Chapter 21
I planned to act like an overprotective employee trusted by the Duke, while Echo would play the role of a shy heir hiding behind my skirt. In the long run, this wouldn’t be a good situation.
“Also,”
I turned to Norton and Helen.
“People of Berternon would never disobey their master’s orders, right?”
“….”
“….”
Their eyes widened for a moment.
Even though they were just a maid and a butler, since they were assigned to Echo and me, they probably had some idea about my contract with Eden.
‘That means they play an important role in this household.’
So I just needed to use that contract to build trust. After all, we all wanted the same thing—peace in Berternon and our personal goals achieved.
Then, Norton smiled kindly.
“You’re right. We at Berternon never go against our lord’s commands.”
“You knew I was aware and still tested me, didn’t you?”
“I apologize. Our job is to investigate so we can make the right decisions while following the Duke’s orders. It was rude.”
“Was this the Duke’s order too?”
“No. That was our own decision. We had to make sure you knew what kind of place Berternon is.”
“We’re sorry if we offended you. We’ll accept any punishment.”
Norton and Helen bowed politely.
“What if I tell the Duke about this?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Their answers were firm. They were ready to accept anything I said.
So this was Berternon’s way—clear, loyal, and even a bit scary.
“…Alright.”
I looked at them for a moment and answered quietly. They closed their eyes as if they expected the worst.
“But I won’t say anything.”
“…!”
“…!”
They looked up in surprise. It was like they couldn’t believe what I said.
“Of course, I didn’t like being tested.”
“Then why…?”
“But your loyalty, even with punishment in mind, also shows the Duke’s ability.”
And that’s something money can’t buy.
“So I won’t say anything. I won’t punish you either.”
“……”
“But don’t do it again. Deliberate deception is not loyalty.”
Can you promise that?
Their eyes grew serious. Then their lips curved into a soft smile. The fake politeness they had been wearing seemed to fade.
“…Let us greet you properly.”
Norton and Helen bowed again.
“It’s an honor to serve you, Madam.”
This time, their words were truly sincere.
***
After a quick tour of the mansion, I headed straight to the bathroom. Three maids helped me wash.
I felt it was too much help for just one person, but Helen smiled and said I should get used to it.
After drying my hair and changing clothes, it was already dinnertime.
“Godmother…!”
As I entered the dining room, Echo stood up right away.
Her golden hair sparkled like sunlight, and her face glowed pink after a nice warm bath. She looked like a sweet girl who had grown up surrounded by love.
“Did you wash well, Echo?”
“Yes, it was so nice,” she said with a big smile.
That pure, happy smile made the whole world seem brighter. I smiled and patted her head.
As we sat down, the door opened and servants came in with food on carts.
I looked at the dishes and asked,
“What about the Duke?”
“He’s delayed by other matters. It’s best if you eat first,” Helen answered politely.
Just how busy is he to skip dinner? I felt a tiny bit sorry for Eden. But the thought disappeared quickly as the food started arriving.
It was a feast. Even the sauces looked like works of art. Of course, the taste was amazing.
So this was the power of a Duke’s household. As I admired the meal, Echo tugged on my sleeve.
“What is it? Is it not good?”
“No, that’s not it…”
She whispered while looking at the grand table.
“I’m just not sure if I can really eat all this. I’ve never seen this much food before…”
She then quietly added near my ear,
“…and it’s all so pretty.”
She looked at the plates like they were too beautiful to touch.
Then, I heard a strange sound like someone gasping. I looked around and saw the maids standing against the wall trying not to laugh. Their faces were blank, but I noticed their twitching noses and trembling lips—and clenched fists, trying to stay quiet.
Yeah, I got it. Echo was just too adorable. I wanted to chat with them about how cute she was, but I kept it in because I needed to act proper.
“Don’t worry about it. Eat as much as you want. If there’s something else you want, just ask.”
I looked to the maids for support. They nodded right away.
“Please let us know, Miss Echo.”
“Then… um…”
Echo hesitated, then pointed to a dish.
“I’d like this, please.”
It was a cream puff filled with soft whipped cream. There were only two on the table, and I had just eaten one.
But Echo hadn’t finished hers yet—she’d only had half.
It must’ve been so delicious she wanted another one already.
I smiled.
“Was that really good?”
“Yes. But more than that…”
She glanced at me and whispered shyly.
“You seemed to like it too. You once said things taste better when shared with someone.”
She blushed while saying that.
Her innocent and sweet words made me clench my fist—I almost hugged her on the spot.
“…Helen.”
“Yes?”
When I called, she bowed as if waiting for this moment.
A plate full of cream puffs was brought in. Echo’s eyes widened.
That’s how our first meal at the mansion ended—sweet and happy, with the smell of fresh cream.
After dinner and a short walk, it was time for bed. As I said goodnight, Echo hesitated.
Why is she acting shy?
Then she softly said,
“Since it’s the first day, everything feels new… Would you stay with me until I fall asleep?”
My eyes widened—not because she was being clingy, but because it was so unexpected.
Echo usually saw her room and bed as very private.
But tonight, she invited me in. I held back my emotions and nodded.
“…Of course.”
Echo’s face lit up. We entered her room together.
The room wasn’t too fancy or too empty. It was just right.
Echo got into bed first, and I sat next to her on a small chair. She looked at me and pulled the blanket up to her face.
“…This feels like a dream.”
“What does?”
“Everything. Talking with you, eating delicious food… all of it.”
She smiled shyly, like she was talking about a happy dream she’d had the night before.
I brushed her bangs aside gently and said,
“When you wake up tomorrow, nothing will change.”
“…Really?”
“Really.”
I nodded with certainty. Echo smiled again—so beautifully. I couldn’t help but lightly pinch her nose.
“Alright, time for little kids to sleep now.”
“Okaaay~”
Even though I teased her, she didn’t complain and just closed her eyes.
A while later, I heard her calm breathing. I quietly left the room.
Hannah was waiting outside.
“Is Miss Echo asleep?”
“Yeah. But check in on her just in case she wakes up.”
“Understood.”
Now that dinner was done and Echo was asleep, I could finally rest. I started heading to my room, but Helen approached.
“If you’re heading to your room, may I take you to the bath first?”
“The bath? Again?”
