Mia had moved herself to the corner of the room, avoiding the dresser being swung around by the enraged maid. She had been at this ever since that other maid left, and showed no signs of stopping. Wondering what could be done in this odd situation, Mia gulped, swallowing her fear and speaking up. “E-excuse me?”

The maid stopped and froze in place. Holding the dresser high she looked at Mia then calmly placed the dresser back in it’s original location in the room. “Your meal has arrived, made by our castles best chiefs. “ She said acting like what happened mere moments ago never happened. She stepped away from the platter and motioned for the girl to begin eating.

“After you have finished eating I will help you get dressed…*tsk* We will leave for the princesses room, it is still a bit early but she expects to get your schedule going in order to not conflict with the hero’s schedule”

Mia stood there dazed. The maid was clearly acting as if nothing had happened, and did she just click her tongue when she noticed she had already gotten dressed? This person was now firmly planted as a dangerous pervert in her mind. But more importantly, did the food survive all that thrashing?

Mia cautiously moved towards the platter and peered over the top. Miraculously the food was till intact, even the soup, everything just being cooled from the rapid movements. Grateful that the food survived she began eating, trying to ignore the slack grin of the maid in the room watching her. Other than the goofy face the maid did not bother her while she ate.

Taking a bite out of her bacon Mia thought more on the maid. She reminded her of her second master and the perverts who were only interested in her animal features, treating her like a pet or… worse… but she had noticed she got genuinely angry that the other maid had tried to wrong her, well just saying she got angry was an understatement. She over-reacted and threw a tantrum once she was alone in the room.

Mia stared at the maid, wondering what her deal was. “Who are you.” She asked between bites.

The maid perked up, pulling the sides of her maid dress up slightly and giving a little bow “Ashley, at your service.” She then straightened herself up and continued “I am the head maid in charge of the hero, assigned by the princess. Me, overseeing the hero and all matters involving him, that also includes when he picks up very cute, Animal, companions…” She said, breathing heavily at the last part.

A shiver ran down Mia’s spine “you, like beastmen?” She asked cautiously, it was hard to imagine someone under the wing of that princess could hold any favor towards beastmen.

“Like them? Oh no I don’t like them. I LOVE them!” Ashley smiled, getting closer to Mia “The fluffy ears that react to your inner thoughts, twitching attentively when you are listening in or fold back when you are scared. When they sway from side to side when you are thinking, or how good the fur feels when patted.” Ashley was now panting, moving her gaze to Mia’s tail “Or their tails, wagging when happy, curling up when scared the fur puffing up when alert or the getting moved in the wind while idle it just makes me want to pull you in and never let such a precious existence go!”

Mia started to back away from her, it was worse than she thought. This was far more dire than any pervert she has had the displeasure to meet. How is this person the head maid to the hero and the direct subordinate of the princess? This had to be some mistake, maybe the princess didn’t know? Was this a twisted prank?

Finally noticing Mia’s distress Ashley coughed and once again straightened herself up, wiping the drool away from her mouth she bowed “I, apologize. I appear to have lost myself.” She then took a few steps back to allow Mia access to her food.

Mia slowly went back to her food, now working on the soup with a provided spoon while cautiously watching the maid again.

Ashely smiled, a bit of concern showing on her face. “I…” she stopped, appearing to be battling conflicted feelings inside herself. Her lips parsed, then gave way to a sigh “I am on your side, if you will believe me on just that.”

Mia paused her eating, staring harder at her and her expression. The chances are this being a twisted joke is high. She works for the princess of this kingdom, a kingdom that looks down upon and enslaves her people. While there are some few people that don’t think that, her second master being proof to that, its highly unlikely that one would be assigned here, working under the princess, who assigned her to the hero who she wishes to manipulate for her own goals.

Ashley looked away from her gaze, blushing she said “I accept the privilege to pet you as rewards for my services protecting you. Like stopping people from stealing your food?”

Or she could just be a pervert.

Mia sighed, she was overthinking it. If it did turn out to be a joke in the end she might as well benefit from it. Having Ashely lessen the bullying she would receive at the price stated was worth it, especially when it came to food. A line had to be placed, however. “No tail.”

Ashley took a step back in, shocked, but then her eyes fell on top of Mia’s head and her expression loosened, before turning sharp, filled with determination “… five-minute head pats and ear rubs, every night and morning.”

“Two minutes, only at night.”

Ashley took another step back, gritting her teeth “Three minutes every night and morning, with extra meat every time they serve it!”

“…Ok…” Mia conceded, at least she’d have more food. how bad would it be?

Ashley smirked, letting out a high-pitched cry of joy as she rushed over and gently petted Mia’s ears “This is heaven…”

Mia twitched, “Not while eating!” She protested.

“No no, just for today! We are short on time and I don’t want to waste any second of this bliss!”

Groaning Mia gave up, finishing her meal the best she could while having her ear’s assaulted.

It was a struggle, but Mia had finished her meal. Once she finished up Ashley had fixed the girl’s hair and assumed the role of an unassuming maid, preparing to lead Mia out of the room “Stick close to me, don’t make eye contact with anyone. While you were with the princess, they would not dare make any moves, even if they do know her stance on beastmen.”

Mia nodded, glancing behind them to the door that lead to the hero’s room “The hero?”

“He has his own schedule for today, starting later. I will attend to him after I guide you to the princess.” Placing her hand on the door, Ashley glanced down Mia and gave a small smile “Ready? Remember, stick close. I’ll try my best to keep my promise to you, but if anyone with higher authority comes… I am sorry for what might happen…” lowering her head, Ashely said down hearted.

Mia gave another understanding nod, taking another step closer to the maid. She was then lead out into the castle walls, keeping her head low as they made their way through.