Chapter 144

 

Although Leroy had already warned everyone once, Iona felt it wasn’t enough.

 

‘Anyone with a bit of sense would have realized that Yvonne wasn’t lying.’

 

What Leroy attempted was essentially not a correction but a warning.

 

It was a subtle way of showing what he would do if they spread Yvonne’s words outside.

 

The two royal knights seemed to grasp Leroy’s threat somewhat, but it was uncertain whether the maid, who had been in a state of shock, understood his meaning properly.

 

Even if Reni hadn’t listened carefully to Yvonne’s claims, it was necessary to stop her from saying anything unnecessary when the real investigation began.

 

“Although I doubt many would believe such delusional claims, you never know how rumors can spread.”

 

Iona raised and lowered her eyebrows as if troubled by the thought.

 

Even if the rumors spread, they could find ways to explain it away, but the best solution was always to prevent the problem before it occurred.

 

“I understand what you mean.”

 

Reni replied with a serious look.

 

Probing any deeper would only make her look more suspicious. Iona thought this was sufficient and was about to dismiss her when Reni continued, looking agitated.

 

“Miss Yvonne is truly too much. The Countess has kept her here out of consideration for family, yet instead of being grateful and reflecting, she seeks to harm her further. It’s like repaying kindness with betrayal.”

 

The reason for letting Yvonne be until now was to avoid any backlash when they eventually dealt with her, but Iona remained silent.

 

In any case, Reni was making arguments in Iona’s favor.

 

“Don’t worry, Countess. No one will believe such nonsensical claims. I also realized just how terrible Miss Yvonne is from what happened yesterday.”

 

“……”

 

“And even if her words were true, which they aren’t, it wouldn’t be a weakness for you, Countess.”

 

Reni added cautiously.

 

Iona, listening with her hand on her waist, let out a brief laugh and lowered her head.

 

This maid clearly understood that Iona was an illegitimate child and was trying to convey indirectly that she had no intention of using it against her.

 

‘A good friend.’

 

Or perhaps she had an exceptional survival instinct.

 

Either way, it was beneficial for Iona. She could deal with two problems that had been troubling her at once.

 

Iona wiped the smile off her face and nonchalantly counted on her fingers.

 

Marsha, who had always been by her side, Cornelia, who had recently fully joined her, and now Reni...

 

“Is three enough?”

 

When Iona muttered something incomprehensible, Reni, looking puzzled, asked, “Pardon?”

 

Instead of answering, Iona asked Reni another question.

 

“You’re currently working in the kitchen, right?”

 

Iona knew Reni’s name because Marsha had mentioned her several times, saying she talked freely despite not being around for long.

 

“Yes? Yes, that’s right.”

 

Reni answered with a confused expression at the sudden personal inquiry.

 

Iona continued as if she had been waiting for this moment.

 

“Were you originally from the capital? I ask because your workplace might change soon, and I need to know if you can leave here.”

 

“Since I wasn’t born or raised in the capital, it doesn’t matter. But, Countess, when you say my workplace might change...”

 

“I happen to be looking for a personal maid. I’d be pleased if you could come with me to the Duchy.”

 

Reni’s eyes wavered. The surprise at the unexpected offer was evident.

 

Standing there in a daze for a moment, Reni finally realized this was reality and broke into a bright smile.

 

“Of course, Countess! I’ll do my best!”

 

After all, Iona was the one who saved Reni’s life.

 

In a situation where careful selection of people was necessary, bringing someone who owed her a debt into her fold wasn’t a bad strategy.

 

Iona smiled in satisfaction.

 

‘Maybe Marsha will stop nagging so much now.’

 

Resolving the delayed hiring issue made her feel much better.

 

Although there was still the task of finding another maid, she had at least secured a colleague to share Marsha’s workload, so she could avoid any complaints for a while.

 

“Starting tomorrow, you’ll be reassigned to my room. You can get detailed work instructions from Marsha or Cornelia. Do you have any other questions?”

 

“No, none.”

 

“Good, then go and bring the butler.”

 

“Yes, understood!”

 

Reni replied cheerfully and left the room, likely thinking Iona wanted to discuss personnel matters with the butler.

 

Before long, Reni returned with the butler to the office.

 

The butler, possibly anticipating a similar discussion, immediately brought up the relevant topic upon standing before Iona.

 

“I heard you’ve decided to make Reni your personal maid.”

 

“That’s right. Just decided.”

 

“I’ll make arrangements for her to change assignments starting tomorrow. Additionally, it might be good to move some of the spare maids to the kitchen to replace Reni. Is that acceptable?”

 

“Hasn’t the kitchen become less busy with fewer mouths to feed? There’s no need to complicate things unnecessarily.”

 

“That’s true, but… what should we do about the staff who worked under the former Count or others?”

 

Finally, the uncomfortable topic surfaced.

 

Iona had been aware of their inconvenient presence but had overlooked it for now.

 

With Nils and Yvonne still in the capital, dismissing their people could be seen as an attempt to cut off their support.

 

However, thanks to the marriage vow she made with Leroy last night, Iona now had a plausible excuse to resolve this difficult situation.

 

“Leave them be. I plan to dismiss all the employees working at this mansion by the end of this month anyway.”

 

“...What?”

 

“Including you, of course.”

 

Iona emphasized with a bright voice.

 

The butler, flustered, stared blankly at her.

 

He waited for Iona to say it was a joke, but unfortunately, she continued to speak words contrary to his expectations.

 

“We’re planning to move to the Duke’s estate soon. There’s no need to maintain this big mansion if we won’t be staying in the capital anymore. I plan to call a broker to sell it soon.”

 

“No, Countess. What do you mean… You’re leaving so suddenly, without even having the ceremony…!”

 

The butler, usually so composed, stammered in shock.

 

Even he couldn’t calmly accept the sudden notice of dismissal.

 

For the first time, he showed an uncharacteristically insolent attitude, trying to reason with Iona.

 

“Even if you’re not going to live here anymore, this place holds the history of the Modrov family. It’s not a property you can dispose of so impulsively.”

 

“I thought you were quite clever, but perhaps not.”

 

Iona looked at the butler with a pitying gaze, her hands clasped behind her back.

 

After a brief pause, she whispered, narrowing her eyes slightly.

 

“That’s why I’m selling it.”

 

The butler bit his lips and trembled.

 

It seemed he finally grasped Iona’s intention to dispose of the mansion, and his shoulders slumped.

 

He murmured absently.

 

“You intend to settle old scores.”

 

That “old scores” included those who had been loyal to her enemies in the past.

 

This was undoubtedly a justified decision, but the butler found it even harder to accept.

 

He had never personally mistreated Iona.

 

Although he had carried out Hayden’s unfair orders towards her, he had no personal grudge against her.

 

As a butler, he couldn’t defy the master’s commands, no matter how unpleasant.

 

“I… I’ve never done anything presumptuous towards you, Countess. Why would you dismiss me as well? Though it hasn’t been long, you know I’ve served you diligently…!”

 

Iona silently gazed at the indignant butler for a moment.

 

He wasn’t wrong.

 

Indeed, the butler had acted quite shrewdly.

 

Unlike others who disregarded her, he never acted on whims, and when it became clear that power dynamics had shifted, he decisively cut ties with the past.

 

Iona praised his resourcefulness without reservation.

 

“Yes, you’ve displayed exemplary conduct as the Modrov family’s butler. I acknowledge that. You followed Hayden’s orders as if they were your own… And after I became the head, you did the same for me. You were certainly the wisest in this mansion, switching your loyalty like a bat depending on the situation.”

 

“……”

 

“I’m also quite regretful, butler. If only I had a slightly stronger stomach, I could have kept you around longer.”

 

Unfortunately, seeing his face is just too repulsive for her.

 

Iona added with a tone of genuine regret.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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