Actually, I Was The Real One
Chapter 26
Emily: “The lady must be happy. If you want, you can meet as many handsome men in books as you want. ”
(Helper): "That's right!"
Keyra: "Huh?"
What are they talking about?
Keira has never dated a man, let alone been in a relationship. He never had the time and opportunity to meet her.
No, she didn't even think she wanted to date before that.
Keira: “B-how can I do that? I can't possibly..”
(Helper): “May I ask why you think so? You have many opportunities to meet noble men.”
(Helper): “That's true. Of course, not all nobles are handsome and fit to be good husbands, but if it's a mistress, I'm sure you'll be able to choose whomever you want. ”
(Helpers): “They say that the greatest concern of noble women when reaching adulthood is finding a good husband. Social world is the best place for it.”
Keira didn't even think about it before. The story in a romance novel feels like it's from a different world.
'...I think it's not set in a different world, is it?'
The reason why she had started reading such books from the very beginning was to find out how the life of a normal noblewoman was.
She was the mistress of the Grand Duchy, one of the highest nobles in the country. Unlike the servants who were far from the noble society, Keira was at the center.
In other words, they were right when they said that Keira had many opportunities to meet men. Furthermore, noble women of her age were eager to find a good husband.
What he thought was a fantasy world far away from him was actually just a stone's throw.
When he realized that, his entire face turned red. The thought of meeting a handsome Count like Stella made him feel warm.
But in reality, Keira would be more comparable to the Count than Stella in terms of strength and position. Not many unmarried men could resist the next Saintess, who was not only beautiful, but also had the power of the Grand Duke in her palm.
(Helper): “Oh, mistress, you blush.”
(Helper): "Oh my goodness, you."
Why is he suddenly flirting? The servants thought the same thing but immediately ignored it.
'Hard women can't possibly be happy to think of romance?'
'But if he doesn't feel unwell, that's the only possible explanation ...'
'No way... Can?'
Keira's entire face reddened as she pursed her lips. Anyone knows he's embarrassed.
At that moment, the servants began to feel more comfortable. This woman seemed to be the type they could laugh at and talk to. The servants giggled, the tension slowly fading.
Keira: “I-seems so.”
(Helper): “What was it yesterday? I heard you talking to the butler about going to a ball or tea party?
Keyra: "Yes, maybe."
(Helper): "Wow!"
The servants became excited at Keira's reply. Miranda clapped her hands, completely forgetting the rule of 'never relax in front of Lady Keira.'
Miranda: “Mistress, hasn't it been a long time since you attended social gatherings?”
Keyra: “Yes. The last I attended was the New Year's Supper hosted by the royal family. ”
The lira could not help herself and joined in.
Lira: "So, does this mean that Rose and the principal will help you get dressed again?"
Keira: “I believe so. But why are you asking?”
(Helper): “We always want to see. Party dress or jewelry.”.
Keira: “Then you have to discuss with Rose and choose my clothes for the day.”
(Helper): "Really, Madam?"
He didn't quite understand why they were so happy, but he was happy to see them so alive.
(Helper): “Then we will talk about it with Rose. Thank you very much, madam! We are very, very happy!”
Before he even realized it, the tension was completely gone; he laughed and enjoyed the conversation with the waiter.
He had once thought it was beneath him to act that way towards the staff. He scolded Cosette for chatting loudly with the servants, telling him that it was inappropriate for a noble to act that way.
Perhaps, it is not the act of laughing and interacting with staff that can damage one's reputation, but the opposite.
So, he acted even more strict and haughty. He thought that if she acted like that, she could prove to everyone that she was the daughter of the Grand Duke…
Keyra: “Thank you very much.”
Emily's eyes widened at the woman's words.
Emily: “Sorry? May I ask why you say thank you?”
Keira: “The book you lent me. That's not a home property but a book you bought at your own expense, right?”
Emily: “Ah–.”
Emily seemed a little moved somehow. His eyes sparkled and his cheeks were slightly reddened. In the end, he even shed tears.
Keira: "Why are you crying?"
Emily: “Sorry... I'm afraid the mistress won't like it, so I'm relieved...
Keira: “Your eyes are falling. Someone might think I made you cry.”
Emily: "Oh, sorry."
Emily wiped her face with her sleeve. Embarrassed, he smiled while avoiding the woman's gaze.
Keira didn't think Emily would cry like that. Seeing her so happy like that, Keira felt embarrassed for not usually treating them like this.
Lucky for them, Paula's voice broke the awkward moment.
Paul: “Emily! The lira! Mirandas! I'm wondering where you guys are going, and you're here– Oh, Madam, you're here too. ”
Keira: "Yes, we've spoken."
Paula: “Maybe... Did these kids make a mistake?”
The waiter looked very nervous.
There are instances when superiors are reprimanded for failing to educate young waiters if they make a mistake.
Seeing the look on Paula's face made Keira contemplate for herself.
'Am I that tight?'
Keira tried her best to speak softly.
Keyra: “Not at all. You can take it if you need to do something. I think I've been keeping it for too long. See you next time."
Emily: “Yes! See you later, lady.”
Paul: "E-Emily!"
Paula was surprised by the attitude of her junior who treated the woman so casually. However, since Keira didn't seem to mind it, she couldn't directly scold them.
Paula: "Then we'll go."
The servants took three steps back, then turned around to walk back to their jobs.
After they disappeared from sight, Keira smiled proudly at herself.
"Talk is natural."
No one would have expected him to be so nervous the entire time he talked to the waiter. He thought it would take him a long time to find the right opportunity to talk to the waiter, but he was glad an unexpected meeting happened.
He walked with a bounce in his step.
......................
"Where are you doing there with the mistress ?! I'm so nervous. I thought you'd get in trouble again!
Paula screamed, her hands on her waist. He did not consider their women to be bad masters, however, as with the Grand Duke, it was not easy to interact with the woman. It was hard to feel comfortable in front of him. Their women are always obedient to the rules and will punish people who make mistakes.
'Even if I've been with her since she was a baby, I still feel like this.'
It was hard to believe that this young maid was so comfortable in front of the woman.
Paula: “Luckily, mistress forgives this time but–”
“I-not like that!”
"That's fine. He called me first. He wants to borrow a book.”
"Book?"
Paula's eyes were shocked. Lady Keira borrowed a book from a waiter? Not otherwise?