Plan

The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the wooden walls of Drachenstein Mansion's sitting room. Outside, the city of Alta had long settled into the quiet lull of the night, the distant sounds of the port replaced by the occasional hoot of an owl. Within the mansion, however, three maids sat gathered around the central table, their hushed voices the only disturbance in the stillness. Archus had long since fallen asleep, giving them the rare chance to speak freely.

Lyndis leaned forward, her arms crossed atop the table. "The duke's arrival is still a year away, but we need to start preparing now. This place is massive, and maintaining it on our own has already been exhausting. Once he arrives, things will only get more demanding."

Rin nodded slightly, her golden eyes flickering with quiet concern. "We'll have to clean rooms that haven't been touched in years. The dust alone will take weeks to clear out."

Laya sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "And we're going to need supplies. That means heading to the marketplace."

Lyndis glanced at her knowingly. "You don't want to go."

Laya's ears twitched slightly, and she looked away. "It's not that… I just don't like dealing with those vendors. They overcharge, lie about prices, and—" She huffed. "They stare."

Rin frowned. "Stare?"

Laya shifted uncomfortably. "At my chest, mostly. Some of them think they can get away with brushing too close when handing over goods."

A sharp gleam passed through Lyndis's eyes. "We'll handle it. I'll come with you, and if anyone tries anything, I'll make sure they regret it."

That seemed to reassure Laya somewhat, but she still didn't look pleased. "I'd still rather not go at all."

"I know," Lyndis said, her voice softer this time. "But we need to restock, and there are things we can't get delivered. We'll be quick, I promise."

Rin, who had remained quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. "We should also consider how we're going to manage the mansion once the duke is here. With just the three of us, it's already difficult. If we have to maintain all the unused rooms as well…"

Lyndis exhaled slowly. "We'll have to prioritize. The guest quarters can be cleaned closer to his arrival. For now, we should focus on his personal chambers, the dining hall, and the main hall. We'll take it step by step."

Silence followed as they absorbed the weight of their responsibilities. The mansion was grand, beautiful even, but it was far too large for three people to maintain alone. Still, they had managed thus far, and they would continue to do so.

Lyndis straightened, her voice firm. "We'll make a schedule, divide the work, and pace ourselves. The duke left this place in our care, and we won't let it fall to ruin before he returns."

Laya and Rin exchanged glances before nodding. There was no other choice but to push forward.

As the candles burned lower and the moonlight filtered through the windows, the maids quietly finalized their plans.