Ella was about to unleash the stress that had been piling up for the past few days when Maylin’s rage exploded first.

“PHILIP! Are you in your right mind?! How?dare?you disobey and ask questions?! Did your father teach you to act in such a way toward the lady of the house?! I’ll bring this up for sure!”

Maylin, who was respected by not only Ella but even by Evan, shouted in anger, and Philip became startled. If Norland found out about this, he was going to be furious. He was lucky if Norland ended up just angry.

Philip quickly bowed and agreed with Ella’s order, “I will have them wait there.”

Ella’s target to release her stress was gone. Looking at Philip hurriedly running away, she pushed her stress back in and clicked her tongue. Then, she made a happy smile. Maylin unleashing her anger for her sake made her happy.

“So, who are they?”

Mari, who had been waiting for the associate head butler to leave, couldn’t wait any longer and asked. Wearing a joyful smile, Ella eased her joy and made a kind and serious expression. She knew what Mari was worried about, so she smiled and answered, “They’ll be working in my place.”

“Are we not enough for the task?”

“No, you are enough. If you weren’t, I would’ve asked my mother to bring in more maids. They’ll work on different tasks.”

Mari seemed relieved by Ella’s kind explanation and smile. After confirming Mari’s relief, Ella turned to Smila. She needed a few things before going to meet them.

“Smila, they’re related to the task I asked you to do, so I need you to go with me when I see them.”

Immediately realizing what Ella was talking about and what her task was, Smila replied, “I’ll get ready, milady.”

***

Not long after, Ella met them at the northern garden. Although it was the least decorated garden inside the estate, it was still a different world to these people who lived their entire lives in the slums. They were standing there, looking around with astonished expressions and dazed until they found Ella.

She looked beautiful at the well. Having already prepared to attend the party, Ella was so lovely that she could be considered a fairy. She grinned at their innocent reactions and sat on the chair Philip had gotten ready at the meeting place. Relaxed, she then looked at each of their faces. Their awkwardly-ironed ragged clothes made their innocence pop.

A sweet smile appeared on Ella’s face. Young Billy’s mouth opened slowly. At that, she burst out in laughter, which filled the garden and the younger and older men blushed. Their genuine reactions made her feel glad. However, an important matter was at hand. She needed to make a safety measure so she returned to her senses and faked the harshest voice she could make.

“Good. Shall we start by signing the paper that Smile is handing to you? Think of it as a confidential agreement and sign it. If it isn’t upheld, your family might be in danger.”

These people, who were mesmerized and dazed by Ella’s beauty, woke back to reality at her words. It was an agreement that involved even their families. They mumbled as they turned to look at each other. It wasn’t something that they could easily agree to.

That’s when Max, the largest man out of all them, spoke in place of everyone else and asked, “Excuse me, my lady. I’m sorry, but what do we get in return if we keep the agreement?”

“If you do, I’ll support you with money that’s enough to open up a business. If you’re especially good at the task I give to you, then I can even have the estate purchase from the business you start,” answered Ella.

Hearing about the reward, the expressions of four people changed. The chance of their families living well weighed heavier than the chance of danger falling onto them. Starting with Max, each person received a paper and signed their name without hesitation.