Angie followed the Ridsdels into the Duke's private hall. It was a place where only the Duke's direct employees and their families could have a simple meal and tea. In any case, she was also hired as a reading companion for the young master, so she was allowed to join him.
She remembers reading in a book that before the war, there was a fairly grand funeral reception culture. However, when the peace that had been built in Europe was broken and the two continental wars ended, everything changed. Her parents told her that the countless countries in the Old and New Worlds of Europe that she had only read about in books had disappeared. It was also a sad fact that many traditions of each country had faded and disappeared.
Angie took a moment to focus on her meal, from chicken casserole and freshly baked biscuit bread to snickerdoodles and the buttered rum that the adults were drinking. She didn't even realize she was hungry, but she must have been because she cleaned her plate clean.
When Mrs. Dunst called her aside after tea time, Angie almost hiccupped. The man she had seen in the chapel and the graveyard was sitting in the servants' parlor. He was standing with his back to the fireplace and slowly turned around.
“Greetings. This is Angie Ridsdel. She has been working as a companion to Master Kyle and will be a temporary maid starting tomorrow. And this is Michael Randall.”
Angie came to her senses at Mrs. Dunst's introduction.
“He is the nephew of Deputy Chief Justice Hester.”
Angie's head spun quickly. If he was Aunt Hester's nephew? Then he must be the son of the maid Edith Randall, who died of an illness long ago. He was said to have been weak since birth and had been living in the southernmost village, recuperating. Oh, was he an albino? That's why his eyes were purple...?
“He will be working at the mansion instead of Hester starting today. As you know, Young Master is currently staying in the Hester annex while receiving treatment. He is twenty years old and is new to this mansion, so there will be a lot he doesn’t know. I hope you will be able to explain things to him and help him out for the time being.”
“Ahh... Yes. I understand.”
“Hello? Please take care of me. It’s Michael. I hope you feel comfortable talking to me.”
Following the voice that was as refreshing and clear as his appearance, a hand suddenly came out. Angie instinctively responded to the handshake. Warmth flowed through his large palm. Even though she only held it gently, she felt strength.
Angie didn't know if he was really an albino or if he had some other disease, but he was definitely cured and very healthy. There was no sign of illness anywhere. Suddenly, hope welled up deep in Angie's heart.
Seeing that he has recovered so completely despite being confined to his home for such a long time, there is definitely hope for Kai too. Kai will definitely get better.
“Nice to meet you, my name is Angie.”
She was so happy about that fact that she smiled broadly without realizing it. Michael’s purple eyes were strange. Perhaps he misunderstood it as an enthusiastic welcome for him. But it didn’t matter. Right now, her mind was full of Kai’s recovered appearance, and she had no time to look at anything else.
“If it’s okay, could you guide me starting from the first floor? It’s so big and complicated like a maze, so I think I need to roughly understand the layout so I don’t get lost starting tomorrow. I had a hard time getting here earlier.”
“Ah... Then I’ll tell my parents to go first. Please wait.”
“Yes. I’ll wait!”
Michael's purple eyes folded gently. It was a clear smile like the sky breaking through the snow. True to his name, which was modeled after the archangel, his face was filled with bright energy like sunlight, and there was not a single shadow on it. That fact made Angie's heart flutter again.
Kai, you too will definitely transform into such a healthy and energetic person. If that happens, I couldn't ask for anything more.
Angie really had no wish. He said he was thinking of going public with his relationship with her, but at the time, it might have been something he said out of emotion. And he didn't even propose. A proposal is something Angie couldn't even hope for.
But...
Angie followed Mrs. Dunst down the hallway and suddenly stopped. Suddenly, her heart pounded, aching. Just the word “Duchess” made her heart flutter and a heavy sadness took its place.
Kai's wife...the Duchess of Blackwell.
Just thinking about the unknown woman standing next to Kai one day in the future made her feel like her feet were collapsing from the sense of loss. She couldn't even dare to wish for it, but she didn't think she could bear the reality of another woman besides the master. She just couldn't bring herself to accept it.
When the young master announces their relationship... is that a statement with the future in mind? When he emphasized that his mother, Eugenia, was not a noblewoman, was that also a hint at the possibility of marriage?
Angie's heart was pounding. She tried to calm herself down, telling herself not to expect too much. But she couldn't stop her heart from beating faster and faster on its own.
A fortnight had passed since the funeral. A strange atmosphere hung over the mansion that had lost its head of household. A stillness that pretended to be peaceful, and an air of danger somewhere, there was always suspicion and anxiety about the health of the next head of household.
The current state of Kyle Loden Blackwell was like a light in the wind. Friends who sometimes followed their parents to the Duke's residence on business would always ask Angie whether he was alive or dead.
“Master Kyle is still in the annex? What should I do? He needs to get better soon....”
It was late in the afternoon, and Emma and Marissa, who had not seen each other for a long time, were sitting in Angie's maid's bedroom, chatting about various things. They always started by asking about the master's well-being and recent events.
“Yeah. He's taking a new medicine that the doctor recently researched, but it doesn’t seem to be helping yet...”
As promised, Angie never mentioned anything about the lunar cycle that her mother had previously mentioned or the worst-case scenario where she might have to risk her life by going off the island to seek treatment when the cycle changes.
A heavy, gloomy silence flowed. Perhaps thinking that she needed to change the mood, Marissa got up from her chair and looked around the small room.
“Wow. This is my first time in a maid’s room, and it looks like this! It’s so clean. The lacquer is new, and the windows are so pretty. The sunlight comes in well, so it doesn’t feel like a semi-basement.”
“Yes. The location is right in front of the arboretum, so you can see the trees and flowers well. You can also see a bit of the lake, and at night, the moonlight reflects on the surface, making it very pretty.”
“Oh, right. There’s a new servant that came in recently. He’s Mrs. Hester’s nephew, you know? He’s really handsome. What do you think? I was surprised to see his purple eyes!”
“That’s right, that’s right! Michael Randall. He looks like an angel, just like his name suggests. And his personality is like that too?”
At Emma's question, Marissa also perked up her ears and sat back down. Both of their faces sparkled with eyes as if this was also part of the purpose of their visit.
“Yes, he has a good personality. He’s kind and affectionate... He’s good at his job, and he’s always bright and positive, so everyone likes him. Mrs. Dunst was particularly picky at first and tended to watch him for a long time, but she seemed to trust him right away.”
“Angie. So, do you think they might need another maid? Even just temporarily?”
“Huh? Well... well.”
“Couldn’t you ask Mrs. Dunst? If they need anything, you can recommend me...”
“Oh, me too! I’m better than Emma in many ways. I have stronger arms and I’m better at sewing and doing laundry!”
“Marissa! What are you talking about? You promised me last time that you wouldn’t do maid work. And now you’re saying-”
“At the time, I thought it would be too hard! But when I saw Angie, it didn’t seem like that was necessarily the case.”
“Have you forgotten? Angie was originally meant to be the master’s companion, so Mrs. Dunst doesn’t ask her to do chores.”
“Guys, stop now. Calm down and drink your tea first. We have to go back in ten minutes. Should I get you some more cookies?”
It was when Angie sighed and stood up, holding her empty plate.
She remembers reading in a book that before the war, there was a fairly grand funeral reception culture. However, when the peace that had been built in Europe was broken and the two continental wars ended, everything changed. Her parents told her that the countless countries in the Old and New Worlds of Europe that she had only read about in books had disappeared. It was also a sad fact that many traditions of each country had faded and disappeared.
Angie took a moment to focus on her meal, from chicken casserole and freshly baked biscuit bread to snickerdoodles and the buttered rum that the adults were drinking. She didn't even realize she was hungry, but she must have been because she cleaned her plate clean.
When Mrs. Dunst called her aside after tea time, Angie almost hiccupped. The man she had seen in the chapel and the graveyard was sitting in the servants' parlor. He was standing with his back to the fireplace and slowly turned around.
“Greetings. This is Angie Ridsdel. She has been working as a companion to Master Kyle and will be a temporary maid starting tomorrow. And this is Michael Randall.”
Angie came to her senses at Mrs. Dunst's introduction.
“He is the nephew of Deputy Chief Justice Hester.”
Angie's head spun quickly. If he was Aunt Hester's nephew? Then he must be the son of the maid Edith Randall, who died of an illness long ago. He was said to have been weak since birth and had been living in the southernmost village, recuperating. Oh, was he an albino? That's why his eyes were purple...?
“He will be working at the mansion instead of Hester starting today. As you know, Young Master is currently staying in the Hester annex while receiving treatment. He is twenty years old and is new to this mansion, so there will be a lot he doesn’t know. I hope you will be able to explain things to him and help him out for the time being.”
“Ahh... Yes. I understand.”
“Hello? Please take care of me. It’s Michael. I hope you feel comfortable talking to me.”
Following the voice that was as refreshing and clear as his appearance, a hand suddenly came out. Angie instinctively responded to the handshake. Warmth flowed through his large palm. Even though she only held it gently, she felt strength.
Angie didn't know if he was really an albino or if he had some other disease, but he was definitely cured and very healthy. There was no sign of illness anywhere. Suddenly, hope welled up deep in Angie's heart.
Seeing that he has recovered so completely despite being confined to his home for such a long time, there is definitely hope for Kai too. Kai will definitely get better.
“Nice to meet you, my name is Angie.”
She was so happy about that fact that she smiled broadly without realizing it. Michael’s purple eyes were strange. Perhaps he misunderstood it as an enthusiastic welcome for him. But it didn’t matter. Right now, her mind was full of Kai’s recovered appearance, and she had no time to look at anything else.
“If it’s okay, could you guide me starting from the first floor? It’s so big and complicated like a maze, so I think I need to roughly understand the layout so I don’t get lost starting tomorrow. I had a hard time getting here earlier.”
“Ah... Then I’ll tell my parents to go first. Please wait.”
“Yes. I’ll wait!”
Michael's purple eyes folded gently. It was a clear smile like the sky breaking through the snow. True to his name, which was modeled after the archangel, his face was filled with bright energy like sunlight, and there was not a single shadow on it. That fact made Angie's heart flutter again.
Kai, you too will definitely transform into such a healthy and energetic person. If that happens, I couldn't ask for anything more.
Angie really had no wish. He said he was thinking of going public with his relationship with her, but at the time, it might have been something he said out of emotion. And he didn't even propose. A proposal is something Angie couldn't even hope for.
But...
Angie followed Mrs. Dunst down the hallway and suddenly stopped. Suddenly, her heart pounded, aching. Just the word “Duchess” made her heart flutter and a heavy sadness took its place.
Kai's wife...the Duchess of Blackwell.
Just thinking about the unknown woman standing next to Kai one day in the future made her feel like her feet were collapsing from the sense of loss. She couldn't even dare to wish for it, but she didn't think she could bear the reality of another woman besides the master. She just couldn't bring herself to accept it.
When the young master announces their relationship... is that a statement with the future in mind? When he emphasized that his mother, Eugenia, was not a noblewoman, was that also a hint at the possibility of marriage?
Angie's heart was pounding. She tried to calm herself down, telling herself not to expect too much. But she couldn't stop her heart from beating faster and faster on its own.
***
A fortnight had passed since the funeral. A strange atmosphere hung over the mansion that had lost its head of household. A stillness that pretended to be peaceful, and an air of danger somewhere, there was always suspicion and anxiety about the health of the next head of household.
The current state of Kyle Loden Blackwell was like a light in the wind. Friends who sometimes followed their parents to the Duke's residence on business would always ask Angie whether he was alive or dead.
“Master Kyle is still in the annex? What should I do? He needs to get better soon....”
It was late in the afternoon, and Emma and Marissa, who had not seen each other for a long time, were sitting in Angie's maid's bedroom, chatting about various things. They always started by asking about the master's well-being and recent events.
“Yeah. He's taking a new medicine that the doctor recently researched, but it doesn’t seem to be helping yet...”
As promised, Angie never mentioned anything about the lunar cycle that her mother had previously mentioned or the worst-case scenario where she might have to risk her life by going off the island to seek treatment when the cycle changes.
A heavy, gloomy silence flowed. Perhaps thinking that she needed to change the mood, Marissa got up from her chair and looked around the small room.
“Wow. This is my first time in a maid’s room, and it looks like this! It’s so clean. The lacquer is new, and the windows are so pretty. The sunlight comes in well, so it doesn’t feel like a semi-basement.”
“Yes. The location is right in front of the arboretum, so you can see the trees and flowers well. You can also see a bit of the lake, and at night, the moonlight reflects on the surface, making it very pretty.”
“Oh, right. There’s a new servant that came in recently. He’s Mrs. Hester’s nephew, you know? He’s really handsome. What do you think? I was surprised to see his purple eyes!”
“That’s right, that’s right! Michael Randall. He looks like an angel, just like his name suggests. And his personality is like that too?”
At Emma's question, Marissa also perked up her ears and sat back down. Both of their faces sparkled with eyes as if this was also part of the purpose of their visit.
“Yes, he has a good personality. He’s kind and affectionate... He’s good at his job, and he’s always bright and positive, so everyone likes him. Mrs. Dunst was particularly picky at first and tended to watch him for a long time, but she seemed to trust him right away.”
“Angie. So, do you think they might need another maid? Even just temporarily?”
“Huh? Well... well.”
“Couldn’t you ask Mrs. Dunst? If they need anything, you can recommend me...”
“Oh, me too! I’m better than Emma in many ways. I have stronger arms and I’m better at sewing and doing laundry!”
“Marissa! What are you talking about? You promised me last time that you wouldn’t do maid work. And now you’re saying-”
“At the time, I thought it would be too hard! But when I saw Angie, it didn’t seem like that was necessarily the case.”
“Have you forgotten? Angie was originally meant to be the master’s companion, so Mrs. Dunst doesn’t ask her to do chores.”
“Guys, stop now. Calm down and drink your tea first. We have to go back in ten minutes. Should I get you some more cookies?”
It was when Angie sighed and stood up, holding her empty plate.
Knock, knock, the girls who had been muttering turned toward the door. Angie put her index finger to her lips and shut her friends' mouths.
“Shhh! Mrs. Dunst might be trying to warn you that you’re being noisy.”
Fortunately, it was quiet when Angie answered yes, and at the same time pulled the doorknob. Michael was standing in front of the door. As usual, his relaxed and cheerful face and sparkling purple eyes were full of life. Angie could hear Emma and Marissa sighing behind her.
“Oh, there were guests! I’m so sorry. Mrs. Dunst asked me to organize Master Edward’s study, but I don’t know how to properly arrange the bookshelves...”
“Ahh... I’ll help you. Just a moment.”
The moment she turned his head to send her friends off, she was startled. The two women had already come up close behind her and were staring intently at Michael. There was a clear purpose behind their bright smiles as if they had made a promise.
“Michael, over here...”
Angie gave up and introduced him to her friends. Fortunately, Michael treated the girls with a friendly attitude without showing any signs of displeasure. He didn't stop there and even escorted them to the front door on their way to the study. It was obvious how much the kids would chatter about him on the way home.
“Shhh! Mrs. Dunst might be trying to warn you that you’re being noisy.”
Fortunately, it was quiet when Angie answered yes, and at the same time pulled the doorknob. Michael was standing in front of the door. As usual, his relaxed and cheerful face and sparkling purple eyes were full of life. Angie could hear Emma and Marissa sighing behind her.
“Oh, there were guests! I’m so sorry. Mrs. Dunst asked me to organize Master Edward’s study, but I don’t know how to properly arrange the bookshelves...”
“Ahh... I’ll help you. Just a moment.”
The moment she turned his head to send her friends off, she was startled. The two women had already come up close behind her and were staring intently at Michael. There was a clear purpose behind their bright smiles as if they had made a promise.
“Michael, over here...”
Angie gave up and introduced him to her friends. Fortunately, Michael treated the girls with a friendly attitude without showing any signs of displeasure. He didn't stop there and even escorted them to the front door on their way to the study. It was obvious how much the kids would chatter about him on the way home.
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