"Are you coming with me or not?" Henry asked indifferently.
"Hah. He's asking as if refusing is even an option." Stella mocked inwardly before answering, "Yes. Lead the way."
As instructed, Stella silently followed him through the mansion until they reached the main garden, the same place where they had met the day before.
Eleanor Caden was already seated elegantly at the tea table, quietly sipping from a delicate porcelain cup.
This time, she wore a luxurious dark blue dress with long sleeves embroidered in fine golden thread. Her neatly pinned-up hair framed her delicate features, making her gentle appearance stand out even more.
Although Stella had never cared much for the fashion here, she had to admit that this outfit suited Eleanor remarkably well.
When they stopped before the table, Henry shot Stella a stern look.
She immediately understood.
He was telling her to greet the young lady and remain silent unless she was spoken to.
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Stella obediently lowered her head. Both of them greeted Eleanor, but only Henry spoke.
"My Lady, I've brought her."
Eleanor looked the two of them over before speaking, "Henry, you're late. I've been waiting here for quite some time. You told me you'd find her and be back soon."
Henry lowered his head slightly, "I spent quite a while looking for her in the servants' quarters before I finally found her in the rear garden, and..."
Eleanor gently waved a hand, cutting him off, "Alright, alright. It's fine."
She turned her attention to Stella.
"You may leave now, Henry."
Then, after a brief pause, she added, "and you... Alina, come a little closer."
Henry looked up in surprise, his gaze lingered on Stella for a brief moment before he quietly took his leave.
As instructed, Stella stepped forward and gave another respectful bow.
"Greetings, My Lady."
Eleanor smiled faintly, "Come a little closer."
She gestured toward the empty chair across from her.
"Please, have a seat, Miss Alina."
Stella was surprised by the request, but her curiosity outweighed her hesitation, so she did as Eleanor asked.
Eleanor studied her carefully for a moment before asking, "How long have you been working here?"
"About a month, if I remember correctly."
"Have you worked anywhere before?"
"No. This is my first time working outside my village, or rather, outside my family's home."
"You seem to be from the western region. Are you from the outskirts of Lily Pier or from the mountains?"
"The mountains, My Lady."
This was the background story Morel had prepared for her before she came here.
The western mountain villages were isolated. Only a small number of them traveled to the cities and nearby areas, where they often worked in this kind of occupation.
Those details had proven far more useful than the information Stella had gathered herself. Since arriving here, she had relied on this identity and occasionally added a few extra details depending on the situation.
Eleanor looked at her with a hint of surprise.
"Hmm... Such manners from a girl from the western mountains. How interesting."
"Thank you for the compliment. However, if I may ask... Could you tell me why you wanted to see me?"
"Alright. Let me get straight to the point, Alina."
Eleanor placed her teacup down gently, "I have been looking for someone to assist me at home for some time. I recently searched for a suitable person, but I couldn't find anyone who met my expectations."
"Yesterday, I was impressed by your work and also by the way you handled the situation. Changing Grandmother's mind is not something easy."
"That is why I am offering you the position of my personal assistant. Of course, you will move to my residence, and your salary will increase as this is considered a promotion."
"Also, since you will be working under me, you will have my protection."
She looked at Stella calmly, "So... what do you think?"
Stella's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected offer. For a brief moment, excitement almost appeared on her face, but she quickly hid it.
Her thoughts moved rapidly, "Why me exactly? Is it really only because of what happened yesterday? Impossible. She must have noticed more than that. The rumors about her being exceptionally intelligent were not exaggerated after all. I need to be careful around her."
Eleanor suddenly smiled faintly.
"Let me guess. You're wondering why I chose you specifically, aren't you?"
She took a small sip of tea before continuing.
"Because, without flattery, you are an intelligent person. And I like intelligent people, especially when they can be useful to me."
Her gaze remained fixed on Stella, "and now, let me guess something else. Yesterday, you didn't step forward because you felt sympathy for that clumsy maid, did you? I saw how she treated you before. So it would be impossible for you to suddenly help her out of kindness. You only acted because you realized that if she was punished, you might also be blamed and lose your job."
Stella remained calm.
"What should I say? You are correct."
She slightly lowered her head, "I can only admire your sharp observation."
"Thank you," Eleanor smiled lightly.
"Now tell me. Will you accept my offer?"
"Who am I to refuse, My Lady?"
Stella answered politely, "However, I will need a few days to settle some matters. I did not come here alone, after all."
"Very well. Then it is settled."
Eleanor gently placed her fingers around the teacup.
"Take the time you need. I will leave Henry here to accompany you when you come."
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask, if you don't mind."