Chapter 20 - First Act
I opened up the door to Daniel's office and saw him working away. Upon seeing me, he stood up.
Daniel Smith
My Lady, what brings you here?
Adelaide Cryteare
I have allowed six maids to take the evening off.
Daniel Smith
Oh, very well.
Adelaide Cryteare
But once they come back, I want severance pay to be prepared for each and every one of them.
Daniel Smith
Has there been an issue?
Adelaide Cryteare
Yes, but only punish those who leave. If they decide to stay and work, which is what they are paid to do, then leave them be.
Adelaide Cryteare
Otherwise, I want them gone by the morning.
My first act as Duchess is to assert my presence in this household.
I will reward those who are kind to me and punish those who insult the Cryteare name.
Adelaide Cryteare
Also, I have brought this maid here to start training.
Daniel Smith
Oh, have you selected your personal maid?
Adelaide Cryteare
Yes, I wish for her to take part in training for the role.
Harriet
I'm honoured, but I don't think someone like me would be appropriate.
Adelaide Cryteare
Why not? You respected me and in return, I give you this role.
Adelaide Cryteare
From what I've observed, you are a hard worker who holds a level of integrity that I deem to be suitable for the role of my personal maid.
Adelaide Cryteare
Along with the title of my personal maid, you will also receive a pay rise and a room in the higher living quarters.
Adelaide Cryteare
Isn't that right, Sir Daniel?
Daniel Smith
It is indeed.
Adelaide Cryteare
Very well.
Adelaide Cryteare
It is settled.
As I went to turn around, a young man suddenly appeared behind me.
Wearing armour with the crest of the Cryteare Duchy, he saw me and bowed.
Winston Juliark
My Lady, my name is Winston Juliark and I'm here with a message from the Duke for the Duchess.
Kyre... sent a message to me?
Winston Juliark
Here is the letter.
Winston Juliark
He has also requested that I remain here as your personal guard.
Is Kyre... worrying about me?
I took the letter and opened it up, only to see a picture scribbled in ink.
It was of two stick figures, and one of them was holding a flower.
I could barely decipher it.
Adelaide Cryteare
Um, what is this supposed to be?
I handed the piece of paper to Daniel, who shrugged.
Daniel Smith
I'm not sure. For the Duke, art was never a strong point.
Adelaide Cryteare
I... can tell that.
It's so badly drawn... it's kind of cute.
Adelaide Cryteare
Alright. I'll be in your care, Sir Winston.
I ended up folding that picture and slipping it into the diary I kept.
It was one of my treasures... and I was happy to have received it.
At least this means that he's thinking about me.
Misty Plume
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Comments
Chen Zhang Shia
is that a proposal
2023-11-16
4
TT
so cuteeeeeeeeeee
2022-11-16
5
Claryn A.S
in other words: the duke is giving his flower (mean: his trust, field, authority, care, attention, blessing) to Addie.
2022-09-08
29