Chapter 5

The Loyal Maid

In that dim and chilly dungeon, Mia was alone, holding her knees on her chest, waiting for “that” time to come. It has been two years since Mia was imprisoned. The servants who catered to her at the first few weeks have all gone now. They disappeared when they realized that Mia would never return to power. It was then that Mia’s loneliness would begin. However, there was an exception.

“Your Highness, I’ve come to do your hair.”

It was Anne, a young maid with red hair. Anne arrived and bowed politely to the soldier standing guard. Then she steps into the prison. Though Mia was already numb to it, but the smell of the prison was terrible. The foul odor was comparable to the slums.

However, Anne does not hesitate at all and lowers herself behind Mia. Then she produces a comb that she kept in her pocket. She started combing Mia’s unruly hair. Not being able to wash for days, her hair resisted Anne’s combing, but Anne patiently and carefully combed her hair until no strands can be found.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I have never been good with the comb.”

“Why?... Why are you still devoted to me?” Quiet words escaped from Mia’s mouth.

After being imprisoned in this dungeon, Anne had been visiting her every two or three days. She devoted herself to taking care of Mia. Sometimes she would bring snacks, or water and washcloth to wipe Mia’s body, knowing that Mia couldn’t take a bath.

But Mia never really understood why.

Mia is the daughter of the emperor. So many people follow her in order to gain profit. But the maid in front of her, Anne, clearly wasn’t one of them. If anything, Anne was the one who suffered from Mia’s selfishness.

To be clear, Mia wasn’t a tyrant. Well, if Anne blundered, Mia would give her a mouthful. Or sometimes if she is really angry, then a punch, or a kick, or even a headbutt.

It was at this point that Mia realizes that headbutts might have been not a suitable behavior for a lady of her noble status.

But that was it. Nothing more.

She never ordered her soldiers to whip anybody not ordered anybody to be executed. Because those things seem to hurt. And Mia wasn’t a fan of anything that hurts.

But she wasn’t a good princess either. Aside from those with a fetish, no one really wants to be abused or kicked. Her other maids, therefore, has no reason to devote themselves to her, especially after her fall. But the maid in front of her was different.

“Your Highness, you’ll get cream on your dress...”

“Silence!” Mia rebuked the maid around her before gently lifting Anne up by her shoulders.

“Miss Anne, please rise.”

“I-I-I-I’m really sorry, Your Highness...”

“I’m not angry.”

With that said, Mia’s smile was soft and gentle.

“Now, stand up. You really aren’t injured, right?”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

Anne was bewildered by Mia as she was pulled up. But Mia was steady, and she looked at the maid.

“Now I can repay your loyalty.”

Then she declared in a formal tone.

“Let it be known, henceforth, you shall be my maid-in-waiting. You shall serve me exclusively and shall be responsible for my daily affairs.”

“......eh?”

“Your Highness!?”

The surrounding maids around Mia were all upset.