I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 3

“I’m sorry for calling you in. As I said, I’d like you to teach me my duties as the lady of this house.”

Liliana had asked the butler and the housekeeper to come to her room once the morning’s work was settled. She wanted to learn how to conduct herself as the mistress of the Elsdean household.

“For now, could you explain the customs of this house? If today is difficult, tomorrow will do.”

Even if she intended to divorce eventually, until then she had to fulfill her responsibilities. If she shirked them while refusing intimacy, her position in the divorce would weaken.

“Understood. Shall we begin right away?”
“Yes.”

—The duties of a marquis’s wife were many.

As they guided her through the mansion, they explained each task with demonstrations. In summary, her responsibilities included managing the servants, overseeing household affairs, and participating in social functions.

(It’s like being a company director. Hard work, but I must not only avoid raising my villainess score. I should raise my good-wife score too.)

She made a point of learning the names and faces of the servants she met, determined not to embarrass herself as mistress and to avoid earning resentment.

“Madam, what would you like for tonight’s dinner?” the housekeeper asked in the kitchen.

“I decide that too?”
“Yes, it’s one of your important duties.”
“That’s quite a responsibility…”

The lady’s work truly touched every corner of the household. She would prefer to leave it all to experts, but that wasn’t acceptable.

“What about my husband? Will he be dining here?” she asked.

The butler looked apologetic. “The marquis is occupied with work at the royal castle and will not be returning for some time.”

At those words, Liliana’s heart soared.

(Long live the overworked kingdom! Long live the black company workplace!)

If he wasn’t coming home, she wouldn’t have to worry about refusing the bed.

Inside, she rejoiced, but outwardly she remained calm. She even pinched her arm to hide her glee and feigned sadness.

(Could it be because I refused the wedding night? No! The Cold Marquis wouldn’t be shaken by something so trivial. He must truly be busy.)

His duties were vast—noble obligations, magical research, developing defensive wards, diplomacy, advising the royal family. He had no time for her.

She refocused on the butler and housekeeper.

“Then please consult with the head chef for now. I’ll join you to learn the household’s customs.”

She meant it sincerely. She didn’t know how to plan menus, but leaving it entirely to others would seem irresponsible. Better to show willingness to learn.

“Very well, Madam. Let us show you the pantry.”

They led her to the vast storeroom, stocked with preserved goods, fresh produce, meats, spices, and seasonings.

“By checking the inventory, we rotate main dishes—meat, fish, vegetables—so meals don’t become monotonous. Perhaps meat today?” the housekeeper suggested.

The chef nodded. “A root vegetable potage, roast duck, and a fruit tart for dessert.”

Liliana’s heart leapt. It sounded delicious.

“Yes, let’s do that,” she agreed. The staff looked pleased, and she felt relieved.

After deciding the menu, she continued her tour. She saw maids diligently cleaning, including Anne, her personal maid. Their serious expressions showed pride in serving this household.

Then she spotted Elina running down the corridor with a vase.

In the next instant, she tripped on the carpet.

“Kyaa!”

Elina fell spectacularly before Liliana’s eyes. The vase flew through the air straight toward Liliana.

She had no time to dodge. The vase spun above her head, spilling flowers and water all over her.

It crashed to the floor, shattering loudly.

“….”

Cold water dripped down her hair and neck, flower petals clung to her forehead. Only then did she regain awareness, feeling the unpleasant dampness soaking her dress.

“I-I’m so sorry, Madam!” Elina cried, half in tears.

“Madam! Are you hurt?” the butler and housekeeper asked, pale with fear.

Tension filled the hall as the servants watched.

“….”

Liliana took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

It would be easy to shout in anger. But that would brand her as a mistress who bullied servants. Even if Elina was clearly at fault.

(That would raise my villainess score. I must avoid that at all costs.)

She opened her eyes, gently plucked a flower from her hair, and smiled at Elina.

“It’s all right, Elina. Everyone makes mistakes.”

She spoke kindly, as if comforting a child. Elina stared at her in astonishment.

“Are you hurt?”
“N-no…”
“Good. If you feel pain, seek treatment immediately.”

She smiled again, then turned to Anne.

“Anne, help me change.”
“…Yes, Madam.”

Anne hurried to her side.

“Elina, please clean this up. Be careful of the shards. And don’t run in the halls anymore.”
“…Y-yes! I’m truly sorry…”

Her faint apology echoed through the mansion.

“As long as you’re careful next time, it’s fine. Someone help her tidy up.”

With her back straight, Liliana walked forward gracefully. No matter how bedraggled she looked, she would not forget the dignity of a marquis’s wife.