A Favour From Suki

Hina sat at the white viewing pavilion, basking in the warmth of the day as she had a nice brunch. The gardens had quickly become her favourite place, other than the library and the small balcony in her room.

With time, it was getting harder to see the merchant as his presence was becoming scarce during family breakfast and dinners. He was always out these days, checking on one work or the other. Not like Hina really cared.

It was a serene afternoon but one thing kept distracting Hina. Emi Chiba. It was truly frustrating not knowing anything about the mischievous woman, despite the familiarity she could sense. Could Emi be another unforeseen variable like Kai and Tanaka? It did not seem right to her.

[I know I've heard that name before, but where? Why can't I remember?]

She took a sip from her drink, staring at her reflection in the sweet liquid as she held the cup.

"Is the drink not to your liking, lady Hina?" Suki asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"That's not it. It's nice..."

"Then please have some snacks too, my lady. I made sure the chef prepared some of your favourite snacks"

"Okay"

Hina examined the sweet snacks before her. There were all the ones she enjoyed the most. She took a piece of a macaron and handed it to Suki.

"Here, have a snack too" she spoke warmly.

"Ahh! no, lady Hina! I couldn't possibly-"

"Come on~ just one. Or could it be that you don't want it because you think my hand is dirty?" Hina purposedly teased Suki.

"No! That's not what I think, my lady!" Suki abruptly responded, waving her hands back and forth as she denied Hina's words.

"I-its just that...these snacks were specially prepared for you, my lady" She mumbled.

"And I'd like to share them with you" Hina replied,

"Ah, my hand is getting sore" she added, pouting like a child.

"I-i will gladly accept it, lady Hina"

Suki quickly accepted the snack from Hina, flustered by the lady's cuteness overload.

Hina chuckled lightly as she watched Suki. It was always so easy to tease her.

In the novel, Suki was more than just a friend or subordinate to Hina. She was more like an elder sister. Suki was also known for being skilled at gathering information; she was better than any information guild in the city. She always got any information Hina needed, down to intricate details.

Hina glanced at Suki, wondering if it would be okay to test her now. If Suki was that good, getting information on Emi would be child's play for her. It would also be a good way to test Suki's loyalty towards her. Although she already knew where Suki's loyalty stood, there was no harm in being cautious.

"Suki.."

"Yes?" The sudden mention of her name caught her off guard.

"Can I ask you for a little favour?" Hina said after much hesitation.

"O-of course, my lady! Say it and it is done" her eyes were burning with so much enthusiasm as her face flushed. It was a cute sight.

"Hmm. You formerly told me that lady Emi is a family friend of the merchant. Is that true?"

"Yes. It Is a common gossip among the maids, although I am not sure about further details."

"I see..." Hina savored her drink again.

"Is there something about lady Emi that seems to bother you, my lady?"

"Yes, indeed there is"

"Perhaps, would you like me to secretly look into further details of the gossips?" Suki cautiously asked. Her tone was suddenly more serious.

[Indeed, she's quick witted]

"Yes. I'd also like you to find out as much as possible about her in general." Hina smiled

"I understand what you mean, my lady"

"I'd also like for this conversation to stay between us"

"Of course, lady Hina" Suki blushed as she nodded.

"Forgive me, my lady, but may I ask why you assigned such an important task to me? You could have asked the head maid..."

"Hmm.. because I trust you?" Hina muttered.

"Sorry?" Suki was stunned, unsure of what she heard.

Revealing a bright smile, Hina asserted, "Because I trust you. You're on my side, right?"

"Yes. Of course, I am, lady Hina" Suki replied, a pleased expression showed on her face as she smiled. Suki had come into the Merchant's estates to work as a general maid. Cleaning and cooking while living a simple life, away from the complexities of the family members. However, that did not last long as she was soon appointed to work for the unknown young mistress that the lord had taken in. She had heard the numerous stories of noble ladies and how they showed their true colours around their personal maids. They would whip them and bully them mercilessly for the smallest mistakes. Although a few were lucky to have nice mistresses, many were treated no better than slaves. One maid she had heard about had even gotten her right hand chopped off for spilling juice on her mistress, forced to live the rest of her life disabled. It was such a scary thought to work so closely for the new mistress of the house, but that thought had faded away as soon as she met lady Hina. The young lady was a living angel; the most caring and kind-hearted person Suki had ever met. She did not harass the maids or treat them with contempt, rather she was too nice. To Suki's surprise, she soon came to cherish the young lady so dearly and her only fear became picturing a day when lady Hina would no longer want her around. Who would have thought things would play out this way? Earning the lady's trust felt like she had earned all the great things life had to offer.

"I'm happy to hear that" Hina smiled at Suki.

"Ah, however, it may take some time before I get all the information you need, lady Hina" Suki said, awkwardly fumbling with her hands.

"It's okay. Take your time" Hina nodded. She already expected that much. She knew it wouldn't be a day's work.

"Thank you, my lady"

"I'm the one who's thankful, Suki"