I boarded the waiting carriage and sat beside Ian, while Sir Wayne and Phillip sat across from us. With Sir Wayne’s large frame, the spacious carriage felt somewhat cramped, but I paid no attention and asked:

“Is this a difficult story to tell?”

“…Yes. Sigh, but since it’s the duke’s command, I’ll speak. Sir Phillip… No, I’ll just say it. I trust everyone here will protect Dame Greta’s honor… her honor…”

Sir Wayne sighed heavily, clearly struggling to continue. I had never seen him like this since getting married, and it made me certain that Greta had done something outrageous.

“Last night, while Dame Greta was using the bath, we heard a scream.”

The story went like this: After hearing the scream, the knights rushed to the bathroom. Sir Wayne immediately blocked the exits and drew his sword, ready to make an example of the culprit who had caused the commotion. But after counting the knights, it turned out everyone had an alibi. Meanwhile, the bathroom remained eerily silent.

Eventually, someone suggested that perhaps Dame Greta had slipped and hit her head. They decided someone should check, and since there was a chance Dame Greta could be undressed, they drew straws to choose who would go in. The youngest, Sir Murray, volunteered.

With everyone turning their backs, Sir Murray opened the door, and after a loud *thud*, there was the sound of him collapsing. When the knights instinctively turned around, they were shocked. There stood Greta, n*ked and grinning after knocking Sir Murray unconscious with a punch.

“She smiled and said, ‘Oh, you’re all here?’ so casually.”

Sir Wayne buried his face in his hands.

“She then threatened that if any knight refused to spar with her, she’d spread rumors that they saw her n*ked and didn’t take responsibility. So, she was ordered to be confined for extortion.”

She’s gone mad, truly.

“Duchess, I just want to retire in peace…”

Sir Wayne looked like he was about to cry. I tried to muster a smile but failed. I pulled out a handkerchief from my bag, handed it to Sir Wayne, and bit my lip.

“I’ll… talk to Greta and tell her not to cause any more trouble. Sorry about this… truly…”

Ian, in a calm tone, added:

“It’s not something for you to apologize for, Liv.”

“No, no, I am sorry, Sir Wayne.”

It’s easy for Ian to be so cool about it when it’s not his direct subordinate. I don’t know why Ian’s always so composed, while the rest of us are losing it. I apologized again, carefully gauging Sir Wayne’s reaction. I knew Greta’s impulsive nature all too well, and it was my fault for not warning her beforehand.

“…The duke is right. This is partly my fault for not properly managing my subordinates. It’s just… I’ve never dealt with something like this before… I guess I needed some comforting. Ahem.”

Sir Wayne seemed to have calmed down. At that moment, Ian discreetly reached over and took the handkerchief from Sir Wayne, tucking it into his own pocket. I was the only one bewildered by this; the three men acted as though nothing unusual had happened.

“Dame Greta seems quite spirited. There’s no need to worry,” Phillip said with a grin, clearly amused by Greta’s boldness.

“She’s definitely not one to be easily discouraged. She has a lot to work on in terms of attitude, but she learns quickly and corrects bad habits. If she masters chivalry, she’ll be a knight to be proud of,” Sir Wayne said with a serious expression. Hearing that from someone like him, renowned as a knight among knights, made me feel somewhat relieved. But then I remembered that the knight among knights had just been brought to tears by Greta, and my relief vanished.

* * *

Ellen looked quite flustered upon receiving the invitation.

“My lady, to think you’d give an invitation to someone like me, just a simple maid… I’m truly grateful, but…”

“I’m not inviting Ellen the maid. I’m inviting Ellen the designer.”

Before she could refuse, I swiftly handed her the drawing I had ambitiously prepared.

“And I also have a favor to ask. I’ve been thinking about a new men’s clothing design, and I’d like you to take a look at it.”

Ellen peered at the drawing.

“It’s a lounge suit. But it’s quite different. The collar is much lower, giving it a very distinct feel.”

She examined it with a serious expression.

“I want it made with luxurious fabric, like formal wear. Unlike typical lounge suits, this one isn’t meant for casual use—it’s for wearing at parties.”

“At parties?”

Ellen, startled, glanced at Ian. Being quick-witted, she seemed to have already figured out who the outfit was for. I quickly added:

“I thought men could use a more comfortable formal option.”

“I see. I’d like to give it a try,” Ellen said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. I hadn’t expected her to show such eagerness, so I was pleasantly surprised.

“By the way, Ellen, I’m sure you’ve heard from my mother-in-law, but the issue with the company that will sponsor you has been resolved, so I wanted to inform you in advance.”

“What do you mean?”

“Unlike the traditional patronage system, this will be a business relationship where the company sponsors you through a guarantor contract. The most important thing here is that you’ll have to pay.”

“Oh…”

Ellen seemed a bit taken aback. The traditional patronage system involved patrons financially supporting their proteges, so it was understandable that she was surprised to hear she’d need to pay instead.

“In exchange for your payment, the company will act as your guarantor. It’s a fair deal, a proper business transaction. This way, even if any misunderstandings arise in the future, you’ll have something to stand on.”

“I understand what you’re saying. Oh, if I attend the party, will I be able to see that lawyer there?”

… I hadn’t invited Theodore, though?

“The Madam advised me not to meet him privately, as it could lead to rumors, so I held back even though I was curious. Meeting him at a party should be fine. I’ll definitely attend.”

I guess I’ll have to invite him. It should be fine. Theodore doesn’t seem like the type to flaunt himself just because he’s a gentry, and he’s also Benjamin’s acquaintance. I asked Ellen to handle the formal attire for Phillip and Sir Wayne, and while the three of them were getting measured, Ellen and I engaged in a deep discussion about the new formalwear design.

“Another revolution is on the way.”

Well, it’s just for this party, so it’s not exactly a revolution. Still, it was amusing to see Ellen, who was usually so solemn, excited.

Our next destination was the opera house. We hadn’t sent word ahead, but because we arrived in a carriage bearing the Keppel family crest, the director hurriedly came out to greet us. I deliberately stepped out of the carriage slowly, giving him time to catch his breath.

“Your Graces, welcome. It is an honor.”

The director was sweating profusely, even though it wasn’t summer. That must be because of Ian’s previous visit, where he had instilled fear in the opera house. I had initially planned to come alone, but I didn’t stop Ian when he insisted on coming along. His presence would make my words carry more weight. I smiled at the director, full of apology.

“It’s been a while, Director. I’ve come to see Betty.”

The director was the one who had brought us to the public concert, so he would have been the first to realize that the former maid Anne was now the Duchess. The performers who had been with us back then were also nearby, making it highly likely that the rumor of “the woman with the red lips being the Duchess” had originated here. I didn’t intend to deny it.

“Please wait in my office. I’ll bring Miss Betty right away.”

We sat on the sofa in the director’s office. He personally served us tea, but his hands were trembling. I did my best to appear harmless and said with a smile,

“I hope our unannounced visit hasn’t inconvenienced you.”

Since the opera house frequently had visitors looking for performers, it wasn’t really necessary to call ahead, but the director was so nervous that I wanted to ease his worries.

“Not at all, Duchess. You are always, always, always welcome. Haha…”

“Actually, there’s something I wanted to tell you, which is why I came in person.”

The director swallowed nervously.

“I wanted to thank you. When I was Anne, you gave me a job and provided work for me.”

The director blinked, seemingly trying to process what I meant. After a brief pause, he seemed to finally understand and let out a long, deep breath. It appeared his tension had eased somewhat. However, still not fully relaxed, he shut his eyes tightly.

“I thought… you had come to talk about the opera I composed…”

“Of course, I came to talk about that too.”

The director inhaled sharply. I had no ill will towards him, so I had no intention of tormenting him.

“I’m not here to get angry, so don’t worry. The music was excellent. It’s just that the content is absurd, so I can’t allow it to be performed as is. If you change the storyline, that’s another matter.”

“Pardon?”

The director looked at me, wide-eyed in surprise.

“I saw the score. The songs are too good to be buried.”

The director, now excited, began stammering, “Th-th-th-that’s right. It’s my life’s masterpiece. As expected, Your Grace recognizes its value. So, does that mean you’ll give your approval? I’ll change the story. I’ll even change the title to ‘The Vanished Baroness’ instead of ’The Vanished Duchess’. Please tell me what parts you find problematic…”

“First, change the part where the Duchess runs away.”

“Pardon?”

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