Chapter 73

After finishing teatime and cleansing herself in the bath, Amelia sat in her room, lost in thought.

To be precise, she was immersed in a contemplative mood as she gazed at the plants and neatly arranged weeds scattered around the room.

──Amelia's skills could make a significant contribution to many people.

Recalling the words Logan had spoken to her earlier, only one thought came to mind.

“...I still can’t believe it.”

Was Logan really speaking to her? For a long time, Amelia had undervalued her abilities, and it was hard for her to believe it.

However, if she continued to deny it, nothing would progress. Time would move on mercilessly, regardless of her will.

She needed to accept it and decide what she wanted to do. She still hadn’t made up her mind about Logan’s question: “Would you consider using your alchemy skills and knowledge of plants to benefit the country’s medical system?”

She didn’t know why, but she felt as if she were grasping at clouds. Even so, she needed to come up with an answer.

──What does Amelia herself want... I want my own will to be respected.

Despite being told this, she couldn’t find a strong will within herself. She had always been a person with a weak sense of self, and her life had been one of following orders. When suddenly given the freedom to do anything, she found it difficult to respond.

“I wonder... what do I want...”

As she murmured this, there was a knock on the door, and Sylphie entered.

“Excuse me, Lady Amelia. I’ve come to prepare your bedding for the night.”

“Thank you, Sylphie.”

Sylphie bowed and then began preparing the bedding with practiced movements.

First, she made the bed, completely removing the bed cover and checking the mattress. Although it had already been checked for cleanliness during the day, she still visually inspected it.

Next, she placed a new sheet on the bed, carefully pressing down the corners to ensure there were no wrinkles. In just a moment, the bed looked as good as new.

Sylphie’s movements were quick and precise, truly the professional touch of a duchess’s servant.

“Wow, Sylphie is amazing...”

“What’s the matter all of a sudden?”

Sylphie, who was replacing the pillowcases, asked while continuing her work.

“Hmm... I just... thought you were very efficient.”

“Ah... well, yes...? I’ve been doing this for many years, so my body has learned the routine.”

Sylphie seemed unsure of Amelia’s intention and looked puzzled. Amelia herself wasn’t quite sure why she had said that to Sylphie.

(Ah, I see...)

She realized it.

It felt as if the tangled threads had unraveled and stretched out straight.

(I... envy Sylphie.)

Everyone has a role.

Whether from family or from the country, people lose their sense of purpose without a role.

When she lived at home, she was constantly given orders by her family, leaving no time for thought.

Since coming to the Helmburg family, freed from those forced labors, Amelia had lost her sense of purpose.

Of course, she had been given the role of Logan’s fiancée, but that role didn’t come with any specific daily obligations.

Living a leisurely life, eating and sleeping whenever she wanted, and reading books was not bad. However, after about a month of such a life, she realized something.

(Probably, it doesn’t suit me...)

Seeing Sylphie and feeling envious was proof of this. Sylphie, given the role of a duchess’s servant, fulfilled her duties and received proper recognition. Amelia envied her for that.

(I want to do what I can...)

Even though she had come to this realization, she was still hesitant about using her skills. There was one answer that came to mind.

“Sylphie, where is Lord Logan now?”

“At this hour... he is likely preparing for tomorrow’s work in his study.”

“Thank you.”

Amelia stood up and said to Sylphie,

“I might go to bed a little later tonight.”