The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 95

“Other than that, you’ll need to clean this floor, including the study. Things like the curtains should be taken down and washed every two weeks.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“If you find any broken furniture, check it and report it. Things like that will need to be repaired or replaced. Also…”

 

From then on, Becky explained the usual procedures for cleaning and maintaining the manor.

 

“I think that’s enough explanation for now. Do you have any questions?”

 

“No, none. Thank you.”

 

“The cleaning supplies are in the room at the far end. Just put everything back where it belongs after you use them.”

 

“Understood.”

 

“Then let’s start by cleaning the study. I’ll come by shortly to check.”

 

Becky left, saying she had other matters to attend to. Grace followed Becky’s instructions and went to the far room to gather some cleaning tools. There weren’t many people walking around in the hallway. Returning to the study, she closed the door behind her and slowly looked around the room.

 

“…Here it is.”

 

She found blank paper and a pen tucked in a corner of the desk. Grace opened the file folder Becky had mentioned and pulled out the most recent letters inside.

 

She sat down at the desk and began copying the letters, imitating the handwriting as closely as possible. Thanks to her background in drawing, it wasn’t too difficult to replicate the shapes of the characters.

 

‘Someone out there will be able to read this writing.’

 

After quickly copying two letters, Grace took the transcribed pages to the window and opened it.

 

Outside, the weather was calm, with not even a breeze. But when Grace held out her hand, a gust of wind picked up, lifting the papers into the air.

 

“……”

 

Grace watched the pages drift away. Then, she picked up her cleaning tools. She had to finish cleaning before Becky returned.

 

“Are you done cleaning?”

 

“Ah, I was just about to finish up.”

 

Becky walked in just as Grace had managed to sweep and wipe the study. Grace looked up from scrubbing the floor.

 

“Shall we have a look?”

 

Becky walked around the study, scanning it with her eyes.

 

“Hmm… it looks like the dust wasn’t fully cleaned in this area. And over here as well.”

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“I understand it’s a large space, and it’s difficult to clean everything perfectly in such a short time. But please pay more attention to spots like these.”

 

“Yes, I understand.”

 

“I’ll check to see if there’s anything else.”

 

Becky continued to walk around the study, pointing out several areas that weren’t quite up to standard.

 

“It’s your first day, so I’m just giving you pointers. Please be more thorough from now on.”

 

“I will.”

 

“Still, perhaps because of your experience, the overall cleaning was done quite well.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Grace bowed her head politely.

 

Back when she lived with Emily at the Reinheim estate in the capital, she had always done the cleaning. Drawing from that experience, she had managed to do a decent job.

 

“Oh, and your wages will be paid at the end of each month. Twice a year, you’ll also receive a bonus.”

 

“Yes, understood.”

 

“Please make sure the rest of this floor is cleaned by the end of today. I’ll inspect it tomorrow.”

 

“Understood.”

 

After a few more words, Becky disappeared. Grace picked up the tools and moved to clean another room.

 

‘Frederick won’t worry too much, will he?’

 

At the end of the copied letter, she had added a short message. It was meant to be delivered to the imperial knights stationed outside the mansion.

 

‘I think I’ll need a few more days to fully assess this place. Please let Duke Winstaine and Panbion know.’

 

Once she finished copying enough letters, she would look for the right moment to escape. But for now, Grace focused on finishing the tasks Becky had mentioned. She picked up her tools and went to the first spot Becky had pointed out.

 

“Yeah… I guess that wasn’t great.”

 

She had rushed earlier, so there were quite a few missed spots. Grace let out an awkward chuckle as she dusted the corner of the bookshelf.

 

“…Huh?”

 

Her eyes suddenly landed on a large painting hanging on the wall.

 

It was an ordinary picture: a roaring fireplace, and a dog and a cat lying on a sofa. At first glance, it was such a common scene that it left no strong impression.

 

‘I should probably wipe down the frame too.’

 

Grace brought her rag to the corner of the frame and gave it a firm wipe.

 

“…Ah!”

 

Grace let out a small gasp. She had wiped too hard, and the picture tilted and pushed inward. She almost lost her balance and fell.

 

In the next moment, Grace’s eyes widened. What she thought was a painting was actually a door. As it slowly opened, it revealed a dark space behind it.

 

‘What is this…? There’s a hidden area here that connects to somewhere else?’

 

She could see a passageway leading downward via stairs.

 

‘Should I go in?’

 

She hesitated for a moment, but it didn’t last long. Grace slowly stepped forward and began descending into the underground space.

 

 

Meanwhile…

 

“It’s been a while, Your Grace. What brings you back to the temple?”

 

Mikael greeted Frederick with his usual sly smile.

 

“I need to talk to you about something.”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“Not here. I’d prefer somewhere more private.”

 

Frederick glanced around as he spoke, checking to make sure no one was nearby.

 

“Then let’s go to my private office.”

 

“You have one now?”

 

“I was recently promoted.”

 

Mikael had recently been promoted to High Priest. The private office came with the title.

 

“Alright, lead the way.”

 

Frederick followed Mikael to his office, with the temple priests casting glances as they passed.

 

“You seem to be quite the popular figure.”

 

“Oh, it just happened that way… nothing much to it.”

 

Likely, it was because he had become the youngest High Priest ever. Though the exact reasons were unclear, it wasn’t hard to guess that Vladimir had a hand in it.

 

“It’s nothing major that I wanted to ask…”

 

“We haven’t seen each other in a while, and you’re not even going to ask how I’ve been?”

 

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

 

“Not really. Just trying to lighten the mood. You’re being so stiff, it’s a little disappointing. So, what brings you here?”

 

A smile tugged at Mikael’s lips despite his words.

 

“I know the temple’s been taking care of orphans.”

 

“Yes, that’s pretty well known among those who keep track of such things.”

 

“I’d like to provide some support.”

 

Mikael’s expression shifted in surprise at Frederick’s words.

 

“All of a sudden?”

 

“It was Grace’s idea. She said she wanted to help children in any way she could.”

 

“Your wife has a warm heart. And it’s quite impressive that you’re going along with it. I thought you’d never show any interest in children.”

 

“I should, though. I think I need to do more. Is that alright with you?”

 

Frederick answered without hesitation.

 

“Of course. Donations are always welcome. Do you have an amount in mind?”

 

When Frederick named the sum, Mikael’s eyes widened.

 

“That’s a very generous amount. Are you sure?”

 

“It’s not a burden for me, so it should be fine.”

 

“As expected of a duke. I suppose that’s the luxury of wealth.”

 

Mikael clasped his hands together and acted as though in reverence.

 

“But if your wife is the reason behind this, then you must really love her.”

 

“I do. I want to give her everything she wants.”

 

“I’ve already seen how devoted you are. I respect that.”

 

Frederick didn’t respond to that. Mikael just smiled.

 

“Then I’ll gratefully accept the donation.”

 

“Where should I send the money?”

 

“I’ll send you the details by post.”

 

“Then there’s nothing else I need to do today.”

 

Mikael nodded repeatedly, his smile unwavering.

 

“After the donation, would it be alright if I came by to visit the children?”

 

“Of course. The children will appreciate seeing their benefactor in person. You’re welcome to bring your wife as well.”