Chapter 10

I've been working at the library for a month now. The day of my first paycheck has arrived.

Before coming to this town, I had only worked temporary jobs. So, this is the first time I'm receiving a substantial amount of money.

Even after deducting rent and other expenses, I still have some money left over.

I just applied for a job here because I wanted to work, but the salary was very good. It seems I also received an allowance because my translation work was good.

With this substantial amount of money in hand, I'm wondering what to spend it on.

I rarely bought anything for myself.

When I lived at home, I used what was given to me, and when I moved to my husband's house, I only bought clothes and such through the merchants. Even then, because of the bad rumors about me, I never spoke directly to the merchants; it was always through maids or servants.

Since it's a special occasion, I want to give something to Laureta. ...Even if it's sent in my name, I don't know if the duchess's family will accept it.

The thought of giving Laureta a gift with my own earned money makes me feel a little happy.

"Seems like you're in a good mood. What's up?"

"I got my paycheck, so I'm thinking of buying a gift."

"For your daughter?"

"Yes. It's the first time I'm giving a gift with my own earned money, so I'm looking forward to choosing it."

When I said that, Zepia decided to help me choose the gift.

The library closes in the evening, so after finishing the closing procedures, we headed to the main street lined with shops.

After spending a month in the town, I've come to know it better.

This evening hour is quite busy, not as much as on holidays, but it's the time when people are returning home from work.

There's also an academy in this town, so there are many students. The academy in the city of Epis is quite popular.

I believe there are some nobles from my home country who attend this town's academy. I didn't go out much, so I don't think many people recognize me, but I wear glasses and change my hairstyle to avoid any trouble.

Would people who only know me through the bad rumors believe me if they saw me now? No matter what I said, they didn't take me seriously because of the rumors.

The people at my husband's house thought I was just acting to have more freedom.

I was just acting, but they assumed my real self was as the rumors described.

If someone who knows me from my home country comes here and speaks ill of me, I hope everyone will see me as I am now.

We entered a specialty store that sells children's items.

It might not be suitable for Laureta, who lives as a duchess's daughter, but I would be happy if she receives it.

"What does your daughter like?"

"She was happy when I read her picture books. She also likes to play with the latest toys."

As a duchess's daughter, Laureta has been given many toys. When I read her picture books or play with her toys, she laughs happily.

...Children grow so quickly, even after just a month. It makes me a little sad that I can't see her grow.

I suddenly left, so she might be crying or feeling lonely.

I was able to say goodbye to her, but a young child might not realize that I won't be coming back.

Maybe she'll get a new mother. There are many women who want to be a duchess, so with various intentions, Laureta will likely get a new mother.

While thinking about this, I bought a few picture books and toys. I also bought some more expensive items because I want her to be happy.

I don't usually buy much for myself, but I can't help buying things for children.

"Is it okay to buy so much?"

"Yes, I have enough for living expenses, so it's fine."

"...Try not to overspend, okay?"

"Yes, I want to save money every month."

Living alone is expensive. However, my workplace offers discounted lunches, making life easier. I also want to save on food expenses at home. My repertoire of dishes has grown, and I've been trying out various recipes from cookbooks at work. When I lived at home, I couldn't use ingredients freely, so it's nice to be able to buy what I like with my own money.

If I gradually increase my savings, I might be able to go on trips. I also want to visit various places.

Then, I went through the procedures to send the gifts to my daughter. Since lost items are common, I'm a little worried if they will arrive, but I hope they will because I used a proper, albeit expensive, method.

I hope she will be happy if she receives them.

However, the gifts I sent were returned after a while.

I felt a little sad that my husband and the duchess's family didn't want to give my gifts to my daughter. But I want to try sending them a few more times. I hope at least one of them will reach her... I have a little hope. Even if not all of them are delivered.