The Punishment

"Well, I guess it's not that hard to be a maid. Basically, I just have to open the curtains for Claire which I'm late to do because Mellisa already did it. So maybe, I have to wake up earlier than her."

"I also have to stick to Claire's side, but due to how large the mansion is, I couldn't find her anywhere."

"She finished eating breakfast while I'm starving!"

"And when I tried to ask where her location is, Mellisa just chuckles as if she was mocking me."

"We couldn't talk the whole morning as I couldn't find her anywhere. Mellisa wasn't in her room either so maybe she's accompanying her."

"I should've asked where she usually goes.. It's not even stated in the book. It only says that she's the type of person who reads book in her room while having a nice coffee in her veranda—"

"Don't forget that I also go to the library 5FA. I usually relax and sleep on the library. It's my favorite spot in this mansion. On 3pm, I used to go out of the mansion for a quick stroll or meet someone." Haneul stun in her position as she closes her notebook. She never felt this quick before.

"Don't you think that it's impolite to read someone's diary?"

"Diary? You mean a note where you keep your own secrets and stuffs? I never have one before." Claire nods as if she's trying to investigate Haneul's words.

"I'll die before I could even spread the rumors about you." She said as she hid her notes on the cabinet and locked it before Claire could even read all.

But she's just starting to write so it'll count as 'Claire already know her first day experience.'

"I'm just curious about the book part. It seems interesting. Did someone created a book about me?" Now that Claire brings about it, even if she said yes, she might not believe in her.

After all, she wasn't supposed to be in this story at all. She's just a faceless character with no name. Haneul, on the other hand, is relieved that she was sent rather than Jian.

No one will search for her even if she's already gone. She doesn't have any family to start with. Just herself and her little job which is enough to sustain her.

Perhaps the only one who'll miss her the most was her friend, Jian. But Haneul knows that afterwards, Jian will encounter people who's ready to be her friend.

She doesn't even know if Jian was safe or not. She led the killer in their room after all. "So you have things that you can't say. I understand." Claire didn't mind to ask again as she states her real intention for coming into her room.

"I already take care of Mellisa. I made her speak the truth and let her confess to my parents. I let her pick between dying and living. She's not dumb enough to choose death."

"The reason why you can't see her right now, is because she's been exiled in the mansion. She might be wandering in the city without anything right now."

"My parents will take care of my brother. They will cut off his expenses and will ground him that'll last for 1 year. Thanks to you I manage to send his spy off without any hardship."

"Aiden will spend his time on the palace as the king will give him the right punishment. Indirect Attempted Murder will be the case for him.

"He might be detained for more than 1 year. If I just let Mellisa hurt me a little, he must've been begging on my knees to forgive him."

"It's unfortunate that he's my brother. The King would just place him in the prison for years. But if he's a commoner, his head will be sent off without any judgement for trying to kill the heir of De Lune."

Now that she gets rid of her brother, she realizes how much time she wasted. She has enough evidence from the start, yet she's afraid to tell because of the consequences.

On the other side, Claire was also wondering. Why does his brother craves for wealth and power when he is just a mere child? Maybe, there is someone behind him that wants to control her family.

But as far as she could remember, her family didn't do anything wrong.

"What's your plan?" Haneul asked as Claire states her observations. "I have to gain allies. People that I can trust. From now on, I have to attend invitations to expand my popularity."

"Then I'll start to gather information about my family record that's not stated in the book. We might have an enemy in the past."

"You will help me to collect data information by being my accomplice to every ball. Observe unnecessary movement as I try to communicate with them."

"But first, you have to study accounting and management. As well as right manners and conduct as a lady."

"I don't fully trust you yet Haneul. Don't be too comfortable. I just want to explain things about your job as my maid." As Claire leaves her room, Haneul loses her energy as she lays her head on the table.

She knows that things wouldn't change until she's not honest with her. But if she also answers that Claire is just a character in a book she read, wouldn't it make her look like a suspicious person who's creating a story?

-

"You seem to be close to your new maid." Claire stops walking as her sister stops in front of her.

"You don't have to involve yourself in every of my matter." Selene sighs as she walks closer to Claire.

"I just care about you, sister. I don't want another news about your maid, betraying you." Selene wraps her arms around her sister as she whispers.

"You might hate me, but I like sister than your stupid brother. After all, we're the only ones who can save ourself. Am I right?" She chuckles as she fixes her sister's hair.

"I use my face to please mother and use my cute voice to attract people's attention. That's my own survival to stay alive, Claire." Removing her arms, Selene composed herself as she looks at her sister once again, bowing slightly.

"I hope you wouldn't see me as your enemy."