If Elizabeth is helping Gotturk while knowing that her daughter is being treated as if she were being sold to the Viscount, there was nothing to say.

However, if Elizabeth is being exploited by the Viscount and his wife without knowing what is happening to her daughter.

‘If this fact is leaked, at least the trust between Elizabeth and Gotturk may break,’

The information that the Viscount and his wife adopted a daughter just because they needed a girl to sell was information that only those who worked in the mansion like Neil could know.

Edith expressed her gratitude to Neil for informing her of the fact that could cause a scandal.

“Thank you, Neil. It was really helpful.”

Neil could not help but smile at her sincere voice. After being kicked out without even receiving a recommendation, it was the first time she heard that she had been helpful to someone.

“Really, was it helpful?”

To her unconsciously inquiring, Edith could be sure.

“Because the secret I wanted to keep hidden has been exposed, it may not be a good thing for the Viscount and his wife. But the word you said has undoubtedly been a big help to me.”

“…….”

“Of course, the one who benefits the most from the words you said is undoubtedly the Viscount’s favored child of Gotturk. However.”

Neil, looking at Edith’s smile, couldn’t say anything for a while and just hugged the child.

Due to the sudden loss of her job and being pushed into a situation where she had to raise a child alone, she forgot how courageous her actions were.

“I, my lady. I don’t know if this is an unwarranted interference, but you seem very worried that the young lady is going to marry Viscount Humphrey. The teacher who taught the young lady about Viscount Humphrey often wields a cane…”

Neil said to the Gotturk Viscountess because she felt sorry for the thought of a child not yet twelve years old going to a strange territory.

Because the young lady, who was receiving indoctrination similar to brainwashing without even sleeping, looked so much like her child.

Although she knew how laughable it was for a mere maid to worry about a noble young lady, she brought up the topic because she wished the Viscountess would recognize the state of the girl.

Even though she had heard many times about what measures employers took when there was even the slightest opposition to their intentions.

After being kicked out, the biggest issue was making a living, and she had forgotten her sense of justice. However, the lady recognized that sentiment and expressed her gratitude after discovering it, which made her feel something poignant.

Feeling something overwhelming, Neil tightened her lips firmly.

The carriage had arrived at the shabby inn where Neil was staying. Edith briefly got off the carriage and saw her off.

“If you have skills, you won’t have trouble finding a maid job again. I’ll contact you soon from a family that doesn’t have prejudices. Buy clean and warm clothes and come back.”
“Thank you very much, madam.”

Neil wrapped the child in a coat and silently watched Edith’s carriage until it crossed the horizon.

‘Clean and warm clothes.’

Perhaps because she was a noble lady, it was appreciated that she even cared about the attire, although ordinary people like her seemed unaware that one coat was enough for spring, autumn, and winter.

“Thanks to the lady, if I find a job, I can buy your first winter clothes. Mom worked hard… Hmm?”

Hugging the child, Neil whispered affectionately, and suddenly noticed something sparkling inside the child’s outer cover.

It was a bracelet tucked inside the outer wrap, which Edith had been carrying until now and slyly put in.

At a time when everyone in the Empire knew that Lexion, the Viscount who won the fencing tournament, married the lady who saved her from her self-lock.

In the Imperial Palace, a New Year’s dance party, arranged in the name of the Emperor, was unfolding.

“Even rural nobles gather awkwardly to make a mark on the Emperor. What can they do with the light of the setting sun?”

Patricia, the Empress, was sipping tea at the Star Palace, watching the procession of carriages. Elizabeth, who had received an invitation and had tea in her room, opened her mouth with a greenish smile.

“Undoubtedly, the health deteriorating due to the worsening health condition must have made the Emperor’s heart burn. Offering all the hunting lodges in the capital and nearby areas and demanding attendance from local nobles must be to demonstrate determination.”

When Elizabeth, in a calm tone, matched the Empress’s mood, Gilbert felt a subtle satisfaction.

‘I was worried that Elizabeth was looking for me less these days, but as expected, Elizabeth is adjusting her mood for me,’

If Elizabeth showed discomfort in front of the Empress, he wondered what would happen. Fortunately, she didn’t. It was reassuring that she seemed to have confirmed that she was an irreplaceable and special existence to her.

Even now, just like when she left for Portion, Elizabeth would do everything for me.