Reina opened her eyes, greeted by a grand bedroom with an intricately patterned Western ceiling. She tried to sit up but felt weak and groggy, her body soaked in sweat. A woman dressed in a maid outfit was asleep on a chair beside her bed. As she heard Reina stir, the maid hurriedly stood up and bowed.
"Ojou-sama(1)! You're awake! How are you feeling?" the maid inquired with a hint of concern and fear in her voice.
"I'm still feeling a little weak, but I'll be alright. How long have I been asleep?" Reina asked, trying to assess the situation.
The maid seemed nervous and looked down, avoided Reina’s gaze. "You... you have been unconscious for about five hours, Reina-sama," she finally said. "You collapsed when you stood too long in the rain. I, along with the guards, brought you here. The doctor has advised you to take complete rest, and I have been taking care of you since."
Reina heaved a long sigh and tried to stand up. The maid reached out to help her, but Reina gestured for her to stop. She firmly took each step on the cold parquet-patterned floor, her posture not resembling that of a sick person.
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The maid sensed that something amiss about Reina’s behavior and knelt down with her head bowed in apology. “I’m sorry for falling asleep on the job.”
Ignoring the woman behind her, Reina pulled open the window with force and welcomed the cool breeze from the suburban surroundings. Some raindrops landed on her hair as she looked up at the dark sky above. The storm had subsided, and the clouds were clearing up, revealing the round moon behind. By looking at the moon and the stars, and calculating their position and angle, Reina could estimate the current time. She muttered: "It's around 1 am.”
"Maria!" Reina called out the name of the maid behind her without turning around. The maid quickly stood up and assumed a respectful posture.
"Yes, what is your order, ojou-sama?"
“Announce to Miya that she should arrange a car for my return as soon as possible. In addition, ask her to reschedule the meeting with the board members for later today. And..." Reina paused for a moment before continuing. “Tell her to terminate your contract immediately.”
Maria gasped and fell to her knees. "Please, ojou-sama, have mercy!"
Reina didn't listen to the maid's plea, her face showed a tinge of sadness as she looked towards the hill in the distance. There was a field of reeds, and on top of the hill was her bouquet of white lilies on the grave of her younger sister, Rika.
Note:
(1): “Ojou-sama” " is often used by subordinates or acquaintances to address or refer to a young lady from a wealthy or noble family.