Chapter 32

Malena, the newly arrived maid, was a striking figure. Her muscular build, honed through rigorous training, was at odds with the delicate role of domestic servant. Tall and long-limbed, she exuded a sharp, almost predatory aura that hinted at a mercenary past. Her face, though seemingly indifferent, bore a resemblance to Matthias, carrying a similar air of detachment.

Despite the unexpected nature of her hire, Odelliana found herself intrigued. “Have you heard of my reputation?” she asked, testing the waters.

“Yes, I have,” Malena replied without hesitation.

“And you’re still willing to serve me?”

“When money is involved, one does what is necessary,” Malena said matter-of-factly. “I’m not in a position to be choosy.”

Odelliana leaned forward, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Did they tell you I recently slashed my personal maid’s mouth with a knife?”

Malena’s expression remained unchanged. “I heard it was a butter knife, resulting in a scar that couldn’t be properly treated.”

“She’s vanished,” Odelliana stated, a challenge in her voice.

“I’m aware,” Malena replied calmly.

“You speak as if it’s of no concern to you.”

“Because it isn’t,” Malena said simply.

Odelliana found herself fascinated by this woman’s composure. “As my maid, could you not suffer the same fate?”

Malena regarded her mistress slowly, her eyes assessing. “I suppose that’s a risk I’ll take,” she said finally.

“Oh?” Odelliana raised an eyebrow.

“I imagine I would be capable of stopping you before things escalated,” Malena replied. “But if you were to lose control, I would do my best to restrain you.”

“Restrain me?” Odelliana echoed, amused.

“Isn’t that part of the job description?” Malena asked, her tone flat.

“Aren’t you afraid of me?”

Malena paused for a moment. “There are many things to fear in this world, my lady,” she said, her voice holding a quiet strength.

Odelliana smiled. There was no arrogance in Malena’s demeanor, merely a calm acceptance of the situation. It was a quality the young mistress found both intriguing and reassuring.

“Typically, people who are mentally unstable are feared. Does your mercenary past change that?” Odelliana inquired.

“TCraziness is a common commodity in my line of work,” Malena replied bluntly.

“I suppose that’s true.” Odelliana nodded. “You seem quite familiar with this world.”

“It’s nothing extraordinary. I’ve simply encountered many different types of people,” Malena explained. “Nobility is our primary clientele, after all.” 

“Being a maid is vastly different from being a mercenary,” Odelliana pointed out. “And as you can see, my physical abilities are limited. This might pose a challenge for you. Are you prepared for that?”

“I have no choice. I’m here for the money,” Odelliana stated flatly.

Every interaction with Malena circled back to the subject of payment. The work was arduous, but the compensation made it tolerable. Earning a living was a constant struggle, after all. Her mercenary attitude was unyielding, yet oddly refreshing. There was no pretense, no calculated flattery. Her blunt honesty was disarming.

“Very well,” Odelliana said, her tone final. “I’ll be observing you. You may leave.”

Malena nodded curtly before exiting the room. Matthias, stationed against the wall, watched her departure with a contemplative expression.

“What do you think of her, Matthias?” Odelliana asked.

“She’s a potential liability, someone to be treated with caution,” he replied.

“She undoubtedly has the physique of a seasoned warrior. A woman who survives in that world must be highly skilled.” Odelliana mused, her gaze following Malena’s retreating figure.

The telltale signs of a swordsman were evident: thick arms, broad shoulders, and a muscular back. The rough scars on her ankles and neck bore witness to her arduous past.

“Do you intend to keep her?” Matthias questioned.

“You seem less than enthusiastic about her,” Odelliana observed.

“If she were to turn against us, even I would struggle to subdue her,” Matthias replied bluntly.

“She is indeed skilled,” Odelliana acknowledged. “Perhaps my brother sought someone capable of more than mere servitude—someone who could protect me in a crisis.”

“Perhaps he was concerned about this apprentice in your presence, Master,” Matthias suggested.

“That’s not entirely unfounded,” Odelliana agreed.

What she required was unwavering loyalty. For now, Malena would remain under observation.

Malena’s directness was refreshing, but her unwavering focus on money was unsettling. Unfortunately, Odelliana had no personal wealth, and while Blair possessed resources, ultimate authority rested with another.

“Matthias, I want you to keep a close eye on Malena,” Odelliana instructed. “Determine if she has any connections to my family. My brother undoubtedly chose someone trustworthy, but caution is essential.”

The only true measure of a person’s loyalty was time. I hope she’s a long-term asset, Odelliana mused. There was something about Malena, a resilience mirroring her own past, that drew her in. But the lingering unease wouldn’t subside. She could only hope Blair’s judgment was sound.

***

Malena possessed an extraordinary strength, far surpassing that of the average woman. Her robust frame, forged in the crucible of mercenary life, made her capable of feats that astonished those around her. Two brimming water buckets, a burden for most, were effortlessly carried by her, while a laundry basket balanced precariously on her shoulder. A stubborn honey jar, defying attempts to open it, yielded to her grip, and the unruly overgrowth in the backyard vanished under her determined hands without the aid of male servants.

“Malena is incredibly strong, yet her hands are deft and skilled,” one staff member remarked. “She anticipates our needs and lends a hand without being asked, making our work noticeably easier.”

Another added, “Just a few days ago, she assisted the stable master in carrying feed without so much as a cart. That stuff is incredibly heavy, you know!”

“How did someone like her end up in this secluded annex?” someone wondered aloud. “She seems far too capable for such a mundane existence.”

“Well, considering she was brought here by the young master, it’s no surprise,” another replied.

Malena’s reputation among the annex staff was rapidly growing, a testament to her exceptional abilities and tireless work ethic.

Her exceptional strength and stamina allowed her to not only fulfill her own duties but also assist her colleagues, making her a valuable asset rather than an outcast. Diligent and composed, she executed her tasks with such precision that Odelliana rarely needed to intervene.

Malena found contentment in her quiet life as a maid. While her fellow servants pitied her placement in the remote annex, she appreciated the tranquility and simplicity of her surroundings. The peace she experienced was a stark contrast to the chaos of her mercenary days. Here, she had warmth, sustenance, and work that was far less demanding. Regular meals and a comfortable bed provided a level of comfort she hadn’t known in a long time. Moreover, her mistress, despite her infamous reputation, was surprisingly composed and rational.

The allure of noble servitude, with its fierce competition for positions, was now evident. This was the best life she had known in recent memory. A part of her considered forsaking her mercenary past and settling into this peaceful existence.

However, a discordant note marred her contentment. A young man, always at his mistress’s side, exuded an unsettling aura like his master’s. His deliberate presence felt like a provocation.

Malena had grown acutely aware of his constant surveillance. His presence would ebb and flow, a maddening game of hide-and-seek. It was intentional provocation, a chilling reminder of her being watched. He vanished as quickly as he appeared, a phantom in the shadows, more like a skilled hunter than a boy.

Unable to tolerate this situation, Malena decided to confront him directly. “How long will you continue this stalking game?” she demanded.

The boy, perched high in a tree, looked down at her with an icy gaze. 

“Who would want to waste their time like this?” 

The boy who had once smiled warmly at his mistress was gone, replaced by a haughty and irritated young man. “My master doesn’t trust you, and neither do I,” Matthias retorted.

He descended from the tree with an eerie silence, landing effortlessly in front of her. His ability to move without a sound left her momentarily stunned.

This was not the skill set of a novice. Despite his youthful appearance, the boy exuded an aura of competence that far surpassed even the most seasoned mercenaries.

“If you must watch me, at least have the decency to conceal your presence,” Malena retorted, her voice laced with irritation. “Are you trying to provoke me?”

“I wanted you to know you were being observed,” the boy replied, his tone flat.

Malena was speechless. “You should focus on your own duties rather than wasting time on trivial matters,” he added, his voice carrying an unexpected coldness. The threat, delivered with such casual indifference, was chilling. It was a talent to instill fear with such a calm demeanor.

As Matthias turned and walked away, Malena, still rooted to the spot, muttered in frustration, “What have I done to warrant such hostility?”