I became the contracted maid of the (villainous) Duke due to personal circumstances - Chapter 4.2

Returning to the Garanshia Marquis’s residence, Ruru was greeted by Orian and Harriet.

The two, positioned in a servant’s corridor, looked Ruru up and down.

“Well, it’s not bad.”

“Yes, it’s neither flashy nor plain. This should be fine. How about fixing your hair a bit?”

“Right! Ruru, turn around a bit.”

“Huh, what…?”

They placed some hair accessory, like a barrette, in her hair. Perplexed, Ruru was gently pushed back in the direction she came from.

“Um, I just got back, you know…?”

Since the incident on Eighth Street, she had become close friends with Harriet, and Orian, who got along well with her, now sported a lukewarm smile, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright.”

When Ruru was brought to the back entrance, Gerald appeared before her – strangely dressed in a casual shirt and a vest, with only the appearance of common folk. His silver hair seemed to be concealed as he wore a hunting cap.

The two who had guided Ruru to Gerald bowed respectfully.

“Safely return, Lord Gerald.”

“You’ve worked hard. Let’s go, Ruru.”

“…Go? Where are we going?”

Gerald took Ruru’s bewildered hand and started walking. It wasn’t exactly a stroll holding hands—it was more like that. Adjusting his hunting cap, Gerald declared, “It’s a date.”

“A date!?”

“Thinking about it, proposing right after we reunited might have been a bit too abrupt. Having some time to interact like this isn’t a bad idea, right?”

“Well, yes. Ordinary men and women go on dates. But, there’s a difference between agreeing to a proper invitation and being forcibly dragged like this.”

It seemed Harriet and Orian had captured Ruru as per Gerald’s instructions.

Despite Ruru’s discontent, Gerald remained confident.

“Are you not interested in a bonus?”

“I’m off today.”

“In that case, I’ll throw in extra pay for your day off.”

With that offer, there was no reason for Ruru to refuse. Gerald grinned in triumph, saying, “No complaints, then.”

“Where are we going? If you’re dressed so casually, it’s not some high-end place, right?”

“Ah, do you often visit the Fourth Avenue?”

“Fourth Avenue… not really. I heard that area is frequented by nobles in disguise, isn’t it?”

“It’s easily accessible from the upscale residential area on Second Avenue, and I heard there are many boutiques and cafes for enjoyable window shopping. When it comes to a date in the city, Fourth Avenue is the quintessential spot.

“There’s a shop that I’ve heard good reviews from the young ladies, and I’ve been wanting to visit it.”

“…Then, wouldn’t it have been better to go with that young ladies?”

“Oh, are you feeling jealous?”

“It’s not like that. I just thought those young ladies might have wanted to go on a date with you.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not the kind of frivolous man who goes on a date with anyone.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Even though she wasn’t jealous, Gerald somehow managed to tease her. Frowning, Ruru protested, and Gerald confidently chuckled, saying, “It wouldn’t make sense to go there without you.”

“Wow~! It’s so cute~!”

Ruru approached the display shelves with sparkling eyes.

The place Gerald brought her to was a dollhouse store. It was a small and cozy shop, with shelves displaying miniature landscapes resembling houses and rooms.

There was a “Bedroom” with a neatly arranged bed, a “Girl’s Room” adorned with lace and flower-patterned fabrics, and a “Closet Room” containing a variety of tiny dresses. The scenes were diverse and captivating, creating a miniature showroom.

“This is amazing! How can something so small be crafted so intricately?! This closet, with its trendy roof-style embellishments and the attention to detail, even using glossy varnish for a polished finish, shows a level of dedication that I appreciate.”

It wasn’t a plaything for children’s make-believe but rather a collectible enjoyed by adult women. While the price might be on the higher side, it would be irresistible for those who love such things. It made sense that it was a popular spot secretly visited by noblewomen.

“It’s really cute… I could watch this forever.”

Entranced, she continued to gaze at the dollhouse.

“Feel free to look as much as you want. I’ve reserved this time just for us.”

“Reserved… Wait, you did? Just for us!?”

“It’s not a big deal. I thought it would be better if we could take our time and enjoy it.”

“You like this kind of thing, don’t you?”

“Yes, I love it! I really do!”

Feeling caught up in the moment, she responds enthusiastically.

In response to her enthusiasm, Gerald blinks and says with a smile, “I thought so.” His gentle smile which made her heart race involuntarily.

(Oh no… I’m so simple-minded!)

Even though Gerald teased her, the moment they entered the store, she couldn’t contain her excitement and started talking non-stop. Surprisingly, Gerald receives her enthusiastic chatter with a calm and tolerant demeanor.

“Oh, thank you. I mean, for bringing me to a place like this.”

“It’s not a big deal. I just wanted to go out with you. You seem to be working hard in an unfamiliar workplace, and I figured you’ve been under a lot of stress at home. If this helps you relax, then it’s good.”

A warm smile followed by gentle words, and her heart skipped a beat once again. Despite knowing his mischievous nature, she couldn’t help but feel excited. It was frustrating! She struggled with her emotions, silently cursing herself. Surely, he was just teasing her again. While thinking that,

(He takes me to places that make me happy, and he even shouldered my debt… He’s a kind person, isn’t he?)

She started to realize that, despite his teasing, he wasn’t a bad person. In fact, she couldn’t be grateful enough for everything he had done for her. People around her would often wonder, “What dissatisfaction could you possibly have with him as a potential marriage partner?”

(But still, why can’t I just accept Gerald’s kindness openly?)

(I wonder if I’m just being stubborn, or is it because of that kiss from our childhood that I’m holding onto?)

(No, it’s different. There must be some other reason why I should dislike this guy so much…)

“This mantelpiece looks similar to the one in our townhouse.”

It seemed Gerald thought that Ruru had become silent out of embarrassment. Relieved that he provided an easy topic, Ruru quickly joined the conversation.

“It’s the one in the drawing-room. The carved details do look similar, I suppose.”

“Are the silverware genuine silver? It’s quite intricately reproduced…”)

On the wooden mantelpiece, there was a small candlestick, and silverware with small wooden fruits arranged on it. As they were talking, the discreetly waiting lady of the shop approached them with a polite voice. She seemed to be the owner’s wife.

“The silverware is an alloy, but we commission skilled craftsmen for the silverware production itself.”

“Really… Skilled craftsmen also do this kind of work?”

“At first, we made them by processing wood and applying finishes, but as it gained popularity among the nobility, they started seeking more authenticity. That’s when the Coldsmyth Company introduced us to skilled craftsmen.”

“The Coldsmyth Company…!”

“I’m impressed by the way they create connections and their business methods.”

“Indeed, they seem to be quite skilled in business.”

As the conversation naturally led to this point, and considering Roy’s earlier statement about having many connections, it seemed like a good opportunity for Ruru to bring up the topic with Gerald.

“Oh, by the way, Roy from the Coldsmyth Company suggested something to me. He proposed putting products from the Einzweir Company onto the sales channels of the Coldsmyth Company. I thought it could be a good opportunity to repay my debts sooner. What do you think?”

“When did that discussion happen?”

“Actually, it just happened a little while ago. I met him unexpectedly before returning to the mansion. I want to consider this opportunity to expedite the debt repayment.”

Gerald looked thoughtful.

“Einzweir House had apparently declined assistance from Count Damian,” he said.

“Yes, that’s right. Thanks to you, we’ve managed to sustain the company, but leveraging the connections of the Coldsmyth Company could help us acquire new customers. I’m not sure if it will generate enough profit to maintain the company or if it’ll just be a supplement for debt repayment. However, considering the future of our company, I think it’s a good opportunity.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll figure something out. I didn’t intend to meddle in the management affairs, but rather than seeking help from another company, I’d prefer to introduce some nobles who might be interested. Is that okay?”

“…”

What is it?

A feeling of “that’s not it” swirled within Ruru.

If Gerald could handle the introductions, there was no need to involve Roy, and Thomas had suggested using Gerald’s connections as well.

“But… if possible, I want to secure jobs through our own efforts, not relying on your connections.”

“Your current job is my maid, isn’t it? Don’t waste time on futile things.”

Futile.

It felt like a punch to the head.

During today’s date, Ruru felt that the distance between her and Gerald had somehow diminished.

“Hmph. Well, if you insist, give it a try,” or “I hope you don’t end up crying to me after failing,” he might say something mean like that, but she expected him to at least agree. To have her concerns about the future of the company dismissed with a single word made Ruru tremble with anger.

“I’m sorry if calling it futile bothered you. But, that seemingly futile time is precious to me.”

“…Did the term ‘futile’ bother you? However, it would be a simple matter if you just relied on me.”

“I don’t want to rely on you completely.”

Depending on Gerald for everything, from funds to contracts, and not having any guarantee that he would help forever – what would she do if he eventually abandoned them? There’s no assurance that Gerald would be there to assist her family indefinitely. If he were a true marriage prospect, it might be a different story, but Ruru had no intention of accepting his proposal.

…That’s right, why couldn’t she believe in Gerald’s kindness so much? She remembered.

“Gerald Philly wanted me to tell Ruru, ‘Don’t take it seriously, you foolish girl’… What’s that all about?”

It was the day Gerald dropped out of school. Although there was no direct farewell to Ruru, he happened to leave a message for her through a student they encountered by chance.

Understanding what he said, Ruru’s blood boiled.

“Don’t take it seriously, you foolish girl.” In other words, it must mean something like, “I’m joking about marrying you, idiot.”

 “There’s no way I’d take that seriously! He’s really infuriating!” she wanted to retort, but the person she wanted to retort to had already disappeared from school.

Making arbitrary declarations and then disappearing on his own.

There’s no way she could trust someone like that.

“The affairs of the trading company will be dealt with outside of maid duties. That way, it won’t interfere with my work, and it shouldn’t be a bother to you, right?”

“Don’t you want to rely on me that much? All I can see is that this Coldsmyth Company or whatever it is will gradually take away the interests of the Einzweir house. Are you just being fooled by sweet words?”

“Fooled? I—”

“Just shut up and listen to what I say.”

“The discussion seemed to be closed with that statement, as if saying, ‘That’s the end of it.'”

Given his status as an investor, it’s only natural that Gerald has a strong say in the matter. However, feeling frustrated at being told it’s all pointless before even trying, Ruru persisted.

“…I’ll do anything, so please let me do it.”

“Oh? Anything?”

“I want to work as the daughter of the Einzweir house. Please, let me work with the Coldsmyth Company.”

“If you’ll do anything, how about a kiss? If you’re so ‘hateful’ toward me, you should be prepared to do something like that. I might allow it.”

A kiss.

This man is truly mocking her in every way. He probably thinks Ruru can’t do it and will give up by saying, “I can’t do that, I’m not stupid.”

Frustrated by the dismissive laughter at her plea, Ruru grabbed Gerald’s shirt.

She put her weight into it and pulled.

Stretching herself, she kissed the very edge of Gerald’s lips.

“…Men really don’t need more than a word or two, huh?”

Gerald was left dumbfounded.

“What are you doing, now?”

“If I give you a kiss, will you approve? Since there shouldn’t be any complaints now, I’d like to proceed with the discussion about the Coldsmyth Company. I’ll make sure it doesn’t interfere with my maid duties and work hard to repay the debt as soon as possible.”

“Hey, don’t mess around. You’re going this far just to go to that guy’s place?”

“I don’t want to go to Roy’s place. I just want to work in a way that benefits our company. I can’t trust you. When your mood changes is unpredictable. You might go back to how you used to be, insulting people.”

“Back to how I used to be? What are you talking about? Hey, Ruru!”

With an angry bow, Ruru swiftly left the shop. Gerald, who seemed genuinely disturbed for once, appeared to be saying something to stop her, but she paid no attention.

(Doing something like this just for a kiss…)

…Was I ever so emotionally distraught like I used to be? Ruru felt a bitter emotion.

T/N : it seems their is some misunderstanding between them and that letter is definitely suspicious