Chapter 05
While Daphne stared at the paper and ground her teeth without realizing it, Asher spoke anxiously.
“Yes. If we want to find him within a month and complete the succession of the ducal title, we’ll be quite busy.”
“If we count from the time of the accident in Amberhorn, that leaves us about three weeks.”
“That’s correct. As Miss Daphne Sutton claims, it’s impossible to make her Your Grace’s attendant.”
“I see.”
When Liam nodded, Daphne hurriedly set down her teacup and straightened in her seat to face him.
“I can become Your Grace’s attendant too! According to the rules set by our two families—”
“There is no rule regarding gender.”
For once, Liam wiped the playful expression from his face and looked at her rather seriously.
“Yet the Sloanes and the Suttons have always insisted on attendants of the same gender. Do you know why?”
Behind Liam, Asher began wildly waving both arms. It seemed he was warning Daphne not to say those words she had mentioned earlier.
Of course, Daphne did not disappoint him.
“It’s because they fear that romantic feelings or physical relationships might develop between the master and the attendant. If a child were conceived, the situation would become even more complicated.”
“Well…”
He trailed off and lowered his gaze slightly.
“A child is always a blessing. Even more so if the two people already have feelings for each other. I think that restriction exists to protect the Sutton.”
“Protect…?”
“Yes. Once a Sloane and a Sutton form the Oath of Loyalty, the commands of the Sloane carry compulsive force over the Sutton. Though, I’ve never tested it myself.”
Daphne had heard about that as well.
If a Sloane added the words “This is an order” to a request, the Sutton would be obligated to obey it.
“One can command anything. For someone in love, what greater temptation could there be? I doubt I’d be able to resist.”
A warm sigh slipped from between his slightly parted lips, and Daphne frowned.
“But I don’t think Your Grace would give me such an order.”
“Why do you think that?”
Well…
Daphne smiled bitterly.
“Surely you don’t think I proposed because I actually had feelings for you?”
Who would have thought that her married life before time was reversed would be useful in a situation like this? Daphne quickly clasped her trembling hands and forced a smile.
“Because I’m not someone who can receive anyone’s love.”
For a brief moment, surprise appeared on Liam’s face at her confident answer.
It seemed he hadn’t expected such a reply at all.
“Interesting, Daphne Sutton.”
After a moment, Liam tilted his head thoughtfully.
“Hmm… then how about this. Asher, could you check whether Duncan needs any additional staff?”
“Of course I already checked. Unfortunately, while we might need male servants, we have enough maids.”
Asher looked like he wanted to shout, “So please throw this woman out already!”
“Good. Then we’ll hire Daphne Sutton as a servant.”
“What?!”
Asher and Daphne shouted at the same time.
“A s-servant?!”
“T-this is absurd!” Asher protested. “How could that woman possibly work as a servant?”
“There shouldn’t be any problem. This estate has no rules about gender.”
“That’s not the issue!”
“Is it about the nature of the work? She seems quite sturdy. I’m sure she’ll manage.”
“N-no, that’s not it. Accepting Miss Sutton as a servant means… her living quarters would…”
“Well, she’ll stay in the servants’ dormitory, of course. She’ll like it. Even the picky Asher Maple lives there comfortably.”
“Your Grace is saying Miss Sutton will sleep on the same floor as the male servants!”
Asher cried out in despair, his face red as if it had been burned.
“Isn’t that fine? After all, Daphne Sutton said she’s not someone who could receive anyone’s love.”
“….”
“So there’s nothing for Asher to worry about.”
While Asher was too stunned to respond, Liam turned back to Daphne.
Seeing her lips trembling slightly, he smiled in great satisfaction.
“I’ll give you six days, Miss Sutton.”
“What kind of opportunity is that supposed to be?”
“The opportunity to remain here.”
Liam raised two fingers.
“For those six days, there are two conditions you must meet.”
“Please tell me.”
“First, you must satisfy me. It doesn’t matter how. As long as I’m satisfied.”
It sounded like a rather difficult demand, but Daphne nodded anyway. After all, pleasing one’s employer was part of a servant’s duty.
“Understood. What is the second condition?”
“Simple. You must not become involved in any romantic scandal with anyone in this mansion.”
“…What?”
“I’m simply testing your claim. Didn’t you say that no one would ever fall in love with you?”
Daphne nodded absentmindedly. It was true—but she hadn’t expected him to actually test it.
“In that case, the second condition should be very easy for you. Right?”
“I… suppose so?”
“Good. Then it’s a deal.”
“W-wait a moment!”
Daphne leaned over the table urgently, and Liam nodded lightly as if telling her to go ahead.
“If during that time I…”
“If you fail to satisfy me, or if rumors arise that you’re involved with someone?”
“…Yes.”
She could already guess the obvious conclusion, but it was better to clarify things anyway.
He slowly began stroking Samuel’s hat with his long fingers.
That disgusting gesture could only mean one thing.
‘I’ll go seduce your handsome little brother.’
Daphne’s face turned pale, and Liam smiled, clearly enjoying himself.
A Few Days Later
In truth, Daphne had thought she would be able to satisfy the duke quickly.
After all, that was the duty of a servant.
But after a few days, she wished she could go back to the day she first arrived at the duke’s mansion and tell herself something.
That as a low-ranking servant in this enormous mansion, she wouldn’t even get the chance to polish the duke’s shoes—let alone satisfy him.
Most of the work she did was menial labor.
And last week had been the funeral of the former duke.
Close high-ranking nobles who came to attend the funeral filled every room on the second floor of the mansion.
When Daphne had first arrived, she had thought:
“With so many rooms, managing them all must be difficult.”
And now I’m the one doing it!
After counting more than thirty rooms, she eventually stopped. She didn’t even have the mental energy to keep counting.
Her job was to bring coal or firewood to each room and refill the lamps with oil.
And all of this had to be done when the guests weren’t around.
For example, when they went downstairs for meals or attended services at the chapel.
To avoid running into them, she had to hurry constantly.
Even after finishing that work, Daphne couldn’t rest.
Afterward, she had to go down to the basement and serve meals to the other servants.
Since it was the duty of the lowest-ranking servant, she had no choice.
Fortunately, though—
“Are you alright, Miss Sutton?”
“I told you it wouldn’t be easy. Look at those blisters on your hands. I’ll bring you some medicine later.”
Unlike the master, the other servants were all kind people.
Because of the situation, she also didn’t have to worry about the duke’s second condition about romantic rumors.
Everyone was far too busy to have such idle feelings.
That Evening
Daphne’s work didn’t end until very late at night.
Apparently, when a person is too tired, they don’t even want to eat.
She skipped dinner, washed herself, and arrived at her room while drying her hair with a towel.
Just as promised earlier, she was using the lower-floor dormitory for male servants.
And she even had a roommate.
“…You’re finally back.”
It was Asher Maple.
After sharing a room with him, Daphne had learned several things about him.
He had grown up as a childhood companion to the duke’s family and was extremely loyal to the household.
And he absolutely despised Daphne.
Even now, as soon as she entered the room with her wet hair, he flung open the window wide—even though it was the middle of winter.
The cold wind hit her damp body so harshly she almost fainted, so Daphne quickly jumped into bed and wrapped herself tightly in the blanket.
“Why do you always open the window wide whenever I come back after bathing?”
She had already asked this several times, but he had only glared at her and never given a proper answer.
“You think if I catch a cold I’ll leave the mansion, don’t you? Dream on!”
“No, that’s not it…”
He seemed about to explain something but stopped.
Daphne quickly pressed him.
“If that’s not it, then what? If you’re a gentleman, please take responsibility for what you say until the end, Mr. Maple.”
“Honestly…”
He ran a hand through his hair while Daphne stared at him sharply, waiting for his answer.
“I just…”
He fidgeted nervously with his hands.
“…the… smell…”
