Liz couldn’t completely trust herself because she was a child who showed unusual loyalty to Claire. She had a strong attachment to her own affairs and a particularly strong desire to be recognized by Claire. Although she had tried to undermine her loyalty to Claire to tarnish that devotion, as the time spent with Claire was so long, it was necessary to keep her close and verify whether she could be useful in the future.

“Can I trust you to tell the truth, or will you lie to me?”

Encouraging Liz to interact with the people of Eadalin Mansion was a test of her usefulness. The first test was whether she leaked information that she was working as a maid here. If she foolishly leaked such information, Riley had no intention of sparing Liz. As long as there is some intelligence, she wouldn’t consider leaking the information of being with Riley and Rachel to the hostile people here. It was because she was thoughtless and had a loose tongue. It was not suitable for use as a spy. It would be fortunate if information didn’t leak from here. The second test was whether she would honestly disclose the content of the conversation in this place. Riley already knew all the conversation details from Rachel. The central theme of the conversation was Claire’s wrongdoings. If Liz still had strong loyalty to the former owner, she was likely to avoid delivering impure information about Claire. If she was still loyal to the former owner, it was highly likely that she would not reveal any unpleasant content about Claire. If she lied here, Riley would have to expel her as well. She didn’t think that someone who still had a little lingering affection for Claire would act completely in her favor.

“I heard about the recent situation of the Eadalin family from Elysa.”

Liz gradually unfolded the conversation she had with Elysa.

Starting with the fact that Marquis Ryan and the Marchioness have been very busy lately and often leave their seats, she continued with the story that Claire made many friends while living a scholarly life and the current situation of other servants.

Taking a momentary pause, Liz cautiously said,

“And there is still something about Miss Claire… It’s something that might make you feel uncomfortable, so I’m not sure if I should say it or not.”

“Is it something you don’t want to say?”

“…”

“Do as you please. The judgment of whether I must know something uncomfortable or not is up to you.”

With a gentle tone, Riley clenched her fist and lowered her gaze.

It seemed like Liz was debating whether to speak or not. Riley patiently waited for her to make a decision.

After about five minutes, Liz opened her mouth, fidgeting with her fingers.

“It might be something that Miss may find uncomfortable, but… I still think you should know about it.”
Liz revealed that Claire, led by Josephine Lucan, was expanding her social connections by attending various social gatherings. During these gatherings, Claire spread gossip and malicious rumors about Riley. Liz also mentioned that Claire still harbors hostile feelings towards Riley. While she is currently spreading false rumors, Liz warned that Claire might be planning something dangerous, and Riley should be cautious.

“I see.”

“Claire… She’s a person with many desires. She’s someone who will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals… She’s definitely going to cause big trouble.”

“Thank you for being honest.”

“Now my mistress is Lady Riley, not Lady Claire. I want to spend my life atoning and repaying the debt by her side. Of course, you don’t have to trust me. I just… want to repay the kindness you showed me when I had nowhere else to go.”

Riley silently looked at Liz and then smiled.

“Yeah, give it your best shot. If you keep giving me trust, there may come a day when I can accept you.”

“I’ll do my best, Lady.”

“Sure, go and rest. You must be tired.”

After Liz left, Rachel entered not long after. Rachel glanced at Riley, who was sipping tea, and softly asked,

“Did the conversation go well?”

“Yeah.”

“You’ve been looking for Liz a lot lately. At first, when Liz came to the mansion, you didn’t pay any attention at all…”

“Liz needed time to adapt to life here.”

“I’m confused whether you like Liz or dislike her.”

“If I had to choose, I’d say the latter.”

“But you’re treating her so well. Rescuing her when she was chased away…”

“Am I bothering about Liz?”

“It’s not that, but… How can I put it? I feel like I’ve lost you. But still, I’m your direct maid.”

Riley couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Rachel’s cute jealousy. Then, she held Rachel’s hand.

“You’re the person I can trust and rely on the most here… I entrust Liz’s affairs to you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“…Then, can I ask why you care about Liz?”

After a moment of contemplating Rachel’s words, Riley responded,

“Because she has value to be used.”

“Used?”

“You might have noticed, but I don’t get along well with my family. Not at all.”

“Ah, yes. I had some suspicions.”

“After I get married, I plan to completely sever ties with my family. Legally, I will completely dissolve any relationship.”