Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 56

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

(56) An Unusual Employer

Madame Elrose was an exceptionally skilled governess who had tended to members of the Royal Court’s bloodline on several occasions. She carried herself with impeccable composure and unwavering propriety, a woman who walked the righteous path. Yet in this moment, she found herself utterly bewildered.
She had arrived at Valerian Castle by royal decree, intending to pay her respects to Rowan first, only to be told repeatedly that the lady was not here. She had come today under the impression that the Marchioness remained at the castle, which struck her as decidedly strange.
The Butler guided her to the Glass Garden with barely suppressed amusement, then vanished after offering a cryptic remark that she would understand once she stepped inside.
It was hardly unusual for the Marchioness to be in the garden. Yet as Madame Elrose surveyed the space, she found only a single Maid with her back turned, bent low and diligently excavating the soil with a shovel.
Bewildered, she looked about in every direction, but the Maid remained the only person present. As Madame Elrose considered asking this servant where the Marchioness might be, comprehension began to dawn upon her.
The Marchioness was none other than this woman, who had cast aside all dignity and grace to crouch in the dirt. No matter how unseemly her posture—utterly unbecoming of a noblewoman—there could be no one else. The realization struck her with certainty, and when she ventured a greeting, her suspicion proved correct. It truly was the Marchioness!
‘Had I mistaken her for a servant and spoken carelessly…’
Madame Elrose pressed a hand to her chest inwardly. Yet the Marchioness of Valerian seemed determined to test her patience. Who in the kingdom would have imagined that a woman dressed in such garments, digging in the soil, could be the wife of Alexis Adrian Glister, the kingdom’s hero and Holy Knight? And more pressingly—why was the Marchioness engaged in such labor at all? Madame Elrose felt a twinge of indignation.
“Since I haven’t yet given birth, there’s nothing urgent to attend to… I was wondering if you might examine the child’s room today? I’ve done my best to prepare it, but since I’ve never raised a child before, I’m uncertain whether I’ve done it properly.”
Rowan, oblivious to Madame Elrose’s inner turmoil, smiled brightly as she spoke.
“I understand. I shall unpack my belongings and inspect it at once. However…”
Madame Elrose hesitated before continuing.
“Will you be… remaining here?”
Rowan blinked.
“Yes. I was in the middle of planting seedlings.”
“But why on earth would you…”
“The vegetables that grow here are absolutely delicious!”
Observing Rowan’s casual response, Madame Elrose found herself thinking inwardly.
‘Did she just ask me about the taste of vegetables? No—the real question is why you, a Marchioness, are the one doing this!’
Yet outwardly, she maintained her dignified composure, standing rigidly upright.
“Very well.”
Madame Elrose replied.
“Then I shall unpack my things and take a look at the young master’s room.”
Still feeling deeply unsettled, she added one more thing.
“Shall I have a Maid sent here to assist you?”
“No need. There’s nothing for her to do here.”
Madame Elrose closed her eyes briefly, then opened them. Couldn’t the Marchioness simply have a Maid handle the seedling planting?
“Oh, that’s right! I hadn’t thought of it.”
Rowan, who had turned to retrieve her shovel, suddenly seemed to remember something and spun back around.
“Have you eaten?”
At this abrupt question, Madame Elrose fell silent for a moment before answering.
“I took breakfast before departing.”
“Oh, then you haven’t had lunch!”
Rowan grinned widely.
“As it happens, Lea went into town today, so I’ve been at loose ends. Why don’t we have lunch together here!”
“Pardon?”
Eloze’s voice trembled. She was so bewildered that she questioned whether this was truly happening. The governess rarely dined with the master and mistress of the household. And now, to share lunch alone with the Countess in this Glass Garden? It was something she could never have imagined.
“I grew and harvested these myself, so they’re delicious! I haven’t properly entertained you as a guest, so let’s at least share a meal together!”
Watching Eloze, who now looked almost frightened, Rowan broke into a bright smile.
***
That entire day was a time of shock and fear for Eloze. She couldn’t fathom how she’d managed to sit across from the notorious Countess of Valerion and eat lunch in such a dazed state.
The Countess ate without any formality, chattering away like a simple girl who had grown up in the countryside knowing nothing of the world. Though her dining etiquette suggested she understood noble customs, her manner felt far more innocent than expected.
From the rumors she’d heard, the Countess of Valerion was supposedly arrogant and haughty, taking pride in being the wife of a Holy Knight, while other whispers claimed she was so frail that she was confined to the castle, living as though each day might be her last. Yet not a single one of those rampant rumors had captured the true reality of who the Countess actually was.
“Oh? Alexis, why have you returned so early?”
As they finished their meal and were having refreshments, a man opened the door to the Glass Garden. Eloze was momentarily dazzled by his radiant presence.
Alexis’s beauty was already the subject of much gossip, but seeing him in person, the reality surpassed all the rumors. With silver hair that gleamed in the sunlight, he strode toward them with long, graceful steps—a figure like a mythical god descended from legend. Had she been a young noblewoman, she would surely have fallen for him at first sight, or rather, would have been too timid to even gaze upon him.
“Nothing in particular happened today.”
Then his blue-violet eyes glanced briefly toward Eloze.
“And who is this?”
Eloze, who had momentarily frozen at the sight of Alexis’s beauty, quickly regained her composure, rose from her seat, and bowed respectfully.
“I greet the Kingdom’s hero and bearer of sacred power. I am Eloze of House Mabel, sent by His Majesty’s command to serve the Countess.”
Rowan then approached Alexis and spoke cheerfully.
“I’d forgotten that you were supposed to come today too.”
“Ah, I see.”
Alexis turned to face Eloze.
“Since we’ll be living together in the castle from now on, there’s no need for such formality. I ask that you take good care of my wife.”
Having shown proper respect, Eloze attempted to excuse herself to give them privacy. However…
“Alexis, we were having tea together. Would you like to join us?”
“Why not? I was thirsty anyway.”
What? They were going to have refreshments together as three? Eloze had to suppress her astonishment. Alexis, seemingly unbothered, accepted the tea Rowan poured for him without hesitation.
She had heard that Alexis was a natural nobleman raised in the Glister Earl Family, yet his behavior showed no pretense whatsoever. The two conversed like a simple couple from the countryside.
“His Majesty shows such consideration—you must be doing well.”
At Rowan’s words, Alexis lifted his teacup.
“That’s precisely why I work so hard. I see everything, the pleasant and the unpleasant alike.”
“True, you do go to the battlefield as well…”
As Rowan murmured with concern, Alexis reached out and gently stroked her hair.
“I don’t mind such things. I suddenly gained the power to save you, so I must repay that debt.”
“Has things settled down somewhat now?”
“Yes. The biggest troublesome issue has been resolved for now. It seems I’ll be able to leave work early for a while.”
Watching them converse so naturally, Eloze could see how deep and tender the bond between this couple was. Such a scene was rarely seen in the Royal Court or among noble families.
“Then go rest soon.”
At Rowan’s words, Alexis looked at her.
“What about you?”
Rowan shrugged her shoulders.
“I need to tidy up a bit before I leave.”
“What cleanup? Planting seedlings?”
“Yes. You said we’d plant seedlings today.”
“It’s not finished yet?”
“Oh, we’re almost done, but Madame Elrose just arrived to greet us.”
At those words, Alexis set down his teacup and rose from his seat.
“I’ll finish the rest. Come inside with us.”
“Really? Then shall we?”
Eloze was taken aback. Outwardly, she maintained her composed and dignified bearing, but inwardly she was startled.
‘A Holy Knight planting seedlings?’
It sounded absurd—a genuine Holy Knight tending to seedlings. Yet regardless of her astonishment, Alexis strode purposefully to a corner of the Garden, rolled up his sleeves, and crouched beside Rowan in the same posture, using a spade to loosen the soil and plant the seedlings with practiced efficiency.
The sight of his broad frame bent over the task struck Eloze with a shock far greater than anything she had experienced moments before. The Holy Knight, having diligently planted and finished his work, straightened himself up.
“Your belly’s grown quite a bit now—you should rest.”
At Alexis’s words, Rowan pouted slightly.
“That’s why I couldn’t delay—I had to plant them today. Once they’re in the ground like this, I just need to water them and watch them grow.”
“Just be careful while you work.”
“Ugh, you’re such a nag!”
Even as they bickered, Rowan tugged at Alexis’s arm, then leaned against him languidly and linked her arm through his. Turning to Eloze, she smiled.
“My husband’s scolding means I must stop here. Shall we go inside together, Madame Elrose?”
Madame Elrose felt an indescribable sensation as she entered the castle alongside the lord and lady. She could not begin to fathom how she was meant to proceed.

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