CH 56

Since they had business at the Duke’s residence both days of the weekend, the siblings did not return to the dormitory but stayed overnight.

At dinner together, Alexei tells Ekaterina that he has fired Nona, while omitting the detailed conversation, he said briefly.

“The reason you didn’t say anything to me was probably out of concern for the hectic state we’re in. I’m sorry that I seem to have wasted your benevolence.” (Alexei)

“It is my deepest regret that brother has to be so concerned about my well-being.  Big brother called me the Lady of Yurinova. It should be the duty of the lady to supervise the servants and take care of the affairs of the household, but because of my inexperience, such burden was also placed upon you.”

Ekaterina’s POV

Come to think of it, acting as the duchess, this is something I should have done right away before saying anything about helping my brother with his work……

It was also the reason why I decided to check the dress collection of that old hag and meet the rest of the side servants.

But I’m sorry, I can’t do that yet. I have a vague idea of what the role of a duchess is, but it’s far from practical.

I’m sure I could make up for my schoolwork by reading books or something, but I don’t have much knowledge about things that don’t come up on the public scene, such as housekeeping…… Even in my previous life, I’m sure this is a field that doesn’t have many historical records, and I don’t have much knowledge about it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Alexei smiled at me when I told him so.

“That’s a very responsible thing for you to say, but you don’t have to worry about it. Graham is in charge of the inner workings of the mansion. He’s been the butler since grandfather’s time, and he’s the living leader of the residence. Just leave it to him.” (Alexei)

Graham, who is waiting behind Alexei, bows. He is a little younger than grandfather, maybe around sixty years old, with beautiful silver hair and an austere, neat appearance that is very much like a butler.

“But if you wish, I can give you the authority befitting a mistress.” (Alexei)

“No, I would like Graham, whom my brother trusts, to keep a firm grip on the residence of the Imperial Capital as it is now. However, I would like to get to know the inner workings of the estate as well. Graham, would you be willing to teach me how things operate step by step?” (Ekaterina)

“Of course, any time you wish, my lady.” (Graham)

Smiling, Graham bowed his head graciously at me.

“I would rather hope that you, as the rightful mistress, will be in charge of us. The way things have been up to now, it was only out of necessity. I think it is wonderful that the gentle young lady is supporting His Excellency, and that the siblings are supporting the dukedom in harmony.” (Graham)

“……I see. I’ve been relying on you too much, but I guess it’s time for me to reduce a little of Graham’s burden.” (Ekaterina)

Ugh, I see. In this world, where the average lifespan should not be as long as in my previous life, Graham is about ready to retire……?

“Ekaterina, if you really want to, but….would you be willing to come back here with me for the next weekend and supervise the inner sanctum with Graham? We’ll have to wait until after March is over and things have settled down. Oh, and I’ve got exams, so that’ll have to be after they’re done, too.”  (Alexei)

“It can’t be helped, there’s that matter too, after all……” (Ekaterina)

Kuh…

That’s right! The exam schedule was announced yesterday, for the first time since I entered the school. It will start the day after the event!