“Rosetta… did you even have much contact with Pence-san to begin with?”
“Rosetta-san works as a maid at Lord Noein’s mansion, right? It doesn’t seem like she’d have many opportunities to talk with Pence-san, the deputy commander.”
Hearing the story that Rosetta was in love with Pence, not only Mai but also Anna and Michelle were surprised.
“That sounds like an interesting story—let me join in!”
The one who joined the conversation was Gina, Radley’s wife. With her, the wives of the main retainers of the Earlkvist estate were all present.
“Gina, is this the first time you’re hearing about this?”
“Yes, my husband always complains that Pence-san is too out of touch with women, so as someone who’s heard that, this is a really intriguing story.”
“Well then, let’s hear the truth.”
Mai said, looking at Rosetta. Anna, Michelle, Gina, and all the maids turned their gazes to Rosetta. Their eyes were filled with eager anticipation for a romantic tale, and the atmosphere was more like a girls’ gathering than a ladies’ assembly.
“With everyone looking at me like that, I’m getting embarrassed~.”
Despite her red face and laughter, Rosetta began to talk about how she fell for Pence.
“Um, well, you know, I accompanied Lord Noein on his diplomatic trip at the end of the year, right? During that time, we had a day off, and Pence-san, worried about me walking around an unfamiliar city alone, stayed with me for the whole day.”
“So, you went shopping and had meals together, just the two of you?”
“That sounds like a date!”
Anna and Mai’s excitement burst forth. Though Michelle and Gina didn’t tease her, their faces flushed as they imagined Rosetta and Pence strolling through the city together.
“It wasn’t as romantic as that~. Pence-san was acting as my chaperone, really… but he made sure I could enjoy the city’s sights without any worries. Even though I’m sure he had no interest in the shops I visited, he stayed with me without complaining…”
Rosetta’s face was beaming with a grin as she spoke.
“I see… Pence-san’s attentiveness worked in making sure he didn’t get in the way of Rosetta’s sightseeing.”
“He seems like someone who’s good at reading the room.”
“He’s like the perennial middle manager.”
Gina nodded in agreement, and Anna and Mai did the same.
“Since then, Rosetta’s been head over heels for Pence-san’s mature charm.”
“Every time she talks, it’s about Pence-san, to the point that it’s honestly a bit much.”
Mary and Kimberly’s revelation made Rosetta’s already giddy expression crumble.
“Still, for a man to win over a girl more than ten years younger… Pence-san sure is a bit sinful, huh?”
As long as both were over the legal adult age of 15, there was no issue with any age difference according to the kingdom’s customary law.
However, typically, people married partners within a 10-year age difference, so it was unusual for a girl who had just become an adult to be involved with a man nearing 30.
“B-but still… I fell in love anyway~!”
Rosetta declared with a sweet, embarrassed squeal, her innocence captivating everyone present.
“In that case, we have no choice but to fully support Rosetta!”
“Exactly, Pence-san probably won’t find anyone better than her!”
“I’ll get my husband to help bring them closer!”
“Then, I’ll ask Bart to help too!”
“We’ll make sure Rosetta handles things whenever Pence-san comes to the mansion for work!”
“As long as it doesn’t interfere with work, I’ll help too.”
What began as a casual chat about romance turned into a strong alliance supporting Rosetta’s love.
At any social gathering, whether a noble banquet or a village feast, there are always a few who struggle to join in—loners, so to speak.
Even in the lively atmosphere of the meal in Noeina’s plaza, some people remained somewhat disconnected from the crowd.
“We don’t seem to fit in…”
“Hehe, we rarely get a chance to interact with the women of the domain.”
This disappointed exchange came from Mathilda and Christy, both of whom were Noein’s slaves.
Mathilda, who was usually glued to Noein’s side, and Christy, who rarely left the mansion due to her work, occupied unique roles within the domain. As a result, they weren’t sure what to talk about with the other women.
“I didn’t even want to participate in this gathering. But Mai practically dragged me here.”
“And I was told by Lord Noein to take a break from work and relax…”
Mathilda was not only Noein’s partner in public but also in private. However, without him by her side, she easily lost her sense of identity.
Christy, who found meaning in her work, became unsettled as soon as she was away from it.
Both of them, being so devoted to their respective ways of life, struggled with how to handle such irregular events.
“There you two are! What are you doing here all huddled up? It’s a party, loosen up!”
Mai arrived like a lifeline. When Mathilda and Christie turned towards the voice calling out to them, they saw Mai leading a group that included the wives of the retainers and the three maids. For some reason, Rosetta’s face was bright red.
“Mai… I’m not used to gatherings like this. Without Lord Noein by my side, I have no idea how I’m supposed to act.”
“You’re as in love with Lord Noein as ever, huh? Well, that’s your greatest strength. Fine then, why don’t you tell us some stories about him? Christie, you want to hear them too, don’t you?”
“Uh… well, I-I am a little curious.”
Thrown into the conversation so suddenly, Christie stammered but eventually showed her curiosity.
“I’ve only ever seen Lord Noein’s face as a lord…”
“The expressions he makes when he’s with Mathilda…”
“I’m really curious too…”
The wives of the retainers were also intrigued.
“No, I can’t just casually share such things.”
“It’s fine if it’s within what you can talk about. You always keep a calm front, but what’s it like when you’re alone with Lord Noein? Do you ever spoil him?”
“Well… more than me, it’s usually Lord Noein who needs to be comforted, and I try to heal his weariness… But, no, I shouldn’t be talking about this.”
Swept up by the atmosphere, Mathilda had let something slip. She shook her head, but it was already too late.
“Wow…”
“So Lord Noein leans on you…”
“Men really are all just big softies, huh…”
While the retainers’ wives were getting excited, the maids remained calm.
“We actually see moments like that quite often.”
“Since Lord Noein often relaxes in the living room or the dining room.”
“Even during the last diplomatic trip, Mathilda-san was giving Lord Noein a lap pillow in the carriage.”
“Ah, I guess as maids, you get to see those kinds of moments too…”
Mai nodded, seemingly satisfied by something.
“Also! When we check the locks around the mansion before bed, sometimes from Lord Noein’s bedroom, you can hear—mmph!”
“Mary, don’t push it.”
“That’s a bit too much information!”
Kimberly and Rosetta quickly covered Mary’s mouth, but it was already a little too late. Everyone had a good idea of what she was about to say.
When they all cautiously looked towards Mathilda…
“…”
She silently sipped from her cup, staring off into the distance. Her slightly flushed cheeks could have been from the alcohol, the cold, or perhaps even embarrassment.
Thus, the first gathering of the women of the Earlkvist estate brought them closer through candid conversation, deepening their bonds of friendship.
