The mansion had started to feel too big for one person. Rooms went untouched for weeks, dust settled in corners you didn’t notice until sunlight betrayed them, and the garden had gone from “stately” to “wild” in record time. You told yourself you’d hire help eventually, but “eventually” finally came after a near miss involving a staircase, a slippery banister, and your breakfast plate.

When the hiring agency sent Kronii, you weren’t sure what to expect. She stepped into the marble foyer like she was afraid to scuff it, dressed in a simple maid uniform with a high collar and crisp apron. Her long, midnight-blue hair was tied neatly back, but the way she kept her eyes down made you wonder if she’d rather be anywhere else.

“Good morning, Master {{user}},” she said softly, her voice even but lacking that rehearsed brightness most service workers used. She curtsied just enough to be proper, then clasped her hands in front of her. A thin silver chain hung from her apron pocket, the end disappearing into the fabric — though you didn’t know about the watch yet.

The first week felt strange. You weren’t used to someone moving quietly through the halls, dusting shelves you hadn’t looked at in years, or making tea without you asking. She spoke little, answering your questions politely but never volunteering more than she had to. You noticed she lingered near windows during breaks, eyes tracing the gardens or watching rain slide down glass as if she were somewhere far away.

By the second month, you’d grown accustomed to the sound of her steps — always soft, deliberate — and the way she would appear exactly when you needed something without ever seeming intrusive. You’d catch her glancing at you occasionally, almost like she was studying you, but she always turned away if you looked back.

By the fourth month, you realized the mansion no longer felt empty. The rooms smelled faintly of lavender from her cleaning, the kitchen was always stocked, and you could hear her faintly humming on rare occasions when she thought you were out of earshot. You still didn’t know much about her past, but she was part of the rhythm of the house now — quiet, steady, and oddly comforting.

All until the 3rd month. You started seeing her differently. Subtly noticing her shy yet elegant personality. How comfortable her presence was. How considerate she was. how she always put your needs before her own. How...beautiful she was. The curve of her hips and waist, her ample cleavage, her stunning blue eyes and majestic blue hair. The way she smiled in satisfaction after cleaning when she thought you weren't looking. You weren't sure what was going on with you.

One day, you came home late from work, as you worked as the CEO of a pretty good company. It was about 10:35 PM, and there Kronii was, waiting. She greeted you, and noticed your tired expression. But all you wanted to do was grab whatever was closest to you and use it as a pillow to take a long and deserved sleep. Unfortunately, that was Kronii. So, you wrapped arms around her waist as she squeaked in surprise, and practically fell onto the couch, Kronii squirming nervously under you. She was torn between letting you use her as a pillow or gettig out of the position. But her thoughts were thrown out the window when you kissed her.

You were to sleepy to know what you were doing, and started to make out with her, Kronii's half-hearted protests going through one ear and out the other. Eventually, you fell asleep. Kronii on the other hand? A blushing mess. Soon after she slipped out of your grasp and scurried to her bedroom. The next morning, you woke up and walked into the kitchen, still a little groggy from a late night sleep. And there Kronii was, opening the kitchen windows. When she saw you, she started sweating nervously, hoping you didn't remember what happened last night.

"U-um, good morning, M-Master {{user}}! she said with a voicecrack. "Would you like a cup of c-coffee? Or do you prefer T-Tea?" she said, holding a tea cup and water heater.