I got the idea for this one-shot after having a discussion with a friend of mine of how I should elaborate the relationship between Estelle and Goodwin as some readers might think they have more of a romantic relationship rather than a familial relationship, even though it's confirmed that Estelle is paired with Yusei.

This is canon to "Crimson Star Priestess (New Version)". The majority of the one-shot is a flashback, but the end takes place in Chapter 72: A Memorable Birthday.

The one-shot is in Hilda's point of view, the head maid of the Goodwin mansion and an original character of mine.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!

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My mother used to live in poverty for as long as I could remember in the slums of Domino City. I was apparently an "accident" and my father dumped her, but mom still gave birth and raised me to the best of her abilities with the low income she had from working as a cleaner. I knew from an early age that mom suffered a lot, so instead of being a child I quickly learned to become independent. I went to a common school, but I studied as much as I could to receive good grades for a bright future.

Just when it seemed things were turning for the better, Zero Reverse occurred and Domino City almost ended up in complete ruins. We lost our home and our belongings and had to live in shelters while the city was rebuilt into New Domino City. I managed to graduate high school when we got a new home and jobs to support ourselves. I got a part-time job at Sector Security as a night-shift cleaner while I was a university student. It was difficult managing time between my studies and job, but I came up with a schedule even though I needed to sacrifice hours of sleep.

My worst nightmare came true when my mom suddenly got ill and needed medical attention that cost lots of money. That meant I had to use all my savings to make sure she got the best care while I was studying. The pressure of university, job and mom slowly got to me and one night-shift I couldn't take it anymore and broke down into tears.

The recent appointed director of Sector Security, Rex Goodwin, found me bawling tears. I was ashamed of behaving like a child, but he calmly asked me what was bothering me. I explained it to him and apologized for my unprofessional behavior. He didn't blame me and actually reached his hand out and offered to pay the hospital expenses if I worked for him as a maid in his mansion. The proposal shocked me deeply as I first thought it was just a joke to raise my hope and then crush it, just like what many rich people did to commoners nowadays. However, that was proven wrong when I visited my mother the next time and learned from her how Goodwin had showed up and paid everything and even made sure she would go to a rehabilitation center where she could rest after surgery. It still didn't ease my mind, so I confronted Goodwin and asked him why he went this far for the sake of a young university student who worked part-time as a simple cleaner. He answered that he admired people who worked diligently and he needed talented people working for him whether it was for Security or in his home no matter what kind of past they had.

I was a little reluctant to work in his estate for many reasons, but I knew I had to pay back after everything he had done for my mother, so I accepted the offer. I thought working as a maid would be awful since little was known about Goodwin at that point. It turned out to be a very comfortable environment and the other employees only had praises for him after they told me how they ended up working for him. Many of them had lived in the slums just like me, but Goodwin saved them and their families, so they were devoted to be eternally loyal to him. Everyone was treated equally and he didn't lay his hands on the female employees. He never even raised his voice if one happened to make a mistake. My schedule even got rearranged so I didn't have to stay up for long and I was even allowed to work on my assignments in the employee break room when there was nothing to do.

I started growing respect for Goodwin and became a full-time maid after graduating university. Now I had worked as a maid for ten years and got promoted as the head maid two years ago after the previous one retired. I had observed a lot during the years I've been working for Goodwin. He had a huge interest toward mythology, especially Inca as he often bought artifacts originating from Nazca and put them on display around the mansion. He barely came home in time as it was often midnight he returned and had a very late supper. He would sometimes disappear to the cellar which was a prohibited area for the employees. Some odd theories were spread among the maids and butlers, but we respected his privacy. He rarely brought a random lady his age to the mansion and spent a night with her before she was never seen on the premises again. No questions were ever asked.

However, when he brought a young woman home to his mansion that was at least twenty years younger than him, that's when questions were raised after we learned where she had come from.

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Goodwin had informed head butler Steven that he was coming home for a brief visit with somebody. We had been ordered to prepare a guest room for this mysterious visitor, so my maids and I had cleaned one of the rooms before I stepped outside of the front door and waited patiently for Goodwin and his mysterious guest.

Steven told me that this visitor's name was Estelle and she was actually a felon who had illegally entered New Domino City from Satellite, but due to some unknown circumstances she was to be placed under house arrest at the estate and not in the female equivalent of the Facility.

I couldn't help but wonder why Goodwin would house a criminal. Then again, I shouldn't really question his decisions. Perhaps this felon wasn't as terrible as many were and he had faith in her that she wouldn't destroy the mansion by stealing or breaking his property?

The limousine pulled up by the driveway and parked next to the couple of steps. Shinji stepped out of the vehicle and walked around it to open the right back passenger door. I held back my surprise grimace as a young woman who looked like she was in third year of high school got out of the limousine. She had long and thick brown wavy hair running down her back and blue eyes hiding behind a pair of glasses. She carried a red satchel on her shoulder which she held onto, making sure she wouldn't drop it.

I waited to introduce myself as I saw the girl turned around to speak to Goodwin because he hadn't stepped out to join her. "Sir?"

"I have some business to do the entire day", Goodwin told her from the rolled down window. "But I shall see you in the evening. Until then, take care, Estelle."

Shinji returned to the driver seat and drove the limousine back to downtown. Estelle stayed by the small staircase and watched the vehicle until it became one with the city. I heard her sigh softly before she turned around, finally facing me. Her facial expression was painted with some concern and nervousness, which I could understand. However, I shouldn't lower my guard. She was still a criminal, even though she was to be treated like a guest.

"Welcome, Ms. Estelle", I bowed slightly. "My name is Hilda, the head maid."

"Hello…", Estelle replied in a soft voice, shifting her weight between her feet.

I raised my head and gave her a small smile, faking it as best as I could. "I've been informed about the circumstances. My girls and I will take care of you. Your room has already been prepared, if you would like to rest and change your clothes. Please, follow me."

The double doors opened automatically before I stepped inside the mansion, the flat heels of my shoes echoing on the marble floor together with Estelle's boots. I escorted her up to the first floor and the left wing where the guestrooms were located. We walked past a couple of my colleagues who whispered between them while giving Estelle the stinky eye. They clearly spoke about her with a poisonous tone because she was from Satellite. While we respected each other for having the same poor background, we had very little respect toward the people who lived on that island. Everybody knew that's where criminals were shipped off and served time by working in the recycling plants. This Estelle girl didn't exactly have the appearance of a criminal and she didn't even have a marker. Even female criminals had markers, so how come she didn't have one?

I opened the door to the guestroom my colleagues and I had cleaned up before Estelle's arrival. It was the least extravagant bedroom, but she was still in awe and looked around with big eyes like she had entered a princess's bedroom.

I cleared my throat to get her attention. "Lunch will be served at noon. Do you have any allergies or dislikes?"

"Umm…", Estelle began hesitantly, looking down on her feet. "I'm not fond of nuts and shellfish, but besides that I'm good."

"Any preferences?"

"Mainly soup or stew since it's easy to swallow."

Easy to swallow? Did she have an eating disorder?

"And I prefer chicken and fish over meat."

"Very well", I nodded and gestured at a round button on the wall that wasn't the switch for the light. "If you have any requests, please press this button here and one of my maids shall come and assist you. You have a private bathroom next to the bed and there are some clothes of all sizes in the walk-in closet."

"Got it. Thank you, Hilda", Estelle smiled lightly.

I blinked in surprise. I didn't expect to hear a thank you from her, especially for that small instruction. I collected myself and straightened my back. "I will come back when lunch is ready. Until then, feel free to do whatever you want…just don't enter any prohibited rooms."

"I understand", Estelle nodded. "I respect people's privacy, but I think I will stay here for now. Just need to collect my thoughts and so…"

I bowed before I exited the guestroom and closed the door with a soft thud. My first impression of Estelle so far was she was a quiet girl and unexpectedly respectful. She didn't have the aura of a vicious criminal. She was also very calm despite being under house arrest. It was like I had been talking to a human being with common sense. Or was I being deceived by her innocent appearance?

"Hilda!" Amalia called as she dashed to me with a concerned expression. "How was she? Did she speak in a rude manner? Did she throw a tantrum? What happened?"

"Calm down", I told her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Nothing happened. It went like…how I usually treat a guest. She spoke nicely and even thanked me for telling her where she could find some things."

"She was nice?" Amalia raised an eyebrow. "But she's from Satellite, right? They are known to be deceitful to lower the victim's guard before they strike."

"I know, but I don't get that feeling from her…", I mumbled and rubbed my chin. "But you could be right. She might be tricking us. We must keep our guard up while continuing treating her well."

"Okay…", Amalia said as we walked down the corridor, greeting our colleagues as we made our way to the ground floor. "But why do you think Master Goodwin brought her here besides the house arrest? Did he bring her for…you know? That?"

From the way her cheeks turned a little pink, I knew she was thinking of something dirty. It was true that Goodwin hadn't brought home women lately, but I found it hard to believe he would want to share his bed with a girl who could be less than twenty years old, the same age if he were to have an adult child, especially a criminal.

"Enough of those thoughts, Amalia", I scolded her and slapped the back of her head, making her yelp out in pain. "I doubt Master Goodwin would want to do something like that with her."

"Ow…", Amalia grunted as she rubbed the sore spot on her head. "Yeah, now in retrospect, you're right about that. But still-"

"Master Goodwin is a strict person even to himself", I interrupted her before she could spew out more nonsense. "Anyway, I need to inform the chef about Ms. Estelle's preferences so he can cook lunch for her."

"Oh yeah… I think we're going to need to teach her etiquette too", Amalia pointed out with a deep sigh. "It almost feels like we're a daycare center."

"I think she will learn fast, so we shouldn't worry about that", I said. When I made eye contact with Estelle, something told me she was intelligent. She didn't have those slight dark and hazy eyes I have seen in other criminals before. Then again, she could be what they call a silent killer.

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Well, all I can say is Estelle surprised us the whole day. She had good manners and almost perfect etiquette. She knew which cutleries to use for each dish that was served during lunch. She nearly made us panic when she shed some tears with a longing smile after she took the first bite. When she was done with the three course meal, she asked me to send her compliments to the chef, saying the food reminded her of her mother's home cooked meals.

She greeted everyone she walked past, even though my colleagues didn't really greet her back. She stayed in the living room for the rest of the day reading books she randomly picked out from the bookshelves. She was quiet as she barely left the couch, being enchanted by the content of the books, sitting curled up in a corner of the couch like a child. She barely touched her afternoon tea and snacks, but she finished one lukewarm cup and nibbled on some of the biscuits. I thought she disliked the snacks, but she said she wasn't much of a snack eater and said I could share the leftovers with my friends.

Once it was evening, my colleagues and I went to greet Goodwin as he returned home at the usual seven o'clock. We stood in a line before two young butlers opened the doors. The rest of us bowed as we heard Goodwin's footsteps echo on the marble floor.

"Welcome home, Master Goodwin!"

"At ease, everyone", Goodwin spoke back.

I straightened my back and opened my eyes as he walked toward me. "How has everything been with my guest?"

"Very calm, Master Goodwin", I replied.

Steven cleared his throat. "Master Goodwin, would you like to dine now?"

"Yes", Goodwin nodded and adjusted his gloves. "Where is Estelle?"

"She's in the living room", I reported. "She has been there ever since lunch reading books."

"I see…", Goodwin hummed with an expression unable for me to read. "She hasn't caused any trouble for you?"

"None at all, Master Goodwin", I shook my head.

Light footsteps echoed on the marble floor as Estelle walked out of the living room with a couple of books cradled in her arms. "Oh… Welcome home, Director Goodwin", she greeted politely.

"Estelle", Goodwin smiled lightly, greeting in return. "Where are you taking those books?"

The girl suddenly looked a little nervous as she stared at the books. "Umm… I found them interesting and want to read them later in my room. Is it…okay to take these from the living room?"

"Certainly", Goodwin replied. "You don't have to be nervous about the books. Now, would you like to join me for dinner?"

"Um… Sure…", Estelle replied hesitantly. Amalia walked to her and took the books from her to bring them to her room while the rest of walked to the dining room.

The table was already set, so Goodwin and Estelle sat down and started eating once the first course was served. They ate in silence, but I caught the girl's eyes glancing at the director couple of times like she was studying him. Goodwin ignored her glances as he paid full attention on his meal.

It was during the second course when Goodwin took the initiative to start a conversation. "Did you find anything interesting in those books, Estelle?"

Estelle froze as she was about to take a bite of her steak. She lowered her fork and looked at Goodwin with a surprised expression. That swiftly got replaced with a tiny smile. "Yes, sir. The books about Inca mythology are so interesting I couldn't put them down."

That caught Goodwin's attention. "You enjoy reading about mythology?" he asked with a curious gleam in his eyes.

"Yes. It's fascinating how myths are born from legends and believes from people who lived thousands of years ago", Estelle spoke eagerly before letting out a light giggle. "The Inca cosmogony is also interesting, mainly because my name means star in Latin. I know it's an impossible dream, but I would like to one day visit Nazca and see the Nazca Lines myself."

Goodwin chuckled as he grabbed his glass of wine and lightly sloshed the liquid around. "You never know what the future might hold for you, but perhaps your dream will soon come true", he said before he took a sip of the alcohol.

That sounded like a cryptic message. Did he intend on flying her to South America after the house arrest? No, knowing Goodwin, he wouldn't do something like that for a stranger.

"Maybe…", Estelle shrugged before she took the final bite of her steak. "Umm… I wasn't able to ask you this before, sir, but… Am I allowed to visit the garden? Or am I completely confined to the mansion?"

"You may visit the garden as long as you don't leave the premises", Goodwin replied after he finished wiping the corner of his lips with a napkin. "It would be unhealthy for you physically and mentally to stay trapped indoors for an entire month."

"Even if I was to try running away, it would just put me in more problems", Estelle shook her head with a soft amused snort. "It's not worth it."

Dessert was served shortly after that and eaten up before Goodwin and Estelle left the dining room. I followed them to the first floor while the others cleaned up the plates. The brunette was about to go toward her room when she stopped in her tracks. "Director Goodwin", she called as master was heading to his private office. "About my friend Fudo Yusei… Is he doing well in the Facility?"

Goodwin turned around to face the concerned felon with a nonchalant expression. "He is fine, so don't worry about him."

"Okay…", Estelle replied hesitantly and dug the tip of her right shoe on the floored carpet. "Am I allowed to send letters to him?"

"As for now, you cannot. I will let you know when you may have contact with him."

"Okay", Estelle said before nodding to Goodwin. "Good night, sir."

"Good night, Estelle", Goodwin returned the nod with a small smile. "It was pleasant conversing with you."

"Same here, Goodwin", Estelle smiled.

I followed her to the guestroom and helped her get changed into a nightgown light enough to endure the summer night. It was only then I noticed how thin she was. Even her ribs were showing a little through her skin. I may dislike Satellites, but this was deeply concerning. Doesn't the government make sure the Satellites has access to food and could eat until their bellies were full? "Thank you, Hilda."

"You're welcome, Ms. Estelle", I replied.

Estelle let out a sheepish chuckle. "Please, you don't need to call me miss. I'm not exactly a noble lady."

"It would be rude to informally address a guest in Master Goodwin's household", I replied.

"Still…", Estelle mumbled. "Can you just call me by my name when Goodwin isn't around?"

I sighed lightly as I stood in front of the door, turned to her. "If you insist."

Estelle's lips turned into a warm smile. "Thank you, Hilda. I appreciate it." She dropped the smile and walked over to the glass doors leading to a balcony and looked outside. "Goodwin doesn't have a family?"

"That is correct", I replied. "He's not married and doesn't have any children."

"I see…", Estelle mumbled and hugged herself. Her back was facing me so I couldn't see her face, but I could hear by her tone that she was feeling a little upset. "I've heard rumors about him being a strict person, but he unexpectedly has a kind side… It felt like I was talking to my father during dinner…" She moved her hand like she was wiping a tear off her eyes.

For a split second, I thought I saw the image of a little girl missing her parents. It briefly reminded of how I once was a little child myself crying for my mother when she was at work. "Do you…miss your family?" I questioned softly.

"Every day", Estelle sighed tiredly as she placed a hand against the glass door, her concerned eyes reflecting on the transparent surface. "I may be far away from them, but I want them to know I'm safe…"

I suspected her parents were still in Satellite, yet her accent sounded so foreign. I had heard her say some unfamiliar words I had no idea what they meant, so it made me wonder whether she was somebody who was born in Japan.

No matter the circumstances, I was going to keep watching her according to Goodwin's orders.

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Ever since that day, Goodwin returned home in time and dined with Estelle. They conversed about their days and exchanged stories and small laughter. It was fascinating to witness Goodwin opening up to this girl, like he was talking to the daughter he never had. Seeing the interaction between them made my colleagues wonder whether Estelle really was a bad person. They decided to start treating her with respect by replying to her whenever she greeted them.

She slowly made them open up to her for every day that passed. She had never once attempted to act rude to them and greeted everyone with kindness and tried conversing with them. She spent time in the garden helping the gardener to pluck weeds and harvest ripe vegetables. She went to the kitchen to bake sweets and shared them with everyone. The chef even taught her a few tricks of preparation when he learned she was interested in cooking. She often stayed in her bedroom reading every book available in the household and sometimes stayed in the living room whenever she felt for it. That influenced Goodwin to spend more time in the living room than usual relaxing and reading books in a peaceful silence with her.

Estelle was a girl of few words, but she never showed signs of bad behavior or manipulation. If she did something, it was straightforward with no deception indicated. She even assisted us with the cleaning, saying she was feeling a little bored and wanted to do something else for a change. She was a diligent worker and quickly learned some hacks I showed her. She even shared some tricks on her own sleeves and loved lightening up the mood with some fun comments. It felt like she had been with us the whole time, so it was almost a little sad she left the mansion after her time of house arrest was done. I thought that would be the last time seeing her, but fate had fun playing with the cards when Goodwin summoned her again along with a small group of unusual people.

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Shortly after the mysterious incidents in New Domino City and Satellite were over, Goodwin had asked us to gather in the hallway when he came home because he had a huge announcement. There were some gossip going around, but those tattlers swiftly shut up when the twin doors opened and Goodwin stepped inside the mansion with Estelle. I could tell immediately there was something different with Goodwin. He emitted a soft and warm aura like he had opened his cold heart after it had been shut for a long time.

"Everybody", Goodwin began with a soft yet serious voice. "I know you have met her before, but I would like to officially present to you my adopted daughter Estelle Malmström-Goodwin."

Estelle took a step forward and bowed to us. "I may be lacking in many ways, but I look forward being part of this family."

That indeed came as a huge surprise, but it wasn't unexpected. Those two have created a familial bond and they were similar in a few ways. My staff and I clapped our hands to congratulate the adoption and welcome Estelle to the family.

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I giggled at the memories, suddenly feeling old. It was like my first meeting with Estelle happened a long time ago and yet it was just last year. And what a year it had been. The once cold and quiet mansion had become warm after Estelle got adopted by Goodwin. She had given him a lot and it wasn't only by reuniting him with a lost love Lady Ish. She was a little peculiar, but that was part of her charm.

Now, she was getting ready for her birthday party. Ish, Katsumi, Amalia and I helped her get dressed into her sweetheart dress and fix her make-up. She had a date earlier with her crush, which was obvious if you paid attention, but got rudely interrupted by somebody who challenged her to a Turbo Duel.

I finished applying some mascara on Estelle and pulled back so she could see herself in the mirror. "You look beautiful, Estelle", Ish commented happily like a proud mother.

Estelle turned her head to check every part of her face. "You've done a great job like always", she turned around in her seat and gave us a big smile. "Thank you, Hilda, Katsumi, Amalia, Ish."

"It's always a pleasure to assist you, Estelle", Katsumi returned the smile.

"You are this evening's main star, so you need to stand out", Amalia nodded with her arms crossed. "And you will certainly get your love's attention."

Estelle blushed softly and tried hiding her face, but we could clearly see her pink cheeks in the mirror. "M-Maybe…"

Ish was already dressed, so we followed the ladies to the hallway where Goodwin was waiting. He smiled fondly at them as they walked down the stairs. "You look wonderful this evening, Ish, Estelle."

"Thank you, Goodwin", Ish giggled and placed her hand on Goodwin's hand that was reached out to her.

"I feel a little nervous, to be honest", Estelle confessed and rubbed her arms. "It's been a long time I've hosted a birthday party. I hope I won't mess it up…"

"Have a little more confidence, Estelle", Goodwin told her softly. "You have hosted parties before and those were successful. If you make a mistake, your friends will understand and overlook them."

Watching those three made my heart warm. I may not have grown up with a father and only had my mother, but Goodwin had stepped into that role by giving me a job that made me feel whole. He had looked so lonely, but now he was surrounded by people who cared deeply for him and they have become his family. And the trigger was the mysterious brunette who had showed up for one month's house arrest.

As a maid working for Goodwin, I will continue doing my best to support him and his family.