‘So that’s what it was.’?Only then did Amber realize why Jenia never revealed her worries to her in her previous life, and why Jenia of now had changed her attitude.?‘Though she also pinned her hopes on me then, she wasn’t able to summon the courage to say it. Since I was suffering too much already.’

Jenia had a kind nature and was always concerned for others. Seeing Amber cry herself to sleep every night, Jenia knew that Amber wasn’t able to directly go against Amber. And as she bided her time without saying anything, Jenia ended up kicked out of the castle due to Bella’s wicked plot.?‘But now.. since I am no longer cowering in fear, she’s pinning her true hope on me.’

And that was why she had spoken honestly and requested that she take her in as an aide.

After 10 years, Amber finally realized why Jenia was so kind to her, and how passionate she was in her desire to save the servants of the castle.

Amber felt an overwhelming emotion of affection and sadness towards Jenia bubbling up in her body.

‘I will not reproach myself.’

Just because Amber wasn’t able to directly confront Bella didn’t mean that Amber held fault.

At that time, Amber was in a position no different from having all her limbs cut and thrown into a ditch. No one could blame her for what happened.

But it was still true that as the new lady of the castle, she was unable to fulfill her duties, which led to the suffering of the servants.?‘And here I thought that her passionate efforts were just pity.. I really was..’

Someone who didn’t know anything at all.

‘This time, I want to do better.’?Her passive desire to avoid a horrible end changed into a proactive will to ensure that everyone in and outside the castle could live their life in the best conditions, regardless of status.

“Jenia, raise your head,” Amber ordered with a gentle voice.

Jenia, who was shivering faintly, cautiously lifted her head. And promptly became surprised at the warmth and kindness in Amber’s gaze.

“Thank you,” Amber spoke with utmost honesty in her voice. For protecting her back at the laundry area, and for honestly speaking of the situation inside the castle. “And, I’m sorry.”

For what happened in her previous life.

Because she wasn’t able to protect her. Because she didn’t realize Jenia’s pain and simply sat in a corner feeling sorry for herself. For that, she was sorry.

“Mistress, I.. I am simply a lowly servant, for Your Excellency to apologize to me is..” Jenia couldn’t finish her sentence. She didn’t know what Amber was apologizing for, but she realized that her apology was deeply layered and sincere, so much so that it was unexpected.

Amber held out her hand and took Jenia’s hand. Jenia also tightly gripped Amber’s hand.

It was at that moment.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the door to the private room.

Amber and Jenia quickly separated.

“Who is it?” Amber asked, as she brought the blanket up to Jenia’s neck as she laid down.

“It is Dennis Bertrand.”

“Ah, Sir Bertrand. Please come in,” Amber’s tone was gentle, having become more familiar with the knight when they treated Jenia earlier.

As he opened the door and stepped inside, Dennis glanced at the completely covered Jenia and turned his gaze to Amber.

“What is it? If it’s about Jenia having to rest today from work..”

“No, that’s not it. I’ve already received approvals from both the steward and the Duke and processed her day off already.”

“Then?”

“It is time for lunch, so I’ve come to guide you to the dining room.”

“Ah, I see.” Looking out the window, the sun was already halfway through the sky. She was so engrossed in her conversation with Jenia that she didn’t realize so much time had passed. “All right then.”

Hungry after skipping breakfast and running around the castle, Amber gladly accepted his offer.