Chapter 32 Duty

Chapter 32 Duty
I looked at myself in the mirror to see how I looked in my maid uniform. I didn't think it was bad, even though it was a maid uniform, it was very cute and elegant.

"You look so cute, Layla!" Depney complimented. Although I felt a little awkward, I would always wear this uniform during work hours. Right, I forgot to ask how many hours I'd work per day? Would I have to work more than 12 hours every day?

"Depney, what's the work schedule? Do we work 12 hours or do we use shifts?"

"We'll only work eight hours a day."

"Really?"

"Yes, work starts at 5 am to 1 pm. The next shift starts at 1 pm and ends at 9 pm. At 9 pm, work ends, and we can all take a break."

"It seems like a pretty good work schedule."

"However, during our working hours, we barely get any breaks except for breakfast for the morning-noon shift and dinner for the afternoon-night shift. So, lunch can only be had after the shift ends at 1 pm or before the shift begins at 1 pm for the afternoon-night shift."

"Why did they create such a system?"

"We all quite like that system. It's better than having to work 12 hours a day and getting plenty of breaks in between."

"But even after our shift is over, we're not allowed to leave the mansion, are we?"

"Yes, of course. We have to stay here. We can rest in our rooms or just wander around the plantation. But I think it would be best if you asked Madam Minerva directly about anything you want to know."

"She's a bit scary!"

"Hahaha...yes, she's talkative and very strict. But if she sees your sincerity in your work, she'll respect you."

"I hope so—"

"Layla...!" Madam Minerva shouted, calling my name, as I hadn't returned to her after she asked me to put on this uniform.

"She's calling for you! You have to come quickly!"

"O-okay!" I hurriedly walked over to the middle-aged woman whose voice alone frightened me. Her voice was so loud that no matter how far away, it could be heard.

I stopped right in front of her, standing not far from the door leading to the mansion's backyard. I was literally running, and it was making me gasp for breath. I'd just gotten my new uniform and hadn't even started work yet, but I already looked disheveled.

"What took you so long?"

"I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" I said, bowing.

Madam Minerva looked me over from head to toe. I didn't know what she was thinking, but I hoped there was nothing wrong with me.

"What's your bra size?" Surprisingly, she asked me about my size.

"I-I'm a 32E," I said.

"Your uniform looks tight, I'll get you a larger one."

"B-but this uniform is the right size for me!"

"But it looks tight and conspicuous to me. Master Lucien doesn't like women wearing clothes that are too tight, if he sees you, he'll definitely reprimand you."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, since there aren't any other uniform sizes left, you can wear this one for now. Now, I'll tell you about your duties here. Every week, the maids rotate between duties. There are four different divisions. The first division is in charge of the kitchen, which means preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, setting up the cooking utensils, and cleaning everything. The second division is the cleaning staff, responsible for dusting every corner of the place, sweeping, and cleaning all the floors and stairs. The third division handles the laundry, and the fourth division is in charge of caring for the garden, plants, and pets."

"So, we'll be assigned to a different division every week?"

"Yes, since the servants only work eight hours a day, that means you have plenty of free time left over. You'll be given extra tasks whenever needed. What do you think, Layla? Working here isn't that hard, is it?" Madam Minerva smiled sarcastically at me. Although she said the work wasn't that difficult, I had a strange feeling. There are 80 workers in this house, divided into four divisions and two shifts. That means each shift will have 10 people per division. I don't know if 10 people are enough to handle everything.

"I understand so far!"

"Good that you understand. Then, this week, you'll start as the cleaning lady. This house must be mopped every day, morning and evening. I want to see if you can make the floors shine. I want you to clean the second floor."

"T-the second floor?"

"Yes, mop the entire second floor. Rowan has already dusted the walls, windows, and furniture. You just need to mop the floor down to the stairs. The mopping equipment is in the utility room, you can get everything there. Since this is your first job, I want to assess your floor-cleaning skills. If the floor isn't shiny enough, you'll have to start over!"

"Okay, I'll do it!" I said, feeling unsure of my abilities.

I grabbed the mopping equipment and carried it to the vast second floor. Damn, this is absolutely insane. This house is too big, and the floors are so vast. I could spend hours just mopping one floor.

As I started, I imagined Jacob lying in his hospital bed, still not opening his eyes. Jacob had been working from morning to evening, often staying late into the night to earn money to provide a decent life for me. All this time, Jacob had sacrificed himself and his time.

"You've worked so hard, haven't you, Jake? I don't think I can thank you enough." I shed tears as my hands swung the surprisingly heavy mop.

I knew from the start that this wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to do it for Jacob, so I couldn't give up.