Chapter 6
“This is a serious problem.”
At the same time Evelyn and Cassian were talking, there were others secretly listening in.
Head Maid Sophia and Butler Sebastian.
“It is my fault for lacking virtue. Since everyone refused to become the young lady’s personal maid, I had no choice but to push it onto those two girls.”
“It’s alright. From the moment the young lady arrived at the ducal estate, we knew unpredictable events would occur.”
Sebastian, whose family had served the House of Hetis for generations, comforted Sophia and focused on the voices coming through the artifact.
—By the way, dear. Where are the account books?
When Evelyn had dismissed Mary and Rose, Sophia had instructed them to leave the brooch behind just in case.
And as expected—something shocking was happening.
“Do you think her memory has returned?”
“If she’s acting, then it’s very likely her memory has returned.”
She had asked about the account books in such an innocent tone.
If she intended to dig through the Hetis family’s information, this was entirely possible.
Sensing danger, Sebastian stiffened as he considered how to handle the situation.
Then Cassian’s calm voice came through the artifact.
—The butler keeps the account books safely.
His tone was gentle but firm.
Cassian had refused politely without offending her.
But immediately after, Evelyn responded—
—Really? Then I should call Sebastian.
She sounded ready to summon him at once.
Cassian seemed to stop her, but their conversation continued.
—There’s no need. Sebastian has managed them for a long time in place of my mother.
—That may be true for your mother, but I’m different. The account books are usually managed by the lady of the house.
Though they were speaking calmly, it seemed only a matter of time before she would lose her temper.
If she truly was the Witch of the North, she would shout, “Do you not trust me?”
But something unexpected happened.
—Cassian, I know you may not trust me, but could you give me a chance? I am the Duchess of Hetis. I may have neglected my duties while bedridden, but from now on I want to fulfill my responsibilities properly.
Instead of exploding in anger, Evelyn spoke softly and persuasively.
She even offered a new solution.
—I haven’t seen the account books yet, so I can’t be sure, but I have a short-term solution for the financial difficulties.
—A short-term solution?
—Yes. Raise taxes. More precisely, adjust them based on categories.
She explained that applying equal taxes to everyone would be unreasonable.
Instead, taxes should be collected by considering income, production volume, and product categories.
She even mentioned comparisons with other regions.
—Compared to other areas, the South collects relatively low taxes. Increasing certain categories slightly would be reasonable.
It was a logical argument.
Cassian had already considered similar measures, such as imposing special levies on luxury goods or unethical businesses.
It almost felt as if Evelyn had read his mind.
“She may not be what we thought,” Sophia murmured.
“Perhaps.”
According to rumors, Evelyn was cruel and vicious.
If she wanted something, she would cause a scene to get it.
But now—
“She looks like the model of a noble lady.”
Sophia was right.
She appeared dignified and capable.
“Now that I think about it, I’ve never personally witnessed her committing any evil acts.”
“She questioned the maids, but any duchess would first try to understand the situation.”
Sometimes gentle, sometimes strict.
A duchess needed both warmth and authority.
If only one side was shown, she would be looked down upon.
Ironically, Evelyn seemed to possess both qualities.
Sebastian, without thinking, muttered honestly—
“If only she weren’t the viscount’s lover.”
Though they were listening carefully to find fault, they found themselves persuaded instead.
“You never know about relationships between men and women,” Sophia said. “If you think about it, there were very few direct sightings of the viscount and the young lady together.”
“But many claimed to have seen them.”
“And weren’t most of those people supporters of the North?”
Sebastian was startled by her sharp remark.
A new thought crossed his mind.
Could her engagement to Viscount Hetus have been a way to avoid marrying the emperor?
Of course, his loyalty belonged to his lord.
If the rumors attached to Evelyn were false—
Ahem. I’m imagining too much. I can’t lower my guard toward someone under surveillance.
He had to remain objective.
“Ahem. I smell something delicious. It seems lunch is ready. I’ll go ahead.”
Sebastian quickly left, walking faster than usual.
I can’t let His Grace stay alone in the office with her for too long!
As the butler of the House of Hetis, I must protect my lord.
So—
“Lunch is prepared. Please come down to the second floor.”
If they’re going to argue, they can do it in the dining room!
***
Scrape. Slice.
The quiet sounds echoed through the dining room.
Cassian, who had been silent, turned his gaze toward the source.
Evelyn was cutting meat herself.
“Dear, is this thickness alright?”
“It’s fine.”
More specifically, she was slicing jamón into thin pieces.
Normally, that was the chef’s job.
But—
“Oh!”
“Chef!”
The chef, who had been carrying the large hind leg, stumbled and injured his hand and back.
Thankfully, Head Maid Sophia quickly caught the precious ham before it hit the floor.
“The Black Label jamón is safe.”
“Could someone ask if I’m safe too? Ugh!”
The chef tried to stand and continue working, but the pain made it impossible.
So Evelyn stepped forward.
They could have called another expert to carve it.
“No! This is too precious to leave to someone else.”
With a fierce look, she refused to let anyone take it from her.
Cassian and the servants could only watch.
Isn’t this something only professionals should do?
But then something surprising happened.
Slice. Chop.
Her knife skills were extraordinary.
Even though it seemed to be her first time holding such a long carving knife, she handled it smoothly and precisely, as if the blade were an extension of her body.
“Oh my! The marbling is perfect!”
“And it’s sliced so thin it almost looks transparent!”
She adjusted the fat ratio of each section carefully, slicing the Black Label jamón into thin, even pieces.
She looked like a knight cutting down enemies on a battlefield.
It was rude to think so, but it felt as if a powerful aura was emanating from her.
When she finished, Evelyn placed a proper portion of jamón on Cassian’s plate.
She also handed some to the servants.
“Everyone, try some.”
“Yes, Madam!”
They quickly tasted it.
Judging by their expressions of awe, the carving was flawless.
“What do you think, dear?”
“It’s delicious.”
Not just polite praise.
It truly was.
She had the skill of someone who appreciated fine cuisine.
But something bothered him.
Why does she give off such presence?
Cassian felt something like a knight’s aura from her.
She was supposed to be an innocent woman with no memories.
Then why did she feel like a seasoned warrior?
For a brief moment, he even imagined someone else’s swordsmanship overlapping with her movements.
Without realizing it, Cassian grabbed her hand.
“Dear?”
