Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 15
“…A work journal?”
Richelle carefully pulled out a thin notebook that had been lying quietly in the drawer. The cover was elegantly inscribed with the words [Work Journal] in fancy handwriting.
“Did the previous tutor leave this?”
If it contained information about the children and precautions, that would be more than welcome. Richelle opened the notebook with a fluttering heart.
Contrary to her expectations, the pages were empty.
“Umm… seems like a work journal I need to fill in.”
Though she had reached a conclusion, she couldn’t quite let go of her curiosity and flipped through the notebook. Suddenly, an envelope fell onto her lap.
“Huh?”
Richelle picked up the letter. The slightly faded yellow envelope read:
[To you, on your first day at Bertrand.]
There was no sender’s name, leaving its origin a mystery. The envelope exuded a somewhat ominous atmosphere.
Should she open it?
Her fingers tapped the envelope, pondering. The usual lengthy contemplation was cut short as her fingers accidentally tore the corner of the envelope.
“…Since it’s a letter tucked inside a work journal in a room used by tutors, it must be meant for me.”
Richelle steeled her resolve and took a letter opener in hand. As she opened the envelope and unfolded the neatly folded letter inside, a strong scent of roses wafted out, caressing her face and lingering in the room.
Richelle swallowed and carefully began to read the neat writing on the paper.
[Welcome to the Rose Mansion.
This letter has been written to assist you in leading a safe and peaceful life in the manor for the coming year. Please make an effort to fully acquaint yourself with the following rules at your earliest convenience, and adhere to them as a matter of utmost priority under any circumstances.
Bear in mind that you will bear full responsibility for any consequences resulting from the violation of these rules.]
“Rules…?”
Though puzzled, Richelle continued to read on.
[1. As you would have verified in the contract, regardless of the nature of your duties, the term period is one year. Once you have signed the contract, it is impossible to terminate or alter it midway.
Moreover, during this one-year period, leaving the mansion’s premises is strictly prohibited. This constitutes an absolute promise, foundational to all rules. As mentioned earlier, this letter is designed to aid you. Allow us at least the minimum opportunity to ensure your protection.
2. Despite what the structure might suggest, this mansion has only three floors; a fourth floor does not exist. Should you find stairs leading up from the third floor, consider them merely decorative.
If anyone speaks to you of a fourth floor, respond with, “I must now go to make flowers blossom upon unadorned branches,” and leave the vicinity immediately. All problems will vanish, and the naughty child will be punished.
3. As you have been informed, individual bedrooms are provided for all employees of the mansion, and entry into another’s bedroom for reasons other than work-related (such as cleaning) is strictly forbidden.
If someone—no matter how close they may claim to be to you—expresses a desire to be invited into your bedroom, refuse them immediately and firmly. Then, without taking your eyes off them, return to your bedroom and open and shut the door three times. This will ensure no further coercion to invite them in.
Remember, no one in the mansion requires permission to enter for work-related reasons.
4. Starting at sunset, ensure that all tasks are completed, then return to your bedroom by midnight. The door must be locked. Do not leave your room until the sun rises again.
You might occasionally hear strange sounds outside your door, but under no circumstances should you open it or respond. From midnight until sunrise, it is their time. Remember, you will be fully accountable for any incidents that occur as a result of violating this provision.
Should an unavoidable situation arise that necessitates leaving your room after midnight, seek out light. If possible, return to your room with the light. Forget everything you may see or hear during this time.
5. Meals will be delivered to a designated location at set times, three times a day. You will be informed of the place and time on your first day of work.
Do not deviate from the designated place and time. Also, consumption of food within the mansion outside of mealtimes is prohibited. It is highly sensitive to the scent of food.
Take special note: do not bring in any external food into the mansion. It wouldn’t be very pleasant to encounter if it were to find someone coming in with that smell. It likes meat dishes, and meat is always scarce.
6. The kitchen is a space solely for the chef. His authority within is absolute, and no one may contravene it. Under no circumstances should you enter the kitchen.
7. You will find roses decorated throughout the mansion. Therefore, it is not strange for the scent of roses to permeate the mansion.
Do not find it odd if the scent of roses emanates from the employees, either. Of course, it would be better if it did not, but they do not do so by choice.
Maybe.]
