Seymour caught up with Nathaniel as they entered the living room.
"I heard Mavis has been sweeping the backyard all afternoon. I don't know if she's finished yet."
Nathaniel stopped, about to ascend the stairs.
He turned to Seymour with a puzzled expression and asked, "She's my personal servant, meant to stay in my room. Why would you have her sweeping the backyard?"
Sensing Nathaniel's growing frustration, Seymour quickly waved his hands and responded, "It wasn't me. I've been busy all afternoon and only returned half an hour ago. The head of the maids told me about it. She said Mavis was bored and requested to do the sweeping herself, so she told me not to bother informing you. I thought, given Mavis's special status as your personal servant, it was best to let you know."
Nathaniel frowned.
Keeping the matter from him?
Something did not add up.
"What's the name of the head maid?"
"Aishah. She was promoted just two days ago. She's one of the servants recommended by Mr. Steffan, so she's been given significant responsibilities."
Nathaniel's expression turned grim, and he immediately headed toward the backyard.
Seymour hurried to catch up.
"Mr. Nicholls, shouldn't you change your clothes first? Your outfit is…"
Nathaniel stopped in his tracks, causing Seymour to nearly collide with him.
"What's wrong with my outfit?"
Seymour awkwardly chuckled. "It's… too attractive."
Nathaniel rolled his eyes and ignored him, striding quickly toward the backyard.
As autumn approached, the backyard was covered in fallen leaves.
Mavis had been sweeping for quite some time, dividing the leaves into small piles.
Feeling the strain in her back from the sweeping, she sat on a bench to rest and massage her sore muscles.
Aishah arrived with Helena.
As Helena snacked on the sunflower seeds, she tossed the shells onto the ground and teased Mavis, "Oh, you're already so tired after doing so little? What's with the spoilt brat attitude? A country bumpkin from some little village like you should know your place."
Mavis stared at the mess, simmering with anger.
"Didn't I tell you before not to mess with me?"
Aishah scoffed, full of contempt.
"I'm the head maid. My salary and position are higher than yours. What can you do to me? If you can't handle the pressure, just quit and get out."
Mavis narrowed her eyes at her, uttering through gritted teeth, "I can't stand this nonsense."
With a swift motion, she grabbed the broom and swung it at Aishah's back, hitting her hard.
Aishah yelped in pain and jumped away, clutching her back.
"You hit me first! I never laid a hand on you. Helena witnessed it all, and there were many surveillance cameras in the yard. When Mr. Nicholls returns, I'll report you. You can say goodbye to your job!"
Yet, she was knocked to the ground from behind before she could finish, sending her sprawling.
"Who dares to kick me!"
Mavis and Helena turned to see Seymour standing there, along with Nathaniel in his… maid outfit?
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