After you've eaten, it's time to clean up.

"You'll be working here today, young lady.
"Yes, sir.

　A maid with a blurred face handed her a bucket and a dustpan.
　Charlotte took it and wiped down the stair railings and windows. This was her morning routine.

　Because of this, Charlotte's hands are rough and red all year round. In the winter, they would bleed so badly that she had to be very careful not to stain the furniture.

　Each day, she was assigned to a different task. But there was one thing that never changed.

"......!
"Oh my. I'm sorry, miss.

　As I was frantically wiping the frame, a maid bumped into me from behind.
　She, too, had a blur on her face. With a token apology, she left with the other maid.

'That was deliberate. 'Oh no,' she said.
'You're really too slow for your master's blood, aren't you?

　They laughed at each other so that Charlotte could hear, and then they disappeared down the hall.
　After seeing them off, ...... Charlotte went back to polishing the frame. There was no dust, but now that she had been told, she had to clean it.

　Then a discreet voice called out to her.

"Hey, Miss .......
Oh.

　I turned around and saw a young girl standing there.
　She had lustrous blond hair and crimson eyes. She had a doll-like figure and wore fine clothes, but her face was stiff. There was not the slightest hint of a smile on her face.

　Charlotte stopped cleaning and bowed deeply to the girl.

"Good morning, Miss Natalia. Miss Natalia.
"...... Good morning.

　Natalia Evans.
　She is the second daughter of the Evans family and Charlotte's half-sister.
　She is seven years old. She was born when Charlotte was ten years old.

　She was a legitimate member of the Evans family, born to the head of the family and his wife.
　That's why she is loved and cared for by all the servants.
　Charlotte used to be more normal and loving to her sister, but ...... her mother-in-law began to blame her, so she began to treat her with respect, like the servants.

　But Natalia is still the same. No, she was still trying to be my sister.
　She crossed her fingers as if in prayer and looked up at Charlotte.

"Miss, do you have a moment today?　I'd like you to read my book.
"Today is .......

　Charlotte choked on her words. I want to make Natalia's wish come true. But that was impossible. She could only shake her head loosely, her heart tearing.

"I'm sorry ......, please invite me again in the future.
"......Okay.

　Natalia nodded her head. However, she quickly looked up. She held out a small vial.

"Here. You looked like you had a cut on your finger. Here's some medicine. Please take it.
Oh, thank you .......

　Charlotte took the vial with reluctance.
　My sister sometimes gives Charlotte things in secret like this. Sometimes it's fruit, sometimes it's stationery. Charlotte felt a pang in the back of her nose, more because of Natalia's thoughtfulness than because of the gifts themselves.

　The sisters fell silent for a moment.
　The silence was broken by a tearful Natalia.

"You know, honey. I'm going to grow up and take care of you.
"Natalia.
"......?

　Natalia's face stiffened.
　Before she knew it, there was a presence behind Charlotte.

　She didn't need to look back to know who it was. Her feet slumped. Her head felt numb. Still, Charlotte cleared her throat and slowly turned and bowed her head.

"...... Good morning, Miss Cordelia.
'Yes.'

　The woman who nodded with a firm voice was a woman in a fine jet black dress.
　The current first lady of the Evans family. Cordelia Evans. She was taken in as his second wife after his previous wife died of illness.



　Although she is the mother of Natalia and mother-in-law of Charlotte, ...... she is only twenty-five years old. Her dark purple hair was rolled and her body was adorned with jewels.
　And ...... her whole body was covered with a black shroud. The only thing peeking out of the shroud were her lips, which were painted a fiery red.

"Mother?

　Cordelia only gave Natalia a glance as she called out her name in a whisper.
　This is not the way she behaves with her own children. But this was the way she always was.
　Cordelia told Charlotte in an inorganic voice.

"I see you, doctor.
'Yes, sir.'

　Charlotte hurriedly began to clean up the bucket.

　In the morning, she cleans up, and then her tutor arrives to begin her lessons. In the morning, she cleans up, and then her tutor comes to give her lessons. Charlotte does not like to learn.

　Charlotte is not averse to learning.
　When she concentrates on something, she can forget about many things, and when she can do something she couldn't do before, she feels a sense of accomplishment.

　But there was one big problem with .......
　A black haze slowly lifts the corners of his mouth and smiles.

I'm going to watch you today.
"......!

　Charlotte gulped heavily. She could see her face turning pale. Even Natalia's face twisted as if she was about to cry.
　But Cordelia continued, unconcerned about the change in her sisters.

I'm sure you'll be fine.
"Yes, .......

　Charlotte barely managed to squeeze the words out of her mouth.