Episode 23
“I guess I’m one of the people here now. I may be from the central region, but I want to do my best as the lady of the West.”
Yuriel smiled gently as she placed her teacup down.
If the head butler didn’t support her, it was clear that the rest of the staff wouldn’t either.
“With someone like you by my side, Aubrey, I think I’ll feel much stronger.”
Though her tone was kind, there was strength in her eyes—something far deeper than the typical pride of a spoiled noblewoman.
Aubrey sat silently. He had been shocked at first, and later, he simply had no words left.
Everything she said was correct, and her refined yet considerate way of speaking had completely disarmed him.
“How dare I try to test someone like her…”
Regret flooded in late.
Now, as he looked at her again, he could see the dignity of a true lady in her posture and expression.
“Ah, we’ve only just exchanged greetings, and I’ve made things too serious. Sorry about that,” Yuriel chuckled.
“N-No! Not at all!”
Aubrey suddenly jumped to his feet, waving his hands in denial.
“It’s her… she’s the one.”
He had finally seen the essence hidden behind the young woman’s gentle face.
The perfect lady of the Veiharz family—just as he had always hoped.
“I will serve you with all my heart from now on.”
“Thank you, Aubrey,” Yuriel said with a warm smile.
Anyone who met her like this would have no choice but to be drawn to her noble charm.
In that short time, Yuriel hadn’t just passed Aubrey’s test—she had won his loyalty completely.
“I’m not all that talented, but when I was in the capital, I managed the Rayten family’s finances for many years. Now, as Lady of Veiharz, I’d like to oversee the household. Would you help me?”
“Of course! I would be honored.”
Aubrey was more eager than ever.
The two left the drawing room and headed to Aubrey’s office.
Though small, the butler’s office was neat and organized. It was easy to find any document or book needed.
“Since His Grace oversees the entire western region, I mostly handled the internal management of the main estate myself,” Aubrey explained.
“Even if she managed a count’s household before, this place is on a completely different scale. She’ll find it difficult.”
So Aubrey had decided to offer his full support.
But once again, he realized…
“No. She’s truly the one.”
He repeated it silently. Now he was certain—Yuriel was the perfect match for this household.
“I’ll need your help often from now on, Aubrey.”
When Yuriel smiled again, Aubrey clutched his chest without thinking.
Even her kind words shook the old man’s heart.
Trying not to lose face, he quickly composed himself and turned around.
“Then, let’s head back for now.”
“Yes, time flew by,” Yuriel agreed, helping him organize documents.
Thanks to her experience managing the Rayten household, she understood things quickly.
It was easier for someone who already had the basics to adapt than for someone learning everything from scratch.
With their separate thoughts quietly finishing, they left the office together.
“My lady.”
“Asha?”
Yuriel turned in surprise at the soft voice.
Asha stood waiting in the hallway.
“Forgive me if I startled you. It’s getting late, so I came to escort you.”
“Oh, thank you. That’s a relief. I was wondering how to get back.”
Though Asha’s face rarely changed, she was always quick and precise with her duties.
“Since it’s almost dinner time, may I take you straight to the dining hall?”
“Yes, please.”
As they walked, Yuriel’s stomach growled—she hadn’t realized how hungry she was.
She rubbed her belly lightly, following Asha.
“The soup this morning was really good…”
Though breakfast was light, it had been made with great care.
It had been a hectic morning—Helia’s interruption, the meeting with Aubrey…
“I wonder how his day went.”
She suddenly thought of Akron.
He was probably even busier than she was.
“Will His Grace be joining us for dinner?”
“Yes, he’s waiting for you.”
That answer lifted her mood.
Her steps naturally became quicker.
Meanwhile, in the opposite hallway…
Akron walked alone through the now-empty corridor toward Aubrey’s office.
He reached the door and, unlike his usual style, knocked.
“My lady?”
Aubrey opened the door, surprised.
Akron stepped inside and looked around.
“My wife was here, I heard.”
Only then did Aubrey realize why his master had come.
“She’s already left, sir.”
“…I must have missed her.”
Akron frowned slightly and turned to leave, walking past Aubrey without even glancing at him.
To him, nothing mattered except finding his wife.
“W-Wait, please, sir!”
Aubrey rushed forward and blocked his way.
“What is it?”
Akron raised an eyebrow, confused.
The elderly butler had never looked so… fierce.
“Where did you find such a remarkable woman?”
Aubrey didn’t care if he sounded like a crazy old man—he had to ask.
At first, when he heard Akron was going to the capital for a woman, he thought his lord had lost his mind.
Then he said he was bringing her here as his wife. Aubrey was convinced something was seriously wrong.
If he hadn’t checked Yuriel’s background, he would’ve believed Akron had gone mad.
Not knowing anything about Akron’s dreams, it was the only conclusion Aubrey could draw.
“There were… reasons,” Akron replied, summarizing everything in one sentence.
He didn’t care whether Aubrey believed it or not—explaining would only waste time.
He had brought Yuriel, and she was now the Grand Duchess. That was enough.
“That kind of vague explanation isn’t fair to an old man like me, you know…”
Aubrey mumbled, holding back his frustration.
But one thing he couldn’t stay quiet about—
“She’s truly amazing. So graceful. So wise. I was completely stunned.”
And with that, he launched into a flood of praise for Yuriel.
“Enough.”
Akron didn’t mind the compliments, but if he didn’t stop him now, Aubrey might go on all night.
Still, it was amusing to see the usually stubborn butler completely smitten.
“Don’t push her too hard. She’s someone who’s been living like she’s constantly on the run.”
He didn’t want to burden her, even if she wanted to fulfill her role as his wife.
“Ah. Right…”
Akron scratched his chin, remembering something.
And then he dropped a bomb, as casually as if it were nothing.
“She’s pregnant.”
Pfft!
Even though Aubrey hadn’t been drinking anything, he nearly spat out air in shock.
Akron calmly moved aside, avoiding the invisible spray.
“She’s about four months along.”
“And you’re telling me this now?!”
Aubrey roared.
A blue vein popped on his neck as he leaned against the wall, looking like he might faint.
