My Second Engagement: Loved by the Duke’s Son and Thanked for My Healing Magic ~ My Selfish Sister Took My Fiancé, but Gave Him Back Because She Didn’t Want Him Anymore~ - Episode 23

Today is a day off at the healing center.

Julite-sama has gone to the royal palace again.

When I was living in the Falrune family, I spent my days cleaning the house, doing laundry, and enduring my parents’ harassment.

But now, everyone at the duke’s mansion, including Julite-sama, spoils me and gives me free time.

I was taking a walk in the mansion’s garden, enjoying the sunlight.

At the back of the flower beds, I noticed Thomas, the gardener, pulling out overgrown weeds.

I called out to him and greeted him.

“Oh, Madam. Thank you for always using your healing magic. The itching from insect bites is gone, and my back pain has recovered. I feel great.”

“Please don’t overwork yourself.”

“Yes, thank you for your concern.”

Thomas once told me he was over forty years old, but he looks much younger.

He said he became a gardener because he loves working with his hands and being surrounded by nature.

Since I can enjoy a beautiful garden thanks to his efforts, I thought I would help him out.

“May I try pulling out some weeds too?”

Hearing my suggestion, the gardener hurriedly tried to stop me.

“You mustn’t, Madam. You are Julite-sama’s fiancée. Please be mindful of your status and leave such tasks to us.”

“But I actually enjoy this kind of work.”

“You enjoy… weeding?”

“Well… rather than enjoying pulling weeds, I like the feeling of cleaning and making things neat. I thought it would be satisfying to clear the weeds and make the garden look even more beautiful.”

Back at the Falrune house, I was constantly forced to do chores.

To make it bearable, I tried to find small joys—like the refreshing feeling after finishing a task.

It had been a while since I last felt that, so this was purely out of curiosity.

“I’m not doing it as work, but because I want to.”

“Haha! That means we feel the same way about our work. Just be careful not to let the Duke find out. He might scold you for it.”

“Thank you.”

Of course, weeding in a white dress with a short skirt would cause some problems, so I went back inside and changed into more suitable clothes.

Then, I pulled, pulled, and pulled.

This feeling… it’s so nostalgic.

Back at my old home, I had no choice but to do it, so I didn’t always enjoy it.

But this time, it was fun.

I quickly remembered how to do it efficiently, adjusting my posture and pulling out weeds one after another.

“Madam, you are quite skilled. You pull them out by the roots efficiently and use your strength wisely.”

“It’s the result of years of practice.”

“Excuse me…?”

“Ah, no! It’s nothing!”

I couldn’t possibly admit that I had been doing chores since I was a child.

If people knew Julite-sama was engaged to a former servant girl, it might tarnish his reputation.

So, I quickly changed the subject and continued pulling weeds.

♢♢♢

“Heal, Heal!”

Weeding often leads to insect bites and small cuts.

First, I used healing magic on Thomas.

“Thank you! It’s a great relief to work without worrying about insect bites.”

“I’m happy too since I get to enjoy a beautiful garden.”

I only helped with a small section today.

Thomas works many times harder than I do, every single day.

Since the only thing I can do is heal, I at least wanted to express my gratitude.

And then…

“Weeding was fun. Thank you for letting me help.”

“No, thank you for assisting me, Madam.”

Before Julite-sama returns, I should take a bath and wash off the smell of grass.

If he notices, he’ll definitely ask questions.

I quickly walked back toward the mansion—only to see that Julite-sama had already returned in his carriage.

I wanted to slip inside through the back entrance before he noticed me.

But I couldn’t.

Because the woman stepping out of the carriage was someone I recognized.