Your arranged marriage to a prominent feudal lord has always been a happy one or so you thought. When he suspects your lack of fertility, he takes up a mistress much to your dismay. Your sister, no less!
The overwhelming depression forces you into...
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A/N: Real quick. Pic on top just shows the style of kimono that the reader-insert wears when she dons one.
[x]
Your discussions with Madara on the patio become frequent. Idle chatter and comfortable silence are mostly what ensues. Although he only contributes passing commentary, he appears to enjoy the companionship and the tea you provide as you prattle on about your day.
At times, you air out your troubles. Troubles call for solutions. Solutions demand urgency, and in comes your former retainer. You had only recited the lack of manpower to put forth your ideas and how Toneri needed more aid with the estate.
'Then hire a retainer for yourself.'
Simple was his remark, now she stands here with a nervous expression.
"This is Aida. She will be my retainer," you introduce the woman to Toneri, Mozuka and the cook.
Toneri stands there in absolute shock, though his emotions range in the positive side. "Is it really happening?"
"Aida will help with a good portion of the workload until we can expand more of our workforce. Mozuka is already doing an excellent job, but I fear that with her being the only maid, it would be even more difficult for her to do her job when the baby comes."
Aida bows slightly to everyone as she wears a professional smile. "I am in your care."
Toneri continues to stare. "So what do we do with Mozuka's free time?"
"Since the employees are paid per day instead of per hour, she will finally have time to herself," you stare at Mozuka with a big smile. "Which means you will have time for hobbies or more socializing outside of this manor."
She wears a look of amazement. "I am truly grateful, my lady."
Then you turn to the cook, "I am working on a cook aide next, just give more time."
He grins widely, "You are most generous, my lady!"
[x]
After lunch, you settle inside your room along with Aida. For the most part, she has been silent all day despite her kind introductions. However, she follows you around with little to say which puts you on edge.
"When I wrote to you, you sent quite a quick response and left immediately. Is everything okay?" you ask as you settle on the table across from your futon. You gesture for her to sit, but she takes a moment to hesitate before settling across from you.
"Personally, I was fine. It just seemed that the house was in too much chaos for anyone to work efficiently. Yukino-san is still holding everything together, but we do not know for how much longer since the Master has been... in a state."
