Chapter 23

Melanie, confused, was at a loss for words at my question.

“Being frugal isn’t inherently bad. Who doesn’t know that prudent is a virtue?”

“……”

“But I don’t want people to be worn down like consumables just to save a few pennies.”

If she treated people like this, employees would end up with job-related ailments and be forced into early retirement.

If that’s not being treated like consumables, then what is?

Melanie, who had remained silent with a complex expression, finally murmured.

“……Right, people aren’t consumables.”

Had my words just moved her heart?

Melanie’s brown eyes cleared as if she had realized something.

“If you understand my words, then order the necessary items tomorrow and hire more maids.”

“I’ve already found replacements for the two we dismissed recently, but should we hire more?”

A smile formed on Nina’s lips.

The attitude toward her orders had changed.

Instead of questioning, Melanie was confirming the instructions clearly.

This meant the head maid was now truly supporting her in her role.

“Even considering those two, we need more staff. The workload and working hours for the maids are too suffocating.”

The work of a maid, especially cleaning, was grueling.

From stoves to stairs, floors, windows, bathrooms, and more.

Not only was there a lot of work to begin with, but they also took on miscellaneous tasks from other departments.

It wasn’t uncommon for their work to start at five in the morning and not end until midnight.

With just a few more staff members, they could get a proper night’s sleep.

“Understood. I will have everything sorted by tomorrow.”

Thankfully, Melanie withdrew without further protest.

“Phew……”

Nina sighed in relief. She had been tense, expecting severe resistance in convincing Melanie.

The fact that it went smoother than expected was a huge relief.

“Madam, here’s some water.”

Marsha, who had been standing by the door, approached and handed her a glass of water.

“Thank you.”

The first goal had been achieved.

Reclaiming control over household management and laying the foundation to improve her reputation within the house.

And to see faster results, she’d need to spice things up a bit.

After taking a moment to rest, she got up and threw open the door to the dressing room.

“Marsha.”

“Yes?”

The dressing room, packed with luxurious and elegant outfits.

Nina gazed at it with a bittersweet look, the room that had once comforted her empty heart.

“Let’s sell a few dresses.”

“Which ones should we let go first?”

Marsha, looking eager, approached quickly.

Sorting out the overly full dressing room was always Marsha’s job.

The more it was cleared, the easier Marsha’s work would become.

“Let’s start with a few that are out of fashion.”

Dresses were expensive.

Especially Nina’s, which, in modern currency, could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

The price varied greatly depending on who made it, the fabric used, the jewels adorned, the lace patterns, and other factors.

“Just pick out five for now.”

Had she been planning this for a while?

Marsha quickly picked out five outdated dresses.

“These should fetch the price of about four or five cows.”

“Really? They’re pricier than I thought.”

“They used to be ten times more expensive when you bought them, Madam. It’s just that they’re out of fashion now. Such a shame.”

Marsha muttered about how it was a pity since some hadn’t even been worn once as she packed up the dresses.

“But Madam, why are you suddenly selling your dresses?”

Nina smiled brightly at Marsha, who was waiting for her answer with curious eyes.

“To buy clothes.”

Not for herself, but for the employees.

***

Ash looked out the window after finishing his afternoon work. The day was growing dark.

“Master, may I come in for a moment?”

Just as he was about to relax after finishing his work, he heard Jeffrey’s voice.

“Come in.”

Ash asked Jeffrey, who carefully closed the door behind him,

“What is it?”

“I investigated around the Madam as you instructed, but there was no indication that your actions were being leaked.”

“None at all?”

“Yes, it’s hard to believe, but… it seems the Madam’s request for a divorce is due to a change of heart.”

“……”

“With all due respect, people’s minds can change in an instant. Given what she’s been through, it’s not strange that she might have experienced a change of heart.”

“I see.”

As Ash acknowledged this with a calm expression, Jeffrey hesitated before speaking again.

“If you wish, sir, I can investigate further.”

It’s only natural that Ash couldn’t believe the results after constantly doubting his wife.

But Ash shook his head.

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

If Jeffrey couldn’t find anything, it meant she either hid it very well or there was indeed nothing to find.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

As Jeffrey left the office after a polite bow, Ash turned his gaze back to the window.

No matter what she was planning, the fact that they would divorce in a year remained unchanged.

His gray eyes, filled with anticipation for that day, sank into a calm silence.

• Author
• Recent Posts

mikan

Latest posts by mikan (see all)