Chapter 18 (2/2)

When he reached out with a bright smile, I felt somewhat touched.

I had no one who I could call a friend in the past. There were no noblewomen in my age group, and I was designated as the crown prince’s fiancee as soon as I was born. Because of that, I was the object of other ladies’ admiration or envy, so I could not make friends with anyone.

Bachelors from the noble families also avoided me because they were afraid of being misunderstood by others. When I was pushed into the position of the emperor’s concubine because of Jiun, I turned into an object of their ridicule and sympathy.

A friend means someone who was on an equal footing. That’s why I never had a friend. So, I felt strange and warm when Allendis asked me to be his friend.

“Yes, I hope I’ll be in great hands, Allendis.”

I smiled brightly as I grabbed Allendis’ hand. Everybody had a friend, but I was not allowed to have a friend. I was thrilled to know that I finally had someone who I could call a friend, who I could mingle with on an equal footing.

While looking into his sparkling emerald eyes, I thought that only now I could accept the reality that I took pains to ignore until now, and that I was living a life different from my past.

“See you tomorrow, Aristia.”

“Okay, take care!”

While I was talking with Allendis, I didn’t know how fast time had passed. Dinner time was already approaching. As it was discourteous to stay late at somebody’s house unless invited, he stood up and left.

While I was resting briefly after seeing him off, I received a message that my father would be back home a bit late today. I let out a sigh when I heard that.

‘If you had informed me a little earlier, I would have asked Allendis if he would like to have dinner with me.’ I got used to eating dinner with my father at home, so I lost my appetite when I was alone for dinner.

“Lina, tell the kitchen staff they don’t have to prepare dinner today. My father is late, and I don’t feel like it.”

“What do you mean, lady? You know, you’re too weak.”

“Even if I skip one meal, I won’t fall, so don’t worry.”

“But…”

“Fine, Lina. By the way, can you tell the butler to bring me a list of the servants and maids in this house?”

“Yes, young lady.”

After assigning her, I headed to my father’s study. I had something to tell my father, but as he would be late today, I had to handle other things first. When I was organizing something to do in my heart, I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

“Did you need me, my lady?”

A well-dressed butler came in and greeted politely. The butler, who was in his early thirties this year, was the first son of the former butler who had recently retired to his estate. Though he took over his father’s job recently, he seemed to get on top of it already. He’d been learning it even as a child.

“Although you said you didn’t want it, I brought some food for you. Please try it, my lady. ”

“Oh, thank you for your consideration.”

When I cut a small piece of white cake into my mouth, he said, giving me a thick book, “This is a list of the staff of this house that you requested.”

“Well, I have a few questions to ask.”

“Please go ahead.”

“Is each person’s personal information listed here correct?”

“Of course, lady.” I carefully examined it.

“Their names, descriptions of their features and clothing, their birthplaces and families, their location, etc. Hummm… Looks good. By the way, can you look into one more thing?”

“What should I investigate?”

“I want you to investigate the personal details of their families. When you do that, review the existing list carefully whether it is correct.”

“Sure, I will do. Lady.”

“I know it’s burdensome to you, but please do me a favor.”

“I will look into it and report back to you as soon as possible.”

After he received the list back, the butler was about to leave.

But as something came to my mind suddenly, I called him again.