When Rishe told Elise what she wanted to do, she nodded curiously and willingly extended her hands.

Sitting across from her, Rishe first disinfected her slender fingers.

Making sure there were no stinging scratches on her fingernails or fingertips, she began preparing.

In Eastern Countries all the way from here, theres a culture of dyeing nails with flowers. This is a combination of that culture and nail art reinforcement.

She dipped her brush into the milky liquid and explained as she painted Elises nails.

Elise listened curiously as she talked about the distant land.

Does that mean the nails will be stronger?Mine are always brittle.

The area where its applied should be less prone to cracking. But the best thing you can do is to eat a well-balanced diet of meat, fish and beans.

Nails were a part of the skin. What was good for the skin was also good for the nails.

Meat, fish, beans, Elise murmured and nodded.

Ill remember. From now on, Ill ensure Ill be able to eat on my paycheck.

I know your family is in a difficult situation.

Were poor and I have many brothers and sisters. Now, if we manage to get some meat or vegetables, theyre fed to my little brothers and sisters.

Rishe has heard about it when she wasnt yet her handmaiden.

Elise was working to contribute to the family and she said she really wanted to be employed at the castle as a handmaiden.

Ive heard there are shanty towns in this country before. As I recall, on the way to Garkhain, during a break after being attacked by bandits

At that time, she was told that one of the knights, who was a vassal of Arnold, was from the favelas.

Even His Highness Arnolds policies didnt save everyone. In the first place, his policies were partially obstructed by someone else

With that in mind, she finished applying the primer solution to all her nails.

When she finally dipped the brush in the flower-dyed sap, Elises eyes were glued to the brush. While she was carefully applying them evenly, she couldnt help exclaiming in wonder.

Really, its so beautiful. Ive never seen anything so sparklingly beautiful before.

Else was a very fashion-conscious girl.

She seemed to enjoy picking out Rishes dress and styling her hair every day. She was also very dexterous with her hands, so she probably could paint her nails well.

Its only pink right now, but let me know your favorite color, too. I hope youll accept it once its done.

N-No. Itd be a waste for me to take something so wonderful. I think Im going to pass it.

Oh, no, not at all. Id be happy to let Elise and the others use it.

Rishe-sama

Rishe breathed a sigh of relief as she finished painting her entire right hand. The process was hard to fix once it failed.

What color do you like?Theres also the blue of a forget-me-not and the yellow of a sunflower. Theres red, orange, pink and even purple.

I bet any color would look great on your white fingers.

With her smiling and saying so, Elise looked at her with a somewhat pensive expression.

Then, beads of tears trickled down her large, round eyes.

Elise!

Rishe panicked in front of the maid, who suddenly began to cry.

Hey, whats going on? Have I scratched you!

It would be terrible if it was smeared with the liquid. But Elise shook her head repeatedly.

No, no. Im just very happy.

Elised paused for a moment and then blinked.

I-Ive never had anything so beautiful in my life.

While speaking, tears ran down her cheeks.

What I needed most was food for my brothers and sisters. When I had a little money, I had to buy what I needed to survive.

Her tiny voice gradually turned into choking sobs.

I never had a hair ornament, and my clothes were always tattered. I always wore boys hand-me-downs. So I was really happy when I received such a pretty uniform at the castle.

Rishe remembered.

When she first met Elise, she had been very sad that her uniform had been soiled.

I was just happy that Rishe-sama hired me and I got my official uniform. I had to put up with all other beautiful things. So

Elise wiped a tear with the back of her hand.

Im so happy, Rishe-sama. So happy that I dont even know how to thank you

Elise

Rishe gently patted her head.

All the maidservants of this detached castle were working for their families. Just like Elise, there were more than a few kids who have been stifling their own aspirations and dreams.

The business Im trying to establish lacked the ideas that I needed urgently!

Part 2 will be tomorrow. Have a nice day!