Chapter 10

While Lord Alexis was away, I visited Rosie every day.

Lord Alexis had said that her illness would never be cured, but Rosie seemed to be getting better day by day.

"It's all thanks to you, Miss Sarah! The small items with your embroidery are said to ward off evil, and people in the manor are talking about how they prevent injuries and illnesses."

Rosie, sitting in a chair rather than in bed and wearing a loose cotton dress I made instead of her nightgown, said excitedly. By the way, the hem of that dress was also embroidered with a circle of four-leaf clovers.

Since Lord Alexis left for the monster hunt, I found myself thinking about him. I wondered where he might be, if he was getting along with his troops despite being called the "Ice Earl," if he had encountered any silver wolves or orcs yet, and if he was in any danger.

I was so often lost in thought that Johnson started to worry about me.

I decided I had to do something about it. To distract myself from the loneliness of Lord Alexis's absence, I spent my free time embroidering. Before I knew it, I had so many handkerchiefs, cushions, pouches, and tapestries that I didn't know where to put them. When I consulted Lady Margaret, she briskly arranged for a charity bazaar and secured a booth for me.

Then, it seemed that the reputation of my items having "protective powers" spread among the people who bought them at the bazaar. I have no magical powers, so it's impossible for my embroidery to have such effects. I was worried that it might turn into a repeat of the past. The "needlework lady" nickname started because of a charity bazaar back then. If I were called the "needlework lady" in Siaphield, it would be embarrassing, and I wouldn't be able to face Lord Alexis, even though I am the countess.

So, when Rosie looked at me with admiration, I hurriedly denied it.

"N-no, it's not that grand. I don't have any magical powers... But I'm really glad you're getting better, Rosie."

"Yes, I've been feeling much better lately. Maybe my illness is finally cured."

Indeed, Rosie's cheeks, which were gaunt when I first met her, had regained some softness, and her complexion looked better. However, her limbs were still as thin as a bird's, and she would start coughing if she got too excited. I smiled gently.

"You mustn't overdo it, Rosie. Your body is still weak, so you need to recover gradually. First, let's focus on eating healthy meals."

"Mm... I understand, Miss Sarah."

Rosie, who had always been a light eater and had struggled to eat properly since falling ill, had started to make an effort to eat vegetables and meat since she could get out of bed. The food at this villa was delicious, thanks to the fresh vegetables often brought by the neighboring farmers, Ben and Bernard, for Rosie. Since Lord Alexis was away on the monster hunt, I sometimes had lunch and dinner here with Rosie.

"That's the spirit, Rosie!"

Encouraging her as she ate, I felt hopeful that her illness might really be cured.

✧✧✧

When I returned to the castle, Johnson greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome back, my lady."

"Thank you, Johnson. You look so happy. Has something good happened?"

I smiled, and he took my coat while pointing to his black tie. It was the tie I had made and given him as a thank-you for teaching me about the castle. For a butler, a simple tie is preferred, but I embroidered the Middleton family crest, four lilies, in dark silver thread on the black fabric. He was very pleased with it.

"Yes. Ever since I started wearing the tie you gave me, my shoulder stiffness has improved... Perhaps, as the rumor suggests, your embroidery has protective powers."

"Oh, you too... There's no way it has such power. I don't have any magical abilities at all."

"Is that so? I don't quite see it that way..."

"It's probably just your imagination."

I laughed it off. Johnson is Lord Alexis's loyal butler, and he always treats me, his wife, with respect. His fondness for me might be making him feel that way. Johnson bowed respectfully.

"Perhaps so. However, there's no doubt that you are quite popular among the people. Many are already eyeing the next charity bazaar, and it's bound to be a fierce competition."

"Oh... Really? Then I need to make more items."

"No, that's... My lady, you should take a break. You've been working non-stop since Lord Alexis left."

Johnson quickly interjected.

"I'm fine. Embroidering helps me focus."

"But if you overwork yourself and get sick, I'll be scolded by Lord Alexis."

"Oh, Johnson, you're always joking. The kind Lord Alexis wouldn't scold you for my sake. Anyway, I'll be fine."

I smiled at Johnson and headed to the sewing room. I thought I heard a sigh from behind, "I hope it only ends with a scolding..." but it was probably just my imagination.