My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 64
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“And so that’s what happened… But I really enjoy working so far.” As Nora sipped her grape juice, the twins had matching wrinkles between their eyebrows. As expected, the twins were similar despite what they say.
“Wait, something’s odd.”
“What do you mean?”
As Allan shook his head in frenzy, Nora sliced a portion of the fish pie. Creamy sauce oozed out of the crispy pie and it looked extremely appetizing.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in charge of Lady Andrea’s personal effects?”
Elias’ eyebrows stayed furrowed, but he was still so mesmerizing that Nora quickly diverted her gaze to the lady sitting at the table behind him.
“It seems like I will do so only after they make sure I can handle all the chores. Those around Lady Andrea seemed to be the cream of the top, I gather.”
When she took a spoonful of the moist pie in her mouth, her nose was filled with its rich aroma.
“It’s more than a chore. Why do you have to carry gunny sacks full of potatoes? That’s not the job of a maid.”
“Isn’t it because it’s an all-around job? Anyway, I could only carry two sacks at a time. Is my physical strength in decline now that I’ve retired from active duty?”
“A normal lady couldn’t possibly carry a sack full of potatoes. In fact, one wouldn’t normally have that kind of experience. What ‘active duty’ are you talking about?”
Nora tore off a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth. Then she took a sip of her grape juice. She had brought their estate’s grape juice, and this year’s harvest was good as expected. At this rate, she could attend the ball with a piece of mind.
“The harvest season for potatoes provides a good opportunity to work part-time. But because of the tedious nature of the job, not a lot of people are willing to carry heavy baskets of potatoes. But that’s also why the pay is good.”
“Aren’t you the baron’s daughter?”
“Technically speaking.”
Next to Allan, who was drinking with a sigh, Elias seemed to be deep in thought.
“Despite doing all that, it’s strange that you still haven’t met Lady Andrea.”
“I asked to work in the castle, so I don’t really mind. I haven’t seen much nobility, but working as a maid is a great learning experience already. I even learned some tips on cutting fruits. It was great!”
“Cutting fruits… Are you really fine with that, Nora?”
“Don’t you realize you’re being harassed?” Allan stared at her and Nora put down her glass on the table.
“Of course, I knew.” Seeing Nora smile, the twins looked at each other in confusion.
“From my previous experience, it’s normal for new workers to work with senior employees. But, except for those who just deliberately want to harass you, you can usually improve the relationship by being polite and working hard.” The twins characteristically blinked at the same time.
“Paula gave little to no explanations on purpose, but she never gave false instructions. She also didn’t let her emotions affect her assessment. She did apologize for her actions, and since there was no real harm done, I’m sure she’s a good person at heart.” After listening to Nora, Allan simply shrugged.
“You’re so… How do I say this? You’re amazing. In a weird way.”
“Weird? You’re being rude.” Nora picked up her knife and fork again, and she ate the salad this time.
“It’s arrogant and a waste of effort to try to change someone. It’s quicker to change yourself.”
“So you’re saying that I should act the way they want me to?” Allan asked, but Nora shook her head as she swallowed her salad.
“If you do what they say, they’ll take advantage of you. That’s troublesome.” With a face of a dime a dozen like Nora’s, and a social status despised by both the nobility and commoners, it was better to stay modest.
“Then, why don’t you fight back?”
“If you confront them head-on, they will just become stubborn. That’s even more troublesome.”
“Why don’t you just beat them to a pulp?” Elias’ words were frightening but his face was smiling, and that scared Nora even more.
“If it were you, Elias, I think that could work, but if it were me, they’d probably hold a grudge against me. For better or worse, people react based on social status.”
When confronted with overwhelming strength, people would either admit their own defeat or be attracted to it. However, if it were someone like Nora, whom they consider equal or inferior, people would just be consumed with anger. Probably out of jealousy or insult. She didn’t really know much, but she had first-hand experience, so she knew well that it wasn’t a good idea for her at least.
“Have you experienced it before?” Elias looked a little worried, and Nora simply gave him a bitter smile.
“I’m a veteran part-time job warrior after all… I’ve experienced a lot, being born into a poor baron’s family.”
“I see.”
“Yes, so I really have no qualms about working at the castle. And everyone genuinely seems like a good person.” Nora drank her grape juice once more, but after putting down her glass, Elias placed his hand on top of hers.
“From now on, I’ll protect you.”
She was surprised to see the serious look in his eyes.
“No, I don’t think it’s fine to bring a guardian to a part-time job.” She answered without thinking, but Allan was coughing for some reason.
“That’s not what he meant… Not as a guardian.” When she saw Alan wiping his mouth and Elias smiling, Nora realized her mistake.
“W-well, I think it’d be strange to be accompanied by your lover..” It’s been quite some time since they’ve become lovers, but it still felt embarrassing to say it out loud.
“Right. But that’s not quite it either.” Elias cocked his head, looking disconcerted as he held Nora’s hand.
“You’re so… amazing. In a really weird way.”
“Why do you keep calling me weird? You’re being rude, you know?”
Allan kept shaking his head, as if he was ruminating on something but she couldn’t figure out what exactly.
More importantly, they were in front of the public, so she was inwardly hoping that Elias would let her hand go soon. She looked him in the eye and appealed silently. Thankfully, Elias seemed to have read her thoughts and released her hand, after which he stroked her head.
“In any case, I’ll check out what’s the deal with Lady Andrea in the meantime. But remember not to push yourself too hard, Nora.”