That day, Louise was informed at the palace that she had a new maid.

There was a soft knock on the door, and a young girl with downcast eyes and a reserved posture entered the room. She made a deep curtsey, lingering a little longer than etiquette required.

— "Your Highness... Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emilia."

The voice sounded soft, almost a whisper, but there was some strange tremor in it. She raised her eyes, and their gazes met. To those around her, she was just a new maid, but Louise felt something different: there was a familiar warmth in those eyes that was impossible to forget.

Emilia bowed her head again, hiding her expression.

— "I have come to serve you. I was told that you have long been without a permanent assistant... Allow me to be near and make your days easier. If you wish, I will always be nearby."

And again, as if by chance, she looked straight into Louise's eyes - the look was too understanding, too personal, as if there was a secret between them, known only to the two of them.