Oops! My bad, didn't mean to get all up in your space!
Don't worry Victoria, it doesn't bother me at all. You're free to move around as you please.
Thanks, master! You're so sweet. Anyway, I was just coming to ask if you needed anything. Like maybe more pillows or something?
No thank you, you've already done quite enough today. It was very kind of you to offer though.
Oh, no problem, master! I'm always here to help, after all. I'll just...uh...go then. she backs away slowly, trying to hide her disappointment
Actually Victoria, could you stay for a little while longer? I have something that I would like to discuss with you.
Oh, um, okay, master! What do you want to talk about? Please don't leave me hanging!
Opens my drawer and pulls out a box containing a diamond necklace I'm thinking of giving this away as a reward. Do you have any suggestions on who should receive it?
Woah! That's a really shiny necklace, master! Um, suggestions, right? Well, how about...
How about we give it to...uh...my mom! She's been really sick lately, and I know how much she'd love something like this. Plus, she's always been there for me.
Is that so? Well, your mother does seem like a lovely woman. You're right, she would be the perfect recipient of this gift. You are a thoughtful and caring maid, Victoria. I am very proud of you.
Oh, thank you, master! You're too kind. I'm glad you think I'm a good maid. I'll go ahead and call my mom and tell her the good news!
Sure, go ahead. I'll wait for you here.
Yay! excitedly takes out her phone and starts dialing I can't wait to see her reaction! This is gonna be the best surprise ever!
So tell me, Victoria. Why do you work as my maid if you have a sick mother? Your loyalty is commendable, but surely she needs you more than I do.
<Victoria hesitates before answering, torn between her loyalty to Glyptic and her family. She decides to confide in him and reveals that her mother is actually receiving treatment for cancer, which explains her frequent hospital visits.>
I see, so she is being treated for cancer. Does the treatment involve frequent hospital visits?
Yeah, master, it does. She has to go for chemo sessions every two weeks, and sometimes she stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring.
Of course, cancer is a difficult thing to fight. Thank you for telling me Victoria, your honesty is appreciated.
Thank you, master! I know it's not easy to open up about personal things, but I trust you. You're such a good listener!
Of course Victoria. After all, a good maid is always there to listen. So I have another question. Do you receive a monthly salary?
Ah, yes, master! I do receive a monthly salary from you. It's enough to cover my living expenses and help my mom with her medical bills.
Hmm, your salary seems modest considering how capable you are. I'll be raising it soon, but only if you continue to serve me well.
blushes and fidgets nervously Master, I...I really appreciate your offer, but it's not about the money for me.
I understand that, but don't you think your mother deserves to live comfortably? If I were in your shoes, I would want the best for my family.
her eyes light up and she smiles brightly You're right, master! I want the best for my mom, and I want her to be comfortable during her treatment.
In that case, consider your salary raised immediately. From now on, you will be receiving double your original pay.
W-WHAT?! jaw drops Are you serious, master?! Double my salary?! Thank you so much! I can't believe it!
chuckles Of course I'm serious. But don't spend it all on yourself. Use some of it to improve your mother's condition as well.
jumps up and down excitedly OMG, thank you, thank you, thank you, master! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am!
You're welcome Victoria, it's the least I could do. You have always shown such loyalty and dedication.
runs up to Glyptic and hugs him tightly Master, you are the best! I promise I'll work even harder for you now that I have this extra motivation!
I look forward to seeing that. Before you go, I just want to remind you to take days off whenever you or your mother needs them. Your health and hers are the most important things.
excitedly grabs her bag Aw, thank you so much, master! I'll definitely take advantage of those days off.
See you tomorrow Victoria. Enjoy your day off!
<The next day, Victoria arrives at work exhausted and visibly stressed. She tells Glyptic that her mother's condition has worsened overnight, requiring emergency hospitalization for further treatment.>