The blonde girl, whom I was supposed to be watching from the shadows, said she [wanted] me.

From my point of view, it was somewhat understandable that a girl would be interested in someone her own age, but Sera and the others, with their aristocratic common sense, didn’t seem to think that the nobility would want someone who couldn’t do the job, and Sera and that senior butler kept trying to convince them.

“That one is still in education and will be doing menial work here as well. I’m sorry, but I can’t allow her to be sent to your highness’s side.”

“Once her training is completed, and we determine she has the aptitude for the job, she can be reappointed as an apprentice maid at the royal court. Until then, please reconsider if she is really necessary.”

“Even if she is a commoner, she must be at least 10 years old to be an apprentice, right? I would not expect a young maid to suddenly assume the role of an attendant. But I like the way she looks. I’m sure she could be kept close by and be assigned to help as a temporary attendant, right?”

In one of the living rooms of the castle, I stood in the room’s corner, waiting for my position to be decided.

The maids and butlers in the room did not have many changes in their complexion, but the maids in the corner, who were probably related to the nobles and wanted to have a connection with the little girls’ house, were staring at me with eyes like an ogre.

I felt nothing for being stared at by a young lady with no combat experience, but more importantly, Your Highness, was that girl a member of the royal family? I hoped she didn’t find me acting rude towards her, as I was not strong enough to flee the country yet if something troubling were to happen.

After a few more rounds of back and forth, the senior butler let out a deep sigh.

“She is just a child who has not yet mastered how to interact with nobles. If you understand that, I will allow her to be added as one of the substitute attendants for the duration of your stay in this castle. That is the maximum concession we can make.”

“Of course, that’s fine. And if I really like her, and not on a whim, then after her education, you can send her to the castle as a formal apprentice chambermaid. That’s the best we can do.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Aria, come over and say hello.”

It seemed that my position had been decided regardless of my will. If I were ultimately in danger, I would be ready to flee even if I became wanted, but for now, I would separate myself from the fact that my surveillance duties had become easier and followed Sera’s order and stepped forward.

Currently, I was not even close to Sera, the senior butler, or even one of the knights protecting the girl. I bowed my head as I had been taught in front of the blonde girl, determined to catch up to her eventually.

“I am Aria, an apprentice maid. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Aria…right. I am Elena. I am Elena, and you will serve me with utmost sincerity.”

[Elena] [Race: Human ♀️] 

[Magic: 120/120] [Strength: 33/35] 

[Total Combat Power: 50] 

I had never seen a child with equal or greater magical power than me who had learned Light Magic and Dark Magic.

Her physical strength showed that she was not skilled in melee combat, so she probably had multiple magic skills.

Elena spoke with the dignity of an aristocrat in my knowledge, but her tone was less harsh than what I had expected. But the red-haired girl who looked at me from behind her was glaring at me sharply without approaching me.