Chapter 5

The Earl of Shafielfield was a land of picturesque beauty.

The blue mountains stretched far in the distance, and at their foot lay a fertile basin. A river flowed gracefully, running through the territory from north to south.

Beautiful townscapes were formed around the church, and beyond that, a pastoral rural area spread out.

Overlooking the river, a magnificent three-story castle stood, which was Lord Alexis's residence.

"Welcome back, sir."

As he stepped down from the carriage in front of the main entrance, the servants lined up on either side greeted him respectfully.

Lord Alexis said to the elderly butler who stood at the front.

"Back, Johnson. Actually, I got married in the capital. This is my wife, Serafina."

He lightly placed his hand on my shoulder and introduced me suddenly.

The butler named Johnson showed a slight surprise on his kind face. The footmen and maids also stared at me with wide eyes.

Despite feeling quite nervous, I managed to smile and looked around at the servants.

"My name is Serafina. Please treat me kindly from now on."

Upon hearing my words, they all bowed in unison. Johnson smiled and took my luggage.

"Congratulations on your marriage, madam. I am the butler, Johnson. Please treat me kindly. Now, you must be tired from your long journey. Please come inside."

"Thank you, Johnson."

Feeling a bit ticklish at being called "madam," I followed Lord Alexis into the castle.

After taking a sip of warm tea, Lord Alexis gave me a tour of the castle.

On the first floor were the dining room, breakfast room, living room, and library, each furnished with luxurious furniture.

Going up the grand main staircase, we found Lord Alexis's room, my room which was connected to his, many guest rooms, a wardrobe, a music room, an art room, and a children's room.

Portraits of the many people who had lived in the castle before decorated the rooms and corridors, giving a sense of the castle's history.

"And this is the sewing room."

"…Oh…!"

When Lord Alexis opened the door and I stepped inside, I couldn't help but sigh in amazement.

It was a dream-like space.

Shelves lined the walls, filled with a dazzling array of threads and fabrics in various colors. There were several sewing tables of different heights, allowing one to work standing up or sitting on a chair or sofa. Dress forms and mannequins were also placed, and a wide variety of embroidery tools and patterns were available.

"You are free to use anything here. If you need anything, just tell Johnson, and it will be provided immediately."

I turned to Lord Alexis, almost in tears from gratitude.

"Thank you, Lord Alexis…! I don't know how to express my gratitude…"

"…No, it's part of the contract, so there's no need to thank me…"

"No, really, thank you. You have been so kind to me. I will do my best to fulfill my role as a formal wife and be of service to you, Lord Alexis!"

Saying this with enthusiasm, Lord Alexis averted his gaze.

"…I see. Then, I will leave it to you."

…Oh? Did I say something that upset him…?

Lord Alexis, who suddenly became distant, said, "I'll see you at dinner," and left.

✧✧✧

After that, I spent the afternoon with Butler Johnson, learning the names and roles of the servants.

Even when I was at the viscount's house, there were servants, but as expected, the number and variety of roles in an earl's castle were far greater than in my family home.

I took notes subtly while listening to Johnson.

I needed to remember everyone's names quickly so I could manage the castle.

"Shall we stop here for today? Tomorrow, I will introduce you to the merchants who come and go from the castle."

"Thank you, Johnson. I look forward to it tomorrow."

Johnson looked at me intently and smiled gently.

"You are very enthusiastic, madam, even though you have just arrived. That's wonderful."

"…Well… I just want to be of service to Lord Alexis…"

"Oh. It seems that Lord Alexis found a loving wife in the capital."

"……"

No, that's not true. I'm just a decorative wife.

Johnson bowed respectfully at my silence.

"I apologize for my indiscretion. I will take my leave now."

✧✧✧

Dinner was just between Lord Alexis and me.

"I'm sorry, but I have to attend a tea party with a troublesome relative tomorrow. They have requested that I bring you. I apologize for the inconvenience so soon after your arrival…"

"O-Oh, not at all. I will be happy to attend."

"…Are you sure you're not overworking yourself?"

Lord Alexis asked, slightly frowning.

Good, he doesn't seem angry.

"No, not at all. I also want to meet Lord Alexis's relatives."

"You want to meet my relatives? Why?"

"Because… I am grateful to them for making it possible for me to marry you."

It was a bit embarrassing, but it was a sincere statement.

Although the cancellation of my engagement to Lord Conrad was painful, being proposed a white marriage by Lord Alexis and actually coming to Shafielfield with him made me truly feel that even a formal marriage was a good thing. This is a really wonderful place, and the time I spend with Lord Alexis, though a bit awkward, is somehow comfortable.

The fact that I, a "seamstress's daughter," could have such a wonderful life is thanks to the relative who ordered Lord Alexis to marry me. …Well, it might have been a nuisance for Lord Alexis…

At my words, Lord Alexis turned away for some reason.

His profile and the hand holding the fork seemed to be red, but it might be due to the candlelight.

After a while, Lord Alexis finally turned to me and said in his usual calm and composed tone.

"…If she is rude to you, I will return it tenfold."

"Wh-What? N-No, please… let's keep it peaceful…?"

…Though I was a bit anxious, this is how I prepared for my first tea party in Shafielfield.