Chapter 7

Translator: Skye

* * *

Milady, there are letters that have arrived for you.

'As expected, they came.'

Although my own personal reputation was rock-bottom, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the amount of interest directed towards my father, a living hero, was unmatched in society. It was inevitable that I'd receive some letters.

Come in.

Marilyn came in with a silver tray which held a pile of letters on top.

Here they are, milady.

As I was reading through the letters, I couldn't help but let out a little laugh.

Out of the dozens of letters I had received, not a single one sounded genuine in their concern for my health. Amazing.

'Well, that just means I've been living a wasteful life.'

Though I felt quite bitter, I had no plans on getting even the slightest bit upset over something so insignificant like this.

'It's something I brought upon myself anyway.'

I spent all of my time only looking at Mikhail that I had paid no attention to anyone else. If anyone got in my way, I unleashed my wrath on them. Mikhail was the only one I had ever hinted favor towards. It was no surprise I became a loner and had no one but myself to blame.

Milady, would you like me to clean up the letters?

Marilyn's sudden voice interrupted my thoughts. It seems she thought I was just going to skim through them before moving them aside.

No, I'll be replying to all of them myself.

Marilyn seemed startled by my answer.

Youyou'll be responding to these formal letters yourself, milady?

I faintly smiled at her words and responded, That's right. They were all expressing concern over my health so I should be responsible for writing back myself.

I knew the senders behind these letters didn't actually care about my health, but the situation didn't allow for me to ignore them like usual.

The nobles' antagonism towards me was because I had been ignoring them.I had to do some damage control and appease them. No matter how bad one's reputation was, it could be changed if one worked to show a better image than before. With that reason, I was determined to change my own image.

And although writing letters were part of that plan, I found myself already running into a wall.

'But what am I supposed to write?'

Because I had no interest in anyone else, I didn't even know the tastes of the few people that I managed to keep as personal connections. Thus, I had no idea what to write.

'I don't even know enough about them to leave compliments.'

I glanced towards Marilyn.

'Now that I think about it, Marilyn was the one who always wrote the replies in my stead.'

The typical maid was in charge of completing tasks such as cleaning and doing the laundry. A personal waiting maid, however, was different from the average maid. In addition to having to assist the nobles, they had to be good at speaking and socializing as well.

As a result, these higher maids were usually someone from the educated middle-class or children of a fallen noble family. In other words, their role could be compared to that of a modern secretary.

Marilyn, I have a request.

I will listen to any order you give me, milady.

Could you help me with the letters?

Marilyn widened her eyes before looking at me with a puzzled expression. It should've come as no surprise that she reacted like that. If it was the old me, I would have never asked for help.

'But I'm no longer the fool I used to be.'

Looking at Marilyn, I spoke, Informing me of the preferences of each family we normally interact with is more than enough.

I understand. I will do my best to assist you, milady.

At Marilyn's pure intentions, I responded with a smile.

Thank you, it's reassuring to have you help me.

After hearing my words, Marilyn's face looked unsettled for a moment before it returned to its usual composure.

I will go bring the pen and paper for you.

* * *

With a stiffened expression, Marilyn stood in front of the doors of the duke's office while the head housekeeper, Mrs. Ferris, announced her presence.

Your Grace, Lady Juvellian's personal maid is here.

Instead of an answer, the door opened instead. Swallowing nervously, Marilyn entered the room and the moment she looked inside, her fear turned into admiration.

With his back to the huge windows, the light from the setting sun dyed the duke's silver hair in red. It felt like she was staring at a painting.

Continuing to stare absentmindedly at his figure, Marilyn was brought back to her senses only when the duke spoke.

What did Juvellian do today?

After writing replies to letters, Lady Juvellian spent some time reading a few books, sir.

Hearing the maid's stuttered response, the duke's expression, which had been as stiff as a statue, subtly changed.

She was reading books?

A look of surprise washed over the duke's face before it quickly disappeared. Staring at his deep blue eyes, Marilyn remained tense.

Which ones?

Most of them seemed to be about managing territory.

His brows furrowed at Marilyn's response.

What for?

It was to no surprise that he responded back with a question that implied doubt, because his daughter, Juvellian, had never shown an interest towards books before.

Marilyn recalled the words Lady Juvellian had said when requesting for another book: