Chapter 26
The next day.
“Milady~ oh my, this morning was incredible.”
Lucy said with obvious amusement.
I wonder what happened.
“Indeed, the voices of the head maid and Lily echoed through the halls.”
Mariana added.
“Isabella and Lily?”
“Yes, that’s right. Early this morning, they were dragged away by the knights and thrown out through the gates, but they resisted fiercely.”
Rose said happily.
“They kept shouting things like, ‘If we’re cast out of the Astaire household, we can’t survive anymore!’ and ‘We can’t face our families!’ It was so loud that even the servants who aren’t morning people said they instantly woke up. But isn’t that only natural? They hurt you, milady.”
Lucy puffed out her chest proudly.
“If it were me, I would’ve shredded them to pieces before tossing them out.”
Rose remarked.
“Rose! Watch your language.”
Mariana scolded.
“Sorryyy.”
“Ahaha.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
From now on, these three would surely stand by my side and support me.
From their story, it seems the ones branded were only Isabella, the head maid and main culprit, and Lily. As for the servants in the annex who had sided with Isabella and deliberately spread rumors, they weren’t branded, but were expelled without severance pay or letters of recommendation.
Things will surely be difficult for them now… but I sincerely hope they endure until the bitter end—while tasting every bit of suffering.
“Milady, we have wonderful news! Today, we’ve called a dressmaker to tailor a brand-new gown for you!”
Lucy clapped her hands together with excitement.
“Huh? The Duke gave permission?”
“Yes. His Grace kindly approved it.”
Mariana answered with a smile.
“I see. I’m happy I’ll get to wear a new dress.”
Does this mean he’s begun to open his heart to me, even a little? I never imagined he would go so far as to brand Isabella and Lily.
And truly, wearing a new dress makes me very happy.
“Also, since Lord Gilbert asked if you needed anything, we told him about accessories.”
Well, honestly, I don’t really need accessories. It’d be nice to have them, but not essential.
“And guess what—Lord Gilbert said he wants to go out with you!”
Mariana reported cheerfully.
Wait… what? Did she just say Gilbert wants to go out with me? That’s so sudden. Gilbert was never the type to show interest in people, yet if he wants to go into town with me… does that mean he’s actually interested? Is that… really a good thing?
“Just the two of us?”
“No, one of Lord Gilbert’s knights will accompany you.”
At least it won’t be just the two of us. I wouldn’t even know what to say, and it’d be awkward.
But putting Gilbert aside, this will be my first time going into town, so I can’t help but feel a little excited. And now, thanks to the confiscated wealth of Isabella and Lily, I have money of my own to spend. They had hoarded quite a lot, so for the time being, I’ll have funds I can freely use.
Besides accessories, I’ll buy shoes too.
