Chapter 7

Florence opened the door to the break room and gestured inside. The group rose from their seats and followed her.

“The place where you’ll be working is right here, in the second annex of the mansion. You’ll spend your time mainly in the guest bedrooms, the kitchen where desserts are made, and the food storage. This way, then.”

As they were guided through the main areas of the annex, it felt like they were on a tour. The ceiling, adorned with countless pieces of art, was so dazzling that it could rival an art gallery. Delicate carvings adorned the edges and spaces, shining in brilliant gold.

Liese couldn’t help but imagine taking off those decorations, about the size of cherry pits. If the annex was like this, she wondered how extravagant the main mansion would be.

“This way.”

Florence led the group through a side door in the main hall.

Outside the annex, the women stopped in the outdoor corridor, which was adorned with thick stone columns. Beyond the columns, a beautiful space revealed a central garden.

“This is the only passage connecting the main mansion and the second annex within the estate.”

As the group admired the garden, their attention was drawn to where Florence pointed. At the end of the corridor, there was a solid, dark-colored wooden door.

“However, you won’t need to go to the main mansion. Make sure not to set foot in that direction, even by mistake.”

“May we ask why?” Madeline, unable to contain her curiosity, raised her hand again. Florence narrowed her eyes slightly.

“The main mansion is where Duke Balthasar resides.”

“I see…”

“Remember that only resident servants are allowed to enter from this corridor onward.”

The disappointment on the women’s faces was evident. Having the opportunity to work in the Duke’s mansion, they secretly hoped to catch a glimpse of him.

While it made sense not to allow temporary workers into the main mansion, Liese, who hadn’t expected to meet the Duke from the beginning, looked back at the courtyard.

Though smaller in scale than the main entrance, the garden at the entrance of the mansion was impressively designed.

The sound of flowing water from the tiered fountains and the harmonious chirping of birds created a serene atmosphere. The well-maintained flower garden, bathed in warm sunlight, seemed to be meticulously cared for by a skilled gardener every day.

And walking towards them along the white stone path…

‘…a man? ’

In the peaceful scenery, a presence suddenly revealed itself. Naturally, Liese’s pupils dilated as she observed him.

A man with bright blond hair was approaching steadily, with a leisurely yet dignified stride, towards the staircase leading to the corridor.

As the man got closer, Liese’s heartbeat accelerated. His face, uniform, and strong physique were familiar and forcibly brought back recent memories.

‘No way. I must be dreaming.’

“Your Grace.”

Florence looked slightly surprised at the unexpected appearance. The women, who had been unceremoniously informed a moment ago to abandon all hope of meeting the Duke, whipped their heads around. The Duke, who had climbed the low steps, approached where they were.

Despite the strong sunlight, he was perfectly dressed in a suit, much like the day before.

After a brief silence, Madeline, standing beside Liese, let out a small gasp. Each woman, taken by the Duke’s flawless appearance, couldn’t help but let out a quiet admiration.

In the meantime, Liese, with a pale face, swallowed dry saliva. Her fingertips were gradually getting colder.

“His Excellency, the Duke of Balthasar.”

The men in line bowed politely. Liese bowed a beat faster, hiding her face in her long hair. She couldn’t hide the sound of her heart pounding uncontrollably.

‘Unbelievable.’

The Duke, who was undressing by the lakeside in the open forest during the day, was the highly esteemed Duke Balthasar of the kingdom.

Liese had seen that man’s bare body.

‘Did he happen to see me? If he did, does he remember me? ’

“I thought you were out, but what brings you to the central garden?”

Florence bowed and curtsied. The sound of footsteps lazily echoing across the stone floor stopped in front of Liese’s nose. The man stood only an inch away.

“You look like you didn’t expect me in until tomorrow morning.”

A chuckling bass voice dripped from overhead—a deep, resonant voice that commanded attention. So was his large, imposing frame, which seemed to loom over her.

Liese held her breath to avoid revealing her presence.

“Since she traveled so far, I thought you’d at least join her for a meal.”

“He complained that he didn’t want to even talk to a shameless person. Thanks to that, she had no choice but to leave.”

“Why did you say that to Lady Dawson?”

“…So, in the end, you refused her request.”

Throughout the incomprehensible conversation, Liese remained bowed. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, but her heightened senses were used to observe the Duke standing nearby.

There was a lingering scent of cigarette smoke, perhaps indicating he had just smoked. Alongside that, a unique aroma infused with sandalwood lingered. Every distinctive characteristic of the Duke made him unforgettable.

Liese lifted her eyelids slightly and glanced at the Duke. Right in front of her were sturdy shoulders. Her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Unconsciously, Liese raised her gaze further. Soon, with an inexplicable curiosity, her eyes were drawn upward. They collided with cool, distant eyes.

“…!”

Desaturated silver-blue eyes stared down at Liese. They had cold eyes devoid of any emotion. Shocked by the impact of her heart pounding, Liese quickly lowered her head.

The weight of the ensuing silence pressed heavily on her shoulders. She felt a sharp gaze on the top of her head. The Duke was still staring at her.

‘Did he recognize me? ’

“They are maids hired for the preparation of the summer event,” Florence explained, adding, “They will be working temporarily in the second annex. We have thoroughly verified their identities as per protocol.”

A brief silence lingered. During that short time, Liese could do nothing. She stood there, unable to move, trembling.

“My throat is burning.”

The Duke’s dry voice was uttered quietly. His indifferent eyes showed no interest in the newly introduced maids. Florence responded immediately.

“I will have tea brought to the study.”

“Send her to the library. The study is a mess.”

“Understood. I will instruct the staff to clean the study promptly to avoid any disruption to your work.”

Before the head maid could finish her sentence, Marcus moved away again. A subtle scent of sandalwood wafted through the air as he walked away.

Liese, still in the same position, watched the Duke’s movements. His characteristic leisurely and mechanical steps were heading towards the main building. It was a moment of relief.

“Her.”

The footsteps that had been gradually moving away came to a halt not far away. The Duke’s voice was pointing to someone.

“In the middle.”

The maids, who had bowed their waists, raised their heads slightly. Puzzled faces exchanged glances. Among the five standing in a row, the one in the middle was Liese.

“Send that maid up.”

Her heart pounded so rapidly that it felt like it might burst. Frozen, Liese couldn’t even blink as the Duke, without meeting her eyes, gave the order. Florence, too, wore a puzzled expression.

“I beg your pardon, Your Grace.”

Florence spoke cautiously.

“They are newly hired workers who arrived at the mansion today. As they are not permanent residents, allowing them access to the main building poses a security risk.”

“I thought you said you were sure of their identities?”

There was a hint of mockery in Marcus’s voice as he interrupted. Florence attempted to explain again.

“Perhaps handling situations of this nature is still unfamiliar to them.”

“Send her up. Make sure she carries a tray.”

As if dismissing the matter, the Duke turned around after giving the order. The footsteps, almost unchanged from before, continued, and the heavy wooden door opened and closed with a thud.

A heavy silence descended upon the wide corridor for a while. Only now did Liese raise her head and gaze pale-faced at the spot where Marcus had stayed.

The Duke of Balthasar wanted her.