Chapter 2

My name is Ami Fretta.

Until recently, I was a maid in the Perulsha Baron's household.

Now, I work in the Gaillon Duke's household, where I have come with Lady Lilianna Perulsha.

"Ah, th-those..."

"Stay still. You're not feeling well, right?"

And now, I am being carried to my room's sofa by my master, who, contrary to the rumors, is a handsome gentleman.

The reason for this situation is that Lady Lilianna's body couldn't adapt to the sudden change in environment, and she almost fainted in front of the master.

When I heard that Lady Lilianna was to marry the Duke of Gaillon, who is called a monster, I was surprised, but it seems that Lord Marca's judgment was correct after all.

Can he see the future?

At first, I was worried, but the relationship between the master and Lady Lilianna has deepened.

Lady Lilianna, adorned by the master, has started to face forward beautifully, and the master seems to be healed by her earnest and pure heart.

What a well-matched couple they are.

I want to give a big round of applause to Lord Marca's management.

I used to think he was quiet and somewhat cold, but I believe Lord Marca is a wonderful person who cares for his family.

He paid off the debt that the late baron had incurred and is now becoming one of the wealthiest men in the capital.

I was moved by the sight of him working alone, sacrificing his own time for the sake of the family.

The late baron said he had found a genius, and it was truly the case.

Lord Marca might be an angel sent to the baron's household.

"You're too thin. What did they make you do at the baron's house?"

However, most people don't know about Lord Marca's efforts.

Even though I couldn't prepare lavish meals like Lady Mertia, Lord Marca gave me instructions to prepare meals and arrange daily necessities to reduce Lady Lilianna's burden.

Living without worrying about food in this house, which was burdened with debt, is only possible because of Lord Marca.

It was difficult to go against a lady who only held the title of mistress, but thanks to Lord Marca, Lady Lilianna doesn't have to wander the streets.

Moreover, I can still receive my salary, so I can stay as a maid in this mansion and be by Lady Lilianna's side.

Thanks to his consideration, I can continue to send money to my family, who have many young siblings.

"Are the servants of that house not fulfilling their duties?"

The gaze directed at me was like a piercing look from the master, who is called a monster.

There was no denying that I had caused inconvenience to Lady Lilianna.

When the lady replaced the servants at will, I couldn't move or protect her as I should have.

I should have done a better job of protecting Lady Lilianna, even though I understood the situation.

"......N-no, that's not it! Ami, she is on my side...!"

Lady Lilianna immediately defended me, understanding the meaning of that gaze.

I am grateful, but my efforts are nothing compared to Lord Marca's.

I am just doing the job he asked me to do, which is to be on Lady Lilianna's side.

"......Then, are you family?"

And finally, the master said it.

"Th-that..."

Lady Lilianna's reaction was almost a confirmation.

It was a topic she had always avoided.

The master had never put it into words until today, having understood it all along.

"Tell me. Tell me to punish your stepmother and stepsisters. Give me that forgiveness."

The master's confession was certain.

No—. Except for the word "stepsisters."

"It's not that... It's because I... I wasn't good enough..."

"You should have known that was wrong."

The master held Lady Lilianna's hand and didn't take his eyes off her.

"Why did you cry when you had your first meal with me here?"

"......"

"Why did you hug the only dress I chose for you?"

"......"

"Why are you tormented even in your dreams?"

"......"

At the end of the endless questions, Lady Lilianna remained silent, her face contorted with regret.

"It's because you were deprived of everything you deserved. I can't forgive those who made you suffer."

There was no escaping his straightforward eyes and words.

Lady Lilianna opened and closed her mouth, as if trying to hold back, and then bit her lip hard—tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, the master embraced her.

"It's okay to cry. Don't hold back anymore. I'm here for you."

In the master's arms, Lady Lilianna broke down in tears.

—Everything was going too well.

I thought this because I couldn't ignore the fluttering in my chest.

And that premonition would come true in the worst way.

"——Dispose of everything from that house that hurt Lili."

That night.

Through the small gap in the slightly open door, I heard it.

The owner of the voice was known as the Monster Duke.

His hand was a sword that could slay a thousand.

His mouth was a fang that could bite a myriad.

And the eye that saw no evil was now set on Lord Marca's life.

I gasped in shock and was stunned.

If this continued, Lord Marca would be in danger.

I carefully left the room and rushed to my assigned room.

I had to inform Lord Marca about this as soon as possible.

At the time, I thought I was being calm.

But that was a big mistake.

Why did the sharp-witted Monster Duke have such an important conversation in an unguarded room?

I didn't notice the inconsistency.

—That's why.

"So, you're one of them, too."

I never expected to be ambushed while trying to send information to Lord Marca.

"Where were you planning to send this letter?"

"......!"

I was restrained by the master's subordinates and taken to the basement of the Gaillon Duke's household.

The master came to me personally, his eyes piercing and his killing intent unhidden.

I was careless.

Why didn't I think more carefully?

It was too late to regret now.

"You can't say, can you? That you were planning to send it to that house."

He laughed through his nose, a menacing sound.

...I'm sorry.

Because of me, Lord Marca might be burdened again.

"——Lord Albert!"

As I bit my lip in frustration, Lady Lilianna's voice echoed.

"......Lili. Why are you here?"

The master frowned deeply.

"Stop it! It must be a misunderstanding. Ami is not my enemy!!"

Lady Lilianna desperately tried to stop the master, pleading with him.

However, she would be disappointed when she read the letter.

The master gently opened the recovered letter and showed it to Lady Lilianna.

——Sebastian.

Please protect our master.

Just those few words.

"Yesterday, I told this maid that I would eliminate the people from the baron's house. ...You understand now, don't you?"

At the master's words, Lady Lilianna collapsed to her knees.

She was shocked to find out that I, whom she had always trusted, was communicating with the head butler, who seemed to be the lady's pawn.

"W-why... Ami..."

Supported by the master, Lady Lilianna looked up at me.

"......I am sorry."

All I could say was an apology.

I failed to fulfill the task Lord Marca gave me, to always be on Lady Lilianna's side, no matter what.

I couldn't inform him of the crisis and ended up being captured in the enemy's territory.

"Have you been lying to me all this time...?"

"......"

How can I apologize to Lord Marca?

"I swear. I swear I never intended to hurt you, my lady."

In my last attempt, I looked straight into Lady Lilianna's eyes.

Her eyes, which used to be hidden by her long bangs, were now wide open.

"Then, can you tell me who this master is?"

However, I cannot escape this situation.

Even if Lady Lilianna tries to protect me, the master won't let me go.

"......I cannot say."

I decided to remain silent.

Lady Lilianna is important, but I cannot betray Lord Marca.

"Never mind. I'll ask someone else."

I'm sorry, Lord Marca.

Please, please be safe—.