Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 13

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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(13) She Knows Everything

One day, the Butler arrived bearing supplies and living expenses, and by chance found himself invited to join Rowan and Lea for their meal. True to her upbringing, Rowan naturally extended the invitation to dine together, as was customary in her world.
The Butler had meant to politely decline—such an arrangement would be improper—but the moment he glimpsed the unfamiliar dishes they had prepared, his eyes widened in astonishment.
Then came the savory, warm aroma that seemed to enchant him, and he found himself drawn to their table as though by invisible threads. Though the fare fell short of the lavish spreads enjoyed by Count Glister’s Household, the Butler—accustomed to nothing but refined banquets—quickly became utterly addicted to Rowan’s cooking.
The warming, hearty soups; the fresh vegetables and salads made from produce harvested mere hours before; the succulent, richly cooked meats—I swear the Butler had never encountered such fare before.
The soup was no ordinary mushroom or cream variety, but a crystal-clear broth that, with a single taste, revealed a subtle, peppery depth that prevented any sense of monotony.
The normally composed Butler found himself eating with unseemly haste, scarcely aware of his own appetite. Moreover, gathered together at the small Dining Table, conversing warmly as they ate, he felt a profound sense of comfort wash over him. Even after returning to the Main Residence, he could not forget those meals in the East Annex.
And so, from that day forward, he…
“But look at what I’ve brought! That’s precisely why I’ve come bearing such abundant supplies and materials! Surely you can appreciate the sincerity of my efforts!”
Unable to contain herself any longer, Rowan suddenly flung open the door. The Butler, who had been arguing outside the Annex entrance, cleared his throat and flushed crimson.
“What on earth is this about?”
Rowan spoke bluntly, and the Butler protested as though deeply wronged.
“Madam, surely you’re not treating me so coldly? Just look at what I’ve brought today! Beyond the budget set by the Countess, I’ve taken the liberty of gathering items I thought you might need!”
At his words, Rowan’s gaze fell upon the Butler’s cargo—or rather, what amounted to an enormous cart. The items within were of every conceivable variety: luxurious, exquisite fabrics, beautiful glass vases, soft quilts, tablecloths—all piled high in mountainous heaps.
‘That’s all money.’
Rowan’s eyes gleamed with sudden brightness. Yet she carefully maintained an expression of indifference.
“If you act on your own whim like this, something could go wrong. I’d rather not become entangled in such complications.”
“There’s no risk whatsoever, Madam!”
The Butler sprang up in alarm, speaking urgently.
“These are all items I’m permitted to provide at my discretion! They’re goods that have languished unused in storage, their value unrealized. Such everyday necessities that remain unused—I’ve been granted full authority to distribute them to you as I see fit. I swear, every single item is flawless. Please, use them freely!”
I see.
Rowan smiled inwardly. And the Butler’s cargo was not limited to these items alone. In his other hand hung a large bundle containing premium wines and whiskeys, along with the finest cuts of steak and costly spices.
“I simply couldn’t bear to arrive empty-handed…”
The Butler abandoned all pretense of dignity and chuckled sheepishly. Rowan clicked her tongue inwardly. How could she possibly send away someone who had brought such fine things bundled so carefully? Inviting him to a few meals, adding one more spoon to the table—it was the least she could do.
“Very well. Come inside.”
As Rowan turned and entered, the Butler cast a meaningful glance toward Lea before stepping triumphantly into the Annex. Lea, arms crossed and muttering complaints, followed him inside.
They soon set about rolling up their sleeves, preparing vegetables and herbs gathered from the Garden beside the Annex, and began their meal preparations. Though the ingredients seemed unremarkable, whenever Rowan’s recipes were followed, the resulting dishes were invariably exquisite.
“Ah, this truly fills one’s belly most satisfyingly.”
After the meal, the Butler rested his hand contentedly upon his full stomach and murmured with satisfaction.
“Perhaps you could help with the washing up.”
Lea grumbled, and the Butler rose without hesitation. Though he had provided many supplies at his own discretion, he understood well enough that Alexis had given him certain basic responsibilities to fulfill.
As a guest, he needed to show proper consideration. He washed the dishes without complaint. Around him, Lea tidied the Kitchen, while Rowan cleaned the Living Room.
For the Butler, experiencing such natural cooperation for the first time felt awkward initially, but he had now grown quite fond of them. He had even become quite adept at kitchen work.
“By the way, Butler, please ensure that Alexis’s… companions don’t visit this Annex. Occasionally, some rather troublesome women come and bother our mistress.”
After the meal, they gathered together for tea. Today was a day when the Countess attended a party, so the Butler had time to spare. As he lifted his teacup, the Butler cleared his throat.
“Understood. I’ll see to it. I had assumed those women came at Alexis’s request to visit you, but I see now.”
“You’re harassing the Countess with such nonsense.”
“Then why didn’t you mention it sooner? I would have handled it long ago.”
The Butler turned to look at Rowan.
“Madam, you’re the same way. If something inconvenient like this happens, why don’t you tell me right away?”
“Hmm….”
Rowan tilted her head while fidgeting with her teacup.
“Actually, at first I couldn’t figure out what those women wanted from me. But now, well, it doesn’t matter. I’m not even curious anymore.”
The Butler regarded Rowan with a puzzled expression. Now that he thought about it, Rowan had made no effort to win Alexis’s favor or to enter the Count’s Main Mansion. Despite losing his affection and being confined to the Annex, she showed no signs of distress.
“Madam, in my opinion….”
Perhaps this woman who had become Alexis’s wife was somewhat lacking when it came to matters of the heart. Her unpretentious demeanor and appetite were admirable, but leaving things as they were felt unsettling. Perhaps it was guilt from having accepted her meals all this time. The Butler felt she needed some guidance.
“If you could be a bit gentler with Alexis… you see, men do change when women treat them that way….”
“Butler.”
Rowan, who had been sipping her tea, opened her mouth.
“What’s the point of dealing with a man who consorts with women so indiscriminately?”
The Butler’s face went pale. Did she just call Alexis a man of loose morals?
It was something the Butler could scarcely imagine saying. Yet Rowan, who had uttered such shocking words, seemed utterly unbothered. The flustered Butler stammered his response.
“That, that’s all a misunderstanding. Alexis doesn’t actually associate with women in that manner, and besides….”
“….”
“They’re all fabricated rumors! It’s just that his circle of friends are rather unsavory people….”
“A white egret shouldn’t go where crows gather.”
What on earth was she saying? The Butler blinked at Rowan’s cryptic remark. Yet Rowan’s expression remained indifferent.
“I’m serious, Madam. It’s truly because of his unsuitable companions that Alexis is actually-”
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
What had she been going on about this whole time? Unable to comprehend Rowan’s words, the Butler found himself at a loss. Rowan’s expression appeared resolute.
‘How on earth will these two ever manage….’
The Butler sighed inwardly. Now, like Lea, he was beginning to genuinely like Rowan. While he could not discern dignity or propriety in her, he felt a warmth and familiarity that melted the heart.
He truly wished for Rowan to fare well. For that to happen, the marriage would need to improve, and her position would be secured.
Between this hopeless couple, the Butler could not help but sigh. At this rate, she would remain in the East Annex forever, or perhaps face even worse treatment.
Perhaps she might be blamed and sent to the Prayer House or… The Butler, ignorant of Rowan’s circumstances, grew increasingly anxious.
Lost in thought, the Butler set down his teacup and gazed quietly at Rowan. Did she truly not understand all of this, or was she deliberately turning a blind eye?
Rowan, holding her teacup, turned her gaze toward the window. The soft light of the dusky evening sun gently brushed across her profile.
In that moment, a thought suddenly occurred to the Butler.
‘Perhaps… this woman actually knows all of this.’
It was merely a vague intuition born from years of service in the Main Residence.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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