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 33

I was in shock and desperately argued back in a trembling voice due to the overwhelming distress.

“Tch… No! That’s not true! There’s no way that could happen! Really, it was just a coincidence at that time…”

“You’re lying! Do you plan to keep pretending!? You deceived the kind Lord Lloyd so well, didn’t you? With your delicate appearance and rare hair color, you were clearly trying to seduce him, weren’t you? Disgusting. Filthy!”

“That’s why! It’s really different! I’m just here to do the work that I can! If I’m told to leave, I’ll leave anytime, but… if there’s something I can do to help you, then…”

Then suddenly, Lady Bracey twisted her face in disgust and swiftly raised her hand holding the fan.

“Shut up! Who do you think you’re talking to!? So cheeky!”

I’m going to get hit────!

Thinking that, I shrugged my shoulders and closed my eyes, and that’s when it happened.

“Ah…!”

Huh?

At the sound of the young lady’s small scream, I cautiously opened my eyes. To my surprise, the master was standing between me and Lady Bracey, holding her wrist.

My husband, as if my hand were something dirty, suddenly let go of it, then placed his left hand on my shoulder and pulled me tightly into his chest.

Feeling my husband’s body heat up close. A sweet and refreshing scent tickles my nostrils, and my heart leaps so hard it feels like it might break. I hold my breath.

“Wha… what are you doing!? Lord Lloyd! That hurts, you know!”

Following the young lady’s protest, the master’s low voice resonates above my head.

“This is my line, Lady Bracey. You just tried to lay a hand on someone from my household. This is an act I cannot overlook.”

“Even if you say she’s one of the family… she’s just a maid, isn’t she!? Were you even listening to me, Lord!? That girl, whose origins you don’t even know, was deliberately in the forest to get close to you! Don’t you understand!? Men are so easily deceived by a pretty face, aren’t they? But… women are different. We can see through such cunning. That girl is despicable and shameless. She’s just a troublemaker in this house, after your status and money. Please, get rid of her immediately!”

“Enough already. Shut up.”

The voice of the Marquess Bracey, who was shouting, was interrupted by an even lower voice from my husband. His voice seemed to be filled with immeasurable anger, causing my shoulders to flinch.

My husband gently moved his left hand, which had been holding my back, as if to reassure me, and softly stroked me. Then he hugged me tightly once more.

“No matter what anyone says, I believe this child. I told you just now. I made my judgment with my own eyes. And yet… you not only insulted this child terribly, but also mocked me.”

“Uh, n-no, um……”

Master…

I’ve never heard such a cold voice before. Calm and composed, a bit unsociable, but gentle and kind. He seemed like a completely different person from the usual husband. I tried to look up quietly, but my face was pressed firmly against his chest, making it impossible to see his expression. His chest was thick and hard. …When on earth does he train?

Somehow, I feel incredibly nervous.

“You want to say that I’m a foolish man easily deceived by this child’s cuteness. I’m deeply offended. To belittle and insult us without knowing how diligently this child works every day and how much care they take to soothe me… Isn’t it you who is judging things too much based on your own prejudices and feelings?”

…healing…?

My ears keenly caught the husband’s subtle words.

Heal… me? I’m able to heal you, my husband…!? Amazing. I’m a little happy…

Even while being moved in a strange way, the tense conversation between the two continues. The low, trembling voice of Lady Bracey, as if suppressing her surging emotions, echoes in the tightly wound room.

“It was a slip of the tongue. I apologize, Lord Lloyd. I was so worried about you that I ended up being overly harsh. Please forgive me.”

“No, that’s enough. I’ve been somewhat considerate because you are the daughter of the Marquis of Bracey, but I will no longer extend that courtesy. Miss Bracey, you are hereby banned from entering my residence from now on.”

“Wha…!! Lord Lloyd!?”

“You tried to use violence against someone working in the mansion. Naturally, that’s unacceptable. For now, I’ll let it slide with just a verbal warning, but if you ever attempt to contact me or come near this mansion again, I will formally lodge a complaint with Marquis Bracey.”

I sensed the lady’s breath catch. After a while, Lady Bracey left the office in silence.