“But they only have five servants...”
The reason was obvious: Julian didn't like having people around.
Yesterday, I said I couldn't live on five, but I was more of a joke. If I had a body made of stone like Julian's, I wouldn't want anyone around me either.
“I’ll go and have a chat with His Highness the Grand Duke.”
I tried to get up, but instead sat down. The butler quickly approached and handed me a wheelchair. My face flushed red, thinking it was unusual.
“Get better soon!”
"Stability is crucial for a smooth recovery. Aren't you going to have your wedding soon?"
The butler gently urged me. I had no choice but to sit in the wheelchair with Anna's help. After moving a bit, I gave instructions to the butler standing next to me.
"Sneak some of the existing servants into the recruited group without anyone knowing. And instruct them to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious."
The butler smiled softly. His wrinkled face always held a slight smile, but this time it was deeper.
“Is there anyone you have any doubts about?”
"No. It's just that it's better to be thorough in everything. As the number of people increases, all sorts of things are bound to happen."
The butler led the way up the stairs leading to the fourth floor. He seemed concerned about the condition of my legs.
“I will bring His Highness.”
"It's okay. I was just trying to buy some time. I know he's busy with work, so don't bother him."
"Yes."
At my command, the butler bowed deeply. It was a greeting more deeply rooted in respect than wariness toward the unfamiliar hostess. I was deeply relieved, but I pretended to be calm as I accepted the greeting.
I waited in the hallway for a moment. The butler's attendant returned and reported that the work was finished.
“You may go now.”
"Great."
As Anna turned the wheelchair, a polite voice came from behind her.
“You are the mistress of this mansion, so please speak to me at your convenience.”
I turned around and smiled.
“I will. Please take good care of me, butler.”
“I also ask you to take good care of His Highness the Grand Duke.”
The butler was still smiling. His smile was free of sinister elements, revealing pride in his profession. His gentle yet sharp disposition was also evident.
I liked that experienced butler. It was a good thing he didn't seem to dislike me either.
The selection of servants was based on a brief interview. While letters of introduction were often used, if no such letter was available, character was assessed. While work can be learned, character cannot be acquired. What couldn't be confirmed in the interview was confirmed through the presence of the servants we placed there.
“You are good at choosing people.”
The butler who was standing next to me and helping me said this. I just smiled.
I was already the mistress of the Marquis Amber in my previous life. Once you've done something, you can do it better the next time.
“Butler, how many servants were originally in charge of the 4th floor?”
“A maid and I were in charge.”
"That won't do. Let the butler supervise the servants, and send two more servants to the fourth floor."
“...I don’t know if His Highness will permit it.”
“I’ll try to persuade him.”
The butler nodded silently at my words. In fact, three was too few. However, knowing Julian might dislike it, he had reduced the number in his own way.
"The Grand Duke only uses three servants, so I can't afford to employ more. I'll use three, too. Anna is my personal maid, so I'll leave her out. Butler, of the five existing servants, chose the smartest one as head chamberlain. Of the remaining four, send three to the fourth floor and one to the third. Do you understand what I mean?"
The closer they got to the fourth floor, the more likely they were to deploy existing staff. That would be less inconvenient for Julian, too. The butler bowed deeply, as if he understood what I meant.
"The rest will manage the first and second floors. I'll assign the most people to the first floor and have them set up the tables in the garden."
The butler listened intently to my rapidly progressing instructions. Then, with a satisfied expression, he stepped outside.
Anna, who was standing next to me, said excitedly.
“It seems the butler likes the young lady.”
“That’s fortunate.”
I got out of the wheelchair and sat back down on the bed. Anna gently massaged my feet. Fortunately, the swelling had gone down, and they looked better than yesterday. I'll be able to run around and play around before the wedding.
“When is my family supposed to come?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
The family was due the day after tomorrow, and the wedding was the day after that. Until then, I had a lot to do. I had to decorate the hall with newly hired attendants and oversee the wedding meal. I also had to check my wedding dress and Julian's tuxedo.
I could tell just by looking at my dress that I had prepared it myself.
But Julian's tuxedo was something I'd never seen before. He was fitted with an asymmetrical cloak draped over it. It seemed to match the everyday attire covering one side of his body. Lifting the cloak revealed a suit with a wider waist than the other.
“What are you doing?”
I turned around in surprise at the voice I heard from behind me.
“Oh, I was checking Your Highness’s tuxedo.”
Julian approached me slowly, looking at me, as if a large beast were careful not to startle a smaller one.
I approached him a little closer and grabbed his arm. Then the large beast, startled, came running easily.
"This cloak. I think it's cool, but I'm worried it might be too hot in this weather. Should I take it off?"
“I don’t want to.”
“I see. I was just wondering.”
I pouted once and then touched the tuxedo's cloak again. The cloak was certainly impressive. The design could have easily been comical, but his tall stature made it seem even more majestic and imposing.
“This is cool too, I like it. Oh, but why are you here?”
“I heard you were here.”
I blinked at those words.
“I came here to tell you to stop running around the mansion all day.”
His tone was cold. But his gaze was fixed on my ankles. I rolled my eyes and sat down in a nearby chair.
“Is this okay?”
Then Julian sighed as if he was upset and put his hand on his head.
“If you want me to hug you at the wedding hall, you can keep walking around.”
“I like that too, because it seems romantic.”
“You are...”
The reason was obvious: Julian didn't like having people around.
Yesterday, I said I couldn't live on five, but I was more of a joke. If I had a body made of stone like Julian's, I wouldn't want anyone around me either.
“I’ll go and have a chat with His Highness the Grand Duke.”
I tried to get up, but instead sat down. The butler quickly approached and handed me a wheelchair. My face flushed red, thinking it was unusual.
“Get better soon!”
"Stability is crucial for a smooth recovery. Aren't you going to have your wedding soon?"
The butler gently urged me. I had no choice but to sit in the wheelchair with Anna's help. After moving a bit, I gave instructions to the butler standing next to me.
"Sneak some of the existing servants into the recruited group without anyone knowing. And instruct them to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious."
The butler smiled softly. His wrinkled face always held a slight smile, but this time it was deeper.
“Is there anyone you have any doubts about?”
"No. It's just that it's better to be thorough in everything. As the number of people increases, all sorts of things are bound to happen."
The butler led the way up the stairs leading to the fourth floor. He seemed concerned about the condition of my legs.
“I will bring His Highness.”
"It's okay. I was just trying to buy some time. I know he's busy with work, so don't bother him."
"Yes."
At my command, the butler bowed deeply. It was a greeting more deeply rooted in respect than wariness toward the unfamiliar hostess. I was deeply relieved, but I pretended to be calm as I accepted the greeting.
I waited in the hallway for a moment. The butler's attendant returned and reported that the work was finished.
“You may go now.”
"Great."
As Anna turned the wheelchair, a polite voice came from behind her.
“You are the mistress of this mansion, so please speak to me at your convenience.”
I turned around and smiled.
“I will. Please take good care of me, butler.”
“I also ask you to take good care of His Highness the Grand Duke.”
The butler was still smiling. His smile was free of sinister elements, revealing pride in his profession. His gentle yet sharp disposition was also evident.
I liked that experienced butler. It was a good thing he didn't seem to dislike me either.
The selection of servants was based on a brief interview. While letters of introduction were often used, if no such letter was available, character was assessed. While work can be learned, character cannot be acquired. What couldn't be confirmed in the interview was confirmed through the presence of the servants we placed there.
“You are good at choosing people.”
The butler who was standing next to me and helping me said this. I just smiled.
I was already the mistress of the Marquis Amber in my previous life. Once you've done something, you can do it better the next time.
“Butler, how many servants were originally in charge of the 4th floor?”
“A maid and I were in charge.”
"That won't do. Let the butler supervise the servants, and send two more servants to the fourth floor."
“...I don’t know if His Highness will permit it.”
“I’ll try to persuade him.”
The butler nodded silently at my words. In fact, three was too few. However, knowing Julian might dislike it, he had reduced the number in his own way.
"The Grand Duke only uses three servants, so I can't afford to employ more. I'll use three, too. Anna is my personal maid, so I'll leave her out. Butler, of the five existing servants, chose the smartest one as head chamberlain. Of the remaining four, send three to the fourth floor and one to the third. Do you understand what I mean?"
The closer they got to the fourth floor, the more likely they were to deploy existing staff. That would be less inconvenient for Julian, too. The butler bowed deeply, as if he understood what I meant.
"The rest will manage the first and second floors. I'll assign the most people to the first floor and have them set up the tables in the garden."
The butler listened intently to my rapidly progressing instructions. Then, with a satisfied expression, he stepped outside.
Anna, who was standing next to me, said excitedly.
“It seems the butler likes the young lady.”
“That’s fortunate.”
I got out of the wheelchair and sat back down on the bed. Anna gently massaged my feet. Fortunately, the swelling had gone down, and they looked better than yesterday. I'll be able to run around and play around before the wedding.
“When is my family supposed to come?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
The family was due the day after tomorrow, and the wedding was the day after that. Until then, I had a lot to do. I had to decorate the hall with newly hired attendants and oversee the wedding meal. I also had to check my wedding dress and Julian's tuxedo.
I could tell just by looking at my dress that I had prepared it myself.
But Julian's tuxedo was something I'd never seen before. He was fitted with an asymmetrical cloak draped over it. It seemed to match the everyday attire covering one side of his body. Lifting the cloak revealed a suit with a wider waist than the other.
“What are you doing?”
I turned around in surprise at the voice I heard from behind me.
“Oh, I was checking Your Highness’s tuxedo.”
Julian approached me slowly, looking at me, as if a large beast were careful not to startle a smaller one.
I approached him a little closer and grabbed his arm. Then the large beast, startled, came running easily.
"This cloak. I think it's cool, but I'm worried it might be too hot in this weather. Should I take it off?"
“I don’t want to.”
“I see. I was just wondering.”
I pouted once and then touched the tuxedo's cloak again. The cloak was certainly impressive. The design could have easily been comical, but his tall stature made it seem even more majestic and imposing.
“This is cool too, I like it. Oh, but why are you here?”
“I heard you were here.”
I blinked at those words.
“I came here to tell you to stop running around the mansion all day.”
His tone was cold. But his gaze was fixed on my ankles. I rolled my eyes and sat down in a nearby chair.
“Is this okay?”
Then Julian sighed as if he was upset and put his hand on his head.
“If you want me to hug you at the wedding hall, you can keep walking around.”
“I like that too, because it seems romantic.”
“You are...”
Julian's lips moved as if he were about to say something. I watched his lips intently. Watching his red lips move, I felt a yearning to see the other half of him hidden beneath his mask.
Julian asked slowly, perhaps sensing my gaze on him.
“Aren’t you afraid of me?”
His demeanor was cautious. His occasionally cold demeanor was so delicate, like glass, that I forgot all about it. I suppressed a laugh and asked.
“Do you know that?”
A question mark seemed to cross Julian's face. I spoke to him.
“Your Highness is quite handsome.”
At my words, Julian laughed with a look of disbelief.
“You are...”
That was what he'd said earlier. Julian seemed to realize it too, and instead of continuing, he shook his head. Then he left. Before leaving the room, he didn't forget to nudge me, saying, "Walk around a bit."
“And you're also affectionate.”
I whispered into the air. Feeling even more embarrassed than before, I touched my cheek without thinking.
Then I slapped my cheeks with his palm so hard that I heard a slap.
'It's my wedding soon. And it's a political marriage. But what on earth am I thinking?'
I didn't understand myself and just shook my head for a long time.
***
A day later, I was busy preparing to welcome my family, and a day later, I was busy welcoming my family.
Arriving at the Duke of Duchzan's residence, the family seemed surprised by the unexpectedly lively atmosphere. Though they were polite and reserved, they couldn't hide their admiration. It seemed they hadn't imagined the Duke of Duchzan's residence to be so magnificent and beautiful.
My family must have been worried, as if they were sending me to a remote area, but that wasn't the case. The lamb and mushrooms from Duchzan's estate, in particular, were the most fragrant in the world.
And on the wedding day, a beautiful and grand hall welcomed the guests, utterly dispelling the family's worries. I sat in the bridal waiting room and listened to the many ladies' words of encouragement.
The ladies all opened their mouths with the same words, "I had no idea Duchzan was so beautiful." I thought the same thing, so I nodded in agreement, thinking, "Everyone's eyes are the same."
After a group of people left, I leaned over to Anna and asked.
“How is His Highness the Grand Duke doing?”
"He said he'd like to go inside. It's too much trouble to greet guests. Instead, the butler and his aide are here."
“I see. How is he feeling?”
“I didn’t see it myself, but they said it was just like usual?”
I guess I wasn't particularly nervous or anything. Strangely, I felt worried, like a child left at the water's edge. With so many people around, was he okay?
But soon after the wedding took place, and the moment I entered the venue, all my worries disappeared.
The man visible through the veil was more handsome than ever. The mask, meticulously crafted by a master craftsman, and the cloak, which I'd assumed would be a nuisance, were both magnificent. I followed my father's hand and whispered.
“Don’t worry, Father. My husband is a wonderful man.”
Enough to worry about falling in love.
Comments
Post a Comment