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Chapter 12
Frederick didn’t deny it, but he clearly didn’t like what I said. He frowned hard and covered his eyes with his hand.
“Get out.”
“Such a temper. Fine, I’m leaving!”
I turned around and walked to the door.
—Bang!
I slammed the door shut on purpose, as if I was going to break it.
‘What a rude jerk.’
He doesn’t even know I’m doing all this to save his life.
Whatever. Everything’s going according to plan anyway.
Ecor entered the dining room holding a dessert plate.
“Young Master Frederick, would you like dessert?”
“No, I’m not in the mood.”
Frederick put down his fork and knife on the table.
“Ecor. Cancel the trade ship plan.”
Ecor nodded. He didn’t ask any questions. That’s one reason he had kept his position in the Feredi family for so long—he knew when to stay quiet.
Without a word, Ecor picked up Frederick’s plate. Frederick looked at his face and noticed a tiny smile. It was a small change—barely noticeable to others—but Ecor could tell right away.
After all, Ecor had raised Frederick since he was born. Though they were just master and butler on paper, they had a deep bond, like family.
“Ecor, what is it?”
“Yes, Young Master?”
“Why are you smiling? What’s so good?”
Ecor smiled even more while gently holding the plate.
“Lately, you’ve been looking better, sir. Your face is brighter, your expression is softer, you’re eating more, and you’re training longer. You look full of life. I like seeing that.”
“Do I? Maybe it’s because I got that letter from Charlier?”
Ecor didn’t answer. He just gave a small bow and walked out.
‘More than Lady Charlier…’
‘It’s Lady Delphine. Ever since she arrived, the young master has changed completely. But it’ll take him time to realize it. These feelings must be new for him.’
A warm smile spread across Ecor’s face.
Frederick had no idea what Ecor was thinking. His mind was too busy with how he’d reply to Charlier’s letter.
‘That woman said she’d help.’
A small smile formed on Frederick’s lips.
‘She’s so weird. She barged in yesterday, invited me to her birthday, and kept talking about it like it was a huge deal.’
He stood up, pushed in his chair, and turned toward the door. Suddenly, a thought came to him.
‘Wait, why did Leo show Delphine the letters between him and Charlier? Isn’t that kind of rude to do in a relationship?’
He imagined what he’d feel if Charlier showed him letters she exchanged with Leo. He’d probably lose his mind from jealousy.
‘If it were me, I’d burn the letters right on the spot. She really is a strange woman.’
Frederick shook his head and walked out of the dining room.
In the distance, Bella was bouncing happily toward him. She looked so excited that Frederick couldn’t help but smile.
“Bella! Are you in a good mood?”
When Bella saw him, she skipped over with little hops.
“Young Master! I’m so happy!”
She spread her arms wide and hugged Frederick’s leg tightly. He easily lifted her into his arms.
“What happened?”
“I just went on a walk with Lady Delphine. She even read me a book! I’m super happy!”
Frederick’s face softened into a warm smile. He loved Bella like a younger sister. The fact that both of their parents had died on the same ship made her even more special to him.
“Young Master, I hope Lady Delphine stays here a long, long time! She’s cool, thoughtful, and really nice to me!”
“She is? Funny, she’s always mean to me.”
“Really? But you said it before—some books have fancy covers but no content, and some books look plain but are full of good stories.”
“I did say that.”
Frederick nodded.
“Lady Delphine is the kind with a full story. She’s a great person. Leo made a huge mistake letting an angel like her go.”
“Leo…?”
Frederick’s smile faded completely.
Bella quickly covered her mouth and looked down, realizing she said something she shouldn’t have.
“I wasn’t supposed to say that…”
Frederick gently brushed her hair back.
“It’s okay. We don’t keep secrets, right?”
“Right? Right, Young Master?”
Bella still hesitated for a moment, lips pressed together.
“Hmm…”
Then she put a finger to her lips and began to talk.
“So, the maids told me… Lady Delphine broke up with Leo because of Lady Charlier. Leo kept talking about Charlier too much, and that’s why Lady Delphine ended things.”
“…Really?”
Frederick raised one eyebrow.
That would explain why Delphine knew so much about Charlier. But at the same time, it made him uncomfortable thinking about how often he brought up Charlier in front of her.
Bella stared into his eyes and continued.
“Originally, Lady Charlier and Leo were supposed to get married, but Charlier went to the royal palace. After that, Leo started dating Lady Delphine. But…”
“But what?”
“Leo kept comparing Charlier and Delphine.”
“…”
Frederick looked down the hallway, deep in thought. After a long silence, he muttered quietly,
“So that’s why. Why a duke’s daughter is working in my house.”
“Lady Delphine was kicked out after the engagement was called off. But… what does that mean, Young Master?”
Frederick turned back to look at Bella. The warmth returned to his face.
“A broken engagement means two people planned to get married but decided not to.”
“If they cancel a marriage, can they never get married again?”
Frederick replied,
“They still can.”
“Good! I really like Lady Delphine. I hope she marries someone she truly loves and lives happily!”
Frederick smiled gently as he looked at Bella.
4. Charlier Likes Bad Boys
‘It’s raining.’
Heavy raindrops hit the window.
‘Guess I can’t go on that walk with Bella today.’
I held a leather-bound book in one hand. It was from Frederick’s room.
Lately, I’d been reading history and economics books. I figured if I’m stuck here, I might as well learn how to make money.
I had a big advantage—I knew which trends would be hot in the next few years. And I also knew which trade ships would be most profitable.
‘I could totally become an investment queen.’
Since I had no marriage prospects, maybe it was time to aim for something else—getting rich. I could become Trade Queen Delphine.
The thought alone was exciting. My original life goal was to marry Leo. But ever since the breakup, I’d felt lost. Now that I had a new goal, I felt thrilled.
Yeah, let’s make money fast. If I ghostwrite letters for Frederick and give him advice, the bonuses alone could set me up for life in a year.
I was genuinely excited. My steps toward Frederick’s study felt light.
‘Now this is work worth doing.’
I went down the stone stairs and boldly opened the door to Frederick’s bedroom. Still empty and quiet. I walked straight to the study and knocked.
—Knock knock.
“…”
“I’m coming in.”
He never answers properly anyway.
I pushed the door open and stepped into the study. Frederick was sunk into his usual spot on the sofa.
“…”
I pulled out a chair and sat at the desk.
“Where is it?”
Frederick put down the book he was reading and looked at me.
“What?”
Ugh, this guy and his attitude.
“The letter. Charlier’s letter. I came to help you write your reply.”
“Oh, that.”
Frederick reached out and picked up a book.
“Forget it. Don’t worry about it.”
“What?! That’s a breach of contract. Give it here!”
Ugh, I was sweating. I could almost see my 1,000 Luke flying away. That was enough to eat gourmet meals for a month—or buy ten dresses my mom loved.
‘No. I need to earn this money.’
I clenched my fists and stood up, walking toward him. Frederick pretended to ignore me, but I saw him glance at me from the side.
“Hey.”
He looked up at me slowly. His long eyelashes made it hard to read his expression.
“Don’t tell me… is it because you don’t want to pay me? Is this about the bonus?”
Frederick let out an annoyed sigh and set the book down.
—Thud.
“Is money all you ever think about?”
“What else is there to think about?”
“….”
Frederick was speechless for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.
“I wasn’t going to say this, but… you’re really pushing it.”
“What? Say what?”
Frederick ran a hand through his hair.
“I heard everything. About you, Leo, and Charlier.”
“Yeah. So?”
I didn’t get it. Why was he suddenly talking about my past? Why did he care?
“You broke up because of Charlier, right?”
Ugh, what nonsense did he hear now? I wanted to yell, Shut up with the nonsense! But I couldn’t. He was my paycheck, after all.
