TEWRIT 85

Chapter 85 

“See? That’s why I told them not to go in!”

Despite her gentle appearance, Eliano had a very sensitive nature. Back at the Rosana Ducal House, the maids always had to walk on eggshells whenever they entered her room.

She was such a light sleeper that even quiet whispers could wake her up. And if she was in a bad mood or really tired, she would glare or even kick them out.

But once someone learned her habits and patterns, she was actually easy to care for. Some maids used to complain that she was too picky. Even Lavender would grumble about how draining it was to constantly read her mood. Jane had been nervous in the beginning too—but now, taking care of Eliano was second nature.

Eliano glanced around. Some of the luggage had already been unpacked. I told them to wait… Judging by how upset she was, the maids must’ve been chatting noisily, not just unpacking.

“Get out!”

Eliano shouted, and the three maids left with frightened faces. Jane quickly stepped forward and bowed her head.

“I’m sorry, My Lady.”

Seeing Jane, Eliano’s expression softened a little.

“Jane… I just want to sleep in peace.”

In a place full of unfamiliar people rustling and whispering, Eliano couldn’t relax. Back at the inn or in Flint’s manor, she had felt safe because Flint was nearby—but this place still felt too unfamiliar, even if it was his home.

“For now, you’ll be the only one to assist me closely.”

Even in the Rosana household, Eliano had only allowed one maid to touch her food or clothing. Once she got to know someone and trusted them, she allowed more personal service.

“Yes, My Lady. I understand. Please rest. I’ll stay by your side.”

Finally, Eliano closed her eyes, able to relax.

Even after sleeping quite a while, Eliano’s body still felt heavy. She was still tired. It must’ve been because she hadn’t adjusted to the new place yet.

Still half-asleep, Eliano let Jane help her dress.

The other maids were still in one corner, rustling as they organized things. Eliano suddenly missed the quiet maids from the Rosana household. Those girls had been carefully chosen by Miller to serve in her room.

Jane often had to tell these new maids to stop being so loud. They’d glare at her every time.

From her mirror, Eliano noticed their little standoff and gestured for Jane to come over. Jane quickly stepped in to help tidy Eliano’s outfit.

After Jane finished placing a butterfly-shaped hairpin, Eliano rose from her seat. One of the maids hurried over to open the door.

Holding Jane’s hand, Eliano walked slowly, her face still clearly tired. Jane whispered with concern,

“Are you sure you want to go downstairs? His Grace said it’s fine to dine in your room.”

“It’s our first day here. I can’t do that.”

The servants they passed bowed politely—but their curious gazes weren’t subtle at all.

They were clearly competent workers from the heart of the North, but since the duke had been gone for a long time, they lacked delicacy. Jane felt embarrassed. What kind of high-ranking servants stare like this…?

But Eliano was used to being looked at, judged, and gossiped about. As long as there wasn’t any hostility, she didn’t care.

As she held Jane’s hand and walked down the stairs, she spotted Flint. Just seeing him made her feel a little more at ease. She took the hand he offered. Jane stepped back silently.

“I should’ve just had the meal brought to your room,” Flint said, seeing how tired she looked.

“It’s my first meal as the Grand Duchess of Howard. I couldn’t do that.”

Eliano missed the last two steps without realizing, and her foot slipped—but Flint quickly caught her by the waist, helping her land safely.

“Do you want to go back to your room?”

“No, I think I need a little movement.”

“You still look tired.”

Flint gently escorted her to the dining room.

“I’m not sure if northern food will suit your taste,” he said.

Northern cuisine had a stronger flavor compared to the capital’s. Maybe it was because of their proximity to Zacador—they used a lot of spices. Flint wasn’t picky about food, but he did prefer bolder tastes. He even brought northern spices with him when he visited the capital because he found their food too bland.

“I asked them to make it as mild as possible…”

His voice trailed off. Come to think of it, he didn’t know Eliano’s preferences yet.

The head chef of Howard Manor had struggled to make the food less spicy and less salty. Then what are they supposed to taste like?! he’d cried.

But Eliano, having lived for years in Zacador, was already used to strong spices. She was actually excited to try the bold northern food.

In her past life, when she was extremely stressed, she often calmed herself by eating spicy food. She’d pile on red pepper flakes, and Vivian would make a horrified face.

I wonder if this life’s Vivian also hates spicy food…?
Laran used to love it…

Suddenly thinking of her past-life friends made Eliano feel a little sad.

Just as Flint was about to say something, the food was brought out.

Eliano took a bite and her lips parted slightly in surprise. The food really was spicy—just like she’d heard.

But she loved it. Ever since returning to the past, she’d found the capital’s food bland—now even more so.

Her face lit up, and Flint looked relieved. It seemed to suit her.

Relaxing, Flint took a bite of his own meal. But as soon as the food touched his tongue, he froze. Why does this taste… flavorless?

“What’s wrong?” Eliano asked.

“…I think mine isn’t seasoned.”

He picked up a piece and handed it to Gilbert. Gilbert tasted it and froze too. With an apologetic look, he said,

“I’m terribly sorry. It seems your meal and Her Grace’s were swapped…”

He turned pale when he realized Eliano had eaten Flint’s meal.

“V-Viscountess… are you all right?”

Flint preferred his food even stronger than most northerners. The family doctor Morgan used to warn him it would destroy his stomach—but Flint’s body had no issues at all. The old man even called him a research subject.

“You didn’t have to force yourself to eat it.”

Flint looked concerned. Some people from the capital couldn’t handle northern food at all. And even among northerners, Flint’s taste was extreme.

“It’s delicious. It’s like fire spreading across my tongue—in a good way.”

Her face was calm. Flint looked doubtful.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Why would I eat food I didn’t like? I’m serious.”

Eliano smiled softly and took another bite. Flint laughed.

“Everyone says I eat too spicy, but it seems I’ve finally found someone who agrees with me.”

The meals were quietly swapped, and their first dinner at Howard Manor ended in warmth and laughter. The head chef was thrilled to hear that the Grand Duchess shared the Duke’s spicy palate. After that, Eliano always finished her meals without a single complaint.

The next day, Eliano met the managers of Howard Manor. She was surprised to learn there were only seven—including Gilbert. At the Rosana estate, they had four butlers alone.

“These people stayed behind when my parents went to Zacador. They’ve protected the manor ever since. They’ll serve you with the same loyalty,” Flint explained.

Just like he said, the elder managers bowed politely. Eliano watched them quietly.

There are too few managers. Too few servants too. Can they even prepare a wedding this quickly?

She looked at the managers again. All of them were elderly, but firm and dignified. No wonder they had held the manor for 30 years without a master.

“Do they also manage the annex?”

“They do.”

It was impressive that they could maintain such a large manor with so few people. But the hidden parts of the house surely weren’t in great condition. It was obvious they focused on the places that Flint used or that visitors would see.

Eliano had once “accidentally” walked down the wrong corridor—and a manager had run after her in a panic. She’d seen thick dust covering old decorations. That kind of thing would’ve never been tolerated in the Rosana estate.

The Howard manor felt like it had been frozen in time—stuck 30 years ago. It was elegant, but old-fashioned. She wanted to renovate it. The house was sturdy enough—just changing the old tapestries and carpets would transform the mood.

She glanced at Flint. Does he have enough money? He’s the lord of the North—surely he’s not broke. Still, I should check the budget.

After sending the other managers away, she kept Gilbert behind.

“Have you already set the wedding budget?”

Flint blinked.

“If you give me the total, I’ll manage within that amount. If it’s not enough, I’ll use my private funds. So please approve that too.”

“There’s no need to use your own money. Just tell me what you need—I’ll provide it.”

His cheerful answer made Eliano smirk playfully.

“What if I bankrupt the Howard family the moment I arrive?”

Flint laughed like it was the funniest joke he’d heard.