Chapter 191: Unexpected Allies (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 191: Unexpected Allies (2)
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you’ve taken such meticulous care of even the smallest details, despite having so much on your plate.”
“Indeed, I noticed the servants’ attire was quite neat and pleasant to look at.”
At Loik’s words, the Countess nodded in agreement.
“I heard the Grand Duchess devised a clever garment with detachable sleeves?”
Not long ago, I had learned through the head maid, Mrs. Benet, that the maids’ sleeves became soiled easily, making them difficult to wash.
Since I had been researching detachable sleeves with Madame Ramondria for some time, I provided the servants with garments featuring detachable sleeves, along with plenty of spares.
Fortunately, the new clothing was very well-received by the staff.
It was, in a sense, a prototype test.
As I gave a brief explanation of the garments, the Countess nodded.
“Looking after one’s servants is also important. The young mistress of the house is quite thoughtful.”
“The castle is so large that managing it is no easy feat. The Grand Duchess has truly worked hard,” Loik added, his tone turning serious as he focused on the conversation. “There isn't a single person in this castle, myself included, who isn't indebted to her.”
“That is a good attitude to have. Your Highness must not take the mistress’s hard work for granted,” the Countess said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “Housekeeping is, by nature, a thankless job no matter how much effort you put in.”
“You are absolutely right.”
Somehow, the two of them were getting along famously while talking about me.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I poked at my plate.
The current course was lightly steamed Blue Shrimp.
Blue Shrimp were delicious, but their shells were thin and incredibly tedious to peel. Northern people usually chewed them whole, shell and all, but I disliked that scratchy texture.
It’s too much work, so I’ll just peel one.
Just as I picked up my knife to cut off the shrimp’s head, Loik placed a plate in front of me.
The Blue Shrimp on it had been perfectly peeled. The pale, translucent meat looked plump and succulent.
How is our Loik so good at peeling shrimp so beautifully?
Feeling pleased, I looked up, only to lock eyes with the Countess.
I tensed up, wondering if she was going to find fault with me again.
“The Grand Ducal couple seems to be very close.”
The corners of the Countess’s eyes curved ever so slightly.
“It is good to see.”
At her genuine assessment, the tips of my ears turned a faint red.
Was her high level of wariness earlier in the day simply because she had been nervous about our first meeting?
I don’t know why she’s suddenly become so favorable, but...
If she was willing to change her attitude, I was more than ready to make an effort as well.
I cleared my throat slightly and spoke up.
“Countess, do you enjoy the opera?”
“I believe it’s been several years since I’ve seen one. I haven't engaged in social activities for a while,” the Countess said calmly. “I did hear that they are performing operas in Blenheim.”
“I plan to go see one tomorrow with Countess Selvanis. Would you like to join us?”
“I heard an actor other than Cochibiel is performing?”
Was the Countess a fan of Cochibiel too? If so, that would be a problem.
“Cadellina once sent the actors to my estate.”
Cadellina was the name of the Imperial Crown Princess.
“Everyone says Cochibiel is so popular, but I found him utterly greasy. He wasn't to my taste at all,” the Countess said with a slightly prim expression.
“If it’s a different actor, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see it once.”
Delighted by her unexpected acceptance, I found myself becoming more talkative. Contrary to my expectations, it was a rather enjoyable dinner.
*
Countess Asellino strolled through the gardens of the main castle, escorted by Hedrick.
When she mentioned wanting to take a walk after the meal, Hedrick had led her here without a word of complaint.
Flowers that sparkled even in the dark. She walked as if she were treading upon a cluster of stars.
“The Grand Duke seems to be very fond of his wife.”
At her probing remark, Hedrick replied flatly.
“He has become much brighter thanks to the Grand Duchess.”
“It seems you’ve taken a liking to her as well, Sir Hedrick?”
“She is a good person.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen you evaluate someone like that.”
“Is that so?”
He didn't bother to deny it.
After walking in silence for a moment, the Countess suddenly spoke.
“Aren't you going to ask why I suddenly came to Blenheim?”
“I heard you stopped by while traveling.”
“You know that’s not the case.”
When she shot him a sharp look, Hedrick finally spoke.
“Was it a request from Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess?”
“As expected, you are quick on the uptake, Sir Hedrick.”
The Countess poured out the grievances she hadn't been able to tell anyone else.
“Cadellina sent me a letter. She said she was very worried because the Grand Duchess was running the North however she pleased.”
To be precise, the request was for her aunt to go in person, discipline the overly free-spirited Grand Duchess, and remind her of the Imperial family’s regulations.
In short, since the girl wouldn't listen to her, she wanted the Countess to go and scold her.
“It seems she wants to pull the Grand Duchess over to her side.”
“That is the Crown Princess’s way, is it not?” Hedrick said stiffly.
The Countess let out a short, self-deprecating laugh.
It had been that way since they were young. Whenever someone didn't act according to her wishes, the Crown Princess, Cadellina, would come to the Countess and complain.
Once the Countess had severely reprimanded the person, Cadellina would later call them in and comfort them kindly, thereby winning their heart.
She made the Countess play the role of the whip while she offered the carrot from behind.
“If you know all that, why do you keep falling for it?”
“Because I care for the child.”
She is my niece, after all, the Countess murmured softly.
“The Grand Duke is also your nephew.”
“I care for the Grand Duke as well. I know how much that boy has suffered since he was young.”
“Then please do not torment the Grand Duchess too much.”
“Sir Hedrick, you really are too much.”
The Countess furrowed her brows in disappointment.
“Are you treating me like some wicked noblewoman who bullies the Grand Duchess? The one rumored to be a villainess isn't me, it’s her.”
“I know that you can be quite harsh toward a lady you dislike.”
“The Grand Duchess must be something special.”
The Countess snorted at Hedrick, who said such unpleasant things without even blinking.
“If Sir Hedrick is taking her side like this, then Demich must be head over heels for her too.”
Hedrick remained silent, which was his way of agreeing.
“Well, everyone likes that rude brat except for me.”
“Everyone in Blenheim likely feels the same. To be honest, the North has changed completely since her arrival.”
The Countess realized that his words were no exaggeration.
From the moment she entered the Grand Duke’s Castle, she had observed everything with a keen eye. Even if it hadn't been for Cadellina’s request, she had intended to see for herself if the Marquis’s daughter was ruining the late Grand Duke’s legacy and scold her if necessary.
However, even to her fastidious eyes, there was nothing to find fault with.
The gardens were beautifully maintained, and the servants of the castle were well-disciplined yet full of vitality. Her elegantly decorated room was luxurious but not extravagant.
Above all, the Countess found herself quite liking the Grand Duchess.
To think she would act like that.
It was only after she had returned to her room later that afternoon that the Countess realized the Grand Duchess hadn't actually punished the maid at all.
If the Grand Duchess had refused to punish her on the spot, the Countess would have surely been furious, thinking she was trying to engage in a power struggle.
Instead, the Grand Duchess had pretended to issue a punishment, using the excuse of "learning" to attach the maid to her.
In the end, the maid avoided punishment, and the Countess’s pride was preserved.
If that had been intentional, she was no ordinary amateur.
And yet, the way her face flushed red when she received the plate of shrimp her husband had peeled for her made her look just like a young girl.
The Countess envied the Grand Duchess’s youth and freshness.
“I miss those days,” the Countess said, looking at the Blois flowers that emitted a soft glow.
“Which days are you referring to?”
She looked back at Hedrick, remembering a time when the middle-aged knight’s gray hair had been much darker.
“The days when you were a young knight and I was a reckless young lady.”
Back then, her face had been overflowing with life, and she had been full of confidence in everything she did.
“I feel like I’ve grown too old.”
At those words, Hedrick gazed at her for a moment before speaking.
“You look the same to me.”
The Countess let out a soft laugh at the lie he told without a hint of hesitation.
“You’ve grown old too, Sir Hedrick. You’ve even learned how to give empty compliments.”
“I am being sincere.”
The Countess shook her head.
“I no longer have the motivation for anything. I’m not happy to meet anyone, and nothing I do is fun.”
“That is not because you are old,” Hedrick said, his brow furrowing for the first time. “It is because the Capital is a boring place.”
“No matter how boring the Capital is, could it possibly be worse than the North?”
“Well, you will find out after staying for a few days.”
For some reason, Hedrick wore a confident expression.
“Which side is better.”
The Countess smiled, not minding his bravado. For the first time in a long while, she felt a slight flutter in her heart.