The Villainess's Exclusive Maid Is Too Good at Her Job - Chapter 10

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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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Chapter 10

“I’ve finished copying the history book you requested, Miss.”
“Already?”
“Yes, Miss.”
Julietta accepted the manuscript with a hint of reluctance as Janet smiled brightly.
Rustle.
As I flipped through the notebook casually, the pages revealed densely packed handwriting.
‘…Her handwriting has improved considerably.’
At first, it was as crooked as a child’s scrawl, but after I pointed it out a few times, she corrected it quickly.
Whether still in practice or not, with each new manuscript, her penmanship became increasingly refined.
With narrowed eyes, I stared intently at one of the most beautifully written characters before nodding dismissively.
“Fine. Then, next time….”
…Sigh. What should I have her copy next?
With the Empire history book finished, my list of ‘respectable’ books had run dry.
As I paused to consider, my gaze fell upon the row of potted plants on the windowsill.
“…A botanical encyclopedia.”
“Pardon?”
“Next, you’ll copy a botanical encyclopedia. As my maid, shouldn’t you know everything about poisonous plants, medicinal herbs, and plants used for tea?”
Even by my own standards, the reasoning was absurd, and embarrassment began to creep in.
“Indeed, you speak wisely. A maid should certainly be familiar with poisonous plants, medicinal herbs, and tea plants.”
“…Yes. That’s what I meant.”
“Then I shall copy a botanical encyclopedia next. However, I’m uncertain which specific book I should copy….”
“You should choose it yourself! How long must I decide everything for you?”
Well, that was fair enough.
‘I’ll focus on copying botanical encyclopedias related to poisonous plants, medicinal herbs, and tea plants. I should visit the library later.’
With that thought, Janet nodded vigorously.
“Understood, Miss. I’ll select a book that will be helpful to you.”
“Wait. And!”
“Yes?”
Sensing that my point hadn’t landed, Julietta added urgently.
“Tomorrow… No, the day after tomorrow!”
“Pardon?”
“The deadline is the day after tomorrow. I won’t wait any longer, so remember that. Do you understand?”
The day after tomorrow?
Janet paused to assess the timeline. Though she didn’t know the exact thickness of the botanical encyclopedia, from experience, reference books typically contained an enormous amount of text.
In that case….
‘I might have to stay up through the night.’
Well, that didn’t matter much anyway.
I’d always been confident in my stamina. Managing that sprawling mansion alone every day, sleeping only three hours, I’d never once caught even a common cold.
‘Since coming here, I’ve been sleeping soundly every night.’
A night or two without sleep would hardly be noticeable.
“Yes. Then I’ll have it ready by the day after tomorrow.”
“Good, do that.”
Hmph.
Julietta Ludwig turned her head and answered while leaning her back against the sofa.
The sight of her was so like an elegant cat that Janet found herself smiling silently.

***

After work.
Janet made her way to the Eastern Library.
The Ludwig Family had three libraries in total: one exclusively for direct Ludwig bloodline members, and one for servants.
And then there was the library available to the noble class, including the Ludwig Family’s guests.
The Eastern Library was precisely the library for nobles.
Though Janet worked as a maid at the Ludwig Family, she held noble status by rank and thus had access to the Eastern Library.
“You’ve come again, Miss Maid.”
The one who greeted Janet warmly was a middle-aged librarian with a pleasant demeanor.
Over the past several days, thanks to her continued visits searching for books needed for her copying work, the two had somehow become close friends.
“Good evening, Librarian.”
“Oh my, how disappointing. Didn’t we agree you’d call me Mrs. Sinclair?”
“Oh, I just forgot for a moment. I’m sorry, Mrs. Sinclair.”
At Janet’s correction, Mrs. Sinclair’s eyes widened with delight.
“What book are you looking for today?”
“A botanical encyclopedia.”
“A botanical encyclopedia?”
“Yes. I’m hoping to look for books related to medicinal herbs, poisonous plants, and tea leaves… Do you happen to know where they are?”
“Of course. Try Section 13 over there.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Sinclair.”
Janet bowed respectfully and headed toward Section 13.
‘Let’s see. First, medicinal herbs…’
Though she wondered if botanical encyclopedias were commonly read, Section 13 was packed tightly with plant-related books.
She was concentrating intently to find the books she wanted when it happened.
Tap. Without realizing it, Janet had bumped into the person beside her, and her eyes widened in alarm.
“…!”
She barely suppressed a gasp and hastily bowed.
Since the Eastern Library was a place where only nobles came and went, colliding with someone was considered a grave breach of etiquette.
“I sincerely apologize. I was so focused on finding my book that I failed to notice you beside me.”
“Haha. It’s quite alright. These things happen.”
At the other person’s gracious response, Janet relaxed and straightened up.
The man Janet collided with was a tall, elderly gentleman. He wore a white shirt and black tuxedo, with a black bow tie adorning his neck.
That attire was unmistakably….
“Thank you for your gracious understanding, Butler William.”
William, the head butler, offered Janet a gentle smile as she arrived at the correct answer.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you anyway, so this works out well.”
“Me?”
“The young lady of Graham is the first attendant to Miss Julietta Ludwig, after all.”
Janet’s eyes widened at the butler’s words.
‘That’s right. The butler is the chief administrator of Ludwig.’
A butler held a position far higher than even the head maidservant. He was the person most intimately involved in the household’s affairs after the Grand Duchess herself.
Janet’s mistress, Julietta Ludwig, was publicly known as Ludwig’s troublemaker, after all.
As butler, he must have had many concerns.
“How are you finding your duties as an attendant?”
“Since this is my first time serving as an attendant, I’m lacking in many ways. I’m doing my best to avoid causing trouble for the young lady.”
The butler blinked at Janet’s response.
Only briefly.
Then he laughed heartily with genuine delight.
He had asked the question wondering if Janet might report on the young lady to him.
As a butler devoted to Ludwig, he knew the rumors about Young Lady Julietta were somewhat exaggerated.
‘Still, she’s not exactly easy-natured.’
He had been concerned whether the newly arrived young attendant would adapt well.
But to receive such a humble and loyal answer—
“Butler William!”
Only after receiving a stern rebuke from Mrs. Sinclair in the distance did he stop laughing.
Janet looked back and forth between the two in surprise.
‘Are they close?’
The butler cleared his throat awkwardly and spoke.
“How embarrassing, being caught like that. Ahem.”
“Not at all. I’m often corrected myself. And please, speak comfortably with me, Butler William. I’ll have much to learn going forward, and I’d appreciate it if you’d treat me casually.”
Oh my?
Butler William had to suppress another laugh.
Among the many nobles working within Ludwig, this was the first time someone had directly asked him to speak casually and said they would seek his guidance.
Given his position within Ludwig, everyone else felt apprehensive around him.
So this young person approaching him so warmly was truly a first.
‘She reminds me of Bianca.’
Bianca was his daughter.
Working ceaselessly as Ludwig’s butler had left him with few memories with his daughter.
He was always filled with regret, but kind Bianca would always tell him it was fine and understood his circumstances.
Bianca was also around Janet’s age.
Thinking of his daughter, he answered with tender affection.
“Very well. Then I shall make myself comfortable.”
“Thank you, Head Butler.”
The Head Butler glanced at the book in her hands amid the warm atmosphere.
“Are you searching for a botanical encyclopedia?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Janet paused briefly before continuing with a smile.
“I thought studying poisonous plants, medicinal herbs, and tea leaves would help me better serve the Young Mistress.”
“Hah, what a thoughtful notion.”
For someone who had devoted his entire life to the Ludwig Family, he could not help but view Janet favorably—a maid who strived to serve the direct bloodline of Ludwig with such dedication.
Of course, Janet had answered precisely with this intention in mind.
‘I’ve already given up on earning Nova’s favor.’
I needed to cultivate goodwill elsewhere. To survive long in this position, it was advantageous to leave a favorable impression on one’s superiors.
“Why not borrow some of my books instead?”
“Your books, Head Butler?”
“Yes. As it happens, I possess some excellent volumes on those very subjects. If you’re willing, visit my personal study tomorrow.”
Tomorrow, then.
‘The Young Mistress asked me to finish the copying by the day after tomorrow.’
If I borrowed the books tomorrow, I worried whether I could complete the copying on time.
Yet I could not afford to miss such an opportunity.
“I shall visit without hesitation. Thank you for the invitation, Head Butler.”
Janet answered readily.

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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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