NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: 5:5
Elara had made up her mind. Tomorrow was the day she would try her luck. It would be the beginning of a new chapter, one where she would take control of her future and build her path forward. She spent the evening preparing herself mentally, finishing all her tasks for the day, eating a simple meal, and heading to bed. The sleep she had was restful, but her thoughts kept racing as she considered what was ahead. She had already faced rejection from her previous job—no, it wasn't exactly rejection, but more like a dismissal due to unforeseen circumstances. Still, she didn't let it bother her too much. Elara had always been someone who didn't take things personally, always able to see things from other people's perspectives. She understood that her former boss had no choice in the matter, and that was why she left without any anger.
The next morning, Elara woke up feeling energized. The sun had just started to rise, casting a soft golden light through the window. She stretched and gathered her resolve. "I can do this," she whispered to herself, her voice steady. She had come so far, and no matter how difficult things got, she wouldn't let fear or uncertainty hold her back. She was determined to make her own way.
With everything she needed prepared, Elara set out to the castle, where she hoped to find a job as a maid. As she walked through the village, she passed by an elderly woman—Grandma, as everyone called her—who was standing in her garden. The old woman looked up and smiled at Elara.
"Elara, my dear, why didn't you come by to help me make the pie? I still have the apples waiting for you," Grandma asked, her voice warm with understanding.
Elara paused, feeling a small pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Grandma. I had a little problem that I needed to take care of," she said with a soft smile.
Grandma didn't press further, sensing the weight Elara carried on her shoulders. "You're always so busy, but you've been through a lot, child. I know you've got your reasons," she said kindly. "But don't forget—life still has moments of sweetness, like that pie waiting for you."
Elara nodded, touched by the woman's words, but she knew she had no time to linger. "I'll come by when I can, Grandma," she promised, and with that, she continued on her way toward the castle.
When she arrived at the gates of the castle, her heart raced in her chest. The guards stopped her immediately, their stern expressions making her hesitate for just a moment.
"What is it you seek, girl?" one of the guards asked, his voice gruff.
Elara stood tall and spoke clearly. "I'm here to apply for a position as a maid."
The guard shook his head, his expression unyielding. "The maid positions were filled last week. We are not accepting any more applications."
Elara's face fell slightly, but she didn't let her disappointment show. She knew she had to try harder. "Please, sir, I really need this job. I'll work hard. Could you at least let me speak to someone in charge?"
The guard remained firm. "The decision has been made, and we won't go against orders. The maids are already chosen. Now, please leave."
Feeling the weight of rejection, Elara turned to leave, but just as she did, the castle gate creaked open. She saw a woman walking out—tall, elegant, with a commanding presence. It was the head maid, Elara realized.
Without hesitation, Elara rushed forward, calling out to her. "Excuse me, please! I need to speak with you."
The head maid stopped, turning her gaze toward Elara. She raised an eyebrow, assessing the girl before her. "What is it? Why are you here ?"
Elara didn't hesitate this time. She spoke earnestly, laying out her reasons clearly, without fear or hesitation. She told the woman her need for work. The head maid listened in silence, her face impassive, but Elara could sense that she was weighing her words carefully.
For what seemed like an eternity, the head maid stood still, her gaze fixed on Elara. The young girl began to feel the weight of her thoughts pressing down, wondering if she would once again be turned away. She lowered her gaze to the ground, her heart sinking, but she refused to let herself fall into despair.
Finally, the head maid spoke. "Alright, come inside. I'll have you speak with the right people. Let her in," she ordered the guards.
Elara couldn't believe it. She had been given a chance.
The guards stepped aside, opening the gates to allow her entry. Elara took a deep breath and walked inside the castle, feeling a sense of hope beginning to rise within her. She had taken the first step toward her future, and though the road ahead would be difficult, she now knew that she was capable of facing whatever challenges came her way.
As Elara stepped through the grand gates of the castle, she was immediately struck by the sight before her. The garden sprawled out like a painting brought to life—rows of vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and intricately designed fountains glistened under the sunlight. Everything was immaculate, from the cobblestone paths to the delicate arches framing the courtyard.
She stood in awe, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open as she took in the splendor. She had never seen anything so beautiful in her entire life. The castle seemed to be a world of its own, filled with such elegance and grace that it felt almost unreal. The head maid noticed her reaction and couldn't help but smile.
"You've never seen anything like this before, have you?" the head maid asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Elara blinked and quickly closed her mouth, a little embarrassed. "No, ma'am, I've never…" she replied in a voice barely above a whisper, still captivated by her surroundings.
The head maid chuckled lightly. "Well, this is only the beginning. There's much more to see."
They continued walking, passing through another gate that led deeper into the castle grounds. Beyond this second gate, Elara saw even more wonders: the stables housing majestic horses, the well-maintained servant quarters, and additional courtyards filled with intricate stone sculptures.
When they entered the castle itself, Elara felt like she had stepped into a dream. The ceilings were adorned with marble, and the grand chandeliers sparkled like captured starlight. The polished floors gleamed, and the wooden carvings along the walls depicted scenes of history and legends. Every detail was a testament to craftsmanship and wealth.
The head maid smirked at Elara's astonished expression. "Keep moving," she said gently. "We have a long walk ahead."
The path to the main maid's office was lengthy, taking about five minutes to traverse. The hallway seemed endless, its length emphasizing the grandeur of the castle. Finally, they stopped in front of a large, ornate door. Elara's heart skipped a beat as she realized this was it—the moment that would determine her future.
The head maid opened the door and gestured for Elara to step inside. Seated behind a grand desk was the main maid, an elegant woman with striking black hair and sharp brown eyes. Her face was serene yet commanding, her posture exuding authority and grace.
The main maid looked up from her work, her gaze settling on Elara. "And what do we have here?" she asked, her voice calm yet firm.
The head maid explained, "She's here to apply as a maid. I told her there weren't any openings, but I thought perhaps we could find a place for her."
The main maid's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Elara, who stood with a mix of nervousness and determination. The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity before the main maid finally spoke.
"Very well," she said. "We'll create a second position for one of the tasks. You will stay here in the castle and be given your assignments. However, there are rules you must follow—strict rules—and I expect complete obedience and diligence. Do you understand?"
Elara straightened up, her voice steady and confident. "Yes, ma'am. I promise I won't disappoint you."
The main maid raised an eyebrow, surprised by the girl's self-assurance, but she didn't let it show for long. She turned to the head maid and said, "Take her to your office and explain the rules. Ensure she understands everything before she begins."
Elara followed the head maid to her office, her heart still racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Once they arrived, the head maid handed her a list of instructions, which read as follows:
Rules and Instructions for Castle Maids
1. Punctuality: You must begin your duties on time every day. Delays will not be tolerated.
2. Uniform: Always wear the assigned maid uniform, kept clean and neat at all times.
3. Conduct: Maintain proper decorum. Be respectful to all members of the household, staff, and guests.
4. Confidentiality: Whatever you see or hear in the castle remains within these walls. Discretion is mandatory.
5. Cleanliness: Ensure all assigned areas are spotless. Attention to detail is crucial.
6. Reporting: Report any issues, damages, or concerns to your immediate superior promptly.
7. Meals: Meals are provided, but only during designated times in the staff quarters. No eating while working.
8. Chores: Follow the daily schedule and complete your tasks efficiently.
9. Hierarchy: Follow orders from superiors without question.
10. Rest Hours: Rest is permitted only during assigned breaks or after duties are completed.
Elara read through the list carefully, her resolve strengthening with each rule. When she finished, she looked up at the head maid and asked, "When should I start, ma'am?"
"Tomorrow," the head maid replied.
"Tomorrow?" Elara repeated, surprised but ready. "That's fine. I'll be here on time, ma'am."
The head maid nodded with approval. "Good. Be prepared. It won't be easy."
"I will do my best, ma'am," Elara said with unwavering determination.
The head maid smiled faintly. "We'll see."