The three maids all nodded in understanding at Amber’s words. As people who worked their length of tenure in the Thales castle, they all somewhat understood Amber’s current situation.

“From now on, you three will be my very first allies in this castle. What I am giving is compensation for the hardships you all will face in the future.”

It was a warning to Bella, as well as her aides. Soon, Bella’s aides would learn of the special treatment Luna received.

Bella’s biggest flaw was her violence towards those not up to her standards. While her close aides were showered with gifts and lived lives of luxury, the many that were treated terribly harbored hatred towards her.

In such a situation, once word of laundry maids being suddenly and personally hired to work for Amber while receiving great generosity spread.. The very base of Bella’s stronghold would begin to shake and destabilize.

“And if you are all willing to ally with me, I shall ally with you all as well.” Amber continued to speak as she made individual eye contact.

The maids quickly realized the true meaning behind her words and her intent to topple Bella’s hold and correct the wrongs of the castle. Complicated emotions flooded their faces, but when they looked at Amber’s calm orange eyes, somehow, it felt like everything would work out.

“We pledge our loyalty to you, Mistress.” Jenia spoke as the representative.

“Then you should all begin straight away starting tomorrow. Who is the one managing the laundry maids?”

“That would be Miss Grace.”

“I will confront Grace tomorrow then.” With that, Amber assigned the maids’ new lodgings through Heinreich, and the maids left the room with brighter smiles on their faces than when they first came in.

After confirming their footsteps fading away, Amber let out a small sigh and stretched her arms. It was now completely dark outside, and all the fatigue she had built throughout the day came to her at once.

“Will you retire to the bedchamber now?” Heinreich asked as he lit up a candle.

‘I guess that’s all I needed to do today?’?Amber reminisced about the happenings of her day. She received a promise from her husband to speak with formality and had a confrontation with Bella. She saved Jenia, created a strategic alliance with Heinreich, and chose the ones who would be her personal maids. Oh yes, she also determined her dowry allocation.?‘I really did a lot today, didn’t I?’

As she felt the tension leave her body, the fatigue that had built up pressed down.

“Yes, I’ll be retiring for the night.”

“Shall I bring you something to snack on before you do?”

“No, that’s fine.”

Though she was hungry, the desire to rest was more powerful than the desire to fill her stomach.

Amber changed into the gown that Heinreich brought and went to the bedroom. She would sleep well, wake up early, and see off the newly formed expedition force leaving for the subjugation.

Heinreich handed Amber the candle at the bedroom door before heading back to his station.

Amber barely held back her desire to yawn as she turned the door knob. The only thoughts in her mind were sleep.

The moment she stepped inside the room, she felt a cold breeze that tickled her cheeks.?‘It’s winter, who in the world left the window open?’?Amber frowned as she turned her gaze towards the window. And nearly dropped the candle at the sight of Kalix standing there with his back towards the window.

Kalix approached her and took the candelabra. The candelabra that was shaking heavily enough in Amber’s hands to go out steadied in Kalix’s hand.

The wavering candlelight which was wavering calmed and illuminated the two.

Kalix stared at Amber’s face with his dark brown eyes.

For just a moment, Amber was flustered.

Bedroom, and Kalix, inside of it.

It was a combination Amber was intensely familiar with.