IBML 02

Chapter 02

The grand mansion, standing tall at the heart of the capital, harmoniously blending periwinkle blue and black, drew an involuntary gasp of admiration the moment I laid eyes on it.

This mansion was my new workplace—the residence of Duke Montenium.

It would also be my lodging until I was dismissed, for better or worse.

I took a few more steps toward the main gate and noticed a neatly-presented elderly butler waiting there. It was Chief Butler Sebastian.

“Hello, Chief Butler.”
“Welcome. We’re already acquainted, aren’t we?”

The butler took my suitcase, which felt as heavy as a ton of bricks, off my hands.

I thanked him and followed him inside the duke’s mansion.

Passing high walls and knights standing guard like an impenetrable fortress, we arrived at the garden.

A marble fountain sprayed clear water into the air.

The trees, still in early spring, had yet to bloom, and the grass beneath my feet had a green tint tinged with lemon yellow.

Yet, something about the garden’s plants seemed unhealthy and disorderly.

It lacked the refined beauty expected of a duke’s garden. Was the gardener negligent?

As if reading my thoughts, the butler replied,

“It’s due to a lack of gardeners. Many of these species are fussy, so finding someone capable has proven difficult.”
“I see.”
“If you know a gardener, recommendations are welcome.”

I offered an awkward smile at his joke.

We passed through a massive, bustling lobby and ascended a staircase covered in soft carpet.

The steps were shallow but numerous, requiring constant movement of my feet.

While climbing, the butler tried to ease my tension with mundane conversation.

Though I didn’t feel particularly nervous, I appreciated his effort.

“Shall I start work today?”
“Duke Montenium is a kind man; he won’t put you to work immediately. Today, you’ll meet the duke and take a tour of the mansion—that’s enough for now.”
“Yes. We’re heading to the office now, right?”
“That’s correct. I hope, Mr. Berni, that you’ll stay longer than the previous aide.”

Apparently, the previous aide hadn’t lasted even six months.

The original story mentions that Duke Montenium is a terrible workaholic—but how would meeting him in person feel?

Thud—

At the last step, a heavy door adorned with intricate carvings came into view.

We had arrived at the office. The butler knocked and slowly opened the door.

He stepped aside as if not to enter, leaving me to walk in alone. This was a private meeting.

My heart raced as I stepped inside.

Squeak—thud!

The sound of the door closing behind me made me swallow hard.

I then slowly lifted my head and faced forward.

Duke Montenium stood with his back to the door, gazing out the window.

The morning sun poured through, casting him in silhouette, so all I could see was a dazzling outline.

I waited for him to turn toward me.

As if on cue, he pivoted, meeting my gaze. I inhaled sharply at the sight of him.

Workaholic or not, he was far more striking than the original story had suggested.

I found myself instinctively scrutinizing him.

His ebony hair, tied back neatly, fell over a blue outer garment adorned with gold embroidery like a cloak.

Through thin, clear, silver-rimmed glasses, his deep golden eyes sparkled.

He was the epitome of a cold, handsome man.

Though he carried the air of a northern duke, there was also a literary elegance, and yet he didn’t appear entirely scholarly. His expression was cold.

His thin lips were tightly pressed together, leaving no space.

His expressionless face made him look like a perfect statue.

Yes, a statue. Meeting him for the first time gave me the impression of a lifeless object, devoid of any emotion.

And yet, in front of Calian, this person would smile kindly.

As a reader, the thought of witnessing that transformation up close made my heart race. I must have smiled without realizing it.

At that moment, the duke stepped forward decisively.

I paused, silently watching him approach.

He stopped in front of me, exuding a subtle scent of sandalwood. Keeping about a meter’s distance, he spoke first.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Recalin de Montenium.”
“I am Rasha Berni, and I will be serving as your aide.”

At my introduction, Recalin offered a professional smile—cold, only slightly lifting the corners of his lips.

The moment he realized I had noticed his expression, he erased the smile completely.

Wow, maintaining that poker face… he was like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.

While I was thinking this, Recalin returned to his desk near the sunlit window.

He picked up a fountain pen set with a blue gem at the tip and spoke.

“Do you remember the terms of employment?”
“Yes, I do.”

The contract mirrored what had been published in the newspaper ad: six-day workweeks, lodging and meals provided, an annual salary of 450,000 Mila, plus generous bonuses and performance pay.

The allotted vacation days were fewer than a week, but the salary was excellent. One Mila was equivalent to 100 won in my previous life.

Much better than the black company I used to work at.

That old boss… who harassed employees and dumped work on me—I should have torn his hair out until he was bald.

Recalin clicked the pen across the desk as he continued, the gem scattering sunlight like confetti.

“As an aide, you only assist with work tasks. The butler handles everything else.”

Tasks included accompanying him to official events, preparing meeting materials, and other tedious yet crucial duties aligned with his position.

The other qualities expected of an aide were drilled into me on the day I signed the contract.

Because the duke’s aide is a public figure, I was trained to maintain proper behavior, loyalty, and etiquette—a near brainwashing session.

I also learned which families, companies, and factions the Montenium household was associated with, and memorized all relevant material before it was discarded.

“Obtain permission from the butler if you wish to go outside. You won’t be assigned tasks immediately, so feel free to explore the mansion or rest.”

Exactly as the butler had said. Recalin didn’t speak, but his presence suggested the same. I bowed and took hold of the door handle.

Squeak—

The door closed heavily behind me, and I glanced sideways at Recalin.

He kept his head down, focused on work, dark circles under his eyes. Beside him, a cart piled high with documents waited.

Wow… what a sight.

Now able to observe the surrounding scene, I noticed traces of Recalin’s struggle with the paperwork.

A sight so poignant it nearly brought tears to my eyes… or rather, sadness. No wonder the previous aide left early.

Looks like I’ll be having a rough time starting tomorrow.

With that thought, I silently closed the door and stepped out.

A lingering golden gaze seemed to follow me.

Somehow, it felt as if Recalin, immersed in his documents, had looked up and noticed me.

The butler awaited me outside the office.

“Did you meet the duke well?”
“Yes. He said tomorrow would be my real first day.”
“See? I told you so.”

The elderly butler smiled warmly. I nodded in agreement.

“And my luggage?”
“I’ve brought it to your room. Shall we start with a tour of the mansion?”

I agreed and followed him.

The Montenium mansion was divided into a main building and an annex; we were currently in the main building.

The main building had four floors: the first floor held the lobby, reception room, and dining room; the second floor, an art gallery; the third floor, administrative and finance offices.

Before heading upstairs, I met the administrators and finance officers.

Knowing I would work alongside them late into the night, I naturally felt a sense of camaraderie.

The fourth floor housed Recalin’s office, study, and private rooms.

Since we had already visited the office, we left the main building for the annex.

The annex had two floors: the first floor contained the kitchen, dining hall, and servant quarters; the second floor, guest rooms.

The barracks and training grounds were located separately next to the annex, including stables—everything expected in a duke’s mansion.

Knights were training on the grounds.

I noticed a sharp gaze and turned to see a woman with short lavender hair staring at me.

She held a greatsword effortlessly in one hand.

“Who is she?”
“Welden, the deputy commander.”

The deputy’s large, scar-crossed face made her look intimidating, but her toothy grin exuded health and vitality.

The original story described her as skilled with the greatsword—so I’ll have to speak with her later.

I climbed the annex stairs, thinking that through.

“This is Mr. Berni’s room on the second floor.”

The butler pointed to a door painted a light brown.

I opened it and stepped inside.

Before I could fully take in the room, the butler spoke.

“I must take my leave. It’s lunchtime, so if you’re hungry, eat on the first floor.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“And here is your pass.”

He handed me a simple wooden plaque stamped with the Montenium family seal and signed by Recalin.

After confirming I had received it, he walked away.

I carefully tucked the pass into my pocket and looked around my new room.

It was much larger than my previous home.

The furniture, clearly expensive but neat and simple, included a desk, sofa, side table, and bed. To me, it felt like a five-star hotel room.

I dragged my suitcase under the bed.

The room was so clean that I hesitated to mess with anything.

I wanted to jump on the bed, but felt I’d be guilty until I washed first.

Rumble—

My stomach reminded me it was lunchtime.

Clearing my embarrassment with a small cough, I headed to the dining hall to eat.

Perhaps the rumor that people become servants in this mansion just for the meals wasn’t so far-fetched.

Lunch was excellent. Sweet bacon paired with omelet and cherry tomato mushroom stew—it was unexpectedly delicious.

I devoured my plate, savoring every bite.

Though I ate heartily, I felt a little embarrassed seeing the other servants eat so well and smile.

After finishing, I exchanged greetings with the staff and returned to my room, sitting on the sofa.

I changed into comfortable clothes, wiggled my bare feet, and enjoyed the afternoon breeze.

I thought about how I could create a connection between Recalin and Calian.