You are at the End of the Downfall

Fortunately, the Grand Duke stopped destroying furniture, but by then, too many pieces were broken to replace just one.

For example, in the Grand Duchess’s bedroom, where shocking pink, green, and faded gold clashed chaotically, removing only the pink curtains, sofa, and bed wouldn’t make it much better.

At this point, it was cheaper to replace everything moderately.

“Can we do without a head maid when the inspector is coming? We’re short-handed preparing for spring planting, and if we start kitchen renovations…”

The butler pleaded with Peon, who gently consoled him.

“The Grand Duchess has risen to work now. The furniture prices she chose are reasonable and of unique quality.”

“Yes, she found a good carpenter.”

The butler had to admit this. While he was distracted, the Grand Duchess had somehow quickly summoned a skilled carpenter and was efficiently ordering furniture.

“Since it’s come to this, let’s have the Duchess take charge of redecorating the castle. You focus on spring planting and hosting the inspector. We should divide the work.”

This wasn’t what the butler wanted. He hoped for a head maid he could easily control, but instead, the Grand Duke was separating and sharing authority.

“You must consider your health too. To work long-term, you can’t handle everything alone anymore. Accidents are common during thaw, aren’t they?”

“That’s true.”

“So start delegating now. Take care of your health first so we can work together for a long time.”

The butler, Rolf Anderson, was moved. In his over twenty years as butler, he knew the taciturn Grand Duke had a kind heart, but he never expected such words.

Working together for a long time – that’s exactly what he wanted. He was glad the Grand Duke understood his feelings.

“Your Highness, how about postponing the kitchen renovations?”

“That won’t do. When the inspector comes, it’s better to show we’re taking the Grand Duchess’s collapse seriously enough to completely redo the kitchen.”

“Ah! I see!”

The butler had a revelation. Right! The Emperor’s rod is enough by its existence, but showing Lusenford’s integrity is another matter. He needed to prepare for that too.

Focused on shock therapy for the Grand Duke, he had missed something important.

“We should show thorough renovations.”

“It would be better if the inspector comes while work is in full swing.”

Peon nodded.

“I’ll oversee the construction myself, so don’t worry too much and carry on as usual. I don’t intend to burden you heavily.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. But I’m still in good shape.”

“I know. But isn’t this a time when it’s easy to overwork? Be careful, and leave tasks for the Grand Duchess here.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll do that. Thank you for your consideration.”

Peon quietly looked at the work the butler left behind. Little by little, whether swept up in the situation or tempted by kind words, they would unknowingly relinquish their rights to Kaela.

****

Familiar tasks become easier. If you gave your all the first time, you can work more efficiently and skillfully the second time while conserving energy.

The process of selecting materials and commissioning furniture – visiting carpenters and furniture craftsmen throughout Lusenford regardless of status, even drawing designs – proceeded very quickly. So the work was mostly done, wasn’t it?

“You’ve finished already?”

“Yes.”

Kaela nodded toward Peon.

“There’s one furniture craftsman in charge of my bedroom and Your Highness’s bedroom furniture, and another for the study. The two will collaborate to ensure harmony among the three rooms.”

Such matters required precise reporting to avoid future issues. Watching Kaela report even more perfectly than Secretary Regen, Peon responded slowly.

“As the one making the request, I’m glad, but please don’t overexert yourself, Grand Duchess. I’m asking you to do this because it’s all within your authority.”

He paused briefly.

“I just hoped you’d have something to occupy yourself with while recovering.”

He also wanted Kaela to decorate the Grand Duchess’s bedroom to her taste. Being forced into an unwanted marriage was bad enough; such a bedroom was too much.

“It’s not overexertion. Choosing furniture is enjoyable.”

“Don’t just place furniture.”

Peon subtly brought out more work the butler had left.

“As you know, the inspector is coming. It’s still far off, but we’re renovating the kitchen, and planting season is approaching, so there’s much to do. I’m ashamed to say I’m not a refined person, so I’d like you to take charge of decorating the entire castle and hosting the inspector.”

“Me?”

“Yes. It’s naturally your duty, isn’t it?”

Kaela hesitated before speaking.

“We should… quickly appoint a head maid.”

“A head maid is just a head maid.”

Hosting the Emperor’s envoy is always the lady of the house’s duty. Peon emphasizing twice, thrice that this was indeed her job felt unfamiliar. Unfamiliar people are frightening.

“It’s spring anyway. It’s the season for postponed repairs and improvements, so please survey the entire castle and tend to any areas in need. I’m counting on you. Here are the relevant documents from the butler. If anything is missing, please let me know.”

She had clearly intended to just change some furniture and withdraw. She had planned to use this as an excuse to send Marie to Ostein. Kaela couldn’t respond, looking at the documents on the table.

“And from now on, please use the Grand Duchess’s office.”

“No.”

Kaela cut him off, shaking her head before he finished speaking.

“It’s enough for me to temporarily borrow Your Highness’s desk.”

It had to be this way. She shouldn’t have a place here at all. So when the Emperor’s inspector came, they would see how the Grand Duchess of Lusenford was being treated.

After the inspector left, when this life ended, no disadvantage would befall the Duke of Ostein. He would just be an unfortunate victim who lost his daughter in a terribly snowy place.

Being a flawless victim was the only goal Kaela needed to devote herself to now.

“Your Highness. I’m not enough.”

She hated this man who spoke softly and even lowered himself to meet her eyes. She resented him for being the only exception to his usual kindness. Her heart had hardened from exhaustion.

Wounds remained wounds; they weren’t healed just because her new husband showed kindness to her too. Rather, she feared him for not acting according to common sense.

He couldn’t possibly forgive the unworthy woman who stole his lifelong love’s place. This was the common sense and absolute truth Kaela knew. Peon’s anger had driven her to the most miserable death.

“I’m ashamed that preparations were inadequate and you endured great hardship from the start.”