Lena

"Do you have any hobbies?" She sat on her desk, dangling her legs happily, and looked at the young soldier standing straight as a candle in her room. She had invited him in. He hesitated at first but then followed her. Lena wanted to get to know the man who was now to take care of her like a better guard dog.

Why not in her room?

His red cheeks were worth it. If she was going to get a guard dog, then she at least wanted to have some fun.

References to her own personality were scattered around the room. She couldn't pretend, and here, in her privacy, it would be difficult for him too. He stared at Lena almost pale. Pale except for his fiery red cheeks. As if he wanted to avoid taking a closer look at her personal belongings. Lena grinned.

On her bed lay a corset, white bloomers, and white, long knitted stockings. A white teddy bear sat in front of her pillow. His glass eyes sparkled in the light of the light bulbs. There were old books on the floor, an embroidery hoop on her walking table...

"Um..." Embarrassed, he chewed his lower lip. He tried to hide it, but she noticed how uncomfortable he felt in her room. "Of course. But my hobbies have nothing to do with my tasks."

"Hm." She wanted to roll her eyes. "I'm supposed to trust you. How can I trust someone I don't know? Well! Hobbies?" Lena didn't lie. She was not a beast. Not a thankless, terrible brat. She only connected the fun with the conversation she wanted to have one way or another.

"Miss Goldbird? I’ve been instructed to watch over you. Discreetly."

"And?"

"Why am I in your room?" He raised his eyebrows. "You could ask me your questions in another room. Or while the butler showed me the property? Do you want to get rid of me?"

"Sure." Lena grinned. "But that's not why we're in my room. I..." She thought for a moment until she came up with a good reason as an excuse. "I don't want anyone to listen. Here we are among ourselves. As long as Mina doesn't come by."

"Mina?" The soldier blinked. He briefly forgot his professional posture and fidgeted a bit.

"Yes?"

"You're talking to Mina? Not with Minnie?"

"Yes." Of course. I'm not a civilian. But saying that out loud seemed strange to her. Conceited.

"I only know Minnie." The soldier turned back to his stiff posture. "If you don’t mind, I’ll return to your room door now."

"Hobbies?", Lena tried again. "I'll tell you mine too. I like to read!" She pointed to the books. "And I'm trying to embroider. And you?"

"They are private. Excuse me. I am now returning to my tasks." He bowed quickly and left the room. Lena snorted. She had learned nothing about him. Except that he was surprised that she knew Mina. And that he clearly didn't want to be in her room... She looked at the slight chaos.

I should clean up... Father doesn't like it when I let the servants clean up for me... Just because we are rich, because we are powerful, we must not become lazy... It is better not to let the servants rummage through everything. They could use things against you! Blah, blah, blah...

Lena was aware of how spoiled she was. But she was far from outgrowing her time as a teenager. Of course, the eighteen-year-old was always very eager to do the opposite of what her father demanded. At least in part. In her strict world, this was her only freedom.

Samuel

He leaned against the wall in relief.

Samuel didn't know where to look. There had been underwear on the bed. For a moment, he feared that she wanted to seduce him.

Lena Goldbird was beautiful.

If she had wanted to, he would have succumbed to her charm. It had cost him all the reason and control he could muster to avoid getting stupid ideas. He was not allowed to do that.

This was his job. His new task. His career ladder.

But the girl only wanted to have a conversation. And test him. Hobbies? She didn't need to know his, nor did he have any interest in hers. The girl's hobbies were none of his business. Unless it was something dangerous. But the mayor's daughter didn't seem like that.

If he wanted to become a higher officer, then he had to shine with his skills here. He could not afford to make any mistakes.

Samuel had often seen pictures of the clone. But his daughter very rarely appeared in public. Samuel had not believed that he would ever meet them in person. His modest wish was to become an officer. Not one of the highest ranks. No. He just wanted a little more responsibility, better tasks, and better payment. He didn't plan to make it to Level 5. To Military Station 1.

But here he was now. On Level 5. In the Mayor's estate.

He would never get that chance again.