Chapter 9

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door of my master's study.

"Come in."

"Excuse me!"

When I entered the study, my master was signing documents with fluid speed, reading new ones, frowning, and signing again, exuding an aura of competence.

A capable bear... the only word that came to mind was "wonderful."

However, the atmosphere wasn't tense; it was rather peaceful, as if negative ions were fully active, cleansing the heart.

This was probably due to my master's inherent personality. However, my master was busy. The larger the territory, the more management and processing work there was.

I decided to get straight to the point.

"Um, you're the new nanny for Sara, right? I'm sorry to have you come while I'm away. I'm Roy Grossroad, the head of this household and Sara's stepfather. I hear you've been here the longest, thank you. Sara is weak, so I think she will cause you a lot of trouble, but please take good care of her."

My master, who smiled softly, was only 25 years old, but his calm tone and soothing voice made him seem much older.

Oops, I shouldn't take up my busy master's time.

"So, do you have something to discuss?"

"Yes... actually, it's about Lady Sara..."

I explained my thoughts, mentioned that a relative had similar symptoms, and suggested that by reviewing her diet and doing appropriate exercise, her condition could improve. I asked if I could be in charge of Lady Sara's meals.

"Since I'm new, it might be difficult to gain the trust of someone like Marilyn, who has been here for a long time. However, seeing Lady Sara suffer pains my heart, and it's personally painful to know there's a possibility of improvement but not be able to do anything."

"......I see... I did notice she has become a bit plumper recently, but I see, it's about her diet..."

My master closed his eyes and murmured thoughtfully.

...Plumper? I don't think that's a light description. She's clearly over the borderline. I almost choked but held it back. His love for his niece must be blinding him.

"Can you really make her healthier?"

"Yes, I'm confident I can improve her condition significantly. However, since she's a child, drastically reducing her weight could be a burden and might cause her body to sag. I'm thinking of a one-year plan."

I planned to reduce her weight by 1-2 kilograms per month, aiming for about 15 kilograms in a year. If we tried to reduce it too quickly, we'd have to severely restrict her favorite foods like meat and sweets.

That would be stressful.

If I could get her to move her body without making it seem like exercise, it would maintain her muscle strength and prevent sagging due to fat loss. I wasn't too worried about her skin, given that she's a child. It was time to put my knowledge from books I read in my past life and my cooking skills to use.

"Hmm... I want to believe you, but..."

Of course, being new, it's not easy to gain trust.

"You may know this, but I was originally from a viscount's family. I became a commoner after my parents passed away."

"Ah, I've heard that."

"Sara is 7 years old now. As a marchioness's daughter, she will debut in society. You understand that, right?"

"Yes, that's true."

"There are only about 10 years left. If she continues to grow as she is, her health could worsen, and she might attract unwanted attention from men. Young women are good at finding ways to stand out, and some can be quite cruel, making nasty comments or humiliating others."

"...I understand that."

I was sharing my experiences in this world. There are many young ladies with bad attitudes, criticizing others' status, hair, faces, and figures.

"Losing her mother is sad, and most people sympathize and forgive her. However, this is also about Sara's health and avoiding ugly conflicts, bullying, and cold stares from men. As a marchioness's daughter, Sara should not be degraded. Spoiling her now will do her no good in the future."

I leaned forward, almost pressing my case.

"Okay, I get it! Calm down."

My master stood up hurriedly and tried to calm me down.

"I was worried too. I'm often away, and I've been spoiling Sara because I can't be with her as much as I'd like. But, can I really trust a new employee after just a month?"

"You're right..."

I understood. Even if I were her stepmother, I wouldn't trust someone so easily.

I bowed deeply.

"I understand. I apologize for troubling you. I'll work harder to gain your trust and ask again later."

I wasn't giving up.

As I was about to leave,

"You're impatient, aren't you? Wait a moment."

My master called me back.

"Three months."

"Excuse me?"

"You said a year, but in three months, Sara's health and figure should show some improvement, right? Since you're so confident..."

"Um, your name is...?"

"Cecilia."

"Right, Cecilia. I'll give you three months. Just don't push her to the point of tears. If you can do that, I'll allow you to prepare meals, give her snacks, and encourage exercise for Sara. If there's improvement in three months, we can continue for another three."

"Really? Master..."

Three months. Three months should be enough to make a difference.

I prostrated myself, tears streaming down my face, and thanked him.

"Thank you, Master! I, Cecilia Ark, will show results for the honor of my family! Oh, my family doesn't matter! I'll do my best as Cecilia Ark!"

The studies I started too late in my past life would be useful here. No, I would make them useful. I'm glad I asked. Marilyn was right. What a capable master.

When I first met him, I thought he was the best-looking guy in my new life, but I was wrong. He was in the hall of fame.

"Don't prostrate yourself, it makes me look like I'm scolding you."

My master chuckled, helped me up, and patted my head.

"Good luck."

The weight of his hand was just right, and my respect for my master soared even higher.

In my heart, I thought calmly,

"Good, I have his word... Sara, look forward to it. Cecilia will do her best."

I smiled wistfully, thinking about how quickly I would have to spend the money I had saved.