Maiana neatly folded the remaining caramel and candy bag and chuckled to herself. Veinti had become close to Ariante, as if wondering when she had stopped being so mischievous. Although they seemed to have a similar mental age, both being around seven years old…

Still, that was a good thing. If Maiana was Ariante’s protector, Veinti had become like an older sister to her.

Dressed in clean clothes, her hair neatly combed up, Maiana headed to Cedric’s residence in the western part. Normally, Jocelyn could be seen anywhere in the mansion, but these days, she rarely showed herself in front of the servants. Even if Maiana happened to run into her, she always tried to avoid her.

“Good. It’s better not to pay too much attention to that woman for a while. At least while she’s quiet.”

The saying “ignorance is bliss” wasn’t without reason. Muttering to herself, Maiana entered the spacious living room of the western residence.

“Miss Maiana, I heard the Duke is looking for you.”

Jemero, who was sitting in front of a table writing something, looked up. Then, he gestured with his eyes towards the slightly ajar door of the sitting room.

“Go inside and see.”

“Thank you.”

With a polite greeting, Maiana cautiously opened the door to the sitting room. Cedric was sitting by the window. On the table, there was a plate with some jelly leftovers Ariante must have eaten, and an empty teacup still placed as it was.

“Duke, did you summon me?”

As Maiana bowed, Cedric’s gaze slowly moved to look at her.

“Should I clear the table?”

Cedric nodded.

“No, leave it. Come over and sit here.”

He stood up. Maiana stared at Cedric’s movements with a certain fascination.

A straight, well-built back, shoulders, and clothes that gathered wrinkles gracefully at the joints with each step. Always looking tired yet lethargic, his gaze became surprisingly sharp and piercing at times. The first time she saw him, the memory of a trespasser into a pitiful nobleman’s house, where she almost threw a canned food at him, flashed back to her.

Cedric sat on the sofa first. Maiana, keeping a bit of distance, sat down away from him.

Leaning forward, Cedric spoke.

“Did you enjoy your vacation?”

A subtle smile crossed Maiana’s face.

“I enjoyed it reasonably well. According to what I heard from the lady, it seems you also had a pleasant time with her.”

“I’m not sure if I entertained Ariante enough.”

“The lady would enjoy anything you do. You know that, right?”

Cedric, who pursed his lips, momentarily smiled bitterly. The overflowing affection of a child. The thought of whether he had the right to enjoy that affection was like an unshakable burden.

“I know. I’ll do my best.”

“As long as you think that way, it’s fortunate.”
Cedric looked at Maiana with a sidelong glance.

“I called you because there are some matters to discuss.”

Maiana nodded.

“Please, go ahead.”

Cedric hesitated for a moment, then lightly tapped the edge of the table with his fingertips.

“The maid from the east you mentioned last time. I’ve reviewed several resumes, and I’ve selected one. She’ll come for an interview tomorrow, so make sure to meet her.”

“Will you not meet her, Your Grace?”

“I… have to go back to the capital tomorrow.”

Maiana’s brow faintly furrowed. Cedric pretended not to see it.

“And I’d prefer someone from the mansion’s staff. If two newcomers join, Ariante might be more reserved, and it will take time to teach them. Who do you think would be better?”

A maid from the mansion. Maiana thought, holding back the urge to clench her fist. In truth, it would be more accurate to ask Veinti about this, but… bringing Veinti here at this moment was not an option.

Maiana spoke.

“I think Bridget would be a good choice.”

“Who is she?”

“She was Grete’s roommate who escaped last time.”

This time, Cedric slightly frowned.

“Why did you choose that maid?”

“Bridget is different from Grete. As far as I know… she doesn’t complicate things too much. To be honest, she has a somewhat simple personality. But she does her job meticulously well. And having someone like Bridget by Lady Ariante’s side would be much better.”

Cedric, leaning back on the sofa, let out a short sigh. It was indeed inconvenient to have someone who had shared a room with the person responsible for harming Ariante. However, at the same time, Maiana’s words made sense. An honest and straightforward person. Someone who wouldn’t react sensitively to Ariante’s capricious temperament or harbor inappropriate feelings of inferiority…

“If you think so, that’s fine. From tomorrow, this maid Bridget will work in the east. I’ll inform through Jemero.”

“What about the new teacher for Lady Ariante?”

Cedric hesitated for a moment, then continued.

“We’ll find a new teacher for Ariante… by the middle of next month. I’ll take care of that myself.”