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    The only person who calls me a kid would be the Duke of Rochester, right?


    I looked back startled.


    The duke had made an abrupt appearance, entering the living room.


    No, whats the duke doing here too?


    Duke of Rochester?


    I hurriedly walked over to the duke.


    Why did youe all the way here?


    Hmm, this.


    However, the duke turned away from me, clearing his throat as he did.


    Whats up with him?


    I was tilting my head when the duke turned around with a determined expression as he handed me an envelope.


    I picked it up on my way here.


    He picked this up? Whats inside it?


    I stared at the Duke with a dazed look.


    Then the dukes temper shot up for no reason.


    Are you going to open it or not?


    Oh? Ah, yes


    Charlize quickly opened the letter and was lost for words.


    T-This


    Its a nk check!!


    It was a nk check signed by the Duke of Rochester, the richest man in the empire!


    My hands began to tremble.


    The duke, who was watching my expressions closely, struck while the iron was hot and spoke in an unwavering voice.


    Dont get any wrong thoughts. I didnt give that to you because youre cute.


    ..um?


    I just


    The duke, who nced at the empress during her argument with the crown prince, smirked at their quarrel and continued.


    My only concern if you went out in shabby clothes, is the worry the empress, who has taken care of you until now, would go through.


    Yes, thats it. said the duke.


    Thats exactly it. said the duke again, perhaps persuading himself more than anyone else.


    The duke nodded with a solemn look.


    Then.


    Hello, brother.


    The empress, who agreed on a temporary truce with Damian, opened her mouth albeit her voice slightly muffled.


    Even if my brother hadnt done so, I was prepared with all the dresses she would need, right Charlize?


    However, upon hearing those words, the dukes eyes lit up in open protest against the Empress.


    I cant possibly let Her Majesty, the mother of the empire, be troubled with such a trivial matter, Ill take care of this little one


    Brother, if youre always busy with national matters, could you even afford to spend time paying attention to Charlizes dress, let alone deal with the intricacies of picking out the right dress?


    The two looked at each other, eyes squinted with unyielding expressions.


    Damian also interjected himself into this.


    Charlize is my fiancee! Isnt it expected of me to take care of her?!


    Dont say that. Ive had such an amicable rtionship with her as a little girl that I considered adopting her!


    All right, Charlize is my maid. I had her for thirteen years!


    .the issue became tripartite.


    Before I knew it, the three of them began shouting.


    It seemed like lively and infectious energy flowed through the three of them, bouncing from one to the other.


    Even if they somehow fought all day, I have a feeling that their argument wouldnte to an end.


    I finally took a deep breath and joined in on their conversation.


    Im sorry, I have no intention of epting gifts from any one of you.


    What?!


    What are you saying?!


    Lize, why are you doing this all of a sudden?!


    It was the empress, the duke, and Damian in that order.


    The three looked at me, their gazes piercing the air as I smiled awkwardly.


    Well, um, Ill just use my own money.


    Your own money?


    Yes. I have some savings that Ive kept so far.


    Its thirteen years of worth!


    I straightened my chest as I looked back proudly.


    The empress asked me with an inquisitive tone in her voice.


    You mean, youve collected the wages youve earned while as a maid?


    Yes! Its enough for a dress and some essoriesI hopewouldnt it.aa?


    I was confident at first, but my speech flopped due to my stammering.


    I found the empress, the duke, and Damian all staring at me with wonder and pity all at once.


    .how would I describe their expressions?


    It was like they were watching a small child scrape every single coin she had


    At the same time, a regretful voice spoke.


    Hello, Charlize. Its too bad youre not epting gifts.


    Oh, my.


    That voice?!


    I gulped my saliva.


    No, when did the empress dowager get here!


    She looks slightly downcast!


    Isnt this banquet the event for you to debut in front of the public?


    Wow, your Majesty, the empress dowager:


    I even had picked out a few pieces of jewelry you could use.


    Goodness.


    Seeing the sadness in her eyes, I felt so terrible.


    Then, lets do this instead.


    In the nick of time, the empress opened her mouth, she likely had a good idea.