I became the contracted maid of the (villainous) Duke due to personal circumstances - Chapter 4.1
Around the time when the wisteria flowers are in full bloom, nobles are flocking to the capital and the townhouses near it to welcome the season.
For those who are doing business in the capital from now until early summer, it’s the perfect time. Many nobles also discreetly venture into the city to enjoy meals and shopping.
The Marquis of Garanshia’s residence was no different, especially so.
Gerald’s mother indicated that there was no need for elaborate preparations for her arrival, as she would be spending time in her estate. While invitations to evening events flooded in, there were no plans for the Marquis’s family to host any gatherings.
Consequently, there were no changes in the number of servants. Thanks to Gerald’s recent intervention, Ruru has been working as a maid without any harassment, and her romantic involvement with the master is being warmly observed by those around her
… No, that’s not right!
“So, Father, I want to have a serious discussion about the future of the trading company.”
On a holiday, Ruru returned to the Einzweir Trading Company and sat around the table with her father, mother, and younger brother after a long time.
The agenda was the future of the Einzweir family, and her mother poured tea.
“Yes! I think it would be great if my sister married the Marquis!”
“That’s out of the question. Next, Father.”
“…And, ideally, I don’t want to close down the shop. I apologize for relying so much on Ruru, but thanks to that, we haven’t had to sell our home or belongings… When it comes to earning money, I think the only way is to attract attention with new furniture and recover from this situation.”
It seemed that the abrupt termination of the contract from Count Damian had taken a toll on the father, and since returning to the capital, his mental state had been in shambles. He had completely lost confidence as the head of the family, and he spoke quietly while doodling on the table.
“What do you think, Mother?”
“Even if we were to let go of this building, what would our family do in the future? That’s the feeling, right? While Ruru is under the care of the Marquis, shouldn’t we try to attract new customers or investors during this season?”
Ruru also agreed with her mother’s opinion.
“So, it’s this after all.”
She placed a wooden box on the table with a thud. Inside, along with cushioning materials, were glasses products that her father and a glass craftsman had developed to the last minute. She picked up a glass with a rounded shape made as a sample.
Named “Rainbow Glass,” it was made by depositing metal powder on the surface of transparent glass. A rainbow-like film appeared on the slightly milky surface, making it so beautiful that you would want to keep looking at it from different angles.
“I absolutely think it will be attention-grabbing. Not just for tableware, but I also think it would be cute for bottles of cosmetics…”
“Oh… making items specifically for women?”
“Etching patterns on the surface of glass became popular among women a few years ago. Should we think about making it trendy for debutantes and ladies in the social scene?”
“I think it would be cute for furniture too…”
Even as they held a family meeting, the dilemmas persisted. “We can’t afford to hire more people,” “Maybe start with something small first?”
“The season will be over soon.” Thomas glanced at Ruru.
“Can’t you rely on the Marquis?”
“Rely? What do you specifically mean by that?”
“Whoa, why is my sister so defensive?!”
The family continued to discuss, but the solution remained elusive.
Thomas seems overly eager to rely on Gerald. For him, there seems to be no ill feelings towards the “Marquis” who rescued the trading company and his sister from a pinch.
“During the season, maybe he could introduce us to some interesting nobles or something. Just try asking for help?”
“…”
So far, Gerald has maintained a style of simply being a creditor who replaced the debt, and he hasn’t involved himself in the management policies or decisions of the Einzweir Trading Company.
(“I’m the one providing the money, so you should follow my orders! I’ll decide the future of the company!” …Gerald doesn’t say things like that.)
He has a good impression from both parents. His whimsical behavior seems to be directed only towards Ruru.
(Maybe if I ask, Gerald might lend a hand… But I don’t really want to rely on him too much.)
Not because of any Ambitious pressure, but because she wants to avoid becoming entirely dependent on Gerald for money, work, and everything else. However, there’s nothing in place to replace that.
Feeling the weight of her family’s expectations,
Ruru reluctantly nodded and said, “Don’t expect too much.”
After concluding the Einzweir family meeting, Ruru walked quickly through the town to return to the Marquis’s mansion.
Her father offered to escort her all the way to the mansion, but she declined, stating that it was still bright and she could manage. There seemed to be a sense of guilt about the situation where his daughter, Ruru, was forced to work for the sake of the debt. In any household, it wouldn’t be strange for a daughter around her age to be close to marriage.
(Almost all of my friends are already in relationships…)
Some of her friends married into middle-class families, while others became wives in lower-ranking noble households.
They apologized, saying, “We know the Einzweir family is struggling with debt, but we can’t afford to get involved with the troubles of our parents or in-laws. I’m sorry.” What they said was reasonable, and she didn’t blame them. It’s just that…
Lost in thought, Ruru wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings. She accidentally bumped into a man passing by.
Although it was Ruru who bumped into the man,
“Whoa!”
“Are you okay?”
Due to the difference in size, Ruru lost her balance. The man quickly caught her, pulling her into a brief embrace to support her.
“Sorry, miss. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Uh, I’m sorry…”
Feeling flustered by the unexpected closeness to a stranger, Ruru apologized.
He was a young man of good upbringing, tall and well-dressed in a well-fitted jacket. He had soft brown hair and a gentle demeanor. Unlike Gerald’s dazzling beauty, he exuded an elegant and reassuring presence.
For some reason, this person was staring intently at Ruru.
“Um…?”
“…Could it be, Ruru-chan…?”
“Huh?”
“Oh, it is you! Ruru-chan from the Einzweir Trading Company!”
(Who was this again?)
The young man gave a bitter smile at Ruru’s confusion, wondering if he might be a son of one of their business partners.
“…It’s understandable. It’s been quite a while since we graduated, and I’ve changed quite a bit too… I was in the same class as Roy. Roy Coldsmyth. Do you remember?”
“………. Oh! Coldsmyth Trading Company!”
She remembered the family name rather than Roy’s face. Coldsmyth Trading Company was, in a sense, a rival trading company specializing in furniture. They had no significant interaction, both in terms of work and private matters. Ruru was surprised that Roy remembered her.
“It’s been a while, Ruru-chan. Uh, I heard things are tough at the trading company. Are you okay?”
“Oh, yeah. Um, thanks for your concern.”
It seemed that there was already some understanding between the two trading companies. Ruru briefly explained her recent experiences to Roy, assuming that information about Garanshia Marquis’s family helping with the debt would leak from somewhere. She honestly shared that she was currently seeking refuge at Gerald’s residence.
“Gerald, you mean, Gerald Philly!? Ah, was it Philly a fake name…?”
“Yes, that’s right. That Gerald. I’m employed as a maid by him.”
“A maid!?”
Roy was left speechless. Back when they were in school, Ruru’s family was considered affluent. It was hard for Roy to believe that Ruru was now working as a maid.
“…I’ve heard that Coldsmyth Trading Company is doing well. Will Mr. Roy eventually succeed?”
Trying not to sound too ironic, Ruru inquired about Roy’s situation. As Einzweir Trading Company declined, Coldsmyth Trading Company seemed to be on the rise. There were rumors that they had hired several former artisans from Einzweir.
“Mr….? Don’t use such formal titles. Call me Roy, like you did when we were kids!”
Perhaps sensing the subtle concern and tension in Ruru’s expression, Roy hastily responded. While they weren’t on such familiar terms to address each other casually, Roy figured that if Ruru, who had fallen on hard times, started calling him “Mr….,” it might be taken as a sign of resentment. Gratefully, she agreed to be call Roy.
“What are you up to these days, Roy?”
“I’m studying to take over the trading company. My younger brother is still too young, so if things go well, I might take over in a few more years. That’s why I have a say in things…”
Looking straight into Ruru’s eyes, Roy continued.
“Ruru-chan, if you want, come to our place.”
“Huh?”
“Do you really have to work as a maid because of the debt… Ruru-chan, your talent is too wasted! You used to be a lively and talented girl at Einzweir Trading Company. It’s too much to see you working under such a nasty guy!”
A nasty guy…
“Oh, but his behavior has improved compared to when we were kids…”
“That’s natural! There are nobles who act like angels outside but treat their servants like tyrants inside their homes!”
Roy seemed genuinely worried for her well-being. For him, Gerald left the impression of a relentless and unforgiving person who seemed to engage in fights regularly and beat up opponents. Learning that Ruru was complying with him triggered some unpleasant imaginations.
“The money you owe that guy… I’ll find a way to cover it. So, come to our place right away.”
“Wait, calm down a bit. I’ll be fine. It’s not as bad as you think…”
She chose to keep silent about the harassment of maids and orders. If she closed her eyes to that, there was no other place that would pay her a daily wage of thirty thousand. She was provided with daily necessities, and the meals were more than sufficient.
“I’m gradually managing to repay the money, and most importantly, I have the intention to repay it properly. So, I don’t think it’s necessary for Roy to lend me money. It wouldn’t be good if the creditor changed here and there.”
“I have no intention of creating a debt for you…”
“But Coldsmyth Trading Company is still under your father’s control, right? If the successor starts misusing money on their own, won’t your father get angry?”
Smiling as if scolding a small child, Roy still seemed unsatisfied. It appeared that Gerald’s impression was particularly unfavorable.
“Well then, let’s cooperate to help you repay the debt.”
“Cooperate?”
“Yeah, we’ll feature Einzweir Trading Company’s products in our sales channels. It might end up as a kind of joint development or working under our umbrella. Our trading company has strong connections with nobles, and contracts are easy to secure. That way, it could contribute to repaying your debt.”
I see.
Einzweir Trading Company’s reputation had already declined. They would essentially be using Coldsmyth Trading Company’s name for business. …It might not be a bad idea.
Roy’s proposal excited Ruru’s thoughts.
“Can I discuss this with my father? And also, I should at least talk to Gerald…”
“Of course. Take your time to think about it. …Sorry, I would have liked to have a cup of tea and chat more, but I have a meeting scheduled after this… I’ll contact you again. Looking forward to a positive response.”
Saying so, Roy left with a brisk wave. The refreshing scent of cologne lingered in the air.