Master Thelowars' Mansion

2. Nadia 

I left my shoes outside and dusted off my clothes before approaching the burly guards at the doors. Why are you looking at me like that? I questioned, kinda bothered by all the hard looks I’ve been receiving from them so far.

I regarded the menacing man before turning away. His blue eyes were hard. Slow day, huh? It seemed like he read my mind. Whilst shrugging, he took my sac and sifted through it, plopping it into my hands, as soon as he finished. Then he turned to receive instructions from the head maid. 

“You,” he jerked a calloused finger at me, “clean the stairs today.”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded, heading in. 

I looked inside the foyer that the man appointed me grimly. There were already clusters of servants crowding the hallway. As soon as I had put my things away, I hurried to the washing station before the crowd surrounded it. The chatter approached me faster than I expected, which resulted in a wet trail of water as I made haste to my station. 

I brought a bucket of water and a few clean rags, feeling out of breath while I rushed out of the crowd. It takes at least fifty servants to clean Master Thelowars’ humongous mansion, and eighty maids to maintain it. It’s hard work, especially when you’re dealing with the Thelowars.

“I can’t believe I have to see such filthy scum crawling about this early in the morning.” 

Obviously, the entitled tone belonged to Lamia Thelowar.

Scum, my ass. I rolled my eyes, low-key, hoping she would see. I barely had time to glance at her before she glided away, sweeping the haughty attitude with her as she passed.

Lamia Thelowar was a tall girl with wavy brunette hair. With slanting dark eyes that stressed her cunning edge, accompanied with dewy skin and luscious lips- she, of course, was the desired fashion icon. Despite my pride, I have to admit, I also sought her well-known visuals at one point, too. 

Today, Lamia’s long gown bore intricate hand-woven patterns, the handicraft of a famous designer that I saw in the latest catalogue. Her belt sash jingled with the gold she herself designed, complimenting the dark colours of her outfit. Her sense of fashion was honestly impressive. At least she has some redeeming qualities, apart from her disgusting attitude. This two-faced piece of shit would have been a perfect example of what an exemplary noble lady should be if she fixed her behaviour.

I sucked my teeth, displeased with how her parents raised her. I sighed, going back to my cleaning duties. What was the point in thinking about this shi’, anyway? As I douse the dirty rag in the water, I feel a kick to my back. This bitc-

The exasperation on my face fades away with each second that passes. I stand up to bow to the pig, Karman Thelowar, as nonchalant as possible. Fuck my life. Even without looking up, I smelt the cockiness before I saw it.

In respectful homage, I ask. “How may I assist you?”

“Just shut up and clean, you dirty slut.” He laughed. The sound was petty. 

What a pussy, copying everything his sister does. I returned to cleaning, thinking about how desperate these people were. They’d have to work WAY harder if they wanted me gone. Or not. They can reduce my salary by a cent and I’d dive out the window headfirst. I scowled as I finished the last of the scrubbing. Seriously, though- the only thing that matters is chasing after that bag.

As if the ultimate boss had been waiting, I met the instigator of all my troubles, Katrina Thelowar. Making her goddamned grand entrance, I inwardly felt my conscience crumble. Not even a second passed, bruh, why is the entire family coming out what the hell- I got up to pay my respects, annoyed that I had to get up three consecutive times.

“May the blessings reach-“

“Nadiaaaa~,” she sang in a nasal voice.

It took a lot of energy to keep from reacting to her exaggeration of my name. I plastered a smile to my face and held my hands together to stop from wringing them at her.

Katrina Thelowar is probably the biggest mistake that was to grace this planet. Next to capitalism, of course. The only reason she bugs everyone like this is because she wants to distance herself from her daughter. Makes no sense? Ya, I know. Honestly, it’s almost a joke that she and her daughter look so much alike. Of course, these similarities aren’t uncommon, but Katrina “try-hard” Thelowar must use every means to dissociate herself from her daughter. 

Unsurprisingly, this dumb-ass thought setting her score meant doing a 180 attitude change. What a smart thing she is. 

“You rude brat, what’re you staring at?” she snapped. 

Katrina Thelowar enforces her power with fear. As a result, she gained quite a name among all the servants.

“The Harbinger.” Trina, the cook, snorted.

I puffed my cheeks out to keep from laughing at the cheesy name.

“If I hadn’t known better, I’d think it was the name of some warmonger ass hat who ate children raw,” Hera grumbled, dicing the onions.

I snorted. Associating such a dark name with a measly lady, and not fearing her- how embarrassing, honestly.

“Nah, she’s already sucking me dry I’m telling you,” Jalal added under his breath.

They all laughed at the unintended sexual implication, and he turned red, trying to explain what he meant.

I smiled despite myself. Madame Thelowar probably had a kink for this shi’. “The Harbinger” was quite an ugly name to go by if you ask me. No offence or whatever.

“Greetings Madame Thelowar. To what do I owe this blessing of encountering you?” I remain looking at the floor until her feet come into view.

As I wait for the neck-cracking slap, I see her eyes fixed on someone else instead. My short-lived relief ends as I follow the line of her gaze.

It was Jienna, another servant who washed the same floor as me. It didn't take me long to figure who the madame would punish.

“What a poor sight this is.” Madame Thelowar regarded her with foul interest. 

Ah, shit. I shifted my gaze elsewhere, convincing myself that this was going to pass. Of course, the Harbinger bitch will go at the frail, unkempt people. 

I clenched my jaw - she’ll just slap her and leave, right? I thought about something else, minding my business when something inside me hesitated. Honestly, I hated this part of myself.

I glanced out the side of my eyes to Jienna’s corner and flinched when Madame Thelowar brought her leg up and pinned her towards the wall.

“Ack!” Jienna let out a gasp as her breath left her.

Ugh, for goodness’ sake. I turned and quietly approached their area. This is it, God. I’m sacrificing myself for the sake of protecting someone’s life haha.

Before I can even motion at her to move, the madame raises her leg. Without thinking, I scramble in front of her and end up having the wind knocked out of me.

“Oof-!” I cough onto Madame Thelowars’ skirt.

Ahh, like this couldn’t get any worse.

“Oh? These two little snakes-” she laughs and prepares to land another hit.

I flinch, waiting for it to land. 

Just this once. No. Come on, I know you want to~ Shit.

I let a trickle of mana flow from my hands. While I felt the familiar caress of magic in my palm, I tried to contain the relief from showing on my face.

As the surrounding air shackled her ankles, I chanted under my breath, “Resofa,” and saw the incoming foot halt. 

“Excorses.” I closed my mana flow, seeing her eyes narrow. 

Oh my lord, did I just do that?! I felt Jienna’s trembling body behind me. Her hands clasped her ears tight, so she probably couldn’t catch what I said. In the case Madame Thelowar heard me, I’ll have her silenced my way.

Kill that bitch. A voice chanted in my head. I pushed it down. I’d rather not kill anyone, thank you very much.

Kill her, like how you did before~ Oh, for the love of God. I shook my head slightly, clearing my mind of those thoughts. 

She didn’t move. Did I cast another spell or what? My eyes stung. Tears? I snapped my eyes back at her, waiting for her to move. Oh crap, I think I let out too much.