Su Yueqing: "..."
[That sounds less like a schedule and more like a warning.]
Another knock came from outside.
"Young Madam?"
She sighed deeply.
"Come in."
The doors slowly opened, and four young maids entered in an orderly line. Each of them carried something different.
One held a basin of fresh water.
Another carried neatly folded robes.
The third held a small wooden tray covered with delicate jade hairpins and ornaments.
The last carried a box filled with powders and cosmetics.
The maids lowered themselves into respectful bows.
"This servant greets Young Madam."
Su Yueqing looked at the large group surrounding her.
Inside her mind—
[Why are there so many of them?]
[Am I being dressed or sacrificed?]
The leading maid stepped forward respectfully.
"Young Madam, the Duchess instructed us to help you prepare for the family breakfast."
Su Yueqing blinked.
"I know how to wear clothes."
The maid smiled politely.
"This servant understands."
She paused.
"But these are the Young Master’s residence rules."
Su Yueqing looked at her for a long moment.
Then she looked at the expensive robes.
Then at the hair ornaments.
Then back at the maids.
Inside her mind—
[Fine.]
[If they insist on treating me like an expensive doll, I might as well enjoy it.]
She stood up and stretched lazily.
"Do whatever you need to do."
The four maids immediately got to work.
One carefully combed her long black hair.
Another prepared her robes.
The third arranged the accessories.
The last quietly brought over a warm cloth to clean away the remaining traces of soot left from the previous night’s fire.
Su Yueqing stood there with her eyes half closed.
[This actually isn’t so bad.]
[If nobody talks to me during breakfast, today might even be peaceful.]
The system suddenly spoke again.
[Host.]
She nearly jumped.
"...What now?"
[Best of luck.]
Su Yueqing frowned.
"...You’re leaving?"
[Temporary standby mode activated.]
[System Nine wishes Host a successful first family breakfast.]
But before she could complain further—
Beep.
The voice disappeared.
The room became quiet again.
Su Yueqing stared into space for several seconds.
Then she slowly looked up at the ceiling.
"...damn it!"
The maids exchanged confused glances, having no idea why their new Young Madam had suddenly started talking to the air.
A few moments later, after the final hairpin was secured into place, the leading maid stepped back and smiled.
"Young Madam, everything is ready."
Su Yueqing lowered her eyes and looked at herself.
The pale blue robes fit perfectly, the silver embroidery along the sleeves giving her an elegant appearance that completely hid the lazy, sleep-deprived woman underneath.
[...Not bad.]
[At least if I die during breakfast, I’ll look respectable.]
Outside the room, a servant’s voice echoed through the courtyard.
"The family is gathering in the main hall."
Su Yueqing let out one final sigh.
Then, with all the enthusiasm of someone walking toward her own execution, she slowly followed the maids out of the room and headed toward her first breakfast with the Xi family.