I’ve managed to go through every department at the manor. After the incident with the butlers, everyone seems to get the memo.


    I find negligible signs of looting going forward. I’m not sure if they’re just covering their tracks or if stuff was returned, but I don’t find any blackmail nearly as valuable.


    Though I do keep the staff on their toes. They know I’m watching and not being subtle. I’ve gone over all of the grounds and seen what there is to see (or isn’t in many cases).


    Most of the repairs from Jun and Co.’s destruction are finished. They are still waiting for a few custom parts, which are taking forever since Jun had all the local craftsmen prioritize outfitting his army above everything else.


    I do get to visit a few of the workshops within the estate and it’s amazing to watch a blacksmith hand craft a sword.


    I’ve even started having tea with more of the local ladies. So far they have been cautious of me, but I’m the only one of Jun’s people meeting with anyone socially. It’s an opportunity too rare for them to pass up.


    There’s only one problem. I haven’t found what I’m going to do after I’m healed.


    And judging by the look on Luan’s face that day is coming faster than anyone was really expected. He’s been silent, but he’s double and triple checked every measurement he’s taken on me today.


    With a sigh, he puts down the last scanning crystal. “How are you feeling? Is there any pain any where when you walk or move about.”


    “No, I told you I’m feeling pretty good. I just get a bit tired in the afternoons, but after a nap I’m fine.”


    He picks up the scanning crystal and waves it over me again.


    “You’re healing is remarkable. It appears that you are almost completely recovered, and that speed has only increased since you resumed walking.”


    “Figured out why yet?”


    “No idea, unless you have something to finally share.”


    I shrug. “I probably know less than you do. But I have a big question for you.”


    He runs his hand through his hair and looks me in the eye. I say, “Can I be done with the crutches?”


    He sighs because it was too anticlimactic. “I have no reason to insist you keep using them if you are telling the truth about your pain, but I don’t like it. I don’t want you to rush and end up reversing your miraculous progress.”


    “Because that would ruin the data you’ve been collecting?”


    He ignores that and continues, “I want to monitor you closely for at least two more weeks and you still need to take it easy. No intense physical activity and make sure there’s always someone nearby to help you especially around stairs.”The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Not like I have a bunch of options, so I agree.


    I keep wracking my brain for career options. If I ask nicely, Jun might give me some capital to start a business, but I really don’t understand an industry well enough in this world to do well running an Inn or something.


    Also, with my reputation as a Lady, my options are pretty limited. I might be able to become a governess for some of those almost eligible young ladies, but I don’t know enough to do much more than fake being a Lady.


    I could even go on a grand tour of this magical world and explore until I get murdered. Between Lin’s memories and the stories from the visiting Ladies, this place is insanely violent and as I am I stand no chance if I get tossed out of the manor.


    With my new found freedom from crutches, I take myself on a walk through the garden to try to clear my head.


    By tea time, I still haven’t calmed down. I’m so lost in thought pacing lakeside, that I jump when Jun says, “Is something on your mind Ellen?”


    He’s standing right next to me, and I hadn’t even noticed. How embarrassing.


    “I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”


    He steps even closer, like he wants to get a good look at my face through my veil. “I thought I would find you celebrating being crutchless, but I come and find you pacing and muttering with worry. If you let me know what’s bothering you, I would love to offer my assistance.”


    Jun’s just too helpful, even when he’s in my personal space. So, I blurt out, “I’m just nervous about what will happen when I’m completely healed.”


    Confusion flashes across his face, but it returns to its usual neutral so quickly that I’m not sure if it really happened.


    He asks, “What do you think is going to happen?”


    “That’s the thing, I have no idea. You’ve been incredibly generous letting me stay here while I recover and I don’t want to impose on you. But I still haven’t found anywhere else to go, let a lone figured out a way to support myself, and yeah…”


    I reach under my veil and rub my temples before just taking the whole thing off and throwing it on to a chair.


    Jun says, “You will always be welcome in my home for as long as you like. Since you saved my life, I’ve considered you one of my people.”


    He leans in real close and says, “And I always take care of my people.”


    It feels like a weight has been removed from my shoulders. I smile up at him and say, “Thank you Jun. I don’t know what would have happened to me without you. But I don’t want to live off your kindness forever.”


    With a smile that any celebrity would kill for, he says, “For you, I have plenty to share. And now that you’re well, we should celebrate.” He’s so close now, I’m worried that I’ll headbutt his nose or something.


    “If you insist,” I go and take up my usual seat at our lakeside table, “did you have something in mind?”


    He laughs and sits down next to me. “I’m sure I can think of something to surprise you with by dinner.”


    “Okay, then surprise me. But if I’m going to stay here, I want to at least be helpful to you in some way. I feel like I know so little about this crazy place and I would be useless at fighting in your war.”


    “So far you’ve only been walking around this place for a few days,” his eyes twinkle with mischief here and I’m sure he remembers my stories about my previous life, “and you’ve already been incredibly helpful entertaining my guests and getting all the staff back into order.


    “I had been concerned that after the sudden transition to my control, they would never shape up. And heaven knows I don’t have the time to manage all the staff while raising an army. How about you just run this place for me?”


    From my understanding and Lin’s memories, that’s an incredibly strange request. That job would typically go to his wife or maybe a very close relative. Then again he’s single and he’s waging war against what’s left of his family.


    “If you’re sure, I would be honored.”


    He laughs again. “And if you’re concerned about self-defense, which is completely understandable given the circumstances, then I will make sure you’re taught. But know I will do all in my power to insure your safety.”


    By this point the tea is probably over steeped, but he pours it for us anyway. I feel calm as I drink the extra bitter tea.