Brody widened her eyes, blinking. A bathing tub. She hadn’t seen such an object since crossing the Perdun Fortress.

It made sense because water was scarce in the north, but how were they supposed to bathe here?
As if feeling the satisfaction of giving a meaningful gift, she energetically mobilized people.

A while later, Caleb entered noisily with bathwater.

“Oh, Lady Caleb?”

“Don’t call me Lady, just call me Caleb, Madam. I am now your maid.”

“Oh, um… Yes.”

Not only the firm maid Caleb but also a pile of clothes hanging on the hanger came into the room together.

“I came to assist since His Grace is not present.”

Not present because of His Grace…! Brody blushed, feeling a nuance of ‘I’m sorry for not letting the couple spend private time.’

“Oh, don’t tease me.”

“What?”

“…”

However, it seemed that Caleb had no intention of doing that at all. Well, this world is accustomed to public life, so the private life of the Duke and Duchess can be somewhat shared…

But Brody, not used to the publicization of private life, covered her cheeks with embarrassment.

Seeing her like that, Caleb said,

“You’ve been doing things alone, so it’s natural to feel awkward now. But now that you’re the Duchess, you should get used to it.”

Perhaps Caleb thought Brody found it uncomfortable to be in the public eye. Well, it was true that being in the public eye was uncomfortable.

“Can’t I get used to it gradually? Today, I’ll take a bath alone…”

“This is my first task, and it’s a long-awaited one. Please don’t refuse.”

Brody sighed.

Caleb, who boasted of being the Duchess’s maid, seemed to be overwhelmed with emotion by having work after a long time. Well, even though her expression didn’t show it, her straight posture, gaze, and attitude were what Brody had seen from a ‘professional.’

Watching her, Brody thought,

“It has definitely improved since Lady Murphy came.”

Some time ago, Lady Murphy, who was Caleb’s stepmother, came to Potato Village after hearing about her. Since then, Caleb’s condition had noticeably improved.

When Lady Murphy met Caleb, who had come to the north as a refugee, she said that he was not in his right mind. So Lady Murphy didn’t know much about Caleb’s circumstances. Now, however, they seemed to have a complete conversation, and she seemed to know the detailed situation.

While watching her in that state, Brody thought about how much effort she had put into taking care of Caleb, and also how much effort she had put into preventing him from receiving punishment.

Lady Murphy, who didn’t seem to fit her gruff demeanor, shed tears and expressed gratitude to Brody several times. Caleb, although not showing it in her expression, hugged Lady Murphy and cried in her arms.

“Come to think of it, the two have quite similar personalities. Knowing their relationship, I feel a stronger connection.”

While people were carrying warm bathwater, Brody asked to break the awkward atmosphere.

“But what about those clothes?”

Caleb answered.
“It’s Madam’s clothes. The clothes that His Grace secured before.”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, she recalled hearing such a story when they returned on the day they conquered Ferdan Fortress.

At that time, she was too busy cleaning up the Duke, who had returned from the war looking quite disheveled, and planning their escape, so she had little interest in extravagant clothes. The clothes seemed to have been preserved until now.

“Up until now, you’ve had a lot to do and have been on a busy journey, but from now on, Madam needs to show her authority.”

Brody raised one eyebrow.

“Are you saying that…”

“Yes. I will make you look unmistakably like the Duchess. It’s inconvenient for a modest appearance, especially among the village ladies. Duke Coral is also present, making it more important, as it’s a meeting between nobles. Your attire will set the standard for the Duke’s household and, further, for diplomatic occasions in the North.”

“But I feel comfortable…”

“I’m somewhat dissatisfied with it too. I plan to suggest it later. I hope you will help at that time, Madam.”

“…”

Well, it was a pity to waste Aidan’s wardrobe. His wild attire, rolled up from the battlefield, had its own charm, but it would look quite nice if he dressed up properly for diplomatic occasions.

Even when she wore mismatched formalwear at the recent wedding ceremony, she looked good.

About 50% of it was such a personal feeling, and the remaining 50% was, of course, for the sake of the North.

Trade was crucial for future activities, especially when dealing with nobles. It would be good to show the appropriate formality when dealing with them.

The attire of the Duke’s couple itself was part of the goods.

“I have to convince the Duke… I guess I can’t just walk around comfortably.”

Unable to help it, Brody accepted the suggestion.

The bath was amazing, awesome.

Whether it was among the spoils or obtained by Caleb through another route, she brought fragrant oils and poured them into the bath.

Not only that, but she also took care of every strand of hair from the scalp, untangled each one, removed the rough skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. She also loosened the tangled muscles, showcasing the touch of an expert.

It felt like being reborn.

Wearing a fresh, fluffy chemise adorned with white lace that seemed to have been laundered and feeling as if she were on a cloud, she collapsed onto the bed.

Feeling light, it was as if she were above the clouds.

The warmth lingered, a rosy hue returned to her cheeks, and every nook and cranny of her body felt relaxed.

The experience was so blissful that the embarrassment of being in the public eye seemed pale in comparison.

When Caleb saw Brody enjoying herself and feeling so tired, she regretfully said that she would prepare the attire tomorrow morning and left the room.

Thus, Brody could now lie on the bed and enjoy happiness.
“Let’s make money, money. We need to earn money to live comfortably like this. Then, I’ll build a large bathroom in the Duke’s residence. I’ll stock various facial care products, fragrances, and massage items by type.”

While dreaming such a simple dream, the gentle sound of a door latch closing could be heard as she drifted off to sleep.

Judging by the large shoulders filling the doorway, it seemed like Aidan had returned.