Chapter 2
The news that Betty had taken the long-vacant position as the lady’s personal maid spread throughout the mansion in an instant.
Since she had only been working at the duchy for a few months, the rumor spread even faster.
No matter how much she might be slapped, dismissed, or scolded, it was still a position that served a noble directly.
Naturally, envy and jealousy from other servants—especially toward someone like Betty who had no real standing—were clearly expressed.
“…This is bad.”
Betty muttered as she wrung out her dripping wet hair.
A torrent of dirty water had poured on her the moment she stepped out the back door of the mansion.
Hearing the cackling laughter fade away, her grip on the braid over her shoulder tightened.
‘You must live a happy life.’
She recalled her mother’s final words, spoken while tightly holding her hand until her last breath.
She wasn’t sure about happy, but she had at least thought she was surviving well. But if life was going to be this hard…
‘I don’t know why the young lady took a liking to you, but you seem quick-witted enough. I’m sure you’ll manage somehow.’
‘Yes, Head Maid.’
The head maid had frowned as if troubled, but still gave Betty words of warning in a resigned tone.
It was a tone that suggested she wouldn’t feel the slightest regret even if Betty were tossed aside by the merciless young lady.
‘I accepted you because of a connection through your aunt, but don’t expect anything more than a maid’s position.’
‘I understand, Head Maid.’
Betty’s aunt, who ran a small bakery in the capital, had enough affection to raise Betty, who had been orphaned at a young age.
But now that Betty was an adult, it was time for her to find her own way.
She was already grateful she hadn’t ended up in an orphanage or on the streets.
‘Knowledge is always a valuable asset. Don’t forget that.’
It was a day when she missed her gentle mother dearly.
All she had left of her were a few books she had barely managed to buy.
“I don’t think it’s raining outside… What a sight you are.”
Betty had been lost in thought, deciding to reread one of those books, when a sudden voice snapped her out of it.
She looked up abruptly—and froze.
Felix Charte, the heir of the duchy.
Even the young lady she served didn’t dare treat him lightly, and now he stood right in front of her.
“…I slipped and fell into a pond.”
It was a lie so poor that even a child wouldn’t believe it. Yet Felix said nothing, simply gazing at her quietly.
Unlike the young lady who took after their mother, Felix had inherited the duke’s fine golden hair, which shifted slightly as he tilted his head.
“Take this. Don’t even think about refusing.”
The gesture of pulling out a handkerchief and offering it to her was smooth, like flowing water.
It was the kind of handkerchief likely prepared for noble ladies. Betty hesitated, unsure if she could accept it, prompting the young master to prod her.
“Anyone would think I handed you poison.”
“Thank you.”
Not knowing how else to respond, she bowed her head as she accepted it.
As she hurried to tidy her appearance, he muttered softly while watching her.
“I think I understand why Vivian likes you.”
The rumor had apparently reached Felix too.
Well, he always had to clean up after the young lady’s messes, so it made sense that he paid attention to his sister’s affairs.
“Good luck.”
Whether it was sarcasm or a half-hearted word of encouragement, she couldn’t tell. With that, Felix walked away without a second glance.
‘What the heck just happened?’
Betty’s impression of Felix Charte had always been simple—up until now, she had never spoken directly with him.
A perfect heir: cold, orderly, and stern.
Even when he scolded his sister, he did so with the emotional detachment of someone addressing a stranger. That chill, like a sharp blade, had always made Betty flinch.
If even she felt that way, how did the young lady endure it?
There was no reason for someone like him to show kindness to a mere maid, which only made the encounter feel more unsettling.
“Well then… I’d better get going.”
There wasn’t time to be pondering useless thoughts.
She needed to finish packing the young lady’s things before the trip to the summer villa.
As she hurried along, the bright, sweltering heat outside caught her eye.
And with it came thoughts of another nobleman.
Unlike the capital, which was in the grip of summer heat, the northern regions might be cool.
“I wonder if he’s alright.”
If something had happened on the front lines, there would surely be word.
The fact that the Duke hadn’t replied to the letter Betty had written in the young lady’s name likely just meant he had no intention of replying.
And yet… it bothered her.
Perhaps it was because Duke Ian Davan reminded her of her own current situation.
He had isolated himself at the duchy’s ball, pushing people away, though in truth, he simply didn’t seem to belong.
Of course, his position, backed by immense talent, was worlds apart from Betty’s, whose only strength was diligence and quiet obedience.
“If this keeps up, I might never have to write another letter again.”
If no reply ever came, that might be a blessing.
Writing letters on behalf of the young lady was a troublesome and nerve-wracking task, even if it was ordered and permitted.
Once might be fine, but doing it repeatedly increased the risk of discovery. And the responsibility would fall solely on Betty.
But the moment she entered the young lady’s room to help with packing, her hopes were crushed by a new command.
“Before we leave, write another letter. Father said to keep sending them regularly, whether or not he replies. Just make sure to win the Duke’s favor.”
Lady Charte gave the order while staring out the window, not even glancing at Betty.
“…Yes.”
With her answer, Betty let out a quiet sigh, hiding her growing unease.
It seemed she would need to steel her resolve more than she’d thought.
“To His Grace, Duke Davan,
As I feel the cool breeze occasionally drifting through the rustling leaves, I sense that summer is slowly coming to an end.
Although there was no reply to my last letter, I choose to believe it was read nonetheless, so I would like to share how my summer has been.
As mentioned before, I’m currently staying at the imperial summer villa to escape the mid-summer heat. I believe the villa’s elegance lies in its graceful ivory façade.
Though I’ve seen it many times, the high ceilings and open spaces still take my breath away with their refreshing beauty.
The flowers arranged throughout the villa add a touch of charm to its dignified grandeur.
It’s truly a shame I cannot enjoy this scenery with Your Grace.”
Betty suddenly set down her quill.
She had only just begun writing the new letter the day before their return from the summer villa.
Contrary to what the letter said, she had only briefly glanced at the scenery, as if stealing a look.
‘I’m so tired…’
Even rubbing her eyes didn’t relieve the dryness and fatigue.
The entire stay had been exhausting. She had to chase after the picky young lady, fetching cooler drinks, enduring endless demands about missing fans, and more.
There was no such thing as leisure.
‘But still…’
Betty slowly opened her eyes and glanced around.
Not everything in the letter was a lie.
She truly was in a place so beautiful it felt like a fairytale.
Lady Charte lay reclined under a shaded canopy, supposedly resting.
Even when Betty moved nearby and made noise, the lady didn’t stir.
Betty picked up her quill once more.
“Life at the villa has been simple, yet peaceful and pleasant.
Sometimes, when life throws its twists and turns, it is these simple routines that become the most precious and nostalgic.
Don’t you think so too, Your Grace?
Seeing such exquisite architecture makes me curious about your famous estate, said to be unmatched in size and splendor. I hope to see it with my own eyes one day.
Of course, it would be even better if I could learn how Your Grace usually spends your days there.
Ah, come to think of it, once we return to the mansion, I have the summer ball to look forward to.
Though it’s still a while away, I’m already excited just thinking about how I’ll dress for the occasion.
As always, my family and I are doing well, and I sincerely hope Your Grace remains in good health too.
Vivian Charte.”
The reason Betty ended the letter abruptly after mentioning the Duke’s estate was simple.
She had, unfortunately, run out of things to say.
How could she possibly mention standing half a day under the blazing sun, always ready to respond to her mistress’s whims?
And the noble guests at small tea gatherings disliked too many ears nearby, so Betty, always at a distance, couldn’t even quote conversations.
Don’t you think so too, Your Grace?
That line had come out naturally while writing, but now it caught her attention—should she delete it or not?
It felt like she was prying into the Duke’s personal thoughts.
Even if the young lady had entrusted the letter to her, it still felt like a boundary she wasn’t meant to cross.
But the moment the lady awoke and skimmed the letter, she casually ordered Betty to seal it in an envelope.
And just like that, Betty missed the chance to delete that one question.
