CHAPTER 44.
Comeback Home:
“Have you returned, Lady Sogaju!”
The line of servants bowed their heads deeply.
Adèle roughly counted how many there were. It seemed like quite a few had come out to the front gate, but originally there should have been even more.
Handing her handbag to the butler standing at the front, Adèle raised her eyebrows.
“Looks like Noella is out.”
“Ah… the young lady went with Mr. Xerox to get fitted for a dress for the engagement ceremony.”
“Seems like she took all the servants with her, huh?”
“Well, they probably didn’t know Lady Sogaju was arriving…”
“Yes, exactly. If they had known, they’d have come.”
Adèle held back a smile.
She waved her hand to tell the butler, who bowed apologetically as if it were his fault, that it was fine, but she didn’t feel very pleased.
Though still unstable, she was the rightful Sogaju of this house without her father present.
It was tradition that everyone came out to greet her when she returned home.
“How much have you been stirring things up, I wonder.”
No one was as sharp as the servants of noble houses. To them, the new heir was the boss, the president, and the chairman all rolled into one.
She could vividly picture them chasing after rumors Noella had thrown out like bait, trying to figure out who to side with.
“I will announce immediately that Lady Sogaju has arrived and call for everyone.”
“No. What can we do about those who have already left?”
“Huh?”
“Forget it. Just write down the names of those still here and bring me the list. Don’t leave anyone out.”
After whispering this to the butler, Adèle gave a kind smile to the servants, scanning their faces one by one.
But even if she wanted to praise them, they all looked dazed.
Since she could guess why, Adèle turned and called to someone.
“What are you doing, Captain?”
“…Adèle.”
Killian, who had been inspecting the count’s manor interior, immediately came when she called.
No one ordered them to, but those greeting him bowed their heads low.
Even the butler, who had worked for decades in the count’s household and mastered a poker face, swallowed a mysterious groan.
“Hoo, Lady Sogaju. That man is…”
“He’s human—I’ve confirmed it.”
“Ah…”
Despite this firm confirmation, the shock on people’s faces didn’t fade easily.
No wonder.
Adèle shrugged her shoulders and met Killian’s eyes. Not dressed in typical noble attire, he wore the silver uniform of the temple, looking as if moonlight flowed from his entire body.
She caught sight of a servant silently praying with his hands clasped and swallowed a smile.
While she observed reactions here and there, Killian’s gaze focused solely on her.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because I’m happy.”
Bringing back a respectable groom was more than good—it was perfect.
Killian, pleased by her answer, softened his expression and extended his hand. Without hesitation, Adèle laid her arm on his.
Though a formal gesture, the butler’s eyes went wide.
No surprise there. Adèle calmly walked on, lowering her gaze.
“And Father?”
“The Count was delayed by an explosion on the way back. He says it will take some more time. But he should arrive before dinner, so we’ll prepare for the meal together.”
“I see.”
She’d hoped and suspected as much, but was relieved her father hadn’t come yet.
This gave her some extra time to explain a few precautions to Killian.
Adèle handed the Balrog she’d been holding to the butler.
“Butler, please prepare food for this one first. Then set up a place for it in the glass garden. We’ll rest until Father arrives. My room should be cleaned up already, right?”
“Yes, Lady Sogaju. Since no one knew when you would return, we’ve swept, polished, and cleaned every day. After your years-long vacation, you should rest comfortably now.”
The butler had thought Adèle was on vacation and convalescing, so he had been especially meticulous.
As the butler of the count’s family and the head of the household staff, he was quick and efficient, glancing at Killian.
“Um, then I’ll prepare a separate room for your guest to rest in.”
“No need.”
“…You just said you’re going to rest.”
“Yes, in my room.”
This wouldn’t be a misunderstanding—he was her future husband, after all.
Since they needed to get to know each other, formal appearances were a waste of time.
Anyway, what people expected of her was perfect ability, not a reputation for modesty.
“So what should I prepare?”
“Butler, just continue with the engagement preparations as before.”
Adèle looked up at the flowers and ribbons decorating the count’s manor.
Her father had told her to arrange so that the engagement ceremony could be held when she returned, so only Noella seemed excited.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered.
“After all, someone would have done it anyway.”
