The next day, the carriage sent by the Duke arrived.

Elise, filled with excitement, stepped down and paused at the sight of the carriage.

It was not the usual lavish carriage of the Duke. The carriage he sent looked like something wealthy commoners would ride in.

Crafted from fine wood, yet without any particular ornamentation.

“Isn’t this from the Duke?”

As Elise looked bewildered, one of the people who came to pick up the aristocratic family stepped forward.

Seeing him, a sense of relief washed over Elise’s eyes. He was unmistakably one of the aides to the Duke.

However, he too was dressed differently than usual, wearing extremely simple attire without the Duke’s crest.

If it weren’t for the clothes made from high-quality fabric, nobody would have thought they were servants from the Duke’s household.

He greeted Elise respectfully and spoke in a low voice.

“The Duke says he’s concerned about how much you’ve suffered due to others gossiping about your relationship. So, for your peace of mind this summer, he says this was a necessary choice and hopes you’ll understand.”

“From the Duke…”

Because of Riena’s gang spreading rumors, she had been a target of finger-pointing. The Duke was concerned about such wounds of hers.

“Oh, of course. I’m simply touched by the Duke’s deep concern.”

Elise, escorted by the servant, climbed into the carriage.

The Baron and his wife followed Elise and were about to climb into another carriage when they spoke to Aelfrie, who was hanging her head low.

“Manage the house while we’re gone. You can at least do that.”

“Yes.”

Hearing Aelfrie’s soft reply, the Baron clicked his tongue.

It was regrettable that he had to let go of her stubbornness early due to this sudden invitation.

‘The Duke didn’t invite her, either.’

Rather, it was fortunate. Taking her in her current state would only lower their own dignity. Besides, only the servants would be left in the house.

Usually, other noble families would have a butler or a housekeeper manage the house, but there were no such high-ranking servants in the Baron’s household at the moment.

‘So annoying, but no choice but to leave it to her.’

At least she wasn’t as lazy as the servants, so it was the best option.

After hearing Aelfrie’s answer, the Baron and his wife promptly climbed into the carriage.

As soon as the door closed, the carriage hurriedly moved away from the Baron’s estate, as if it didn’t want to attract any more attention.

Watching the carriage disappear into the dust, Aelfrie recalled that the Baron had left without giving her anything.
“How will we manage the food expenses?”

The people who had left were the Count and Countess, Elize, and even Elize’s maid—a total of four.

After their departure, the only ones left in the Count’s residence were Aelfrie, Zena, two maids, and three servants.

So, a total of seven people.

“They didn’t say when they would return.”

Listening to what Elize had cheerfully told her maid, it seemed like the Duke would keep Elize and the Count couple at the villa throughout the summer.

“What should we do?”

For starters, Aelfrie had to swallow her pride and ask for credit from the places they usually did business with. She also had to contact the Count to get some money.

Fortunately, the Count had bragged to Aelfrie about where the Duke had invited them. So, she planned to send a letter there immediately to request the servants’ wages.

The first few days passed quietly.

Of the remaining servants, aside from the elderly couple, the two younger servants and one maid were not very diligent.

Since the family they usually served had disappeared, they disregarded their duties and lazed around all day.

Although Aelfrie demanded they work, they mockingly agreed and then continued to waste time. Aelfrie couldn’t blame them.

Why would they acknowledge her as their employer when they were used to being ignored by the Count and Countess?

Then, after about a week, the store from which they usually bought food ingredients said they could no longer supply them.

Aelfrie promised to pay as soon as the Count returned, but they flatly refused. They also demanded payment for all the credit extended so far.

Obviously, Aelfrie couldn’t pay them back. The store owner then blatantly entered the Count’s residence and took what he thought could be sold from the guest room.

The servants didn’t even try to stop him.

People had to eat after all. Standing in front of the storage room where only a few potatoes remained, Aelfrie saw Zena sigh and looked around the mansion.

Aside from the items bought on credit by the Count couple, there was hardly anything of value. Fortunately, she found a somewhat valuable antique candelabra deep inside and sold it.

That provided enough money to get by for a little while, but they would be struggling again soon.

“I did send a letter, but…”

At first, she sent a letter to the Duke’s residence, but it seemed they didn’t want to reveal that Elize was staying there; they returned Aelfrie’s letter.