Chapter 5
The Mask
Mia Palstein was one of the youngest women among the VIP guests staying in this suite.
Most of the women using these suites were between sixteen and twenty-four—Mia’s age group.
The reason, according to common rumor, was that His Highness Crown Prince Robert of the Grizaina Kingdom intended to choose a Crown Princess Consort Candidate at the upcoming evening ball, and these women had all been invited.
“If that incident hadn’t happened, you could have stayed here as a guest too…”
“It’s already in the past.”
Mia said regretfully, and Sena shrugged before sitting down beside her friend.
Apparently, Mia had caught the flu that was currently spreading in this region.
She had been staying here for about two weeks, but only the first few days were she energetic.
Then, by chance, Sena—assigned to clean the suite floor—met her again, and that led to where they were now.
Mia’s condition was improving, but still not good.
Worried for a friend who could not use holy magic or cleansing magic the way she could, Sena used her breaks to come to the room, cast healing spells, and take care of Mia in various ways.
“To hire a maid for such a short time would be difficult, and besides, I don’t have anyone trustworthy to recommend. Thank you, Sena. You’re a real help.”
“For someone who’s supposed to become a Crown Princess Consort Candidate, it’s stranger that you didn’t bring even a single maid.”
Sena delivered her mild jab, then prayed to Goddess Rafiné.
The same soft light as before wrapped around Mia and disappeared.
After several days of this, Mia was finally able to sit up on the bed.
Relieved, Sena took the fruit she had brought and began peeling them with a knife from the kitchenette.
“I really just wanted a vacation. The university’s already on summer break.”
“University…”
Ah, that’s right, Sena remembered.
In the Empire, nobles aged twelve to sixteen attended the Academy. Those who pursued further study entered university.
In that sense, Mia would study for about two more years, graduate with a doctorate, and then serve in the royal court.
Sena couldn’t help but feel a little envy toward her promising future.
“That’s right. After graduation, my boyfriend and I have been talking about living together… Sena?”
“Ah—yeah. I see. A boyfriend, huh? Must be nice, Mia, having such a fulfilling life.”
“Hmm… Maybe?”
Her friend looked troubled.
Perhaps things weren’t going well with her lover.
Still, working at a hotel meant not prying into others’ personal matters.
Knowing this, Sena did not ask further.
“I hope tomorrow you’ll be well enough to eat on the terrace, Mia.”
“This hotel’s view from there is so soothing. The dorm at the university is convenient because it’s in the capital, but I still prefer the castle at home. I want to spend time in nature.”
“Then I’ll come again tomorrow. I think I can make it in the early afternoon. Let’s eat on the terrace together.”
“I wish I could go to the hotel restaurant…”
“Well… I can’t use it.”
Seeing Sena say it with regret, Mia fell silent.
Sena was an employee. Mia was a guest.
Their relationship as relatives, childhood friends, and close companions made it easy to slip back into the past.
When Mia asked how long she could stay, Sena answered, “About thirty minutes.”
Sena arranged the peeled fruits on a plate.
The elegant presentation—like something served at an actual restaurant—made Mia gasp softly.
“It looks amazing! I learned it from the kitchen while helping out with breakfast or the bar. I can use a knife properly now.”
“Hard to believe! You were terrible at cooking, and now I’m eating food prepared by you.”
“Peeling fruit doesn’t count as cooking.”
“Even so, the presentation is wonderful! When I return to the Empire—”
She had spoken too carelessly.
“Return,” “family,” “relatives”—
These words were taboo for Sena now.
“Please don’t tell anyone,” Sena whispered.
“Right. I’ll be careful.”
“I’m sorry. This is the job I finally managed to get. Please… please don’t say anything.”
“I understand. I won’t tell a soul.”
“Really? I’m begging you…”
Mia promised—but it wasn’t something Sena could fully trust.
Even now, just a few days ago, despite Sena’s pleading, Mia nearly brought up the topic again.
She didn’t mean harm—she simply got swept up in the mood and forgot.
But in this country, immigrants had little protection.
Sena knew that painfully well—she had just been beaten by her superior moments ago.
Even if she reported it to higher management, the hotel would do nothing.
They could simply hire and train someone new for suite duties.
And at Hotel Gazaric, which served wealthy clientele, one needed a credible guarantor to be hired.
Sena was only able to work here because of that requirement—ironically.
“I’m sorry. When my fever spiked, you were there for me. I shouldn’t be saying things that hurt you.”
“If you really think that, then please choose your topics carefully. Finding a new job in this country is… very hard.”
A heavy mood settled over the room.
Trying to brighten the atmosphere, Mia suddenly clapped her hands.
“Oh! Sena, can you bring me the invitation on the table?”
“The invitation? The one for the event in a few days?”
Sena picked up the item Mia pointed to.
It was unusually thick—because inside was a mask that only framed the area around the eyes.
