CH 1.13

“I’m Lil. I’ve been employed by the Duke of Lindbeld’s family as a chambermaid for seven years now, after graduating top of my class from the Rumbold Training Institute. I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I am determined to serve you in all sincerity.”

“I’m Layla, and I also graduated from the Rumbold Training Institute with the highest degree in practical skills. I was hired by the Duke of Lindbeld last year. My specialty is women’s beauty and grooming. I would very much like to serve Madam and make use of my forte.”

“I’m Lina. I graduated from the Shanak Maid Training School at the top of my class. Although I am still inexperienced, I promise to learn my job as soon as possible and be useful to Madam. I look forward to working with you.”

I thought the three of them looked brilliant, but they really were super elite.

It was amazing that they left such talented people idle.

But shouldn’t my husband give the three of them a chance to think it over too?

The Rumbold Training Institute was the country’s largest servant training school, and its history was quite old.

In addition, people who graduated from there were always excellent, regardless of their grades.

If my memory serves me right, there were several departments, and rumors had it that the steward training department and the lady attendant training department were incredibly difficult to enter and graduate from.

If these maids were the best overall and top in practical skills there, they could even serve the royal family in the imperial palace.

And the Shanak Maid Training School was a school that specializes in rearing maids.

The reputation of the school might be inferior to the Rumbold Training Institute, but the Shanak Maid Training School had a higher admission rate than the former.

If such elite talents were given jobs that weren’t what they actually wanted, even if the benefits were good, they would likely resign.

Even if they lacked a recommendation letter, there was a chance that the academy could have done something about it secretly if they were outstanding. They might not be able to stand up to the Duke of Lindbeld, but the institute could.

Or, they could have asked their relatives or acquaintances for help.

When I thought about it, I realized that these women were truly hard-earned people for the Duke of Lindbeld.

“Very well, you will accompany Rishe-sama for the time being. Are you alright with it, Master?”

“I’ll leave you to it.”

My husband dumped everything to Ragnard, and Ragnard being Ragnard called the shots as if it were his role to do so.

I didn’t think it was something I should interfere with, but I felt a little awkward.

Nevertheless, the three women accepted me without any surprise.

I knew this from the beginning, didn’t I?

The three of them had graduated as excellent lady’s maids.

And yet, I knew that they were telling me too much about the mansion.

Of course, I was sure that they were talkative and gossipy.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madam.

The three bowed their heads, led by a smiling Lil.

“Oh, it’s nice to meet you…”

I replied with an awkward and subtle expression on my face. Lil immediately said to Ragnard on my behalf.

“If I may be so bold, I’d like to get Madam ready, if that’s all right.”

The clothes I was wearing presently were the kind of clothes an ordinary woman would wear.

It was comfortable, and I could take it off and put it on by myself. However, I wasn’t so sure it was appropriate for a Duchess.

But no one said anything here, so I was much more at ease.

I wasn’t fond of stiff clothes.

“It’s okay. Please do.”

Ragnard readily gave his permission.

I reluctantly walked back to my room with the three of them. A lot of things had already been prepared there.

The preparations were sufficient enough. 

The people up to the task was another matter…

“Well then, Madam, please take off your clothes for now, such tacky ―― no, those are ill-fitting clothes.”

“Besides, your skin looks a bit tired this past week. Take a bath and polish it up to a shine ―― or better yet, I’ll give you a massage! I’m proficient at it.”

“I’m here to support you both!”

Well, didn’t they have something to say before anything else?

I felt like I’ve been left alone. I was.

“Umm, the three of you knew, didn’t you?”

“Of course. We knew who you were right away. Wearing a servant’s clothes does not hide the qualities that you possess.”

“And while your skin was certainly not in good condition, your hands were too clean. At the very least, they were not the hands of someone who does menial work. Your nails were also neatly trimmed.”

“Also, there are differences in manners between aristocrats and non-aristocrats. You couldn’t cover up your unconscious behavior!”

Excellent people had various ways of seeing things.

There was nothing I could do when they told me that even my unconscious gestures had been scrutinized and judged.

“Ah, but don’t worry. We haven’t told anyone else. No one has even noticed.”

Lil remarked in a kind of spine-tingling way.

I felt a slight tug at my mouth when I saw her laughing.

“Alright, let’s get some rest first! If we’re going to go into battle, we need to be prepared!”

Uh? What do you mean battle?

I’m all for getting some rest, but that’s not what I was hoping for, you know?

I had no choice but to surrender myself to the momentum of the three of them.