Chapter 164

Chapter 164

Raymonds handling of the mansion wasnt exactly smooth, but it wasnt the worst either. Since the two of them werent using most of the mansion, there wasnt much to take care of.

The servants quarters were mostly empty, and there were no guests, so he only needed to tidy up the areas that they regularly used. However, the luxury of their life had significantly declined compared to before.

The first problem was clothing.

Im truly sorry, Carynne.

Carynne knew she just had to accept Raymonds apology, but when she saw the pile of fabric in front of her, she couldnt say a word.

It was her best dress, the one she usually wore when she first met Raymond, a dress with layers of frills underneath. It wasnt just about its appearanceit was lightweight and provided good insulation, so it was one of Carynnes favorite dresses.

However, she would never wear this skirt again while she was alive.

It had already turned into a pile of fabric that couldnt even be called clothing.

How exactly did you wash it?

Just like the other clothes I soaked it in soapy water and washed it.

With your working clothes, Sir Raymond?

Yes. Thats right.

Carynne wasnt a laundry maid, but she at least knew that you shouldnt wash clothes like this.

Unlike work clothes, which could withstand tough treatment, delicate fabrics like womens dresses should be handled with care.

Most clothes were only lightly cleaned and then disposed of when they got dirty because damaging delicate fabrics was usually irreversible.

Did you wash it with the clothes you wear while working?

Yes.

Washing such a dress with working clothes in a makeshift washing area resulted in a terrible outcome. The dress was completely distorted, and the dull color of the work clothes water had seeped into it.

Ill buy a new one soon.

She had to say that its okay, that its not his fault.

Not knowing something wasnt a mistake. He immediately acknowledged his mistake and promised to make amends. She should answer, Its fine, and move on.

Carynne couldnt bring herself to answer so easily. If he was her attendant, she would have scolded him, and if it was Isella instead, she would have fired the servant right away.

But the person in front of her was Raymond. Carynne opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Im very sorry.

Never mind.

That was the best she could do.

In the end, Carynne couldnt bring herself to say that it was okay. She understood it logically, but her emotions were still slighted.

Loving Raymond and dealing with this situation were two separate matters.

That night, Carynne turned her back to Raymond and fell asleep.

Im sorry.

Do you usually have meals like this in the military?

Usually, its much worse than this.

Its delicious. I appreciate it.

Thats not what she was actually getting at. Sighing quietly, she continued to cut the meat.

When Carynne didnt respond, Raymond suggested again.

I had to prepare everything in a hurry, so all we had for bread was some stale baguette. I thought it would be better to focus on the meat instead.

Dont we have any flour?

Raymond stiffened at Carynnes question.

Ill make sure to learn how to bake soon.

So he had some more ingredients, but he couldnt make anything else.

Carynne looked at the meat without looking at Raymond.

Raymond himself was a nobleman, so he must know what ordinary meals for the aristocracy were like. However, since he wasnt in a position to entertain others on a regular basis, he was putting forth his best efforts based on his own standards.

Why dont you just call the chefs back in?

Carynne bit back the words that were right at the tip of her tongue. She stared hard at Raymond without speaking.

Next time, Ill have the porter bring biscuits and bread.

But the porters arrival was still far off. Carynne felt disheartened at the thought of continuing to eat such meager meals for a few more days.

Please and thanks.

Carynne forced a smile and replied to Raymond. Her smiling face seemed like it might twitch at any moment. But Raymond was the one making everything, cleaning everything, and even paying for everything, so it was hard to complain.

If theres anything you find uncomfortable, please tell me right away. Ill do my best.

Carynne had to swallow the scream rising from her throat as she looked into Raymonds earnest gaze.

It was a quiet meal in the palatial mansion.

The third problem was that Raymond was too busy.

Raymond forcefully made sure to spend at least two hours a day with Carynne, playing chess or having conversations while strolling in the garden. But anything beyond that was a stretch.

Cleaning the house, preparing meals, spending time with Carynne, and handling the estates paperwork already filled his entire day. After dinner, he continued to receive and organize documents, send missives to different places, and even more.

I thought you retired?

I didnt only handle military affairs.

You had other duties, too?

Yes.

He gave a brief answer and then surprised himself by opening up a little more.

I still have to oversee some matters related to the Marquis.

Living in seclusion within the mansion did not mean they had been completely disconnected from society. However, Carynne herself was detached from society, and Raymond was her only tether.

Please, endure it for just one year.

But for Carynne, that period felt like it would never end.