Chapter 1 – Part 6

It had been three days since her last visit to the employment agency.

Arriving at the Duke’s residence, Liese stood dumbfounded, gaping at the magnificent mansion that had been imposing even when viewed from a distance on Central Square. It was so huge that she had to crane her neck to see the tip of the roof.

“It’s fortunate that they provided a carriage.”

Otherwise, it would have been a long walk up to this high point.

“May I see your recommendation letter?”

The guard, who had already checked her purpose of visit and verified her identity, extended his hand. His dark-colored uniform and a gun hanging at his waist immediately disrupted Liese’s admiration. She handed over the documents she had been holding in her hand.

“Here it is. The notice should have arrived first from the employment agency. I’m Lieselotte Brennan.”

After examining the documents, the guard nodded and stepped back.

“Before entering, there will be a body search. Please understand that it’s a necessary procedure for security.”

“Oh, I understand.”

If her grandfather’s pistol had been with her, it would have been a disaster. Leaving it behind was a wise decision, considering she didn’t want to be misunderstood in a noble’s mansion.

“Please follow me.”

The slow-opening main gate, taller than a guard who was already towering, revealed a vast entrance. With a tense expression, Liese stepped towards the spacious foyer.

The labyrinth of gardens flanking the wide stone pathway was more luxurious than any garden she had ever seen. It was a moment that made her realize the reality of stepping into a mansion of high nobility.

Although she thought there would be no connection between the nobleman who stirred up the entire city and herself, she found herself visiting his mansion in just a few days.

Of course, she’s not here as a guest, so there’s no chance she’ll meet the Duke. Still, it was nerve-wracking to step into a place where she had to watch her every move.

“This way, please.”

The guard, who was walking ahead, turned to Liese and spoke. She seemed a bit lost, looking around as she admired the elegant entrance, adorned with fresh shrubs and a marble fountain.

Liese followed the guard towards a side entrance, presumably for servants, rather than the path leading to the main building. After walking for a while, they reached a door leading into the mansion.

“Please enter.”

The door creaked open, and Liese stepped into a corridor made of smooth stone. Nearby, there was an arched doorway, likely leading to the kitchen, indicating that this area was mainly used by the servants.

Despite not being the main building, the mansion was vast and elegant compared to the countryside estate Liese used to live in.

“Leave your belongings here and open your arms.”

A maid standing by the door approached and abruptly reached out her hands, making gestures from under the arms down to the waist. There was no consideration for modesty in the inspection. While the situation of being searched in front of the guard was far from pleasant, Liese endured it and straightened her back.

“It’s done.”

With the search complete, the maid hurried into the kitchen. Her steps were impatient, as if she’d stopped to do her job. Satisfied that she was unarmed, the guard escorted her to the door of the common room.

“Wait inside, and the head maid will come for you.”

“Thank you.”

The guard lightly bowed and then turned away. Afterward, several maids with food bags quickly passed by, appearing very busy.

‘So it’s true that they’re shorthanded in preparation for the summer parties.’

Watching them move briskly, Liese soon pushed open the door to the break room.

Surprisingly, four young women had already arrived, sitting at a table. Liese, with a slightly awkward expression, took a seat beside them.

An awkward atmosphere lingered in the air. Liese, who had been gazing into space, secretly let out a heavy breath.

An heiress from a noble family who once managed more than ten servants was now working as a maid. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t hesitate. Wouldn’t she be judged as a disgrace to the nobility?

‘…No. There’s something more important than my pride.’

She raised her head, determined. The Brennan family, which had lost its fortune and barely managed to recover, couldn’t afford to have two strokes of good luck. It was entirely Liese’s responsibility to fill the financial gaps.

“This is a great honor, above all else. Don’t you think so?”

Liese was lost in thought when the woman sitting next to her spoke up.

“Although it’s a short period, it’s an opportunity to work for the Balthasar family. It would be even better if we could work as live-in maids, but it seems a recommendation letter from a noble family is necessary.”

Liese smiled at the chatty woman and replied.

“I was also surprised by the unexpected offer.”

“Right? I didn’t know my cousin’s knighthood could be helpful. I’ve been told by an employment agency worker that they’re looking for laborers who are relatives of the kingdom’s knight.”

The woman, who introduced herself as Madeline, chattered away. Thanks to her, the other women who were sitting quietly also joined the conversation.

“I went looking for a job at the factory, but it turned out to be unexpected.”

“Yeah, I heard that they are more selective when it comes to hiring people to work in the mansion compared to the villas and banquet halls near the Duke’s estate.”

As it turned out, all of them, except for Liese, were commoners who had been lucky enough to be connected to a cousin who held a knighthood or a baronetcy.

As they shared stories, the complex emotions in the room gradually eased. Liese, cautiously, disclosed that she had recently arrived in Bachmann, avoiding mention of her noble lineage.

The conversation paused as a middle-aged woman entered the break room. It was the head maid.

“I assume you ladies are from the agency. My name is Florence.”

Even at a glance, she seemed to be from a noble family, exuding an air of sophistication. The women in the room rose from their seats, showing polite gestures.

“Good evening.”

“We have already confirmed the personal information you provided in advance. I just wanted to see your faces on the first day, so don’t be nervous. After today, you will see the handmaid more often than me.”

It seemed that the investigation had already been completed. Although Florence’s gaze lingered on Liese for a moment, she didn’t say anything additional.

“As you might have heard, we are quite busy with the upcoming summer event, from cleaning dozens of guest rooms to preparing everything perfectly without a speck of dust. Until the social season arrives, you will be working primarily on housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and organizing food supplies.”

“If it’s household chores, I’ve been doing them every day, so I’m confident!”

Madeline raised one hand and shouted. The head maid didn’t respond to the unseemly gesture but continued.

“If it’s alright with you, I’d like you to start as soon as possible. How does that sound?”

“No problem!”

“Alright. So, I’ll have you start the week after you return. Today, I will introduce you to the mansion and assign tasks. Please ensure that no one is neglected in serving the Balthasar family, who will be hosting the event. Depending on your work attitude even after the contract period ends, we may consider regular employment, so do your best.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

“You will be paid 20 gil every day before leaving work.  It’s not a difficult job, but for the sake of the Duke’s reputation, I want you to do it responsibly.”

The women exchanged excited looks. Even Liese, who had only been giving quiet answers, was the same.

The pay was more generous than what they had heard at the agency. With 20 gil a day, Charlie could afford a new outfit and indulge in high-quality flour bread and seasonal fruits daily. With a little more, they could have meat-based meals that would keep everyone full all day.

Furthermore, it would be possible to pay a modest salary to the workers helping with the orchard work. If the harvest season went well, the stifling breath might finally be released.

In an instant, daydreams transformed into a bright future. Liese’s heart began to beat vigorously.

“Follow me.”