Yesterday, she had been paralyzed by the shock of seeing a demon. Today, the fear remained, but she was rational enough to critique the demon's performance. His acting is terrible, she thought.

Yesterday, he claimed to be heartbroken over her injury, yet he did nothing to treat it. Today, he claimed "love at first sight," but he hadn't even asked for her name yesterday—he clearly didn't even know who she was!.

Even without the ability to see the demon inside, Anna felt no normal girl would be fooled by such a hollow performance.

Rothgar was slightly surprised by her answer, but not as much as the day before. A deep-seated schemer would naturally not give in so easily. Using Patrick's memories, he put on a look of profound disappointment. "Beautiful girl, would you truly rather work in a kitchen than become my wife?".

Anna didn't look at him, find his words utterly affected and his expression likely just as exaggerated. "I am truly sorry," she said, her voice devoid of hesitation.

"Lord Patrick" let out a long sigh and turned to Shane Mercer. "Tell the kitchen to take my beautiful girl in".

"Yes, my Lord!" Shane replied. Though he found it incredible that she had rejected the master again, he felt he had made the right choice by bringing her here.

As Shane led the thankful Anna away, Rothgar watched her light footsteps. He suppressed Patrick's persona and his face darkened. She seemed genuinely happy about the kitchen job... clearly, she was thrilled to have found a reason to stay close to him.

He would wait and see what she planned next. But the more tricks she played and the longer she stalled, the more he would "reward" her in the future. He hoped she wouldn't regret this.

On the way to the kitchen, Shane couldn't help but offer Anna some advice. "Noble masters have limited patience. While Lord Patrick is still infatuated with you, you should please him. You could gain benefits you've never dreamed of!".

To Shane, the situation was simple. Anna had caught the master's eye, and he was smitten. She had likely rejected him initially because she thought he wouldn't value what came too easily. When he didn't pursue her the next day, she must have panicked and rushed to the manor. Seeing that he was still "infatuated," she was now playing hard to get again. He thought she was being too greedy—even being a mistress would be enough to escape her poverty. Did she really think a high noble would actually marry a commoner?.

It's not infatuation—he's hungry for my soul! Anna thought to herself. She gave Shane a small smile. "Thank you, Brother Shane. I know what to do".

She knew he wouldn't believe her if she said she had no designs on the master, so she simply humored him. Shane, sensing she wasn't truly listening, figured she wouldn't come to a good end, but he added one last thing: "If you do well for yourself later, don't forget me. I'm the one who brought you in".

"Don't worry, Brother Shane. I won't forget," Anna replied. He had indeed helped her, and she would repay him if she became successful.

Though, she noted privately, the one who had helped her most today was the demon.

The following is the English version of the requested chapter, incorporating character names and terminology from the sources.

Anna Virelle's heart skipped a beat when she heard the command the demon gave to Shane Mercer. Although she knew the demon harbored no good intentions by keeping her close, she figured that since she couldn't escape, she might as well look on the bright side. She finally had a high-paying job with status, and more importantly, she had snatched the position right out from under Lily Hawke's nose. The thought alone was enough to make her smile.

While she still feared the demon, Anna had begun to notice that he seemed bound by certain rules. She gambled on the idea that as long as she continued to reject the "proposals" he made every time they met, she would remain safe.

When they reached the kitchens of Wilson Manor, Shane didn't leave immediately; he still had the task Lord Patrick had assigned him. The kitchen was bustling because of the new recruitment. It wasn't just Lily's aunt who had heard the news; many others had recommended their own relatives. Five new girls were currently lined up, looking nervous and expectant as they faced a plump, middle-aged woman who was clearly the one in charge. In this world, such a full figure was rare among commoners, who were often lucky just to avoid starvation.

The five girls were facing Shane's direction. When Lily first saw Anna following behind him, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. Once she realized it really was her lifelong rival, she shrieked, "Anna! How did you get in here? This isn't a place for someone like you—get out!".

This was supposed to be a place reserved for girls with recommendations. Lily was suddenly struck by the warning Anna had whispered to her the day before. Fear surged through her as she realized Anna had meant what she said: Anna was here to steal her job.

The middle-aged woman frowned at Lily and said coldly, "No shouting is permitted here at any time. Lily, you are disqualified".

Lily froze. She tried to plead, her eyes welling with tears. "Madam Mary, I was wrong! Please, forgive me and give me one more chance!".

Madam Mary, the Deputy Housekeeper, remained unmoved. "You are disqualified. Stand aside, and do not make me repeat myself".

Anna nearly laughed out loud. She hadn't even lifted a finger yet, and Lily had already lost. Lily, who usually acted like a wildcat toward Anna, didn't dare talk back in a place like Wilson Manor. She wiped her tears and stood to the side, though she didn't forget to shoot Anna a murderous glare.

Madam Mary then turned to Shane. "Shane, what is it?".

"I am here to deliver an order from Lord Patrick," Shane replied.

Madam Mary's expression immediately became solemn. "What are the Lord's instructions?".

"Lord Patrick says she is to stay in the kitchen." Shane stepped aside, allowing Anna to come forward.

Madam Mary nodded without emotion. "Very well. I understand." She then turned to the other four girls. "The kitchen only needs one person. The rest of you may go".

Now it was Lily's turn to look smug at the other girls' misfortune, even though she had been disqualified herself. The other girls wanted to plead their case, but having heard it was a direct order from Lord Patrick, they could only curtsy and leave with resentment in their eyes, each of them glaring at Anna as they passed.

As Lily walked past last, Anna silently mouthed: I told you so.

Lily's face contorted. If she hadn't been in the Manor, she likely would have lunged at Anna then and there.