“What’s the matter?”

“Is it okay to ask what a maid does? I’ve never seen anyone with that job where I lived.”

Nelia understood Charlotte’s curiosity.

Growing up in a small rural monastery among commoners, the occupation of a maid would naturally be unfamiliar to her.

However, it was a difficult question to answer.

Because I can’t honestly say that my main job is to stick around the Duke who’s cursed to turn into a snake every day and prevent him from crossing boundaries.

Nelia glanced at the Duke.

Seemingly reading Nelia’s uncomfortable expression, the Duke spoke up.

“Nelia does many tasks but mainly assists me in my duties.”

The Duke deflected skillfully, without any hint of discomfort. He was indeed good at lying.

Upon hearing that, Nelia suddenly wondered.

What if he has lied to me as well? After all, he’s very persuasive.

In the midst of such rational suspicion, Charlotte lowered her head and whispered to Nelia.

“You don’t…get mistreated, do you?”

Charlotte added.

“I remember you coming here late on the day we got the carriage.”

Although she was probably just concerned for Nelia, asking such a question in front of the Duke employer was striking. Nelia once again admired Charlotte’s innocence.

Of course, the Duke must have heard all of it.

“Charlotte, as I said that day, the Duke was feeling unwell, that’s why I came late.”

Nelia repeated the excuse she had made up that day.

She couldn’t mention that she was staying here overnight.

‘If word gets out that I’m staying here, I’ll become too famous to handle.’

Though Charlotte didn’t look like someone who would spread the word, better safe than sorry.

“You don’t have to worry, Charlotte. I’m his only cherished maid.”

The Duke, indeed having heard Charlotte, responded with a smile.

Nelia was more bothered by the Duke’s bright smile than his explanation.

Normally, he smiles like that to others, and I know those smiles are for external use, but it still bothers me now that Charlotte is the one he’s dealing with.

“…That’s a relief.”

Charlotte nodded lightly.

Then she picked up her coat.

“I should get going.”

Nelia looked at the wall clock. About thirty minutes had passed. Even if she came just to see my face, leaving after a brief conversation seemed odd.

Charlotte’s sudden visit was indeed unsettling, and the Duke’s behavior towards her was bothering, but I didn’t want to send her away so soon either.

“You can stay a little longer.”

Nelia tried to hold back Charlotte, but she shook her head.

“Thank you, but if I go back late, I’ll get scolded. I left the monastery without telling anyone.”

Nelia couldn’t hold her back any further upon hearing that.

Charlotte was under surveillance at the monastery, so her freedom was limited.

Instead, before leaving, Nelia decided to give her some helpful advice.

Nelia looked at the Duke.

“Your Grace, I’ll accompany Charlotte and be back.”

“Very well.”

Nelia was worried he might follow but was relieved when the Duke retreated with an oddly pleasant smile.

‘It’s good he’s not following.’

What’s there to be happy about?

Nelia found the Duke’s behavior a bit odd, as she led Charlotte outside.

Charlotte, following Nelia, spoke in a soft voice.

“You really don’t have to escort me.”

“It’s nothing. You came all this way to see me.”

“I came to see you because I was having a hard time.”

Nelia felt sorry for Charlotte.

Under scrutiny at the monastery and even had her money stolen.

Though she won’t face immediate difficulties since she’s given lodging at the monastery, how heartbroken must she be?

So she made up her mind.

Since she couldn’t simply give money, she should help Charlotte find a way to earn some.

Carefully, Nelia began to speak.
“Charlotte, it’s about the stolen money…….”

“That’s alright……. They do pay me a wage at the monastery…….”

With a flustered expression, Charlotte wondered if she had unnecessarily burdened Nelia.

However, Nelia shook her head.

“Charlotte, listen carefully.”

Charlotte gazed at Nelia, tilting her head. Nelia swallowed dryly before speaking calmly.

“I think the priest sharing the room with you may have stolen your money.”

Charlotte blinked. Her red pupils flickered, appearing and disappearing.

“……Did he say where the thief went?”

“Well…… Anyone can lie. The room is locked, and the only person who could enter is that priest.”

“That’s true, but……”

A slight tremor overtook Charlotte’s pupils. She soon averted her gaze, wearing an uneasy expression.

For someone as quiet and shy as Charlotte, she trusted people too easily.

Or perhaps she wanted to believe that such a thing was impossible. After all, Charlotte, the female protagonist, only saw the world through honest eyes.

Nelia instantly regretted her words.

‘Did I say too much……?’

But if she hadn’t spoken, Charlotte would have continued to blindly trust that person, just like in the original story.

“You don’t have to take it too seriously. It’s just my thought.”

Nelia took a step back, smiling to lighten the mood.

At that moment, Charlotte slowly lifted her gaze.