Chapter 19
When the doctor examined me, he discovered that my injuries were not sustained all at once, but were the result of ongoing abuse.
He applied medicine to the wounds and wrapped them in bandages.
After receiving the medicine, I left the infirmary, but Gilbert stayed behind, seemingly to discuss something with the doctor.
“So many things happened today, I’m exhausted. I hope today’s accusations will bring about some change.”
As I reflected on the day, perhaps because I was still in a child’s body, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier until, before I realized it, I had fallen asleep.
“Good morning.”
Eh? Lily? I woke up in surprise, only to see that it wasn’t Lily, but three other maids who had come to wake me.
“Good morning, my lady. By the duke’s order, we have been newly appointed as your exclusive maids. We will serve you with all our heart.”
The three stood in a row and introduced themselves.
From left to right, their names were Mariana, Rose, and Lucy.
Previously, my only exclusive maid had been Lily, but now the duke had assigned me three. It’s safe to say that yesterday’s events really did change something, isn’t it?
Thinking that I ought to respond politely, I introduced myself with courtesy.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Tiana Aster. I look forward to working with you.”
I lifted the hem of my dress, stepped one foot back in a cross, and bowed my head. When I raised my face again, I looked at the three with a gentle, smiling expression. I had used noble etiquette in my greeting.
The three looked surprised, and then Mariana, one of them, spoke.
“Such a refined and polite greeting. Thank you very much for honoring us with it.”
She praised my manners.
Afterward, unlike Lily, they treated me with the respectful demeanor expected of noble attendants. Of course, this should have been normal—but thinking back on it now, Lily’s behavior and attitude had been absolutely terrible.
Still, I likely wouldn’t recall Lily again unless something extraordinary happened.
“My lady! Please sit here so I can arrange your hair!”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
I sat down in the chair by the dresser, and Lucy brushed my hair with a comb.
“Wow, my lady, your hair is so silky! Today I’ll make you look adorable!”
She began tying it up with the hair ties she had brought. Meanwhile, Mariana and Rose busied themselves with selecting dresses and accessories.
“My lady, you’re nothing like the rumors. You’re very lovely and so well-mannered.”
Lucy commented.
At that, Mariana raised her voice.
“Lucy! How could you say such a thing to the young lady! Please forgive her.”
Flustered, Lucy bowed her head and apologized just like Mariana.
“I-I’m terribly sorry! I spoke out of turn!”
“It’s perfectly fine, don’t worry about it. Rumors will fade away eventually.”
Lucy seemed to have an energetic and straightforward personality.
But still—who had told her such things?
“Hey, tell me honestly, who did you hear those rumors from? It made me very sad, and I’d like to know the truth.”
Rose answered.
“Since you ask, my lady, I heard it from the head maid and from Lily.”
“Yes, so did we,” said Mariana and Lucy in agreement.
“I see… thank you.”
So it really had been deliberate malice, spreading false rumors. But if multiple servants had all heard it from Lily, would they still believe someone who was now under suspicion for abuse?
Surely such stories would lose credibility. Now that Lily’s cruelty had been exposed, the head maid’s misdeeds would likely come to light as well.
From now on, I’ll just have to build good relationships with the servants. I must improve the image they have of me.
