Last year, plague swept through our household, claiming the lives of two faithful servants. They left behind a daughter, and my parents, moved by compassion, took her in as their own.

While my parents treat her as family, I've never been able to see her as anything more than a servant who shares our roof.

Without consulting me, my parents assigned her to tend to my quarters, claiming it would teach her proper household duties. Despite my cold indifference toward her, she greets each day with infectious brightness.

Dan-hee approaches from behind and taps my shoulder with playful confidence.

Ta-da! Young master~ I spent ages arranging my hair like this today—surely you've never seen me look quite so refined? Hehe, does it meet with your approval?

She awaits praise with hopeful eyes, her hastily arranged hair already coming undone at the edges.