The sunshine hadn’t grown harsh yet. Nevertheless, Radilt opened her parasol following Lady Fond’s advice. Leaving familiar streets lightened her heart. People who didn’t know her would simply think some noblewoman had gone for a walk.

The gradually warming breeze brushed her golden hair. Radilt crossed a small bridge, walking without rest. Her initially energetic steps gradually slowed, even dragging slightly. She wasn’t tired. Walking an hour’s distance happened frequently for Radilt.

The problem was her new shoes.

They looked shiny, pretty, and expensive. But Radilt hadn’t realized how much foot comfort had been sacrificed for that appearance.

Until now, Pendlore had always sent a carriage. When dressed this way and standing as Sir Duston’s lover, she hadn’t needed to walk far. Comfortable chairs appeared before she could feel pain.

But now he wasn’t by her side.

‘……Ugh.’

The narrow toe box of the unbroken shoes pressed against her little toes, making them swell. Her heels also chafed and turned red. Perhaps to maintain their pretty shape, the shoes felt hard with uncomfortably high heels.

She had barely passed the halfway point.

Time wouldn’t allow returning for different shoes or buying new ones. Radilt bit her lower lip.

‘It’s just a little foot pain.’

Even if blisters formed, burst, and bled, couldn’t she endure that much? This opportunity might never come again. Radilt raised her lowered head and looked forward.

Scenbrill Perfume Workshop.

She might recreate with her own hands this place of fading memories. That humble, warm sanctuary she thought could never be reclaimed.

Of course, it wouldn’t prove easy. Even becoming an apprentice to a famous master and building experience, countless hardships awaited a poor widow without capital.

Nevertheless, one small, delicate hope sparkled like a bright star.

The day she would hang a pretty sign with the word ‘Scenbrill’ on a modest perfume workshop.

Like a small sailboat tossed by rough waves yet steadily watching the softly glowing distant lighthouse, Radilt walked resolutely. Sometimes she stumbled, her toes catching on something, nearly screaming in pain, but she didn’t stop. Without even a moment to catch her breath, she walked and walked until….

『Langfiel Workshop』

Unlike the shop on Blue Runiel Street, this impressive workshop had a somewhat shabby sign but occupied a spacious two-story building with a large greenhouse and garden. Her green eyes filled with the sight.

From today, I’ll work here.

Radilt closed her parasol and checked her appearance. Despite walking for nearly an hour, little looked disheveled. Straightening her back and standing tall, Radilt approached the workshop.

“Hello, I’m Radilt Brill, starting today as Master Philip’s apprentice.”

She greeted with a bright voice, opening the door and stepping inside. Morning sunlight filtered into the old building constructed of solid stone, perhaps to prevent unwanted scents from mixing. Small pouches containing something hung abundantly by the large windows.

The front room served as living space for rest and meals, with few perfume-making tools. Instead, it contained furniture like a large table, chairs, and a simple bed.

“Ha, so you came after all.”

A gruff voice spoke. The door to the inner area opened, revealing a young man who appeared barely past twenty. He looked at Radilt with a deeply furrowed face. His rude manner made no attempt to hide his displeasure.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Radilt Brill.”

Radilt quickly greeted him again. The man clicked his tongue at her politely bowing figure.

“This isn’t a playground for powder-faced wenches.”

“……”

Radilt felt confused by the sharp gaze that went beyond unwelcoming to hostile. The man sighed heavily and spoke again.

“I’m Saldat, Master Philip’s apprentice. Why stand there looking stupid? Follow me.”

“Ah, yes. Let me change clothes first—”

“No time! On your first day, you should arrive at least an hour early to clean before your senior arrives. You arrived after your senior and now what? Change clothes? Women, really!”

At Saldat’s scolding, Radilt hastily put down her bag and parasol on the table and hurried after him.

Saldat led her down a corridor to an open warehouse connected to the greenhouse. The warehouse contained two large jars big enough to fit several adult men.

“Fill with water.”

“Pardon?”

“Can’t even understand words. There’s a well over there, so fill the jars. We need to water the greenhouse plants. Water’s also needed for workshop cleaning and equipment washing.”

Saldat threw a water yoke at Radilt. Under his urging to start immediately, Radilt picked it up. Dragging her painful foot slightly, she went to the well and began drawing water.

Splash, with a refreshing sound, the drawn water poured into the yoke’s container. She laboriously carried the full water and returned to the warehouse to fill the water jar. Fortunately, the well stood close to the warehouse.

‘……Indeed, not easy.’

Apprentices typically received treatment little better than servants. Philip’s mention of giving holidays had surprised her, as good treatment proved difficult to come by.

So she came prepared, but…

‘If only he’d let me change clothes and shoes……’

The dress heavily wrapped around her legs, and her feet had nearly lost all sensation. But as Saldat said, she had arrived precisely on time on her first day. Not late, but hardly an attitude to make a good impression.

So she needed to work as hard as possible without complaint. Radilt gritted her molars and continued moving. Her body, already fatigued from the long walk, demanded rest, but she ignored it, pulling the pulley and lifting water containers.

Swoooosh—

The large empty jar filled more than halfway. Radilt briefly leaned against the jar to catch her breath. Just then, Saldat returned and glared at the resting Radilt.

“How long has it been, and you’re already slacking?!”

“I’m sorry. I just caught my breath for a moment.”

“The nerve to rest when you haven’t even filled one jar yet!”

Under his angry shout, Radilt moved hurriedly. As she rushed toward the jar with water, Saldat’s foot suddenly extended in front of her legs. Radilt couldn’t avoid it in time.

“Ah—!”

Her already weakened legs lost balance and folded helplessly. Radilt’s body tilted forward sharply, causing the water container hanging from the yoke to flip over.

Splaaaash—

Water poured down. The fallen Radilt became completely soaked. Water dripped from her skirt and even her golden hair.

“Stupid, clumsy wench!”

Saldat snickered, mocking Radilt. The body sprawled on the wet floor slowly stirred. Radilt raised only her upper body, hands pressed against the floor, and stared blankly up at Saldat.

At that moment, the laughing Saldat suddenly closed his mouth.

The water-soaked woman looked seductive.

Clear water droplets rolled down her cheeks and exposed neck. The already slightly low-cut dress sagged heavily with water, revealing her fair chest. If she bent a little more, the reddish center of her round br*asts might become visible.

The late spring dress fabric wasn’t thick, clinging to the woman’s arms and waist, perfectly outlining her voluptuous yet slender curves.

Yet despite this provocative appearance, she wore an innocent, dazed expression. Her red lips parted slightly in surprise.

Gulp.

Saldat’s Adam’s apple moved dramatically.

“……Damn.”

The man’s lower region heated up intensely. His eyes also turned bloodshot. Saldat pressed and rubbed his palm against his pants. The heated gaze of the young man in his prime lewdly scanned Radilt’s body.

So this was the body that made her worthy of being the mistress of the illustrious Count Duston. The apricot dress clung to her body when wet, momentarily giving the impression of nudity, making him even hotter.

The noble lord must have fallen for this too.

Saldat swallowed again and spoke.

“……Hey. If you listen to me well, I can help you have an easy time here.”

“……Pardon?”

Radilt raised her gaze further. Meeting the man’s eyes looking down at her, she simultaneously felt goosebumps all over her body.

‘……!’

That familiar gaze. The male lust desiring a woman. Worse, his pants had swollen grotesquely.

Radilt quickly raised her arms to cover her chest. But she couldn’t immediately do anything about her wet clothes. The dress, heavier from absorbing water, and her painful feet made it difficult to stand while covering her chest.

“……I am Master Philip’s apprentice. Like you, I’m your master’s student.”

Saldat laughed mockingly at Radilt’s trembling voice.

“You got that apprentice position by selling your body. Don’t act expensive, wh*re.”

“That’s……!”

Radilt couldn’t continue, only sharply widening her eyes. She had made a fair deal with Pendlore. She merely acted as his lover, never giving her body to him, not even sharing a light kiss.

But only two people knew this fact: Radilt and Pendlore.

A woman riding in carriages holding Count Duston’s hand, wearing expensive dresses and accessories, entering a master craftsman’s workshop without relevant experience. Those unaware of the circumstances would naturally think she obtained everything by…… clinging to a man.

Radilt clenched her teeth. She didn’t avoid Saldat’s sinister gaze but stared back.

“And what are you? Just an apprentice, aren’t you?”

“……What?”

“An apprentice to a master sponsored by Count Duston. A pathetic man no different from a servant who could be replaced without issue, who can’t even purchase materials yet.”

Saldat’s face turned red again, but for a different reason than before, at these sharp, thorn-like words.

“You damned b*tch!”

Saldat shouted and kicked Radilt. With a splashing sound, Radilt fell to the floor again. But the intensity in her dark green eyes only grew stronger.

“I am Sir Duston’s lover!”

In a situation where she couldn’t tell the truth, why not use that fabricated position?

“A beloved woman who received the apprentice qualification you struggled to obtain, with just a light request! Yet you dare lay hands on me?”

Radilt recalled her mother-in-law’s glaring eyes and expression. She perfectly imitated that vicious face and fierce voice. Having seen it daily for years made it easy.

“You dare, fearlessly, to a woman belonging to a man who is practically your master?”

“Th-that’s……”

Saldat stumbled backward. Belated realization of his grave mistake appeared on his face. Radilt seized the opportunity and spoke even more coldly.

“One whispered word to Sir Duston, one tear shed, and you’ll be immediately thrown out.”