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 22

That night, we promptly exchanged documents, and I was hired as a maid at the duke’s residence. I couldn’t help but widen my eyes at the amount of salary listed in the documents. As expected of the Harrington Duke’s family, who possess the greatest wealth in the Hastina Kingdom… Even someone like me, in a trial period, could receive such a generous amount.

Rather, I was so grateful that I would have preferred to work without pay. I was deeply moved. Would this really be a way to repay the favor? However, when I cautiously asked the duke about it, he said, “Working without pay is absolutely out of the question,” and I had no choice but to back down. It feels like the opposite of what should be happening. I’m the one benefiting.

I-I must be of proper use…!

And so, I became even more passionate.

The next morning, I woke up early and eagerly started working. That said, since I hadn’t received any instructions yet, I swept the entrance area with a broom, polished the front door with a rag I had pulled out from the cleaning supplies cupboard in the basement, and then moved on to cleaning the windows on the first floor. While meticulously cleaning the window sills, Ms. Amanda and a few other female servants came over.

“Mi… Michelle-san…? Huh? What are you doing…? And that outfit…”

“Oh! Good morning, Amanda-san.”

I replied like that and suddenly realized. That’s right. I hardly saw Amanda yesterday, and I haven’t explained anything to her yet. The one who came to inform me about meal times was another servant, wasn’t it?

I straightened my posture and greeted Amanda and the women behind her.

“With the permission of Duke Harrington, I will be working here as a maid starting today. Although, it is just a trial period for now… My name is Michelle. I look forward to working with you!”

When she said that clearly, the slightly older women behind Amanda smiled and said, “Well, that’s good,” in unison.

“It’s great to have more workers. Nice to meet you, Michelle.”

“I’m grateful to have a young and energetic person around.”

Ms. Amanda also chuckles.

“So that’s why you’re wearing a maid uniform. I’m surprised, I didn’t think you’d actually end up working… Hehe. It’s nice to meet you too, Michelle.”

Saying that, they guided me to the employee cafeteria. As we walked, I talked about this morning’s work when the women asked me.

“Huh? Have you already started cleaning?”

“Yes. The area around the entrance and the entrance door are already finished. It would be helpful if you could check the final result later.”

“Well! You don’t have to work before the sun rises like that. Please take it a bit slower.”

“That’s right. You were in such bad shape just a few days ago from malnutrition, weren’t you? You shouldn’t push yourself so hard so soon.”

Everyone is really worried about me. The staff here all seem to be nice people. I’m glad.

Looking around at everyone’s uniforms again, I feel happy to be wearing the same uniform as them. The maid uniforms of the Harrington Duke’s household are very cute. The elegant moss green dress is adorned with golden buttons on the chest and cuffs, and over it, a pure white apron is worn.

Ms. Amanda looks at me as she walks next to me, making a puzzled face.

“Huh? What’s wrong, Michelle? You look so happy.”

“Oh, no… I just thought this uniform was really lovely. The staff at the Harrington Duke’s residence always look so well-groomed, don’t they?”

When I said that, Amanda nodded.

“Yes. The late Duke and Duchess were very particular about such things. They believed that those who worked in the mansion were the first to be seen by guests, so everyone had to be well-groomed to maintain the dignity of the Duke’s family. The master has inherited that mindset as well. Dirty aprons and frayed uniforms must be replaced immediately. Remember that.”

“I see…… Yes, I understand.”

In my mind, I can’t help but compare myself to the Everly family again. They didn’t seem to care about such things at all. The servants were all wearing old uniforms, and some were working in obviously ill-fitting and shabby clothes. I was the dirtiest among them. My hair was jet black from dye powder, making my cheeks and shoulders black as well, and I was wearing the most tattered dress of all.

The way servants are treated varies so much depending on the head of the household…

I’ve only been here for a few days, but I can really tell that the servants of the Everly family are not treated well at all. Not as badly as I am, but everyone is treated terribly by the Count and Countess and Padma. Sometimes they are treated like they don’t exist, and other times they are yelled at depending on their mood…

I wonder how much they are getting paid. Judging by their appearance, it must be a pittance. The Count and Countess Everly are the kind of lords who only care about themselves.

While spending time at the Harrington Duke’s residence, I began to keenly realize the poor conditions of the Everly Count’s household.