Chapter 22
The girl sat on the edge of the bed, gently wiping the moisture from her face.
It hadn’t been long since she finished washing up, and the curls on her forehead looked even more unruly.
Moreover, Erica had folded and tied an apron much too big for her several times around her waist.
The girl’s eyes widened in surprise at Vincent’s sudden appearance in her room.
“Oh? Butler Vincent?”
Erica looked up at him with a slightly flustered face.
Although she didn’t seem particularly displeased, Vincent quickly grabbed hold of his composure and bowed deeply.
“I—I sincerely apologize. I acted rudely in my haste to check on something important.”
“No, it’s fine. You even knocked.”
Erica responded kindly and gave him the refined smile she had learned as a noble lady at the marquis’ estate.
Then, she glanced at him carefully—something he said was bothering her.
‘What did he need to check so urgently?’
Trying not to reveal her curiosity, Erica cautiously asked,
“Is something wrong? It seems like there’s a reason you came to find me in such a hurry…”
“Ah, well, it’s just that…”
Vincent, uncharacteristically, trailed off multiple times.
How many times had he promised himself before Sebastian returned?
“We must not leave any room for fault.”
And how many times had he told the servants:
“Please ensure there’s not a single moment of negligence in serving her.”
Sebastian’s future wife was the only daughter of the Blanche Marquisate—a family not on good terms with the Grand Duchy of Acliff.
Since the marriage wouldn’t begin with affection, Vincent believed every action of the servants could potentially become ammunition for the Marquis’ household.
So he had thoroughly prepared to welcome Lady Erica Blanche, hoping to nip any such problems in the bud.
‘And yet something like this happens on the very first day!’
Everything was deviating from Vincent’s expectations.
Swallowing dryly, he finally managed to speak.
“I came to ask how the young lady would like her breakfast.”
Vincent quickly glanced around.
The infamous piece of dropped bread that maid Joanna had mentioned was neatly placed next to the silver basin.
‘No signs that it was eaten!’
What a relief.
Vincent could finally relax just a bit.
In truth, Erica had considered eating that bread.
Normally, she would have just brushed off the dust and eaten it without hesitation.
But perhaps due to her strict training at the Blanche estate, she refrained—despite knowing no one was watching.
‘Breakfast!’
Erica’s eyes sparkled.
The thought of finally eating something brightened her face.
Vincent, quickly adjusting his expression, continued,
“How do you usually take your breakfast? If you let us know, the kitchen will prepare it quickly. Oh! And would you like to eat in the dining room? Or here in your room?”
“If it’s alright, I’d prefer to eat in my room.”
“Understood. Then first, I’ll clear away that bread and the basin. Since the bread was dropped, it’s no longer sanitary.”
Erica tilted her head.
“Um, butler?”
“Yes, young lady?”
“How did you know that I dropped the bread?”
It was then—
“Yes! I saw it!”
Joanna, who had been standing behind Vincent, suddenly raised her right arm so high it practically touched her ear.
Apparently, she had been itching to speak up.
Despite Vincent glaring at her, she fearlessly continued her introduction.
Her bright, sunny nature was undeniable.
“Hello, young lady! My name’s Joanna! I saw you picking up the bread. I meant to help right away, but you were already walking into the room faster than I could react. I’m so sorry!”
“Ah, no, it’s fine.”
Vincent immediately frowned. He probably didn’t raise his voice only because Erica was watching.
“Would you please step out for now, Miss Joanna? Things are a bit chaotic—I’ll make sure you have a proper opportunity to greet the young lady later.”
“Aw, okay.”
Joanna gave a small sigh, bowed politely, and left the room.
Clearing his throat, Vincent then gestured respectfully to a middle-aged woman who had been quietly standing by with a gentle smile the entire time.
“Young lady, I was planning to introduce her formally this afternoon, but allow me to do so now. This is Madam Alma, the head maid. She oversees the household affairs.”
The head maid is usually appointed from a noble retainer family to assist the lady of the house.
In other words, both Vincent and Madam Alma, though of lower rank, were titled nobles.
“Nice to meet you, Madam Alma.”
“A pleasure to meet you, young lady. I look forward to serving you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Erica greeted her politely, and Madam Alma responded with a warm smile.
“By the way, young lady. May I ask you a question, if that’s alright?”
“Oh, yes.”
Unlike Vincent, Madam Alma asked naturally about Erica’s morning routine.
“Joanna mentioned that you fetched your own water for washing this morning. Why didn’t you call for a maid?”
“Well, that’s because…”
Looking slightly embarrassed, Erica scratched her cheek and averted her eyes.
Then, perhaps deciding it would be better to show than explain, she lightly tugged on the bell cord.
Vincent and Alma watched her quietly.
“I think this is broken. I tried it several times, but no one came…”
“Oh dear.”
“Ah…”
A quiet sigh slipped from Vincent’s lips.
“I even checked outside, but there was no one around.”
Erica added in a smaller voice than before.
Vincent clenched his jaw.
The reason there were no servants on the floor of Erica’s room—or the floors above or below—was because he had specifically given those instructions.
It was her first day at the Grand Duchy, and he wanted her to rest well. So he dismissed the staff to give her some peace.
But who could have known it would lead to such a disaster!
If Erica hadn’t been standing in front of him, Vincent would have shut his eyes tight and held his head in frustration.
“Young lady, it seems there was a bit of miscommunication.”
Vincent’s composed expression was now tinged with embarrassment.
He was clearly trying hard not to frown in front of her, but his face twitched oddly several times before he managed to speak in a strained voice.
“We inspected the room several times before your arrival… But it seems there’s an issue with the bell cord.”
Erica nodded.
“I thought as much.”
“It appears the connection might be broken. I’ll have it repaired as soon as possible. I truly apologize.”
Vincent’s eyes drifted to the bread Erica had set aside—and then to the oversized apron she was wearing.
He looked like he was on the verge of sighing again but managed to hold it in, perhaps out of respect for her presence.
“I will also instruct the staff to formally apologize for any rudeness.”
“Oh, no!”
Erica quickly shook her head.
“They were all really kind to me. That bread—someone left it for me because they were being thoughtful.”
She gave a small smile.
Regardless of what she really felt inside, Vincent was clearly ashamed of the situation and lowered his gaze.
Seeing that troubled look, Erica hesitated and then spoke in a small voice.
“Um… butler. Also…”
