Chapter 41
Julian vividly remembered Zeppelin seizing Rebecca’s wrist so violently at the banquet.
If the Earl of Devonshire isn’t home, things will go smoothly…
His gaze shifted to the wine bottle resting on the small table. It was said to be the best-selling wine in the Empire, with a faint fragrance of roses.
Stamped boldly on the bottle was the seal of the Earl of Devonshire.
He suddenly recalled instructing Eustaf to investigate the rose grapes.
Now that he thought about it again, it wasn’t such a bad idea.
Julian smirked.
“Even if you return, you won’t get to see her properly. Zeppelin Devonshire.”
The atmosphere in the Devonshire estate had subtly shifted.
Rebecca strolled leisurely through the mansion, savoring the change.
So far, she had bought off six of the hunting dogs. From what she had confirmed, there were thirteen in total.
Excluding the knight Bates, the head maid Grace, and the butler Octavio—who were impossible to sway—more than half had already turned to Rebecca’s side.
All six she bought shared one thing in common: each had a precious person held hostage.
That was why they so easily clung to her words when she hinted at knowing how to rescue them.
Suddenly granted hope, no matter how small, always looks enormous.
Especially if that hope came from Rebecca, rumored to be a saint.
The problem is the remaining four…
Three were entangled in complicated debts, and as for the newly hired boy, even Robert couldn’t figure out what leverage Zeppelin held over him.
Well, it’s not as if I need to win them all over anyway…
As Rebecca mused over this, a piercing voice rang from the third floor.
“I told you, I’m suffocating! Take these off right now!”
“The Count instructed that unless it is absolutely unavoidable, the restraints must not be removed.”
“Look at this! My skin is rubbed raw and red. If that’s not unavoidable, then what is?”
Grace glanced at Alicia’s wrists and let out a cold laugh.
“These are handcuffs padded with the finest silk. Unless you tried to force them off, they wouldn’t leave such marks. Or perhaps you mishandled the Count’s gift?”
“Head maid! I’m carrying the Earl’s heir in my womb. You know excessive stress is dangerous. If anything happens, it’ll be your responsibility. Release me while I’m asking nicely.”
“Rules are rules. Obey them, if you wish to keep living in this beautiful mansion.”
“What… what did you just say?”
Grace lifted her chin, imperious and cold.
Even Rebecca thought that went too far.
She already knew that the servants subtly looked down on Alicia, but she hadn’t expected Grace to openly insult her to her face.
Rebecca was about to step onto the stairs to calm the commotion—
When Alicia suddenly raised her hand, ready to strike Grace on the head.
Expecting disaster to unfold, Rebecca paused, watching.
But unexpectedly, what followed was Alicia’s sharp scream.
“Ahhh!”
“You struck a maid last time, and now you dare raise your hand against me? Education cannot erase one’s roots, it seems.”
Grace had seized Alicia’s hand in an iron grip. Alicia’s face contorted in pain.
Grace’s expression was severe as she spoke.
“The Count has granted me full authority to discipline you. But considering your condition, I’ll refrain from punishment. Still, I must report this incident. If you’d rather avoid that, I suggest you behave yourself.”
Then she flung Alicia’s arm aside, making her stagger.
Alicia didn’t scream anymore. She only glared at Grace with eyes full of venom.
“You’ll regret this today.”
Then she spun around and stormed down the stairs.
Rebecca thought she glimpsed tears glistening in her eyes as she disappeared into her room.
Straightening her back, Rebecca sighed.
Given Alicia’s condition, pity stirred faintly within her. But her memories of Alicia’s past cruelties bound her hands from offering help.
Rebecca wasn’t merciful enough to overlook Alicia’s crimes.
So she chose silence.
She only pictured Alicia crying alone in her room.
Rebecca slowly lifted her head—then froze.
Up on the third floor, Grace stood surveying the entire mansion.
Exactly the way Zeppelin used to.
Beneath her, the servants moved like clockwork, following her will without the slightest mistake.
Grace turned her head slowly, smiling with satisfaction.
Her usually expressionless face now brimmed with vitality.
Rebecca studied her closely, as if dissecting her.
When Grace’s eyes swept downward, they met Rebecca’s sharp gaze.
But even under Rebecca’s piercing stare, Grace showed no sign of unease. She descended the stairs gracefully, her hand brushing the polished banister not like a servant’s, but like a master’s.
Rebecca’s keen eyes did not miss it.
Grace looked at Rebecca with a lofty air, as though she were the mistress herself.
Rebecca responded by tilting her tall frame, deliberately gazing down at Grace.
Grace’s lips twitched with irritation—clearly, she hadn’t expected resistance. But she quickly smoothed her expression and spoke.
“Twice now, madam.”
“What do you mean?”
“The number of times I have overlooked your mistakes.”
Rebecca arched an eyebrow.
Grace continued.
“First, when you disguised yourself as a maid to deceive me. Second, when you dressed as Susan and went to the market.”
The words hit unexpectedly, making Rebecca flinch.
Grace chuckled softly, as if she had predicted this.
“Did you truly think anything in this manor happens without my knowledge? Especially concerning the maids—that is strictly my domain. Even a slight change in their gestures, I can detect.”
Of course. Only someone of this caliber could be Zeppelin’s right hand.
Rebecca composed herself, a relaxed smile curling her lips.
“Should I thank you, then?”
“No. You once ensured I could attend my daughter’s funeral properly. In return, I resolved to help you three times. That is my repayment.”
Rebecca’s memory stirred.
Grace’s only daughter had suffered from an incurable illness.
It was a terrifying disease—living normally one moment, collapsing the next in a seizure and losing consciousness.
Once, she had fainted and remained unconscious for over two days.
A telegram urged Grace to come home, for the end was near.
But unfortunately, it coincided with a grand ball at the Earl’s mansion.
Zeppelin refused to let her go, offering money instead.
It was Rebecca who had tirelessly pleaded until Grace was allowed to leave, on the condition she return by morning.
Thanks to Rebecca, Grace was able to witness her daughter’s final moments.
“I do not forget kindness. That is why I will not report this ‘saint’ rumor to the Count. And don’t worry—I won’t count that as one of the three favors.”
Her tone carried the air of someone bestowing a great favor, making Rebecca’s brows furrow.
“And if you’re discovered? How will you deal with the consequences?”
“It will be fine. I’ll find the right words. The Count will understand.”
As she spoke, Grace reached out and smoothed the pleats on Rebecca’s puffed sleeves.
When both sides were perfectly even, she looked over Rebecca with near reverence.
“You are flawless, madam. Absolutely flawless.”
Goosebumps ran down Rebecca’s spine. She recalled—today’s outfit had been chosen by Grace.
Rebecca watched as Grace’s eyes lingered on even the smallest details, like the pearls on her necklace.
Though a maid could have handled such tasks, Grace always insisted on personally dressing Rebecca.
At times, she even altered Zeppelin’s chosen dresses and accessories to better suit her own taste before adorning Rebecca.
Looking into Grace’s enraptured eyes, Rebecca realized what she wanted.
Grace desired to make Rebecca her doll.
She had heard rumors that Grace’s controlling nature had worsened her daughter’s illness.
Perhaps now she sought to fulfill her frustrated ambitions through Rebecca.
And her talk of “favors” was nothing more than a ploy to bind Rebecca to her.
Does she think I’ll fall for kindness? The way I once did with Alicia?
Rebecca scrutinized Grace, who looked desperate to seize her strings.
It was astonishing she had hidden that hungry gaze until now.
The moment Zeppelin’s throne was empty, Grace pounced like a hyena drooling for his seat.
No wonder Rebecca hadn’t noticed before. Zeppelin had always sat firmly on his throne, leash in hand, leaving no room for Grace to reveal her true nature.
Well, I suppose this is a harvest of sorts.
Rebecca chuckled lightly.
“You even speak in a manner similar to him. As though this house belongs to you.”
Her words flew like arrows. Grace flinched but quickly recovered.
“Of course not. This house belongs to the Devonshires. But my mother, and her mother before her, and her mother before that—all tended this place. That is why my affection for it is unique.”
“Tended it?”
“Yes. Cherished it, like one cherishes a beloved child.”
Grace’s tone was resolute.
Rebecca studied her quietly, then smiled softly.
“Very well. I shall always be grateful for your loyal devotion.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
“But that means I have one favor left, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“Don’t you dare forget that promise.”
