Side Story (25)

Instead of a grand welcome accompanied by drums and cheers from the servants, the arrival of the three was greeted by a cold and tense atmosphere.

Standing by the main door was Ezmeralda, glaring in her direction as she stepped out of the carriage. Cassandra bit her lips and hid her nervousness, then she extended her hand to Elizabeth.

She gratefully accepted and mumbled her thanks after. Fiona reached her hand as well, but Cassandra simply looked at her with question, before taking the small bag Elizabeth was carrying.

Back in that mansion, she was still a servant. So, no matter how Elizabeth told her she didn't need to act like one, she couldn't be at ease and obey her. What upsets her more is the look of her former roommates, the maids who welcomed her warmly, now faced her with their cold and distant expressions.