Published: January 4, 2026
I followed John and arrived in front of the main gate of the official residence.
At what could be called the end point of the bonfires, a familiar woman was waiting with her servants.
Mary.
The girl I once rescued from a slave trader, who became John’s wife and, now that she was allowed outside, was as much a member of my household as my own wife.
Mary knelt before me with smooth, practiced movements, then prostrated herself and bowed deeply to the ground.
With John, since he held a public official status, I had pointed out the formality, but Mary had no official position, so she was merely showing the polite respect expected from a servant.
Behind Mary, the servants looked surprised.
Their expressions clearly asked: “Why is the mistress doing this? Who is this man?”
“I have been waiting for you, Master.”
“Relax. Or rather, a simplified form would have been fine.”
Every etiquette has its formal and informal versions.
What Mary was doing was among the most formal forms of servant courtesy — you could call it the full-course etiquette.
That’s why I told her a simple, informal bow was enough, but Mary kept both hands and knees on the ground, only raising her face.
“Not at all! It’s been years, maybe once in a few years, since I’ve had the chance to meet my Master. When I get this chance, please allow me to show proper respect. If I don’t, I won’t be able to sleep at night due to my guilt towards the great favor you have done for me!”
“Is that how it is?”
“Yes.”
“In that case—John.”
I turned and called John’s name.
“Yes!”
“There will be times when you come to the capital on official business and have an audience with me. Bring Mary along then, as a married couple. That way, you’ll see each other occasionally, right?”
“Ah, thank you.”
“Thank you.”
John hurriedly bowed his head, while Mary remained composed and bowed once more.
Compared to John, who still retained a somewhat youthful restlessness, Mary seemed to have acquired the calmness of a mature woman.
Quietly, Mary stood up, took a step back, turned partly sideways, and gave me way to enter the residence.
“Please come in, Master.”
“Mm.”
I nodded and stepped inside.
Following me were John and Mary as a couple, with their servants trailing behind them looking puzzled. Peiyu silently followed at the very end.
Once inside the official residence, I was first led to a reception room.
“…Hmm.”
I involuntarily murmured as I entered.
As soon as I stepped in, it felt as if I had entered a completely different world.
Despite it being nighttime, the room was brightly lit with plenty of light, and a high-quality incense was burning that was noticeable the moment I sniffed it.
Even the sofa I was to sit on was richly embroidered, and on the table before it lay fresh fruits.
Anyone could see the level of lavish hospitality displayed.
“I’m sorry we can only do this much here. It can’t compare to the capital, but we will serve you diligently as compensation.”
“Please, Master, over here.”
Guided by John and Mary, I sat down on the sofa.
Not just in appearance, but it was a well-cushioned sofa filled with padding.
I sat down and looked around the room.
“...Where did the money come from?”
I asked John and Mary abruptly.
They exchanged awkward expressions.
“You can’t cover this kind of hospitality with your salary. If handled badly, you could blow away about a year’s pay.”
The salaries of low-ranking officials in the empire were hardly generous.
That would have to be addressed eventually—but for now, John’s explanation came first.
“Then don’t worry.”
“Oh?”
“I borrowed from the city’s merchants. Ah, I made sure to write a proper loan agreement. They promised I can repay it by the time my term ends.”
“Hmm.”
“Rest assured, Master. I understand fully. We will absolutely not squeeze the people dry.”
Mary backed up John’s statement.
Both born in poor villages, Mary originally a slave, and John with a similar background, they would never exploit commoners.