Chapter 9

The breakfast at the earl's house was luxurious, with many dishes laid out.

Last night, I was so tired and tense that I don't even remember what I ate, but this morning, Abbie felt a bit more at ease.

Now, she was impressed, thinking, "This is indeed an earl's breakfast."

Just sitting there, delicious breakfast was served. The bread was fluffy, and the eggs were made with cream and butter, melting in her mouth.

Abbie and Gilbert sat across from each other, eating silently like a regular couple.

Ort was the only one serving, and there were only three people in the room.

Suddenly, Gilbert spoke to Abbie.

"You were on the balcony in the middle of the night."

"Yes, I couldn't sleep."

"Put on a robe when you go out to the balcony."

"Thank you for your concern."

After that, they both ate in silence.

In the quiet dining room, Ort diligently took care of everything.

When Gilbert finished eating, he said, "I'll be in the study" and left. Ort, being considerate, brought Abbie some tea and a few sweet pastries.

"Madam, Gilbert may not be very friendly, but that's his usual self. Please don't take it to heart."

"Yes, I understand. Ort, I have a question."

"What is it, Madam?"

"How much do you know about this marriage?"

Ort avoided Abbie's gaze and didn't answer.

(I'm sure he's thinking about how to respond), Abbie thought and continued.

"If I don't know how much you know, I'll have to be on edge all the time, won't I?"

"I see. In that case—"

Ort paused, looked at the door, and then continued.

"I know everything."

"Even the duration?"

"Yes."

"I see. I'm relieved to hear that. It would be very difficult if you were deceived as well."

"Please keep it a secret from the other servants."

"Understood. And, Ort, I grew up in a house without servants. I want to take baths alone. I won't compromise on this."

"Understood. I'll inform the maids."

"Also, I feel bad for making so many requests, but if you find out where Ted is, could you let me know? We grew up like siblings. I'm very worried. Please, I beg of you."

"May I ask for Gilbert's permission first?"

"Of course, that's fine."

Abbie smiled, knowing she had no authority to make such requests.

※...※...※

The new girl hired for Abbie was named Cathy, and she was eighteen years old.

"Madam, my name is Cathy. I will do my best, so please treat me kindly."

"Where did you work before this, Cathy?"

"I worked at the Kilim Viscount's house. There was a change in the household, so the servants were replaced."

"I see. I lived a relaxed life in a baron's house, not really like a noble. You probably know more about noble life. Please teach me."

"Of course, Madam."

Cathy was a very attentive and hardworking girl.

Abbie was glad to have someone she could trust.

※...※...※

It was the social season.

The news that "Earl Egan got married" spread quickly, and the Egan household began to receive invitations to tea parties and evening gatherings one after another. However,

"You don't have to go. Until the bandages come off, avoid going out."

"Yes, my lord."

"Even after the bandages come off, you don't have to go to anything I haven't chosen."

"Yes, my lord."

The conversation ended there.

Noticing that the newly hired Cathy was surprised by Gilbert's tone, Abbie smiled to compensate for her husband's unfriendly attitude.

"Don't worry, Cathy. My lord is just concerned because I'm not used to this."

"Yes, I understand."

"Is that so? I'm glad."

"There's no need to be so considerate of the servants."

"Yes, my lord."

Abbie smiled wryly.

Ort, though expressionless, was inwardly sighing at his master's unfriendly demeanor.

Cathy seemed to be afraid of Gilbert, her face tense.

Abbie invited Cathy to have tea in her room.

"I only knew my parents, so I thought married couples were much closer. I was surprised at first, but my lord is actually very kind."

"Yes, Madam."

"So, I don't want you to say anything bad about my lord to outsiders."

"Of course not, Madam."

"I'm glad to hear that. Cathy, please be kind to me from now on."

"Yes, Madam!"

After dismissing Cathy, Abbie slowly enjoyed her tea and pastries.

She had a lesson in noble manners in the afternoon, which she appreciated. It was a blessing to be able to learn while being paid.

Being Gilbert's wife was a job that paid a salary. If it was a job, the earl's unfriendly attitude was nothing to complain about.

At Ted's house, both Ted and his mother had struggled to make ends meet.

"Compared to that, being treated coldly is nothing."

A grand mansion, expensive clothes, a clean bed.

Her duties as a wife were only when she went out, which was rare.

"This is a great job. I won't waste these two years."

Standing up, she looked out the window, admiring the garden's design, which reminded her of a deep forest.

She would complete the tasks given to her diligently. And during these two years, she had to find a way to save Ted.