“Next, it would be good to introduce you to Teacher Saul Rogier.”

This time, it was Teacher Rogier’s turn.

He was someone who didn’t need to be introduced to the children, but he couldn’t be left out either.

That’s how important Teacher Rogier was.

How important, you ask?

To be honest, I feel it would have been right to introduce Teacher Rogier before Lord Joseph.

However, there is etiquette in introductions. One should introduce those of higher status or rank first.

Unfortunately, Teacher Rogier is not a nobleman.

“Teacher Saul Rogier here has been in charge of all the children’s education for the past 5 years. He knows much more about the children than I do.”

In other words, don’t disregard him.

If anyone were to treat Teacher Rogier poorly, I wouldn’t forgive them, even if it were Lord Joseph.

“I have heard the name Saul Rogier before. Aren’t you the one who led the Enbar Merchant Guild 30 years ago?”

At that moment, Lord Joseph spoke up with familiarity. I couldn’t help but be genuinely surprised.

Thirty years ago? Wasn’t that before Lord Joseph was even born? Besides, isn’t he a foreigner?

“Thirty years ago. It has been that long already.”

Teacher Rogier laughed gently with a mild expression.

This caused a stir among those around. Not only the other two tutors but also Baroness Baden opened her eyes wide.

Lord Joseph continued speaking.

“As far as I know, the Enbar Merchant Guild of 30 years ago was a great organization that could exert powerful influence over all trade routes connecting the continent. Its founder and leader, Rogier, was nothing short of legendary.”

“Even so, we were merely a half-successful guild that failed to open the sea mist route.”

“Your modesty is excessive. For someone who was a legend of the era.”

“Now, I’m just an old man teaching children. Past glory is just that—past.”

The gazes of those around towards Teacher Rogier completely changed.

Even if they didn’t know the name Saul Rogier well, no one would be unfamiliar with the Enbar Merchant Guild of 30 years ago, so it was natural.

And that made me feel good.

Teacher Rogier didn’t much like boasting about himself in front of others.

He even asked me to keep quiet about his past.

Yet here was someone else recognizing him first and even expressing admiration!

It felt like all the pent-up feelings were washing away.

‘I’ve made a good ally.’

Lord Joseph really does say such lovely things.

“I’m very pleased that Lord Joseph recognized him. Also, Teacher Rogier was my mentor when I was young. Therefore, please keep in mind that all decision-making authority lies with Teacher Rogier when I’m absent.”

“I shall certainly do so.”

“I suppose we must…”

Not only the tutors, but also Lord Joseph and Baroness Baden nodded.

Baroness Baden’s expression was a bit disgruntled.

‘Even so, she’s not someone to contend with.’

That’s how great the name Saul Rogier is.

‘So, has the hierarchy been clearly established?’

I gave Teacher Rogier the authority to act in my stead, and entrusted Lord Joseph with the overall supervision and management of the children.

However, the task given to Baroness Baden was at most Euphemina’s etiquette education.

“And here is Teacher Jephet, a scholar from the Tower of Honor. And this is Teacher Ernestine, a playwright and musician…”

Next came the introduction of the other two tutors.

The children and tutors exchanged greetings, and then coordinated their subjects and schedules.

For me, it was an emotional moment.

‘Finally, I can provide quality education for the children!’

Until now, all the children had to study together in the same space.

There was no one else besides Teacher Rogier who could teach the children.

It had been bothering me like a thorn in my throat all this time…

Above all, I couldn’t help but feel proud that I could now give Kardiel proper heir education.

‘Now we have trustworthy people too.’

So, I sincerely hope these new tutors will only have a good influence on the children.

I had a very good feeling about this.

From the next day, the atmosphere in the Daiern mansion changed significantly.

It was because the household had suddenly grown much larger. As a result, the servants had to move much more busily than before.

Of course, the number of servants also increased. This was because Lord Joseph and Baroness Baden each brought along one personal attendant.

In fact, Baroness Baden wanted to bring more servants from her own residence. I flatly refused from that point on.

I’m tolerating Baroness Baden because of Lord Joseph, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten that she’s a potential threat to me and the children.

Who knows what she might do if she brings in more of her own people?

Above all, the staff employed at Daiern is sufficient. If we increase it further, we’ll immediately run short on servant quarters.

And so, the Daiern mansion was now in a much more lively atmosphere than a few days ago.

Perhaps because of this, I woke up earlier than usual this morning.

Even so, there wasn’t particularly more to do.

After lightly grooming myself, I decided to go down to the dining room first and quietly prepare for breakfast time.

However, surprisingly, I sensed presences in the dining room that I thought would be empty.

“A beautiful morning, Duchess.”

The one who greeted me as soon as I entered the dining room was none other than Lord Joseph.

His silver-white hair, as if finely woven from sunlight, naturally covered his forehead and eyebrows.

His ruby-red eyes crinkled kindly as they turned towards me.

It truly is a beautiful morning. To be able to see that angelic smile first thing in the morning.

If I were still half-asleep, I might have thought I had died in my sleep and come to heaven.

“Good morning, Lord Joseph. Did you have a peaceful first night at the Daiern mansion?”

“Very much so, thanks to your thoughtful care.”

“I’m glad. Ah, thank you.”

“Not at all.”

He even pulled out the chair for me to sit comfortably.

This is a bit funny. It was awkward, as I had never received such consideration even from my husband.

“Baroness Baden, was your sleep not uncomfortable last night?”

Turning my gaze, I now looked at Baroness Baden.

From early morning, she was sitting upright, dressed neatly.

Seeing her razor-sharp appearance, as if not allowing even a hint of dishevelment, made me smile a little.

Of course, it’s good that she, who came in as an etiquette teacher and chaperone, shows impeccable demeanor.

I also became curious how long she would maintain such a rigid posture.

“I did toss and turn a bit due to the change in sleeping quarters. But I’m sure I’ll soon adapt.”

“I see. Do you like the room? Even though your luggage is minimal, you’ll be staying for a long time, so I deliberately gave you the more spacious east room.”

“The spaciousness is certainly good for storing luggage. However, it’s a bit secluded. And…”

“Please, do speak.”

Baroness Baden, slightly furrowing her brow, continued.

“While the Daiern’s imperial mansion is certainly an old building boasting tradition, even so, the interior decoration is a bit dark and grotesque. Considering children live here too.”

She means she wants to change the room’s interior.

Having grasped her intention, I slightly raised my lips in a smile.

“Indeed, being a mansion nearly 1000 years old, it’s quite different from the bright and flashy interior atmosphere currently fashionable in social circles.”

In fact, the Daiern imperial mansion was quite famous in social circles for its gloomy atmosphere.

Dark gray bricks bearing a black roof, tall climbing ivy, gargoyle-shaped waterspouts.

Add to that the black, thick wrought-iron bars surrounding the mansion.

It’s not for nothing that people from the Empire’s culture, who only use black at funerals, call the Daiern mansion ‘The Black Gargoyle Mansion’.

The interior is no different.

Grotesque gargoyle statues are placed on the grand staircase wrapping around the main hall, at intervals in the corridors, and even in the corners of rooms.

Well, even I was startled by the chilling majesty of the gargoyles when I first entered this mansion.

How about now, you ask?

Perhaps because I’m used to it.

The gargoyles with pig-like upturned noses look quite cute.

To the point where I think they could be named individually, as they all look different when examined closely.

“But as you know, the gargoyle is part of the Daiern family crest. Hence, I consider this mansion also a symbol of Daiern. Though it may feel unfamiliar to you now, Baroness, you’ll gradually get used to it.”

“If that’s the case, I’d at least like my room to have a brighter atmosphere. With dark-colored furniture, and gloomy curtains and carpets, it’s enough to make one’s mood depressed.”

I had specially ordered curtains and bedding made with the finest fabric for the new resident, but this is too much.