She’d heard that Elena had introduced herself confidently in front of Rudfelix and had created a temporary team in the Imperial Knight Order while sorting documents until late that day.

“I was just glad that the number of people supporting the Grand Duke had increased from one to two.”

Even as they got off the carriage and entered the mansion, Lady Schmie didn’t stop talking.

“Besides Viscount Quiet, no other aide has lasted long, so I was extremely worried.”

Elena nodded, as she was well aware of this fact.

Lady Schmie stopped in front of a room while walking down the second-floor corridor.

A knight guarding the room opened the door with a disciplined posture. Lady Schmie led Elena inside.

She watched adoringly as Elena looked around the room, unable to hide her surprise.

“The room is really big. And it sparkles.”

That was her first impression after looking around. It was too big and too shiny.

The room had a warm atmosphere with pastel colors, and everything from the large bed to the smallest decorations blended together harmoniously.

A thick, soft-looking pink blanket complemented the white bed, and dolls were gathered cozily so the spacious room wouldn’t feel lonely.

The small illuminated mirror beside the bed emitted a soft glow from its jewel-crafted frame.

Crystal decorations made of glass were placed throughout the room, emitting colorful lights next to a sofa filled with plush cushions.

It was an extremely pretty girl’s room.

“Is this room really mine?”

Elena had only expected an ordinary room for nobles. She thought it would be better than a room for employees, but still limited since she was just an aide.

But this room exceeded those expectations.

“I feel like I’ve become a special guest.”

She had heard earlier that they wanted to make her a daughter-in-law, but seeing this prepared room made it feel real.

“I was thinking of you as more than an aide. I’m sorry if it was burdensome.”

Lady Schmie smiled kindly. She wanted to remove even the slightest burden Elena might have.

“But loving an aide is the superior’s mother’s prerogative, isn’t it? Please live comfortably here from now on.”

Elena noticed a bell pull swaying in the breeze right next to her.

“How many attendants do you need?”

Feeling like any number she mentioned would be granted, Elena spread her hand wide.

“One is enough.”

One person was sufficient to help her adapt to this place.

“How can just one be enough? Aide Elena only has two hands.”

The implication was, ‘Shouldn’t we assign at least five people?’ so Elena simply expressed her gratitude. She didn’t reject the intention to provide more help a second time.

“Let’s see what else you need.”

Lady Schmie looked around the room and opened the dressing room to examine the dresses. There was everything from gowns to evening dresses, formal dresses, and tunics.

‘The Grand Duke’s household certainly has a lot of money.’

The difference in scale was enormous.

Elena suppressed her surprise as much as possible. The room was impressive enough, but the dresses were so splendid that they didn’t even need separate lighting in the dressing room.

If they provided this much out of hope that she’d become a daughter-in-law, how much more would they give to an actual daughter-in-law?

“With limited preparation time, we’ve only filled half of it. Now that things have turned out this way, it would be good to call a tailor to make clothes that suit you.”

“I don’t need many dresses. I’ll be wearing my uniform during the day, and work only ends in the evening.”

“But you still need more.”

She wanted to dress Elena in new dresses every day, which reminded Elena of Rudfelix.

Like mother, like son—when they like something, they want to give everything.

‘He inherited his mother’s personality completely.’

Perhaps that’s why Lady Schmie’s kindness, though surprising, didn’t feel uncomfortable—it was familiar.

“I’ve prepared accessories separately, so I’ll give them to you tomorrow.”

Lady Schmie, who had taken care of every detail, adjusted her shawl. She needed to leave so Elena could wash up, but she hadn’t yet thought of a reason to meet again.

“Then wash up and rest.”

They had only exchanged greetings without having a proper conversation. Feeling regretful about this, Lady Schmie turned around with heavy steps.

“Um…… Lady?”

Lady Schmie turned her body at the slight pull on her shawl.

“I’d like to have some warm tea. May I come find you after I wash up?”

“Would you like that?”

Seeing Lady Schmie’s pleased expression, Elena decided to accept the attention directed at her.

‘How could I ignore her when she turned away with such a disappointed face?’

It was certainly better than having her hair pulled while being shouted at, “How dare you set your sights on my son?”

That was why she had instinctively grabbed the lady’s shawl.

* * *

“It’s been a while.”

Rudfelix greeted Elena when they finally met three days after arriving at the Grand Duke’s residence.

“It has been a while.”

Elena awkwardly returned his greeting.

During the day, she spent time preparing for the debutante ball with Lady Schmie, and at night, she gradually familiarized herself with the Grand Duke’s household duties, causing their schedules to constantly miss each other.

“You seem busier than me.”

“Well……”

One day, she measured her size with a tailor called by Lady Schmie, looked at magazines, and selected dresses.

The next day, before she could even go to the study, she spent time chatting with Lady Schmie while drinking chocolate milk given by Miche, her assigned maid.

Yesterday, another day passed without time to visit Rudfelix because she was decorating the room with flowers sent by the gardener.

Time flew by as she met employees who showed interest in her wherever she walked.

It was because of his instruction to prioritize adapting, but he seemed to have built up complaints from not being able to see her.

“You don’t look well.”

As he stared at her intently, Elena brushed her rough cheek with her hand.

Working to adapt to the changed environment while reducing her sleeping hours meant she hadn’t even fully recovered from the fatigue accumulated during their journey.

“Try to reduce your time with my mother.”

Knowing that the light in Elena’s room remained on until dawn, Rudfelix advised her to take it easy.

“I understand.”

Although it wouldn’t be easy since there was still much to learn, Elena didn’t try to change the subject unnecessarily.

“Count Jellisto will be coming.”

Rudfelix handed Elena the letter he had received and stood up.

“After the debutante ball tomorrow afternoon, you’ll be able to focus on being an aide again.”

They wouldn’t go so long without seeing each other like this time.

Elena took the letter and sat down next to Rudfelix.

There was another matter as important as the debutante ball. Today, the territory residents from Count Emphraim’s domain would be entering the Grand Duchy.

As she followed behind him as he left the mansion to check personally, Elena struggled to suppress a yawn.

She forced strength into her legs and pretended to be fine as she followed, but because her mind wasn’t fully alert, she momentarily lost sight of Rudfelix.

‘Where is he?’

As she raised her head to look for him, she saw a brown background and a large hand reaching out.

“Take it.”

Rudfelix, mounted on a horse, was extending his hand toward Elena.

* * *

Rudfelix slowed the horse’s pace while supporting Elena’s body as she slumped to the side.

After protesting loudly when he suggested they ride together, she had fallen asleep on the swaying horse, exhausted. As her flowing hair tickled her cheek, she stirred slightly with a small “mmm” sound. When he brushed away her hair and gently swept her cheek with his finger, she fell back into a deep sleep. After adjusting her position so her head rested against his chest, he slowly guided the horse.

“So stubborn.”

He had known from the beginning that she worked without taking care of herself, but he didn’t like that she was overexerting herself again.

Whenever anyone in the Grand Duke’s household showed kindness to her, Elena approached them with a smile in return. This helped her adapt quickly, but it also kept her busy.

And it wasn’t as if she neglected her work because she was busy adapting.

The next morning, her presence was represented by the schedule and neatly arranged approval documents on the study desk.

She carried out her duties without making excuses about the new environment. She prioritized the Grand Duke’s tasks and marked important matters on the weekly schedule so nothing would be missed.

Every morning, traces of her work appeared everywhere, but she herself was nowhere to be found.

He quickly decided what to do with her, as she was busy both assisting with work and adapting.

“When I made you my aide, you became too busy to look at me.”

It was natural since she was handling all his work, but he was feeling increasingly dissatisfied.

“Do you know how I look at you?”

Rudfelix asked if she knew that his emotions of wanting her were clearly visible in his eyes. Though she was asleep and couldn’t answer, he continued speaking regardless.

“It’s not my fault.”

When I give just enough and push away just enough, it makes you even more desperate.

He tapped her crown lightly, warning her that the day their relationship would change was not far off.