You are at the End of the Downfall

However, that path seemed too distant. If anything, it felt even further away. The new head maid was, to put it kindly, robust and reliable; in other words, she was someone who firmly believed that the Grand Duchess would properly fulfill her role as Grand Duchess.

As a result, Kaela had to personally prepare for the Emperor’s inspector who would soon arrive, and she had no choice but to look into the kitchen that Peon had started renovating after the banquet.

Moreover, there was one more thing.

“Your Highness, you’re here as well.”

Since the kitchen construction was connected to the castle’s water and sewage facilities, and the reception of the inspector was something the Grand Duke also needed to look into deeply, Kaela had to face Peon several times a day.

Led by the new head maid’s smiling greeting, Kaela’s maids also bowed their heads to Peon.

“The Grand Duchess shouldn’t overexert herself.”

After checking that Kaela’s clothes weren’t too thin, Peon spoke gruffly to the head maid.

“Of course. The most important thing is Her Highness’s health.”

Fabiola replied, looking at the ducal couple with great satisfaction. It was clear from her expression alone that she thought of the Grand Duke and Duchess as a harmonious pair. In reality, they were anything but.

With the Emperor’s inspector coming, Kaela needed to look even healthier for the sake of Lusenford’s well-being.

As for Kaela’s well-being after the inspector leaves, well, nobody could guarantee that, could they? Moreover, since she had said things to Peon that she shouldn’t have, it was obvious that Peon was now suppressing his anger.

“The construction is too extensive. At this rate, we’ll have to touch the sewers as well.”

Meanwhile, the butler approached and reported.

“Are the sewers in good condition?”

“No, they’re not.”

“Then tear it all out and redo the sewer construction too. I may not know much, but I do know that at least the kitchen should be clean.”

Peon said decisively. Kaela, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.

“But then the construction will still be ongoing when the inspector arrives.”

It will look chaotic.

“It can’t be helped. The water facilities are a very important foundation of the castle. And…”

The tall man muttered as he watched the workers sweeping out the dark kitchen. Overall, the kitchen was dark and poorly ventilated.

“If we do the construction well this time, it will be comfortable for generations to come.”

But the kitchen construction was getting too big. With the head chef executed, the cooks working in the temporary kitchen would be very uncomfortable and struggling.

Although there were no plans for any more banquets until the inspector arrived, as the mistress of the castle, Kaela was concerned about the construction extending to the sewers.

Does Lusenford have enough funds for this? Even if they did, most of it would be pushed into military funds, and even the lord of the castle had been using shabby furniture for decades.

I wonder if he’s going to use the Kervan series differently this time. Kaela’s thoughts naturally drifted to the diamond ring she had received. What was Peon thinking? Despite her saying things she shouldn’t have, he remained the same as usual.

“Shall we go up? The air here is heavy and stale.”

He still held her hand as they climbed the stairs, and there was no trace of anger in his voice.

No, in fact, what Kaela was looking for wasn’t signs of anger, but signs of indifference and coldness. A gaze that wouldn’t look at her at all, a turned back, silence that wouldn’t respond to her words – that sort of thing.

“The stairs are steep, so be careful.”

But Peon never, not once, did any of that. Instead, he remained affectionate and kind to the silent Kaela. At this point, Kaela couldn’t help but think about the words she had thrown at him.

After sending away the Silenster couple, everything she said was an insult. She must have told Peon, a bastard, that it was okay to have a bastard child, which is why Peon reacted with a harsh voice. Is it okay for ‘the current Peon’ to hear such words?

“How about walking? Are you up for it?”

“It’s not that difficult, Your Highness. I’m fine.”

Kaela answered quietly, reflecting on what Peon had done since she came back to the past after dying.

Before she died, he had cooperated in the death of the Duke of Ostein. According to Beatrice, that is. But after death, the Peon she met prevented the Duke of Ostein from dying. Kaela saw that.

Before she died, Peon had completely ignored her as if she didn’t exist, making all of Lusenford ignore her. Now, although he’s cautious, it’s not like that.

Before she died, he had confined her and cut off her food to let her starve to death, despite her being falsely accused. Perhaps he even fabricated the false accusation back then. But now…

“Then shall we walk a bit? A stroll will be good for your health.”

“Aren’t you busy?”

“I always have enough time to take a short walk with you.”

To him, who was still smiling despite clearly being displeased and angry, is it right to accuse him of crimes he didn’t commit? Is that justice?

As someone who died so unfairly, Kaela felt heavy-hearted and uncomfortable. Although she didn’t know how she came to live this moment again, she found herself pondering these things as she clearly felt alive.

When they came outside, the sun was a bit dazzling, but Peon came close and blocked the sun, making it a bit better.

“You should be able to ride a horse soon. Let’s have it walk slowly, not run.”

“I know how to ride too.”

“Yes. That’s why I’m suggesting we walk together, not run.”

Should she apologize? She probably should, right? Even if it was said because she was marrying a man famous for his love affairs, telling him it was okay to have a bastard child in advance must have hurt Peon. So she should apologize.

When they walk a bit further and the maids fall back and the knights retreat, then she should apologize. If she apologizes now, it might be a bit less awkward when she goes to check the silver utensils again later tonight.

Kaela made this resolution as she stepped into the sunlight.

“Your Highness, step back.”

Suddenly, Peon quickly blocked her path. His large arm enveloped her. Kaela looked at him, not understanding what was happening, then looked where he was looking. There were golden lights gathered. That’s the power of the Emperor’s magic tool.

“Peon!”

And as the light completely disappeared, Beatrice Ravalley appeared with a lively voice, carrying lots of trunks.

“Phew, it’s still cold here. Good thing I wore a fur coat. It’s been a while, Peon! I missed you!”

Seeing Beatrice running towards them with her arms spread to hug Peon, Kaela abandoned her thought.

She shouldn’t apologize.