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CHAPTER 05
“My Younger Brother Is Not Allowed, Your Grace – ”
Unaware that Daphne was grinding her teeth while staring at the document, Asher spoke with concern.
“Yes. If we are to find him within a month and also complete the succession of the ducal seat, things will be quite busy.”
“So, counting from the accident in Emberhorn, we have roughly three weeks of leeway.”
“That is correct. As Miss Daphne Sutton claims, it is impossible to appoint her as the Duke’s retainer.”
“I see.”
Liam nodded.
Hearing this, Daphne quickly set down her teacup and straightened her posture toward him.
“I can become the Duke’s retainer! According to the rules established between our two houses—”
“There is no rule based on gender.”
For once, Liam’s playful expression vanished. He looked at her seriously.
“Yet both Sloane and Sutton have insisted on matching genders. Do you know why?”
Behind him, Asher began frantically waving his arms, silently warning Daphne not to say “that” again.
But Daphne did not disappoint him.
“It’s because they feared romantic or physical relationships between master and retainer. And if a child were to be born, it would complicate matters further.”
“I see…”
Liam drew out his words, narrowing his eyes slightly.
“A child is always a blessing. And if love already exists, even more so. I believe this restriction was originally meant to protect the Sutton family.”
“Protect…?”
“Yes. The Sloane’s command, bound by the oath, carries coercive power over the Suttons. I have not tested it myself, but…”
Daphne had heard of it.
When a Sloane issued a “command,” the Sutton bound by the oath was obligated to obey.
“You can command anything. What greater temptation is there for someone in love? I doubt I could resist it.”
A warm sigh slipped between his parted lips, and Daphne frowned.
“But I don’t think Your Grace would ever give me such a command.”
“Why do you think that?”
Because…
Daphne smiled bitterly.
“You don’t really think I married you because I was in love with you, do you?”
Her past marriage before regression suddenly felt useful. She clasped her trembling hands together and forced a calm smile.
“I am not someone who can be loved.”
Her confident statement drew surprise from Liam.
He seemed taken aback by an answer completely different from what he expected.
“How interesting, Daphne Sutton.”
After a pause, he tilted his head slightly.
“…Then let’s do this. Asher, check whether Duncan has any available manpower.”
“I have already checked. Unfortunately, they have enough maids—though they could use male servants.”
Asher looked like he desperately wanted to say, “So please kick this woman out already!”
“Good. Then I will hire Daphne Sutton as a servant.”
“Excuse me?!”
Both Asher and Daphne shouted at the same time.
A servant?
“That’s absurd! How could she possibly do servant work?”
“There is no rule against it in this house, is there?”
“That’s not the issue!”
“Is it the job description? She looks physically capable.”
“That’s not it! If she becomes a servant, then her living arrangements—”
“She’ll stay in the servants’ quarters. I’m sure even you, Asher Marple, are managing just fine there.”
“Your Grace is saying she would be sleeping on the same floor as male servants…!”
Asher’s face turned red with distress.
“Is that a problem? Didn’t she just say she cannot be loved by anyone anyway?”
“….”
“Then there should be no issue. Your concern is unnecessary.”
As Asher stood speechless, Liam turned back to Daphne.
Seeing her trembling lips, he smiled in satisfaction.
“I’ll give you six days, Miss Sutton.”
“What kind of opportunity is that supposed to be?”
“An opportunity to remain here.”
He raised two fingers.
“During these six days, there are two conditions you must fulfill.”
“Go on.”
“One: you must satisfy me. Anything is fine. As long as I am satisfied.”
Daphne hesitated, then nodded.
She had expected to serve her master’s needs as a servant.
“And the second?”
“Simple. You must not become involved in any romantic entanglement with anyone in this household.”
“…Pardon?”
“I simply wish to test your claim. You said no one would fall in love with you, did you not?”
Daphne nodded uncertainly.
She had said that—but she hadn’t expected him to test it.
“Then the second condition should be easy for you.”
“I… suppose so?”
“Good. It’s settled.”
“W-wait!”
Daphne leaned forward urgently.
Liam tilted his head, inviting her to continue.
“What happens if I… fail?”
“If you fail to satisfy me, or if a romantic rumor arises?”
“…Yes.”
She already suspected the answer, but asked anyway.
Liam lazily stroked Samuel’s hat with his long fingers.
That gesture made the meaning painfully clear.
He will go after your handsome little brother.
Daphne’s face went pale, while Liam smiled as though thoroughly entertained.
* * *
In truth, Daphne believed she would satisfy the Duke quickly.
That was what a servant was supposed to do.
But a few days later, she wished she could go back in time and tell herself otherwise.
As a low-ranking servant in this massive estate, she didn’t even get the chance to clean the Duke’s shoes—let alone please him.
Most of her work was menial labor.
On top of that, there had been the funeral for the former Duke.
The estate was flooded with visiting nobles, filling every room on the second floor.
When Daphne first arrived, she had thought, “Managing this many rooms must be difficult.”
And now I’m the one doing it!
She had started counting over thirty rooms before giving up.
She carried coal and firewood to each room, trimmed lamps, and refilled oil—always when guests were absent.
That meant rushing whenever guests went to meals or to the chapel.
Even when she finished, she couldn’t rest.
She then had to go downstairs and serve meals to other servants as the lowest-ranked worker.
At least—
“Are you alright, Miss Sutton?”
“You said you’d be fine… Look at your hands. I’ll bring you some medicine later.”
The servants were all kind people, unlike their masters.
And because of that, Daphne no longer needed to worry about Liam’s “romantic entanglement” condition.
No one had time for romance when they were exhausted beyond belief.
* * *
Daphne’s work finally ended very late at night.
She didn’t even feel like eating.
After skipping dinner, washing up, and drying her hair with a towel, she arrived at her room.
As promised, she was staying in the male servants’ quarters.
And her roommate was—
“You’re back.”
Asher Marple.
Living with him had taught Daphne a few things.
He had grown up alongside the ducal family and was extremely loyal.
And he absolutely despised her.
The moment she stepped in with wet hair, he opened the window—despite the freezing winter air.
Cold wind hit her damp body, and she immediately dove under her blanket.
“Why do you always open the window the moment I come back after washing?”
She had asked this many times, but he never answered properly.
“You think I’ll catch a cold and leave the estate? Not a chance!”
“No, it’s not that—”
He stopped mid-sentence.
“Not what? As a gentleman, you should finish your words, Mr. Marple.”
“Haah… honestly.”
He ran a hand through his hair.
Daphne glared at him, waiting.
“I just…”
His hands fidgeted.
“…it smells… like—”
