LOGINChapter 030: Helena Whitmore#Back to the presentHelena confirmed that the "Lady Galina" standing before her was indeed an impostor, not the one described in the official report. However, she was also certain of something else—this "Lady Galina" was firm yet sincere. And that, raised a new question in Helena’s mind."She’s young, but… I’m convinced she’s not a liar. Then how could she be involved in all this?!" Helena wondered silently. "She’s an impostor, yet for the past few days… which part of her behavior was merely acting? Could the report sent to Alwyn be wrong? I don’t feel like she’s lying when she says she’s Athaleyah Galina..."“Chief Housekeeper of Duke Griffith Manor, Helena Whitmore…” Atthy called out firmly, her voice louder this time. “Have you returned to reality?”“Ha?!” Helena snapped out of her thoughts, startled. “Ah, my apologies, Your Grace… What is it?”“Helena, your job must be exhausting…” Atthy replied with a sympathetic expression. It was clear she felt for
Chapter 029 - Helena and HughKNOCK KNOCK KNOCK"Um, come in," Atthy responded after hearing a knock at her chamber door."Oh, Helena," she greeted with a warm smile when she saw who it was."Yes, Your Grace..." Helena replied politely."Please, have a seat. Is there something you'd like to talk about?" Atthy asked kindly."Your Grace, have you been dissatisfied with my service?" Helena asked suddenly, her tone unusually serious.Atthy tilted her head, clearly confused by the question."I beg your pardon, Duchess. As you know... I’m just an orphan. It was by Grand Duke Griffith’s generosity that someone as insignificant as me was given the chance to serve—even if only in a lowly position...""Helena, cut it out!" Atthy cut in, surprised and displeased by the self-deprecating tone. "If I’ve made a mistake, say it plainly. Don't scold me in such a roundabout, pitiful way. I don’t like it, Helena.""A servant has no right to accuse a Duchess...""That’s enough!" Atthy snapped, her voice
Chapter 028 – Lily and Miriam Return to the Shelter"Good morning, Your Grace. How was breakfast today?""It was good.""Is there anything that needs improving?""Helena, it's been four days… for four days—breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, more snacks—you've been asking me the same questions. Aren't you tired of it?""How could I be tired when it's my duty to ensure you're served to the highest standard?""But haven’t I already told you? If I need anything, I’ll say so. You’ve all done your best to take care of me. I have no complaints.""Thank you for the kind words, Your Grace. I also wanted to inform you—your three personal maids are ready to return to work.""Huh?!" Atthy exclaimed, startled as she realized she’d completely forgotten about them. "They… they're well again?"Helena’s brow furrowed slightly at the Duchess's reaction, which struck her as oddly detached. Though it left her unsettled, she said nothing."Yes, Your Grace… they’ve recovered and will resume their duties tom
Chapter 027: Helena’s Letter"Alwyn sent a letter," Kevin announced, unfurling the parchment with a curious expression.Hugh, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes as he scanned the contents. Yet it was the footnote at the end that truly caught his attention."The Duchess helped me resolve the issue more quickly. Helena has revealed some surprising matters occurring within the manor."Hugh frowned. The words lingered in his mind."What is it, Duke?" Saihan asked, noting the unusual shift in Hugh’s expression.Instead of replying, Hugh opened a drawer in his desk and retrieved another scroll—one he had received from Helena a few days prior. He read it again, this time more carefully.Your Grace, these are some of the key points we've uncovered. I hope they will aid your efforts in Granthar. The Duchess reviewed various aspects thoroughly and identified certain vulnerabilities. These are the problems you must address."According to Helena," Hugh mused silently, "the Duchess continues to pr
Chapter 026 – Proving OneselfIn the quiet of the afternoon at the Manor, muted sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged drawing room. Atthy sat in a classic armchair, momentarily absorbed in the yellowed pages of an old newspaper. Though she appeared relaxed, her mind wandered far, every printed line stirring something in her soul—a soul still adjusting to the weight of a newly conferred status.A familiar, gentle voice broke the silence from the parlor door. Helena, the ever-dedicated head maid who had faithfully overseen every detail of Manor life, stepped in with a courteous smile. In a warm tone, she said,“Duchess, you seem rather engrossed in the paper. Is there something interesting?”Atthy lifted her eyes from the newspaper and offered a faint smile. “Not really… I’m just reading to pass the time…”Helena nodded before gently probing further, “Are you bored, perhaps?”Atthy paused in thought, then exhaled softly. “I don’t know…”Sile
Chapter 025: Observing in SilenceIn a modest yet meticulously arranged study, Cavero sat at his desk, reading an official letter he had just received. The letter—delivered through proper channels and approved by Hugh—contained a brief update on the situation in Aldor and Skythia, one that might impact the port’s security.Outside, the harbor appeared calm, but Cavero knew tension was quietly brewing beneath the surface. Merchant ships were docked as usual, yet there was too much movement—odd, subtle shifts that shouldn’t be there. He tapped his fingers lightly against the desk, deep in thought, before returning his gaze to the letter in hand.Moments later, his most trusted aide, Dani, entered with measured steps and reported, “Your Highness, the latest report from the watch post indicates increased infiltration activity at the docks. All security protocols have been rechecked per Duke Griffith’s instructions.”Cavero met Dani’s eyes with composed authority, replying curtly, “Make su







