Adel recognized the box. The box with the carved wolf head, the emblem of Ansgar, didn’t look like a valuable item due to its worn-out appearance. She remembered the day she first saw it, the day of her wedding. Placing her hand on the old box, she vividly recalled swearing to be faithful to her husband in front of the Morig shrine.

“Vision?”

At Herman’s call, Adel suddenly came to her senses. She received the box with trembling hands and opened it. Inside the creaking box was a beautifully decorated bundle of keys. Even though she knew what was inside, her breath caught for a moment when she actually saw it.

“From now on, the family’s affairs should be taken care of by the vision.”

The key bundle was a symbol of Ansgar’s mistress. Excluding the decorated jewels, the steward and housekeeper were sharing copies of this bundle.

Since Valentine had given it to her, there was no reason to be excited. Nevertheless, it thrilled her as if she had received proof that she could consider this place as her ‘home.’

In the midst of people applauding with indifferent faces, Margaret whispered softly.

“You’ll do well.”

Blushing, she stammered, expressing her gratitude. Wanting to show an imposing figure as the mistress, Adel found that such awkward reactions drew their favor more. Some stern faces even softened.

It would have been ridiculous to assert dominance overnight just because a woman who had been living like a servant a few days ago suddenly received the master’s favor.

‘Just do well from now on. I’ve at least got the opportunity.’

Adel firmly pledged not to collapse no matter what happened. She wanted to do her best in her position until she knew how the contract with Valentine would end.

Margaret handed her the key bundle and neatly tied it to her waistband.

“Try opening the other one as well.”

When Adel awkwardly fumbled with the key bundle on her waist, Margaret gently urged her. Adel raised the forgotten box and carefully opened it. Blinking her eyes, she stared at the contents.

“This is…”

Inside the box were glass ink bottles and exquisite quills made of red feather tips. All of them were top-notch items. Smiling contentedly, Margaret explained.

“The master personally ordered Herman to prepare these for you. Since you’ll have to write various documents yourself from now on, it’s a thoughtful gift considering him.”

“And he sent these as well.”

More things kept appearing. Adel realized that the ‘these’ the steward was pointing to were two large boxes placed on the table. As the overwhelming gifts continued to pour out, her heart now trembled.
“What is that?”

“It’s gold coins. His Grace brought them as spoils of war from the recent battle.”

“Both chests?”

“Yes. His Grace said you could use them as you wish.”

Adel stood frozen, her eyes wide open. She realized she must be acting too clumsy and quickly tried to erase the shocked expression from her face.

“…”

Through the slightly open gap, she could see a considerable amount of gold coins. Although she heard about bringing spoils of war, having ‘gold coins’ in the courtyard was unimaginable. Moreover, the battle they fought was just a field battle. Even if they considered it as spoils of war, the amount would be negligible since they had reached a truce just before launching a conquest to capture a castle.

… It felt somewhat suspicious. Adel raised her head hesitantly.

“Where is His Grace? I need to see him now.”

“He went to the training ground since this morning. It seems he’s enjoying sparring with the knights recently.”

Herman spoke with a pleased tone. It seemed that Valentine’s increased activity was pleasing to him. By training his body, it seemed like he believed that everything would eventually return to ‘normal.’ After going to the training ground, Valentine didn’t shy away from using his hands for activities like entertaining.

“Do you want to see him now? I’d rather send someone.”

As they moved toward the entrance of the banquet hall, Margaret cautiously followed. Adel shook her head.

“It’s not an urgent matter. I can’t tell His Grace… no, Valentine, to come or go. Now that I know the location of the training ground, I can go alone.”

“Still, I’ll arrange guards to accompany you. Even though it’s a castle, it can be dangerous here and there. Recently, there have been many pilgrims inside due to the master’s recent events.”

“Pilgrims?”

“Now that His Grace is even called the Miracle of Morig, you know.”

Ah, that’s right. When Adel nodded in understanding, the door to the grand hall creaked open. Just at the right time, it seemed that the knights, who had just finished their morning training, poured into the banquet hall, looking exhausted.

As they started to come in, Adel and the housemaids gathered. They received awkward bows from some knights.

“May we come in?”

“Of course. Please take a seat.”