diff --git a/esphome/esp-centralstairs-bottom.yaml b/esphome/esp-centralstairs-bottom.yaml
index 0ec9d32..67d974b 100644
--- a/esphome/esp-centralstairs-bottom.yaml
+++ b/esphome/esp-centralstairs-bottom.yaml
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 # https://home.fox.co.nz/gitea/zorruno/zorruno-homeassistant/src/branch/master/esphome/esp-centralstairs-bottom.yaml
 #:########################################################################################:#
 # VERSIONS:
+# V3.9 2026-07-21 Added retained MQTT status mirroring for HA-independent two-way switching
 # V3.8 2026-06-09 Added Downstairs Lights Bulk Activation virtual switch toggled by Button 1 double-click
 # V3.7 2025-09-24 Upload to this device
 # V3.5 2025-07-24 YAML tidyups
@@ -83,7 +84,7 @@ substitutions:
 
   # Project Naming
   project_name: "Zemismart Technologies.KS-811 Double" # Project Details
-  project_version: "v2.1" # Project V denotes release of yaml file, allowing checking of deployed vs latest version
+  project_version: "v3.9" # Project V denotes release of yaml file, allowing checking of deployed vs latest version
 
   # MQTT Controls
   mqtt_command_main_topic: !secret mqtt_command_main_topic
@@ -184,19 +185,19 @@ mqtt:
     then:
       - if:
           condition:
-            lambda: 'return id(Relay_1).state;'
+            lambda: "return id(Relay_1).state;"
           then:
             - mqtt.publish:
                 topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_1}"
                 payload: "${mqtt_command_ON}"
-                qos: 0
-                retain: false
+                qos: 1
+                retain: true
           else:
             - mqtt.publish:
                 topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_1}"
                 payload: "${mqtt_command_OFF}"
-                qos: 0
-                retain: false
+                qos: 1
+                retain: true
 
   on_message:
     # Relay 1: only turn ON if currently OFF
@@ -241,6 +242,26 @@ mqtt:
             then:
               - switch.turn_off: Relay_2
 
+    # Relay 2 is a mirror of the remote physical Stair Footer Lights relay.
+    - topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_2}"
+      payload: "${mqtt_command_ON}"
+      then:
+        - if:
+            condition:
+              not:
+                - switch.is_on: Relay_2
+            then:
+              - switch.turn_on: Relay_2
+
+    - topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_2}"
+      payload: "${mqtt_command_OFF}"
+      then:
+        - if:
+            condition:
+              - switch.is_on: Relay_2
+            then:
+              - switch.turn_off: Relay_2
+
 #:########################################################################################:#
 # STATUS LED:
 # https://esphome.io/components/status_led.html
@@ -298,7 +319,7 @@ binary_sensor:
       # Toggle the remote Footer Lights via COMMAND topic, based on our mirrored state
       - if:
           condition:
-            lambda: 'return id(Relay_2).state;'
+            lambda: "return id(Relay_2).state;"
           then:
             - mqtt.publish:
                 topic: "${mqtt_command_topic_2}"
@@ -332,15 +353,17 @@ switch:
       - mqtt.publish:
           topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_1}"
           payload: "${mqtt_command_ON}"
-          retain: false
+          qos: 1
+          retain: true
     on_turn_off:
       - mqtt.publish:
           topic: "${mqtt_status_topic_1}"
           payload: "${mqtt_command_OFF}"
-          retain: false
+          qos: 1
+          retain: true
 
   - platform: gpio
     name: "Relay 2: ${switch_2_name}"
     pin: GPIO12
     id: Relay_2
-    # No mqtt.publish here (this is a mirror only)
\ No newline at end of file
+    # No mqtt.publish here (this is a mirror only)