“You’re going back right away?”
Baron Herzig was surprised by Roderick's words, saying that he would leave without even staying one night, even though he must be tired after coming a long way.
“Yes, my wife will also want to see our daughter soon.”
Roderick nodded and answered again.
At first, it seemed blunt, but as he continued to look, he realized that joy was overflowing from his face.
“Oh, I see. I imagine the Duchess must be very anxious.”
The Baron nodded with a look of complete understanding. As a parent himself, he understood the sentiment perfectly.
“...Thank you so much for finding my child. You are a benefactor to our family.”
“I am not a benefactor. I simply did what I was supposed to do as a human being.”
It wasn't humility, it was genuine. Baron Herzig truly believed so. Helping those in difficult circumstances was a human duty.
"Even so, there aren't many people in the world who truly live up to their duty. I truly respect you."
The Baron, having been praised so highly by the Duke of Weishaffen, the imperial hero he had always admired, blushed even to the point of redness. He was so flushed that it felt as if summer had returned.
"I really want to thank you. I hope you don't refuse."
“That’s an example, isn’t it...”
When Roderick began to speak in a serious voice, Baron Herzig waved his hand, saying that he had not asked for a reward.
"No, you must accept it. I suppose you don't want rumors to spread that the Duke of Weishaffen was mean to his benefactor."
“Oh, that’s right...”
Indeed, if that were the case, the kind-hearted Baron Herzig couldn't refuse. Shouldn't this be done to tarnish the prestige of the Duke of Weishaffen, the protector of the Empire?
“Well, then... can I ask you one favor?”
The Baron, still blushing, touched the back of his head as if embarrassed and opened his mouth.
“Say anything.”
“That is... I have a daughter who turned seventeen this year. I feel sorry that I, her father, am unable to see the wider world due to my incompetence and am confined to this territory... So... I would like you to accept her as your maid.”
"Heh heh," Baron Herzig said with a friendly smile. It was a proposal he had already discussed with Lisa, the person involved.
There was another reason, not just the one he mentioned. It was also for Aila, who was suddenly thrust into a new environment.
Even if they are your biological parents, how difficult would it be to be left alone in an unfamiliar place with strangers?
Lisa was the first to suggest this, thinking that it would be comforting to see even one familiar face there.
“...Maid.”
In fact, it was not uncommon for high-ranking noble families to take in a noble young lady as a maid and keep her company. This was especially true for poor families like Baron Herzig.
If you have experience working as a maid in a famous family, you may find a good match.
Of course, it would not be the case that someone with a strong personality like the Baron would take his daughter as a maid based on such calculations, but it was not a bad proposal that would be beneficial to both the Baron and the Duke.
There was Laura, who had been hired to be Aila's maid, but it wouldn't have been bad to have at least one more noble person to talk to.
“Then let’s do that.”
Although he was concerned about making a decision without consulting his wife, after experiencing Lisa's personality, which was just like the Baron's, she would understand why Roderick made that decision.
The matter was decided so quickly.
Roderick and Aila will go back first, and Lisa will follow after getting ready to leave.
Since he came here on horseback, he had no choice but to borrow the Baron's carriage on his way back.
"Are you sure you're alright, Your Excellency? Please wait and then take the Duke's carriage."
The carriage was too shabby for a Duke to ride in, so the Baron fidgeted, not knowing what to do.
“It’s okay. I have to go back quickly.”
Roderick shrugged, as if nothing had happened, having seen worse on the battlefield.
Of course, he couldn't tolerate the benefactor who had helped him find his daughter riding in such an uncomfortable carriage, so he planned to send him back in a much better carriage.
“See you later, Lisa.”
“Yes, Miss.”
And on the other hand, the girls were saying goodbye and looking forward to the future.
The title was the complete opposite of what it was when they first met.
Aila had memories of her past life, so it wasn't awkward at all, but Lisa felt the same way. Strangely enough, it was as if she had instinctively known from the beginning that Aila was the lady she was meant to serve.
'I found Aila. We're on our way back together.'
Ophelia ran her finger over the message from her husband, engraved on the paper. In disbelief, she reread it several times, but the content remained unchanged.
Aila is returning home. After a full 11 years and 10 months.
Just as she promised, she would definitely return to their side.
It would take quite some time to travel here from the Herzig estate, far from the capital, but Ophelia felt as if she would soon be able to meet her longed-for daughter.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
As she was checking her husband's messages over and over again, the butler who had answered her call came to see her.
Ophelia opened her mouth, trying to calm her voice, which was trembling with pleasant excitement.
“I have something to prepare urgently.”
“What is it? Please ask.”
“I need to decorate my daughter’s... Aila’s room, so please have it ready within a few days.”
At first, the butler looked dumbfounded at the landlady's words, unable to understand her instructions.
It was the same for Ophelia. The words came out of her own mouth, but she was equally taken aback.
And after a while, surprise and joy began to spread across the butler's face at the same time.
“So, His Excellency, what happened when he came down here...? This time, he really came looking for the young lady!”
The butler's eyes turned red as he said, "It's really a good thing."
He was one of the few who knew that Roderick's outing was to check on a tip that Aila had been found.
But the reason he was so surprised was that he hadn't expected much. Thanks to the countless false reports he's received, he assumed it would be the same this time.
"Yes, that's how it is. So, we need to get the immediate necessities ready. We can gradually get the rest ready."
Ophelia couldn't give her daughter a guest room when she returned home after nearly twelve years, and she couldn't give her the room she'd used when she was two.
This was because, at Ophelia's instruction, she left it as it was 12 years ago, worried that any trace of her daughter might disappear.
So, in that room, there was still a baby's crib and toys for children to play with.
As time passed, it was time to fill the faded baby's room with the belongings of a young woman in her teens.
"Yes, I will, Madam. Oh, and if the young lady happens to want to see her old room, would it be okay if I leave it as is and decorate another room?"
The butler asked in a slightly excited voice.
Although Aila couldn't possibly remember being two, she wanted to show her how much they missed her.
"Yeah, that wouldn't be bad either. I'd like a room with a nice view, please."
Ophelia nodded and smiled contentedly. Overjoyed at having her daughter back, she felt like she could readily accept anything anyone said.
“Yes, then I will take my leave now.”
The butler, who suddenly had a lot of work to do, said goodbye as he left.
And Ophelia gave the butler, who already had a lot to do, another task.
“Oh, could you please call Laura on the way?”
“Are you talking about Laura? Yes, I understand.”
Although she had only been working at the Dukes for a short time, Laura was honest and trustworthy, having earned the trust of not only Ophelia but also the other employees.
From the time she first hired her, she had planned to leave Aila in her care when she returned.
So, she thought it would be best to tell Laura in advance before she arrived. Wouldn't Laura be flustered if she were suddenly ordered to change positions?
And a little while later, Laura came to find her with a slightly nervous expression.
Of course, she wasn't really nervous; it was just a fake expression.
She had already heard that Aila would soon be sent to the Duke's residence, so she knew that the day would soon come when the Duchess would call for her separately.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
“Sit here, Laura.”
Laura sat down on the sofa as Ophelia had instructed, and gave her the most polite expression she could muster.
"So, is the work okay? Are you having any trouble adjusting?"
“Yes, ma'am. Thankfully, everyone has been so kind to me, so I'm having a comfortable time.”
Although Laura was thinking to herself, 'Let's get to the point quickly and stop wasting time on pointless greetings,' she answered in a gentle voice.
"You said you were serving the Marquis's daughter at your previous home. Your duties have changed completely. Aren't you uncomfortable?"
“It’s uncomfortable, but it’s so much fun learning new things.”
Laura smiled shyly, hiding her dark inner feelings, and waved her palm.
She can clearly see that Ophelia is gradually moving towards the topic she wants, so how can she not laugh?
"Still, wouldn't it be nice if you could do something you're familiar with? Actually... I found our lost daughter. I thought you'd be a good help to her."
"Oh my, really? Congratulations, Madam. Of course, if you leave it to me, I'll do my best to assist the young lady!"
Laura covered her mouth and smiled brightly as she congratulated her. Behind her smile, however, she hid a terrible plan.
'That child will lead you to ruin.'
Baron Herzig was surprised by Roderick's words, saying that he would leave without even staying one night, even though he must be tired after coming a long way.
“Yes, my wife will also want to see our daughter soon.”
Roderick nodded and answered again.
At first, it seemed blunt, but as he continued to look, he realized that joy was overflowing from his face.
“Oh, I see. I imagine the Duchess must be very anxious.”
The Baron nodded with a look of complete understanding. As a parent himself, he understood the sentiment perfectly.
“...Thank you so much for finding my child. You are a benefactor to our family.”
“I am not a benefactor. I simply did what I was supposed to do as a human being.”
It wasn't humility, it was genuine. Baron Herzig truly believed so. Helping those in difficult circumstances was a human duty.
"Even so, there aren't many people in the world who truly live up to their duty. I truly respect you."
The Baron, having been praised so highly by the Duke of Weishaffen, the imperial hero he had always admired, blushed even to the point of redness. He was so flushed that it felt as if summer had returned.
"I really want to thank you. I hope you don't refuse."
“That’s an example, isn’t it...”
When Roderick began to speak in a serious voice, Baron Herzig waved his hand, saying that he had not asked for a reward.
"No, you must accept it. I suppose you don't want rumors to spread that the Duke of Weishaffen was mean to his benefactor."
“Oh, that’s right...”
Indeed, if that were the case, the kind-hearted Baron Herzig couldn't refuse. Shouldn't this be done to tarnish the prestige of the Duke of Weishaffen, the protector of the Empire?
“Well, then... can I ask you one favor?”
The Baron, still blushing, touched the back of his head as if embarrassed and opened his mouth.
“Say anything.”
“That is... I have a daughter who turned seventeen this year. I feel sorry that I, her father, am unable to see the wider world due to my incompetence and am confined to this territory... So... I would like you to accept her as your maid.”
"Heh heh," Baron Herzig said with a friendly smile. It was a proposal he had already discussed with Lisa, the person involved.
There was another reason, not just the one he mentioned. It was also for Aila, who was suddenly thrust into a new environment.
Even if they are your biological parents, how difficult would it be to be left alone in an unfamiliar place with strangers?
Lisa was the first to suggest this, thinking that it would be comforting to see even one familiar face there.
“...Maid.”
In fact, it was not uncommon for high-ranking noble families to take in a noble young lady as a maid and keep her company. This was especially true for poor families like Baron Herzig.
If you have experience working as a maid in a famous family, you may find a good match.
Of course, it would not be the case that someone with a strong personality like the Baron would take his daughter as a maid based on such calculations, but it was not a bad proposal that would be beneficial to both the Baron and the Duke.
There was Laura, who had been hired to be Aila's maid, but it wouldn't have been bad to have at least one more noble person to talk to.
“Then let’s do that.”
Although he was concerned about making a decision without consulting his wife, after experiencing Lisa's personality, which was just like the Baron's, she would understand why Roderick made that decision.
The matter was decided so quickly.
Roderick and Aila will go back first, and Lisa will follow after getting ready to leave.
Since he came here on horseback, he had no choice but to borrow the Baron's carriage on his way back.
"Are you sure you're alright, Your Excellency? Please wait and then take the Duke's carriage."
The carriage was too shabby for a Duke to ride in, so the Baron fidgeted, not knowing what to do.
“It’s okay. I have to go back quickly.”
Roderick shrugged, as if nothing had happened, having seen worse on the battlefield.
Of course, he couldn't tolerate the benefactor who had helped him find his daughter riding in such an uncomfortable carriage, so he planned to send him back in a much better carriage.
“See you later, Lisa.”
“Yes, Miss.”
And on the other hand, the girls were saying goodbye and looking forward to the future.
The title was the complete opposite of what it was when they first met.
Aila had memories of her past life, so it wasn't awkward at all, but Lisa felt the same way. Strangely enough, it was as if she had instinctively known from the beginning that Aila was the lady she was meant to serve.
***
'I found Aila. We're on our way back together.'
Ophelia ran her finger over the message from her husband, engraved on the paper. In disbelief, she reread it several times, but the content remained unchanged.
Aila is returning home. After a full 11 years and 10 months.
Just as she promised, she would definitely return to their side.
It would take quite some time to travel here from the Herzig estate, far from the capital, but Ophelia felt as if she would soon be able to meet her longed-for daughter.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
As she was checking her husband's messages over and over again, the butler who had answered her call came to see her.
Ophelia opened her mouth, trying to calm her voice, which was trembling with pleasant excitement.
“I have something to prepare urgently.”
“What is it? Please ask.”
“I need to decorate my daughter’s... Aila’s room, so please have it ready within a few days.”
At first, the butler looked dumbfounded at the landlady's words, unable to understand her instructions.
It was the same for Ophelia. The words came out of her own mouth, but she was equally taken aback.
And after a while, surprise and joy began to spread across the butler's face at the same time.
“So, His Excellency, what happened when he came down here...? This time, he really came looking for the young lady!”
The butler's eyes turned red as he said, "It's really a good thing."
He was one of the few who knew that Roderick's outing was to check on a tip that Aila had been found.
But the reason he was so surprised was that he hadn't expected much. Thanks to the countless false reports he's received, he assumed it would be the same this time.
"Yes, that's how it is. So, we need to get the immediate necessities ready. We can gradually get the rest ready."
Ophelia couldn't give her daughter a guest room when she returned home after nearly twelve years, and she couldn't give her the room she'd used when she was two.
This was because, at Ophelia's instruction, she left it as it was 12 years ago, worried that any trace of her daughter might disappear.
So, in that room, there was still a baby's crib and toys for children to play with.
As time passed, it was time to fill the faded baby's room with the belongings of a young woman in her teens.
"Yes, I will, Madam. Oh, and if the young lady happens to want to see her old room, would it be okay if I leave it as is and decorate another room?"
The butler asked in a slightly excited voice.
Although Aila couldn't possibly remember being two, she wanted to show her how much they missed her.
"Yeah, that wouldn't be bad either. I'd like a room with a nice view, please."
Ophelia nodded and smiled contentedly. Overjoyed at having her daughter back, she felt like she could readily accept anything anyone said.
“Yes, then I will take my leave now.”
The butler, who suddenly had a lot of work to do, said goodbye as he left.
And Ophelia gave the butler, who already had a lot to do, another task.
“Oh, could you please call Laura on the way?”
“Are you talking about Laura? Yes, I understand.”
Although she had only been working at the Dukes for a short time, Laura was honest and trustworthy, having earned the trust of not only Ophelia but also the other employees.
From the time she first hired her, she had planned to leave Aila in her care when she returned.
So, she thought it would be best to tell Laura in advance before she arrived. Wouldn't Laura be flustered if she were suddenly ordered to change positions?
And a little while later, Laura came to find her with a slightly nervous expression.
Of course, she wasn't really nervous; it was just a fake expression.
She had already heard that Aila would soon be sent to the Duke's residence, so she knew that the day would soon come when the Duchess would call for her separately.
“Did you call, ma’am?”
“Sit here, Laura.”
Laura sat down on the sofa as Ophelia had instructed, and gave her the most polite expression she could muster.
"So, is the work okay? Are you having any trouble adjusting?"
“Yes, ma'am. Thankfully, everyone has been so kind to me, so I'm having a comfortable time.”
Although Laura was thinking to herself, 'Let's get to the point quickly and stop wasting time on pointless greetings,' she answered in a gentle voice.
"You said you were serving the Marquis's daughter at your previous home. Your duties have changed completely. Aren't you uncomfortable?"
“It’s uncomfortable, but it’s so much fun learning new things.”
Laura smiled shyly, hiding her dark inner feelings, and waved her palm.
She can clearly see that Ophelia is gradually moving towards the topic she wants, so how can she not laugh?
"Still, wouldn't it be nice if you could do something you're familiar with? Actually... I found our lost daughter. I thought you'd be a good help to her."
"Oh my, really? Congratulations, Madam. Of course, if you leave it to me, I'll do my best to assist the young lady!"
Laura covered her mouth and smiled brightly as she congratulated her. Behind her smile, however, she hid a terrible plan.
'That child will lead you to ruin.'
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