Chapter 6

Standing in front of her family's gate, surrounded by her parents and the employees of the family business, Xiaoming boarded the carriage and swayed for about half a day.

Leaving the capital in the morning and heading east, just as the sunset began to dazzle, a mansion surrounded by pointed coniferous trees came into view in the peaceful countryside.

It was said to be the summer residence of the prestigious Bartsek family, but it was not much larger than Xiaoming's own home, and it was not ostentatious. However, the three-story mansion, built with white stones, exuded a refined air. Although it had been built for less than twenty years, it harmonized with the tranquil landscape of the area. The garden was neatly maintained, with more herbs and grass than flowers.

Through the courtyard, a man in a black robe was waiting at the entrance.

"I have been waiting for you, Lady Laila. I am a staff member of the Magic Research Institute and currently serve as Julius's caretaker. My name is Verneli."

He, with his black hair cut neatly below the ears and deep green eyes, bowed when he saw Laila. Initially surprised by the black robe, Laila understood when he mentioned he worked at the Magic Research Institute. It seemed that the mages working there wore robes of the same design but in different colors as their uniforms.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Laila Kyrka. Please take care of me."

When Laila bowed, Verneli narrowed his eyes and looked at her. It was a gaze that seemed to be evaluating or testing her, not a particularly comfortable one.

"…Well, that's fine. Lord Julius is currently unwell and is resting in his room. So, I will guide you instead. Please bear with me."

"Understood. …I would like to visit Lord Julius to see how he is doing."

"There's no need to do anything unnecessary."

Laila had thought at least a word of greeting would be nice, but she was surprised by the blunt rejection. Verneli looked down at Laila and snorted.

"…Let me be clear from the start, I do not welcome your marriage to Lord Julius. Your presence here is only because it will benefit Lord Julius, and I am here to serve him."

"…"

Laila was momentarily irritated by his blunt and unyielding words.

(…Since he is Lord Julius's caretaker, it's not strange for him to be wary of me, a stranger who suddenly appeared.)

If Laila were in the same position, she would probably be wary too. …But she wouldn't be as overtly hostile.

Laila took a deep breath and smiled at the tall Verneli.

"Of course. I think it's wonderful that Lord Julius has someone as loyal as you by his side."

"…Is that sarcasm?"

"Perhaps."

When Laila deliberately responded assertively, Verneli fell silent. His face was stern, but it seemed more like he was pondering something rather than being displeased by Laila's retort.

Though her attitude, words, and expression were assertive, Laila was inwardly nervous and watching Verneli's reaction. Eventually, he sighed and extended his hand.

"…It seems you are a strong and bold woman, unlike most commoners."

"Thank you?"

"I mean it as a compliment. …Please give me your luggage. Your arms look stronger than Lord Julius's, but it is impolite to let a woman carry her own luggage."

Laila felt that his words were already impolite, but she only felt irritated inwardly and handed her luggage to Verneli with a smile, along with her coat and hat. Verneli, burdened with more luggage than expected, looked slightly displeased but bowed silently and led her into the mansion.

(…What if the other servants are like Verneli?)

Laila thought it would be difficult to build relationships if that were the case, as she looked around the mansion. However, as she toured the first-floor servants' quarters, the second-floor game room, and the third-floor private living space of Julius, she found it odd.

"…Um, Verneli, can I ask a question?"

"Since you will be the lady of the house, feel free to ask any questions. Formal language is not necessary."

"…Then I'll ask. Are there no other servants in this mansion besides you?"

She had been shown the kitchen, but there were no maids or footmen who should have been working there. Even in Laila's own home, there was a live-in maid, a day maid, and a butler who also served as her father's secretary. There were also gardeners who visited every few days to tend to the plants. However, there was no sign of any other people in this mansion besides Laila and Verneli.

When Laila asked, Verneli, who was walking ahead, stopped and turned around.

"No, there are none. I handle all the cleaning, laundry, cooking, and assisting Lord Julius."

"Wow… Isn't that too much for one person!?"

"It is a lot, but I have no intention of letting just any maid handle my sacred duties. Also, I reluctantly showed you the kitchen just now, but it is a place I am particular about, so even you, Lady Laila, are not allowed to enter."

"I, I understand. …But, won't it be difficult for you to handle all the communication with the Magic Research Institute and the main house by yourself?"

When Laila pointed this out, Verneli slightly opened his slanted eyes, seemingly impressed by her question.

"…You are correct. I usually work at the Magic Research Institute, but a woman named Helka comes regularly to handle communications. By the way, she is expected to arrive tomorrow and will be assigned to you, so I will introduce her then."

"Okay, I understand."

Laila was somewhat relieved to hear that a woman would be coming. She had been worried that she would be living with only Julius and Verneli, but having a female mage would be reassuring. She could consult with her if she had any problems or concerns.

In the end, after the tour of the mansion, they were in the parlor drinking tea, but Julius did not come down. Verneli had gone to check on him while Laila was drinking tea and said, "It seems you won't be able to meet him until tonight."

(So, he must be in a lot of pain. …Is he going to be okay?)

Laila became suddenly worried, but Verneli snorted when he saw her expression.

"Are you concerned about Lord Julius?"

"Of course. …I knew he was frail, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. Greetings will probably have to wait until tomorrow."

"…Didn't I just say that you won't be able to meet him until tonight?"

Verneli paused, then after a moment, he sat down on the sofa in front of Laila and straightened his posture.

"…Lady Laila, you are worried about Lord Julius's poor health, aren't you?"

"Of course!"

"Then, if I ask you to do something for Lord Julius… would you accept?"

Laila blinked and put down her cup at Verneli's request.

(A request from me? …Oh, maybe it's something like nursing?)

Laila was not a doctor, but she could take care of a sick person to some extent. It would involve wiping sweat and helping with changing clothes, but Verneli might be very busy.

(Maybe this is a way for me to have a role here…?)

Laila, a commoner, was marrying a great mage and wanted to work and be appreciated, to feel like she was contributing to society.

"Yes! I'll do anything I can!"

"Hmm… Anything, you say?"

"Ah… I would prefer to avoid anything painful or scary."

"Hmm… Don't worry. It won't be painful or scary, and you won't need to use your brain. It's a simple job, just sleeping."

"…Huh?"

What kind of suspicious job is this?

Laila wondered what it meant to just sleep, but she didn't press the issue and waited for Verneli's next words.

Verneli looked at Laila and spoke.

"I want you to sleep next to Lord Julius."