MHYFMAMD Ch 20
by rosey“The princess?”
“The fourth princess.”
Tenesia recalled the blonde-haired princess who always lingered at the back in her hazy memories of the royal family.
“Your task is simple. You must return the empire’s precious treasure safely. It would also be nice if you could pass on that you would like to stop the unnecessary marriage talk.”
“Me?”
“Of course. It was part of our agreement to avoid as much matchmaking as possible.”
Dietrich stared at her.
“Are you sure you want me to handle the reception?”
“Just do as you did when you proposed the contract marriage.”
In his dark eyes, she was reflected. His distrust of her still lingered, and his gaze seemed to strip her bare. The scenery of his territory, which he hadn’t fully escaped from, quickly passed before his eyes.
“I understand. I’ll try my best.”
“Then the contract is settled.”
Dietrich extended his hand. The landscape beyond the window slowly shifted from lush greenery to dry, barren land.
“Please take care of me for two years. Margravine.”
“Welcome home, my lord.”
As the two of them arrived at Haberfeld Castle, the butler greeted them.
“And Miss.”
Unlike before, the butler bowed politely to Tenesia.
There was neither surprise nor embarrassment in the butler’s behavior towards her. As if he had anticipated it, he took her outer garments with smooth, flowing movements.
“I’ll guide you to your room so you can rest. The luggage might take some time.”
“All right.”
Unlike before, the butler led Tenesia not to the guest room, but to the mistress’s bedroom.
“This will be your room from now on.”
As expected, it was not the same bedroom as the one used by Grace. Tenesia took her time to look around the newly arranged furniture.
“Allow me to introduce them. These are the servants who will attend to you from now on.”
With the butler’s introduction, two maids lowered their heads.
“I’m Emily.”
“I’m Helle.”
“If you need any other servants, please don’t hesitate to call for them.”
After completing the introductions, the butler left the room. Tenesia turned her attention to the two maids.
“For now… I’ll need to get some clothes since my luggage hasn’t arrived yet.”
“If you would like to have a dress prepared, it would be ready tomorrow. However, we have ready-made guest clothes at hand. If you don’t mind, I can bring them for you.”
“Please do so.”
While Helle, with her benevolent expression, left to find clothes, Tenesia undressed with Emily’s help.
Dressed only in a slip, Tenesia put on a thick robe until her clothes arrived.
“I’m so glad you’ve come to Haberfeld.”
“Glad?”
“Everyone in this castle has been hoping for it. They wish for you to lift the dark clouds from Haberfeld once more. They want you to take care of the master.”
As she tied the belt of the robe, Emily spoke.
“The previous mistress was someone who always cared about people like us, the common folk. She was a perfect match for the master.”
“I see.”
For a brief moment, Emily’s expression softened, but that was all. She quickly wiped the expression from her face and shook her head to deny it.
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean to say that you and the master aren’t well-suited!”
“It’s fine. It’s natural to miss someone. When the traces left behind still so clear, how could I not feel it?”
Tenesia spoke, shaking her head. After all, it was her story too. There was no reason to be upset.
“I have a question. Did most of the people working in the castle get hired recently? Are there no other old employees still around?”
“I think so. There were a lot of people hired back then, besides me.”
Now that I think about it, it was strange. She thought there might be people she would recognize within the castle. But no matter how much she searched, she couldn’t find anyone.
“Also, the master often leaves for long periods. This is the first time he’s stayed for such a long time.”
“He leaves often?”
Then, what about the son?
Questions echoed in her mind. The whereabouts of the son, who was still missing, began to worry her more.
Had he been sent away somewhere? But he was only five years old. Tenesia nervously peeked outside the door.
“Don’t worry too much. He won’t be leaving today. It’s an important day, after all.”
“Oh, right.”
At the sudden change of topic, Tenesia quickly turned her gaze away. She couldn’t let anyone notice her strange behavior.
“By the way, if we start preparing now, time will be limited. We’ll need to move a bit faster.”
“Preparing? What do you mean?”
“Oh, you don’t need to be embarrassed.”
Emily, who had tied her ribbon with a delicate touch, smiled brightly.
“Of course, it’s your first night together.”