That night, as soon as the dinner was over and the hall was tidied up, the hired help sprawled out, exhausted, groaning like limp marionettes.

“It’s probably payback for all the fun and games we’ve had.”

“Why did it all come back at once?”

Someone muttered as they rested their cheek on the table, their face turned down.

“It’s the first time I’ve worked all day, except for breathing.”

“Me too.”

The maids groaned in agreement.

“I heard His Grace has twin sisters.”

“That’s right. I saw them in the kitchen, and the next moment, they were in the hall.”

“Did you see how easily Erndel the writer’s difficult Josephine turned into a docile lamb in front of His Grace?”

“Sophie and Tessa scolded that Josephine so hard.”

“Why?”

“It seems the bed sheets were slightly askew.”

“She even complained that the bathwater was slightly hotter than she wanted.”

Laughter erupted here and there as if it was a big deal. Then one of them suddenly sat up and spoke quickly.

“I don’t know what His Grace said, but later, that lady called for Genevieve and gave her a brooch, saying she felt sorry.”

“With His Highness becoming more well-behaved and all, His Grace must be quite the beast trainer.”

The hired help continued to gossip while lying on the table. They had been running around here and there due to the influx of guests, and they were so tired that they felt like collapsing at any moment. Still, they were proud of themselves.

“They’re here.”

The door of the hall opened, and Amy entered. Startled, the hired help all stood up at once. Amy extended her hand.

“It’s okay; you can rest.”

People glanced at each other and sat back down. In the meantime, Cecil and Marie stared at Amy, their eyes shining. Amy smiled and looked around at the people.

“I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work.”

“…”

“It was probably the first time you’ve experienced something like this, but thank you for keeping up so well.”

People listened attentively to Amy’s words with appreciative expressions.

“When the banquet concludes without any issues, His Grace will personally express his gratitude. Until then, don’t relax, okay?”

“Yes!”

Just a while ago, they were so exhausted that they felt like they could collapse at any moment, but now, they responded loudly. Amy was satisfied with their reaction and continued to move around, patting each one on the shoulder, praising them for their good work, and pointing out areas for improvement.

On the first day she arrived at the Duke’s residence, she had memorized the names and faces of all the hired help, and while she was busy, she had also paid careful attention to each one. She knew that even though she had met them during their busiest moments, she was an important person in their eyes.

“Rest well.”

After bidding farewell to Amy and leaving, one of the servants raised his hand. When Rita gave a nod of approval, he shouted, “Is there still a spot left in the grave?”

“I want to go in too.”

People clamored, each wanting to enter the grave. Rita, who had a firm grip on the situation, raised her eyebrow and puffed out a sigh.

“You do know it’s not a real grave, right?”

“Of course, it’s a gathering of people who respect and love His Grace.”

“You’re well aware of it.”

Today, too, new members of the “grave” were smoothly added.

“Your Grace, there’s something urgent…!”

Amy knocked hastily and opened the door, about to speak when she paused. The Crown Prince was in the study. He looked at Amy and then broke into a wide smile.

“Amy!”

“Your Highness, what brings you here…”

Amy glanced briefly at Noah. It seemed that the Crown Prince was trying to persuade the Duke again.

“Rumors about the mastermind of the Southern Rebellion are spreading little by little, and it seems he felt a sense of crisis.”

“It seems so.”

It was strange that he had come to the North, which he had never seemed interested in before, but the guests visiting the Duke’s residence were already buzzing with the rumor.

“He seems to be emphasizing his ties with the North.”
Even without looking, she could tell it was the Empress’s scheme. The Crown Prince in front of her couldn’t fathom it.

“Who should lie down, but instead, he’s trembling?”

Amy narrowed her eyes and glared at him. In response to her gaze, the Crown Prince cleared his throat.

“Enough of that, come here and sit. Let’s have some tea together.”

“Should I?”

Noah nodded in agreement. Amy sat down promptly. Noah then shook the bell, and a maidservant waiting outside entered.

Amy asked the Crown Prince playfully, “Shall I bring your favorite wine?”

“…Just tea will do.”

The Crown Prince sipped his tea nonchalantly as the maidservant left. Amy raised an eyebrow and provocatively said, “Your preferences change quite frequently. I’m worried people might think you’re capricious.”

“…”

The Crown Prince clenched his teeth. Meanwhile, Noah silently watched Amy and the Crown Prince for a while before lowering his gaze.

The door opened again, and a maidservant brought tea and snacks. They sat in silence, sipping their tea.