Ye Jin barely registered when she was dragged into the bathroom and dropped into a massive bathtub filled with warm water scented with roses and lavender. The floral aroma was soothing, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to relax.
Two maids, Vivi and Rue, knelt by her side, their hands gentle as they rubbed soap over her skin and carefully washed her hair.
Ye Jin glanced at them, breaking the silence. "Where are you both from?"
Rue, a petite girl with blonde hair tied into a tight bun, smiled. "I'm from a village near the western border. My family was poor, so I came to the mansion to work. It's better here than at home."
"And you?" Ye Jin turned to Vivi, a taller maid with auburn hair and green eyes.
"I'm from the north," Vivi replied. "I used to work in a merchant's household before coming here. It's a tough place, but at least we have food and shelter."