As the clock's hand began to inch closer to noon, the brighter the sunlight shone and the higher the temperature rose.
Hidden away by the curtains of a supply closet stood a gruff-looking man leaning against the counter. He took a swig from the bottle in his hand and sighed in satisfaction.
Ever since daybreak, the kitchen was and remained bombarded with activity as the servants scrambled to prepare for the arrival of the Baron's extended family. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meats, simmering stew, and freshly baked bread.
Just then, a small figure poked her head into the kitchen. Uwaah! They all look so busy. There's no way I can interrupt them when they're working this hard. I'll just grab what I need and leave!
The man, who couldn't care less about what business the small intruder had in the kitchen, simply let her be. He knew if he were to tattle on her, he would oust himself too.
After all the efforts I went through to sneak away? No thanks!
The little girl, Raya, was also aware of the other person but pretended not to see him.
Slacking on the job now mister? What an irresponsible adult. Not my problem though, I'm not the one paying you. Mmm~ chocolate chipped! Don't mind if I help myself!
As silent and as swift as a mouse, Raya slipped into the kitchen. Without wasting a moment, she quickly exchanged the tray for a pouch of cookies. And as she was never present, she left in the same fashion.
"Phew!" Aside from that slacker who was also trying to lay low no one else noticed me. I knew that Lyla was an extra character whose name was forgotten by her own family, but to think her presence was this nonexistent.
The poor girl... anyway, now that I'm possessing Lyla, it would be better for me if nothing changes. I don't care and prefer it if those strangers ignore me. Plus, I hate pretending to be someone I'm not, it's more effort than worth.
Moving on from the depressing topics, what now?
Raya, who had originally sneaked out of Lyla's room on a whim and didn't have any other destination in mind, began to walk back to Lyla's room. She took a cookie out of the bag and put it into her mouth.
How long has it been since I had freshly made, hand-baked goodies? Back then, my wallet could never! Annnd leave it to my self-deprecating humor to bring my mood back down again.
Raya chuckled snarkily.
Let me see, what are my current options?
She stopped.
Well, first of all, I could just continue and return to Lyla's bedroom in the secluded annex. Hmm. Nope, I'm good! The only things that kept me entertained enough to retain the shut-in lifestyle—manga, anime, and video games—don't exist in this world! It's no mystery I've been so bored!
Walking back and forth, Raya began to rack her mind.
Should I just leave the manor's grounds completely? I won't get in trouble for leaving my room if they can't catch me in the first place. No! No! No! That's out of the question! What if I get robbed, injured, kidnapped, human trafficked, and most importantly killed?
Exploring a nightmare come-to-life, a primitive world that I am completely unfamiliar with, with my meager possessions, possessing this puny body before any preparations is just suicide! I'm not the main protagonist! Absolutely not!
Sighing, Raya leaned against the wall.
Well, since I've already snuck out of Lyla's room, I may as well explore some more. Hopefully, I can find some hobby or a book to read to kill time in the process.
Barely any of the servants I passed by on the way to the kitchen even noticed me, much less recognized me. Maybe I can just keep getting away with this. Plus, there's literally nothing else to do and I've already wasted enough time as is.
Pumping a fist, Raya continued to walk towards Lyla's room.
She stopped. Oops! Wrong way. "Eh heh heh heh~"
But shouldn't I bring something to write with in case I get lost?
Fully pushing the brakes, she made a one-eighty once more and marched to Lyla's room.
...
"What's this? I came back to pick up the tray I forgot earlier but I can't seem to find it."
"Oh that? A passing servant was kind enough to take it off my hands! Eh heh heh!" I'm so glad I decided to return to Lyla's room! Raya had just made it in the nick of time.
"That's good to hear. Is the tea to your liking?"
"Brewed to perfection as always." I was allergic to chamomile in my previous body.
Rhonda, who had just finished pouring the tea, gently placed the tea kettle down. Raya picked up the filled tea cup and blew the steam away before taking a small sip.
"By the way my lady, have you been reviewing your study notes? Miss Meredith will be returning tomorrow and since you were sick for quite some time, she is more than likely to give you a few quizzes."
Smiling as if her hands weren't slightly trembling, Raya sipped her tea again and returned it to its small plate.
"Of course!" She reassured Rhonda, although she wasn't so sure herself.
"My lady has become more responsible! The master would be proud to hear this!" Cheered Rhonda as she departed for the kitchen once more.
Ahhh... I completely forgot! Eh heh heh! I'll probably be fine... right?
YOU ARE READING
This novel is ruined
RandomRaya Mendez was an ordinary high school soon-to-graduate girl who did the bare minimum at school, had a hard time fitting in with her peers and enjoyed reading web novels too much. It all changed when she found herself in the body of Lyla Verez, a n...
