Chapter 25: Dinner

Count’s Manor, Study.

Eleanora sat before the desk, handling some paperwork, a stack of completed documents piled beside her.

Ever since Count Korn went off to war, the affairs of the manor fell to Eleanora’s decisions.

Occasionally, communications or documents arrived from the territory, all requiring Eleanora’s approval.

Although most matters in the territory were handled by the local nobles following established customs, some issues could not be overstepped by protocol, so Eleanora still needed to give the final word.

Fortunately, there wasn’t much to handle; a few hours each day were enough.

This was Eleanora’s daily routine.

“Rustle rustle.”

After jotting down her opinion on the last document, Eleanora set her pen aside and stretched lazily.

The thought of a long-awaited dinner with Lilian that evening brought a smile to her lips, and a cheerful tune hummed softly through her nose.

She genuinely seemed happy.

Since receiving a reply from Lilian, Eileen had been standing next to Eleanora for a while—neither too short nor too long.

She was struggling, uncertain how to convey Miss Lilian’s response.

Eleanora at the desk paused her work, placing the final document aside.

Hmm, just thinking about dinner with Lilian made today’s work much quicker.

Supporting her chin with one hand, Eleanora gazed blankly ahead.

Then, the troubled young maid Eileen suddenly appeared within her line of sight.

“Eileen, you’re here. What did Lilian say?”

“Ah… um… Miss… well…”

Eileen stammered, unable to get the words out after a long moment.

Eleanora’s heart sank with a bad feeling.

“What did Lilian say? Just tell me, it’s okay.”

“Lilian said she’s a bit tired today and can’t come,” Eileen scratched her cheek awkwardly.

“Also, she seems to be in a bad mood.”

Bad mood?

Lilian only went to the Knights’ Order, didn’t she?

What happened?

Eleanora’s curiosity stirred.

Still, she decided to check on Lilian first.

“Take me to Lilian’s room.”

“Oh, okay—”

Eileen nodded blankly as they walked toward Lilian’s room.

Soon, they arrived at the door.

Eileen knocked twice.

“Creak—”

The door quickly swung open, stirring a gust of wind.

Lilian appeared, brow furrowed, staring out.

She saw Eileen and Eleanora.

Eileen smiled awkwardly, while Eleanora returned a big, warm smile.

Lilian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“Phew—”

It’s okay, don’t be upset, stay calm.

…

But.

As expected…

Lilian looked like she was grinding her teeth.

Fourteen million! Eleanora, you’re human, I’ll eat you alive!

Lilian took another deep breath and forced a smile. “Miss, what brings you here?”

Hearing Lilian’s formal address, Eleanora opened her mouth, then seemed to swallow her words.

Her shoulders sagged immediately.

Finally, Eleanora spoke. “I heard from Eileen that you’re unwell. Did you get hurt during training? Do you want me to call a doctor?”

“No need, thank you for your concern, Miss. Did you forget I am a doctor myself?”

“I… see.”

Eleanora felt deflated.

She couldn’t understand why Lilian was like this just from stepping outside—there was resistance in every word.

This was the same Lilian who had embraced her gently and comforted her just that morning…

“About tonight’s dinner, you…” Eleanora hesitated to ask.

“I can come, Miss. It’s alright. I’ve already rested.”

But fourteen million.

I live off her, wear her clothes, use her things, and rely on her connections to boost my strength.

Later, I’ll learn from her too—it’s my payment.

Since cooperating with Ophelia, Martin’s Knights’ Order alone brings in three gold coins a month.

If this spreads, maybe within half a year, three hundred gold could be repaid.

Besides, I’m not limited to selling only that one type of potion.

However, to understand market demands and create targeted potions, first I need free access to the Count’s Manor…

And to reach that goal, I must maintain a good relationship with Eleanora.

Eleanora doesn’t dislike me, so I shouldn’t let this matter affect my plans.

I’ve already arranged to learn magic and runes.

No need to complicate things.

Anger is life; being a maid is work.

Don’t bring personal feelings into work.

Thinking this, Lilian felt a calmness wash over her.

I’m becoming a Buddha, family.

“That’s great!” Realizing she’d gotten a bit too cheerful, Eleanora quickly coughed to cover her emotions. “Shall we go now?”

By the time the paperwork was done, it was almost evening—perfect timing for the Little Dining Room.

She could also talk to Lilian then.

Eleanora was confident about tonight’s dinner.

Unlike before, when she ate first and let Lilian eat later, this time she wanted to dine with her.

If Lilian hated her for a day longer, it didn’t matter—it could be her way of making amends.

In the corridor, watching Eleanora’s light steps nearly overtake the guide Eileen, Lilian sighed.

Soon, they arrived at the Little Dining Room.

Upon entering, Lilian was surprised.

Previously, meals were had in the study or a small room beside it, but today was so formal.

Were there guests?

“Please sit, Lilian.”

Eleanora patted the chair beside her.

Oh no.

Lilian’s first thought was that Eleanora’s old illness had flared up again.

Something big was waiting for her today.

In Lilian’s mind, Eleanora had transformed from a love-starved insignificant young lady into a divine being.

The mind of a divine being was incomprehensible.

Lilian could only obediently respond.

“Yes, Miss.”

Hearing the somewhat distant form of address, Eleanora clicked her tongue.

She had clearly told her to call her “Mistress.”

Something must have happened at the Knights’ Order today!

Eleanora felt it necessary to help Lilian solve her problem.

Without the “Mistress” title, Eleanora felt something was missing.

So, Eleanora sat opposite Lilian, sitting upright and smiling.

Outside, the sky was darkening.

The maids lit the chandelier and began preparing dinner, coming in and out of the Little Dining Room.

Seeing Eleanora’s smile, Lilian felt her hairs stand on end.

The divine being was about to make a move.

“Um, Lilian, can you tell me what happened at the Knights’ Order today?”

Oh, a royal flush opening.

Could it be an Ophelia-related issue?

Or maybe the coachman told Eleanora?