Dedicated maid and escort knight.
The conditions Edwin had set for inspecting the estate were now met. From dawn, the sky had been brilliantly clear—the perfect day for an outing.
But something else occupied my thoughts at the moment.
"Is this truly appropriate?"
I studied myself in the mirror. A bright yellow dress and a wide-brimmed hat. During all the estate inspections I had conducted at the Princess's command, I had never worn anything like this.
It's a territory inspection. Shouldn't I be dressed more formally?
I worried that such lightweight attire might be unsuitable, but Bethany shook her head with gentle resolve.
"For the official inspection, I shall prepare an elegant and dignified gown. But today, you must examine every corner of the estate—a dress that allows you to move freely is far more practical."
Bethany was right. This bright yellow dress was light and easy to maneuver in. I could step in and out of the carriage as often as needed.
Proving herself worthy of her history as the former Grand Duchess's dedicated maid, Bethany examined me with meticulous care. She braided my thick hair with expert hands and applied my cosmetics with the practiced ease of a master.
Then she retrieved an antique jewelry box and opened it.
"And this."
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