Chapter 62: Couple’s Night
Since Leta couldn’t carry all the refreshments by herself, more maids from the Duke’s estate were called in to help.
‘What’s so funny?’
Curious, I called out to the maids.
“Hey, you over there.”
“Y-yes, Your Highness!”
“What’s ‘Couple’s Night’?”
“…!”
Not only the maids, but even the nearby footmen turned bright red at my question.
“U-uh…”
The maid lowered her head like she had committed a crime.
“Hmm? I’m not scolding you. I was just curious.”
Even though I shrugged to show I meant no harm, they all stayed quiet, like their mouths were glued shut.
“Your Highness?”
Just then, Cecilia returned with her notebook and pen and tilted her head at the awkward atmosphere.
“Cecilia, do you know what ‘Couple’s Night’ is?”
She inhaled sharply.
Ahem.
“Everyone, back to work,” she said.
The stiff servants slowly returned to what they were doing.
Cecilia leaned in and whispered in my ear,
“Couple’s Night is when… couples… spend the night… alone…”
After whispering, she quickly stepped away. I could see the servants watching me while pretending not to.
“It’s not even that big of a deal. Why did everyone act so embarrassed?”
I deliberately said it loud enough for everyone to hear. The servants chuckled awkwardly and got back to work.
Then I recalled what Cecilia had told me:
“In the North, the nights are cold, so parents and children often sleep in the same room. ‘Couple’s Night’ is when parents drop off the kids at someone else’s house so they can have some time alone together.”
Especially in small villages, parents would rotate watching the kids so that others could enjoy their Couple’s Night.
“That’s probably why the maids said it felt like Couple’s Night—since all the kids were gathered in one place and laughing loudly.”
As I listened, it started to sound familiar.
Wait…! I clapped my hands.
When I first arrived at the Duke’s estate, I once overheard the maids gossiping:
— “My sister left her kid at grandma’s for a few days and ended up pregnant with her second baby!”
They also talked about a child bursting into the couple’s bedroom and the husband injuring his ankle in panic.
Apparently, it was hard for couples in the North to find time alone because of their children.
If I could make a guesthouse package that replaces Couple’s Night, it might be successful.
There’s no way I’ll let the Merchant’s Guild ruin Marie’s Inn.
That place is like my first real project.
I began brainstorming.
What kinds of romantic promotions do hotels offer?
I thought of champagne services or room decorations, but they didn’t quite fit the Northern vibe.
I called over Leta, who was watching the children.
“You said some of the maids have children, right?”
In the capital, most maids were unmarried, but here at the estate, many married women worked part-time.
“Can you gather a few of them so I can talk to them?”
“Talk to them?”
Before I was reincarnated, I used to conduct group interviews—small market research sessions to get ideas from real consumers.
I explained the concept to Leta, who looked hesitant.
“Is something wrong?”
“May I be honest?”
“Of course.”
“Most married maids are senior staff, and they still follow the head maid.”
“You mean they won’t cooperate with me?”
“A maid can’t directly disobey Your Highness, but the head maid will probably interfere behind the scenes.”
Thanks to Leta’s sharp instincts and knowledge, I had learned a lot about the estate’s inner workings.
After I publicly scolded Marzella (the head maid), many maids who had been neglecting her began aligning themselves with “the Duchess’s side.” Now, there was an invisible wall dividing Marzella’s loyalists and mine.
Especially after I started providing better benefits for staff, Marzella’s influence had weakened.
Still, senior maids who’ve served Marzella for years won’t give up their position easily.
Leta explained that the senior maids also formed a powerful group of people.
That made me want to hear from them even more.
“Cecilia.”
I smirked.
“When we return to the estate, drop some hints.”
Let them think I might be choosing a new personal maid.
***
Bennet walked nervously into the Duchess’s chamber.
She came with three other maids—personally selected by the head maid.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
When she raised her head after bowing, the Duchess sat gracefully, hands folded.
She looked completely different from the poorly dressed woman who arrived at the estate just months ago.
“I recognize your face.”
The Duchess gave Bennet a soft smile.
“I-I’m Bennet,” she replied, lowering her head to hide her anxious expression.
She had been one of the maids who tried to drag Leta away when Marzella stormed into the Duchess’s room two months ago.
I didn’t think she’d remember me…
Bennet glanced sideways.
The other maids had similar tense expressions.
They had all been given the same mission:
Become the Duchess’s new personal maid.
Marzella’s position as head maid had become shaky.
The maids’ loyalty wasn’t what it used to be.
She had sent her most trusted maids, including Bennet, to win over the Duchess.
What made things worse was that the Duchess had already chosen Leta—someone known to be hard to control—as her maid.
And yet, she hadn’t picked any others.
Then came the rumor:
“The Duchess is looking for married maids.”
Marzella immediately summoned her inner circle.
— “One of you must become her personal maid. Do whatever it takes.”
This is my chance, Bennet thought.
If she could win the Duchess’s favor, she could gain power on both sides. She could choose who to support later.
I just need to stand out among the others.
The maids, thinking the same thing, eagerly sat down with the Duchess’s permission.
“I heard all of you are married. I wanted to ask you some questions,” the Duchess said kindly.
“I may ask about your husbands or family. Please answer honestly—but feel free to skip anything you’re uncomfortable with.”
Bennet quickly spoke up to impress her.
“I’ll answer anything, Your Highness. I have nothing to hide.”
She leaned forward in her chair.
The other maids also raised their voices, saying they would answer anything.
“Thank you. Let’s begin.”
The Duchess picked up a paper from the table.
“First question. Do you know what ‘Couple’s Night’ is?”
“Pardon?”
All the maids widened their eyes.
They looked confused, like they had misheard her.
“Second, if you do know, have you ever left your children with someone else to have a Couple’s Night?”
The Duchess smiled and looked straight at Bennet.
“Let’s start with you.”
***
After many seemingly random questions, the Duchess nodded in satisfaction.
“Thank you for your time.”
Is she about to choose one of us?
The maids raised their heads in anticipation.
“You were all very helpful. I’ll be sure to repay you later.”
She smiled politely and dismissed them.
The maids left her room looking dazed.
When the head maid learned the Duchess didn’t select anyone, she was furious.
Even worse, none of the maids could explain what the meeting was for. The questions had made no sense.
Less than a week later, Bennet received a letter from the Duchess’s maid.
“Please open it now.”
Am I chosen?
Bennet opened the envelope as instructed and found something unexpected.
“Couple’s Night Package at Marie’s Inn
Spend a special evening with your spouse!”
“What… is this?”
“The Duchess said it was your reward.”
Bennet pulled out a flyer from the envelope:
Marie’s Inn – Couple’s Night Full Package
- One-night stay in a romantic couple’s room
- Dinner and breakfast made with ‘Cecilia’s Recipes’
- Today’s dessert set and premium wine delivered to your room
- Separate group sleeping room and play area for children
- Door-to-door carriage pick-up service
“Please thank Her Highness properly.”
The maid grinned and added smugly,
“Soon, booking a night at that inn will be harder than reaching the stars.”
Bennet blinked, speechless.
Thank you very much