“The previous Dukes never even set foot in the castle…”

“And now, our young Duke is not only renovating this old castle but is also planning to live here.”

Rita spoke in a hushed voice.

“Do you know? I heard from the steward that our wages are going to be reevaluated.”

“Really? Are they going to be reduced?”

“I don’t think so.”

As Rita smiled slyly, everyone’s faces lit up with joy. The idea that servants would be happier and freer without a master is naive. Who would want to be neglected?

Furthermore, without a master, it’s hard to voice grievances or receive necessary supplies promptly. Inevitably, things stagnate and deteriorate from within.

Having tasted the attention of their master for the first time, they were like insects trapped in honey, unable to come to their senses. They had already been favorably predisposed towards the Duke even before seeing him, but upon encountering someone who looked like they had stepped out of a painting, their admiration knew no bounds.

“I’m going to bury my bones in the Duke’s castle.”

Cecil, who often joked about quitting her job, clenched her fist with determination. The others solemnly nodded in agreement.

“I’ll have my tomb right next to yours.”

“Let’s die together and be buried together.”

“With the Duke and the steward too?”

As their conversation ran wild, Rita clapped her hands to bring everyone back to reality.

“Focus, everyone. Get a grip.”

“Is that so…”

While the others awkwardly calmed down, Rita spoke earnestly.

“I think the slope of Mount Havel, facing south, would be a good place for our graves. Any objections?”

Mary whispered to Cecil.

“Rita is the weirdest one, isn’t she?”

Meanwhile, Amy and Joseph, accompanied by Captain Morton of the guard, toured the village.

The once muddy streets and the square were now neatly paved with stones, and the completed craftsmen’s houses had stores on the first floor and living spaces above. Each house was tailored to the profession, complete with warehouses or kilns as requested.

As they walked through the village, people surrounded them. The news of the Duke and his entourage’s arrival had spread quickly. The villagers followed them with faces full of affection.

Amy and Joseph concluded their inspection contentedly.

“Are you retiring immediately?”

On their way back to the castle, Amy asked Captain Morton. He confirmed, bowing respectfully.

“Yes, I never really fit the position.”

Indeed, Morton, who had briefly served as a guard in another territory in his youth, was honest about feeling relieved to finally live a peaceful life.

“You’ve worked hard. We’ll make sure your severance is substantial.”

Amy reassured him, and Joseph nodded in agreement. Then Joseph cautiously inquired.

“Given the amount spent on the renovation, is there still enough budget left for the Duke?”

Joseph, as a future financial advisor, needed to share these details.

“Yes, I’ll let you know the exact amount once we’re back.”

Joseph expressed his amazement.

“The Emperor must be fond of the Duke, to send such a generous sum…”

“Well, to be exact, the Duke earned it himself. You’ll understand once we start working properly. The Emperor only gave us a hundred thousand golds.”

Remembering her shock at the meager amount, Amy shook her head. The Emperor’s stinginess was all too typical.

Joseph’s eyes widened, understandably, since a hundred thousand golds was barely enough for a round trip to the North.

“I see…”
Joseph looked dejected as he took off his glasses and wiped them, a habit he seemed to have when deep in thought, much like Amy’s habit of touching the brooch on her chest when she was troubled. Walking in silence for a while, Joseph sidled up to Amy as they neared the entrance to the Duke’s castle.

“Weren’t I and the steward apart just a moment ago?” he asked.

“Yes, that’s right,” Amy nodded. While she was inspecting a wool-spinning workshop, Joseph had waited outside, chatting with a prominent village member.

“According to what I heard then… it seems our Duke has made a very good impression on the villagers.”

“A good impression?” Amy’s ears perked up, and Joseph excitedly chattered away.

“Remember, on the way here, the Duke mentioned wanting to do some charity to commemorate his ascension? So, I advised him to repair and reopen a broken charcoal kiln and waive its usage fees.”

“That’s right,” Amy remembered.

“And the Duke went further, offering to waive the fees for firewood for heating, up to five bundles per person.”

Amy nodded, pleased.

“That’s right. Heating is essential in the North.”

“The rumor has greatly endeared the Duke to the locals. A village leader tipped me off,” Joseph added. Despite his shy nature, he had a knack for making connections – people often approached him for a chat. Amy had found his sociability quite helpful during their journey. She glanced at Joseph, whose face was flushed with satisfaction.

‘It’s for reasons like this I brought him along.’