Chapter 68

“Thank you, My Lady. So, when should I plan to depart for the north?”

“…!”

At Bruniel’s cautious question, my eyes widened.

It had been five days since I started meeting with various artisans.

I had explained my proposal and spread the word about this mansion’s address, but this was the first time I had received someone’s agreement.

I couldn’t hide my surprise and gratitude.

“Have you made up your mind, Bruniel?”

Bruniel blushed shyly.

“…Yes. I’m deeply honored and grateful for the wonderful offer. I feel like I can learn so much by staying by your side, My Lady.”

“…I see. I know traveling to the north wasn’t an easy decision, so I’m the one who’s truly grateful.”

“It’s I who should thank you. I came to the capital with big dreams, and this is the first time I’ve been recognized like this.”

“…”

Bruniel lowered her head, her cheeks growing even redder.

I gazed at her for a moment, feeling touched, and then spoke.

“You are definitely worth it. I’ll do my best to prepare everything so that you will be satisfied.”

“…Thank you.”

Bruniel bit her lip slightly, as if trying to hold back a smile.

Knock, knock.

It was at that very moment.

A knocking sound came from somewhere, and all the women in the parlor turned their eyes toward the sound.

Eloise quickly went to the door, opened it, and immediately cried out in delight.

“Jane!”

Jane?

I turned toward the entrance, lifting the hem of my dress.

“May I come in?”

“Of course, come on in!”

At Eloise’s cheerful shout, the sound of footsteps rushed in, and soon the entrance was filled with people.

I stared at them one by one, my face blank.

Men and women of all ages—familiar faces.

So familiar that my eyes welled up with emotion.

“Madam, Miss, My Lady.”

Jane, the head maid who stood at the front, greeted us politely.

So many words swirled in my mind, but no sound came out easily.

“I saw the Madam and the young lady just a few days ago, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, My Lady. How have you been?”

Only then did I manage to move my lips.

“Jane… and everyone…”

I stepped closer, taking in the faces of each of them.

Jane, some of the maids, James—the valet who served Alec closely—Chef Albert, Mrs. Greta, the coachman Pedro…

The servants of Brent’s duchy, whom I thought I’d never see again, stood before me, smiling brightly.

Jane quickly spoke again.

“We wanted to come see you earlier, but some of the staff had already gone to other regions, so it took a little while to get the news to everyone.”

“What?”

“We’ve all decided to return to serve our master. You’ll take us back, right?”

“…”

I was speechless, my mouth slightly open.

I hadn’t expected the servants to want to come back, especially with the move to the northern region.

But now, hearing that they had all decided to return—was this a dream or reality?

Suddenly, my mother-in-law rose from the sofa and approached with graceful steps.

“That’s the kind of resolve that’s worthy of five times the salary.”

What? Five times?

“Can’t some of you stay in the capital? I plan to remain here until an opera house is built in the north.”

Opera house? I forced myself to hold back the frown that was creeping onto my face, offering the servants a grateful smile instead.

Even though it seemed my mother-in-law had lured them with five times the pay, I was so moved that even ten times wouldn’t have been enough to express my gratitude.

“Thank you all so much. Seeing everyone again, it feels just like the Brent household.”

“My Lady…”

“It really feels like our family has come back together. I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

When I began to tear up, Jane approached and took my hand.

“No, My Lady. We’re the ones who are grateful you found us again. And congratulations on regaining your title.”

“Thank you, Jane.”

I covered Jane’s hand with my own.

Even though the title of Duke was gone, the people of the original Brent household had all come back together.

Now that even the servants were returning, I felt like I could bear the cold of the north, no matter how harsh it was.

I never wanted us to be separated again.

“Alec went to the castle for an inspection. Once he confirms it’s safe, I’ll bring everyone up.”

“Thank you, My Lady. Even though the north is cold, any place with you and Master will feel warm.”

“…Louise?”

At that moment, a familiar voice pierced through the crowd.

The voice I had been waiting to hear again.

The servants all turned around, just as I did, and when they saw Alec, they rushed to greet him.

“Your Grace!”

“Master!”

“…”

Standing at the entrance, Alec was the center of attention.

I was deeply moved just from my three years at the ducal house, so how much more overwhelmed must Alec have been?

Surprised by the sudden visit, he looked a little taken aback.

He slowly began to look over the servants, and I spoke.

“Alec, how was your inspection of the castle? Our servants have all decided to return. To Wiltsbrook Castle.”

“…What?”

His eyes wavered slightly as he finally spoke. After a brief moment, he responded a bit awkwardly.

“Oh, I see…”

He seemed slightly uncomfortable, as if he hadn’t expected this situation.

Even so, the atmosphere in the mansion was filled with joy and warmth.

* * *

“I’ll kill her. I’ll kill her…”

Julia paced the dark room.

Her once glamorous life, envied by all, had suddenly been struck by anxiety and misfortune.

Her lovers, frightened by Marcel’s threats, had begun to avoid her.

Marcel, enraged with Julia, had declared that he would not see her for the time being.

‘If I get divorced, what will happen to my reputation and honor?’

Julia anxiously chewed on her nails.

In the Rilt Empire, divorce was considered a serious flaw.

She would undoubtedly lose her position as one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting, and if she continued trying to reign over the social world, noblewomen would start raising objections.

Divorce was a sin.

If Marcel insisted on divorce, citing the betrayal of trust, not even the Empress could stop him.

It would have been different if they had agreed on having lovers, but Julia had deceived Marcel.

Lost in her anxious thoughts, Julia suddenly let out a sharp scream.

“Ack!”

Who was to blame for all of this?

If only Louise hadn’t told Marcel about her lovers, none of this would have happened.

Every time she thought back to the masquerade, she could feel her teeth grinding and her blood boiling.

The image of Louise and her husband taking off each other’s masks flashed before her eyes.

It was already maddening to see Alec’s unfamiliar, skilled demeanor, but Louise’s triumphant look—Julia couldn’t stand it.

She wanted to destroy them, to scratch them apart. Her body trembled with anger.

“I’ll kill her…”

Did Louise really think she could ruin Julia’s life and get away with it?

No one had ever dared to challenge Julia, but for those who did, she always repaid them tenfold.

She was also irritated by the subtle admiration some noblewomen seemed to have for Louise and her husband.

This was the perfect opportunity to show them what happens when you cross her.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

Julia snapped her head toward the sound and shouted irritably.

“Who is it?”

“M-Madam…”

Her personal maid, looking a bit frightened, cautiously stepped in, holding a distinguished-looking envelope.

“A message from Her Majesty, the Empress.”

“Leave.”

Julia, with her meticulously manicured nails, snatched the envelope from the maid’s hands. The maid quickly bowed and exited, closing the door quietly behind her.

A message from the Empress?

Julia felt a surge of emotion. The Empress was indeed her steadfast ally.

She slowly began reading the letter.

The Empress was instructing her to host a farewell party and social gathering for Louise and Alec before they departed for the north.

Along with the letter, there was a small pouch containing white powder.

‘Her Majesty knows me too well.’

Julia smirked as she sprinkled a bit of the powder into a glass of water and poured it onto a flowerpot.

Moments later, the flower’s petals shriveled and fell lifelessly to the ground, turning to ash.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories