Chapter 47.2 (1/2)

“What is it, kid? It’s not like I’m in a place where I’m not allowed. Why are you acting so shocked?”

In response to the sour answer, I froze solid.

No, hold it right there!

Can’t he please be considerate to this helpless and poor maid by contacting me in advance when he visits?

If someone like the Duke of Rochester suddenly comes to visit, my heart will fail!

“By the way, I came to see her Majesty, the Empress. Where is she?”

“Oh, she’s not here right now. She said she was going to meet the maids of other palaces.”

Then the Duke looked down at me with a subtle face.

“You mean Her Majesty will visit them in person? Can’t we call the maids to the empress?”

“Oh, she said she wanted to check personally how things are going at least once….”

“Really? That’s just like her.”

Even if he hid his emotions, the Duke, who was a fool for his younger sister, could not hide his delighted smile.

I posed a question to the Duke as I quickly concocted an idea.

“Um, would you mind waiting in the parlor? Or should I tell the empress that the Duke stopped by?”

Giving him two options, I prayed and prayed in my heart that the Duke would choose the latter.

Of course, the Duke’s choice had already been decided though.

“I’ll wait in the parlor,” replied the Duke.

“……Okay, I’ll accompany you.”

Sigh.

To hide any sagging of my shoulders, I raised my shoulders and gave them strength.

At that time, I was walking ahead of the Duke at a brisk pace.

“Something’s different.”

“Pardon?”

The Duke had suddenly called me.

As I glanced back, the Duke of Rochester was looking at me with a sharp gaze.

“You’re speaking properly now.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yes, I really am speaking properly now.

I finally graduated from being short-tongued.

I smiled happily with pride.

However, the Duke soon had a change in tone, his face became serious.

“Don’t be mistaken.”

“What?”

“Don’t think I’ll outright compliment you over and over again, otherwise how could I recognize your accomplishment as extraordinary, understand?”

… … No, who asked for that? I sure didn’t but I just nodded my head.

I guided the Duke to the parlor with a determined face.