Regrator's Plaything (Pantalone)

I. Daughter Of Snow

I can't control an overwhelming intensity that is flowing within me, as a light blue flash before my eyes, the next thing I knew is I heard a loud crash, then a meek voice. In my ears

'You're free from the clutches of cruelty.' the faint voice said

"Y/n..."

"Y/n..."

"Y/n!!"

I feel like air enters my lungs as my hand was held by a person who bore an 'X' mark in her eyes, I was immediately breath heavily. Those feelings, of coldness and unable to perform of controlling my vision, has occured in my dreams again.

I look at the vission that is resting in my bedside table. That vision saved me from worst.

"M-master Arlechino."

"Good morning, child. It is almost time to assist the children." She chuckled as she wipe my forehead. I nodded and went straight ahead to my cabinets of clothes. "I have five Children that would be joining our humble house today. But there are also some that were adopted yesterday, and some was recruited to serve Her Majesty, The Tsaritsa." She continue to report things to you as if the role have reversed.

Master Arlechino is always so sweet to her and among the children in this resident. But most often she's going abroad and let Lady Damselette to watch over us. But most of the time, it's only me and the children.

I am overage and in my age I shouldn't be here anymore, but Master Arlechino doesn't want anyone to sign adoption papers for me, she also doesn't want me to join the Military. So I continue to... Cook for the children, takes care of them, not all of them I have few company to handle them all.

After I cook and take care of them, I make sure I teach them proper etiquettes and lesson according to their age, these children were 4 years old up to 12 years old. I taught them how to write, to read and to distinguish colors.

I also teach them how to speak confidently, and the more they age the more complex the study is. Its always like this yearly.

Most of the children that were assigned to me are Daughters of Snow.

The only problem about me is...

People say I am too naive. Master Arlechino is my Mother figure, she always told me that the gods are always watching. That's why I receive this vision. The gods took a pity on me and granted me a key to free myself. So I am always thankful.

But at the same time... The gods are not the reasons why I am doing things that it needs to be done. I just feels like, those things, teaching, cooking, reading, cleaning, greetings, manners, etiquette and being obedient, are the things that... I should do. A morally woman should do. 

That is not but a token for Master's kindness to take me in and let me stay here... For free... I was treated here nicely, and even better than I have anticipated. This is the only payback I could return for her never ending kindness.

"Time for today's work."

-

"Y/n... You should take some rest..." It sounds like an order even though she is asking me. I just nodded and bow a little. "You are working too hard." She cupped my face and kiss my forehead. I felt my cheeks heated up. I am suppose to be used to her gestures like this, it's been 7 years that she doing these kind of affection.

"Yes, Master." Then it suddenly put me into curiosity. "You don't have work for today at The headquarters?" She shook her head.

"Well, Her Majesty The Tsaritsa is kind enough to give me a day-off today to take care of the House. I have hired some people to expand it today. There will be more and more children will live here." I nodded at her explanation, although I didn't asks for such.