Malena, the newly arrived maid, was a striking figure. Her muscular build, honed through rigorous training, was at odds with the delicate role of domestic servant. Tall and long-limbed, she exuded a sharp, almost predatory aura that hinted at a mercenary past. Her face, though seemingly indifferent, bore a resemblance to Matthias, carrying a similar air of detachment.
Despite the unexpected nature of her hire, Odelliana found herself intrigued. “Have you heard of my reputation?” she asked, testing the waters.
“Yes, I have,” Malena replied without hesitation.
“And you’re still willing to serve me?”
“When money is involved, one does what is necessary,” Malena said matter-of-factly. “I’m not in a position to be choosy.”
Odelliana leaned forward, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Did they tell you I recently slashed my personal maid’s mouth with a knife?”
Malena’s expression remained unchanged. “I heard it was a butter knife, resulting in a scar that couldn’t be properly treated.”
“She’s vanished,” Odelliana stated, a challenge in her voice.
“I’m aware,” Malena replied calmly.
“You speak as if it’s of no concern to you.”
“Because it isn’t,” Malena said simply.
Odelliana found herself fascinated by this woman’s composure. “As my maid, could you not suffer the same fate?”
Malena regarded her mistress slowly, her eyes assessing. “I suppose that’s a risk I’ll take,” she said finally.
“Oh?” Odelliana raised an eyebrow.
“I imagine I would be capable of stopping you before things escalated,” Malena replied. “But if you were to lose control, I would do my best to restrain you.”
“Restrain me?” Odelliana echoed, amused.
“Isn’t that part of the job description?” Malena asked, her tone flat.
“Aren’t you afraid of me?”
Malena paused for a moment. “There are many things to fear in this world, my lady,” she said, her voice holding a quiet strength.
Odelliana smiled. There was no arrogance in Malena’s demeanor, merely a calm acceptance of the situation. It was a quality the young mistress found both intriguing and reassuring.
“Typically, people who are mentally unstable are feared. Does your mercenary past change that?” Odelliana inquired.
“TCraziness is a common commodity in my line of work,” Malena replied bluntly.
“I suppose that’s true.” Odelliana nodded. “You seem quite familiar with this world.”
“It’s nothing extraordinary. I’ve simply encountered many different types of people,” Malena explained. “Nobility is our primary clientele, after all.”
“Being a maid is vastly different from being a mercenary,” Odelliana pointed out. “And as you can see, my physical abilities are limited. This might pose a challenge for you. Are you prepared for that?”
“I have no choice. I’m here for the money,” Odelliana stated flatly.
Every interaction with Malena circled back to the subject of payment. The work was arduous, but the compensation made it tolerable. Earning a living was a constant struggle, after all. Her mercenary attitude was unyielding, yet oddly refreshing. There was no pretense, no calculated flattery. Her blunt honesty was disarming.
“Very well,” Odelliana said, her tone final. “I’ll be observing you. You may leave.”
Malena nodded curtly before exiting the room. Matthias, stationed against the wall, watched her departure with a contemplative expression.
“What do you think of her, Matthias?” Odelliana asked.
“She’s a potential liability, someone to be treated with caution,” he replied.
“She undoubtedly has the physique of a seasoned warrior. A woman who survives in that world must be highly skilled.” Odelliana mused, her gaze following Malena’s retreating figure.
The telltale signs of a swordsman were evident: thick arms, broad shoulders, and a muscular back. The rough scars on her ankles and neck bore witness to her arduous past.
“Do you intend to keep her?” Matthias questioned.
“You seem less than enthusiastic about her,” Odelliana observed.
“If she were to turn against us, even I would struggle to subdue her,” Matthias replied bluntly.
“She is indeed skilled,” Odelliana acknowledged. “Perhaps my brother sought someone capable of more than mere servitude—someone who could protect me in a crisis.”
“Perhaps he was concerned about this apprentice in your presence, Master,” Matthias suggested.
“That’s not entirely unfounded,” Odelliana agreed.
What she required was unwavering loyalty. For now, Malena would remain under observation.
Malena’s directness was refreshing, but her unwavering focus on money was unsettling. Unfortunately, Odelliana had no personal wealth, and while Blair possessed resources, ultimate authority rested with another.
“Matthias, I want you to keep a close eye on Malena,” Odelliana instructed. “Determine if she has any connections to my family. My brother undoubtedly chose someone trustworthy, but caution is essential.”
The only true measure of a person’s loyalty was time. I hope she’s a long-term asset, Odelliana mused. There was something about Malena, a resilience mirroring her own past, that drew her in. But the lingering unease wouldn’t subside. She could only hope Blair’s judgment was sound.
