Avril, who had managed to help with the laundry and speak with the other maids, was led by Jesenia to the servants’ quarters.

“Jesenia, I want to excuse myself from here—”

“What!? It’s not like you know where your room is, so don’t be hesitant? Even if the room is small, it’s all yours! Just relax!”

“No, actually, my name is Avril—”

“—We’ve arrived! These are our quarters. Quite nice, isn’t it?”

This is a problem. She doesn’t even recognize my name.

At the same time, it felt like déjà vu…

In the beginning, given her position as a villainess, Avril hesitated to come forward, but that seemed to be her last hope.

Thus, she took a chance.

…As expected, Jesenia glossed over it and then opened the door right before them.

“This place is…?”

“This will be your room from now on, Clarissa! Compared to when you were an aristocratic lady, it may be small and no bigger than a closet, but it’s still a private room. Today is your first day, yet you’ve performed spectacularly. That is it for today. Get some rest.”

Jesenia said proudly before turning on her heels. Left alone, Avril looked around the room.

It was a long, narrow room with a narrow width relative to its depth. Inside was a simple bed with bedding, along with a closet, and a simple wooden desk and chair.

This room is so nostalgic. It resembles the room I used to share with Keira at Count Allingham’s house.

Unlike what his reputation suggested, Dylan’s father, the former duke, seemed to treat his servants generously. After all, servants usually had to share a room. Avril couldn’t help but sense that something was amiss.

When Prince Lawrence suspected the former duke of being involved in the drug trade, Lord Dylan didn’t even doubt his father for a second. In other words, although Lord Dylan disapproves of his behavior, he didn’t think that his father would commit such a crime…

Avril suspected such when she heard the story in the royal capital, but now she was convinced.

Also…. where did Clarissa, the actual owner of this room, go? From what I’ve heard from everyone, she seems to be terribly late.

—No, wait. Grace will be worried if I don’t return.

Avril changed from her maid uniform to the dress she’d been wearing earlier and rushed for the main residence.

***

Dylan and Avril were the only ones at the dinner table that night.

“…It seems that the former duke is still playing around and won’t be returning until tomorrow.”

“Sounds exciting!”

“Expect more guests in the separate building. Well, it’s nothing new, really.”

Looking at the empty seat, Dylan sighed in resignation. From his tone, Avril could grasp that by ‘playing around’, he was referring to something else. But what?

Avril shrugged it off while Dylan set down the cutlery he was holding.

“…So, where did Avril disappear off to all day today? The servants of the main residence, including Grace, were worried.”

“Uhm, that’s…”

“Rumors say that a talented laundry maid has moved into the separate building. She introduced a tad unconventional method for thoroughly washing laundry, one which involved baking soda. Not only that, she behaved in a manner that was typical of a former aristocratic lady.”

“Oh, wow. Is that so?”

“From what I know, the servants of the separate building and the main residence don’t get along well. Don’t you think it’s unusual for the information to arrive on the same day? That newcomer was something else.”

“Oh, my…”

Avril, who pretended to be startled, knew who he was talking about. Dylan was grinning as well. Despite asking those questions, he obviously knew the truth.

Lord Dylan just said that the servants in the main residence and the separate building don’t get along well. In other words, information usually doesn’t spread like that.

…I feel like infiltrating the separate building as a maid would be a good way to gather information.

Although, Dylan would definitely object to it. In that case, she needed to somehow deflect it.

“To be frank, I had a lot of fun today… Nevertheless, I apologize for causing you all so much worry.”

She didn’t affirm anything, and just bowed her head. Dylan’s expression softened.

“So, did you enjoy doing the laundry?”

“Yes, I did. I was able to investigate the master’s sexual habits.”

“—Hold on. Who taught you that word?”

Avril smirked haughtily at Dylan who seemed a bit flustered.

“…Did you know? Lord Dylan’s preference was also praised! Apparently, it’s in stark contrast from the previous duke’s!”

“…I’d like to think that I have a good taste.”

“I’m sure everyone agrees! They were complimenting your taste for scandalous bad girls!”

“…No, wait, that’s not—”

For some reason, Dylan’s gaze became distant. Chris, who was waiting a short distance away, laughed.

Although many unexpected things happened, today was a very good day. All that remains is for the former duke and the real Clarissa to arrive at the mansion.

---

***T/N: Avril won’t you serve Dylan as a maid-

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