Hortus Arcanus planēta

ACT 2

acting

While Ella was getting ready for the morning, I had already made up my mind.
After talking with her earlier, I had decided to become a servant in this house.

The plan was simple:
I would pretend that I had collapsed in front of the house that morning, and Ella would be the one to find me.

“I wonder if I can really say it…
‘Please let Lumia live in this house.’
I’m a little scared,” Ella said, her voice trembling.

“Ella. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it,” I replied.

“Do you really think so…?”

She lowered her shoulders, still lacking confidence.

“Anyway, let’s try. Ella.”

“You’re right… Okay.”

“I’ll wait outside.”

With that, I blew gently on the button and became invisible.
Then I went outside the gate.

After slowly stroking the button, I returned to my human form and lay down on the ground.

Soon, Ella came outside.

Alright… the operation begins.

“Oh… oh my! Th-there’s someone collapsed here!
Are you alright? Can you hear me?”

Her acting was, to be honest, painfully stiff.

Then the stepmother, who watched Cinderella constantly, came out of the house.

Ella and I continued the performance.

“I’m… alright. But I have no home. I have nowhere to go…”

“Oh? Another filthy sewer rat, just like Cinderella.
I don’t need two dirty little rats in this house.”

“Please… I beg you. Please let me stay.”

Ella seemed frightened by her stepmother and fell silent, lowering her eyes sadly.

So I decided to use my last resort.

“I will work as a servant.
Please… please give me a chance.”

“A servant? What could a sewer rat like you possibly do?”

The stepmother sneered, but after a moment’s pause, her lips curled into a sly smile as if she had thought of something.

“Well… fine.
Your bed will be in the attic with Cinderella.
And you won’t need much food, I suppose.

Now get up at once and clean the entire mansion.”

“Thank you! I’ll work as hard as I can!”

After saying that, the stepmother quickly turned and went back into the house.