“I am Stella, My Lady. I will be serving as your personal maid starting today.”
A maid with light green hair and a bright, pretty smile stood before Francesca as she sat up.
“It’s nice to meet you, Stella. Is it time for dinner already?” Francesca asked, yawning as she watched Stella begin to lay out dresses. “It is, Your Ladyship. May I help you get changed?”
Francesca smiled as Stella guided her toward the dressing table and began to expertly arrange her hair. He assigned Stella to me again in this life, she mused. She is one of the core members of Miller’s mercenary troop. In my past life, she traveled all the way to the capital just to serve me, and she saved my life more than once during many dangerous times.
“I apologize if I am not perfect at this, Your Ladyship,” Stella said, her hands moving a bit tentatively as she helped Francesca into her gown. “I used to be a mercenary, you see... Please don’t misunderstand. His Lordship didn't assign me to disrespect you, he—”
Before Stella could scramble for an explanation, Francesca leaned on her to stand, reaching for her cane. “He sent one of his closest and most trusted aides to show his sincerity for our marriage. I understand perfectly, Stella.”
Stella froze, a look of immense relief and surprise washing over her face. She stared at Francesca for a few seconds, her eyes wide.
“Stella?”
“Ah! I am so sorry, My Lady!” Stella snapped out of her daze, blushing slightly. “I shall guide you to the dining hall right away!”
The meal was surprisingly quiet. There was small talk, but Maria didn't attempt any theatrics or insults, which Francesca found odd. She’s planning something, Francesca decided, but for now, I’ll wait and see.
As the meal concluded, Francesca moved to ask Stella for support. However, Miller was already there. He stepped forward and took her hand. Once she was steady, he took the cane from Stella and handed it to her himself.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to escort you back to your room?” Miller asked with a gentle smile. “I would like that,” Francesca replied.
She linked her arm in his, and they walked away from the dining hall together. Behind them, she heard the unmistakable sound of Maria clicking her tongue in annoyance the moment they were out of sight.
“If anything at all is uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Miller said as they arrived at her door. “Actually, there is something,” Francesca replied.
Miller’s expression instantly turned serious, his brow furrowing as he prepared to fix whatever was wrong. Seeing his intensity, Francesca couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. “You don’t have to look so worried!”
“How can I not?” he asked, looking a bit nervous. “Regardless of the circumstances of our marriage, you are my wife now. I want to show you the respect and care you deserve.” Francesca stopped giggling and looked up at him. “I am glad to have such a respectful husband. I was just going to say... my turn never came when we were playing in the carriage.”
“Oh...” A light blush crept across Miller’s cheeks. He cleared his throat, looking away momentarily. “Yes... that was unfortunate.”
Francesca smiled and turned toward him. She briefly linked her other arm around his as well, pulling him into a soft, lingering hug. “So, let’s finish the game when you have the time, okay?” She pulled back, took a few steps into her room, the tapping sound of the cane resounding, and looked over her shoulder with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “That was a goodnight hug. Next time, I’ll be expecting a goodnight kiss.”
With a playful wink, she slowly closed the door.
“Goodnight...” Miller whispered under his breath. He stood in the hallway for several minutes, staring at the closed door with a dazed, happy smile on his face before finally walking away.
For the next week, Francesca did exactly what she promised herself: nothing.
She stayed tucked away in her room, fully embracing the "shut-in" lifestyle she had dreamed of during her grueling years as Kim Hanna. But while she enjoyed her peace, her lack of movement only served to make a certain someone more confused and nervous by the day.
Up on the third floor, in the suite traditionally reserved for the lady of the house, a butler entered with a trembling expression.
“Well? What is she up to now? Randell” Maria asked. She was seated at her vanity, aggressively trying on different sets of jewelry. The butler stuttered, keeping his eyes on the floor. “Her... Her Ladyship hasn't done anything today either, Madam. She simply stays in her room, reading novels or playing board games with Stella and the other maids.”
Maria turned around, her frustration boiling over as she let out a sharp, nervous sigh. “What on earth is she playing at? As the new Viscountess, she should be demanding that I hand over the household keys and the account ledgers by now!”
Biting her nail, Maria began to pace the room. “I spent days preparing excuses to refuse her, yet she hasn't made a single move for a whole week! Why would a Duke’s daughter travel all the way to this remote dump if not to seize authority?”
“I... I mean, she must have been ordered to come here by her father, right... Miss Maria?” the butler, Randell added tentatively.
Maria shot the man with a murderous glare. The fact that the servants had started addressing her as ‘Miss’ instead of ‘My Lady’ ever since Francesca’s arrival irritated her to no end. It was a constant, stinging reminder that her status was slipping or rather.
“Maybe you’re right,” Maria smirked, her paranoia turning into a cruel sort of confidence. “Maybe she really is just a crippled pushover, Duke’s daughter or not. Look at her, not even trying to establish her authority as the new lady, just hiding away in a hole like a frightened rabbit.”
She turned back to her reflection, a dark plan forming in her mind.
“Actually, this might be for the better,” Maria said, gesturing sharply to the butler Randell. “You. Bring me the account ledgers and summon the head maid, Mrs. Voss immediately. If the new Viscountess is too lazy to look at the books, we can take a little risk. We'll make a fortune and finally find a way to get away from this desolate wasteland.”