Chapter 20

After receiving rumors from the maids, Dorota reported to Frederick.

She gave a detailed account of what Grace had seen and what she had instructed.

“…I see.”

As she spoke, Frederick’s expression grew more complex. Since she had said there was an urgent report about Grace, he had assumed it was something troubling. But instead, it turned out that Grace was becoming increasingly popular among the staff.

“Since then, Madam has told us to speak up if any problems arise, and she also observes carefully during her walks.”

“She’s… adapting better than expected.”

‘No, just saying she’s adapting isn’t enough.’

It was truly surprising. Grace had noticed things he had overlooked.

Frederick had been busy overseeing military training and the general management of the estate, and he hadn’t been able to pay close attention to the staff’s treatment or their concerns.

He had left most of the household matters to Dorota. Dorota, too, was impressed that Grace had pointed out things even she hadn’t considered.

“Th-thank… you.”

He recalled Grace’s shy smile. To think that such keen observation lay hidden beneath that seemingly naïve demeanor. Even if they had brought in a noblewoman from the capital, it was unlikely anyone else would’ve done what Grace had.

“Since then, the morale of the maids and servants has risen greatly. They’ve been working with such enthusiasm. It seems Madam’s concern for what’s needed has inspired a strong will to work hard.”

“……”

“Madam is a wise person. I believe she sees this household with the eyes of a true lady of the manor.”

The money Grace spent for the staff wasn’t a small amount. But considering she didn’t indulge in luxuries like jewelry, fancy dresses, or fine dining, it wasn’t an unreasonable expense.

“I believe Madam simply never had the opportunity for education. She has a sharp sense and thinks deeply.”

“That does seem to be the case,” Frederick nodded in agreement.

“Perhaps… it’s better that she lacked some things to begin with.”

He remembered the offhand comment he’d made when she first arrived. Now, he felt it could be entirely dismissed.

“It might be a bit early to say this, but… once Madam fully adapts to the Winstaine estate and gains more knowledge, she may be able to completely oversee the household.”

“Hmm… perhaps so.”

“She’s even improving in how she speaks, don’t you think?”

“That’s true as well.”

Frederick agreed with Dorota.

Grace was clearly improving. She no longer struggled to make eye contact when speaking, and although she still stammered, she was now speaking more often in full sentences instead of just words or phrases. Her vocabulary and grammar weren’t outstanding yet, but that would soon be resolved once a private tutor arrived.

“Make sure to support Grace well. When she tries to do something, there will be many times when she’ll need your help.”

“Yes, I will. I’ll make sure Madam has everything she needs.”

Dorota replied energetically.

She remembered how pitiful Grace had looked at first—like a lost young animal, unsure of what to do and anxious. Dorota had done everything she could to help her adjust, simply hoping she could live comfortably.

But now, this same woman was observing the inner workings of the estate. Dorota was deeply moved. She resolved to work even harder to help Madam achieve what she wanted.

Meanwhile, not everyone was pleased by Grace’s growing reputation. One such person was Sally, who had initially spread nasty rumors about her.

“Our Madam is truly such a good person!”

“It’s like she’s a gift from above.”

Lately, wherever you went in the estate, it wasn’t hard to hear praise for Grace. Even the staff who had once badmouthed her after hearing Sally’s gossip had changed their opinions.

“I think we misunderstood her.”

“Who was it that badmouthed Madam in the first place? Who told you that?”

“Noah did, but she said she only heard it from someone else? I’m not sure.”

‘This is bad…’

Sally sighed. She had just finished cleaning Grace’s room and was on her way to put away the cleaning tools.

When Grace first arrived, Sally had been annoyed by the thought of an unqualified woman becoming the duke’s bride. Driven by jealousy, she had gossiped behind her back. But now that everyone liked Grace, if they found out she was the source of the rumors, she would face backlash.

On top of that, Sally had never bothered to hide her dislike in front of Grace. Though she hadn’t been outright disrespectful or disobedient, she rarely smiled or spoke, and when she did, it was curt and unfriendly. She had believed it was fine—Grace seemed too clueless to notice anyway.

But when she heard Grace had stopped bullying among the staff, and had inspected the workers’ quarters to suggest improvements, Sally felt a chill run down her spine.

That woman wasn’t stupid. Her awkward speech and gentle demeanor had only made her seem that way. If anything, someone like her would surely look down on Sally for not serving her sincerely.

Sally began to fear she might face punishment one day.

‘She is a noble after all…’

Watching Grace recently had made her think that.

‘This… this is kind of weird. Please… change.’

Grace had started interacting naturally with the staff. Even though she stammered, there was a strange grace in her.

“Haa…”

Sally stopped walking and leaned against a wall. She had been feeling feverish and unwell for days, and her headache had gotten worse since morning.

“Ugh…”

She could no longer stand. She squatted down and put her cleaning tools on the floor.

Her whole body burned. Her cheeks were flushed, and every breath that escaped her lips was hot.

“Haa… huu…”

Sally pressed her hand to her forehead. The world was spinning. She wished someone would come and take her away.

But no one came. She sat there, gasping, waiting for the splitting pain in her head to pass. She couldn’t move a single finger.

“……?”

Meanwhile, Grace was walking alone down the corridor when she noticed a woman curled up in the corner. A bucket with a broom and rags sat beside her.

‘Who’s that?’

Curious, Grace approached and realized it was Sally.

“Sally…?”

“Haa…”

Sally barely lifted her head at the sound of her name.

“What… what is it?”

Grace was shocked at the sight of her face. Sally’s face was bright red, and sweat beaded on her forehead. She clearly had a serious fever.

“M-Madam…”

Sally could barely move her lips to recognize Grace. She saw her blurred figure come into view and fade away again and again.

Grace had seen this state before. It reminded her of when Emily had been sick.

“Sally…”

Grace placed her hand on Sally’s forehead. It was burning hot. A sharp pain struck deep in her chest.

She remembered Emily’s tragic end. Emily had died because she hadn’t received treatment in time. No one had helped her. If Sally wasn’t properly cared for, her life could also be at risk.

That couldn’t happen.

A voice deep within Grace’s heart cried out. Leaving a sick person alone… watching someone die… she never wanted to go through that again.

The fact that Sally had gossiped about her or treated her rudely didn’t even cross her mind. What mattered now was saving her. She had to make sure this girl saw a doctor.

“My… room…”

Grace decided to take Sally to her own room. There, she could pull the bell to call the maids and have them get Sally treated.

“Haa… haah.”

Grace approached her and placed Sally’s arm around her shoulders, slowly lifting her.

“Ugh…”

It wasn’t easy lifting someone who had gone limp. The hot breath against her neck made it hard to focus.

Grace summoned all her strength to stand. Sally’s feet dragged helplessly on the floor.

“Can… can you walk?”

“Haa… haah…”

“You… you have to walk… just a little.”

Grace encouraged her gently, trying to get her to walk. But Sally, nearly unconscious, simply sagged like a paper doll, showing no sign of moving forward.

“Haa… what should I do now…”