“As expected….”

The letter was filled with nothing but criticism.

It was hard to distinguish whether it was a reply or a curse, as the Count poured out abusive language at Aelfrie in writing.

Blaming her for the misconduct of the servants, he wrote, “How poor must your people management be for them to behave like this?”

The Count also told her to find a husband herself, if needed, to gather the money to restore Elize’s room to its original state.

Moreover, he said he wouldn’t reply to letters anymore, as the Duke took security very seriously in their current location.

They would spend the summer there and return before the fall season, so she should sort everything out by then.

Otherwise, he would choose a method to claim the value of everything she had consumed so far, apart from marriage.

At the last written words, Aelfrie quietly closed the letter.

Anyway, she had to do what could be done first.

Aelfrie cleaned Elize’s room all day long. Jena also stepped in to help.

The clothes in the wardrobe were less affected by soot, but they still smelled burnt.

While Aelfrie wiped the soot from the window frames and floors, Jena took Elize’s clothes to wash.

When Aelfrie returned after meeting a carpenter to discuss the room repairs, she found Jena collapsed in the laundry room.

“Jena!”

Startled, Aelfrie picked Jena up and headed to her room. An elderly maid brought a wet towel and water, speaking sympathetically.

“Jena said that if this is all she could do to help Miss, she would even secretly wash clothes at night. I told her not to overdo it….”

Listening to the maid, Aelfrie tightly held Jena’s hand.

She felt terrible that someone innocent was suffering because of her.

Aelfrie took care of Jena late into the night. The next day, she dressed and headed to the harbor.
Aelfrie stopped in her tracks as she passed through the bustling street full of people from early morning. She was in front of the Denertum branch of the Ash Company.

‘I was looking for an ancient language teacher at that time.’

But significant time had passed; she might have already found an excellent teacher incomparable to what was once available.

‘I still have to ask.’

She had to inquire if there was any other work available.

Cleaning jobs wouldn’t earn enough to fix Elize’s room. No other job that would offer a comparable salary would take her in, given her family’s tarnished reputation.

So, her only option left was employment at the Ash Company.

As Aelfrie entered, a staff member approached her at the entrance.

“What brings you here?”

“Ah, well… I was previously offered a position as an ancient language teacher due to the branch manager’s business… I had to decline at the time due to circumstances, but I was wondering if the position is still available.”

Her voice grew quieter, uncomfortable speaking these words despite not being ashamed.

“And the branch manager? I’ll pass on the message. What is your name?”

“Aelfrie… Aelfrie.”

“Understood. Aelfrie. I’ll pass it on, but there are many meetings this morning, so I can’t say when you’ll get a reply. Should we contact you at your residence?”

After briefly contemplating, Aelfrie shook her head.

“No, if it’s alright, I’d prefer to wait here.”

“Of course.”

Aelfrie was led to a waiting room where others were waiting.

As she took a seat in an unoccupied chair, sunlight poured down from above. As time passed, the sunlight streaming through the window gradually changed direction.

Fatigue from ongoing tasks crept into her body. Overwhelmed by sleepiness, Aelfrie dozed off in her sunlit seat.