My morning was a little different.
Usually, I would still be asleep in dreamland. However, because of the task given by the Goddess, I was forced to walk around the garden for 30 minutes.
I didn't mind it, it's just that...
Greeting the Maid on duty 30 times for a Skill?
For some reason, the Goddess seemed to be forcing me to do it. But thanks to that, I could feel the changes that occurred in my body.
My body felt lighter and more powerful. Added to the knowledge that suddenly entered my head as if I could do the art of swordsmanship without training.
Honestly, it felt strange.
How could I possibly understand the art of swordsmanship without training but the knowledge had been engraved in my head?
Or maybe it happened because of that?
The Legendary Swordsmanship Skill that I got after doing the Linked Ritual with Mio?
Uh, I remembered back when we did that ritual.
This was the first time I saw that side of Mio.
I mean.. she has feelings for me?
Her taste is quite strange, what is unique about me besides this terrible skin, eyes, and hair?
My two step-twin sisters are even more attractive than me.
Among all the women... you are very strange Mio.
But at least, my heart is very relieved when Mio is by my side.
From a distance, I saw several Maids who were in charge of taking care of the garden. Information about the names and skills that can be obtained after doing the Linked Ritual tempted me.
Wait.. is it possible that this mission is intended to observe the Maids who work here?
That means.. indirectly the Goddess told me that there is a skill that is very useful for me.
Ah.. so that's it...
It would be very strange if I suddenly came and kissed them.
So, I have to get to know them before doing the Linked Ritual.
It makes sense too.
Making up my increasingly strong determination. I rushed to greet the Maid on duty.
"Good morning, everyone.." I said in a soft tone.
Noticing my presence, they stopped what they were doing and greeted me.
"Good morning, Lily-sama."
"Morning, Lily-sama."
The greeting sounded forced, but because my position was quite high in this family. They saluted me just for formality.
None of them dared to look at me.
Well, I knew enough that my body was strange.
I didn't mind it.
It just felt a little sore in my chest.
"Good job, Noel."
"Nice cut, Reina."
I praised the two Maids who replied to my greeting. Among all the Maids in the park, the two Maids had skills that were very useful for fighting and escaping.
Just like Mio who was descended from the Legendary Swordmaster, they were both descended from the Legendary Assassins and the Legendary Illusionists.
I saw a little bit of their surprised reactions when I called their names.
Does calling someone's name have that much of an effect?
I don't know, but it seems to be very effective in reducing the awkward distance between us. I did the same thing to the other Maids, calling their names and praising their hard work.
I think... this kind of attitude is very effective. I can see their Affinity Status increasing rapidly by 30%.
Slowly by slowly, I want to build a special relationship with them. It can be done gradually.
"Lily-sama, are you okay?" said Noel who looked at my head.
That's right, right now I'm still hurt after that incident. Should I pretend to be in pain or try to hold back this wound as if it doesn't exist?
"It's just a normal wound" I replied.
In the end, I tried to hold back this pain. My heart felt guilty when I deceived them but... why did their Affinity Status increase?
Is this what pity feels like?
What is this? I feel very annoyed by this.
"Lily-sama... please rest in your room," said Noel in a soft and anxious tone.
I moved my head as a symbol of rejection.
"I just wanted to change the atmosphere," I replied as I left them. During my journey through the garden, several small animals were roaming around.
Until 30 minutes had passed and my target changed to the garden. Unlike the garden that accommodated 10 Maids, the garden in my parents' house was very large. That was because its position was adjacent to the forest.
There were 20 Maids on duty at the moment, they were clearing the land from weeds and planting vegetables to produce fresh food.
Just like before, I greeted them one by one. With this, the 30-minute journey through the garden was over. At that moment my body got a memory of "Royal Women's Etiquette".
If I'm not mistaken, it's the Royal Lady Etiquette Skill. Knowledge about the manners of a dignified woman's behavior entered my head. With this, I have a high level of confidence when faced with an invitation from another noble. Especially with a noble status above my family.
If they invite me of course.
Even though I know that this skill will be useless, there's no harm in accepting this knowledge, right?
When I walked into the garden, several Maids on duty looked at me sarcastically. As if seeing my strange behavior.
Even from their voices alone, they compared me to my step-twin sister.
Yes, it's been almost two years since my father remarried after my mother died in her sleep. I know that she was sick, but my father only explained that my mother died in her deep sleep.
I understand it was just to comfort me.
In my heart, I hope that there are a few memories of my mother that are stored. Almost all of my mother's legacy was taken by my grandfather and grandmother.
Without realizing it, I walked into the forest.
Remembering the remaining memories of Mother had led my footsteps into the forest.
I woke up when a wolf stared at me.
His dripping saliva also indicated that he was dangerous.
Um.. does that mean.. am I in danger now?
My body shook in panic instantly.
A five-year-old girl facing a big wolf?
Is this the end of my life?
I panicked a little, without weapons and armor. It was impossible to get out of this forest without getting hurt.
I was too careless to just walk around the garden.
I need a weapon now!
Whatever it is!
Oh! That's right. I have one weapon that is suitable for this situation.
Slowly... I calmed my body which was shaking in panic and then removed the cloth wrapped around my head.
Yes, that's right!
Without a metal weapon, I can still use this cloth ribbon to fight wild wolves.
Come here little wolf!
I'm not afraid of you!