**Chapter 7**
Lin’s eyes widened in surprise at Martin’s actions. The gentle behavior of a beautiful person was enough to create small ripples in her heart. For her, physical contact with others had always felt violent, to the point where she believed it was natural to feel pain and suffering.
However, since her mother passed away, Martin was the first person to caress her gently. No one had ever warmly embraced her, a dirty and pitiful girl like herself. As she felt warmth from someone unexpected, her heart began to race uncontrollably.
“Are you in pain? Your face is bright red.”
“…No, it’s nothing, young master.”
She hurriedly made excuses in response to Martin’s question. A different heat flushed her cheeks, making them feel hot. She tried to cool her cheeks with the back of her hand, but it didn’t subside easily.
“You’re getting redder. Wouldn’t it be better to take a break today?”
Lin didn’t know how to respond to his worried expression. The beautiful and noble Martin was concerned about her. She waved her hands and quickly added, “No, I’m fine, young master. Really.”
“Alright, then. But are you not going to eat that? It’s really delicious.”
He responded with a cheerful voice, shrugging his shoulders. Only then did Lin realize she was holding chocolate in her hand. Martin nodded as if urging her to eat, and she hesitated before carefully unwrapping the chocolate.
Feeling Martin’s gaze upon her, she placed the chocolate in her mouth. It was her first time tasting chocolate, so she had no idea what it would be like. The moment the chocolate touched her tongue, her eyes widened in surprise.
“Isn’t it delicious?”
Martin’s long eyes crinkled beautifully. At that moment, an unknown emotion quickly spread through Lin’s chest. She was confused about whether her racing heart was due to the sweetness of the chocolate or the smile of the beautiful boy standing before her.
Lin couldn’t say anything and could only nod her head. If she tried to respond, her voice would likely tremble embarrassingly.
“I’m glad you think it’s delicious. But shouldn’t you be going? It’s been quite a while since you got here.”
Elizabeth’s face popped into her mind at Martin’s words, searching for her.
“Um, I should go first.”
Lin bowed slightly and quickly moved away from him. Although she wanted to spend a meager time with him, it was out of the question. Elizabeth frequently looked for her. Other maids were around, but she specifically sought Lin. Elizabeth took a short nap after classes, it was the only reason she could afford this time.
It was almost time for the young lady to wake up. She intended to leave briefly, but meeting Martin had delayed her more than she expected.
“I guess I’ll get hit a few more times.”
She muttered softly, a faint smile on her face. She had gotten used to being hit, so it was okay. She had spent time with someone she wanted to see.
As Lin approached the mansion, she began to walk almost at a run. It was already late, but if she hurried, perhaps the young lady wouldn’t be as angry.
* * *
Standing before Elizabeth’s room, Lin took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. After settling her breath, she pressed her ear against the door to listen to the sounds inside.
“Still quiet, huh?”
Fortunately, Elizabeth didn’t seem to have woken up yet. With her mind feeling more at ease, Lin slowly tidied her disheveled hair and the messy clothes she had gotten into while moving around.
Has she become a bit neater? Elizabeth would fly into a rage if she saw any sign of disarray. Lin tried hard not to get scolded, but the young lady always managed to find some mistake to reprimand her for.
“When will I ever stop getting scolded?”
She muttered softly and shook her head. Lin knew very well that it wouldn’t happen. The young lady had never liked her from the beginning.
She hoped her situation would improve even meager when she was sold from the inn. Of course, her physical comfort had increased significantly compared to living at the inn. But her feelings hadn’t changed at all.
She still had to be cautious and constantly monitor the young lady’s mood. It was impossible to predict when or how she might get angry.
As she cautiously opened the door, she saw Elizabeth sleeping on the bed from a distance. Sunlight was shining down on the young lady’s face. Startled, Lin quickly went to the window and drew the curtains. She had almost made a big mistake.
She needed to ensure the young lady didn’t wake up in a bad mood. Otherwise, everything within reach of the young lady’s hands would come flying at her as soon as she woke up.
Lin moved quietly and quickly, tidying up the messy room. While organizing things she hadn’t had time to tidy up during class, she felt movement from the bed. It seemed the young lady was waking up. Lin hurried her hands to finish tidying up.
Just as she was about to finish, she heard the young lady’s sleepy voice.
“Water…”
“Yes, my lady.”
She poured water from the kettle next to the table and approached Elizabeth. Although she had asked for water, the young lady didn’t get up immediately. Lin stood by the bed, waiting for her to wake up.
Seeing the young lady reaching out with her eyes still closed, Lin quickly moved closer to help her sit up.
Still half asleep, Elizabeth leaned against the bed, her eyes shut. For a moment, Lin hesitated, unsure of what to do, but when she saw the young lady’s brow furrow, she quickly brought the cup to her lips.
Only after the young lady took a few sips of water did she open her eyes and let out a small sigh.
“Where did you go?”
“…What?”
“I thought you’d come right away, but you weren’t here. Do you know how uncomfortable that was for me?”
It was an exaggeration. Lin wasn’t the only one attending to the young lady; Muriel was also there. She clearly saw Muriel following the young lady and heading toward the garden.
“I’m sorry, my lady.”
Lin immediately bowed her head and apologized. Even if she couldn’t understand, the young lady was still her master, and she shouldn’t upset her feelings.
“Did you go somewhere nice?”
The young lady’s voice softened a bit thanks to her quick apology. What should she say? Lin’s mind became complicated. She worried the young lady’s improved mood might sour again if her response was delayed.
“I went to the kitchen.”
“Why?”
“I was preparing a snack for you, my lady. Should I prepare some tea?”
“Yes.”
Fortunately, the young lady accepted her suggestion. After helping the young lady, who had changed into her pajamas for a nap, get dressed, Lin headed straight to the kitchen. As she entered, Aunt Julie greeted her.
“Lin! You came to get a snack for the young lady!”
“Yes.”
“I thought you would come around this time.”
Aunt Julie hummed a tune as she beautifully arranged canneles and a teacup filled with water at the right temperature on a tray.
“Lin, have one of these.”
Aunt Julie lowered her voice and handed her something. Lin smiled and shook her head.
Every time she came to the kitchen, Aunt Julie insisted on giving her something. Even though Lin had gained a bit of weight since their first meeting, Aunt Julie still looked at her with concern.
“You really don’t have to.”
“It’s already messed up, so I can’t serve it. It would be a waste to throw it away. You can have it. It might look a little off, but it tastes the same.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you eating well? Muriel said the young lady hit you again today. Tsk tsk. I wonder when that young lady will fix her temper. You have it tough.”
“Still, today ended quickly.”
“Tsk tsk.”
Seeing her forcing a smile, Aunt Julie clicked her tongue softly. Although Lin was at an age where she could complain about how hard things were, she always insisted she was fine whenever they met. This made Julie feel both pity and concern for her. She wanted to give her something, but when the kitchen was busy. She rarely had the chance to see Lin.
Fortunately, today was a bit quieter, and she could see Lin come in.
She would have liked to sit Lin down properly and feed her various treats if it were up to her, but that wasn’t possible. Everyone working in the duke’s household knew that the young lady Lin served had quite a temper.
“Go on up quickly.”
“Thank you.”
Julie watched as Lin politely bowed, her heart aching. The more she looked, the more she felt Lin was a good child. She was quite perceptive and good at her tasks. Moreover, she was capable and never made a mess of her duties.
Julie couldn’t understand the young lady’s heart, which made things difficult for Lin.
“Poor thing.”
As she watched Lin walk away, Julie clicked her tongue once more. There were no younger maids than Lin in the duke’s household. Perhaps that was why Julie couldn’t help but feel concerned for the small, thin girl.
