Chapter 42.1: All set to move in.

In the days following her capture, Rishe recuperated slowly in her fluffy bunk.

She tended the fields to a minimum, leaving the education of the maidservants to Dianna and eating plenty of nutritious food.

In her bed, she basically slept well while filling out order forms for the Aria Trading Company and writing proposals for the commercialization of the nail polish.

On the fifth day, after taking a home-made medicine and feeling completely rejuvenated, even the Imperial City's attending physician had given his approval.

"All is in order now, Rishe-sama."

The maidservant, Elise, announced to Rishe and bowed her head.

A bunch of maidservants gathered on the spot also bowed their heads, following Elise's example. There was a certain tension that filled the hall.

The women looked meek, secretly gulping and clearing their throats as they waited for Rishe to speak.

"Good work, everyone."

Their master, Rishe, said a word of praise.

"You guys have made this day possible for me. You've done a wonderful job; thank you from the bottom of my heart."

In response, the maidservants buried their heads lower and lower.

Rishe quickly lowered her eyes and took a step forward. The sound of her shoes echoed and stopped once in front of the door.

"At last..."

"Rishe-sama."

The maidservants swallowed hard and watched their master's back as she left the room.

Rishe went straight to the main castle, accompanied by two knights.

They visited the office of Crown Prince Arnold.

"Your Highness, Rishe-sama is here to see you."

"Enter."

The knights slowly opened the door and stood back on either side.

Rishe thanked them and stepped into his office.

"Good day, Your Highness Arnold. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule."

"This is the first time you've ever asked for a meeting with me."

Arnold stopped writing and slowly put his pen down beside him.

Then he said with a generous smile.

"What in the world is the matter? You look a lot more nervous than you should be for just coming to see your fiancé."

"Then, let's get right to it."

The squire, Oliver, shot his alert eyes to them for a moment.

Rishe took one deep breath and informed Arnold with a full head start.

"... Your Highness' room in the detached palace is ready!"

"— What?"

Arnold's brows couldn't furrow any deeper.

His well-sculpted face was beautiful, even with such an austere expression. With that in mind, Rishe continued to explain.

"Your office is located on the second floor and your bedroom is on the top floor, the fourth floor. I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long."

To be exact, the room had been ready a little while ago.

But, she thought it would be better not to call Arnold until the maidservants were perfectly capable of cleaning and doing other tasks.

It would be detrimental to the maidservants' hearts to have the Crown Prince there when they were inexperienced in their work.

"We have a bedroom and an office, so you're welcome to move in at any time! If you're, I can show you around now."

"- Wait."

"What is it?"

Arnold still had a grimace in contrast to Rishe, who was in high spirits.

"This is what you want?"

"Yes, that's right."

Looking closely, Oliver was also gaping.

Arnolt sighed and then asked more.

"Then what are you so nervous about?"

"Of course I'm nervous! My precious handmaids have worked so hard for today! The thought of this being like a graduation exam makes me very nervous..."

"..."

Rishe knew all too well how hard they worked to get to this day.

The maidservants toiled every day, early in the morning, helping each other out.

After work, they would hold study sessions, learning the letters and striving to use them for the next day's work.

It was Rishe who did the final check, and she was amazed at how well the windows were shining, the dust-free floors and the white sheets.

The extent of their growth was enough to bring even Dianna and the other mentors to tears.

"I'm nervous, but I can confidently say that it's a beautiful room. So I would love for you to take a look at your new room."

"..."

Arnold sighed again and put his cheekbones on the armrest.

"I thought you wanted to be alone and free in that detached palace."

"No way! That doesn't make any sense."

"Meaning?"

"Aye."

Rishe walked over to his office desk and placed her hand on the desk and looked Arnold in the eye.

"I would like to live in that castle with Your Highness."

"――..."