Before Avril could clear up the misunderstanding, the maid grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

“I heard that you’re a daughter of a fallen nobleman. You’ve must have had it difficult…”

“—!?”

Although she mistook me for someone else, my family did collapse recently…!

As the unexpected similarity she had with the new hire caught Avril by surprise, the laundry maid went on.

“It’s alright. While some members of the staff working at the separate building may be rude, we are all willing to teach you everything you need to know. That’s why, even if you’re a sheltered girl with silky smooth hands—huh…? Wait, this is…”

“Uhm, I know how to do laundry?”

Perhaps, the laundry maid felt Avril’s hand was a bit different from what she expected. Avril’s response only added to her confusion.

“…I-is that so? Nevertheless, you can’t afford to be late again! A good first impression is important at your place of employment. Keep that in mind!”

“M-my apologies!”

“Oh, my. When I heard that the newcomer was a young lady from a noble lady, I thought we were in trouble. More so when she didn’t even show up on time, but it seems that I was mistaken!”

…I-I replied without thinking.

Yet, by the time she realized it, she had a feeling that it was already too late.

Somehow, she was able to grasp the situation. A new servant was scheduled to come to the separate building of the Duke of Lancester’s separate residence that day, a sheltered daughter of a recently fallen aristocrat.

However, no matter how long the laundry maid waited, the new hire never came. Just when she was thought to have run away, Avril coincidentally appeared wearing a slightly worn-out dress.

It seems like all the circumstances coincided. If only I hadn’t insisted on wearing my favorite and comfy dress… I should’ve listened to Grace.

While Avril regretted her behavior, the laundry maid seemed to have taken a liking to her.

“I’m Jesenia, I work as a laundry maid in the separate building. I’ll teach you everything you need to know. You have a good hand.”

“No, I—”

As expected, she had to rectify the situation. However, Jesenia seemed to be the type to make assumptions.

“I know, you must be Clarissa.”

“No, my name is Avril.”

“Uh-huh, that must be your baptismal name. I heard you come from a religious family. You must be reluctant to lose your family name. Don’t worry, this is a great place to work! With the lord’s help, you can even live inside!”

“…!?”

T-the lord’s help, is it…?

Again, she wanted to clear up the misunderstandings, but she was too shocked to do so.

“Of course, I’m not interested in that perverted geezer. But I have a good life here! Not only do I have my own room, I am also given pocket money many times more my salary!”

“…”

The level of misunderstanding is simply unfathomable…

However, seeing that Jesenia remained unperturbed, that seemed to be a daily conversation in the separate building.

When Avril was too dazed to answer, Jesenia peered into her face.

“Oh, you’re quite nice-looking! As expected of a noble lady! If you want to win the geezer’s favor and lead a wealthy life, then you’re already set!”

“—!? No, I…”

“I see, you don’t like the idea. In that case, be careful. He has a penchant for innocent and ladylike women…”

“!?!? Okay!”

She reflexively replied, but she was already feeling anxious about staying there. No wonder Dylan especially made time to accompany her to the separate building, even though he was supposed to be busy after returning for the first time in a while.

The lord of this house—Lord Dylan’s father—likes women who’re the opposite of a villainess. I didn’t expect that. Also, why do I feel like things are getting out of hands?

Just like that, a large washing tub appeared in front of Avril who was staring off into space.

---

***T/N: thANKfuLLY AvRIl iS eXPEriENceD

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