Chapter 3

The Duke of Almeria's country house... This is my home in the capital, where my father, who cannot leave the capital due to his position as chancellor, and my mother, who came with him, live. As a result, it is so luxurious that it doesn't even seem like a country house, and it has a vast estate. From my knowledge of my previous life, this is already a mansion by any standard.

When I entered the house, I first went to my room. I sat in a chair and tried to calm myself. After all, I have to meet the final boss tonight. I want to ease my tension.

"Miss...!"

"......Oh, Tanya. I'm back."

The one who entered with tears was Tanya, my personal maid. Despite coming from a commoner background, she has impeccable manners and a beautiful face.

"Why are you so calm...! I am so frustrated..."

Watching her cry, my heart felt warm and at the same time, I felt guilty for causing her so much worry.

Tanya is from the slums, a girl I picked up when I went out incognito. Back then, I felt the weight of being a duke's daughter. I was constantly reminded of how I should behave as a duke's daughter, and in gatherings of nobles, it was hard to find someone to talk to freely due to family status and interests. When I found her lying on the street, I picked her up thinking, 'Maybe this girl can be my confidante.' But since then, she has felt a sense of gratitude and has served me very well. To me, Tanya is more than just family.

"Calm down, Tanya. Now is not the time to cry in sorrow."

"......Yes, you're right. I apologize. Sir is expected to return tonight."

Tanya is quick-witted and can respond to situations immediately. Now, she has regained her composure, and the tears from before are gone.

"......Alright. Then, could you bring me something to calm me down?"

"Of course."

"......Tanya."

"Yes, Miss?"

"......Thank you."

In response to my gratitude, she opened her eyes, filled with tears again.

"Please forgive me, Miss. I do not serve the Duke of Almeria; I serve you. Therefore, I will never forgive Sir Edward, who betrayed you, even if he is royalty. From now on, I will be your ally in all dealings with Sir."

Tanya's words made me feel like tears were welling up in my eyes. ...To have someone who absolutely affirms me is such a strong and happy feeling.

"I am so fortunate."

"No, I am. ...And please remember that there are others in this house who feel the same way."

Indeed, there are others besides Tanya whom I have picked up. In total, there are seven of them. Looking back, I was a strange child. Normally, a child would want cute dresses, accessories, or books as gifts. But I would beg my parents to let me keep children like Tanya, who had no family, and have them stay with me. Ironically, it was cheaper to raise a commoner child than to buy such gifts. My parents reluctantly agreed, and every year, I would pick up a child of the same age who had no family. This is not part of the game's setting, and it might be influenced by my previous life, even if I don't remember it.

The time I spent with them was very precious, allowing me to forget my position as a duke's daughter. As I grew older, the pressure to clarify our positions made us end up in a master-servant relationship like Tanya, but they are still special to me.

"......But, Tanya. Think of your own happiness first."

At my words, Tanya had a puzzled look on her face. Well, she usually has a blank expression, but after spending so much time together, I can usually tell what she's feeling.

"I have dragged you into this restrictive world because of my whims. If you wish, you can be free at any time. In fact, it might be better for the future..."

"Miss, please don't say any more."

Tanya, unusually, interrupted me.

"I was supposed to die that day. You saved me. My life belongs to you from that moment on. I will only leave your side when I die... or when you no longer need me."

"Oh. Then, Tanya, you will never leave my side until you die."

"Is there a greater happiness than that?"

"......I understand your feelings. I am the fortunate one. But, Tanya, happiness is not just one thing. So, don't forget my words earlier."

"......If that is what you wish, Miss."

Reluctantly, Tanya nodded. ...If I end up being stripped of my title and confined to a church, I don't want Tanya to follow me. She is that important to me.

But, at this rate, she might follow me anyway... Ah, I must win against Father at all costs.

With renewed determination, I drank the tea Tanya had prepared. ...Yes, it's delicious.

"......Miss."

Just as I was calming down, another servant knocked on the door.

"Come in."

"......Excuse me."

It was Elrue, the head maid. Her impeccable maid uniform made her look like the real deal.

"......Miss, Sir is calling for you."

"Oh, already? I thought Father wouldn't return until tonight..."

"Apparently, he cut his schedule short because of your matter."

"......Oh..."

I sighed. Ah, where did my resolve go... My stomach started to churn.

"......Please forgive me, Miss. I believe you are not at fault in this matter."

I was surprised by Elrue's unexpected support, usually the strictest of all.

"Everyone in this house is on your side. So, please meet Sir with confidence."

...In the story, Iris is portrayed as the villain. But in reality, Iris had a good relationship with the servants, regardless of their noble or commoner backgrounds. ...In other words, her disdain and insults towards the baron's daughter in the story were driven by her love for Sir Edward and jealousy.

I mustn't feel sympathy for Iris. I am Iris now. I must make Iris happy for my own sake.

With my resolve set, I was led to Father's study by Elrue, with Tanya following behind.

"......Then, Miss."

"Yes, thank you. Elrue. Tanya, please wait here."

"Of course."

I have arrived at the battlefield.

In my heart, I shouted, "Charge!" and gathered my courage in front of the heavy door. My hand, raised to knock, was trembling slightly.

After all, fear is fear.

I lowered my hand, swallowed hard, and took a deep breath... then raised my hand again and knocked.