𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬’𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The Marchioness’s statement
Returning to the Marchioness, I reported that Lord Montyver had gone home.
ㅤ
“He left quietly, didn’t he?”
“Well, yes. . . . . .Yes.”
ㅤ
Though I was uncertain whether to acknowledge his departure as ‘quiet’, I nodded in agreement as he did not persistently interfere.
ㅤ
“I’m sorry about Leon. It was the first time he showed interest in others, so I couldn’t strongly dissuade him.”
ㅤ
Although I felt she had sufficiently discouraged him, it seemed she intended to go easy on him.
ㅤ
“Did that upset you?”
ㅤ
Not knowing how to articulate my feelings towards him, I ended up giving a vague smile.
ㅤ
But this was the first time he behaved like that in front of the Marchioness.
I had assumed that he indiscriminately flirted with women.
ㅤ
“But I was surprised. Despite knowing you’re married, he made advances like that.”
ㅤ
Apparently, the Marchioness had been suspicious that Lord Montyver had no interest in women.
ㅤ
“Wasn’t he 26 this year? I thought it was time he got married, so I’ve invited ladies over a few times.”
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It seems that even the beautiful daughters from noble families had been invited, but if they found out he had prior commitments, they’d promptly turn on their heels and leave.
ㅤ
“Even when I said, ‘She’s a potential match for Leon’, he showed no interest.”
ㅤ
The fact that the Marchioness goes to such lengths may suggest their relationship is more than just tea-drinking friends.
Unless something major happened, one wouldn’t bother finding a spouse for someone else.
There must be a strong bond of some kind.
ㅤ
“Leon is of good standing, acknowledged for his work by Prince Ghodrove, and is so serious that he was promoted to the captain of the royal guard at a young age. You might not believe it after seeing his behavior earlier.”
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At present, I couldn’t imagine Lord Montyver earnestly carrying out his knightly duties.
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“If you were to divorce your husband in Vulcano and wish to remarry, I thought he would be a good partner.”
“I see――that was it.”
ㅤ
It seems the Marchioness had even considered dispatching someone to Vulcano if I had said I wanted a divorce.
ㅤ
“But because you looked at me with eyes like a discarded cat, I couldn’t propose it then and there.”
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Not only Lord Montyver, but the Marchioness also seemed to see me as a cat. . . . . .
It was a complex feeling.
ㅤ
“Why did the Marchioness consider it to that extent?”
“When you’ve lived this long, you come to understand what kind of person someone is just by making eye contact. I saw sincerity in your eyes and thought you were a woman who could handle Leon. However, I didn’t anticipate your stubbornness.”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Thanks to you, I was able to understand your character and resolve. It was good that Leon came.”
ㅤ
The Marchioness turned away and said, “Make sure you work hard.”
It was a blunt attitude, but her words somehow felt warm.
I bowed deeply and replied, “I will serve with all my heart and soul.”
ㅤ
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
ㅤ
Florenci was instructed to be brought to the conservatory where the Marchioness is.
It seemed that it was alright to study at the table that Marchioness was using.
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“Um, are you sure that’s okay?”
“It doesn’t matter. There aren’t many people in this mansion, and I’m the only one watching.”
ㅤ
Even though I thought it would be a bother, I was told, “It’s an order. Bring the child.”
After explaining carefully to Florenci not to disturb Marchioness, I led him to the main house.
Carrying teaching materials in both hands, Florenci greeted Marchioness.
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“Hello, Marchioness. My name is Ren. Pleased to meet you.”
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When he bowed his head, he dropped his textbooks on the floor.
“Whoa!”
ㅤ
While Florenci was gathering the books, a chuckle was heard.
It was Marchioness, who always had a frown on her face, laughing.
When he looked at her in disbelief, he was scolded, “Pick it up quickly.”
ㅤ
Marchioness was watching Florenci, who had started studying, with gentle eyes.
There seemed to be no need to worry as Florenci didn’t seem to be shrinking.
ㅤ
Next, let me introduce Ga-chan.
ㅤ
“Marchioness, this is Galatona, the spider fairy I have contracted with.”
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Despite fearing that hearing it was a spider fairy might scare her, Marchioness was looking in with great interest.
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“. . . . . .”
[Nya!]
ㅤ
When Ga-chan made eye contact with Marchioness, she greeted her elegantly, moving as if to pick up her skirt with her long legs.
ㅤ
“This, this cotton-like lump is a fairy?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“I see. Even though it’s a spider, it’s unexpectedly cute.”
“Thank you.”
ㅤ
I was relieved that Ga-chan was accepted without fear.
For now, I’ll have Ga-chan stay by Florenci’s side.
I asked her to let me know if anything happened, creating a connection between me and Ga-chan with an invisible thread.
ㅤ
“Well, I’m going to patrol the mansion for a while.”
“Alright. Don’t tire yourself out, do it moderately.”
“I understand.”
ㅤ
With a deep bow, I left the conservatory.
I headed for the kitchen first.
There was a nice smell in the air.
A cook who wasn’t there in the morning had come and seemed to be preparing lunch for Marchioness.
When I peeked in, a man in his fifties, clad in a white coat and with a full beard, was kneading bread.
ㅤ
“Hello.”
“Oh, you surprised me. Madam, what brings you here?”
“I’m Lara・Dosa, who has become Marchioness’ attendant.”
“Oh, I see.”
ㅤ
He reached out his flour-covered hand, and I shook it with a wry smile. My hand was covered in white.
ㅤ
“Oops, sorry. We should wash our hands, both of us.”
“Y, Yes, we should.”
ㅤ
His name is Tony. He seems to be a cheerful and kind cook.
I’m relieved that we seem to be able to get along.
I was able to exchange greetings with the other servants as well.
The butler, Lloyd, was a calm and cool person, and we only had a minimal conversation.
On the other hand, the maid Rosa was talkative, and she would have kept talking forever if I hadn’t stopped her.
I managed to exchange words with all the servants.
After that, with Marchioness’ permission, I looked around the room.
To my surprise, there were almost no cosmetics, and necessary items for a noble lady, such as bath salts and essential oils, were not available.
When I asked why, she replied, “I don’t need that kind of thing at this age.”
ㅤ
“No, you do need those items!”
ㅤ
Dressing up beautifully and applying makeup naturally straightens one’s back, and taking a bath to care for oneself is very important.
When I appealed this way, Marchioness told me, “I’ll leave it to you.”
ㅤ
So, from my first day on the job, I entrusted a large order to the merchant.
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