"I could never be the same," Stella shook her head with a smile, "My official wage is only ten thousand Berries, but Madam Sora gives me bonuses of over a million each month."
Stella was very satisfied with her current life.
Although nominally Rosse's maid and occasionally expected to exhaust herself for his sake, Stella's life was comfortable and happy.
She had once been an ordinary girl who dreamed of becoming a noble's wife and living a luxurious life, but after being put into a slave market, all those fantasies had completely vanished.
Compared to being displayed in a shop window as merchandise, her current life was blissfully comfortable.
Moreover, her current position was actually far higher than the noblewoman life she had once imagined; even the client-state princesses, when meeting her, would at most interact on equal footing.
If they knew she was Rosse's personal maid, many would go out of their way to flatter her.
Stella was already content with having what she had.
She didn't expect to become Rosse's formal wife. She had been bought out of a slave shop by Rosse; being able to stay by his side was her greatest luxury.
And she would absolutely not allow anyone to ruin that.
"Master, Moa's been in a bad mood lately. But behind the scenes she's already formed a cooperative relationship with the Figarland family, and their allies include the Neo Marine, Dragon, and the Whitebeard Pirates."
Walking along the road, Stella spoke of Moa.
Moa had been staying in the Holy Land too, and lived right next to Stella.
Every move Moa made was either watched by Sora or under Stella's control.
"It's normal for her to be upset. Word came from Windmill Town, Dragon's wife is pregnant," Rosse said with a laugh.
"Eh? That Moa's former rival?"
Stella blinked twice; having spent a long time with Moa, she knew about this matter.
She glanced up instinctively at Rosse when he mentioned Dragon's wife. And seeing he didn't even know her name, Stella lost interest immediately.
If he didn't even know her name, it looked like Rosse hadn't taken notice of her at all.
Otherwise, perhaps the child born of destiny would have been brought to the Holy Land.
But alas, that fortune apparently wasn't theirs.
"What are you thinking about in your head?"
Rosse glanced at Stella. He always felt she was thinking strange things.
"No, no, just thinking Moa's actually doing fine with Master. If she sincerely submits, maybe Master would let her manage the Employment Association and subtly spread some Revolutionary Army ideas," Stella shook her head wildly.
She wouldn't dare let Rosse know her little thoughts.
If he found out, tonight would certainly be terrible. No, maybe sooner... hmm, that didn't sound like punishment; maybe it would be a reward.
Facing Stella's slightly longing little eyes, Rosse tapped her head with amusement, "There are no 'ifs' in this world. Enough, stop thinking about nonsense. I'll find time today to reward you properly."
"Heehee!"
Stella's face lit up in a brilliant smile. Getting even a bit of Rosse's favor could satisfy her for an entire year.
The Jaygarcia palace complex was large, but Rosse and Stella did not dawdle, and soon arrived at Rouge's palace.
Because Rouge had many children there, not just Reiju and Ace, even Sanji had been entrusted to this place by Sora. Rouge's palace had the most maids, even more than Sora's.
When Rosse and Stella entered the palace, dozens of young women in elegant attire were bustling about every corner of the complex, carrying out their duties with meticulous care.
They wore matching dresses, tailored to flatter graceful figures; as they walked, skirts swayed like blooming flowers.
Rather than maids, they looked like a group of carefully selected beauties.
Each was a sight to behold. Delicate faces and fine forms; some had skin like snow and bright eyes and teeth; some were alluring and captivating; others pure and fresh like lotus blossoms just risen from the water.
If any one of them were placed in the outside world, she would spark countless admirers; they were rare beauties.
When Rosse's figure appeared in their sight, all the maids halted instantly, turned as one, and gazed at him with eyes full of expectation and admiration.
Although for most this was their first time seeing Lord Rosse in person, one of their daily tasks was to memorize Rosse's features.
Many maids even hung Rosse's portrait in their quarters to ensure they could recognize him in any situation.
All the maids knew Rosse was the sole master of the Jaygarcia palace and the man who provided them shelter and light.
In this turbulent sea, beauty was never an advantage; it could be the root of disaster.
Being able to come to the Holy Land and enjoy treatment far superior to the outside was like a dreamland for them.
"""Lord Rosse!"""
In unison they knelt gracefully, voices soft and melodious like a chorus of larks, pleasant to the ear.
At the same time, they did their utmost to show their best side: some raised their heads slightly to reveal delicate profiles, some straightened their waists to accentuate proud curves, all hoping to catch Rosse's attention.
They knew Rosse probably wouldn't take notice of them, but what if?
In an instant, warbling voices and flirtatious whispers filled the air; a dazzling tableau of beauty gathered before Rosse.
"Stand up, continue with your work."
Rosse cast a brief, indifferent glance at the maids who were trying so hard to impress him, showing little interest, then strode deeper into the palace.
The dozens of maids watched his figure recede, then, a little disappointed, rose and returned to their duties.
Though none had won Rosse's favor, they felt fortunate. Having this privileged position rather than being sold as slaves or wandering the world was already a great blessing.
They needed to do their jobs well. They didn't want to be replaced and lose this hard-won chance.
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