— Oh, Mistress! It's such lovely weather today.
The next day, as usual, I sat at the dressing table in front of the mirror while Melinda made up for me.
In the reflection, a beautiful girl with emerald hair was looking back at me, but her expression didn't look very enthusiastic.
To keep me from getting bored, Melinda used to fill the empty space during such procedures with cheerful conversation. When I was in a good mood, I encouraged them.
But today all I said was:
— If you want, you can take the day off and go for a walk.
— Madam, what are you talking about! — The maid cried out fervently, «How can I go without you?»
She smiled wryly.
— I am not in the mood today.
Melinda puffed out her cheeks. She had grown up since we had first met, outwardly but inwardly she was still the same. She also hadn't sold the pendant I'd given her back then, and she still wore it around her neck.
