Chapter 18

Not long after Sakuya had gotten her new name, she was installed as the personal servant for Remilia. Remilia referred to her was "the best maid I've ever had", and the time was right to make Sakuya one as the previous one had just left.

Sakuya was taught of the etiquettes and mannerisms to become a proper maid, mostly modelled after a Western one, only fitting because the master she served was of Western origin. Remilia stepped it up by having the most outrageous requests and the least room for tolerance.

Since coming to Gensokyo, Sakuya was the only maid in the mansion. Remilia had hired more fairies to assist her, yet none of them have better domestic skills than Sakuya, who was also the only one capable of meeting the Scarlet Devil's high standards, bringing her tea and any form of service should the vampire desired it.

Having her brain manipulated, her initially blue eyes were now red, Sakuya had totally forgotten about her past as a vampire hunter, and was heavily engrossed with the task of cleaning the mansion. She did her job splendidly, earning herself the rank of head maid in a very short time, giving her the authority to oversee all the fairy maids and ensure they performed their duty well.

Patchouli initially suggested against allowing Sakuya to fight again, worried that she would be reminded of her past and would rebel against her mistress. Remilia wasn't too worried, claiming that "she will not be able to defeat me, no matter what." So, Sakuya was returned of her battle gear – the silver knives, and be allowed to do whatever she pleases with them.

Naturally, she was also informed of her ability to manipulate time, as that was the main reason why Remilia wanted her, "let her use it, as much as she wants, and let her enhance it as well." Sakuya was able to keep up with her heavy workload by using her ability, pleasing Remilia more than ever.

One day, Remilia thought that Sakuya would be ready for a new task.

"Sakuya, there's one more room that I had always forbid you to clean it."

"Indeed, milady, I had never entered it, not even a single step." Sakuya replied obediently.

Remilia observed Sakuya for a moment, confirming that her spell that was cast unto her was still intact, she was satisfied with this brief demonstration of loyalty.

"Very well, starting today, you will be allowed to enter that room, and clean it."

"Understood." There wasn't single moment of hesitation from Sakuya as she accepted those orders.

"Bring your combat gear as well, be well equipped." Remilia said nonchalantly as she sipped her tea, glanced at Sakuya briefly seeing whether the notion of bring her knives would shake the mind of her servant.

"As you wish." Sakuya merely bowed, one hand in front of her chest, eyes closed. Not a single shred of doubt surfaced from her expression.

Remilia grinned, "Go then, your job here is done." She waved to relieve Sakuya from the room, in which she promptly nodded and proceeded to perform her new task.

"So finally, she will be cleaning the little mistress's room." Patchouli opened a portal from thin air and entered the room after Sakuya had left Remilia's chambers.

"It was only a matter of time. I believe she's ready."

"I had given her pointers to improve her magic. She should be having no problems holding out against Flandre right now."

"Let us enjoy this magnificent performance, then."

Sakuya, still yet to have free will for herself, brought cleaning utensils, together with her battle arsenal, as per her master's orders, headed to basement and proceeded to open the door to the room she was not allowed to step into back then.

The room was dark, so Sakuya went and turn on the lights, the switch just beside the door. Once illuminated, the room was revealed to be rather small, the decorations were made as if the owner of the room was a child. There were numerous figurines and stuffed toys lying about, but all of them were broken or tore apart.

"Who are you?" Sakuya immediately turned to face the voice, and found a little girl sitting on her bed, holding a ball in her arms. Her clothing resembled the young mistress', and she also had wings, with eight colorful crystals dangling from each sides, notably different than Remilia's which resembled a bat's.

"I am the head maid of this mansion, my name is Sakuya. I am here to clean up this room, under the mistress' orders." Sakuya said bluntly, her expression blank.

The girl noticed the maid costume Sakuya was wearing as well as the broom and mop she held in her hands, so the intention about cleaning didn't sound to be a lie. The room was indeed dirty, especially the sides and corners where dust accumulated easily, and the thickness of the dust suggested that the room might not receive any maintenance for several years. To imagine there was someone living inside this room, given such a poor environment.

"Cleaning? Big sis never bothered to clean this room at all." The girl spoke softly, her voice barely coming out, as her vocal cords were not used for some time. "Sometimes, a stray maid may come here on her own. It was very nice of her." She squeezed the ball as she continued, bursting it with unbelievable strength, "but she didn't last long when we played together."

The girl hopped down of her bed and approached Sakuya, planting her face close to hers. "Say, are you good at playing?"

Sakuya remained unfazed, "I only received orders to clean the room. Playing was not part of it."

The girl grinned, as if not understanding the statement, she pushed her palm towards Sakuya's torso, releasing a blast of energy which blew Sakuya backwards, blowing her through the door and into the open hallway.

"My name is Flandre, let's play!"