“I came to retrieve your laundry.”

A few seconds after Jesenia said that, a young lady with striking platinum blonde hair and pale green eyes appeared.

“Thank you for your hard work. Please come in.”

Despite her polite words and kind smile, her gaze was piercing. Grace seemed to feel the same way, and naturally stepped forward to protect Avril.

Did she see through me…? No, that can’t be…

“I’ve never seen you before. Are you new?”

“That’s right. As the new person, I’ll be taking care of the laundry instead of your personal belongings.”

When Avril smiled elegantly without introducing herself, Teresa’s shapely lips curved into a grin.

“But there are many fine things in my room. Why don’t you take a look?”

“Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I’m currently taking care of the laundry.”

“…I see, so that’s how it is. Why would anyone want to talk to the Lecherous Old Pervert’s mistress, anyway?”

“No, I didn’t mean it that way—”

The conversation had become a bit troublesome. If possible, Avril would have preferred speaking with her to gather information, but at the same time, Jesenia was in a great hurry. After all, sheets had to be hung while the sun was still high.

Avril glanced at Jesenia. Jesenia was nodding fiercely.

…Apparently, Avril was supposed to entertain Teresa’s offer.

“I’ve received permission from my superior. Would it be okay for me to see your room?”

“Of course. In addition to jewelry and dresses, I also have some books and unique cosmetics. Welcome.”

…

Teresa’s expression shifted dramatically to a joyful one—so much so that it was disconcerting. Then, Avril was led into Teresa’s room.

Afterwards, they went to the laundry room. Jesenia asked while scrubbing the sheets.

“What did Lady Teresa show you?”

“Uh, jewelry, hats, and shoes. They were all wonderful, first-class items.”

“Hee… You have an eye for value, I see. As expected of a fallen noble lady.”

“…Well, to an extent.”

“As the master’s favorite, Lady Teresa seems to have received a lot of presents. She may seem prim and proper, but she’s… a bit different from the rest. I mean, we have a somewhat difficult time dealing with her. Nevertheless, please be careful not to anger her.”

For some reason, the cheerful Jesenia was especially persistent when it came to Teresa. A question came to her mind.

“I see. Despite that, she still showed her closet to me.”

“If you think about it, it’s kind of suspicious, as if she’s planning something… Just kidding! Maybe because the two of you are aristocrats!? Anyway, from now on, you’ll be in charge of Lady Teresa’s laundry. I leave it to you! Good luck!”

Avril exchanged glances with Grace while Jesenia patted her on the back.

...For Jesenia to act like this, I’m sure there’s a reason.

When working in a nobleman’s mansion, it wasn’t uncommon for servants to be dismissed for theft. Even in the Count of Allingham’s household, where Avril used to live, there was a time when a servant employed for a trial period ran away with high-quality silverware.

Because of that, I was careful not to touch anything that Lady Teresa showed me…

Nevertheless, I was able to hear a lot of stories and observe the state of the room. A shelf at the back of her closet seems to be a hidden door. Moreover, looking at the paint finish, it alone seems to have been renovated. I wonder if the former duke—the owner of the separate building—knows about it.

Dismissing the unpleasant thoughts, Avril reflected on the results of today’s survey.

Anyway, let’s report everything to Lord Dylan tonight!

While thinking that, she poured water into the tub containing the sheets and began rinsing them. Grace whispered to Avril so that Jesenia couldn’t hear them.

“Lady Avril, didn’t Lady Teresa refer to the former duke as ‘Lecherous Old Pervert’? Why would she become his concubine if she sees him that way?”

“Right? Perhaps, Lady Teresa doesn’t like being the former duke’s mistress.”

I feel uneasy, but I don’t think she’s involved in the drug trafficking. Somehow, it’s different?

---

***T/N: Spy x Family season 2 be looking different…

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