ELND Chapter 54

Chapter 54

 I Hope You Understand My True Intentions

I had to spend a long while standing at the wide-open window, letting the mountain breeze wash over my face.

It was to help cool the heat that had filled my cheeks.

“Cedric, why did you have to say something unnecessary…”

Cedric had stepped outside again shortly after arriving at the cabin, having received a message from Chief Devon. It was a summons to discuss matters for the benefit of the village.

Left alone, I scolded Cedric silently and tried to calm my restless feelings.

Only after some time, when the heat in my cheeks had subsided a little, did I recall the words Cedric had left me before leaving:

“If you want to help the villagers, go near the community hall. They gather there daily to work together.”

He had also reminded me to return to the cabin immediately if the villagers behaved rudely. It seemed Cedric had noticed that these people might glare at me.

“They’ll probably dislike me if I go, but I’ve come this far, so I should at least try.”

Stepping out of the cabin, I walked along the quiet path, savoring the calm. The chirping birds and the fresh, crisp air seemed to clear my mind.

But that calm was brief.

The closer I got to the village center, the more I could feel piercing eyes on me.

“Who does she think she is, coming to our village?”

“Seriously! How shameless!”

Some stomped in frustration from afar, while others glared with dangerous farming tools in hand.

Although I had done nothing wrong, all I felt was unfairness at the harsh glares and words.

I wanted to unleash a torrent of words at Rebecca, who had lived a life deserving of such scorn.

But the real Rebecca, who deserved to be blamed, had long since disappeared, leaving mountains of trash behind for me to deal with.

“Sigh… who else am I to blame but myself, now that I’m in her body?”

All I could do was accept the blame and pretend not to notice the glares and accusations.

Hiding my fear, I walked alone for a while.

Finally, in the distance, the village hall came into view, and there was Mina, waiting for me in front of it.

A sigh of relief slipped from my lips.

“Your Highness!”

Mina spotted me and ran over, grinning. Other maids accompanied her.

“Where’s the Grand Duke? You were in the cabin together until now, right? Just the two of you?”

Other maids crowded around me, eagerly firing questions.

“What have you two been doing all this time?”

“You’ve been heading to the cabin for quite a while!”

In their eyes was a sparkle of inexplicable anticipation.

I pursed my lips at their giggling.

“Stop saying useless things. By the way, have you all been here without me? Especially you, Mina. I feel a little left out.”

Mina bit her lips, imagining something she shouldn’t.

“Oh… you had a better time without us!”

Her cheeks flushed red as she twisted her body in embarrassment.

I shook my head and looked toward the village hall.

“Did you all come to help with village work too?”

Among the nodding maids, Mina answered brightly, as always:

“Yes! We’re not strangers here. Everyone’s busy, so we wanted to help too!”

Her bright smile began to falter as she seemed to sense something foreboding.

She exchanged uneasy glances with the other maids, then slowly looked at me.

“By the way… Your Highness, what brings you here?”

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Clack! Thud—!

The sound of fish being chopped echoed through the workshop.

As expected, the people inside didn’t look pleased to see me.

They grumbled for a while, then ignored me and resumed their work.

The work was cleaning and preparing fish caught from the sea below the cliffs for sale—a major source of livelihood for Grayzone Village, situated between the mountains and the sea.

“Your Highness… are you really okay?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

I turned my head casually, noticing the maids’ worried expressions.

“Someone who’s never done this in their life… actually came here themselves…”

“You’re not going to faint, are you? Wait, no! Let’s just go out now!”

The village women seemed to think the same, all turning sharply toward me.

“Exactly! Don’t interfere! Someone who’s never touched water in their life is handling fish. It’s lucky if nothing happens!”

“It’d be so embarrassing if she fainted here in front of the Grand Duchess!”

The villagers clearly didn’t trust the Grand Duchess Rebecca to help.

I let out a small, amused smile.

In my previous life, my husband was incompetent not just outdoors but with household chores, so I ended up doing everything alone.

“There’s no way someone like me would faint from cleaning fish.”

Ignoring the worried glances, I moved to the center of the workshop and lifted my dress to sit on an empty work chair.

All eyes were on me, but I ignored them and grabbed a fish with my bare hands.

“Do I start with this one?”

The workshop went silent in shock.

“Your Highness, don’t! You really can’t do this!”

“Please, esteemed Duchess! Step away from the table…”

Despite the protests and warnings, I raised the heavy knife without hesitation.

Thud—!

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“Did… Your Highness really do all this herself?”

Forewoman Jacqueline dropped her jaw in disbelief. She had been the loudest to tell me to leave earlier.

Seeing the basket piled high with cleaned fish, she examined each one carefully.

“She probably just pretended to do it…”

She inspected each fish, clearly doubting my work.

After a long moment, she blinked in surprise.

“How… how did you… learn to do this?”

I gave her a wry smile.

‘Try living with a husband who was useless at even basic cooking… and see if you can handle it.’

I held back the words, smiling politely.

“Well… maybe it’s just a natural talent?”

The gathered villagers could no longer hide their astonishment.

“Did the Duchess really do all this herself? That’s enough for three days’ worth!”

“Oh my! Her skills are much better than yours, look at that.”

“…You really thought that of me?”

They whispered among themselves but looked away when meeting my eyes. Only my maids openly admired me.

“Is there anything you can’t do, Your Highness?”

“With her help, the village will profit much more this time,” Mina whispered to Jacqueline.

Jacqueline gave me a wary but somewhat grateful glance.

“Whatever talent you’re born with… you did well for your first time, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Jacqueline.”

Jacqueline tossed the fish back into the basket and continued:

“But don’t think this will make us forgive you.”

“….”

“All of us, once considered elites, are here cleaning fish…”

“….”

“…because of you, Grand Duchess.”

Jacqueline crossed her arms, clearly displeased. The same went for the other villagers.

“Do you know how proud my parents were when I became the Twins family’s aide?”

“You didn’t just take our jobs!”

Despite their complaints, their expressions were slightly softened compared to before.

I nodded slowly.

“I understand that such acts alone cannot earn forgiveness. I do not think the harm I’ve caused you is minor.”

The villagers exchanged glances.

“I only did this because I truly wanted to help. And the foundation I established…”

The workshop fell silent, all eyes on me.

“I started it all to help you.”

I bowed my head slowly.

“So please, I hope you understand my true intentions.”

The sudden gesture caused a stir. Mina grabbed my arm in alarm.

“Your Highness! You can’t do this! Bowing to the staff you once worked with!”

Ignoring them, I continued:

“I know apologies are not enough…”

“….”

“But as the mistress of the Twins family, I wanted to sincerely apologize for realizing my responsibilities too late.”

The workshop buzzed again.

Jacqueline’s feet moved toward the door, preparing to leave.

“What are you all waiting for? Finish up and prepare for the next task!”

Her voice echoed loudly.

‘I knew it wouldn’t be easy…’

Jacqueline’s voice rang again:

“Even if we’re mad, she’s still the mistress of the Twins family. We should at least have a welcoming feast!”