Chapter 83. Miss Sunflower
After slipping past Isana at the academy, Erika made her way to the southern district of Kaslania, clutching the address in her hand.
She had avoided Isana on purpose—because Erika knew, if Isana found out she was going to work as a maid, she would definitely try to stop her.
After all, Erika wanted to prove to Gladys that she could earn money on her own—that she didn’t need to worry so much.
The southern part of the Imperial Capital was a bustling area. Unlike the north, which had many snack stalls, this area was filled with taverns, stages for music and dance, and various performers…
Here, one could see bards and oddly dressed artists everywhere, all trying to capture attention to earn their keep.
“Thank you for coming! Next up, Mr. Sam will perform a wonderful magic act!”
“Ohh! I love Mr. Sam’s shows!”
“Bravo, bravo!”
The streets were full of loud cheers.
But Erika had no time to enjoy them. Following the address, she arrived at a massive circular archway with large characters engraved at the top:
Bradley Street
Looking at the inscription, Erika suddenly remembered—when she first entered the city, merchants had mentioned this place. Apparently, this was the rich district of the capital.
It was indeed far more peaceful here. Flower beds lined the surroundings, the air was filled with floral fragrance, and everything felt quiet and comfortable.
As she stepped through the arch, Erika saw that there were even two guards stationed at the gate.
Seeing a stranger approach, one of them stopped Erika and questioned her.
“Little girl, what brings you here?”
Is this area off-limits?
With a hint of doubt, Erika blinked and raised the address in her hand for the guards to see.
“I’m here for a job interview.”
“A job?”
The guard didn’t even look at the address—just asked again, “You’re not here to be Miss Veronica’s maid, are you?”
Veronica Annabelle.
Erika glanced back at the name on the address and nodded.
“Mhm.”
“Hah, this time they’re sending one this small?”
Seeing her nod, one of the guards joked, “I’m guessing Lady Vanessa sent you, right? Listen up, little girl—Miss Veronica has a terrible temper. Someone your age might not be a good fit.”
“It’s fine, hehe.”
Erika smiled fearlessly. “I’m not afraid of her. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just find another job.”
“Not bad, kid. Starting work so young. Go on in—good luck.”
“Thanks.”
Bidding the guards farewell, Erika stepped onto the street within.
The sight instantly stunned her.
A wide avenue ran straight through the center—clearly meant for carriages—flanked by towering and opulent mansions, exuding grandeur and luxury.
The pedestrian paths were paved with golden tiles. Standing on them felt like walking on gold…
There was greenery and carefully pruned plants everywhere, adding a touch of natural vitality to the elegant surroundings.
At the center of the street stood a large fountain plaza, complete with a golden dragon-head sculpture spouting water—everything screamed nobility and wealth.
“As expected… this place is even grander than Isana’s home…”
Muttering to herself, Erika lowered her gaze to the number on the address: Bradley Street, No. 88
“Number 88…”
She murmured and began scanning the mansions for the matching number.
Eventually, she found a residence with a small garden.
As soon as she entered, the rich fragrance of flowers flooded Erika’s nose.
“So fragrant…”
She sniffed hard. The garden was large, filled with blooming flowers of all kinds. It felt like she had stepped into a dreamlike fairytale world.
After lingering for just a moment, Erika gently knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” came a melodious voice from inside.
“I’m the new maid.”
Her soft voice answered timidly.
“Come in. The door’s not locked.”
“Oh.”
Gently pushing open the door, Erika entered the living room. The floor was wooden, and the room was dimly lit. Only a bit of sunlight filtered in through the blinds.
Below the window sat a red table, and beside it, a tidy vanity.
Next to the vanity, a woman sat quietly in a wheelchair, grooming her long hair.
From afar, Erika saw that this woman had a waterfall of golden hair, a blue robe draped over her shoulders, a delicate neck, and snow-white skin around her partially covered chest.
Her slender waist was wrapped tightly, her long, elegant legs fully exposed, and paired with jade-like feet, she exuded a sensual allure.
But her stunningly beautiful face remained expressionless as she continued grooming her golden hair.
On her delicate fingers, a black gemstone ring adorned her index.
Most oddly, she was brushing her hair with her eyes closed.
Who brushes their hair with their eyes shut…?
Suddenly recalling Vanessa’s words—was she… blind?
As the thought surfaced, the woman suddenly spoke.
“Vanessa sent you?”
“Ah… yes.”
Erika nodded quickly. “I’m one of Ms. Vanessa’s students…”
“How old are you?”
“Uhh…”
Thinking quickly, Erika decided to dodge the question. “Not very…”
“I can tell—you’re young.”
Veronica continued, “If you don’t want to say, fine. I can’t see anyway.”
“Oh.”
“What are you standing there for? Come in and pour me some water.”
“Y-yes…”
Erika spotted a water jug on the redwood table. But just as she took a step forward, the woman spoke again.
“Take off your shoes first. Didn’t anyone teach you manners? Stupid little girl.”
(•́へ•́ ╬)
She’s supposed to be blind!!
Frustrated, Erika obediently removed her shoes and padded toward the table with her bare feet. She picked up the jug and cup and tiptoed toward Veronica.
But the room was dim—and Erika didn’t notice the balls of yarn scattered on the floor…
“Ah!”
Clatter!
With a sudden slip, Erika fell forward. The jug and cup clattered to the ground, spilling water everywhere and soaking both the floor and the yarn balls—making a total mess.
Crap, crap, crap!
Scrambling to her feet, Erika quickly apologized.
“I’m sorry, sorry! Miss… Miss Sunflower, I didn’t mean to! You didn’t have the lights on—I couldn’t see!”
While bowing repeatedly, Erika’s heart sank.
She remembered hearing how temperamental this Veronica was—and now she’d messed up right from the start. She was sure to get yelled at and fired.
Eyes shut, Erika was already bracing herself mentally for the scolding and being thrown out.
“Chin up, chest out.”
But instead of scolding, Veronica’s voice was unexpectedly calm.
“Huh?”
Perplexed, Erika straightened up like a soldier, standing stiffly at attention.
“Come here.”
“O-okay…”
She stepped toward Veronica, a fragrant scent enveloping her.
It was the woman’s natural fragrance—Erika couldn’t identify it, only that it was intoxicating.
Moments passed.
Erika froze in place.
She was completely dumbfounded.
Veronica, on the other hand, gave a slight nod.
“Hmm… You’re a bit clumsy, but I’ll keep you for now.”
Erika nodded numbly. She didn’t even care whether this woman could actually see her or not.
Because…
She suddenly felt a subtle sensation from her upper arm.
It was Meladin’s crescent mark—the mark of the follower.
It was resonating!
The Artifact…
…was on this woman’s body!