The story opens with the protagonist, Becca, being affectionately restrained and kissed by her young mistress, Ojou-sama (later revealed as Wendy), who is distraught that Becca is packing to leave. Becca, confused by the situation, reflects on her past.
Becca's true identity is Carol Lionfall, a soul reincarnated into a magic-filled European-style world after an accidental death. Reborn as the neglected sixth daughter of a minor viscount, Carol found solace only in her kind maid, Rebecca. After the maid's death, Carol discovered her immense magical talent (ten times the norm). Her family, previously indifferent, began exploiting her potential for a prestigious marriage. At 13, desiring the freedom promised by the god-like entity who reincarnated her, Carol disguised herself as a boy, dyed her hair and eyes black, and adopted the name "Rebecca Lion" in honor of her beloved maid.
Rebecca traveled to the Royal Capital and secured a job as a low-ranking maid at the Caldwell Earldom, lying about her age. The household was severely understaffed due to widespread rumors of a curse affecting Lady Wendy, the Earl's daughter. Wendy was said to possess eerie red birthmarks that could kill or transfer to anyone who touched them, leading to her confinement and isolation. Rebecca was eventually assigned to Wendy's care after the previous maid quit out of fear. Rebecca found Wendy collapsed with a fever and, using her healing magic, nursed her back to health, marking their first direct interaction.
Initially, Wendy was withdrawn and fearful, hiding under a sheet. Their relationship began to change when Rebecca discovered their shared love for a children's book. This common interest sparked Wendy's first genuine conversation, revealing her fear of thunderstorms. During a storm, Rebecca comforted Wendy with warm milk and a lullaby, pretending she was scared herself, and gently stroked her head. Wendy's demeanor softened, though she still reacted with fear and anger when Rebecca accidentally touched her birthmarks.
Rebecca learned more about the Caldwell family: the Earl was a notorious womanizer, his wife rarely visited, and Wendy's kind older brother, Christopher, a diligent magic academy student, regularly sent her books. When Rebecca took a day off, Wendy, fearing abandonment, was distraught, revealing her deep attachment. As "punishment," Wendy began requesting honey milk nightly, and they bonded over shared books. Rebecca realized Wendy's love for adventure stories stemmed from her confinement, strengthening Rebecca's resolve to protect her. Wendy refused Rebecca's invitation to the garden, fearing her marks would scare others, leading Rebecca to regret her thoughtlessness. Rebecca then brought Wendy garden roses, delighting her.
Christopher visited, expressing gratitude for Rebecca's positive influence on Wendy, whose letters were now mostly about her. He invited Rebecca to dinner, where Wendy was overjoyed. Christopher, despite his own low magic, promised to break Wendy's curse. Wendy, in turn, declared she was no longer lonely because Rebecca was with her, asking Rebecca to stay by her side. Rebecca promised. Wendy later showed jealousy when Rebecca spoke with another maid, confirming her growing possessiveness.
The chapter arc concludes with Wendy transforming from a fearful, isolated child to a more open, happy, and attached one, and Rebecca fully committing to her well-being, with the mystery of the curse and Christopher's promise setting the stage for future developments.
