Chapter 71

“You’ve arrived.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Take a break.”

That was the entirety of our conversation, just three words. The only sound that filled the office was the scratch of the quill on paper. Irritated by the scene, Lilian turned her head away as she exited the office, letting out a sigh. I took a quick glance around. The maidservants were obviously avoiding Lilian’s gaze. This mansion was still as depressing as ever.

If there’s any consolation, it’s that the Marchioness isn’t here. It seemed today was another of her outings. The Marquis was processing documents as if he had no regrets about her absence at all. I silently sighed as I caught a glimpse of Lilian’s blank expression as she headed back to her room.

Although it was my first time back in a while, the place looked spotless, not a speck of dust in sight. The Marchioness might not be fulfilling her role as the lady of the house, but the capable staff of the House of Portus were effectively filling that void.

Of course, when it comes to decisions that ultimately need the Marchioness’s approval, Lilian had to give her input. I glanced at Lilian’s desk and saw piles of paperwork stacked high. At that sight, Lilian took a deep breath.

“You’ve got to be kidding me, am I supposed to handle all of this?”

“Well, you have been away for quite some time.”

“What about Mother?”

“Do you think she’d do something like this?”

“…”

As I watched Lilian at a loss for words, I quietly surveyed my surroundings. For the sake of my mental stability, I opened the shelf where the tea leaves were kept, only to be horrified. There wasn’t a single leaf left.

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s not a single tea leaf!”

“You’ve been gone for a while, so they probably just took it out.”

“That can’t be! They should’ve stocked them knowing the Young Lady was coming back soon.”

A maid working for the House of Portus should certainly know that the Young Lady enjoys tea while working. This was simply unacceptable. As I stepped outside to say something, I noticed a new maid rushing in with tea leaves. She had a face I’d never seen before. It seemed she was a recent hire.

“I-I’m so sorry! I completely forgot to refill the tea leaves!”

“That’s not an excuse. How can a maid serving the Young Lady forget something so basic?”

“I’m so sorry! I’m really sorry!”

The sight of the maid repeatedly bowing her head softened my heart just a little, but then I heard Lilian’s voice behind me, trying to intervene.

“That’s enough. Catherine, what’s your name?”

“Uh, me?”

“Then who else is here?”

“M-Marcia!”

Oh, I bit my tongue. Lilian sighed as she silently observed Marcia, who was now embarrassed and with her head bowed.

“Alright, just go.”

“Yes, yes!”

Marcia bowed politely to Lilian and hurried out. After asking for Lilian’s understanding, I followed after Marcia. She glanced back at me, then approached.

“What’s your name?”

“…Catherine.”

Didn’t she just hear me say that? Maybe she thought it was good manners to ask again. No, judging by that rude look, probably not. Marcia looked me in the eye and smirked.

“What’s this? You’re not as pretty as I expected. Your eyes are so red.”

“…”

What’s with this attitude? I tilted my head at the unexpected insult, and Marcia’s smirk deepened.

“I don’t plan on getting involved with you, so don’t follow me.”

As I watched her neatly tied hair sway, I couldn’t figure out why she was being so hostile. But there must be a reason for it; I could find that out later.

“Is that so?”

“Hmph.”

As I quietly watched Marcia’s retreating figure, I headed towards the maids’ quarters to unpack my belongings.

“Oh my, Catherine. You really came back!”

“It’s been a while, Bessie.”

“That stiff way of speaking feels nostalgic! I’m so happy you’re back, Catherine.”

“Is there something I can help with?”

“Oh, plenty!”

Bessie, the most sociable maid and practically my best friend, smiled broadly at me. With her freckles and charm, she was well-liked among the other maids. Yet, curiously enough, she had never had a boyfriend, perhaps due to her overly workaholic nature.

“Well, I’ll be getting one soon anyway?”

“Did I say that out loud?”

“Nope, but your eyes say it all.”

“Um.”

Bessie always had a knack for reading what I was thinking, especially since she had treated me like her younger sister since childhood.

“Could you bring in the laundry basket from the laundry room? I just did a blanket wash. I’m glad you’re back.”

Had I not returned, I’d have had to round up all the maids, she laughed as she led me to the laundry room. Sure enough, the room was filled with whites. As I easily lifted the massive laundry basket brimming with blankets, Bessie clapped her hands.

“Wow, you really are something. That’s a weight most adult men couldn’t lift.”

“Um.”

“Oh, I shouldn’t have said that? You’re still a lady.”

“That doesn’t really matter.”

Honestly, I was more surprised at my own strength than anything. Sure, I was stronger than most women, but I wasn’t stronger than any man. My swordsmanship relied more on speed than brute strength anyway.

It didn’t seem plausible for me to lift a basket this huge. As those thoughts crossed my mind, I felt a warm surge of energy flowing through me. My magical power was activating on its own without any conscious effort. It was a bit strange.

After several trips back and forth to the laundry room, Bessie and I finally plopped down on the ground near the clothesline to take a break. Sure, my maid outfit might get a little dirty, but I could just brush it off.

“So, how was the Academy?”

“It was a different world.”

“Really that much?”

“Yes. The mansion of the House of Portus is grand compared to other families, but the Academy was on a different level.”

I began sharing my experiences at the Apatem Academy, and Bessie’s eyes widened.

“It must be quite something to gather such influential nobles there.”

“You can say that again.”

As we spoke, I found myself gazing blankly at the blue sky. The sun had risen high above us, its warmth wrapping around me. It was then that I suddenly spoke up.

“Speaking of which…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“There’s a new maid named Marcia.”

“Oh, you’ve already met her? Isn’t she cute? Quite spirited, isn’t she?”

“Spirited, huh?”

“What’s with that tone?”

“Nothing.”

I wasn’t sure whether she was hiding her true self or if she was just like that with me, so I decided to keep my mouth shut. Bessie tilted her head, curious.

“How did she end up working here?”

“I couldn’t tell you. I’m sure the head maid knows.”

Slightly teasing, Bessie poked my cheek.

“Looks like the next head maid is interested in the latest recruit?”

“That’s not it. Besides, I’m supposed to be by the Young Lady’s side for life.”

“Oh come on. That’s impossible. You know the Young Lady will get married.”

Noble young ladies usually leave their staff behind to marry. It’s only natural. Servants aren’t hired for individuals but for families, after all. Bessie was pointing that out.

“They could take in a son-in-law, so it’s not impossible.”

“Oh? I hadn’t thought of that.”

Bessie nodded, realizing something she hadn’t considered before, and giggled. I glanced at her and then stood up, brushing off my rear. Just then, Bessie looked at my backside and exclaimed.

“Hey, you’ve still got some fluff hanging on. Let me help you.”

“Ah.”

She started patting my bottom, exclaiming in awe.

“You still have such a large backside. Your hips are so….”

“I’ll be on my way now.”

I rushed to leave, fully aware of the implications of what she might say next. I intended to head to the head maid. That Marcia maid had mentioned she practiced martial arts. Although she was at a lower level than I was, the head maid was also trained in assassinations. I couldn’t imagine she’d let anyone in without knowing.

I felt the need to find out the reason. I could leave no threats to the Young Lady.