Episode 7: Encountering a New Life

The carriage finally arrived at the Duke of Erze’s residence.

“Now then.”

“Thank you.”

Even when descending from the carriage, Oz escorted Fiene. Her tension had significantly eased since she learned he was the familiar Oz. As they got off the carriage and headed towards the entrance, a person who seemed to be the maid of this house was standing there.

“Welcome back, Master.”

“I’m home, Lin.”

While responding, Oz narrowed his eyes and seemed to express dissatisfaction with Lin. Feeling the silent pressure, Lin took a breath and revised her statement.

“Welcome back, Lord Oz.”

“Yes, I’m home. This is Fiene, who will be my wife starting today. Please take care of her.”

Fiene quickly bowed to Lin, and Lin bowed even more deeply in return. With her long, glossy black hair, Lin’s bow appeared exceptionally beautiful and graceful.

(Wow… Black hair is rare. Beautiful…)

“She is Lin, the maid of this house, who will take care of you exclusively.”

“Fiene-sama, I will do my best to serve you. Nice to meet you.”

“Th-thank you!”

The greetings seemed to be over, but from here, Oz found himself in an unexpected situation. Fiene and Lin, driven by a sense of duty to bow even more deeply than each other, continued a series of bows.

In the peculiar situation of the two women bowing repeatedly at the entrance, Oz felt a bit bewildered.

“Is this what they mean by ‘fulfilling courtesies’?”

Oz’s mutterings didn’t reach the two.

Oz returned to his room and immediately started working.

“Fiene, let’s have dinner together.”

“Yes! I’d love to!”

After exchanging those words, Oz, handed documents by his aide, entered the room, reading through the papers.

“Fiene-sama, shall we go?”

“Yes, Lin-san.”

Following Lin’s guidance, various things in the hallway caught Fiene’s eyes.

“I had a similar painting in my house.”

“This one was chosen by Lord Oz… Lord Oz liked it when he saw it in your home and bought it.”

“Indeed, I liked this painting. Especially the cute cat playing with a yarn ball—it’s adorable!”

“Yes, I also like this painting.”

While happily conversing, Lin opened the door to a certain room. Following Lin’s guidance, Fiene slowly stepped inside.

“What an amazing room.”

“This is Fiene-sama’s room. We have arranged everything according to Lord Oz’s instructions. If you need anything, please let us know.”

“No, this room is more than enough! …May I touch things?”

“Of course.”

Fiene was so moved that she couldn’t find words. The pure white sheets were fluffy and warm to the touch, emitting a pleasant fragrance. The sunlight poured in, and when she looked out the window, she saw a gardener tending to the garden, who bowed to Fiene. The bookshelf was lined with an amount of books that Fiene had never seen, even during her time in the Earl’s house.

“Fiene-sama, do you like it?”

“Yes! Thank you, Lin-san!”

“There’s no problem with just ‘Lin.'”

“Huh?”

“I am here to serve Fiene-sama. It would be too much for me to be called that way.”

In response to Lin’s words, Fiene seemed to think for a moment, then, as if she had come up with a good idea, clapped her hands and shook hands with Lin with a smile.

“Well, how about this? Since we are friends, let me call you ‘Lin.'”

“Friends…”

“Yes! Rather than a master-servant relationship, let’s interact as friends, okay?”

With a somewhat troubled expression, Lin glanced around, then swallowed and asked, “Is that what Fiene-sama wishes?”

“Yes, of course, not right away! But I’m not used to such special treatment…”

Fiene seemed uneasy about her surroundings. Seeing this, Lin bowed deeply again and conveyed her thoughts.

“I have learned that Fiene-sama is a wonderful person. I will serve you wholeheartedly.”

“Huh?! That’s just normal!!”

Unbeknownst to Oz, another bowing battle unfolded in his absence.