Chapter 54, Edward, Reluctantly Consults Calogero

Translator: Lizz

Edward reluctantly consulted Calogero about the matter of maid training.

Calogero also listened unwillingly and agreed reluctantly.

“…It would’ve been better if Ms. Gina had asked me directly. Asking a middle man do a middle thing is just a waste of time.”

“She asked me because she couldn’t trust you! Try to understand Gina’s distress.”

As usual, they exchanged sharp words, and Edward and Calogero decided to ask Marquis Onofrio for help.

They chose not to ask Baron Eliseo because they believed that, for educating a maid and a noble lady, a lower-ranking noble tutor would not be sufficient from a ducal household’s perspective.

However, someone too strict would also be a problem.

Edward thought it over and wrote that they wished to receive a basic level of education about the conducts of a Duke’s daughter and her maid in the neighboring country. But since they were busy as the Lord of the castle and her close aide, a strict educator would be troublesome. He requested someone gentle and patient who could come for a long period to provide the education. Calogero added some final touches to this note and sent it to his father, Baron Eliseo, asking him to pass it on to Marquis Onofrio.

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“A letter arrived from Calogero. He asked us to send an educator for the Duke’s daughter, the Castle Lord whom he currently serves under, and her maid. I came to consult with you about it. This is a letter from Lord Edward, the representative of the Lord.”

Baron Eliseo’s words surprised Marquis Onofrio.

He wondered, ‘Why not ask the ducal family?’

Baron Eliseo had thought the same, so he conveyed Edward’s explanation.

“That fortress is inconvenient to reach from the duchy, and apparently no one there is willing to take on the role of educator. Also, the duties of a Castle Lord are demanding, leaving no time for the young lady to learn properly… The main focus of the Lord of that fortress is diplomacy with our country rather than domestic affairs, so they wish to prioritize diplomatic education with our nation over traditional noble education. Incidentally, they already speak our language, so communication won’t be a problem.”

Marquis Onofrio didn’t take everything at face value, but the explanation was reasonable enough that he accepted it.

“I see… So they need manners suitable for interacting with our country. Now then, what should we do…”

Marquis Onofrio told Baron Eliseo to leave it to him and read Edward’s letter.

“Hmm, just as I thought. Though still young, she’s overwhelmed with duties as a castle lord and unable to receive proper education. The claim that the inconvenience of travel prevents them from inviting a long-term educator… is likely just a pretext. Rather than standard noblewoman education, it seems they need social etiquette fitting for a Lord.”

Baron Eliseo hadn’t mentioned it, but Edward’s letter included an additional request: if there were any senior servants who could be recommended, he would appreciate it.

This, too, was in consideration of diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.

However, since this would be a servant, Edward asked that they be screened using Calogero’s magic.

Marquis Onofrio fell into thought.

―Honestly, this was a chance to send in a spy.

It was, but… only if Calogero weren’t there.

With Calogero, who could see through guilt, any spy sent would likely be repelled.

“…I suppose I’ll have to give up on that. I’ll try to sneak someone in anyway… but they’ll probably be sent back.”

Marquis Onofrio sighed.

He had consulted with his wife and butler, listing several servants and candidates, when he suddenly recalled a recent commotion.

“…Wasn’t it the daughter of Marquis Consche? Given what happened, she might be willing to accept the offer. She received queenly education and likely has knowledge of social etiquette. More importantly, it’s probably difficult for her to remain in the country until the rumors settle, so this could be a good change of pace.”

With that in mind, Marquis Onofrio began writing a letter to the other Marquis household, the Consche family.