THSDR 06

Chapter 06

Moreover, after assigning a maid to investigate Diane, it was discovered that she had never properly cared for Hayden. Most of the time, Hayden was left completely unattended. Even when she was present, Diane focused on her own affairs and paid no attention to the child.

The maid who had been monitoring Diane reported reluctantly:

“Young master seems to be quite strong, Lady Yurein. It’s almost as if he has survived entirely on his own until now.”

That said enough already.

But such words would never reach that shameless woman. They decided to speak in numbers instead—cold, statistical facts.

“Ten thousand beks for dresses, thirty thousand for jewelry, and three thousand for skincare.”

Lady Yurein recited expressionlessly.

“Do you need to hear more before you leave?”

Diane slowly lifted her face, her makeup completely smeared with tears.

“And it turns out even her credentials were stolen from someone else. How long did you think you could deceive Bereiden?”

“L-Lady Yurein…”

“Go to the Countess of Yotley’s estate and wait. Judgement regarding you and House Yotley will be delivered soon.”

Lady Yurein’s voice was ice-cold.

House Yotley had recommended Diane as a nanny and helped fabricate her credentials.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the Yotley family had been receiving unexplained financial gains for some time.

Most noble families in the southern region were loyal to Bereiden, their lord.

And Bereiden, in turn, was loyal to the Emperor.

From a closer perspective, this was a betrayal of the ducal house. From a broader one, it was an insult to the Emperor himself. This matter could not be taken lightly.

Only then did Diane realize her situation and burst into terrified tears.

* * *

Lady Yurein, Head Butler Oliver, and First Advisor Bogus were gathered in one place.

Cheres looked around at them and rubbed his face.

“I have no face to show you. This is truly shameful.”

At his cold words, all three lowered their heads.

Although Cheres’ words included self-reproach, they were also directed at those who had failed to see Diane’s true nature until now.

“I apologize, Your Grace. I should have investigated her myself.”

“Have all those involved been identified?”

“We are investigating everyone who even received a single coin from Yotley.”

Bogus replied with visible shame.

“I also regret to report that another witness who vouched for the nanny’s identity has disappeared. It appears they have not been seen in the south since confirming her credentials.”

Lady Yurein also bowed her head.

But Cheres understood. This was not something that could be blamed solely on them.

It was also his own failure.

Had he not placed the child in danger?

This must never happen again.

That was why this meeting had been arranged.

“We need a new nanny. However, as for you all…”

Lady Yurein was a widow who had never raised a child.

Oliver and Bogus were married with children, but had little experience in childcare.

After being deceived once, Cheres no longer wished to trust just anyone.

And himself?

He did not even know how to properly hold a baby.

He had already looked into new candidates while tracking down the Yotley Countess, but none were suitable. After being deceived once, every candidate’s background and reputation now felt suspicious.

“I will continue searching for new candidates, Your Grace. I will not rely on recommendations this time.”

Bogus said firmly.

“But I still do not like the idea of bringing in another outsider.”

Lady Yurein said with a dark expression. The wound of betrayal was still fresh.

“Who can we trust now? What if we are deceived again? Your Grace, perhaps we should look within the household?”

“But, my lady, who can we truly trust? Who knows who might blind our eyes? We must be extremely cautious.”

Bogus countered.

“Then what do you think?”

Oliver hesitated before answering Cheres’ question.

“Perhaps… we should ask the Duchess for help.”

He spoke carefully.

“We can search properly over time for a suitable candidate, but until then, we could rely on the Duchess. She was the first to notice the nanny’s misconduct.”

“But she is from Hezest.”

“That is true, but not all Hezest people are the same, are they? And her attitude toward young master…”

Oliver’s words made Cheres fall into thought.

Roana.

He recalled her lifting Hayden—covered in flour soup—with ease.

She didn’t care that food stained her dress. She skillfully lifted the child, helped him burp, and wiped his face clean with a soft handkerchief.

Then, in a playful voice, she spoke gently to the baby:

“Do I look like your milk?”
“Mam! Ma!”
“Honestly, you need proper baby food. How are you supposed to survive on this?”

Hayden, usually picky and difficult, had laughed joyfully. Roana had also smiled helplessly.

It was clear Roana was kind to Hayden.

And Hayden was, in turn, extremely fond of Roana.

He had never once smiled at Cheres like that.

The child who usually cried when he saw him had clung to Roana, pressing his drool-covered face against her chin.

Could he think of a better alternative than Roana right now?

“What is the probability that Roana would approach Hayden and attempt to harm him?”

“She does not seem like that kind of person.”

“I will keep a close watch as well.”

The head butler and head maid spoke in turn.

Cheres also reflected on Roana.

Although she was the daughter of Hezest, she did not seem like them. A true Hezest would not have cared for Hayden—they would have tried to eliminate him.

Furthermore, Roana was essentially isolated here. Most people in Bereiden distrusted anyone from Hezest.

It would be difficult for her to build any influence that could harm Hayden.

Having reached that conclusion, Cheres made up his mind.

“Very well. I will speak with Roana myself.”

“If that is the case, Your Grace, may I suggest one more thing?” Lady Yurein said cautiously.

“Regarding the Yotley Countess. The Count has long since passed away. It would be better if the Duchess handled the matter, rather than Your Grace directly applying pressure.”

It was an unspoken rule among noblewomen that their affairs were handled among themselves. If Cheres intervened directly, even if the Yotley Countess was at fault, he himself could be criticized.

The Yotley Countess was deeply rooted in high society. People tended to show great sympathy toward a widowed noblewoman.

Lady Yurein continued.

“It would be wise to avoid unnecessary backlash. The Countess has long been active in southern society and is well-established there. In contrast…”

She sighed.

“Bereiden has been without a lady of the house for quite some time. During that period, we have been somewhat excluded from southern social circles. That is likely why rumors about Diane never reached us. If handled poorly, we may even face backlash from southern society. It would be better to let the Duchess manage public opinion.”

In other words, regardless of the truth, the Yotley side could manipulate public sentiment in their favor.

Cheres clenched his teeth.

Lady Yurein was right. It was something he had already been considering himself.