I became the contracted maid of the (villainous) Duke due to personal circumstances

Ruru first encountered Gerald six years ago.

The school Ruru attended was a private institution for children of the middle class. The students here came from families with some degree of status and reputation, such as businessmen, doctors, and university professors, although they weren’t of noble rank. There were also many students with connections to the upper class.

Ruru had heard that this school was primarily filled with “reasonably well-off young boys and girls.”

However, what startled Ruru shortly after she enrolled was a commotion happening in the courtyard.

“Hey, don’t mess around! You got us into this mess!”

Two male students were shouting at each other, drenched in water from a nearby fountain.

The one being yelled at was a silver-haired student who remained dry outside the fountain. Both students had blue blazers with the school emblem on them—this emblem was also on a blazer Ruru was wearing. The two boys appeared to be three years older than her.

It seemed the silver-haired student had pushed the other two into the fountain, and he stood there with a nonchalant expression, completely unapologetic for his actions.

“Isn’t it good? You were all dirty, so now you’re clean,” the silver-haired student remarked.

“Why do you think I got dirty? Because you tripped me up! If my dad finds out about this, he won’t let it slide!” the drenched student retorted.

“Hah, isn’t it embarrassing for a grown person like you to seek help from your father?”

“What… What did you say… Your poor excuse for a person!”

The silver-haired student chuckled and the wet one turned beet red with anger.

(Oh no, I can’t stand this guy!)

While it wasn’t winter, throwing someone into a fountain was still too rough. And it seemed this silver-haired student had even tripped the other person before this incident.

Other students were whispering amongst themselves, but Ruru couldn’t stay silent any longer.

“Stop it! Bullying is so uncool!”

Ruru was used to speaking up at the workshop and had a strong sense of justice and stubbornness typical of children. This time, she couldn’t resist jumping in.

The silver-haired student looked at the younger girl who suddenly appeared with a puzzled expression.

“…What’s it to you? It’s none of your business,” the silver-haired student retorted.

“I-it’s not, but this kind of behavior is not okay!”

Ruru was met with a stern gaze and felt a bit intimidated. But she wasn’t about to back down. The silver-haired student seemed to dismiss her and walked away with a huff.

(I did it!)

Feeling a sense of accomplishment for standing up to the bully, Ruru turned around. However, the male students she had helped had already left the scene, and the other students around them seemed unfazed, walking away as well.

(What…?)

Ruru felt a strange atmosphere, but before she could react, her classmates rushed over.

“Ruru-chan, you better not get involved with that guy!”

One of her classmates, who had siblings among the older students, warned her.

That silver-haired student named Gerald Philly was a troublemaker who was always getting into fights. He was known for being a bully, and if he took issue with someone, he would resort to violence. She was cautioned about what might happen if he targeted her.

“He’s heartless even with girls, and he’s made several cry,” one of the girls commented.

“Absolutely terrible. He’s no gentleman,” another added.

The girls around Ruru echoed their sentiments.

“Well, if he comes after me for revenge, what should I do?”

“Ruru-Chan, you should be careful.”

“And the Philly family? I’ve never heard of them. They say they’re poor, and someone like that—rough and uncultured—can’t possibly be from the middle class.”

“It’s better not to get involved. Just stay away from him for a while to avoid any false accusations.”

With everyone discussing Gerald’s bad reputation, Ruru became increasingly anxious about her new school life. Would she be summoned behind the school building at some point? However, her worries turned out to be unfounded. After a while, Gerald didn’t seem to notice her anymore.

It was as if he had forgotten her entirely, and they passed each other without any acknowledgment. While he still seemed to be causing fights here and there, upon closer inspection, it became clear that he was usually provoked by others. Even the recent incident at the fountain seemed to have started with the other party attacking Gerald and him defending himself, causing the other person to trip and fall into the fountain.

It seemed that the rumors about Gerald were fueled by students who had faced retaliation from him in the past. Gerald, often seen standing alone, had no friends to defend his reputation, and he wasn’t the type to actively clear up misunderstandings. As a result, the rumors had taken on a life of their own.

(“Maybe I was a bit rude to say ‘stop bullying’ when we’d just met…”)

From his perspective, he was simply fending off trouble. While it might cross the line from self-defense into excessive retaliation, it was understandable.

During one of the many fights that erupted around them, Ruru took Gerald’s hand. The opponent fled, and the other students kept their distance, as if this were a routine occurrence. Looking at Gerald’s bruised cheek, Ruru suggested,

“Let’s go to the infirmary.”

He looked at her skeptically, attempting to shake her off, but Ruru was persistent.

“Come on,” she said, tugging at his arm and leading him to the infirmary. Surprisingly, Gerald complied and followed her to the infirmary.

The school nurse seemed to be away, so Ruru rummaged through the shelves, borrowing disinfectant and gauze. Gerald sat quietly on a round chair, and to Ruru’s surprise, he didn’t protest as she administered first aid.

(He’s quieter than I expected… Maybe he’s not as bad as the rumors make him out to be.)

Watching Gerald from a distance, Ruru was starting to believe that he might just be someone who struggled with social interactions.

Ruru knew a craftsman who was similarly feared by those around him. He had a brusque way of speaking and came off as cold, which led to misunderstandings. After a few interactions, though, it became clear that he was actually a kind-hearted person. Perhaps Gerald was a similar type of individual.

“Why did you suddenly do something like this? What’s your intention?” Gerald asked, looking puzzled.

“I… I had misunderstood you,” Ruru replied. “I’m sorry.”

Gerald raised an eyebrow at her unexpected apology.

“When we first met, I didn’t know anything about you and just assumed you were a bully. I thought it was rude of me to make that assumption without knowing you. I’ve wanted to apologize for a while.”

Gerald remained silent.

“Wouldn’t you hate it if someone you barely knew suddenly treated you like a villain?” Ruru continued her treatment, pressing the gauze against the corner of his lips and securing it with tape.

Gerald stared at Ruru intently. While his prickly attitude had made her oblivious to it, upon closer inspection, Gerald had a very handsome face. Ruru, under his gaze, couldn’t help but feel a little flustered. Her hand trembled slightly as she applied the tape.

“…Who told you what about me without knowing anything?” Gerald’s tone had suddenly become angry.

“Eh? Ouch!”

He suddenly gripped her arm, leaving Ruru bewildered.

For some reason, Gerald seemed to be angry.

“I’ve been wondering who it was, but you’re the one who talked back to me in the courtyard, right? Why are you suddenly apologizing now? Who told you about me, and what’s your agenda? Is it money, or did your parents order you to come here and flatter me?”

“Hey, it hurts! What are you talking about?” Ruru protested.

Startled by his accusation, Ruru tried to pull her arm away from Gerald’s grip. Money? Flattery? Gerald had misunderstood something.

She simply wanted to apologize sincerely, but Gerald was misinterpreting it all.

With an angry look on his face, Gerald continued, “Don’t think I’ll be swayed by something like this. Never come near me again.”

Her arm still held firmly, Ruru was taken aback. What kind of misunderstanding was this? She was only trying to apologize sincerely. Gerald’s threats made her angry.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous! Who do you think you are!?”

With determination, she lunged forward, causing their chairs to tip over. Finally, Gerald let go of her arm. They both fell to the ground, clutching their heads.

“Ouchhhhh! My head hurts!” Ruru groaned. She had done it to herself, but she couldn’t believe that after trying to sincerely apologize and expressing her concern, she was accused of being a flatterer or gold digger. She sat on the floor, glaring at Gerald with teary eyes.

Gerald, still holding his throbbing head, retorted angrily, “Why do you assume I’m putting on airs with comments like ‘Don’t think I’ll be swayed by something like this’? Do you want me to say, ‘Actually, I’m a rich boy who’s been hiding it all along’? Whether I’m wealthy or poor, it doesn’t matter to you?”

Ruru, her own frustration mounting, shot back, “Then what? You think I’m trying to make myself look like a good person by approaching a loner like you? If you’re just playing at being friends, go do it somewhere else, you stubborn guy.”

“Why can’t you think beyond such twisted perspectives? Everyone around here thinks you’re not as bad as they say, and I simply wanted to be friends. That’s all.”

Gerald, who was always alone, had an underlying vulnerability. Ruru felt guilty for her initial rudeness, but she also genuinely worried about him whenever she saw him isolated from others.

“I don’t really want friends. All they care about is socializing based on family connections or future benefits. Some even spread ridiculous rumors that I might be a hidden noble’s child, and those are the only times people approach me to try to curry favor.”

Ruru folded her arms, trying to make sense of the situation. “I see. It’s tough being surrounded by people who only want something from you.”

“Oh, so that’s why you said I was trying to curry favor earlier,” Gerald said, realizing that Ruru had approached him because of the rumors.

Ruru encouraged him, “You lack confidence in yourself, don’t you? Even if the initial reason for someone approaching you was something trivial, if you become a more charismatic person whom people enjoy being around, those who genuinely find you fun and pleasant to be with will stay by your side.

She spoke her mind, not holding back, and felt like she had just said something remarkably wise.

Gerald, seemingly lost in thought, finally responded, “Heh, maybe you’re right. I might have been mistaken.” His expression softened, and a smile gradually formed on his lips.

It was a smile akin to the thawing of snow. Ruru couldn’t help but return the smile. However, Gerald’s smile began to change from a gentle one to a wide, mocking grin.

“That was quite the speech. An answer worthy of a goody-two-shoes,” Gerald teased, making fun of her earnest lecture.

“I’ll head-butt you again, you know!” Ruru retorted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

But Gerald was laughing.

Could she consider this as getting along a bit better? Ruru, still sitting on the floor, accepted Gerald’s outstretched hand, and he helped her to her feet.

As she stood up and was about to express her thanks, Gerald did something unexpected. He kissed her.

It was just a light kiss, a meeting of lips to lips, but it left Ruru stunned and bewildered. She couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.

Gerald, with a mischievous grin on his face, said, “I like you. Maybe I’ll make you my bride in the future.”

Ruru froze at his sudden declaration. She couldn’t believe what he had just said, and her mouth hung open in shock.

“You’re the first person who’s ever worried about me like this. I’m touched. I’ll give you the right to witness the ‘charming person’ you’re talking about up close,” Gerald said, seemingly unfazed by Ruru’s rejection.

Ruru retorted, “You’re saying all that, but your attitude doesn’t look impressed at all. I’ll definitely decline!”

Then, Gerald asked, “By the way, what’s your name?”

“Ruru Einzweir!”

He didn’t even know her name! Ruru couldn’t help but angrily shout back, “You didn’t even know my name! And what’s more…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she realized something else: “I can’t believe it! My first kiss! Why did I have to share my first kiss with this guy?”

She couldn’t believe that she had just kissed him. What’s worse, he didn’t even know her name until moments ago. She was infuriated and pushed Gerald away before running off in frustration.

Ruru couldn’t believe that the one-sided kiss from back then was supposed to be a “marriage promise.” She stared at Gerald, whom she had reunited with after six years, with a sharp look in her eyes.

If that’s what he meant, it was way too late now. After that kiss, he never showed up at school again, didn’t contact her even once. It took several years before she saw his name in a newspaper article, and the emotions she felt at that moment were indescribable.

“Oh, he really was from a prestigious family,” she thought, realizing that she had been teased and played with.

The pain in her heart, like being abruptly cut off, was enough to extinguish any budding feelings she had, even those tiny inklings of interest she hadn’t noticed herself.

There was no way the heir to a marquisate would marry a middle-class girl like her.

That kiss back then must have been some kind of mocking jest. Her rejection of friendship at the time was likely because she didn’t think it was worth getting close to those without titles. She realized how foolish she had been, getting all worked up, embarrassed, and acting like a complete idiot.

She shook her head, pushing away any lingering emotions.

“You think I’m going to marry someone like you? No way!”

As she remembered, anger welled up inside Ruru, and she vehemently rejected him.

However, her attitude seemed to have no effect on Gerald, who continued to wear a confident smile.

“I can understand your shock, given that I suddenly appeared as a high-spec individual. Don’t worry. I have a big heart, so I can wait until you sort out your feelings.”

Ruru retorted, “Why are you talking so arrogantly? No matter how long you wait, I’ll never marry someone I dislike!”

Gerald’s expression turned crestfallen. “Dislike?”

“Yes! Did you think I’d start liking someone who forcibly kissed me? I can’t stand you!”

With a stern tone, Ruru firmly expressed her feelings, causing Gerald to widen his eyes slightly. He probably hadn’t expected someone like Ruru to reject him. Instead of receiving her rejection with joy, he was taken aback, and his face showed signs of frustration. Ruru, who had been fierce in her response, felt a bit intimidated.

(But, well, he did help me just now… and he gave me money. It wouldn’t be right to be ungrateful to someone who helped me financially.)

Ruru tried to regain her composure and adopted a politer attitude.

“Um, well, anyway, thank you for helping me. I’m really grateful for the money, and as I mentioned earlier, I’ll definitely repay it properly when my father returns to the capital. I—”

“Repay it right now.”

“Huh?”

Gerald smiled.

“Repay it. Right now. It takes quite some courage to refuse my marriage proposal. I won’t accept it. If you won’t become my wife, then you’re just a stranger. I won’t give you any money.”

“What? I can’t possibly repay it right now!”

Ruru exclaimed in response to Gerald’s sudden change in attitude.

(Oh, I’m such a fool for impulsively talking back. But no matter how desperate my financial situation is, I absolutely refuse to marry someone like him.)

If a complete stranger were to hear this conversation, they might think it was insane to reject a nobleman’s offer, especially when it came from someone like the Earl, whom Ruru knew personally. However, she couldn’t bear the thought of being under this man’s thumb for the rest of her life, not to mention their significant social status difference. She wasn’t willing to endure the insults and gossip that would come from a middle-class daughter marrying above her station.

“If you sell the company’s building, you should get a substantial amount of money. You can work to make up the rest. So, that’s why—”

“Work? Do you really think there’s a place in the capital that will hire you?”

“W-Well, there must be, I’m sure of it. Right now, it’s just that those debt collectors won’t hire me, but once things cool down, somewhere will—”

“You’re just planning to run away.”

“I’m not running away! I’ll work hard to repay it!”

“—Then work for me.”

Gerald’s unexpected offer left Ruru stunned for a moment.

“Why? No way!” Before Ruru could voice her objections, Gerald held up three fingers.

“I’ll hire you for 30,000 gallons a day. Your job will be simple tasks around me—let’s call it a parlor maid or something like that. How does that sound? It’s not a bad deal, right?”

30,000 gallons!?

That was an astronomical amount. With a regular job, she’d be lucky to make 10,000 gallons in a whole day of work.

“W-Why would you offer such an exorbitant amount? Are you planning something shady?”

“That’s right. If you meet my demands, I might even throw in a special bonus. How about this… for every kiss, I’ll give you an extra 10,000 gallons?”

With determination in his words, Gerald made Ruru blush furiously with both embarrassment and anger. She trembled as she retorted, “Don’t joke around like that!”

“The lowest of the low, trying to control people with money.”

“You can say whatever you want. If you’re by my side all the time, you’ll eventually fall for me.”

“There’s no way that would happen. Where do you get that confidence from?”

“In that case, even if someone you absolutely hate… were to approach you, you wouldn’t feel a thing?”

“I wouldn’t.”

Gerald simply scoffed at Ruru’s firm declaration.

“In that case, there’s no problem with you working for me. If you change your mind and come to me before I do, saying, ‘I was wrong, I want to marry Gerald-sama,’ I’ll consider your debt null and void. Ah, when I said ‘approach,’ I meant that you would perform your maid duties as usual, and you can decide whether to accept the special bonus or not. You don’t need to worry about any premarital relations. I’m the type who wants to cherish the first night, you see.”

Ruru couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The mention of the “first night” sounded absurd, and she couldn’t help but feel like she was being manipulated. However, she couldn’t deny the tempting offer.

“Absolutely, I want to refuse outright, but… Are you really offering a daily wage of thirty thousand?”

She decided to focus on the work-related aspects of the offer. If she could stick to just the tasks she was comfortable with, perhaps this man would eventually tire of his strange requests. As long as she maintained a cold and distant demeanor, he might stop making odd comments. From there, all she had to do was complete the assigned tasks as a maid.

Gerald seemed satisfied with her response, and he nodded while maintaining a serious, kind employer-like expression.

“Of course. Meals provided, uniforms supplied, servant quarters available, and days off on a rotating schedule. Is there a better workplace with such favorable conditions?”

Ruru found herself agreeing to the offer. It was a perfect job for her – she didn’t want to get married, but she did want to repay the money as quickly as possible.

“A daily wage of thirty thousand. If I work hard, I could make around seven hundred thousand a month, right? I might even be able to repay it in a little over a year, and during that time, I could potentially rebuild the company,” she thought.

She glared at the man who had grown into someone willing to slap others in the face with bundles of bills. Finally, she took a deep breath and, with the demeanor of dealing with a noble, she bowed respectfully.

“Understood. Please hire me.”

“Can I consider this contract established?”

“Yes. I’ll work as a maid and return the full ten million gallons!”

With a smile that made her intentions clear – that she had no intention of agreeing to marriage – she made her declaration. Gerald responded with a mischievous smile.

“That’s a good answer. To start, how about saying, ‘I’ll do my very best as a maid’ for a hundred rubies?”

“…”

“What’s the matter? Can’t even do this little thing?”

Gerald’s condescending order made Ruru tremble with anger.

“This damn Viscount…”

“I’ll dock your pay.”

And so, Ruru ended up being employed by Gerald.

The remaining debt amounted to 9,999,000 gallons, plus an additional 900 rubies.

Thank you for reading ! you can access advance chapters @my Ko-Fi page