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 20

“Um, I heard a bit from Mr. Curtis at dinner last night… the former Duchess of Harrington is living in the southern villa, right?”

As I recall what happened yesterday and ask her, Amanda tells me.

“You’re listening, aren’t you? Yes, that’s right. The late duke had a heart condition and suddenly passed away. They were such a close couple. So, the lady was deeply saddened… Now that her only son has succeeded the family estate, she is quietly spending her time at the southern villa. Near the late duke’s grave. But the gentleman still keeps this garden well-maintained, so that his mother can visit anytime. Hehe, even though he hardly ever looks at the garden himself.”

“……I see.”

You are such a kind person who cares for your mother. You helped me too, and you are also concerned about the lives of the people in your territory… Truly a wonderful person.

Thinking about it again, I question Amanda.

“The reason there are so few female servants in this mansion… is it because the Duke dislikes them?”

“Well, that’s true. But the biggest reason is probably that when the lady moved to the villa, she brought many trusted maids and servants with her. Here, there are many male servants, but on the other hand, the villa where the lady is has mostly female servants. Of course, there are also male servants to ensure safety. There are also guards.”

“I see… Is it not the case that you are short on hands here?”

“Hmm. Well, to be honest, it’s not like we don’t clean at all… Ideally, it would be best if we could clean every nook and cranny every day, but my husband says, ‘As long as the first floor and especially the reception room are kept tidy, that’s enough.’ Besides, since my husband is busy, we don’t have guests over very often. So, we clean the rooms we don’t use much on a daily basis.”

I nod to myself, coming to an understanding. I somewhat grasp the circumstances of the Harrington Duke’s family. After the lady mother moved to the separate residence, they probably didn’t significantly rehire the staff for this main residence. If that’s the case, then there might not be enough people to take care of the Duke’s personal needs.

I feel like there is something I can do.

That night, the Duke of Harrington returned home rather early. His right arm, in a cast, looked painful. Mr. Curtis was with him as well. Having already had dinner, I felt somewhat embarrassed but welcomed them in the entrance hall.

“Welcome back, Duke Harrington.”

“You don’t have to go out of your way. It’s a hassle, isn’t it?”

“Why did you come to greet me?” The duke, with a face that seemed to say that, asked, and as I hesitated, Curtis-san, peeking from behind the duke, spoke up.

“Oh!? Your hair looks different, Michelle! Did you cut it?”

“Oh, yes. Amanda-san has prepared everything.”

When I answered like that, Mr. Curtis came right in front of me, looked at me for a while, and nodded with satisfaction. Then, he gently touched the hair near my ear, lifting it from underneath.

“Isn’t it great? You’ve become so cute. Right, Lord Lloyd?”

Mr. Curtis said that while patting my head, he turned to face the Duke of Harrington. His strength was a bit painful.

However, the duke glanced over here and then averted his gaze disinterestedly.

“Well, this is perfect timing. I have something to give you… Where’s Amanda?”

The duke instructed the nearby servant to tell Amanda to come to the office. I was then prompted by the duke to head to the office with them.

After a while, when Amanda also arrived, Curtis handed us two large boxes.

“Here, this. A souvenir from Lord Lloyd.”

“Huh?”

Souvenir…?

I look at the duke in surprise. However, he is already busily flipping through documents with his left hand and doesn’t even turn his face towards me. Casually glancing at Amanda next to me, she is also looking at me with a puzzled expression.

Then the duke muttered.

“These are your clothes. Having only one decent outfit will be inconvenient for you in the future. I’ve picked out a few more for you. And Amanda, this is for you too.”

“!? W-What, me…?”

Amanda is surprised. I was truly shocked as well. Clothes too? Just for me, going out of your way…? You’ve already been so kind to me, and now you’re giving me clothes too.

Mr. Curtis says with a smile.

“Since it’s a ready-made product, the size might be a bit off, but you should still be able to wear it. Amanda, this box is yours.”

“Why… Why even my share…?”

To the confused Amanda, Curtis says lightly with a sun-like bright smile.

“Because you were the one who gave the clothes to Michelle, right? I remember seeing you wear this dress a few times. So, when Lord Lloyd asked, I answered like that. Then I brought one for you too.”

“…Ah, thank you very much, sir.”

Ms. Amanda blushed deeply and thanked me. I hurriedly followed her lead.

“I also… thank you very much, Your Grace. You’ve taken care of so much for me… I am truly grateful.”

I conveyed my feelings sincerely, but he responded calmly as if the matter was already settled.

“Ah. It doesn’t matter. That’s all.”

Feeling the pressure of “Get out already,” Amanda and I left the office.

And then, the two of them head straight to the guest room where I am staying.

“I was so surprised… I never expected to receive such a gift myself.”

“I-I’m the one who should be saying that. I’m just a thing picked up in the forest… a commoner’s daughter, and yet you went out of your way to do this for me…”

I accidentally tried to call myself a beggar. Maybe it’s because Mr. Curtis kept saying it to me.

When they looked at each other, one of them spoke up.

“……Open it……”

“That’s right! Let’s open it. Since we received it with such effort!”

And so, we simultaneously opened the lid of the box that was handed to us. Upon seeing the contents, we couldn’t help but let out a cheer.

“Wow…!”

“Oh my! How wonderful…!”

Inside the box handed to me, there were three dresses: a refined pale blue dress, a refreshing canary yellow dress, and a more subdued dark brown dress. For Amanda, there was one dress in a color similar to the beige dress she gave me, and two more dresses, including a navy blue one with a more mature and intellectual feel.

A simple dress that commoners often wear. But upon closer inspection, you can see that it is meticulously adorned with intricate embroidery and cute lace trimmings, making it clear that it is by no means cheap. The fabric is also sturdy and feels good to the touch.

“As expected of the Duke…! What a wonderful hobby you have. And… you certainly have a flair for it…”

“Really… I never expected to receive two tickets myself. I’m so grateful, but also feel a bit guilty. I have to work hard…!”

After that, the two of them stood in front of the mirror, giggling and excitedly trying on the dresses they had received, complimenting and rejoicing with each other.