The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 16

Eventually, after finishing the meal and enjoying small tarts and jelly for dessert until I was completely full, the Duke of Harrington turned to me and said this.

“…Now that I understand your circumstances, I’ll take care of you in this mansion until you regain your strength. Rest well, and you can think about the future slowly during that time. If you wish, I will also do my best to help you establish a foundation for your life in this Harrington Duchy.”

“Ah… thank you very much…!”

The unexpected kind words from Duke Harrington, combined with the happiness of being full from the delicious food, made me feel as if I were floating up to the clouds in sheer joy.

Just a moment ago, I was wandering through the forest in fear of dying alone…

Even if it’s just temporary, I can’t believe you would let me stay at the duke’s mansion! Moreover, to think that you would guide me so that I can live on my own in the future…!

Unaware that I was dancing in my mind, Duke Harrington quietly set down the glass he was holding in his left hand, then took a napkin with that same hand and quietly wiped his mouth.

“This must be some kind of fate. It might be God’s will for me to help you. We can talk about future matters slowly and gradually. You should rest for today. You can use the guest room from earlier as you like while you stay here.”

“……”

Watching the Duke of Harrington place the napkin on the table as he said that, I thought to myself. In fact, I had been concerned about it the entire time during the meal. Since his right arm was in a cast, the Duke had been eating with only his left hand, and it seemed quite difficult for him to perform such unfamiliar movements. Moreover, it wasn’t just his right arm; he must have injured his side or ribs as well. Occasionally, he would grimace and make gestures to

If I’m going to stay anyway, I at least want to be of help to this person during that time.

Mr. Curtis is smiling and saying things like, “Oh! That’s great, Michelle.” I steeled myself and stood up to convey my feelings to the duke.

“Um, excuse me! If that’s the case, could I help you with anything while I’m here…? Anything, like, um, helping you with your daily tasks or anything… Since I caused you to get hurt, and you’ve been so kind to me on top of that… I just want to repay you in some way!”

When I said that in a daze, both the duke and Mr. Curtis stared at me blankly.

…Ah.

“N-no! That’s not it, not at all!! I would never make any unnecessary advances towards the Duke, nor would I approach him with any ulterior motives!! It’s purely a job! Just helping out! I’m just, um, purely giving back for what I’ve been given, you see…!”

Oh no, what if I get misunderstood again? I start to panic on my own and, sweating, I desperately make excuses. No way. If they think, “Ugh… this woman is trying to get close to me now, just like all women do,” and then kick me out again…! This time, I’ll really die…!

Curtis, who was watching me making excuses with all my might while waving my hands in front of him, burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! No way, I never thought of that. Michelle approaching Lord Lloyd? Even if she is a noble lady. No matter how much Lord Lloyd values his subjects without regard to their status or background, if he were to take a wife or a lover, it would definitely be a lady of a certain standing.”

Curtis’s words make me feel like I’ve become an overly self-conscious woman, and it’s embarrassing.

As I was blushing alone, the Duke of Harrington spoke in a quiet voice.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but first and foremost, you should focus on your own health. In any case, please take a few days to rest. There are plenty of people in this mansion who can act as my hands and feet. It’s okay if you don’t worry about me.”

“Yes……”

It seems I was being overly meddlesome. I don’t know how the duke received my offer, but feeling somewhat down, I returned to the guest room from earlier. The mansion is so large that I got a bit lost along the way.

After a while, Amanda came to check on me.

“How was it, Michelle? It seems like you had a meal with your husband… Did you manage to eat a little?”

“Y-yes! I’m fine. Thank you so much for everything, Amanda-san.”

Amanda, who had kindly asked if I could eat something like bread porridge or fruit, was surprised by the amount I devoured. I even had dessert, but it was too embarrassing to mention, so I kept quiet about it.

That night, I was able to sleep soundly and peacefully on the fluffy bed with freshly changed pillowcases and sheets.

I was thoroughly washed with warm water, my stomach was filled, and I was given clean nightclothes.

With my silky hair, just as it was when I was born after ten years, I fell into a blissful dream.