Chapter 2: One of us and I'm broke
Kein's POV
After a few weeks of living here.
I got accustomed to the name Kein and I'm pretty much getting used to it.
I also tested my other muscle memory's to just see how I react.
The other servants usually ignore me, avoid me, and talk behind my back but I guess I'm even lucky enough that I've been given a closet to sleep in.
Though I both feel like Cinderella and Harry Potter combined. Just no pumpkin and no Voldemort coming for me here. I don't think I'll have a fairy godmother to help me either.
I tried asking Lenard for a book that could help me know more about this world. I know I've read my diary and the words there are definitely different from English or any kind of earth language.
Then again this is another world it's to be expected.
Magic does exist here.
Lenard told me he can't be seen much with me but he'll try. Which I'm honestly pretty grateful he's trying. He's really a good person and I'm glad that I have him despite being in this horrible household.
Lucas has been and is still being a pain in the ass whenever I do my chores. Today is not any different.
I sighed at the scene where there were mud prints over the floor. I was mopping the floor a few hours ago but now he gave me so much more work to do.
That rascal I tell you.
I went ahead and refilled my bucket of water before coming back and cleaning this mess. The other maids and servants looked at me pitifully as they stared. I'm pretty sure they're also talking behind my back but this is fine.
I frowned at the sight of the prints never-ending. While I was mopping, looking at the ground, I found a pair of boots blocking my way.
I looked up to see a charming young boy who was staring at me, I managed to take a quick glance at his clothes looking really expensive, meaning he's probably an important guest or someone important.
"Um... pardon me. You're blocking the way." I told him. He moved away as the others were shocked, but I just minded my own business and continued to mop. "Thank you."
The guards with him glared at me most likely for asking him to move?! Come on please let me clean- if I don't make this place clean to the point you're seeing your reflection on the floor they won't give me anything to eat!
They went away and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Man, that was too close for comfort."
I continued moping some more.
I wiped the sweat off my forehead until I saw Lenard not too far away as we both headed into our secret meeting spot in the garden.
There were a lot of different kinds of beautiful flowers, it was really peaceful and quiet and quite well taken care of. Heck, there was even a fountain in the middle of it.
"Hey, Lenard!" I waved at him happily walking towards him and he smiled.
"Kein!" He runs towards me carrying something behind his back.
"How have you been Lenard?" I ask him while I put the mop away.
We sat down on a nearby bench as he gave me an excited smile as he took out the thing he was hiding behind his back and showed it in front of me. "I have a book!"
"Yep. That is indeed a book." I looked at the book he was proudly holding and he carefully gave it to me with lots of enthusiasm. "I want you to read it! The story is about-"
No! Not the spoilers!
Immediately, I started flipping through the pages and reading everything at fast speed. Lucas looks at me baffled for a few minutes before he knows it. I read the whole book.
Hmm... it's actually a pretty good book. Good plot, good story, good character setting, and hey it might as well be a bestseller back on earth.
We sat there for a few minutes before I finally finished the thin book.
"Thanks, here you go. I finished it." I told him as I gave it back into his arms.
"Eh?" (Lenard) looks at the book. "Really? It took me two days to finish reading the whole thing!" He looks at me not believing me.
"It was only seventy-pages at most Lenard-" I tried to reason with him but he sounded really determined to prove that I was wrong and I just skimmed the book.
"Okay what's the main character's name?" (Lenard) asks the tone of a strict interviewer asking questions.
"Ophelia." I answered him.
"Okay, who's Ophelia?"
"The main character of the book thought it was this prince who was protecting her but he was actually her enemy. Then they get married yada yada. Honestly, the real enemy is actually her own family but this book is quite dark with all the torture and stuff." I told him.
"Okay but what about—"
He continued to quiz me about the book while I mopped around the mansion. At least I had someone to talk to while I was working, Lenard's company was nice anyways. After I got all of his dozen questions right and in perfect detail.
He looked at the book and then at me and then at the book and then at me. Completely wide-eyed.
It was like that for a few seconds. "T-That is so cool!"
It's good to know that this body can read and knows complex words while some I still need to research. I still kept my perfect memory from my past life which I was grateful for.
Well, the name is the same as William Shakespeare's works in Hamlet but I guess there is another version here with another version.
"It's nothing really," I replied, shrugging. As a professor back on earth I've had way more research papers with messy methodologies to read besides it was only seventy pages.
"What do you mean nothing?! You can read and memorize its contents like a sponge!" (Lenard) enthusiastically nudged my side as I laughed.
Lenard is actually fun once he gets out of his shell. It means we're slowly getting along with the help of novels.
He raises his glasses and looks at me suddenly, expression changing from happy to sad, "I-I wish I had that talent. My mother favors Lucas in everything I don't know if I'm even needed in the picture. Father was always busy with his work so he didn't really pay attention to me either."
His shoulders slump as he clenches the book tightly. "I-I wish... never mind. Do you want another book? I can get it for you!"
Oh Lenard you sweet thing- how long has it been since... you've felt loved by your family? Is this why you protected me? So you could form our family connection...
"Listen here,Lenard!" I told him, my voice turning a little strict. I know Lenard has really bad parents- I'm not sure if they could change... but he could realize some other forms of relationship could be stronger than family.
"Y-Yes?" (Lenard) snaps out of his pitiful trance and stares at me expectantly.
"You don't need their attention to live your life, okay? To me, a real family is the one that really cares for you. If they don't give a damn then they are not family." I told him snorting as I remember my horrible family before I was transmigrated. Such horrible people.
He smiles a little after that and relaxes. "A-Are you family?" (Lenard) asks me somehow in a desperate tone. I sigh inside, not wanting to hurt this sweet boy.
I nod. "Family sticks together and I'm stuck with you." I told him and he finally relaxed.
He laughs a little as our conversation becomes light after that.
"Oh yeah, I saw some important kid who's a little older than us around here. What's that about, he has guards and everything." I was curious at one point because if he's important then I ought to know.
"Oh, him? He's the son of the Duke of Wolford house and the future fiancé of the princess... but it's only rumors." (Lenard) blushed while he said these words.
"Oh? A princess huh? You like her?" I gave him a grin as he shook his head fast. I can see four heads in a blur.
"N-No! It's not her."
My grin became even wider this time. Oh my? This little bean is crushing on whoever fancy-ass shoes I saw before? Now, this is interesting. "Oh? Then is it the princess' fiancé? Trust me I can keep a secret."
"..." (Lenard) was now silent so you know what that means?! It means yes!
"Aw, you little rascal! You have a crush on someone!" I yelled and he quickly covered my mouth before I laughed so hard I almost choked.
"H-Hey! Don't make fun of me! I-I just think he's cute! It's not like I'm going to make a move or anything!" (Lenard) shoves me right over the shoulder as I continue to laugh.
"B-Besides we're both guys! Please keep this a secret! If anyone knows I-I like guys. Mother will kill me!" (Lenard)
I had to hold my stomach down because of how cute he's being right now. "I'm like you don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
Lenard's eyes went wide, the tip of his ears turning red. "R-Really? We're the same?"
It's really no problem. I already found out I was well lesbian the moment I had a crush on that cute girl back in middle school. Ah, the memories, too bad I became too busy to have any girlfriends and just decided to adopt a kid.
I nod at him smiling, "Yep. If you want to, I can help you get his attention and spend some time with him."
"N-No. I-I would just be a bother." (Lenard) looks away, face flushed red. Well, if he's not ready then maybe next time I'll play cupid and get these two some feelings for each other.
"I was just kidding with you. Next time definitely! I couldn't get a good look at him. Why do you even like him, by the way? What's his name?" I asked him while I felt my butt getting numb from sitting. I decided to stand up and walk.
Lenard stands up and walks by my side. "H-His name is... Vincent von Wolford."
He smiles still red at the thought of thinking what he likes about this Vincent person, "W-Well... he's kind. Lucas made fun of me one time and Vincent defended me. I think I liked him and I couldn't stop thinking of him after that."
Oh? If he defended Lenard then surely he's not a bad kid. I approve. "Hehhh. Did he sweep you off his feet too?"
I teased him. "N-No! S-Shut up!" (Lenard) shoved me one last time and I conceded.
"Pfft. I'll stop with the teasing, Lenard. Help me get wood for fire?" I ask him, remembering I still have some chores left to do.
If I don't do them I'm really afraid Aunt Haren will not feed me and literally lock me inside the closet for the night. "L-Lead the way!"
I know making him help is a problem but we gotta knuckle some discipline in this kid. I don't want him to not taste hard work and labor. I would be an irresponsible guardian! But really I just need the help for now.
After getting some wood.
Apparently, other servants saw us getting them together and were reported, and guess who's being punished?
"Do you know what you did wrong?" (Head Maid)
"No... I'm not sure what I did wrong."
"I will ask you again. What did you do wrong?" (Head Maid)
"I really don't know-?"
"I had enough."
*Smack— Smack—*
It was the sound of a thin stick hitting through my skin. I was forced to stand on a chair and pull up my pants showing my legs. I didn't cry or anything, it just stings since this body has a low tolerance for pain.
"I can't believe you made Lord Lenard do something like carrying wood! It's unheard of! A noble is not allowed to do such things!" (Head Maid) yells at me as I grew tired of this farce.
After the punishment, I was forced to go into the closet, aka my room.
I groaned at the sight of my bruises and the marks. I grabbed the last of my ointment on the stash and began applying them. After applying the ointment on the bruise marks I realized I was running out of them- "Oh no."
I turned to grab my purse that was also near empty- "This is a problem."
I should've expected this.
I need money.
I'm not blessed to be eighteen years old here, the adult age in this world so I can't take any hard labor work for part-time.
I could ask Lenard to borrow some? But no Aunt Haren might find out... " I have to think of a way and fast. I can't just live like this!"
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Chapter 3: How to make money in another world?
Kein's POV
Okay. This is a problem.
I know I have money but I also know it's not enough.
I grit my teeth as I tossed and turned inside the closet in my cramped bed.
"Money." I scoff. Financial problems always follow me right after.
"Of course, I need to plan things if there's an emergency. What if I get injured? Speaking of which, it's sad here that I need to get into at least a public academy and graduate. Education is important."
I muttered. "I haven't seen or thought of anything that would help me in the past hour. The only skill I have now is my proof editing and writing skills."
To which I don't know if anyone would hire a ten-year-old for anything. Meaning I'm pretty much useless right now. "This is hard."
I bit the tip of my thumb. I might need someone to talk to more about it strategically. I'm not getting paid in this place but I have to accept right now, this place where the spawns of Satan lives is safer than the streets.
At least Lenard is a nice person to talk to. I knew there was a reason as to why I definitely liked him.
I sigh, tired as my shoulder tense from all the thinking. I move to take a glance at my legs that have red marks all over from all that punishment.
"If this was earth, I would sue for child abuse."
The maids here are merciless and I'm running out of healing ointments. I haven't been to the city as well... So I don't know what to expect. I should talk to Lenard about this.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
"You want to make money?" (Lenard) sat with me in our secret spot, the garden. Still beautiful as ever, I was done pruning the leaves and watering the flowers so I deserve to take a break.
Speaking of which I haven't seen Lucas anywhere which I'm pretty thankful for or else I might've thought of his face as a nice punching bag.
"Yeah, you do know I can't keep staying here forever. I want to move when I turn fifteen." I took a bite of the juicy apple he snuck for me.
The food portions they give is okay but it's not enough for my stomach since I work really hard.
"Umm... I don't know how you can make money other than applying to be an adventurer." (Lenard)
"Really? You can be an adventurer here?" I ask leaning in more closely of the thrill of an adventurer! Right, I could be one when I turn fifteen! I'll be old enough to support myself and such!
Lenard nods and explains to me in full detail, "There's an adventurer guild in the city. Just an hour walk away from here. You'll need to register but it's an easy process to do! They don't hire ten year olds though so maybe wait till you're fifteen?"
I groaned at the problem of age but I need money as soon as possible or else I'll have marks all over my body. It's already a miracle that some minor ones healed in only a matter of days. "I can't wait for that long. I'm really an impatient person, and I need money to buy things that I need."
Lenard furrows his brows in deep thought, "Are you good at anything? Like sewing?"
I know that I'm a girl but sewing is not my forte. My hands are really shit on that after I attempted at making a scarf for my kid, it was horrible. "Not sewing. I mean, I do know how to write, proofread, and... well paint. If possible painting is a last resort to do."
Lenard 's beams at me, "Y-You're so cool!"
I laugh at the flattery, if only you've seen my daughter. That girl has practically mastered almost anything. Other than taking care of her plants, I always had to water them.
I really... miss her dearly.
I felt Lenard hold me by the shoulder looking all worried for me, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine- just thinking what in the world should I do now?" I sigh. All the memories of the past got me all nostalgic.
"First, it will be alright so lift up your mood Kein. Second, I don't think you can do anything with writing right now that's the same as proofreading because you're still young." (Lenard) holds down his chin glasses simply resting adorably on his nose as he thinks.
"So we're going to use my last resort, painting?" I told him my tone was worried.
Lenard nods, "The kingdom is really fond of art and sculptures but do you have any materials? Or brushes?"
I shook my head for no. "No. I don't have any. Besides, I haven't painted in a long time. I've almost forgotten what it feels like to hold a brush."
I finished my apple and threw the remains in a nearby leaf pile that was to be incinerated later.
Lenard stands up smiling as he looks at me, his hands fidgeting, "I-I can get it for you."
He says in a whisper I barely even heard it. "Is it okay??? Won't Aunt Haren find out?"
Lenard shakes his head, "I-I ask for anything she usually gives me and then forgets about it. Anything to get me off her back I think..."
I frown. Lenard really has suffered a lot, the lack of affection in a family is really a problem. I have to do something, "Hey, if you're willing to get me the brush and paints. The least I could do is paint a portrait of you."
A smile spread across his face. "Thank you. I-I must go then and order some."
I nodded and we both went our different ways. I decided to water the garden some more, the flowers blooming beautifully in this season. Some were different from Earth's flowers but I recognized some others here.
It gave me a sense of comfort that perhaps a part of home is still here.
.-.-.-.-.-.
A few days have passed. He got me the things I needed and hell they were expensive looking. I'm not sure if I can pay him back properly but I'll try.
"Lenard. Seriously thanks for this. I just hope it's not looking like I'm milking you or anything?" I told him.
"Milking?" (Lenard) tilts his head in confusion. Right, I really need to work on my wordings.
"Like taking advantage of you." I explained. Taking in the brushes in my hand as I looked over the dozens of high quality gouache paint at the side. I can smell its faint scent, completely relaxing my body. It's definitely been a while since I've painted anything.
"You even got me an easel! You're too kind." I hugged the heck out of him. He's too pure for this family.
Lucas has been bullying me these past days and I wanted to punch him every time. Bad news is I'll get kicked out if I do any of that.
Lenard stutters and blushes out of flattery, "We are family. It is nice for someone to finally see me as one."
I gave him a pat on the back and thumbs up. I'll help you with that crush of yours as a side payment. All the way, I'll go get his ass for you. Lenard anything for you! "I got you. Now I need to get back my art side. Want to pose for me out right on the bench?"
He nods and does what he's told. He sits up on the bench, shoulders stiff and nervous. I grab the easel and set it up, putting a blank canvas Lenard got for me.
I took a deep breath as I looked over into my hands that grasped on tightly on the brush. I dipped the brush on the paint and began working on my strokes.
Feeling the light tone of color, focusing on the expression, what I see in Lenard.
I feel that he's hiding a lot of emotions. Always being left out there's been a lot of obstacles and hardships in his life.
I continued to paint, every stroke having more meaning as I felt my eyes being pent up with tears. Lenard looks at me worried, "A-Are you alright?"
I nod smiling in reassurance, "Yes, don't mind me. This happens every time I paint."
I continue, focusing on his figure. I feel it. I feel his sadness and it's a lot, so much I'm getting teary-eyed.
The reason why I wanted painting as my resort is because the emotions can be too much or overwhelming every time I make art. I can feel more than I should. I see things others can't.
I grit my teeth, almost done with the painting as my clothes are now tainted with paint, my hair a little disheveled as I kept painting for what felt like hours. Thankfully I already did all my chores so I won't get in trouble but I hope Lenard doesn't have anything to do.
"Finally." I muttered, sighing in satisfaction as I wiped off the sweat on my forehead.
Lenard's body relaxes finally knowing that it's finally done as he stretches from the bench. He stands up and gets behind me to take a look at my work.
"T-This is..." He reaches for the canvas that still had wet paint.
I stopped his hands before he could touch anything, "The paint still isn't dry but after it does you can keep it."
"I-I'm sorry I was overwhelmed." Lenard smiles, "T-This is really magnificent work! I wasn't a fan of paintings before but somehow... This speaks to me."
He almost reaches for it again but stops, "I-It's like it's telling me something important but I don't know what."
This is the reason why I don't paint often. It makes people obsess over the painting. I've only made a few works and it already caused chaos back on earth.
"Well no worries. You can have this one as thanks for the paint and brushes and the easel." I told him as I looked over my work.
It was Lenard sitting over the bench, the colors vibrant but still gives off the feeling that something is missing. Incomplete, just like him. The colors of the garden overshadow the hidden despair of Lenard's eyes. I know for a fact that people who've had deep feelings of loneliness can grasp the meaning behind this work.
Lenard nudges my sides, "Does this painting have a name?"
Ah. A name... I bit my thumb as I tried to think of a fitting name for a fine work. "Uh, I guess [Rose Garden] is nice."
Lenard laughs, "I'm guessing you are good at making but bad at naming."
I sigh, "How ever did you figure me out?" I told him dramatically, letting out a gasp as I put my hand on my mouth acting to be exposed.
"With how we've grown close I think I can expect that of you, Kein!" (Lenard) replies with the unfamiliar name he called me, now I don't mind it at all.
I smile at the sound of my new name. Kein doesn't sound as bad now. "Right back at you, Lenard."
I'll try to paint as many works as I can. It won't have much deep a meaning as Lenard's painting though. "I think I'm done for the day."
I told Lenard as I noticed the day is already ending. I finished the sunrise painting, completely immaculate giving me a sense of security for a new day.
Lenard grabs his canvas, paint already dried. "W-What if mother sees this?"
I shrug, "You ordered the paint and stuff. Just tell em you made it."
Lenard's voice became a little more panicked. "I-I'm in it! Mother is surely not dumb enough to know I can't pose and paint myself all at the same time!"
I laugh, pretty sure Aunt Haren is actually dumb enough for that. "Relax yourself, Lenard. How about you hide it for now. If she ever sees it, tell her the painting supplies you ordered were for a friend and as thanks they gave that for you."
Lenard nods, "I-I don't have any friends but I think that's the best logical excuse we have."
We'll cross that bridge when we get there. "Alright, thank you, Lenard for this. You're too kind for this world."
"Um, thank you?"
I smiled as I carried over the canvas and decided I'll hide them somewhere around the garden for now.
There's actually a convenient abandoned shed not too far. Nobody uses it, which is perfect! I have to fix the roof though because of the water leaks but it's not the rainy season so I won't have to worry about rain for now.
I store all my paints, canvases, and easels carefully. I wiped the dust off all that I could and then closed the door of the shed. Lenard already left for dinner as I just got inside the kitchen to help the other maids peel potatoes.
I'll have to go to the city next and find a way to sell my paintings.
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