The Art of Reforming Villainous Men - Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Translator: Yonnee
—
The Devay family, Carlisle’s lineage, had served House Zeller as a vassal family for generations.
The heir of House Devay would begin working as a servant in the Zeller ducal manor from a young age, and once the previous head retired, he would inherit the position of butler and become the Duke of Zeller’s closest attendant.
Thanks to this, Carlisle’s polite and loyal demeanor was practically textbook-perfect.
“A letter has arrived from Lord Milleinberg, so I’ve come to deliver it. I also heard you skipped dinner, so I brought a light refreshment as well.”
As he said this, Carlisle neatly placed the items from the silver tray one by one, his movements clean and efficient.
After arranging the refreshments and letter on the table, he picked up a clean towel.
Then, approaching from behind Adeline, who was seated at her vanity, he began to dry her damp hair with familiar hands.
“The air is chilly, Milady. If you need assistance, please call for someone.”
“…You nag too much.”
“Looking after your health is one of my duties. Otherwise, how could I face your father later on?”
In Carlisle’s voice as he said this, there was a clear affection for the noble lady he had served all his life.
Who could have imagined that such a meticulous and gentle butler would one day betray and sell out House Zeller?
Even Adeline herself would never have believed it if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes.
Carlisle’s betrayal was something unthinkable, even in a dream.
‘Which is why it hurt even more.’
Adeline’s cold gaze shifted to the man reflected in the mirror.
In the dim light, Carlisle slightly bowed his head as he gently dabbed at her wet blonde hair with the towel.
His skill was, once again, impeccable.
‘It doesn’t hurt, and he’s not pulling too hard either.’
People unfamiliar with such tasks often ended up hurting the person.
When she thought about that, it was clear just how adept Carlisle was at this kind of thing. But really, it was something that didn’t even need recalling.
‘Carlisle was always the one who tended to me when I was little.’
In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the young lady of House Zeller had been raised by Carlisle’s hands.
Although she naturally grew apart from him when she entered the academy, until then, tending to her had always been Carlisle’s role.
Of course, ‘tending to her’ wasn’t anything excessive.
Drying Adeline’s wet hair, trimming her nails, or massaging her feet.
Tasks that would normally fall to a dedicated maid or nanny were instead done by Carlisle, which Diego would occasionally point out to the young Adeline.
—Adeline, let Nadia or another maid handle those things. Carlisle is going to be the butler, and if he continues doing that kind of work later, won’t it put him in a difficult position?
—But I like it when Carlisle does it, Papa. Nadia’s too rough, and the other maids are clumsy. But if Carlisle doesn’t like it, I won’t make him do it.
—I don’t mind, Your Grace. As Milady said, the other attendants still seem unskilled in serving her.
And so it was agreed that once the other attendants were sufficiently trained, Carlisle would step back from those duties.
Afterward, Adeline whispered quietly to Carlisle as he dried her hair.
—In truth, I wish you’d keep doing it even later. I like you best, Carlisle.
Carlisle was not someone who smiled easily, but Adeline clearly remembered the faint smile that appeared on his face that day.
—I feel the same.
The gentle curve of his eyes and lips, his kind voice.
—If there’s anything I hold dearest, it’s surely you, Milady.
Want to read more? Advanced chapters are available on Patreon! (for selected novels only)
≪ Discord ≫
≪ Novel Updates ≫
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
