Published: August 15, 2025
The marquis was silent for several seconds. Yet he still pressed on. Pointing sharply at Nanny Ella, who was trembling with tears in her eyes as if this were proof, he said,
“No, I asked this Ella to build confidence and to guide her to become more sociable. But look at her now—she’s shaking like this, poor thing. This is no different from before—in fact, it’s even worse!”
“…That’s true.”
“That’s no answer, count! How do you intend to take responsibility? You, the next Duke Granado, can’t even educate a single woman properly—”
Lord Cyrus raised one hand to stop the comfortably speaking Lord Dario’s speech. Silencing him for the moment, he scratched the back of his head with that hand and said,
“About that… I’m sorry. It was impossible.”
He said it clearly and firmly. Lord Dario’s mouth dropped open in surprise for a moment before he let out a scream-like voice.
“Eh—what!?”
“No, it’s simply impossible. Don’t say educating a woman like it’s easy. She’s a human being. Personality is formed by innate traits, abilities, and the environment one has lived in up to now. No one can just ‘educate’ or ‘train’ that as they please. It’s impossible.”
Every word was reasonable, hitting the truth head-on. I found it somehow amusing and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Maybe catching my mood, Lisa in my arms smiled too. Lord Cyrus gently stroked Lisa’s cheek with his finger and lifted her up. Being held by her father, Lisa grew even more cheerful. When she started raising her voice and playing, Lord Cyrus looked at her with a fond expression.
“I don’t have the luxury for that now. As a noble of Dilz, as the lord of Granado Castle and the trade guild—and above all, as a man with a wife and child—I have priorities. I don’t have the heart or time to spare on another woman.”
The marquis looked around as if seeking help, then seemed to decide to cling to me. Folding his hands as if in prayer, he said,
“Ah, Lady Marie, your improved complexion is thanks to our Ella, isn’t it?”
“…Yes, well, during the hardest times, Nanny Ella did help us.”
“Right?! Our Ella may be clumsy, but her skills in housework and childcare are top-notch. She’s indispensable going forward, so please keep her close—”
“That won’t be necessary. As Lord Cyrus says, I intend to handle things with just my family.”
“Please don’t say that!”
Apparently, in his eyes, I looked like a “woman who could be persuaded if pushed.” While I can’t entirely deny that, today I had no intention of nodding no matter how much he persisted. I stood firm and confronted Marquis Dario’s excuses. No matter what was said, I would not waver.
“I’m sorry, but please take your leave.”
“But you understand Ella’s feelings, don’t you? You were once called a ragged noble lady, but you rose to your current status because Lord Cyrus took notice.”
“Did you investigate my past? That’s quite rude.”
“Ah—no, it’s well known... Anyway, it’s true, isn’t it? You and Ella share the same circumstances, don’t you? You empathized with her when you heard her story, didn’t you?”
“Yes, that’s true. Honestly, watching her, I often thought she resembled me.”
“See?! Then, Lady Marie, please say a word to the count! The two of you can be good friends who understand each other.”
“No, thank you. I already have enough people I understand well.”
I said firmly. Nanny Ella gasped softly beside me, but I paid no mind. I stood beside Lord Cyrus, holding our daughter Lisa tightly in his arms.
“As Lord Cyrus said, I already have both hands full of precious things. I’m doing my best just protecting what I have now.”
“Th-that’s—”
“I don’t need any more help. I’m satisfied with everything. I don’t need anything or anyone else—especially not someone who infiltrated us under false pretenses. Right, Ella Fuchs?”
Marquis Dario and Ella Fuchs’ faces froze stiffly with a sharp intake of breath.