Chapter 14
14. Men Asking About Reina2021.10.17.
Taylor, who knew no English and had been thoroughly scolded by Marina, was chased out with question marks floating above his head. Quite a few servants had witnessed the scene and offered their condolences for the obliviousness of the mansion’s top heartthrob. Meanwhile, the maids were starting to get annoyed by the endless questions about Reina’s whereabouts. From Taylor Lorenson, to Lord Rembrandt’s attendant, to the regular servants who were just genuinely curious why Reina was nowhere to be seen. Far more people were looking for Reina than expected.
“…….”
And it was unfortunate that Tristan, who arrived with the latest footsteps, ended up approaching the maids who were already fed up with the same question.
“Reina again? How many is this today already? Impressive, really.”
The maids’ reaction—exchanging weary glances and shaking their heads—was unexpected. Tristan stared at them in bewilderment.
“……What do you mean by that? You’re saying other people besides me have been asking about ‘Reina’?”
The maids looked at him with a mischievous glint and teased.
“You’ll have to wait quite a while if you want to get in line for Reina.”
“Ah, no.”
Tristan, displeased by the nuance in their words, straightened up and raised a hand in denial.
“That’s not the kind of interest I have. For one thing, I’m married. I’m just curious about the basics about her. Like her age, reputation, family, that sort of thing…….”
“Sir.”
The maid let out a snort of laughter.
“We don’t sell information about the mansion’s internal staff. You must be new here and unaware, so I won’t hold your rudeness against you.”
“!”
Tristan paused mid-sentence, freezing. The maid continued.
“We’re servants of ‘Julius.’ We receive high pay in exchange for keeping our mouths shut and maintaining the highest professionalism.”
He knew they were the highest-paid servants on the continent. But for some reason, Tristan felt a surge of defiance, clamped his mouth shut, and then spoke.
“……My apologies. But even though I’m Sir Arthur’s closest knight, does that mean you’re selling information? As you know, Sir Arthur is the one who will inherit this marquisate. Doesn’t that make me prospective family?”
The maids exchanged glances, then—to his surprise—grinned as if they found him adorable. Tristan was a bit flustered by the unexpected response. The maid said.
“Sir. If you won’t take this the wrong way, I’ll give you one piece of advice.”
“……Yes. I’m listening.”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t make it obvious that I’m gathering information on Sir Arthur’s orders. As you said, Sir Arthur will inherit the marquisate, and Sir Tristan, you’ll soon undergo the same training as us and become prospective family, so I’m telling you in advance.”
“!”
Realizing his mistake, Tristan flushed red in embarrassment. As he stood there speechless, the maid shrugged with professional composure and graciously replied.
“Well. I suppose I can tell you that the number of men seeking information on Reina today alone exceeds the fingers on one hand. Since you’re prospective family.”
* * * Chastising himself for underestimating the task of gathering info on a mere servant, Tristan burned with self-anger. Was it because he’d reunited with his family and finally felt like he’d returned to a safe place? His mind must have grown lax. He’d acted like a careless fool. To belittle the mansion’s affairs. This place was another battlefield for Arthur.
“…….”
He needed to start his approach over from the beginning. Reina. And Taylor Lorenson…….
“Excuse me. Has ‘Reina’ perhaps quit her job?”
Lost in reflection as he walked, Tristan froze behind a pillar when he heard the name he was seeking.
“No. She’s still working here. What is it?”
Lord Rembrandt’s attendant, Francis, smiled somewhat awkwardly.
“I want to deliver a letter to Reina…… but no matter how much I look, I can’t find her.”
“Ah, a letter. I can pass it on for you.”
As the servant readily extended a hand, Francis feigned a smile and hesitated.
“Um…… I wanted to hand it to her personally before leaving. Didn’t she originally clean around here? Why isn’t she around?”
The servant made a regretful face.
“Ah…… She did, but…… Reina was called to be Lady Christina’s personal maid a few days ago. She seems to be sticking close to the lady now. We don’t know when she’ll be back…… What should we do.”
Tristan concealed his presence and hid his body. This was exactly the information he wanted. Thanking his luck inwardly while feeling surprised, Tristan noted that there really were that many people asking about ‘Reina’? Still hidden behind the pillar, he quickly scanned the questioner’s attire and face. A distinctive silk pattern on the man’s outer garment caught his eye.
‘Imperial affiliation?’
Having been with the crown prince’s army until recently, he recognized it easily. A crest that only those serving the imperial family could use. Judging by the scope and pattern, mid-to-high status. Gentry*. At least a lesser noble. Not a commoner. Perhaps a close aide or attendant to a high noble?
“Lady Christina’s personal maid? Actually, I knew that, but she wasn’t at the triumphal procession. Weren’t other maids assigned as her attendants?”
“Ah, was that so? Well, I didn’t see her…… In that case, she might be out on a personal errand for the lady. Personal maids aren’t always just one. It’s common for other maids to step in if the primary one leaves for a private task.”
“I see. Um…… Does Reina commute? Or does she stay and eat here? I know showing up suddenly would be intrusive, so I won’t do anything rude. But just in case there’s a chance I might run into her by coincidence…….”
“Ah, Reina…… Um, I wouldn’t normally tell you this. But since it’s you, Mr. Francis?”
They already seemed to have a rapport and trust, as the information flowed easily—unlike what she’d shared with him. * * *
“Yes……? Dispatched? So suddenly?”
Returning to his room, Taylor Lorenson blinked in surprise at the abrupt order relayed by his father, Alvin Lorenson.
“Yes. It’s about time you started earning your keep. It’s your first official assignment from the marquisate. No need to be nervous. It’s just treating one old man. There’ll be a separate caregiver too.”
Treating one elderly patient? With a caregiver attached? Alvin Lorenson continued.
“Today, you’ll go with me. I’ll head back first without you, and you’ll stay there, live on-site, and tend to the patient. It won’t be too tough. Just monitor the patient’s condition carefully, keep treatment records, and report back to the marquisate when you return. Pack your bags first.”
Living on-site to care for the patient? If the marquisate was sending a doctor personally with a caregiver, shouldn’t that be for an important patient—something his father should handle himself? It didn’t quite make sense. Was it just a test as a physician? Taylor hesitated before asking.
“How long?”
It was an order from the Julius family, so there was no choice, but with Reina still out of sight nagging at him, leaving the mansion didn’t sit well. Alvin Lorenson pondered briefly before answering.
“That’s not set yet. ……For now, a week.”
Taylor was shocked.
“A week? That long?”
And it even carried the nuance that it might extend further. Just one old man, yet the marquisate sends a dedicated caregiver and resident physician. What was going on? In any case, Taylor began packing and asked.
“Who is it that a marquisate-employed chief physician has to stay and treat for a week with meals included?”
And sending me instead of Father?
“You’re not a chief physician yet. ……It’s the grandmother of some maid. The marquisate decided to extend special courtesy due to her circumstances.”
“Whose grandmother?”
Alvin Lorenson paused briefly before saying.
“Reina Astalin’s. Everything from here is confidential.”
“…….”
Taylor, who had been pulling out a stack of gazettes stuffed in his bag, froze and turned around.
“What?”
* * * While Reina was being held and questioned by the Marchioness. Tristan sought out Arthur. He relayed the brief information he’d learned about Reina in the meantime. Today alone, more than three men had been looking for ‘Reina,’ and the maids were exasperated, wondering if he was there for her too; whether she had ties to many men since so many were seeking her, and he’d personally witnessed one of them. He followed up by confirming the man was Lord Rembrandt’s attendant, who had only been here for two weeks.
“There may be a risk of her having a dangerous romantic history with men. You should be cautious.”
Arthur listened calmly, his expression unreadable. Seeing how she’d captivated even someone she’d just met, she might actually be quite the dangerous seductress beneath that innocent face, so he should be careful, Tristan added. * * *
Creak. The door to the bridal chamber opened.
“……Sir Arthur.”
Arthur, about to pour tea into a cup, turned only his eyes, flashed a bright smile, and continued tilting the teapot.
“Did you manage to reassure Mother?”
“……Yes. Thank you.”
Setting down the teapot, Arthur lit a cigar and lifted one corner of his mouth.
“I see.”
As he tapped ash into the ashtray, he said.
“But you’ve been calling your husband, whom you’ve reunited with after five years, ‘Sir Arthur’ for two straight days.”
Reina paused and looked at him.
“…….”
Arthur smiled at her and slid the teacup toward Reina.
“There must be a better way to address me.”
“…….”
Reina swallowed dryly, hesitated, lowered her head, and murmured.
“……Arthur.”
“…….”
Arthur gazed at her for a moment, then gave a wry smile.
“Sit down. It’s been so long since we reunited; we should talk about all the things we haven’t covered.”
“…….”
Reina stared at him, unable to approach readily. Cigarette smoke drifted around Arthur, who wore an enigmatic smile, creating a strange atmosphere.
“…….”
When Reina didn’t move, he calmly invited her again.
“Sit down.”
“…….”
Finally moving her reluctant feet, Reina sat and fidgeted nervously with her skirt hem. No matter what conversation she’d had with the Marchioness, it couldn’t have been good for him. His unwavering kindness plunged her into guilt. He opened his mouth and asked.
“How have you been? These past five years.”
――――― *Gentry: Members of noble families. In a broad sense, it includes titled nobles; usually refers to second sons and below who are noble-born but untitled. They use noble crests and form the ruling class of society. They are lower nobles or wealthy small-to-medium landowners below nobles, influential local figures.
