The next morning, Stella and Evelyn stood together with a group of new maid servants before dawn, gathered in front of the inner entrance of the mansion. They waited in silence for their assigned duties, along with five other girls who had been brought in as replacements.
The air was still cold, and the faint light of early morning had only just begun to spread across the estate.
All seven girls wore identical uniforms. The fabric was noticeably finer than what Stella had seen at the Loran household. It felt more refined, heavier in quality, and carefully tailored in a way that reflected the strict standards of the estate. Even the smallest details, from the stitching to the aprons, carried a sense of precision that made it clear this was not an ordinary residence.
Stella stood quietly, observing everything around her. The servant paths were clean and structured, and the movements of staff in the distance followed a disciplined rhythm. Yet despite the order, a strange pressure lingered in the atmosphere, as if every action here carried consequences far beyond simple punishment.
She shifted her gaze slightly toward the other girls. Some stood stiffly, clearly nervous, while others tried to remain composed but failed to hide their unease. No one spoke. Even breathing too loudly seemed out of place.
Still, a thought formed in her mind as she observed them.
"But there is a price for this too. If even a small mistake happens, the person will be expelled or, if they are a slave, sold… just like what happened to the previous seven maid servants."
Thomas had already explained it the night before. These girls were not original servants. They were replacements. Seven servants had been removed after making mistakes and displeasing the lady of the house.
This residence belonged to Marion Caden, the first wife of Mr. Caden .
According to what was commonly known, she was highly temperamental, with an overwhelming pride in her noble lineage. However, that attitude had weakened after her husband married another woman, younger, and from a lower-ranked family, leading her to become the subject of ridicule and quiet mockery within noble circles.
She had two sons. The eldest was considered the official heir of the Caden family, yet the lord himself had not publicly confirmed anything regarding succession.
The second wife, on the other hand, had only one daughter, who was somewhat closer to both her father and the grandmother.
While Stella remained lost in thought about the household's structure, Evelyn nudged her lightly and whispered in a low voice, "Don't relax and drift off. That old woman is coming."
As Evelyn said, the housekeeper was already entering through the door, accompanied by one of the servants. Stella assumed he was likely her assistant. The woman spoke loudly as she stepped in.
"Good morning, ladies."
Her eyes moved slowly across the group, one after another, evaluating them in silence. Then, suddenly, her gaze stopped on one of the girls who was standing slightly improperly.
"Miss, why is your collar so disordered?"
The girl flinched in surprise and immediately began fixing her uniform in panic, "I...I'm sorry, ma'am, I didn't no..."
"No need now. Leave."
She raised a hand dismissively, her tone completely indifferent.
"B...but… but…" The girl stammered in shock, unable to understand what was happening. She had clearly been dismissed before even starting her first day.
"Are you deaf as well? Move. This place is not for careless people. I don't have time."
Then she turned toward the rest of them and clapped her hands once.
"And you lot, move inside immediately. Do you need an invitation?"
Stella narrowed her eyes slightly.
"That old hag is clearly responsible for more dismissals here than the lady herself… Tch. I'll have to deal with her too."
After that brief display, everyone was ordered to follow behind her toward the main courtyard of the residence.
The moment they arrived, several of the girls froze in place.
The estate had already appeared impressive from the outside, but the interior was on an entirely different level. Vast stone corridors connected different sections of the mansion, while elegant pillars rose toward high ceilings decorated with intricate patterns. Sunlight poured through tall windows, reflecting across polished floors that looked almost untouched.
Even the walls seemed excessive. Fine golden and silver details had been worked into the decorations, transforming ordinary architecture into something that resembled a piece of art.
A few of the girls unconsciously parted their lips in astonishment.
For people from poor backgrounds, places like this existed only in stories. Most would never have the opportunity to see such luxury in their entire lives.
Eliza Trinket appeared to notice their reactions immediately.
A faint smile formed on her face as she walked ahead of the group.
"You should consider yourselves fortunate," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable note of pride, "very few people are ever allowed to set foot in a place like this."
Her gaze swept across the girls before continuing forward without slowing down.
"Remember that while you're here."
Stella briefly met Evelyn's gaze. For a single moment, neither of them said a word.
The look they exchanged was enough.
"Someone really needs to remind her that she's only the housekeeper."