maid chapter 25

“Old man, the postman comes almost every day anyway.”

“Ah…!” Ellie’s face immediately brightened. Having the postman deliver the letter directly, instead of going to the post office or using the mailbox, was an idea she hadn’t even considered. In her rural village, the postman only came once a week. Telegrams were too expensive, so news from family or information from newspapers always arrived late. But a nobleman’s mansion in the capital was different. With countless letters arriving daily, the postman naturally had to visit every day.

Anxious to ask the postman right away, Ellie quickened her pace. Her steps were noticeably lighter at the thought of finally sending her letter. Daniel felt a strange pang watching her. She had clearly stated on her first day how desperately she needed this job for her siblings. It was hard work, being alone in a foreign place because of her family. Wasn’t she resentful?

Family love, sibling affection… such feelings were utterly foreign to him. Daniel asked casually, “Are you close with your family?”

“Huh? Hmm… is that even a question?” Ellie tilted her head. In her world, family wasn’t something you questioned. Loving and relying on each other, no matter what, was simply a given.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, when her immature siblings were being difficult, she resented her parents for leaving so early. But the longing she felt for them far outweighed any resentment. “Well, there are times when I’m annoyed with them, but they’re my siblings. I have to take care of them,” Ellie replied maturely. Daniel found her even more perplexing. She seemed barely capable of taking care of herself, let alone anyone else.

Lost in memories of her family, Ellie belatedly remembered her aunt. Her aunt, uncle, and cousins… should she consider them family too? Honestly, she wasn’t inclined to. She couldn’t complain, given that they were taking care of her siblings, but she couldn’t deny feeling a little resentful. Especially the way they made her feel self-conscious about how much her siblings ate. Her voice turned glum. “My aunt… she’s a bit difficult, but they’re the only family I have left.”

Daniel felt a sudden pang of curiosity. He understood about her siblings, but when talking about family, shouldn’t parents come to mind before relatives? Come to think of it, he hadn’t heard her mention her parents. Regardless of social standing, any normal adult contributed to their household. But it wasn’t normal to be solely responsible for the entire family’s livelihood and the care of younger siblings. Her parents must be incredibly negligent. Well, it wasn’t an uncommon story. Without much thought, Daniel asked, “Your parents?”

“Oh, my parents? Didn’t I tell you? They’re gone. Both of them,” Ellie replied matter-of-factly. Though the memory was as vivid as yesterday, it had happened long ago. Now, happy memories surfaced more readily than sadness. “It was an accident. It was raining heavily that day…”

It had been a while since she’d talked about it. Everyone in her village knew, and she hadn’t made any new friends for a while. Feeling a surge of warmth at the thought of becoming genuine friends with him, Ellie suddenly realized he was no longer beside her. “Diana?”

Turning around, she saw Daniel standing still, his face strangely pale. Could he have not known? It was understandable if he was taken aback, hearing it so suddenly. Ellie herself was completely over it. She was about to tell him it was okay, that she was fine, but changed her mind mid-sentence. A mischievous glint entered her eyes. Based on her experience, her roommate was all bark and no bite. She might as well take this opportunity to solidify her position.