Chapter 29
by Need_More_SleepChapter 29: The Way of The Maid! Officially Serialized!
Shimizu Sakuya followed closely behind Fujiwara Yuki as they stepped through the grand white-painted doors and entered the mansion’s main hall.
The moment they crossed the threshold, they were surrounded by over a dozen maids and butlers, all bowing in unison with a crisp greeting:
“Welcome home, Second Young Miss.”
Yuki gave a slight nod, then gestured to the woman at the front of the group.
“Saito, this is my classmate, Shimizu Sakuya. She’s recently taken an interest in maid culture and wants to experience an authentic week of maid life. Today, you’ll teach her the basics.”
The head maid, Saito, immediately stepped forward, hands neatly folded over her stomach, posture slightly inclined—the very picture of professionalism.
Now that she had a closer look, Sakuya could see that Saito was around thirty years old, with delicate features and a neat, short haircut. She wore a long, dark black dress with an ornate apron trimmed in lace, exuding an air of quiet competence.
The classic head maid uniform—lavish enough to distinguish her from the others.
“At once, Second Young Miss.”
Saito was the very model of a perfect maid. Her gaze shifted to Sakuya, assessing but not intrusive.
“Dinner is already prepared. Will the Second Young Miss be dining with Miss Shimizu, or separately?”
Her tone was perfectly balanced—polite without being obsequious, attentive without being overbearing.
“We’ll eat together. First, take Sakuya to change into a maid uniform. I’ll retire to my room to freshen up.” Yuki’s eyes flicked to Sakuya, her usual composure barely hiding the amusement in her voice. “What do you think, Sakuya?”
After spending the entire afternoon with her, Sakuya had a pretty good read on Yuki’s current personality.
This girl just wants to see me in a maid outfit, doesn’t she?
If she refused, who knew what kind of twisted ideas Yuki would come up with next to satisfy her whims.
With no other choice, Sakuya forced a professional smile. “Of course, I’d love to, Yuki.”
“Then, Miss Shimizu, please follow me.” Saito bowed slightly, her voice gentle.
“Alright.”
Trailing behind Head Maid Saito, Sakuya took the opportunity to carefully study the interior layout of the Fujiwara estate.
The first thing that caught her eye was the grand staircase, its steps covered in plush crimson carpet, leading up to a massive ukiyo-e painting on the far wall.
The central hall was vast—around 300 square meters—with twin golden arched corridors branching off to the left and right, extending the staircase to the second floor. To the immediate left of the entrance was a two-meter-wide passageway.
As they walked down this hallway, Saito glanced back and asked softly,
“Miss Shimizu must come from a rather well-off family, yes?”
“I wouldn’t say we’re struggling.”
“Then why the interest in experiencing maid life?”
You should be asking your Second Young Miss that! Didn’t she already give you a reason?!
Despite her internal protests, Sakuya stuck to the script Yuki had provided.
“I just really admire maid culture.”
Saito’s footsteps slowed as they navigated the winding corridors.
“Being a maid isn’t as simple as it seems. While the work revolves around household chores, it requires meticulous attention to detail. It’s not like in anime, where you can just wear a pretty outfit and call it a day.”
“It’s not a passing fancy for me. I truly admire it, and I’ll do my best.” Sakuya leaned into her role, putting on an earnest expression.
“Good.” Saito’s tone sharpened. “If you’re serious about experiencing real maid life, I won’t go easy on you. I’ll hold you to the highest standards.”
They turned a corner, and the opulent decor gradually gave way to simpler furnishings.
This must be the servants’ quarters.
“According to the Second Young Miss’s instructions, you’ll be serving as her personal maid.”
“Personal maid?” Sakuya raised an eyebrow. “What’s the difference?”
Saito explained patiently.
“There are many types of maids. Most are responsible for cleaning and general upkeep. But a personal maid serves the lady of the house directly—assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and accompanying her at all times. Could you handle such duties, Miss Shimizu?”
She turned, her posture respectful, but curiosity flickered in her eyes.
“No problem. I’ll fulfill this role perfectly for the entire week.”
“How confident.” Saito smiled faintly and continued walking. “A personal maid’s work isn’t easy. Normally, the Second Young Miss’s assigned maid would brief you, but…”
She paused.
“The Second Young Miss hasn’t employed a personal maid in ten years. So I’ll take the liberty of explaining her daily routine myself.”
Sakuya was surprised. Yuki hasn’t had a personal maid in a decade?
“Aside from meals, the Second Young Miss wakes at 6 AM. As her maid, you must rise at 5:30 to prepare her outfit and cosmetics.
“At 6:30, she goes for a morning run. You must accompany her.
“On weekends at 8 AM, she studies in the library for three hours. You must stand by, grinding ink, fetching books, and serving tea as needed.
“In the afternoon, you’ll accompany her on outings. After dinner at 8 PM, you must draw her bath, test the water temperature, and assist with washing her hair and drying it afterward.
“Then, you’ll stand guard outside her bedroom until she falls asleep by midnight.”
As Saito listed the duties, Sakuya nearly felt dizzy. Her entire day is packed!
How am I supposed to survey the estate like this?
After navigating a seemingly endless maze of corridors, they finally arrived outside a clothing storage room.
“If you’re serious about experiencing maid life, you must commit fully.” Saito stopped at the door, her expression stern as she turned the handle.
“If you’ve truly made up your mind… then step inside and choose the uniform that suits you best.”
Even from outside, Sakuya could see the dazzling array of maid outfits—lace, ruffled skirts, every design imaginable, enough to make one’s head spin.
Clenching her fists, Sakuya steeled herself.
I’ve come this far. There’s no turning back now.
The Way of the Maid! Officially Serialized!