Chapter 10

“But there are only five servants…”

The reason was apparent. Julian didn’t like having people around him.

I had joked about being unable to live with just five servants yesterday, but it was mostly a jest. If I had a body made of stone like Julian, I wouldn’t want many people around me, either.

“I’ll go have a word with His Grace.”

I tried to stand up quickly but sat back down. The butler approached swiftly and offered a wheelchair, flushing my face with embarrassment.

“I’ll be fine soon!”

“To recover as planned, you need to rest. You have a wedding coming up, My Lady.”

The butler gently urged me. Reluctantly, I let Anna help me into the wheelchair. After a short distance, I instructed the butler walking beside me.

“Slip the current servants among the new recruits discreetly. Make sure no one notices. Also, instruct them to keep an eye out for any suspicious people.”

The butler smiled softly. His wrinkled face usually wore a light smile, but this one had more depth.

“Is there someone you suspect?“

“No. But it’s better to be thorough. When people increase, so do the chances of various incidents.“

The butler led the way to the stairs leading to the fourth floor, looking concerned about my leg.

“I’ll fetch His Grace.”

“No, I was just stalling for time. He must be busy with work, so don’t disturb him.“

“Understood.”

The butler bowed deeply. His bow conveyed respect rather than the wariness one might show to a new mistress. I felt immensely relieved but maintained a composed facade.

I waited in the corridor. Soon, a servant sent by the butler returned to report the task was completed.

“You may proceed now.“

“Alright.”

As Anna began to turn the wheelchair, the butler spoke respectfully from behind.

“As the lady of this house, please feel free to command me.”

I turned and grinned.

“I will. Please take care of us, butler.“

“And I ask you to take care of His Grace.”

The butler continued to smile warmly. His smile was neither sinister nor condescending; it reflected pride in his job and his calm yet decisive character.

I liked this seasoned butler. He didn’t dislike me either, which was a good thing.

The new servants were selected through brief interviews. Many were chosen based on the letters of recommendation they brought, but if there were none, I assessed their character. Skills can be learned, but character cannot. Anything I couldn’t ascertain in the interviews would be monitored by the existing servants I had placed among the new recruits.

“You seem skilled at selecting people.”

The butler who stood beside me commented. I just smiled.

I had already been the mistress of the Marquis of Amber in my previous life. Once you’ve done something, you can do it better the next time.

“Butler, how many servants originally took care of the fourth floor?“

“Just myself and one maid.“

“That’s not sufficient. You should supervise all the servants, and we should assign two more to the fourth floor.“

“... I’m not sure if His Grace will allow it.“

“I’ll persuade him.”

The butler nodded without further comment. In truth, three were still too few. However, I had reduced the number, knowing Julian wouldn’t like it.

“Since His Grace only uses three servants, I can’t use more either. I’ll use three as well. Anna is my personal maid, so she doesn’t count. Butler chose the smartest of the five original servants to be the head servants and assigned three of the remaining four to the fourth floor and one to the third floor. Understood?”

This plan meant that the closer one got to the fourth floor, the more the original staff would be placed. This would make Julian less uncomfortable. The butler bowed deeply, understanding my intent.

“The remaining will manage the first and second floors. Place most people on the first floor to tidy the garden tables.”

The butler listened attentively to my rapid instructions. Then he stepped out with a satisfied expression.

Anna, who had been standing by, spoke excitedly.

“The butler seems to like you, My Lady.“

“That’s good to know.”

I got out of the wheelchair and sat back on the bed. Anna gently massaged my foot. Fortunately, my foot seemed less swollen and in better condition than yesterday. I should be able to walk around before the wedding.

“When is my family supposed to arrive?“

“The day after tomorrow.”

My family would arrive the day after tomorrow, and the wedding was the day after that. Until then, I had a lot to do. I had to decorate the hall with the newly hired servants and confirm the meal for the wedding day. I also needed to check my wedding dress and Julian’s tuxedo.

My dress was something I had prepared, so I only needed a quick glance to know it was perfect.

However, Julian’s tuxedo was new to me. It had an asymmetrical cloak draped over it, fitting his usual attire that covered one side of his body. When I lifted the veil, it revealed a suit with a roomy fit on one side, unlike the other.

“What are you doing?”

I was startled by the voice behind me and turned around.

“Oh, I was checking Your Grace’s tuxedo.”

Julian approached slowly as if he were an immense beast, trying not to frighten a smaller one.

I stepped closer and tugged at his arm, and the large beast surprisingly followed quickly.

“This cloak is impressive, but don’t you think it’s too hot for this weather? How about leaving it off?“

“I don’t want to.“

“As I thought. I just asked in case.”

I pouted slightly and touched the cloak again. It certainly was grand. It could have looked ridiculous, but his tall stature made it appear majestic and imposing.

“It does look great. By the way, why are you here?“

“I heard you were here.”

I blinked at his words.

“I came to tell you to stop running around the mansion all day.”

His tone was cold, but his gaze rested on my ankle. I widened my eyes and sat down on a nearby chair.

“Is this better?”

Julian sighed as if distressed and ran a hand through his hair.

“If you want me to carry you at the wedding, keep running around.“

“That sounds romantic, so I’m fine with it.“

“You are…“

Julian’s lips moved as if to say something, but he stopped. I watched his lips closely. Seeing them move made me want to see the rest of his face hidden under the mask.

Julian seemed to sense my gaze and asked slowly.

“Aren’t you afraid of me?”

His attitude was cautious. It was a delicate, glass-like side of him that made me forget the cold demeanor he sometimes showed. I held back a laugh and asked.

“Do you know?“

Julian’s face seemed to be filled with question marks. I spoke to that face.

“You’re quite handsome, Your Grace.”

Julian laughed as if he couldn’t believe it.

“You are…”

He repeated the same thing. Realizing it, he shook his head instead of continuing. Then he left the room, not forgetting to nag, “Don’t overdo it.“

“You’re kind, too.”

I whispered into the air. I felt even more embarrassed and touched my cheek for no reason.

Then, I slapped both cheeks with my palms, making a sharp sound.

‘The wedding is soon. It’s a marriage of convenience. What am I thinking?’

I shook my head in disbelief at myself for a long time.

* * *

The next day, I was busy preparing to welcome my family, and the day after that, I was busy greeting them.

My family arrived at Duke’s grand estate, seemingly surprised by the lively atmosphere. They were people who knew manners, so they didn’t say it out loud, but they couldn’t hide their admiration. They hadn’t expected the Duke’s estate to be so grand and beautiful.

They must have worried about sending me to the middle of nowhere, but that wasn’t the case. The lamb and mushrooms from Duke’s land were significantly the most fragrant and delicious in the world.

And on the wedding day, the grand and beautiful hall greeted the guests, dispelling all my family’s worries. I sat in the bridal waiting room, listening to the well-wishes of various ladies.

Each lady started their compliments with, “I never knew the Grand Duke’s estate was so beautiful.“ I agreed, nodding along, thinking everyone saw it the same way.

After a group of people left, I leaned towards Anna and asked.

“How is His Grace doing?“

“He’s inside. Greeting guests is too troublesome for him. Instead, the butler and the aide are out there.”

“I see. How does he seem?“

“I didn’t see him myself, but I heard he’s just as usual.”

So, he wasn’t particularly nervous. Strangely, I worried about him like a child left by the water’s edge. Would he be okay with so many people?

But as soon as the wedding started and I entered the hall, all my worries disappeared.

The man I saw through my veil was more handsome than ever. The mask, meticulously crafted by an artisan, and the cloak I thought would be cumbersome looked magnificent. As I walked, following my father’s lead, I whispered.

“Don’t worry, Father. My husband is a wonderful person.”

To the point where I might have to worry about falling in love with him.