I Think My Husband Might Be a Murderer - Chapter 8

***

Somehow, peaceful days continued. The vague rumors surrounding the Schultz Ducal House gradually faded.

In the meantime, I placed the items filled with memories of my father out of sight throughout the house.

I still thought of him from time to time, but it was more bearable than before. I had been making an effort to stay so busy that I had no time to dwell on his absence.

When I contacted the Russell Marquisate through the post office to inform them that I would not be attending the interview, their response was cold and curt.

After several apologies, the marquisate’s butler finally let me go.

Amidst my busy days, the day of my first visit to the Schultz Ducal Estate approached.

I woke up earlier than usual and prepared to leave for the estate. When I hailed a carriage, the driver immediately threw a sharp question at me.

“Why are you going to the Schultz Ducal Estate, where even the master is absent? Don’t tell me you’re the Young Duke’s hidden mistress?”

“No, absolutely not.”

Despite my firm denial, the driver’s suspicious glare bore into me, so I hastily lied, saying I was a journalist.

Though he still seemed doubtful, he at least pretended to believe me to some extent.

‘Next time, it would be better to get off nearby and walk the rest of the way.’

The scenery outside the window was not as peaceful as before, but it still had its own liveliness.

After passing through the bustling streets, the carriage entered a quieter district. Following a long uphill climb, we finally arrived at the entrance to Evanstein Castle.

“Wow…”

Stepping out of the carriage, I looked down over the cliffside.

A blanket of snow covered the surrounding forest. From here, I could see Müssen, the river that ran through it, Lake Pophsen, and even the distant sea in a single view.

It dawned on me just how high the castle was situated.

When I turned around, I saw the main gate with its raised roof structure. Cream-colored pillars supported tightly arranged red bricks.

Above the gate, the Schultz family crest, an eagle, was prominently engraved. I stared at it blankly before stepping inside.

The buildings were arranged like a fortress, layer upon layer, rising in all directions. Overwhelmed by the grandeur, I instinctively hunched my shoulders.

After walking quite a distance and climbing the milky-white stone stairs, I was first greeted by the estate’s butler.

“Miss Edith Prim? You must have had a tiring journey. I am Fred Gunner.”

Goodness.

I was so taken aback that I forgot to respond.

Did one have to be exceptionally handsome to work at the ducal household?

Fred Gunner was so striking that I momentarily forgot my exhaustion. Though he had a different air from Johannes Schultz.

If I had to describe Fred Gunner in a single phrase, it would be ‘a charming gentleman.’

His friendly, welcoming smile only enhanced his good looks.

On top of that, his neatly combed dark brown hair and well-tailored attire made his already high likability soar even further.

Whether fortunate or not, he seemed entirely accustomed to such reactions. Maintaining his polite smile, he continued speaking.

“I serve as both the butler of the Schultz Ducal Household and the Young Duke’s aide. I will explain most things, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“My goodness…”

Overwhelmed by his constant courtesy, I instinctively covered my mouth. His eyes widened slightly.

“Did I make a mistake?”

A mistake? Absolutely not.

Despite my lowly status as a mere employee, he treated me with utmost respect. Even though I had rudely stared at him and failed to return his greeting properly.

I quickly shook my hands and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“No, not at all. I just wasn’t sure how to address you.”

“Ah. You may simply call me Fred.”

He responded with yet another perfect smile.

“Alright then, Sir Fred. My apologies for the late introduction. I am Edith Prim.”

In reality, personal circumstances held no weight in a professional setting.

Displaying a gloomy demeanor during an interview was never advisable, especially for a job one truly wished to secure.

So, I plastered a bright, unaffected smile on my face, as if I had no worries at all.

“There’s no need to address me as ‘Sir.’ But if it makes you comfortable, I don’t mind.”

“You are truly kind.”

“I am simply treating my employer’s guest with the respect they deserve.”

“But I’m not a guest…”

“The employment contract has yet to be signed.”

Sir Fred smiled knowingly. Feeling slightly awkward, I forced a sheepish grin.

Regardless, he remained consistently polite. I didn’t know much about noble households, but I was certain there weren’t many butlers who treated mere servants with such courtesy.

Sir Fred continued to introduce various parts of Evanstein Castle and then explained my future responsibilities.

“Miss Prim, your main task will be sorting the documents that arrive at the Schultz Ducal Household by date.”

“Is that all? It seems too simple…”

“You’ll understand once you start. I will now show you around the estate. Follow me.”

With that, he took the lead, and I followed nervously.

The castle was as grand as its sheer size suggested, and its architectural styles were an eclectic mix. Depending on the era’s trends, some parts were simple, while others were the epitome of opulence.

Even so, it was undoubtedly the most beautiful castle in Dochilia.

Every part of it, from the grand hall to the atelier and the banquet hall, exuded a meticulous level of care.

Sir Fred led me through numerous private rooms and finally to the library.

At last, we proceeded to the drawing room for the contract signing. The grandeur of the castle extended even here. The walls, adorned with elegant arches, enhanced the majestic atmosphere, and even the smallest decorations were thoughtfully placed.

As I marveled at the room in awe, Sir Fred presented the contract.

“The servants’ quarters are located in the east wing. Since you will be commuting, I will not guide you there.”

As promised, my weekly salary was listed as one million berks.

Seeing the amount written in formal documentation made it feel even more surreal. While I stared blankly at the figure, Sir Fred spoke again.

“If there are any discrepancies in the amount, please let me know. Additionally, if there is anything you would like to modify, I can consult with His Grace.”

“No, this amount is more than generous.”

“That is a relief.”

Now that I thought about it—was the Young Duke not coming? Glancing around, I hesitantly asked,

“Then, what about the Young Duke—”

“You should correct the title.”

“Pardon?”

I tilted my head, confused, and Sir Fred clarified.

“His Grace inherited the title immediately upon the former Duke’s passing.”

“Ah…”

My face flushed red with embarrassment.

How could I have known the details of noble title succession?

In a way, this was also His Grace’s fault for not correcting me earlier.

“There is no need to feel embarrassed. Most noble families require an official succession process before the title is formally recognized.”

Sir Fred added an explanation, his tone as kind as ever.

“As you know, His Grace is officially missing. Therefore, please keep this information confidential. Do you have any further questions regarding His Grace?”

“Yes, just one.”

He waited for me to continue.

“Was the rumor about his disappearance deliberately spread?”

“Creating a new subject of interest is a classic strategy, and it is highly effective.”

“Ah.”

I nodded slowly.

That made sense. Initially, all the newspapers had focused on allegations of embezzlement against the Young Duke. But now, public attention had shifted entirely to his whereabouts.

Some even speculated that someone had kidnapped Johannes Schultz to claim the missing fortune, while others believed he had fled abroad.

I marveled at the cunning nature of noble politics as I signed the contract.

***

“This is just a thought, but…”

After I had been assigned my office and was preparing to head home, Sir Fred suddenly spoke up.

I turned to him with a puzzled expression.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Have you ever formally studied etiquette?”

“Pardon…?”

His unexpected question made my face flush with confusion.

Was he implying that I had been rude?

Was he considering revoking my employment?

Had I made a mistake?

If I lost this job, I had nowhere else to go. Panicked, I rushed to explain.

“Of course, I have learned enough to get along with others. But in formal settings like this, I have to put in a great deal of effort to behave appropriately.”

In truth, I had been doing everything I could to make a good impression.

If I stayed on good terms with the butler, positive words about me might reach my employer.

After all, my father had spoken highly of me, and I couldn’t afford to disappoint.

But if my etiquette was truly lacking…

‘Then I won’t just lose this job—I’ll never be able to work in another noble household.’

Nervously, I asked, “Did I do something wrong? Was I impolite?”

Sir Fred shook his head slightly. I let out a small sigh of relief.

But his next words left me even more bewildered.

“No, what I meant was… Have you ever studied the etiquette of high society specifically?”