Chapter 63

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 63

Chapter Title: Paula of the Strange Count's Family (1)

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The first thought that crossed my mind when I arrived at the count's estate deep in the woods was this.

'Thank goodness it's not some weird place.'

To be honest, just for a fleeting moment, I had wondered if it might be one of those places that looked fine on the outside but hid something sinister. But the moment I stepped inside the manor, all doubts vanished. The impeccably maintained interior made it clear that real people lived here.

Since we arrived late at night, we were first assigned our living quarters for the duration of our stay. The small rooms each had two beds, so we'd be sharing with one other person.

'I'm not sharing with you. It's embarrassing.'

'I don't mind, but do you really think you can get up on your own? We have to start waking up early from now on.'

'......'

In the end, I ended up sharing a room with a grumpy Alicia.

'Don't get in my way.'

I had no intention of doing that. Do whatever you want. She wouldn't listen even if I tried to stop her anyway, and it wouldn't hurt for her to learn firsthand that nothing in life comes easy.

That was last night.

I woke up early in the morning, washed up, changed into the clothes we'd been given ahead of time, and got ready. It had been a while since I'd worn an outfit like this. Though the design was a bit different, the black dress reaching my knees paired with a white apron was more than enough to stir up old memories.

I fiddled absentmindedly with the hem of the apron and turned around—sure enough, Alicia was still fast asleep. What a hypocrite, insisting on separate rooms and then acting all sulky about it.

"Get up and get ready. We have to head out soon."

"Mmm. Just a little longer—"

"Now."

I shook her shoulder, and the round shape buried under the sheets squirmed away from me. I shook her again, and a whine escaped as the sheet flipped back. A sleepy Alicia rubbed her eyes and sat up. Then she caught sight of me and scowled fiercely.

"You scared me! I jumped because of your ugly mug."

"Good thing, then. Get ready."

I replied calmly and turned away. As she grumbled about why I'd cut my bangs like that or how seeing my face first thing in the morning ruined her mood, I warned her that I'd go ahead without her if she kept it up. Only then did she finally start getting ready, albeit sluggishly.

It took her so long that I ended up leaving first midway through.

When I reached the central hall, the servants were lined up in rows. They were the same people who'd come here with us. Standing in front were the elderly woman I'd seen yesterday and five young male and female servants.

The elderly woman introduced herself as 'Audrey.' As I'd suspected, she was the head housekeeper in charge of all the female staff. She directed the others with practiced ease.

"Come forward one by one."

At her words, the person at the front stepped up first, followed by the others in turn, standing opposite Audrey and the servants. After a light greeting, she asked about their backgrounds and seemed to assign them their work areas.

I'd heard that upper-class households usually hired servants through agencies or recommendations from other families. That's why they always checked references first to verify identities. But we carriage travelers hadn't come with any references. From their conversation, I gathered we'd been hired on the spot here. Of course, beggars couldn't be choosers.

A moment later, it was Alicia's turn. Perhaps because she knew I was with her, she called me forward too. Standing before them, I unconsciously straightened my back and tensed up.

"Are you two sisters?"

"Yes. Pleased to meet you."

I clasped my hands neatly in front of me and bowed. Glancing at Alicia, who stood there blankly, I quickly nudged her back. She bent at the waist with an irritated expression. Audrey looked back and forth between us.

"Names?"

"I'm Anne, and this is my younger sister Alicia."

'Anne' was the alias I used. It was one I threw around without hesitation usually, but right now, it somehow made my conscience twinge, drying out my lips.

"I see. Anne. No family name?"

"None."

"Hm. You two don't look much alike, do you?"

Audrey muttered blandly and scribbled something on her paper. Then she asked about our past work experience, skills, and more. I told her about my previous jobs and that I could read and write, while the inexperienced Alicia listed her most recent tasks. Audrey kept writing as she listened to our answers.

"Return to your spots and wait."

I'd expected work assignments, but her words caught me off guard. I went back to my place as ordered. Only then did the tension ease, and I let out a sigh.

Alicia whispered softly toward me.

"Why were you so nervous?"

"Just......"

The rest finished their interviews with Audrey one by one. The women who'd been assigned areas left with the young female servant, and the men followed the male one. That left four of us in the hall, including me and Alicia. Audrey scanned us over and ordered us all to follow her.

We stood in a row and trailed after her. It was the opposite direction from where the others had gone. Midway, one was assigned to the kitchen, and the remaining three of us climbed the stairs behind her again.

Where were we headed? As the question formed in my mind, a sudden sting on my cheek made me turn. The guy walking with us was staring this way—specifically at Alicia. His gaze burned hot.

Again?

I shot Alicia a weary look. She haughtily tilted her chin up. Wondering why she was acting like that, I realized she was aware of his stare. Swaying her body seductively even in this situation was absurd.

I let out a hollow chuckle as I walked, when the man poked my shoulder.

I turned to him, and he grinned widely.

"Nice to see you again."

"Who are you? Do I know you?"

"What? Why pretend you don't?"

No, really, who are you? I blinked at him. I couldn't forget a handsome face like his with such refined features.

But nothing came to mind. I scrutinized him closely, but it was a face I'd never seen before. As I stayed silent, he looked hurt. I truly had no idea, so I kept quiet.

The man, silent for a while, took a step closer to me and opened his mouth to speak—

BAM!

A loud crash echoed from ahead. Our eyes snapped toward it. The door to a room at the end of the corridor stood wide open. Someone suddenly poked out from inside. As we drew closer, we saw a young man sprawled on the floor. But something was off about him.

I mean...

"Oh my!"

Alicia covered her eyes with her hand. Then she peeked through her fingers. It defeated the purpose.

I didn't bother covering my eyes—instead, I stared openly at the scene.

Why is he naked?

Shocked but quick, I scanned the man's bare body. He was completely nude. His yellowish skin was fully exposed before us.

The suddenly appeared naked man scrambled to get up but tripped over his own clothes. His flailing was almost pitiful.

We stopped in front of him. Only then did he notice us approaching and panic. He stood hastily, throwing on the clothes he'd been holding. From his uniform, he looked like a footman. But why was a footman acting like this? I glanced at the back of Audrey's head. Her face was hidden, so I couldn't gauge her reaction.

Once he'd dressed his privates, the man bowed to Audrey. Then he turned and hurried off. His retreating figure looked exactly like someone fleeing. Even as he went, his pants—still not fully fastened—slipped down. He grabbed the waistband and shuffled away awkwardly.

While the three of us stared after him, Audrey entered the room first. A beat later, I snapped out of it and followed. Alicia and the man trailed behind me.

The room inside was a total mess.

Naked bodies were tangled together on the bed. And they were all men. Two lay on the bed, one languidly under it. Thin sheets barely covered their privates.

Sensing strangers, one man on the bed turned to look at us. But he yawned nonchalantly, without a hint of surprise. The other two didn't even glance over. They seemed utterly unconcerned, with no intention of moving.

Unlike us, frozen in shock, Audrey spoke calmly.

"Lady Joelli. It's morning."

A brief silence followed.

Then, a round shape rose from between the two men on the bed. The sheet slipped down, revealing a young woman with lush golden blonde hair.

Pretty, beautiful, and—of course—naked.

"Eek!"

This time, the reaction was more intense. I looked at Alicia, wondering what her deal was, but her face was perfectly composed. Turning to the other side, I saw the man covering his face with both hands. Not satisfied, he even turned his back. His exposed ears burned bright red.

"Oh my. How cute."

The blonde woman giggled mischievously.

"Who are they?"

"New servants."

"They're adorable. What's your name?"

But the cute servant seemed in no state to reply. He was at a loss after seeing her naked.

As the woman shifted, the sheet slid further down. Even with her body fully exposed, she showed no shame whatsoever.

She sat at the edge of the bed, and the man beside her rose to drape the sheet over her shoulders. She crossed her legs and smiled her thanks.

"So, who's this one?"

"These three will attend to you from now on, Lady Joelli."

Only then did I understand why Audrey had brought us here.

"Hm. What about the last one?"

"We dismissed him."

"Oh dear. Such a shame."

Her smooth hand brushed her lush blonde hair behind her ear. Despite her words, her impassive face showed no regret. If anything, her slightly downcast then uplifted eyes sparkled. As I found myself staring into those eyes, they curved playfully.

"Fine. I want to wash up, so everyone out."

At her command, the men—who hadn't stirred until now—rose as one. They stood naked, picking up their scattered clothes from the floor and dressing. Their movements looked routine. They covered just the essentials and strode out confidently to the end.

My gaze followed them before fixing back on the room. While we stood aghast, Audrey remained utterly unmoved, clearly accustomed to such scenes. Was everyone here like this? Isabella had been the same way before—female servants must all have nerves of steel.