The story follows Tina Walter, a diligent cleaning maid in the peaceful Kingdom of Kersh. Chapters 3-12 detail her growing awareness of societal expectations regarding marriage, her unexpected encounters with the esteemed Knight Commander Alto Lambic, and the escalating mystery of a ghost haunting the royal palace.
Initially, Tina and her colleagues, Riona and Sylvie, discuss the recent surge in engagements among their peers and superiors, triggered by Prince Stout's own engagement. Sylvie, engaged to the promising civil servant Earl, is happy but also feels pressure. Tina, at 19, feels less urgency, but Riona expresses anxiety about missing out on eligible bachelors, especially after a large ball that doubled as a matchmaking event.
Tina's life takes a significant turn during her night shift when she accidentally encounters Knight Commander Lambic. He mistakes her for a ghost, leading to a confused but ultimately gentle interaction. Lambic, visibly distressed, reveals he is being haunted by a female ghost who appeared around the time of the Prince's engagement. This ghost, though not physically harmful, drains his vitality and causes him discomfort. Lambic confesses he's been relying on subordinates for escort during night patrols, but an urgent summons forced him to walk alone, leading to their encounter. He asks Tina to escort him to his room, a request she grants, intrigued by his plight. He explains the ghost's presence, its tendency to appear in smaller groups, and the physical toll it takes on him. Despite the King's efforts to create protective barriers in his private chambers and office, the ghost's presence is a constant concern, especially with important events like the upcoming Star Festival approaching.
The next day, Tina is approached by Vice Commander Bock, who, after a series of humorous misunderstandings, reveals that Tina's presence seems to deter the ghost. This leads to Tina being designated as a "ghost-repelling maid" and assigned to accompany Lambic during his night patrols and duties. This arrangement is initially presented as a trial period, with Tina's unique "herb blends" (which she cultivates) being a potential factor in her effectiveness. The unusual assignment is explained to the other maids as a temporary measure to combat a "lice infestation" in the knight's quarters, a fabricated excuse orchestrated by the head maid to avoid gossip.
During this period, Tina develops a close working relationship with Lambic. She learns about his dedication to the kingdom's peace and his personal struggles with the ghost. She also encounters the meticulous and somewhat cold civil servant Helles Dunkel, assigned from the Ministry of Finance to assist with the Star Festival preparations. Dunkel, a severe germaphobe, is initially difficult to work with, but Tina's pragmatic approach and her "special herb blends" prove surprisingly effective in managing his anxieties and the perceived "lice issue."
The ghost's activity escalates when it begins appearing to other palace staff, including the Queen's attendants, causing them distress and illness. This raises the urgency of the situation, and Prince Stout himself becomes involved, proposing an investigation into the ghost's identity. The theory emerges that the ghost might have a personal connection to Tina, as she is the only one it doesn't appear before. Tina recalls her deceased relatives, including her maternal grandmother's twin sister and her paternal aunt, as potential connections.
A significant turning point occurs when Tina and Lambic discover they are distant relatives through their shared namesakes, Alto Roastbarley and Tiana Walter, who were a couple that died tragically decades ago. This revelation sparks a new theory: the ghost might be mistaking Tina and Lambic for their deceased relatives.
The narrative culminates with the Star Festival, a grand celebration. Tina, having proven her worth, is now officially assigned to Lambic's side. During the festival, Lambic and Tina share a dance under the stars, a romantic moment that solidifies their growing bond.
Following the festival, Tina learns that the ghost's appearances have ceased when she is around, but have resumed when she is absent. The investigation into the ghost's identity intensifies, with the royal family and the knights working together. The story hints at a deeper connection between Tina, Lambic, and the ghost, suggesting that the ghost's motivations might be tied to past relationships and mistaken identities. The chapters conclude with the ongoing investigation and the deepening of Tina's relationships with Lambic and other key characters, setting the stage for further revelations about the ghost and the kingdom's secrets.