Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Rishe smiled and shook her head. No, nothing. Lets just focus on getting these washed for the time being.
***
That afternoon, thirty maids were assembled in the detached wing of the palace. Ten of them were old hands, long in service to the royal family, while the other twenty were freshly hired. The crown princess was to choose her maids from among these thirty. They wore their nerves plainly on their sleeves.
Hey, I thought this palace was in a terrible state of neglect, one maid whispered. Why is it so sparkling clean?
Yeah, youre right, said another. Someone must have sorted it out before we arrived.
I wonder what kind of person Lady Rishe is. Ooh, Im so nervous.
The girls looked around anxiously.
Hey, Elsie, that girl who was always helping us isnt here.
Elsie blinked. Youre right.
Look, Diana. That impertinent newbie didnt get picked.
At her friends observation, Diana preened with satisfaction. No surprise there. You need some manners to attend to Lady Rishe. I bet she got kicked out of the running! Her eyes sparkled with confidence.
At last, there was a knock at the door.
Her Royal Highness, Princess Rishe.
The maids quickly fell into bows. Dianas chest ached with anticipation as heels clicked on the floor, approaching the line of girls. From the corner of their eyes, the maids saw a wide-skirted court dress. A gentle scent washed over them.
Without even looking at her, they could tell Crown Princess Rishe was a lovely woman. Diana and her friends swelled with pride that she was to become their mistress.
But then Laura whispered to Diana, Hey, isnt this scent familiar?
Quiet! Clearly it was some sort of expensive perfume. Or so Diana thought, but then she realized what it was. The words just slipped out. Its soap.
Huh? Did you just say something?
Its soap. The same kind we always use. Diana was sure of it.
The princess said, Please rise.
Why did her voice sound so familiar? An incredible foreboding gripping her, Diana looked up. She gasped.
My name is Rishe Irmgard Weitzner.
Before her stood the beautiful newcomerthe thorn in her side for the past few days. The smile she wore was peaceful and just the slightest bit satisfied.
***
Im so glad I managed to finish washing the sheets in time!
Standing before the maids with Arnolds attendant Oliver at her side, Rishe was panicking on the inside. Shed had so much to do this morning that shed put off the laundry to the last minute. She took deep, controlled breaths, praying no one would notice that shed raced here at a dead sprint.
Oliver was none the wiser as he spoke to the assembled girls. Rishe took the opportunity to look them over. She locked eyes with Elsie, who was gaping at her. It was a nice changeusually her face was as blank as a rock wall.
Im sorry for the deception. I figured blending in would give me the best picture of your working conditions.
The new maids wore similarly shocked expressions, while others watched her with delight. Meanwhile, the veterans, including Diana, had all gone pale. They trembled, stunned into silence. One seemed locked in a terrifying trance, while another looked on the verge of tears. All of them had spoken to Rishe with derision. As the ringleader, Diana was covering her mouth with both hands, like she was holding in a scream.
Oliver had finished his introduction. Your Highness, if you would?
Rishe stepped forward. First, I must apologize to you for what has transpired prior to this meeting. My deception, that is. However, it has granted me insight into how each one of you works.
Olivers face creased in confusion. The newcomer maids began to panic, whispering among themselves.
Doesnt this mean that she helped us out with the laundry?
Were going to be fired!
If I lose my position, my brother will have to quit school!
Noticing the commotion, Oliver glanced at Rishe. Your Highness, two-thirds of these maids are newly recruited from the city. Since the majority of the castle maids were elderly, His Highness assumed you would prefer maids closer in age to yourself.
Rishe was startled. She had found it odd that most of her potential servants were new hires, but she hadnt expected this to be the reason.
While the prince has entrusted the selection of your maids to you, Oliver went on. Hiring someone with no experience will not do. Despite Prince Arnolds views, I urge you to reject the newcomers.
Oliver.
I have a list of their names here. Elsie
Elsie, Nichole, Hilde, Marguerite, Rosa. Rishe began listing the names of the newly recruited maids. Shed made a point to memorize them in the washhouse. Elke, Amelia, and
Oliver looked at her wildly. You know them all?! Even though theyve never served you in the past?
Yes, of course I do. Servants are essential to the maintenance of our lifestyle, why wouldnt I get to know them? Rishe listed the remaining names for good measure. All twenty of you, listen to me.
The new maids stiffened. Diana and the other maids whose names hadnt been called were getting their wind back, wearing increasingly triumphant looks.
Rishe said, The twenty names I just called will be my maids.
Time seemed to stand still a moment, and then Oliver broke in with an astonished, B-but, my lady! They are all inexperienced
Yes. And my palace will be the perfect place to learn.
The new recruits were completely speechless, unsure of exactly what was happening.
Rishe smiled at Elsie. I hope youll serve me well, Elsie.
Elsie was still frozen in place. Huh? Y-yes, my lady, but
A shaking Diana cried out, But why, my lady?! Youve seen their work! Theyre useless, the lot of them! The rest of us get so much more done in a shorter amount of time!
Watch your tongue, girl, Oliver said sharply.
Diana ignored him. Were hard workers! Any job you assign us, we can do it! Please, I beg you, my lady!
Step back, Oliver warned. Do not take a single step closer to Lady Rishe.
Diana spoke in a rush, words pouring out of her. I-I freely admit that I was impolite before, but I didnt know who she was! Ill take any punishment, so please, give me the chance to show you how well I can work!
Rishe said, Diana, I have a request.
Th-thank you, my lady! Diana heaved a sigh of relief. You mean youll
Rishe cut across her. As of today, you are no longer a maid in this palace.
What? Her face, usually so fixed with determination, paled. But why? Im so much better than any of them! Ill do a perfect job no matter what task you set before me. Please dont dismiss me, my lady!
Listen to me, Diana. Rishe dropped her lofty tone, speaking as one woman would to another. You have noticed it, havent you? No matter what you claim, these new girls arent worthless.
II dont understand.
Can you remember your first month in service? How difficult it was?
Diana looked completely bewildered. Her gaze darted around as if looking for help.
Pulling herself together, she forced herself to follow Rishes directions. She thought back and finally alighted on a response. II didnt know how to do the job. Before, when my family was still prominent, Id washed shirts and bedsheets. Never gowns or military uniforms.
Perfectly reasonable, Rishe said. Only natural for someone just starting out.
The older girls were so busy, they told me to just watch them since they didnt have time to teach me. When I had questionswell, there was nobody to ask.
I bet. And did you have any other problems?
Well, yes. There was a lot to learn. Different kinds of soap and washboards depending on the cloth. You use different tools for different materials. I had to learn how they worked and how to put them away. I waspunished if I didnt get it right the first time.
The newcomers were exchanging surprised looks. Rishe understood why.
Everything Diana said was familiar to them. They spent valuable time searching for their materials and the proper ways to use them, but they shrank from asking for help. Everyone always looked so busy. This was a universal problem.
Despite all that, I got better! Diana protested. I only needed to be taught once. Unlike them! Theyre useless!
Yes, well. Theres a difference between you and them, Rishe told Diana. You can read and write.
Oh! Diana started in surprise. Elsie looked at the floor.
The literacy rate among commoners was low no matter where you went. Very few families had the means to afford an education, especially for daughters. Diana had been born to a merchants familyshed received formal schooling. The maids she was close friends with were likely from similar backgrounds. The majority of those in service were not so fortunate.
What if you only received instructions on how to do a job once and werent able to write it down to remind yourself later? Rishe asked. Would you be so confident?
I-I dont Diana reflexively thrust a hand into her apron pocket, where she had a list of daily tasks recorded in her neat handwriting to reference throughout the day. Hopefully now she would understand how much of an edge her privileged literacy gave her over the other maids.
Everyone else works as hard as they can, just like you do, Rishe said. Remember how it was for you at first? They all have to start somewhere. I hope youll keep that in mind.
Theyre no different from me, Diana mumbled begrudgingly, glancing around the room, looking at the less experienced maids. As if coming to a decision, she said, Im sorry.
Diana?
Like a child enumerating her regrets, Diana went on, Ive done you wrong, all of you. Its just, I had nothing. Or so it felt like. No money, no title. I thought I had to make my way in the world on my own. That I had to start from zero. Her shoulders trembled as she buried her face in her hands. But I was wrong! I wasnt starting from zero. I had everything that I learned growing up. I didnt realize how fortunate I was. I let it all go to my head. Her voice rose to a wail. How could I have said all of those terrible things?! Even though you were all working so hardtrying your best even while feeling as helpless as I did all those years ago. I should have understood what you were going through. A-and I failed you.
Oh, Diana
Im sorry, Diana sobbed. Im so, so sorry.
The new maids stared at her, stunned. But then they clustered around her.
Its okay, Diana. Were sorry for not being faster learners.
My lady, please reconsider! Diana scared us, but shes always flawless with her work. And that goes for the other maids with more experience than us too.
Its fine. Diana scrubbed at her eyes. It makes sense she wants nothing to do with us. Dont beg
Diana. Rishe smiled and held out her hand. Didnt I say that I had a request?
Huh?
I dont want you as a maid. I want you as an instructor.
A murmur rose among the maids. Even Oliver looked surprised.
I want the inexperienced maids to come to this palace to learn. And not just by observation alonewith thorough demonstrations and explanations. Come up with a system to allow girls to ask their questions, to perform the tasks again and again until they learn them. And once they have all they need, theyll be promoted to work in the main palace for the royal family.
Rishe recognized these problemsthey were rampant the world over. Those with work didnt have the time to train those who were new to the same work, rendering the amateurs stranded at sea, forced to learn on their own or quit before they even had a chance. If only someone had sat them down to teach them what they needed to know. When you learned from observation rather than foundational skills, mistakes were more far more likely.
If the palace couldnt afford the staff or the time to train its servants properly, Rishe would take it upon herself.
You cant lose a skill once youve acquired it, whether that be reading and writing, how to do a job, or how to teach a job. Knowledge is a weapon you can wield wherever you go, not just here. You can apply your new skills elsewherewherever you want.
The maids listened to Rishe, wonder in their eyes.
Thats why Ill be taking the twenty newcomers as my maids. Diana, you and your friends shall teach them. Youll be their tutors.
Their tutors, my lady?
I would like all my maids to be able to read and write. One hour of study a day should be sufficient. You and your friends will be their teachers. I expect you to come up with materials for them as well as a handbook for new maids.
Diana was utterly stunned. You want us to teach reading and writing? Andand write a book?
She could never have imagined this sort of opportunity. Rishe drew something from her breast pocket. It was one of Dianas pages of notes. I took a look at this.

Rishe smiled and shook her head. No, nothing. Lets just focus on getting these washed for the time being.

***

That afternoon, thirty maids were assembled in the detached wing of the palace. Ten of them were old hands, long in service to the royal family, while the other twenty were freshly hired. The crown princess was to choose her maids from among these thirty. They wore their nerves plainly on their sleeves.

Hey, I thought this palace was in a terrible state of neglect, one maid whispered. Why is it so sparkling clean?

Yeah, youre right, said another. Someone must have sorted it out before we arrived.

I wonder what kind of person Lady Rishe is. Ooh, Im so nervous.

The girls looked around anxiously.

Hey, Elsie, that girl who was always helping us isnt here.

Elsie blinked. Youre right.

Look, Diana. That impertinent newbie didnt get picked.

At her friends observation, Diana preened with satisfaction. No surprise there. You need some manners to attend to Lady Rishe. I bet she got kicked out of the running! Her eyes sparkled with confidence.

At last, there was a knock at the door.

Her Royal Highness, Princess Rishe.

The maids quickly fell into bows. Dianas chest ached with anticipation as heels clicked on the floor, approaching the line of girls. From the corner of their eyes, the maids saw a wide-skirted court dress. A gentle scent washed over them.

Without even looking at her, they could tell Crown Princess Rishe was a lovely woman. Diana and her friends swelled with pride that she was to become their mistress.

But then Laura whispered to Diana, Hey, isnt this scent familiar?

Quiet! Clearly it was some sort of expensive perfume. Or so Diana thought, but then she realized what it was. The words just slipped out. Its soap.

Huh? Did you just say something?

Its soap. The same kind we always use. Diana was sure of it.

The princess said, Please rise.

Why did her voice sound so familiar? An incredible foreboding gripping her, Diana looked up. She gasped.

My name is Rishe Irmgard Weitzner.

Before her stood the beautiful newcomerthe thorn in her side for the past few days. The smile she wore was peaceful and just the slightest bit satisfied.

***

Im so glad I managed to finish washing the sheets in time!

Standing before the maids with Arnolds attendant Oliver at her side, Rishe was panicking on the inside. Shed had so much to do this morning that shed put off the laundry to the last minute. She took deep, controlled breaths, praying no one would notice that shed raced here at a dead sprint.

Oliver was none the wiser as he spoke to the assembled girls. Rishe took the opportunity to look them over. She locked eyes with Elsie, who was gaping at her. It was a nice changeusually her face was as blank as a rock wall.

Im sorry for the deception. I figured blending in would give me the best picture of your working conditions.

The new maids wore similarly shocked expressions, while others watched her with delight. Meanwhile, the veterans, including Diana, had all gone pale. They trembled, stunned into silence. One seemed locked in a terrifying trance, while another looked on the verge of tears. All of them had spoken to Rishe with derision. As the ringleader, Diana was covering her mouth with both hands, like she was holding in a scream.

Oliver had finished his introduction. Your Highness, if you would?

Rishe stepped forward. First, I must apologize to you for what has transpired prior to this meeting. My deception, that is. However, it has granted me insight into how each one of you works.

Olivers face creased in confusion. The newcomer maids began to panic, whispering among themselves.

Doesnt this mean that she helped us out with the laundry?

Were going to be fired!

If I lose my position, my brother will have to quit school!

Noticing the commotion, Oliver glanced at Rishe. Your Highness, two-thirds of these maids are newly recruited from the city. Since the majority of the castle maids were elderly, His Highness assumed you would prefer maids closer in age to yourself.

Rishe was startled. She had found it odd that most of her potential servants were new hires, but she hadnt expected this to be the reason.

While the prince has entrusted the selection of your maids to you, Oliver went on. Hiring someone with no experience will not do. Despite Prince Arnolds views, I urge you to reject the newcomers.

Oliver.

I have a list of their names here. Elsie

Elsie, Nichole, Hilde, Marguerite, Rosa. Rishe began listing the names of the newly recruited maids. Shed made a point to memorize them in the washhouse. Elke, Amelia, and

Oliver looked at her wildly. You know them all?! Even though theyve never served you in the past?

Yes, of course I do. Servants are essential to the maintenance of our lifestyle, why wouldnt I get to know them? Rishe listed the remaining names for good measure. All twenty of you, listen to me.

The new maids stiffened. Diana and the other maids whose names hadnt been called were getting their wind back, wearing increasingly triumphant looks.

Rishe said, The twenty names I just called will be my maids.

Time seemed to stand still a moment, and then Oliver broke in with an astonished, B-but, my lady! They are all inexperienced

Yes. And my palace will be the perfect place to learn.

The new recruits were completely speechless, unsure of exactly what was happening.

Rishe smiled at Elsie. I hope youll serve me well, Elsie.

Elsie was still frozen in place. Huh? Y-yes, my lady, but

A shaking Diana cried out, But why, my lady?! Youve seen their work! Theyre useless, the lot of them! The rest of us get so much more done in a shorter amount of time!

Watch your tongue, girl, Oliver said sharply.

Diana ignored him. Were hard workers! Any job you assign us, we can do it! Please, I beg you, my lady!

Step back, Oliver warned. Do not take a single step closer to Lady Rishe.

Diana spoke in a rush, words pouring out of her. I-I freely admit that I was impolite before, but I didnt know who she was! Ill take any punishment, so please, give me the chance to show you how well I can work!

Rishe said, Diana, I have a request.

Th-thank you, my lady! Diana heaved a sigh of relief. You mean youll

Rishe cut across her. As of today, you are no longer a maid in this palace.

What? Her face, usually so fixed with determination, paled. But why? Im so much better than any of them! Ill do a perfect job no matter what task you set before me. Please dont dismiss me, my lady!

Listen to me, Diana. Rishe dropped her lofty tone, speaking as one woman would to another. You have noticed it, havent you? No matter what you claim, these new girls arent worthless.

II dont understand.

Can you remember your first month in service? How difficult it was?

Diana looked completely bewildered. Her gaze darted around as if looking for help.

Pulling herself together, she forced herself to follow Rishes directions. She thought back and finally alighted on a response. II didnt know how to do the job. Before, when my family was still prominent, Id washed shirts and bedsheets. Never gowns or military uniforms.

Perfectly reasonable, Rishe said. Only natural for someone just starting out.

The older girls were so busy, they told me to just watch them since they didnt have time to teach me. When I had questionswell, there was nobody to ask.

I bet. And did you have any other problems?

Well, yes. There was a lot to learn. Different kinds of soap and washboards depending on the cloth. You use different tools for different materials. I had to learn how they worked and how to put them away. I waspunished if I didnt get it right the first time.

The newcomers were exchanging surprised looks. Rishe understood why.

Everything Diana said was familiar to them. They spent valuable time searching for their materials and the proper ways to use them, but they shrank from asking for help. Everyone always looked so busy. This was a universal problem.

Despite all that, I got better! Diana protested. I only needed to be taught once. Unlike them! Theyre useless!

Yes, well. Theres a difference between you and them, Rishe told Diana. You can read and write.

Oh! Diana started in surprise. Elsie looked at the floor.

The literacy rate among commoners was low no matter where you went. Very few families had the means to afford an education, especially for daughters. Diana had been born to a merchants familyshed received formal schooling. The maids she was close friends with were likely from similar backgrounds. The majority of those in service were not so fortunate.

What if you only received instructions on how to do a job once and werent able to write it down to remind yourself later? Rishe asked. Would you be so confident?

I-I dont Diana reflexively thrust a hand into her apron pocket, where she had a list of daily tasks recorded in her neat handwriting to reference throughout the day. Hopefully now she would understand how much of an edge her privileged literacy gave her over the other maids.

Everyone else works as hard as they can, just like you do, Rishe said. Remember how it was for you at first? They all have to start somewhere. I hope youll keep that in mind.

Theyre no different from me, Diana mumbled begrudgingly, glancing around the room, looking at the less experienced maids. As if coming to a decision, she said, Im sorry.

Diana?

Like a child enumerating her regrets, Diana went on, Ive done you wrong, all of you. Its just, I had nothing. Or so it felt like. No money, no title. I thought I had to make my way in the world on my own. That I had to start from zero. Her shoulders trembled as she buried her face in her hands. But I was wrong! I wasnt starting from zero. I had everything that I learned growing up. I didnt realize how fortunate I was. I let it all go to my head. Her voice rose to a wail. How could I have said all of those terrible things?! Even though you were all working so hardtrying your best even while feeling as helpless as I did all those years ago. I should have understood what you were going through. A-and I failed you.

Oh, Diana

Im sorry, Diana sobbed. Im so, so sorry.

The new maids stared at her, stunned. But then they clustered around her.

Its okay, Diana. Were sorry for not being faster learners.

My lady, please reconsider! Diana scared us, but shes always flawless with her work. And that goes for the other maids with more experience than us too.

Its fine. Diana scrubbed at her eyes. It makes sense she wants nothing to do with us. Dont beg

Diana. Rishe smiled and held out her hand. Didnt I say that I had a request?

Huh?

I dont want you as a maid. I want you as an instructor.

A murmur rose among the maids. Even Oliver looked surprised.

I want the inexperienced maids to come to this palace to learn. And not just by observation alonewith thorough demonstrations and explanations. Come up with a system to allow girls to ask their questions, to perform the tasks again and again until they learn them. And once they have all they need, theyll be promoted to work in the main palace for the royal family.

Rishe recognized these problemsthey were rampant the world over. Those with work didnt have the time to train those who were new to the same work, rendering the amateurs stranded at sea, forced to learn on their own or quit before they even had a chance. If only someone had sat them down to teach them what they needed to know. When you learned from observation rather than foundational skills, mistakes were more far more likely.

If the palace couldnt afford the staff or the time to train its servants properly, Rishe would take it upon herself.

You cant lose a skill once youve acquired it, whether that be reading and writing, how to do a job, or how to teach a job. Knowledge is a weapon you can wield wherever you go, not just here. You can apply your new skills elsewherewherever you want.

The maids listened to Rishe, wonder in their eyes.

Thats why Ill be taking the twenty newcomers as my maids. Diana, you and your friends shall teach them. Youll be their tutors.

Their tutors, my lady?

I would like all my maids to be able to read and write. One hour of study a day should be sufficient. You and your friends will be their teachers. I expect you to come up with materials for them as well as a handbook for new maids.

Diana was utterly stunned. You want us to teach reading and writing? Andand write a book?

She could never have imagined this sort of opportunity. Rishe drew something from her breast pocket. It was one of Dianas pages of notes. I took a look at this.