I Adopted a Villainess and Got a Villain Husband

Chapter 27

“We’ve now finished touring the main building.”

“I’m not sure if I should be relieved that we finally finished.”

It had taken several days just to see the entire main building.

“You can explore the Anaxi and other areas as you settle in.”

“That sounds good.”

Henderson still had a warm smile on his face, looking completely at ease.

“The Duke has said that if you wish, you may take on the duties of the lady of the house.”

“What exactly are those duties?”

“Typically, it involves managing the household affairs.”

Daphne hesitated.

Since this was a temporary marriage, she wasn’t sure if she should get involved in household matters.

Besides, she had never learned about household management, even at her family home, Himonas.

Most noble ladies received training in managing estates before marriage, but she hadn’t.

If there was no lady in the house, usually an unmarried daughter of the family would take on the role. But in Himonas, Baron Bruce had handled everything himself.

Daphne worried that admitting her lack of knowledge would damage Theo’s reputation. So, she couldn’t bring herself to ask to learn.

Sensing her hesitation, Henderson spoke first.

“If you choose to take on the role, the head maid and I will teach you everything you need to know.”

He was quite perceptive. If she learnt how to manage an estate here, it could be useful even after the marriage ended.

Each family had its traditions, but the basics were the same.

Since the Duke had left the decision to her, it meant she had the freedom to learn and make decisions as she wished.

With that in mind, Daphne smiled.

“Then, I will learn.”

“I will let you know when everything is prepared.”

Daphne nodded in agreement.

“The head maid has also gathered the maids who will assist you. Would you like to meet them now?”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Henderson led Daphne to the door of her room, where the head maid and several maids were waiting.

As soon as they saw her, they bowed deeply.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s nothing, my lady. I will visit you soon with the account books.”

Daphne let Henderson leave before turning her attention back to the maids.

“Raise your heads.”

The head maid, Sarah, was the first to look up, followed by the others.

“My lady, as I mentioned, I have selected maids to serve you.”

Daphne glanced at the young woman and nodded.

“Let’s go inside.”

The Duchess’ quarters were structured so that the sitting room came first before leading to the bedroom.

Daphne led them to the sitting room and sat down on the sofa. Sarah then lined up the maids in front of her.

This was essentially an interview.

If Daphne approved, they would become her maids. If not, they would return to their previous duties.

“From left to right: Mary, Erica, and Letty.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Y-yes, my lady…”

“Since the household hasn’t had a lady in a while, there aren’t many maids with experience serving noblewomen. I selected those who seemed the most suitable. The Duke also said that if you are not satisfied, you may hire new staff.”

Theo was being more considerate than she expected.

Daphne wasn’t foolish enough to reject such consideration.

If she lacked strength, relying on others was also a way to survive.

“No need. I’m not that picky. As long as they can do what Becky does, it will be fine.”

“If you approve, I will train them before they start.”

Daphne nodded and looked at the three maids. They seemed a bit nervous, glancing at the floor.

“All of you, raise your heads. If you serve me, you will also represent me. Be confident.”

“Y-yes, my lady!”

Now that she saw them up close, it was clear Sarah had chosen capable maids.

“Raise your hand if you have younger siblings.”

A brief silence filled the room. The maids looked confused as if they had misheard.

Sarah also seemed surprised but knew better than to question her lady.

“No one?”

“A-ah, I do!”

Two of them, Letty and Mary, quickly raised their hands.

Daphne nodded in approval and leaned back on the sofa.

“Sarah, send these two to Jacquette.”

“To the young miss?”

“Yes. Erica will assist Becky in attending to me.”

“Understood.”

Just as things were wrapping up, there was a knock at the door.

“Perfect timing.”

“Pardon?”

From the light sound, Daphne could already guess who it was.

“Mom, it’s Jacquette!”

“Come in.”

As expected, the person at the door was Jacquette.

She entered the room with Becky but paused upon seeing the unfamiliar maids.

Worried she might feel nervous, Daphne spoke gently and beckoned her over.

“It’s alright. Come here.”

Hesitantly, Jacquette walked over, her small footsteps echoing in the room.

She carefully climbed onto the sofa beside Daphne.

“Jacquette, I have some people to introduce you to.”

“Who are they?”

“Mary and Letty.”

Hearing their names, the two maids took a step forward.

“They will be looking after you from now on.”

“Does that mean I won’t see you anymore?”

Jacquette’s voice trembled slightly, her round cheeks puffing up as if she might cry.

Daphne gently stroked her cheek.

“No, it’s just like how Becky helps me.”

“Then what about Becky…?”

“Becky will be helping me again. Do you like Becky?”

Jacquette hesitated. She was comfortable with Becky, but she also understood that she had to adapt to her new life.

After a moment, she shook her head and scooted closer to Daphne, gripping the fabric of her dress.

“I like Becky, but if you need her help, I’ll let her go.”

The room fell silent for a moment.

Jacquette looked around, unsure if she had said something wrong.

Daphne opened her mouth slightly, then smiled and patted the child’s head.

“Thank you.”

The atmosphere in the room warmed.

Even Sarah and the maids seemed touched by Jacquette’s words.

As expected, my child.

With those round eyes and soft cheeks, she could win anyone over.

Who did she get this cuteness from?

As Daphne playfully ruffled Jacquette’s hair, Sarah spoke up.

“Then I will take these maids to begin their training.”

“Alright.”

Sarah led the maids out but then paused.

“Oh, and the Duke has requested that you come to the training grounds, my lady.”

“The training grounds?”

Daphne wondered why, but she nodded anyway.

“Alright.”

With that, Sarah and the maids left.

“Jacquette, shall we go see your father?”

“I wanted to spend time with you alone today…”

“How about we quickly visit him and then have time together?”

“Okay!”

This time, the two of them naturally held hands as they left the room.