After that, Sir Lendin requested an audience with the King and pleaded to resign. He told me himself that the King was adamant to assign me the role, but he managed to persuade the King, and thus, I successfully got the job back.
As promised, Ade received a raise, and I have more pocket money for myself now.
I also made changes around the third floor and checked every nook and cranny to make sure that I didn't miss any spots that needed to be worked on.
As for the head maid, Matilda Clara, a daughter of a Baron, she is regarded as wise and kind. That's why Ade was shocked to know she was behind the embezzlement of the funds.
Since she is the head maid, she is responsible for every maid in the palace, not only on the third floor.
She was mentioned a few times in the novel as well, and in Zemislav's perspective, she was reliable and kind, treating the MC like her own son.
Maybe she just hates Zinnia, and thus she took advantage of the situation.
I honestly have not seen her before, and it has been a solid month since I got here.
I think it would be better to leave her be. As long as she doesn't bother me, then I will pay her no mind.
"Zinnia! A letter came from Grand Duke Xyriel."
Hearing her mention the Duke's name, I fell down from my sofa along with the papers I was checking.
"What!? Have you opened it yet?" I said ecstatic and got up.
"No, I haven't opened it yet. I think it would be best for you to open it yourself," Ade said and helped me pick up the papers from the floor, handing me Xyriel's letter.
I thought he was only joking when he said he would write me a letter. I didn't think he'd actually send me one. I feel kind of happy, not gonna lie.
——————————————————————————————————————————
Dear Princess Zinnia,
Greetings to you, Princess Zinnia! I hope you are faring well as you read this letter.
Since our last conversation, I feel like there were so many things left unsaid during Princess Dahlia's birthday banquet due to the limited time we had together. If you would honor me with your presence at my humble mansion, I would warmly welcome you as my guest and offer a delightful cup of tea while we enjoy the pleasant scenery in my garden.
I understand if your schedule may not permit such a visit, but I would sincerely appreciate it if you could kindly respond to this letter, letting me know your decision.
Sincerely,
Xyriel Milliard Von Kazamir
——————————————————————————————————————————
"Damn, even his handwriting is handsome. I would gladly accept your invitation without hesitation!" I excitedly said.
"Zinnia? What does the letter say?" Ade questioned.
"Ade, bring me some papers and a pen! Duke Xyriel just invited me to be a guest at his great mansion!" I enthusiastically said.
"What? Xyriel did?" Ade said surprised.
"Yes, look." I said and handed her the letter, she took it and read it in front of me.
"This is quite shocking."
I raised my eyebrow. "Why?"
"Grand Duke Xyriel isn't the type to casually send out invitations to acquaintances. You said you only met him once at Princess Dahlia's birthday banquet, right?"
"Yes, I guess we clicked when we had a conversation."
"Clicked?" Ade tilted her head.
"Oh, I mean we took a liking to each other when we had a conversation at the lavender garden."
"Oh."
She paused for a second.
"Your way of speaking really confuses me sometimes."
I scratched my head. "Sorry about that, Ade." I chuckled.
"Well anyway, will you visit him at his mansion?"
"Yes! I can't miss this opportunity. I'd like us to be friends, at least."
"I'm glad you want to be friends with him, but there are all sorts of rumors surrounding his family name."
"What kind of rumors? But honestly speaking, most rumors tend to be exaggerated."
"I agree, but I heard that they're twisted and greedy, and that their way of getting others to trade with them is through blackmailing."
From the original novel, Zemislav was afraid of Xyriel at first because of that but it was proven that the rumors were all but fake. That's why I'm not that afraid of him.
He piqued my interest, a character that was only mentioned in about three paragraphs in the novel.
I'd like to know more about him.
"Ade, nothing good will happen if we believe in rumors without any factual evidence. Rumors are but speculations of mere close-minded people."
"Well, that may be true, but let's be cautious at least. We can't say for sure if rumors are not half the truth."
"Well, you are right. But your master right here is a product of quite a lot of rumors. That's why I think we should not focus on the words of others but instead listen to the one involved."
Ade's eyes glimmered.
"Woah."
I raised my eyebrow. "What?"
"That's the first time I've heard you say quite wise words, Zinnia." Ade clapped.
"Well, thank you-... wait, are you mocking me, Ade?"
"Oh no, not really." She smirked.
"Why you-"
I was about to karate chop Ade's head but I stopped when I heard someone knock on my bedroom door.
"Who is it?" I questioned.
"Princess Zinnia it's me, Maidsforu." She answered.
...
Ah, I forgot.
Those with proper names are only people who were mentioned in the novel.
Other than that, the names of the 'extras' are literally mediocre.
I interviewed many workers at the palace to make sure if my speculation was right and it was f*cking hard to hold myself back from laughing.
I think the best mediocre name by far is 'Hoeing', bro was literally a farmer working in the fields.
As I heard that name, I couldn't stop myself from laughing. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, it seems I'm the only one that found their names weird.
For laughing at your name...
I'm sorry Hoeing...
But, I'm doing my best now not to laugh uncontrollably when I ask for their names.
I cleared my throat.
"Ehem, come in."
Maidsforu, opens the door and bowed down.
"Grand Duke Zemislav asked for you to come to his working chamber. He says that he has some important matters to discuss with you."
"Might I ask what this important matter is all about?"
"Grand Duke didn't give me the details; he only told me to relay this message to you, Princess."
I paused for a second.
"Is he alone in his working chamber right now?"
"Crown Prince Theodoric and Head Maid Matilda were also with him."
Well, I don't want to see him anytime soon, especially when Prince Theodoric is there. And to think the Head Maid is also there means she must have said something about me.
I put my hands on my forehead and acted as if I was about to faint from exhaustion.
"Oh my, I would love to greet them right now, but it seems my body is feeling ill at the moment. I might come down with a cold, and it hurts to think that I might pass this illness to them if I were to visit." I looked at Ade; she was confused at first but gradually picked up the idea.
"I'm sorry, Maidsforu, Princess Zinnia is not feeling well since this morning. I don't think she can go down the stairs with her strength right now," Ade said in a pitiful voice.
"Can you tell Grand Duke Zemislav that I won't be able to leave my room today? He can schedule for another time. I'm sure he would understand. He didn't make prior plans to see me and called so abruptly; I can't accommodate his request right now." I said and faked a cough.
"I understand Princess, I'll tell the Grand Duke. I hope you would feel better soon." She said and bowed down, and left the room.
I'll deal with them another time, I'd like to focus with writing a letter for Xyriel first.
If I showed up, they'd likely just growl at me and pick a fight anyway.