Chapter 28

"Did I scare you quite a bit?"

I didn't mean to, though.

After all, I was smiling all the time, wasn't I?

My lord chuckled and sat down in the chair next to me.

"So, you really didn't intend to do anything?"

"Well, who knows? Sometimes, misfortunes do pile up, so I can't say for sure."

"I see, that's true."

My lord didn't seem interested in asking any more questions.

But yes, who knows, maybe the family business might suddenly go bankrupt, or he might fail in an investment—life is unpredictable.

Just like when I married into the Lindbergh family.

"By the way, is everything alright on your side?"

"He agreed. I hope he likes the new house."

"He will surely be pleased. It's perfect for someone who likes to control everything."

While I was facing Elise at the tea party, my lord was confronting Rockdel.

I don't know what he said, but he introduced Rockdel to a new workplace.

That workplace was the Verdigo family.

Currently, the Verdigo family has a successor to Ragnar, but he is from the father's side of the current count and never sought Ragnar's guidance.

Of course, Ragnar never intended to teach someone with such an attitude, and when he resigned, he was rather pleased that he could finally do as he pleased.

However, with two people who knew the job leaving, a lot of work piled up, and they couldn't manage it.

Ragnar received a condescending letter offering to rehire him, but he passed it on to my lord as is.

And perhaps thinking it was perfect for Rockdel, who wanted to control everything, he introduced him to the position.

Rockdel accepted the offer, thinking it was better than ending up with nothing.

But is that really okay?

Introducing a former chief steward who knows the Lindbergh family to another noble family...

"What he knows is limited. He was educated alongside my father, so that's the extent of it. Even though he can do the job, he can only do it in one way, and he hasn't received deep education about the Lindbergh family."

It's a harsh evaluation.

My lord's grandfather, who had given up on his father early on, naturally didn't provide much training for the steward who assisted him.

Of course, he could have been properly educated and raised, but my lord's grandfather judged his character to be dangerous.

And, unfortunately, there was no one else in the steward's family who could succeed him.

It was a difficult time with a shortage of talent. At that time, an epidemic was spreading, and the duke's territory was hit the hardest.

Many excellent people were dispatched to various places and ended up losing their lives.

The survivors, especially the most capable ones, were recruited into the royal palace.

As a result, there was a shortage of talent everywhere.

Putting an incompetent person in the position of chief steward wouldn't end well. Therefore, they only taught him the minimum and postponed many things, thinking they would choose a suitable person when my lord's time came. Now, we're paying the price for that.

No wonder the work is piling up, my lord.

You were handling the work left for future generations.

"That's why a capable, experienced chief steward is very helpful... I want to thank you for introducing Ragnar."

"It's fine. I was also looking for an ally."

You know, the main enemy is you, right?

"Well, don't say that."

Suddenly, my lord pulled me close, and I leaned forward.

I fell into his chest and was enveloped in his arms. When I looked up, confused, I saw his mischievous smile.

I had a bad feeling, but it was too late.

My lord's handsome face loomed close, and I couldn't resist as he kissed me.

I tensed up, but being held tightly, I couldn't do anything.

The position wasn't good either.

I was pulled from the chair and was on my knees.

In that situation, I couldn't do anything.

"Ah! What—!"

My lips were released, and I protested, but they were sealed again. This time, something warm and slippery entered my mouth.

"Ah! Mmm!!"

His relentless movements overwhelmed me, a first-timer, and I gradually lost consciousness.

Just before I completely lost consciousness, my lord released me, but my body went limp, and I couldn't stand.

My lord picked me up and placed me on his lap. I leaned my head on his chest, dazed.

"You look your age when you do that."

I glared at my lord, who was chuckling, and he licked the tears from the corners of my eyes.

"What are you doing?!"

"I just did what Ragnar told me to do when we were alone, but, my lady? Your reaction was so innocent... I can understand why my father might get obsessed with a young woman, even though what he said was a lie."

Innocent?—That's loud! I was a genuine first-timer!

Taking a maiden's first kiss without permission, a gentleman should take responsibility!—No, I don't need you to take responsibility, just give me compensation!!

To begin with, we are not in such a relationship!

If you're frustrated, please find someone else.

Glaring at him, it had no effect, and he kissed my temple again.

"Well, I look forward to working with you in the future, Reisha."

Don't be ridiculous, my lord.

I never want this to happen again!!

After that, please improve our living conditions to a decent level!

Especially the food!!

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