affection chapter 12

She think she had stumbled into some serious family drama.

“Umm, Sienna.”

A small voice called to Sienna from nearby. Turning, she saw Mary, Jane, and Kanna, the maids from the cleaning supply room. Sienna approached them with a smile.

“Hey, everyone.” Her voice was gentle.

They hesitated, looking at her with wide eyes, then suddenly, as if on cue, rushed towards her, bursting into tears.

“Waaah! Sienna, I’m so sorry we couldn’t protect you!”

“Sniff, you have no idea how worried we were!”

“We really thought you were going to die…sob…”

Overwhelmed with guilt, they apologized profusely. It wasn’t their fault, but they seemed deeply remorseful. Sienna, patting the three older women who were crying like children, spoke softly.

“I’m alright. Everything turned out fine. Now, dry your tears.”

“Hiccup…Sienna…you’ve become…like a big sister…”

“You’re right…hiccup.”

Even as they hiccuped, they continued to chatter. Feeling a little awkward, Sienna clumsily changed the subject.

“By the way, everyone, I need to go back inside. Let’s talk again later.”

Seeing Sienna lift the teapot, the three maids startled and stepped back.

“Oh, um. Should we help you?”

“Yes, let us do it.”

Remembering the strange atmosphere from earlier, Sienna shook her head. It felt too soon to return after such a short conversation. Refilling the tea would give her just the right amount of time.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll go.”

“Alright. See you at dinner then. Since Baron Limerio is gone, we’re having a party tonight.”

“Okay, see you.”

True to his unpleasant nature, Baron Limerio hadn’t been kind to the castle staff. It seemed his apparent, almost karmic, capture had turned the castle into a celebratory scene. Sienna waved back at them and headed towards the kitchen.

***

When Sienna returned to the drawing-room with the teapot full of hot water, the Duke was already preparing to leave. Seeing him, Sienna panicked, thinking she was too late, but the Duke approached her with a gentle smile.

“Sienna.”

“Y-yes, Your Grace.”

As the Duke walked towards her with quick strides, Sienna bowed her head respectfully. Standing before her, he continued to gaze intently at her. Feeling his gaze, Sienna glanced up, then quickly lowered her head again.

“Thank you.”

The Duke’s words startled Sienna, and she looked up at him. Having first encountered a nobleman like Limerio, she had assumed all nobles were the same. Hearing a thank you—especially from the Duke!—left her speechless.

“Thanks to you, Damon won’t commit any further transgressions. I’m truly grateful that you stepped in.”

The Duke removed his hat and bowed his head to Sienna. Unaccustomed to a middle-aged man bowing to her, Sienna blushed and stammered.

“Oh, no, it was nothing. I didn’t do much.”

“No, what you did was not something just anyone could do. I’ll remember your name. If you ever need help, please tell me. I give you my word, I’ll help you in any way I can.”

Sienna gasped. She knew it was incredibly rare for a Duke to pledge his name and assistance to a commoner. He must be truly grateful.

“Y-your…Your Grace is too kind…”

Unsure how to respond, Sienna spoke in a formal, almost archaic tone, which made the Duke smile. It seems it wasn’t so bad, Sienna thought.

The Duke then extended his hand for a handshake.

“As his uncle, I’m embarrassed to say this, but due to pressing matters, I can’t always be here. I had to put everything aside to come here, so I must return immediately. I’ll leave Damon in your care.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Sienna couldn’t refuse the Duke’s hand. Agreeing to his request, she took his hand. The Duke shook her hand firmly a couple of times before releasing it.

“Oh, and this is a small token of my appreciation.”

Turning to leave, the Duke pulled something from inside his coat. Even from a distance, the pouch that filled his large hand looked to be brimming with expensive jewels. Seeing the pouch, Sienna’s mind reeled. She had a strong feeling that it contained something that would change her life.

“I-it’s alright. I didn’t do it for a reward.”

“That’s what you say, but your hands are honest.”

“Pardon?” the Duke said with a chuckle.

Suddenly, Sienna realized she was clutching the heavy pouch in her hand.

“Oh, when did this get in my hand…?”

Even as she spoke, her hand tightened around the pouch, as if determined not to let anyone take it away.