𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊───
"Dance for me." The figure on the throne said.
Her throat felt dry. Even in the dark, she could sense his eyes on her, tracking her every move.
She couldn't place what it was, but something about his intimidating aura made...
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Mrs. Kim glanced up from the papers on her desk and gave a pleasant smile at Ji-ah. Ji-ah seated across her office space, well-lit by the afternoon sun streamed in through the tall window.
Rich mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, filled with an impressive collection of leather-bound volumes, filling the room with a faint scent of old books. A large, ornate desk dominated the room, and antique-looking furnishings made the room look timeless.
"You're hired." Mrs. Kim said, her voice resonated in the room.
Ji-ah's face lit up upon hearing those words, and she couldn't help but smile back. Relief washed over her like a gentle breeze. "Thank you, Mrs. Kim. I'll do my best," Ji-ah said, her voice tinged with gratitude.
"You will." Mrs. Kim assured her. "Now I'll go over the rules we have, and you mustn't break any of them."
Ji-ah nodded attentively, ready to absorb the information.
"As I mentioned before, we have our staff quarters, so you are required to live here." Mrs. Kim began, her tone professional. "I will show you where it is later."
"Secondly, staff must not enter any rooms with golden door knobs." She advised. "Staff will be given different tasks each day, depending on what needs to be done."
"Among the tasks are tending the garden, doing laundry, tidying up the rooms and library, as well as catering for any events."
"But don't worry, I will guide you from time to time." Mrs. gave a small smile, as Ji-ah tried not to look surprised.
"Lastly," Mrs. Kim paused, looking straight into Ji-ah's eyes. "You mustn't let others know you are working here, and everything you see or hear here stays confidential." Mrs. Kim emphasized, her demeanor shifted back to a stern seriousness, mirroring the expression Ji-ah had seen during the party.
Ji-ah nodded in agreement. She didn't question it, she was working for a royal descendant after all. It's natural for them to keep things confidential.
Mrs. Kim led Ji-ah out of the room, guiding her through the hallways of the huge mansion. It would take Ji-ah a few days to remember the ways in this place.
"This is the kitchen, we have our own chefs and all meals will be provided." Mrs. Kim gestured to a spacious kitchen, though it was empty at this hour.
Mrs. Kim continued to lead Ji-ah through the maze-like hallways of the grand mansion. Their footsteps echoed in the vast spaces, and Ji-ah marveled at the sheer vastness and richness of the place. Paintings lined the walls along with tall windows that reached the ceiling.
Finally, they arrived at a nondescript wooden door. Mrs. Kim turned the brass doorknob, revealing a cozy living area that led to a small corridor.
"This is where you'll be staying," Mrs. Kim explained as they entered. The living area was furnished with comfortable sofas and soft rugs. A large window allowed the sunlight to filter in, offering a view of the mansion's gardens.
Ji-ah followed Mrs. Kim down the corridor with several doors on either side. She opened one of them, revealing a neat and modest bedroom. A comfortable bed, a writing desk, and a wardrobe filled the room without making it feel cramped. It didn't look dusty and old at all.
"This will be your room," Mrs. Kim said with a reassuring smile. "You'll find fresh linens and toiletries in the wardrobe."
Ji-ah nodded, feeling thankful. This room, while not fancy, felt like a sanctuary compared to what she'd been through.
"Your daily schedule and duties will be provided tomorrow. But for now, please make yourself at home." Mrs. Kim assured, before leaving Ji-ah to settle in.
After collecting her luggage which she had been carrying around for 2 days, Ji-ah started to unpack. While updating Haeun with her news on the phone, her stomach grumbled in protest.
She hadn't eaten anything since morning, so she decided to go to the kitchen for something to fill her stomach.
As Ji-ah walked down the hallways, she couldn't help but feel relieved. It was like a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders since she'd secured this job and a place to live. She looked out of one of the large windows, admiring the historical structure of the mansion.
However, her mind trailed back to Mr. Kang, wondering where he was now. The police still hadn't found him. She shook her head, pushing her thoughts away. She should forget Mr. Kang, as Haeun had said.
Ji-ah continued down the hallways, trying to remember the way to the kitchen. Strangely, the mansion is empty at this time. Soon, she reached a split in the hallway.
Before she turned to the way of the kitchen, she spotted a man striding toward a set of double doors, his chestnut hair slightly glowing in the sunlight.
Ji-ah's presence went unnoticed as his back faced her, and she couldn't help but notice the broad shoulders of the man.
He disappeared behind the double doors, slamming them shut with force, causing Ji-ah to flinch. What is wrong with that dude?
Ji-ah shrugged it off and made her way to the kitchen, looking for any snacks in the room. She opened one of the cabinets to see instant noodles fully stacked inside.
Her stomach grumbled again, urging her to take one for herself. After pouring boiled water, she sat at the counter, slurping her noodles while scanning the spacious kitchen.
Ji-ah's quiet moment in the kitchen was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. A young woman entered the room. She had long, auburn hair tied in a neat ponytail and was dressed in a white uniform. She looked around Ji-ah's age.
The woman stopped in her tracks, clearly not expecting anyone else in the kitchen.
"Hi, I'm Ji-ah, I'm new here." Ji-ah mustered up her courage and introduced herself.
The girl offered a sweet smile in return and greeted Ji-ah in a soft voice. "Hi, I'm Seo-yeon. I've been here for a few months, if you ever need help or have questions, feel free to ask me."
"Thank you." Ji-ah nodded, as the girl continued on her task in the kitchen.
After finishing up her noodles, she went back to her room. She knew that this place was going to be her new home, at least for a while. She didn't know what to do, so she decided to just stay in the room.
Ji-ah realized she hadn't met the host yet, and Mrs. Kim hadn't mentioned anything. Is the host shy? Do they hide from their staff too? Are they an important figure? She doesn't know any royal etiquette, does she have to bow or curtsy?
Feeling bored, Ji-ah stood up from her bed and looked at the mirror in her room, pretending to lift her dress and curtsy. "Your Highness?" Ji-ah attempted to say in a respectful tone. She cracked a smile, before dropping it immediately. What is she doing? Haeun would definitely laugh if she saw this.
Perhaps Mrs. Kim will give more information about the host soon.
