Dylan had returned to the duchy. Avril should’ve in turn been introduced to the servants as his fiancée, but he refrained from doing so after learning of her new reputation as the excellent laundry maid.

In other words, he wants me to go undercover a little long and investigate. I’m sure of it…!

Avril, who was satisfied with her conclusion, wore the slightly worn-out dress from yesterday, and encouraged herself.

“Lady Avril, where did you sneak off to?”

“Hm!?”

Grace was standing behind her. She stared at Avril as if she knew everything.

“There’s no way someone could lose her way two days in a row, right?”

“I-I’m just, they might be concerned if I’m not there…?”

“Who are they exactly?”

“T-they are…”

When Avril pointed at the separate building outside the window, Grace’s face twitched.

“—I knew it! The ‘savior of the separate building’ was Lady Avril after all!?”

“‘Savior’…? Honestly, that sounds pretty nice…”

“After all, that pillow case wasn’t a problem just for the laundry maids, but for everyone working in the separate building, so that’s only natural.”

“Is that so? I’m glad I could be of help.”

Avril was genuinely grateful and humbled. But when she was about to leave the room, Grace stood in her path.

“I’ve only served in townhouse in the royal capital, but I’ve heard that there is a feud between the servants of the main residence and the separate building. Even if Lord Dylan gave his permission, I personally refuse to let you wander the separate building.”

Grace persisted.

Oh, right, Grace doesn’t know about my objective…

Avril’s objective this time was to learn about a baron’s daughter who recently moved into the separate building. But only Avril, Dylan, and Chris knew that. Grace, who was just a maid, was unaware of it.

Given the circumstances, it was natural for Grace to be concerned about Avril. Curious about the circumstances behind her worries, Avril asked her about it.

“Why don’t the servants get along with each other?”

“That’s because the servants in the separate building are considered ‘the former duke’s favorites.’ Apparently, the townhouse in the royal capital used to be like that, but things have changed significantly since Lord Dylan became an adult.”

“I see. It seems that the preferential treatment given to the servants in the separate building has lead to backlash from everyone in the main building.”

“It’s not just that. There’s also a sense of hierarchy among the servants. Again, this used to be the case in the townhouse, as well. Even though the servants of the main building are regarded as more competent, the treatment they receive pale in comparison to the servants of the separate building. As a result, they don’t get along with each other.”

“Certainly, that’s not good. I can see why you didn’t want me to get involved with them.”

“That’s right.”

Come to think of it, even the new maid, Clarissa, who was supposed to arrive yesterday, was given a private room. Under normal circumstances, that’d be inconceivable.

Avril sighed, understanding the reason for the high pay.

It’d be nice if we could do something about the separate building… But unlike the townhouse, things are more complicated here. After all, the former duke’s concubines reside in the separate building.

“Grace, it’s saddening that the people who support the duke’s family don’t get along well. There’s a chance this situation will reach a tipping point someday.”

“I’m sure the lord is concerned about that, as well. Since succeeding the duchy, this is the longest staycation he’s ever have. Surely, he’ll broach the subject of dismantling the separate building soon.”

“I see.”

Dylan never said anything to Avril, but she recalled seeing a collection of lessons and employment opportunities for ladies in his study at the townhouse. Perhaps, he was preparing for that.

I feel like I’m overlooking something…

The reason His Highness Lawrence went out of his way to order Lord Dylan to investigate was probably because he wanted to support Lord Dylan’s cause. Be it territory management or internal affairs… I hope I can help in some way.

“—Furthermore, it has only been a short time since the current Duke of Lancester succeeded the family, yet he has already found a duchess. Everyone is wary and ignorant, so it’d be best if Lady Avril doesn’t leave, I think…”

Although Grace spoke hesitantly, Avril confidently took her hand.

“No, it’s okay. If that’s the case, let’s do it together!”

“…What?”

---

***T/N: Yeah, let’s go, Grace.

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