Chapter 132
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 132
Chapter Title: Scene 132 Family
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The villa nestled on the expansive grounds of the Ruelverta estate.
Senior maids came to visit Wendy, who was spending her vacation with her family.
This girl has the Count all to herself.
N-No, its not like that at all...
Oh, come on. Theres no one whos risen through the ranks as fast as you, Wendy. And he even sent you to school? Thats favoritism like no other.
The senior maids chattered on about Wendy without end.
Having to listen to all the praise in front of her family left Wendy flustered and embarrassed.
I had no idea our daughter was receiving such favor from the Count...
Ellie gazed at Wendy with pride upon hearing the maids stories.
Youve really... really grown up so well... my daughter. Im sorry I couldnt give you more... I couldnt even send you to school myself, but here you are... accepted into Meikahel University... sob...
Mom...
Ellie burst into tears, overcome with emotion.
Her son Tom, sitting beside her, patted her back. He did so while holding their youngest, Luri.
Even at just ten years old, Tom was faithfully filling the role of the eldest son in Peters stead.
Seeing this made Wendys chest tighten.
After Peter and then Wendy had left home, the remaining family had filled each others voids.
The life of serfs had been so grueling that they couldnt have endured without leaning on one another.
Wendys eyes welled up as she pictured the hardships her family must have endured.
Hey now. No crying on a happy day like this.
Julie sis?
When she looked up, there was Julie, her senior from before shed become the exclusive maid, smiling brightly.
Act like an exclusive maid. A crying Wendy is no good. Youve got to show your family your best side, right?
Y-Yes, yes!
Wendy quickly wiped her tears.
Julie was right.
Who could have foreseen a day like this?
When shed first entered the Ruelverta household as the lowest maid, shed abandoned all hope of returning to her familys embrace.
It still feels like a dream. This moment where I, I get to be here in the estate with my family...
Wendys parents had been given positions as villa caretakers.
The villa on the Ruelverta estate grounds, built for relaxation. Their job was to live there full-time and manage it.
In truth, it was no different from Tristan providing a house for Wendys family.
Normally, estate staff had to use the dormitories unless there were special circumstances.
So giving an entire house to Wendys family was surely Tristans consideration for those with loved ones.
Her family, who had moved from a mud-caked hovel to this luxurious home, felt like theyd ascended from hell to heaven.
No, honestly, it was so unreal they still hadnt adjusted.
I still cant believe were allowed to live in a place like this...
Ellie murmured awkwardly, looking around.
The room where they were chatting with the maids was the villas parlor.
As expected of a villa.
It was far more luxurious and sturdy than any commoners home.
Plus, there was a decent-sized lake out front with great views, and being on the estate grounds meant no security worries.
That was the house Wendys family would live in from now on.
Wendy vowed to herself.
She would work herself to the bone for Tristan.
Just then, Julie, whod been gossiping nearby, spoke up as if remembering something.
Oh, right, Wendy. Havent you noticed the Counts gotten a lot slimmer since you became his exclusive maid?
H-Huh?
Wait, now that you mention it, yeah? Thats when I first realized the Count was such a handsome guy. So, Wendy, what did you do to him?
I-I didnt do anything...
Come on. No way. And its not just the weight losshes gotten mysteriously calmer too.
His eyes are still as cold as ever, though.
Yeah! Totally agree!
As the maids chimed in one after another, Wendy stammered.
W-Well, we just exercise every morning together... Oh, and his meals have decreased. Hes busy, and... since I kept dropping plates with food on them, he skipped meals sometimes... Uh, uh? Why are you all looking at me like that...?
Shock, horror, and pity spread across the maids faces as they listened to Wendy.
....
..
The Count isnt exactly someone who needs pity, but this is a bit...
...Is he losing weight from stress?
Ah... So he wasnt calmer, just... listless?
Yeah. Agreed.
Wh-What?! I-Is that what it was?!
Could be.
Eek... Count, Im sorry... Im so sorry... I didnt even realize...!
Seeing Wendy on the verge of tears again, Julie pinched her cheeks with her fingers.
Hmm. Ill forgive you. But you get pinched once for every plate you broke. Now hold still, Wendy!
H-Hwang, hwang...
It was truly a blessing.
Most of the maids, Julie included, thought kindly of Wendy.
Theyd been chattering so merrily that they lost track of time.
Alright, lunch hours almost over. Lets get back to work.
Yesss
The head butler clapped to hurry the maids along.
Then he addressed Wendys family.
Ive informed the kitchen about ingredients, so pick them up every morning. If you need supplies or anything, just tell me or anyone at the estate. Youre family now, so we look forward to it.
Th-Thank you!
Ellie bowed repeatedly to the head butler. Wendy bowed too.
Thank you, Head Butler!
No need. Things have gotten much easier for us since you became the exclusive maid. I figure its thanks to you taking good care of the Count.
The head butler chuckled and patted Wendys head.
As she saw the group off back to the estate, Wendy suddenly felt a peculiar gaze.
When she turned, there...
Huh? Master...?
Yeah.
Youre back now?
The tabby cat, Myohail, was fiddling with his whiskers.
Wendy spread her arms, and Myohail leaped into them.
Actually, I got back a little while ago, but there were too many people, so I missed my chance to come in. Heh heh...
I-I heard most of it. So youre going to live here with your family from now on?
Y-Yes. Hee hee... Ill be in the Counts room next door as exclusive maid, so Ill visit sometimes
Wendy beamed and stroked the back of Myohails neck.
Feeling her touch, Myohail purred.
Then, pointing toward the family in the parlor, he asked.
...Those your family?
Yes. Oh, not all of themDads in the hospital, but hell be here tomorrow
Hmm... I see.
Myohail stroked his whiskers, staring at Wendys family.
An inexplicable sadness flickered in his gaze.
...Rehart?
Y-Yes? Y-Yeah...
Pathetic. To have him so close and not recognize him...
Master...?
Its nothing. Just an old man grumbling...
Myohail let out a sigh.
An indescribably long span of years flowed out with it.
If hed been in human form rather than a cat, he never could have shown his face to Wendy.
Sensing this, Wendy cautiously spoke up.
Um... Master.
Hm? What is it?
If its okay with you... would you like to live here with my family...?
W-What...?!
Myohail startled and looked up at Wendy.
Live together? Why?
W-Well... The estate folks think youre just a stray cat. But if I say youre our pet, maybe their view of you will improve a bit...
...Heh.
Had she said something rude?
Wendy waited anxiously for Myohails reply.
Soon, his telepathic message came.
...Would that be alright?
Huh?
Are you sure its fine for me to be by your familys side...?
Huh? Is there any reason it wouldnt be...?
Myohail hopped down from Wendys arms.
Very well. Then, shameless as it is... Ill stay by your familys side.
Yes, yes! Theyll all love you since youre a cat!
Hmm. Treated like a pet, eh. Well, its more than this old cat deserves.
Ehehehe... Let me introduce you to the family right nowHuh...? Master?
Hm? What is it?
Wendy, whod started leading the way, turned back to Myohail with concern.
Why are you crying...?