The two carriages soon rolled into the gigantic main gates of the King's castle.
The guards opened the gates and Sylvia watched as the luxurious carriage in front of them continued moving on the main pathway leading to the entrance of the castle, while their plain and normal carriage took a side road leading to the small entrance at the back.
Sylvia sighed at the exceedingly clear difference in their status, but she didn't care about it too much.
Considering everything Mikel had told her, she already knew that their future was going to be difficult and this so-called difference in their status wouldn't really matter much.
Rather the thing that was weighing heavily on her mind was how she had already begun to miss the devil and his obnoxious yet captivating smile.
She wished that the days ahead would quickly pass by and that they could return back soon.
Once the vehicle came to a halt, the couple of guards and the maids including Sylvia, all stepped out one by one and headed inside the royal castle.
Though the castle was already sufficiently employed with servants to attend to the royal family and their guests, it was common practice for some of the guests to bring their own servants and maids, especially if they are used to having them around.
In fact, every time Mikel had visited the King's castle, he had always brought over, Jane and the other two maids along with him, and this time he had brought over Sylvia as well.
After going inside, Sylvia looked around in awe as she didn't get a chance to take a good look the previous time she had visited here.
The royal castle was much bigger when compared to Mikel's castle and the kitchen especially was as busy as a bustling market.
The high ceiling, the various magic formations, the neatly dressed staff, everything was organized and eye-catching.
While Sylvia was standing around and observing everything, Jane, Jenny and Ana had already made themselves comfortable and were even busily helping the other maids.
"Umm... Mrs. Jane, can I help you with something?" Sylvia asked, but how could Jane dare to order her around, especially when Mikel treated her so well.
She simply flashed a kind smile and gave her a wink. "No need dear. Just do whatever you like."
"Um. Ok." Sylvia awkwardly nodded, going along with the flow.
She decided to sit in a corner so that she didn't run into something and cause a mess as everyone was flitting about here and there quite busily in the crowded kitchen.
And of course, in just barely a couple of seconds after she sat down, a hand snapped in front of her, followed by a shrill voice.
"We are paying you to sit and rest on the sidelines?" Priscella crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared down with a sneer on her face.
"Do you think a maid's duty is only to sleep around? or keep your face pretty enough to trap and seduce the men of high social status?"
She didn't stop with that and continued loudly berating, especially after seeing Sylvia's hands tremble. Priscella's lips curled upwards in satisfaction only after a good few minutes.
However, little did she know that the woman's hands were trembling not because she was feeling overwhelmed by her harsh criticisms, but because she was trying her best to control her anger.
Sylvia was only barely holding on, her entire body now shaking and shivering. Unsure if she could control herself any longer, she stood up and ran away, keeping her head down.
"So damn sensitive! Must have been a princess in her previous life. Aha ha ha." Priscella's mocking voice sounded behind her, but she ignored it and continued running away as fast as she could, heading out to the garden.
She squatted in an isolated corner and clutched herself tightly wondering what the hell was happening to her.
The second Priscella has stood in front of her, an inexplicable pang of anger and murderous intent had welled up within her. She wanted to see blood and she wanted to tear the woman apart limb by limb.
Sylvia shivered. She had never experienced such violent thoughts before.
She was obviously not a fan of the woman as she was eying the man Sylvia loved but to harbor such violent thoughts...? It truly scared her.
A few minutes later, Jane walked over and gently patted her on the shoulder. "Are you alright, dear?"
"I am fine. Thanks, Jane." Sylvia nodded and smiled back, surprising the head maid. She had expected to find Sylvia in tears, but here she was sitting completely fine and casual.
"Good. Good, dear. Don't take what these people tell to your heart. But umm..."
"I am actually here to bring you back..." Jane hesitated and then awkwardly added. "Lady Priscella wants a meeting with all the maids from our castle."
"Huh? What does she want with us?" Sylvia furrowed her brows in confusion.
They were only required to serve Mikel and she didn't understand what the snotty Duke's daughter wanted with them.
Jane as well didn't know what was going on and she shrugged her shoulders. The two of them then returned back inside, Sylvia now considerably more calm and collected.
Jane took her to one of the chambers in the castle and as soon as they entered, Priscella immediately opened her mouth.
"Eh? The princesses have arrived?" She sneered at the two maids.
But Jane and Sylvia silently joined Ana and Jenny and stood in the back keeping their heads down.
Along with them, some of Priscella's personal maids were also standing and her head maid, Michelle who was capable of wielding powerful higher circle magic spells.
Sylvia distinctly remembered her as she had escorted Priscella when she visited Mikel's castle previously and more specifically, she was this close to whipping Sylvia for 'accidentally' spilling hot tea.
Seeing all these special people gathered around, she could already tell that this woman was up to no good, but the question was what exactly was she up to now.
"Calm down. Calm down." She muttered under her breath and patiently waited for the theatrics to ensue.
However, what came next was something completely unexpected. Priscella handed over to everyone a few sets of new clothes that looked like maid outfits.
"From now onwards, you will all be reporting to me and Michelle. You need to wear these and look decent at all times. You are working in a castle, not a brothel."
"You will listen and obey the instructions given to you down to the very last detail and carry out your work with the utmost care and dedication."
"Unlike his highness, my temper is short. I don't tolerate tardiness and mistakes. Are we clear?" Priscella hummed, with an arrogant and domineering look.
"Yes, your highness." All of the maids in the room obediently nodded in unison.
"Now go and get ready. Help the castle staff to prepare for the dinner tonight as it is a very special occasion." Priscella commanded and turned around to leave first.
She didn't spare even a single glance to Sylvia, making her feel slightly uneasy and suspicious of the woman's behavior.
Sylvia couldn't shake away the feeling that there was something else brewing in the background.
"I guess I can only wait and find out?" She muttered under her breath and turned around to leave along with the other maids who filed out.
However, a hand shot forward and pulled Sylvia aside. "And where do you think you are going?" Michelle scowled at her, grabbing her wrist tightly.
"Change into your clothes right here and follow me soon. You will be working with me from now on."
There! The other shoe had dropped! Sylvia nodded and chuckled inwardly. She wanted to see just what plans this maid had for her.
In reality, she would have been more nervous but they were in the King's castle after all and Sylvia didn't think even that woman would be stupid enough to create a scene here in front of the King.
She quickly changed into the conservative set of maid clothes, which basically covered almost all of her body, and followed Michelle.
The woman surprisingly led her outside to the castle gardens.
"My Lady lost her ring here. It is a very expensive ring and a priceless heirloom. So sit down and go through every inch of the garden and find it."
"If not, you will have to face the consequences. Hmph."
Heh. Sylvia chuckled inwardly. Now everything was clear to her.
It looked like this time Priscella had decided to be more straightforward and directly work her to death instead of concocting some twisted schemes.
"Well... Whatever..." Sylvia squatted down and patiently ran her hand over the freshly moved grass and started searching for the possibly non-existent needle in the haystack.
Of course, Michelle as well patiently stood on the side and oversaw her, making sure that Sylvia didn't slack from her duties.
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