Malena possessed an extraordinary strength, far surpassing that of the average woman. Her robust frame, forged in the crucible of mercenary life, made her capable of feats that astonished those around her. Two brimming water buckets, a burden for most, were effortlessly carried by her, while a laundry basket balanced precariously on her shoulder. A stubborn honey jar, defying attempts to open it, yielded to her grip, and the unruly overgrowth in the backyard vanished under her determined hands without the aid of male servants.
“Malena is incredibly strong, yet her hands are deft and skilled,” one staff member remarked. “She anticipates our needs and lends a hand without being asked, making our work noticeably easier.”
Another added, “Just a few days ago, she assisted the stable master in carrying feed without so much as a cart. That stuff is incredibly heavy, you know!”
“How did someone like her end up in this secluded annex?” someone wondered aloud. “She seems far too capable for such a mundane existence.”
“Well, considering she was brought here by the young master, it’s no surprise,” another replied.
Malena’s reputation among the annex staff was rapidly growing, a testament to her exceptional abilities and tireless work ethic.
Her exceptional strength and stamina allowed her to not only fulfill her own duties but also assist her colleagues, making her a valuable asset rather than an outcast. Diligent and composed, she executed her tasks with such precision that Odelliana rarely needed to intervene.
Malena found contentment in her quiet life as a maid. While her fellow servants pitied her placement in the remote annex, she appreciated the tranquility and simplicity of her surroundings. The peace she experienced was a stark contrast to the chaos of her mercenary days. Here, she had warmth, sustenance, and work that was far less demanding. Regular meals and a comfortable bed provided a level of comfort she hadn’t known in a long time. Moreover, her mistress, despite her infamous reputation, was surprisingly composed and rational.
The allure of noble servitude, with its fierce competition for positions, was now evident. This was the best life she had known in recent memory. A part of her considered forsaking her mercenary past and settling into this peaceful existence.
However, a discordant note marred her contentment. A young man, always at his mistress’s side, exuded an unsettling aura like his master’s. His deliberate presence felt like a provocation.
Malena had grown acutely aware of his constant surveillance. His presence would ebb and flow, a maddening game of hide-and-seek. It was intentional provocation, a chilling reminder of her being watched. He vanished as quickly as he appeared, a phantom in the shadows, more like a skilled hunter than a boy.
Unable to tolerate this situation, Malena decided to confront him directly. “How long will you continue this stalking game?” she demanded.
The boy, perched high in a tree, looked down at her with an icy gaze.
“Who would want to waste their time like this?”
The boy who had once smiled warmly at his mistress was gone, replaced by a haughty and irritated young man. “My master doesn’t trust you, and neither do I,” Matthias retorted.
He descended from the tree with an eerie silence, landing effortlessly in front of her. His ability to move without a sound left her momentarily stunned.
This was not the skill set of a novice. Despite his youthful appearance, the boy exuded an aura of competence that far surpassed even the most seasoned mercenaries.
“If you must watch me, at least have the decency to conceal your presence,” Malena retorted, her voice laced with irritation. “Are you trying to provoke me?”
“I wanted you to know you were being observed,” the boy replied, his tone flat.
Malena was speechless. “You should focus on your own duties rather than wasting time on trivial matters,” he added, his voice carrying an unexpected coldness. The threat, delivered with such casual indifference, was chilling. It was a talent to instill fear with such a calm demeanor.
As Matthias turned and walked away, Malena, still rooted to the spot, muttered in frustration, “What have I done to warrant such hostility?”
