I Became The Male Lead’s Female Friend Chapter 129.2

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‘What does she want to say?’

 

I snapped, sitting on the couch, sipping tea.

 

Countess Fedwick, Head Maid of the House of Bouser.

 

The wife of Count Fedwick, she had long been devoted to Bouser, and was now in charge of the Duke’s inner chambers.

 

Widowed by her husband, she came to the ducal residence on the recommendation of the Duchess. 

 

She worked at the Duchess’s side until one day, when the Duchess’s reputation was in question, she took over the management of the manor.

 

Then the Duke fell, and Rudrick was the main figure who supported the empty ducal residence until he went off to war.

 

‘What does such a person want to say to me?’

 

Even in the original story, nothing much was written about her.

 

She’s not the usual ‘evil head maid who torments the heroine,’ and her description only says that she has a ‘gentle, kind nature’.

 

This seems to be the exact opposite of Averine’s head maid, who was described as ‘stern and strict,’ and I laughed out loud. Then I shook my head.

 

‘That’s weird. Why doesn’t this feel familiar?’

 

But my worries didn’t last long. Soon after, there was a knock on the door and a middle-aged woman walked in.

 

I watched her surreptitiously and couldn’t help but admire her.

 

‘She actually looks like that.’

 

With graying hair in several areas, she lived up to the description of ‘gentle and kind’. She even smiled softly, almost wickedly.

 

But as the actual person who had supported the Duke all these years, she must be tough. I accepted her greeting casually, trying to hide my nervousness.

 

“It is an honor to meet you, Princess Averine. I am Rosetta Fedwick of House Fedwick.”

 

“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Fedwick. I’m Dahlia Averine, please feel free to call me that.”

 

“Please make yourself at home, my lady.”

 

We exchanged brief greetings, and like all nobles, we exchanged family greetings.

 

The maidservant next to me poured us tea, and we chatted, and the mood softened.

 

Without further delay, Mrs. Fedwick got straight to the point.

 

“I apologize, Miss. I came to see you in a hurry without telling you beforehand.”

 

“That’s all right, but what’s the matter…”

 

“I was thinking we should have a party at the Duke’s mansion this time.”

 

“A party?”

 

My eyes widened at the unexpected mention. A party, all of a sudden. No, why was she consulting me, a mere guest, about it in the first place?

 

“I don’t mind, but why are you bringing it up with me…?”

 

“Because, unfortunately, I really need your help.”

 

“My help?”

 

When I pressed for an explanation, she gave me a wry smile, and then slowly began to explain the situation.

 

“I’m sure you’ve already realized, Princess, that the mansion hasn’t been in the best of spirits.”

 

“Uh… A little, yes.”

 

“It’s always been that way. Long before she left, ever since she became the way she is.”

 

It was obvious what she meant by when ‘she became like that’. It had been the case of the Duchess of Bouser, who had been falsely accused and imprisoned in the annex.

 

“It was a long time ago… The atmosphere hasn’t been easy since then, with bad things happening to the Duke and the Knights, and leaving the Young Master to lead the House alone, and even though he finally came back from the war victorious, it’s still…”

 

“Ah…”

 

“I didn’t think I’d be able to change the atmosphere in the duchy as it was, until you came along.”

 

“Me, you mean?”

 

“Yes, because thanks to you, Princess, this place started to liven up a bit.”

 

All I’ve done here has been to paint the walls behind the Kassar with excitement…

 

Nevertheless, she smiled gently at me, as if genuinely grateful, and I scratched my head and shrugged.

 

Still smiling, she said in a tone that was somehow determined.

 

“So when the opportunity arises, we must seize the moment.”

 

I nodded helplessly. 

 

Then, hesitantly, I replied, “But I’ve only ever hosted small tea parties, nothing big, so I won’t be much help, and it’s not like I have any connections up north.”

 

“That’s okay. I didn’t say that’s what I was hoping for in the first place.”

 

“What? Then why on earth would you…”

 

She looked at me, somehow nervous.

 

“I’m hoping you can convince him.”

 

“Persuade?”

 

“Yeah, I don’t think it would do any good if I tried, so…”

 

She laughed awkwardly as she said it, and I couldn’t say more because I knew why.

 

There was no way Rudrick, who hates to be bothered, would enjoy the party, and it’s not like he has any particular affection for the ducal residence.

 

Still, I was in favor of her idea of pushing the momentum, so I nodded without further ado.

 

“Okay, I’ll try.”

 

Mrs. Fedwick gratefully took my hand.

 

We chatted for a while, bonded by camaraderie, and made plans for the party, and then I got up to leave, eagerly anticipating the next dose with Mrs. Fedwick.

 

‘Okay, I’ll convince him somehow!’

 

I had a lot of ideas, and she was actively trying to think of ways to do it.

 

I was more motivated than ever and immediately called for the servant.

 

I told Rudrick that I had something to discuss with him, and asked to see him at a moment’s notice. Rudrick replied that he would be free sometime in the evening and that I should come to his office at that time.

 

With nothing better to do, I spent this time idly waiting.

 

And when the appointed time came.

 

‘Let’s go.’

 

I went straight to meet Rudrick.

 

As I stood in front of his office, I wondered why he had called me to his office instead of having dinner together, but I figured he was probably busy.

 

I knocked on the door and soon heard his voice. I opened the door as usual.

 

What I saw at the same time was…

 

“Rudrick…?”