time to time. All show she's uneasy, but to know what her true nature is, will have to wait until she gets comfortable with the situation.

The other girl is strange. Not just by her choice of reward, but just her expression. She doesn't seem worried, nor does she seem relaxed. She just seems like she doesn't care about anything. As if this situation isn't worth any attention from her." Lana explained succinctly what she had found.

Alessia thought for a while, leaning back against the chair,"I thought the same. It seems we have an interesting girl this time".

Lin led the two girls to the yard beside Alessia's. The yard was a little smaller, but it was well maintained. Lin had called one of the servant women under her to bring a few obedient girls to take care of the two new masters,and they arrived after Lin had given them a tour of the yard.

Seeing the group of little girls standing with their heads bowed, in an obviously practiced stance, Lin was quite pleased.

She divided the girls in two groups, and asked them to serve each of the two little masters.

"Yes, ma'am" the little servant girls said in unison.

She turned towards the two new masters, and said "Rest today. Tomorrow morning you'll have to return to regular classes, then afterwards you'll learn from madam".

Rose and Eina agreed, sending off Lin.

Eina looked at the group of girls that had been sent to serve her, with a headache. 'One of the drawbacks of acting timid', she thought in frustration.

If she arranged them too well, then the madam would become suspicious. But if she maintained her timidity in front of them, then the girls would ride on her head. Although she doesn't want them near her, but if they start hindering her life, then the losses would outweigh the gains.

Eina knew that in a world like this, every minute thing could be used as a test. To see your attitude, your strengths and your weaknesses. This way of living would only be more tiring than when she was a killer.

Seemingly understanding Eina's dilemma, Rose walked over with her expressionless face, hooking Eina's arm with her own and pointing to the group of maids behind her, while whispering in Eina's ear.

"I know you took that booklet. I don't intend on harming you. So how about the two of us, who are in the same situation cooperate?"

Eina didn't expect to be found out by this girl again. She raised her head to look at the girl standing beside her. Rose's eyes were still that bottomless, uncaring look, as if everything was unimportant to her. Thinking for a while, Eina replied honestly "Fine. Since we're in this together. I don't mind cooperating".

The chilling voice that came from Eina's mouth was not what a timid girl should have. A faint palpitation caused by fear coming from her always unmoved heart. Rose couldn't help but smile. She knew no matter what happened, she wouldn't regret this decision.

Eina pulled away from Rose, and seemed to be pretending to be strong. Directing the girls, as if she was coached on how to.

The servant girls took the orders obediently. Whether they'd remain to be obedient, Eina didn't care. That would be something her new little partner would have to deal with.

She bid farewell to Rose as if she was reluctant to leave her, turning back every so often to peek at the girl that remained standing there. The last time she looked back, she swore she could see a mocking expression from Rose's eyes.

Eina told herself not to care about the presumptuous brat. Who told her to be caught by that girl? Leaving her in a bit of a helpless situation.

When she entered the bedroom, no one was following her, all of them had been directed by her to complete tasks. She placed the jewellery box on the dresser table, and walked over to a soft couch. Not hearing any movement around her, she pulled out the booklet, sat down and inspected it.