Chapter 11

Jeffrey Asher is preparing to attend his uncle's birthday party at his family home. His uncle is his mother's brother and a historian.

In the living room, his brother Edward speaks to him.

"Apparently, he hired a capable assistant, and Eva was singing her praises. She said the assistant is multilingual and excellent at all household chores. She even said she's holding back from wanting to hire her herself."

"Is that so?"

Jeffrey doesn't get along with his uncle.

His cousin Eva often visits, but he only comes a few times a year. His uncle, having dedicated his life to academia, has a typical aloof and arrogant personality. It's no wonder that no servants stay long.

However, things have changed.

When he finally met his uncle, he found him to be more gentle. The house was beautifully arranged, and the setting was warm, much like when his aunt was alive. The napkins were neatly folded on the table, and the cutlery was neatly arranged. The flowers on the table were tastefully arranged, like in a restaurant.

Eva and her husband Michael, along with the brothers, took their seats.

At that moment, the assistant, who had brought the soup, appeared, and Jeffrey's mouth dropped open. Victoria Serrars was wearing a white maid's apron.

"Serrars!"

"Oh, Captain. It's been a while. I was just thinking about sending you a report."

Seeing the two of them, his brother said, "Let's start the birthday party," and they toasted before tasting the soup, which made Jeffrey's eyes widen again.

"Jeff, it's delicious."

His brother had beaten him to it, but the mushroom potage was indeed flavorful and beautifully garnished with cream. It looked and tasted like something from a restaurant.

The appetizer, a small, crispy bread topped with marinated trout, onions, and pickles, made him want to eat a lot of it. He felt hungrier after seeing it. The dill and capers, used in small amounts, skillfully masked the trout's fishiness and enhanced its flavor.

The main course was a lamb crown.

The bone-in lamb was arranged in a crown shape, with small onions and round, carved carrots roasted and stuffed inside. The lamb was tender and juicy, with a flavor enhanced by herbs and a hint of spice for accent. The chopped nuts on the side added a pleasant crunch and aroma.

"Victoria, this is different from the last time, isn't it?"

"Yes, Mr. Bernard. I used nuts."

"This is also very delicious. You and Nonna should eat with us."

"No, we..."

Eva, who had been listening to their conversation, interjected.

"Victoria, please join us. You've brought Uncle back to a normal human life. Please, join us."

Victoria smiled and called Nonna from the kitchen. Nonna, who had come with a book, looked healthier and cuter than two months ago. She could easily pass for a noble lady.

Victoria, too, had gained a bit of weight and had a more feminine figure. Her complexion was also good.

"Working here?"

"Calling this place 'here' is a bit harsh, Jeffrey."

"I never thought you'd be Uncle's assistant."

"Victoria is fluent in four languages and is excellent at housework."

"Four languages..."

Edward, who had been watching the conversation between his uncle and brother with interest, interjected.

"What kind of acquaintance are you and her?"

When Jeffrey explained their meeting, Edward's face changed. He realized that this was the person his brother had dressed up to meet a while ago.

Victoria noticed that the part about being her guarantor was missing from Jeffrey's explanation but said nothing.

Eva was incredulous.

"Really? You tripped someone while carrying a child? That's either fearless or reckless."

"Indeed, it was reckless in hindsight. But thanks to that, I'm now living in a detached house on the property where I was mugged. The rent is very reasonable for the East District."

Jeffrey joined the conversation.

"Which noble's house in the East District?"

"Mrs. Yolana Haines' house."

"The house of the late Haines Countess? That's...?"

"What?"

"Isn't she known for being difficult?"

"No, not at all. She's very kind and even dotes on Nonna. She's a wonderful landlord."

The Asher brothers and the Evas looked at each other.

"That woman is known for being difficult. But if you can tame Uncle, you might be able to handle her."

"Edward, 'tame' is a bit much. That's disrespectful."

Everyone laughed. Nonna looked confused. Victoria had a good idea of what was going on. But compared to Mr. Bernard and Mrs. Yolana, they were quite easy to handle. Difficult people are often kind to those they trust.

"I've been blessed by everyone since I came to this country. I'm very grateful."

The lively birthday party eventually ended, and Eva and Michael left. Edward also told Jeffrey, "We should go too."

"Brother, I want to talk to her a bit more before I leave. You go ahead."

"Hmm. Okay. I'll go ahead then."

Edward, the Earl of Asher, looked interested but said nothing as he got into the carriage and left. Victoria watched him go and told Nonna to "wait and play" instead of helping with the cleanup. Mr. Bernard, feeling the effects of his afternoon drink, was sleeping comfortably on the sofa.

Outside the front door, they were alone.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Ah, the last dinner we had together was so enjoyable. I want to have dinner with you again."

Victoria felt a warm feeling.

She had pretended to be in a relationship a few times to gather information, but it was always just for work. She had never genuinely liked a man before.

"Would it be a bother?"

"No, not at all. But I'm not the kind of person who can be close to nobles."

"I'm the second son. I don't inherit the family, so I don't need to worry too much about status."

"Is that so?"

He noticed Nonna had opened the door a crack and was looking worried. He smiled at her and nodded to reassure her.

"My main goal right now is to raise Nonna well..."

Nonna rushed over and hugged Victoria, who gently stroked her head.

"Alright. If that's the case, how about we go on a picnic together next time?"

"Vicky, what's a picnic?"

Nonna's eyes sparkled as she asked.

"Oh, you've already gotten your hopes up, haven't you?"

Victoria looked at Jeffrey with a soft, reproachful gaze, but Jeffrey was looking at her with the same hopeful expression as Nonna. Seeing his face, she smiled and said, "Alright, I guess I can't say no."

"Alright. Let's bring a picnic basket. And, it's not good if my brother finds out about me being your guarantor, right?"

"No, it's not that. I just don't want Uncle or Eva to take over the role of guarantor. I'll let you know the date for the picnic later. I'll try to match it with your day off."

With that, Jeffrey walked away.