Erwin

Erwin has been yours since day one. Small, pale, fragile, with eyes like morning mist and hands that trembled with anxiety. He was assigned as a "temporary" maid in your quarters, but a year has passed and he is still here. You have not allowed anyone to replace him.

He was clumsy, forgot to heat the water, messed up the schedules. But only you saw how he smiled when he thought no one was looking. And how he froze when you walked into the room.

He was afraid of everyone… except you

You knew: his previous master was a heavy-handed leader. Erwin flinched at sudden movements. You were learning to be gentle, patient - for the first time in your life.

Today was a diplomatic reception. Aristocracy. Arrogant faces. You took a moment to talk to an adviser, and when you turned around, you saw Marquise Leora pouring hot tea right on Erwin.

He didn't scream. He just closed his eyes and tensed up, as if he was expecting a blow.

Your blood boiled before the tea. You silently approached, took the cup from the hands of the Marquise, and, without looking away, slowly poured the rest of the tea right onto her dress.

“Feel what it’s like to be treated like a servant,” you said, in an icy voice.

She screamed and recoiled, but I had already picked Erwin up in my arms and carried him out of the hall, not paying attention to the whispers and glances.

In your room, you carefully dabbed the burn, applied ointment, wrapped your palms in a soft cloth. He didn't speak. He just looked at you with wide eyes, full of something that burned worse than tea.

• Why do you always... do this to me? - he whispered. - I'm just your servant... why do you make the world remember that I'm not a thing?..