My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 8

Thus began the exploration of the count’s mansion, but since it would be impossible to see everything in the mansion before lunch (the count’s house is so large!), it was decided, at my request, to only tour the garden and the library.

The garden, where colorful flowers bloom in abundance, is truly wonderful, and it even has a greenhouse where tea parties can be held. The size is quite considerable, and after seeing about half of it and having the layout explained to me, I decided to head back to the mansion.

I also spoke with the gardener who was just replanting the flowerbeds, and it seems that the rose garden ahead is designed to be a bit of a maze for the children of nobles who visit for social gatherings to enjoy.

If I came here alone, I might really get lost, so I should be careful. Just as I was thinking that, I saw a small light flickering at the edge of my vision.

That is!!

I almost rushed towards the light out of overwhelming nostalgia, but I held myself back.

Hikari is floating gently by a flower bed without even noticing me, but even if I strain my eyes, I can’t see her clearly.

“I’ve never seen the flowers in that flowerbed before. I wonder what they’re called?”

When I asked the gardener about the flower bed where the light was shining, he kindly explained it to me once again.

The name of this gardener is Navarre, and he has been a long-standing servant of the Hamilton family since the previous generation. He is probably in his 60s, but his legs and back are strong, and he takes care of the plants with such vigor that he is much more robust than the frail young noblemen around.

According to Nabal, the flowers blooming in that flowerbed are nameless wild grasses, and they are not something that would normally be planted in a noble’s garden.

However, in the earldom, this flower blooms everywhere, and it seems that the previous countess, Eugene’s grandmother, really liked this flower.

So, the count at that time (Eugene’s grandfather) ordered them to be planted in the mansion in the royal capital as well.

That means those kids might have come from the Hamilton estate.

In the rural town rich in nature, they had a much clearer form, but since being brought to the royal capital, I hadn’t even seen that light. I thought they couldn’t live in the air of the royal capital, but…

Surely, the garden here is being tended to with such care and dedication.

Ah, the gardeners of the count’s family are the best!! Thank you, Navarre!!

“Well then, shall I guide you to the library next?”

Prompted by Sebastian, I felt a tug at my heartstrings. However, I didn’t show it on my face as I made my way back to the mansion. Casually glancing back at the lights from earlier, I noticed that the number of lights had increased to three or four, and they seemed to be fluttering around happily.

It’s increasinggggーー!!

As my heart suddenly overflowed with joy, as if it had just noticed me, a light came flying towards me at breakneck speed.

The light that flits around me is gradually taking shape.

I knew it! Spirit-san!!

“The Spirit” has been my secret friend since I was little.

For some reason, ever since I became aware of the world, I have been able to see spirits.

It was the same with my mother; she had spirits by her side who would talk and play with her, so I thought it was a normal thing.

So, when I found out that my father couldn’t talk to spirits and could only see them vaguely, I was surprised, and I was astonished that other people didn’t even notice their existence.

Even now, of course, no one except me has noticed this spirit.

The colors and shapes have become faintly visible, but it seems they don’t have the strength to speak to me.

After happily spinning around me, it tilted its head and looked at me.

“Sorry, there are people here right now. I’ll come over next time, okay?”

When I spoke to the spirit in a low voice, it twirled around me a few times before returning to the flowerbed.

The library I was shown next was also wonderful.

The library, adorned with many furnishings from other countries and exuding a somewhat oriental atmosphere, is overflowing with books, making it seem like a sea of books.

Even so, I aimed to become a court lady and received higher education.

From the town library to the school library, and the library in the duke’s residence where I was allowed to enter only besides my own room, I visited various places, but none of them were as magnificent as the library in the count’s residence.

The head of the family from several generations ago was the first to start trade with other countries, so it’s nice to see so many foreign books. The sight of rows and rows of books I haven’t read in a long time made me feel excited and cheerful.

Sebastian called out to me as I happily checked the spines of the books.

“Does your wife like books?”

“Yes, I love it! Can I also use this library freely from now on?”

“Of course.”

“Oh, I’m so happy! Can I borrow a few books right away?”

“Of course. If you choose, we will deliver it to your room later.”

Hearing Sebastian’s reply made me so happy that I scoured the library with a skip in my step.

I was able to choose a few books, but in the end, I couldn’t even go around and look at all the bookshelves.

I had heard that it would be difficult to tour the entire estate in the time before lunch, but I never imagined I wouldn’t even be able to see the garden and library. The grandeur of the count’s mansion is truly beyond compare.

After that, I thoroughly finished a lunch that was perfect in both taste and quantity, and then Sebastian taught me various things about the mansion.

It seems that I don’t have any trust from them, as they only explain things that are safe and non-committal.

Considering the process leading up to marriage, it’s only natural, and it could even be said to be more trustworthy than blabbing everything.

“Who is currently taking over your duties as Countess?”

“I am Michelle, the head maid.”

“I see… Hey, Sebastian, I want to start doing my duties as a countess little by little. Is there anything I can do?”

“Your husband has instructed us to ensure that you take your time and relax. Please leave the work to us servants and first get accustomed to life here.”

Yeah, so basically, just stay quiet and don’t do anything unnecessary.

“That’s right! Isn’t it the wife’s duty to write thank-you notes to those who attended the wedding?”

“Rest assured, Michelle has already written it for you.”

…Tch, the Earl’s family works fast!!

It can’t be helped; if I suddenly overstep and earn resentment, it would defeat the purpose.

For now, let’s quietly read a book in the room.

After finishing my meal and returning to my room, the book I had chosen in the morning had been delivered to my room.

Books about the history and culture of neighboring countries that the ducal family wouldn’t let me read, political and management books (they say women don’t need knowledge of politics or management! So outdated!), books about the climate and specialties of the count’s territory, folk tales loved by the common people, and popular entertainment novels.

It has truly become a diverse lineup.

Yeah, with this much, I should be able to keep busy for a while.

I want to meet the spirits too, and I want to learn more about this mansion. Let’s take our time to get to know the servants and gradually earn their trust.