Chapter 9: Is It Funny? He Is Only a Pilot—Did He Do Anything Wrong?
Early the next morning.
Dawn had only just replaced the night. A faint fragrance lingered in the morning air, and the passing breeze suggested it had not brushed past flowers—
—but rather the colorful undergarments hanging outside the maids’ dormitory.
Knock, knock knock.
“Enter.”
Click…
The door opened a crack and quickly shut again without excess noise. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed Head Maid Sylvia stepped into the study at the summons.
The one she needed to face alone was Vivian, who had clearly not yet escaped the grasp of sleep.
“Good morning, Miss. Did you call for me urgently?” Sylvia spoke while expertly drawing the curtains.
Vivian sat behind the desk, rubbing her eyes, her voice drowsy. “Why would I call you if nothing happened? Stop talking nonsense.”
She yawned softly. “I want to ask about someone.”
“Mm? Who?”
“Recently, was there a newcomer who arrived about a week ago, called…” Vivian paused, realizing the person had never told her name.
“Tch. Anyway, white hair, quite tall, and like you, a useless lump on the chest.”
The moment she finished, Sylvia already knew.
White hair. Tall. Noticeable figure.
There was no second person in Morninglight Manor matching those traits.
However, she did not understand why the young lady suddenly asked about Eve. Had she committed some offense?
She nodded and stood properly beside her. “Miss, the person you described is called Eve.”
“She works calmly and carefully, learns quickly, and is the best performer among the recent newcomers. She has made almost no mistakes,” Sylvia spoke increasingly fast, seemingly eager to defend Eve.
“If she has offended you, Miss, then as Head Maid I am willing to bear responsibility for inadequate instruction. She is new and perhaps—”
“Stop. I said stop,” Vivian raised her hand impatiently. “Why are you panicking? Did I ask about her performance?”
As if she did not know how that woman behaved. Last night went far beyond offense.
“My apologies, Miss. I spoke too much.”
Vivian waved her hand. She did not want to lose her temper this early. “Fine. You have been with me for so long yet still make such basic mistakes. Do not repeat it.”
She rested her chin on her hand, thinking. After a while she raised her head again. “Did you recruit her?”
“No, Miss. She was personally introduced by the family head.”
Vivian suddenly grew agitated. “What? Why did you not tell me?!”
“Miss, I mentioned it during the routine report on her first day. Your exact words were: ‘Oh, whatever. It does not matter. I cannot be bothered.’” Sylvia repeated word for word.
Silence filled the room.
“Did I say that?”
“Yes.”
Vivian instantly lost momentum. Her irritation vanished, leaving faint embarrassment, though she remained stubborn. “That is still your fault. You should have considered whether my ‘whatever’ truly meant whatever.”
Sylvia bowed deeper. “It was my oversight. Please punish me, Miss.”
Vivian snorted but had no real intention of pursuing it. What mattered was the information itself.
So it was another arrangement by that old man—likely another watcher sent to monitor her.
Had he still not relaxed after all this time? Did he truly believe his daughter would only cause trouble and must be tightly controlled?
The frustration tightened in her chest. Yet immediately, the memory of those eyes and that provoking attitude from last night surfaced again.
Unlike the previous watchers—either trembling or scheming—this Eve was different.
Very different.
Vivian could not describe it. It was not merely her striking appearance and figure. She was the most impressive servant Vivian had ever seen.
Even surpassing many so-called noble ladies.
More importantly, Eve carried a sort of audacity. Before her, the young mistress, she showed none of the usual fear.
That aroused Vivian’s interest—a strong desire to conquer and control. Especially remembering she had fallen into disadvantage last night, her competitive spirit ignited.
The previous toys had all been too dull. Too fragile.
But this one…
She could almost imagine taming someone outwardly calm yet inwardly rebellious until she obeyed every command—even kneeling to kiss her toes.
That would be immensely satisfying.
And she silently swore to make this Eve pay for last night’s offense.
Having decided, she spoke: “Enough. Forget the past. Arrange it—starting today, that Eve will serve as my personal maid.”
“Ah?”
“You object?”
“No, Miss. Understood. I will instruct her well.”
Though Sylvia did not fully grasp the situation, her long experience calmed her quickly.
She had intended to propose this herself and even prepared for rejection. Since the young lady desired it as well, she felt relieved.
Eve, do not disappoint my expectations…
“That is all. You may leave. Have her come see me before evening.”
“Yes.”
Sylvia bowed and withdrew, closing the door before heading toward the maids’ quarters.
Inside the study, Vivian remained seated, fingers unconsciously twisting her red hair.
Morning sunlight brightened, casting a pale golden glow around her. Her lips curved—sweet yet dangerous.
“Eve…” she murmured the name, nodding slightly, whether satisfied or resentful unclear.
“Let us see how long you can entertain me.”
…
“If it does not last long, it is probably a serious condition.”
The woman in a white coat spoke earnestly, then brushed her green hair back and took a box of medicine from the cabinet.
“Here. Take it half an hour beforehand.”
Across the desk, the man’s face turned crimson. If possible, he would test whether the window had an invisible barrier.
Doctors were said to treat patients without judgment, but others were present. He grabbed the medicine, left several bills exceeding the fee.
“Thank you, doctor! I understand!” He fled the clinic without looking back.
After watching him leave, the green-haired doctor finally laughed and turned toward the “other person.”
“Beautiful maid, it is your turn. Do you also suffer from such troubles?”
“……”