* * *
Most of those dismissed had been neglectful anyway, so their dismissal wasn’t surprising.
Despite her own shortcomings, Xenia found herself critiquing her former colleagues, drawing a clear line between herself and them.
“Besides, the maid you saved was a friend of mine. She cried with gratitude as she left, thankful that she wasn’t injured or punished.”
Xenia hesitated as she recalled her friend, her voice softening.
“Is that so? But…”
Lowell trailed off, lowering his long lashes as if deliberating.
Sensing there was more, Xenia instinctively perked up.
In a place as quiet as Nix, gossip like this was rare and naturally intriguing.
“No, it might just be a rumor…”
Lowell hesitated again, letting the silence stretch. Xenia’s curiosity reached its peak.
“My lord, I may not look it, but I’m quite well-connected! Please, ask me anything.”
Fueled by both curiosity and newfound loyalty, Xenia spoke without thinking too much.
Internally pleased, Lowell maintained a troubled expression.
“Well, I’ve heard strange things being said outside. There’s a rumor that the Grand Duke forcibly brought me to Nix. It seems to coincide with the timing of the dismissals, so I wonder if it’s just bitterness causing such talk.”
Feigning hesitation, Lowell subtly covered his mouth with his hand, as though he’d accidentally spoken out of turn.
Xenia hesitated, something clearly on her mind but too cautious to speak.
“It might be an excessive assumption, which is why I hesitated to bring it up.”
Lowell’s self-deprecating remark broke Xenia’s restraint.
“Not at all. In fact, while there were people grateful for their dismissal, there were certainly others who were resentful. Some people just don’t see their own faults!”
“Is that so? Actually, I’ve been worried that even some of the remaining staff might feel uneasy about how things were handled. It’s possible they’re in contact with the dismissed staff. Of course, I don’t mean someone kind like you, Xenia, but the circumstances make it seem plausible.”
Prompted by Lowell’s leading remarks, Xenia began to share what she knew, eager to clear any potential misunderstandings about herself.
“My lord, there is one person who comes to mind.”
“Really?”
“Yes. the Steward, Henry. He was in a relationship with one of the dismissed staff members.”
It was exactly the information Lowell had been hoping for.
“Oh, I had my suspicions, but I didn’t want to make baseless accusations. He might be a good person, and thinking otherwise feels unfair.”
Sensing Xenia’s dislike for Henry, Lowell strategically praised the Steward.
As expected, the tactic worked.
“You don’t need to feel that way! He flirts with every maid, avoids work, and always pushes tasks onto others.”
“But it seemed like many people respected him.”
“That’s because he stands up to unfair orders from the housekeeper or other staff. When something unreasonable comes up, he’s always the one to take the lead.”
As Lowell had suspected, Henry had gained favor by positioning himself as a champion of the staff’s grievances.
Satisfied, Lowell smiled brightly.
“Xenia, you really do know a lot. I’m glad I asked.”
“Please feel free to ask me anytime, my lord.”
“Please don’t tell anyone that I’ve harbored such suspicions. It’s not something I’m certain about.”
“Of course!”
As Xenia stood and adjusted their clothing neatly, Lowell added as if the thought had just occurred to him:
“Oh, but I’d prefer it if the rumor about the Duke forcing me to come here didn’t spread further. Could you let trustworthy people know that it’s not true? It would be even better if word reached the village that I came here willingly of my own accord, not because Nix dragged me here.”
“Certainly. Don’t worry, my lord.”
Watching Xenia leave with a much brighter expression than when they entered, Lowell was convinced.
‘It won’t take long for the gossip about the Steward spreading absurd rumors to make its way through the Duke’s estate.’
Lowell never expected Xenia to keep their mouth shut.
Isn’t it human nature to feel even more compelled to do something when told not to?
‘Besides, just in case they try to act loyal and keep completely silent, I also asked them to correct the rumors. That should cover it.’
At first, Xenia might refrain from mentioning the Steward.
However, as they spread the word that the rumors about Lowell were false, their tongue would inevitably loosen.
Eventually, people would start speculating: ‘Wasn’t it the Steward who spread those rumors in the first place?’
Lowell decided to watch how this little spark would grow.
‘It’d be ideal if Hamilton handles this well.’
As Lowell expected, the rumors spread like wildfire.
By the next evening, word had already spread that Hamilton had summoned the Steward.
‘But if this ends with just the Steward being dismissed, that won’t do.’
While that might temporarily improve the atmosphere in the household, it could also lead to complaints about an employer who keeps firing their subordinates.
‘We need to frame it as the Steward being ousted for being an enemy to the staff, not just for spreading bad rumors about Felix.’
This time, Lowell decided to discuss the matter with Hamilton.
And as it turned out, Hamilton was more competent than Lowell had anticipated.
“You summoned me, I heard?”
“Hamilton, I apologize for disturbing you so close to lights-out.”
“It’s no trouble. His Grace emphasized repeatedly that I should ensure you lack for nothing in his absence.”
Lowell smiled, picturing Felix urging the staff to take good care of him even while he was away.
“It’s nothing major, but something I overheard has been bothering me.”
“You’re referring to Henry, aren’t you?”
Hamilton had already guessed what Lowell was about to bring up.
He was the first to realize that the eye of the storm brewing in the estate was none other than Lowell.
‘This is unexpected.’
Lowell was pleased by the surprising turn of events.
Hamilton seemed capable enough to cooperate and help resolve the situation effectively.
“How did you know?”
“I simply remembered that sudden changes always have their reasons.”
Hamilton answered humbly, folding his hands politely and bowing his head.
‘He’s definitely more deferential now.’
It wasn’t just because Felix had ordered it.
Hamilton’s attitude had changed because his perception of Lowell had shifted.
It wasn’t Lowell’s abilities but his resolve that had earned Hamilton’s respect.
‘I’m not sure about the rest of the staff, but Hamilton is certainly loyal. Whether that loyalty is to the Duke’s family or specifically to Felix, I don’t know yet.’
Either way, it was good news for Lowell.
Judging Hamilton to be a trustworthy ally rather than just a temporary partner, Lowell decided to be more forthright.
“You’re right. As you’ve likely guessed, I want to improve the Duke’s estate. Do you think that’s presumptuous for someone in my position?”
“Forgive my boldness, but I don’t see you as a guest, my lord. I consider you the Duchess. I am ready to follow any command you give.”
Lowell could tell without difficulty that there wasn’t a trace of falsehood in Hamilton’s words.
Having observed the relationship between Felix and Lowell up close, Hamilton had reached his conclusions faster than anyone else.
‘So, people really do see us as a married couple.’
Even amid the serious discussion, that small realization made Lowell’s palms tingle with delight.
His affection for Felix had taught him how to find joy in even the smallest things.
Briefly, he wished that Felix, too, could discover such small moments of happiness because of him.
“My lord?”
Hamilton called out cautiously as Lowell’s thoughts lingered.
* * *
