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Chapter 12
“Wow\~.”
In the pitch darkness, Gerald tore off his black mask, eyes gleaming.
He barely held back a whistle, choosing instead to express his excitement with a slow, curling grin.
**”He really didn’t go mad tonight, huh?”**
Everyone in the Grand Duke’s manor feared the night.
It was because of the horrifying screams that echoed from Denok’s room every evening.
Eventually, Denok had started gagging himself with a cloth to muffle the sound, but Gerald—who had sharp ears—was never fooled.
Tonight, too, he had been standing by on the rooftop, just in case things turned bloody.
Though he hadn’t seen the inside of the room, the silence from the manor was enough to tell him one thing: the master was asleep. Peacefully.
**‘So the woman was telling the truth.’**
Gerald narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
She was still someone to be wary of, but at the very least, her skills were undeniable.
That woman—who had shown no reaction whatsoever when Gerald had acted discourteously earlier at the door.
Her sharp features had given off a cold impression, but she had surprisingly let the matter slide without batting an eye.
**”At this rate, they might as well have signed a lifelong contract,”** he muttered, scratching the back of his head.
The mask slipped from his fingers, fluttering gently into the night sky, caught by the wind.
—
The next morning.
When I opened my eyes, the bed across from mine was empty.
There was still a faint trace of warmth—he must have left not long ago.
**‘Strange…’**
It felt odd.
After what happened yesterday, I’d thought things might be awkward if we saw each other first thing in the morning… yet a faint pang of disappointment flickered through me.
Still drowsy, I murmured to myself as if shaking off the thought—but a sudden knock snapped me out of it.
**Knock, knock.**
**“I’ve come to assist with your morning preparations.”**
It was Rachel.
**“Come in,”** I replied, frowning slightly as I sat up.
Rachel entered, flanked by two young maids.
One held a bundle of light clothes; the other carried a tray with a steaming teacup.
**“You must be fatigued from last night. I’ve brought a tea that helps with recovery.”**
Her unusually gentle voice sent a chill down my spine.
**“I’ll assist with your bath today. I imagine it’s still uncomfortable to entrust these girls fully.”**
She offered the tea with a faint smile.
As I took the crimson brew in hand and sipped, a single thought crossed my mind:
**‘Here we go again.’**
The second inspection had begun.
—
**“The bath is ready.”**
As Rachel opened the bathroom door, a thick cloud of steam billowed out into the corridor.
The moment I stepped in after them, the door quietly shut behind me.
**“Allow me to help you undress.”**
Rachel turned and bowed her head slightly.
It seemed she intended to carry out the inspection personally this time.
**“No need. I’ll manage.”**
I looked down at her calmly and lifted my hand to undo my robe.
The silk slid down my skin and dropped to the floor with a soft thud.
Rachel’s eyes lifted slightly.
Meeting her scanning gaze head-on, I stood tall and unashamed.
I didn’t cover myself. There was no need to.
**“Well?”**
The two young maids sharply inhaled but quickly bowed their heads at Rachel’s silent signal.
In the midst of the quiet tension, I swept my hair back with one hand, gathering the strands that clung annoyingly to my damp neck.
Then I looked down at my own body.
Like scarlet paint splattered across a blank canvas, vivid marks bloomed from my neck, spread down over my chest, past my navel, and even…
**“Ahem. You two, go prepare the ointments.”**
**“Y-Yes, ma’am!”**
Rachel ordered sharply, and the maids scampered off.
She then gestured toward the tub.
**“Please, step in. It will soothe your fatigue.”**
Following her guidance, I stepped into the water.
The hot bath licked at my ankles, then enveloped my whole body.
As the warmth melted the stiffness in my muscles, a deep sigh escaped me.
**‘That takes care of the wedding night. Pulled it off perfectly.’**
Now, it was time to prepare for what came next.
I quietly observed Rachel’s back as she faced away from me.
—
After the bath, I headed straight for the dining hall.
Accompanied by a young maid Rachel had assigned to me, I strolled through the unfamiliar manor, taking in its layout.
Suddenly, I noticed maids scurrying through a corridor in the distance.
Arms full of brooms, mops, and buckets—they were clearly rushing.
One girl made eye contact with me and flinched before hurriedly bowing. I gave a slight nod in return and passed by.
Apparently, Rachel hadn’t taken kindly to the manor’s state and had issued a storm of orders early this morning.
**‘If she’s busy tending to the household, she won’t have time to monitor me.’**
With Rachel preoccupied, I was free to act.
I was on my way to the dining hall, led by the same maid who had brought the wash basin earlier.
Her navy hair was braided into two neat plaits, and she looked very young.
Her lips were pressed together nervously.
**“What was your name again?”**
Startled, she came to a halt. Her braids swayed with the motion.
After hesitating, she finally answered in a small but steady voice.
**“Melissa… Madam.”**
Though shy, her voice didn’t waver.
She had a firm nature, despite her delicate appearance.
I smiled gently.
**“I see. Melissa, I’m still unfamiliar with this place, so I’ll be relying on you quite a bit.”**
**“Pardon? Oh, yes! It’s an honor, madam.”**
Melissa’s round eyes widened as she bowed deeply.
I gave her another soft smile and resumed walking.
Melissa hurried to take the lead again, though I noticed her shoulders had relaxed slightly.
She had likely assumed I’d be cold and overbearing—just like Rachel.
**‘But I can’t let that happen.’**
Before Rachel could extend her influence in this household, I had to gather allies and seize control.
**‘The more power I hold here, the less she can do.’**
And power didn’t always come from grand titles or loud proclamations.
Sometimes, it grew quietly—from relationships like this.
—
A short while later, we arrived at the dining room.
When the doors opened, I stood frozen for a moment, forgetting to keep up appearances.
**‘What in the world…?’**
**“Did you rest well through the night, madam? His Grace will be joining you shortly.”**
Vernon bowed politely and led me to my seat.
Still stunned, I followed and finally asked,
**“Is breakfast always this extravagant?”**
The table stretched endlessly before me, piled high with a feast fit for royalty.
Unlike last night’s light meal, this was nothing short of a banquet.
**“…The head chef got a bit carried away, hearing His Grace would be dining this morning. Please, eat comfortably—whatever you don’t finish will be gladly eaten by the staff.”**
Eat comfortably? With this much food?
My eyes darted around the table in mild disbelief.
Then, at the center of the spread, a whole roasted pig glistening with oil caught my eye.
At that moment, my stomach—utterly lacking in tact—let out a loud grumble.
**‘A luxurious breakfast… might not be so bad after all.’**
Just then, the sound of the door opening echoed through the room.
Denok entered.
