Lyra quickly erased the surprised expression from her face. She lowered her head slightly, trying to compose herself. A smile then appeared on her face.

 

"I'm fine, Madam Vernelle," Lyra said softly. "I'm just a little tired; honestly, yesterday was a tough day for me." Lyra said awkwardly.

 

Lyra then raised her hand slightly and scratched her cheek, her eyes avoiding Maddie's sharp gaze. Honestly, Lyra found the woman's expression quite intimidating.

 

She diverted her gaze, trying to find another focus to calm herself. She was truly confused about how to approach Maddie. The woman wasn't the type who was easily read, let alone approached with casual small talk. And after thinking it over, it wasn't surprising that the real Celestia never had a close relationship with her.

 

"I understand," she finally said. "The first day of marriage is always full of pressure, especially in your position." Maddie walked slowly towards the table, placing the tea tray she was carrying with measured and silent movements.

 

She sighed softly, then turned her gaze to Lyra. Her hands were folded in front of her stomach.

 

"I hope you don't mind if I speak frankly. Young Master Keith is someone I deeply respect. I will serve you wholeheartedly, but if I see anything suspicious about you… I won't stay silent."

 

Lyra was silent for a moment, maintaining her smile. Her eyes observed the woman's every move – her way of speaking, her attitude, and her expressions. Maddie was the type who wasn't easily fooled, let alone swayed by cheap emotions. Maddie was someone who upheld loyalty and strong moral values. A mother without a title, but as dignified as true nobility.

 

She wasn't an enemy, but neither was she someone who could easily be made an ally. Lyra had to be careful if she wanted to approach her. "Of course, Madam. I'm honored," Lyra finally said in a low, sincere voice.

 

"Please tell me if I make a mistake. I know I'm still unfamiliar here, and I also know that I haven't been able to fulfill my role well… but at least I want to do it well."

 

She then bowed respectfully, then smiled again. Maddie's eyes widened for a moment; her face flushed slightly, whether from surprise, being touched, or perhaps because she didn't expect Lyra's attitude. She quickly closed her eyes and coughed softly, trying to calm herself and cover her sudden nervousness.

 

"I told you, you're being too humble, Madam. Your position is higher than mine," she said, her voice a little softer than before. She then folded her hands in front of her body again, and a slight smile appeared on her face.

 

"Then, for now, I will be watching you," she said, her gaze sharpening, though her tone remained polite. "Prove yourself worthy of standing beside Young Master Keith."

 

The atmosphere fell silent again for a moment. Maddie seemed to be observing Lyra from head to toe, as if wanting to ensure that the woman who now bore the title of wife to the man she so respected was indeed worthy of the role.

 

"Then, I'll take my leave," she said, bowing slightly. "You can call me anytime if you need anything. I'll be in the east wing, the third room from the corner of the stairs."

 

She then turned and walked out of the room. A slight smile remained on her lips. Maddie's reason for offering to serve the woman who married her foster child wasn't without cause. After hearing many rumors about the woman Keith married, especially how Count Edeviene spoiled his daughter excessively,

 

Maddie was worried; such a woman would only bring a new burden to Keith, whom she had raised like her own son. However, after today's meeting… her judgment began to waver.

 

The woman's face looked sincere; when she smiled and said she would try, there was something in her eyes that made Maddie pause slightly. Maddie then sighed softly, her fingers clenching slightly beside her plain black dress. She bowed her head briefly, preparing to continue her steps leaving the room, but…

 

"Wait… Madam Vernelle."

 

Lyra's voice made her stop. She didn't immediately turn to the woman behind her but only turned her face slightly backward. Her gaze remained flat, and she didn't give any answer, waiting for the continuation of the words in silence.

 

"I plan to tour the mansion today," Lyra said, a little nervous but trying to sound confident. "Would you be willing to accompany me?"

 

The silence hanging in the air was quite tense for Lyra, but she still maintained her smile. Her eyes looked at Maddie hopefully, as if reflecting that she was trying to open a gap in her relationship with someone she had never been close to.

 

Maddie finally turned completely, looking at Lyra from head to toe. Her expression remained flat, but her eyes hinted at small, unpredictable emotional movements.

 

"...Alright," she replied briefly, her voice low and controlled. "I will accompany you on a tour. But after you change your clothes," she said, looking at the thin nightgown Lyra was wearing with slightly furrowed brows.

 

"It's not proper for the lady of the house to wander around the mansion in such thin attire. The servants will start whispering, and that will create an inappropriate impression."

 

Lyra then blushed slightly; she had just realized that she was currently wearing a pale, thin nightgown that was more suitable for the bedroom than for touring the mansion.

 

She immediately bowed deeply, feeling a little embarrassed. "Oh, I apologize," she said in a slightly hurried voice. "Thank you for the warning, Madam Vernelle." Her eyes slightly avoided Maddie's gaze, but she forced a polite smile.

 

"I will change my clothes."

 

Maddie looked at Lyra for a moment, her eyes blinking slowly, then sighing softly. She then nodded slightly, and her voice sounded a little softer, though still formal.

 

"Then, I will wait for you at the door," she said as she walked towards the bedroom door. "Please don't take too long." She then opened the door and stepped out of the room.

 

As soon as Maddie closed the door, Lyra sighed deeply and immediately walked towards the large wardrobe in the room. Her hand slowly opened the wardrobe door, revealing rows of neatly hanging dresses. At that moment, a floating blue board reappeared before her.

 

[Notification; Active Appearance Suggestion]

 

[Side Mission; Build Initial Connection with Maddie Vernelle]

 

[Note!!! Maddie values politeness, elegance, and a professional attitude. Avoid clothes that are too revealing or flashy.]

 

Lyra narrowed her eyes as she read the writing on the blue board, her eyebrows raised slightly. The system board appeared without permission, hanging right in front of her with a softly glowing blue light, almost annoying. She sighed, then glanced at the mirror and looked at her reflection still wearing a pale thin nightgown.

 

"Closed clothing… huh," she murmured softly, then nodded slightly. "Honestly, I'm also uncomfortable wearing revealing clothes." She rubbed the back of her neck for a moment, realizing how strange it felt to wear noble attire where even sleep had to look beautiful.

 

She then turned back to the wardrobe and began to sort through the clothes inside. Her hand stopped at a pale white everyday dress adorned with small pale yellow flowers scattered across it. A high collar with delicate lace framed her face, with puffed sleeves.

 

"This… seems suitable."

 

She then slowly put on the dress, starting by unzipping the back and slipping her body into the soft fabric. The touch of the soft cotton fabric provided a unique comfort, different from the thin nightgown she had previously worn. She straightened the high lace collar that framed her neck, making sure there were no wrinkles or crooked parts.

 

She then buttoned each button on the dress, then tied a scarf around her neck. She then glanced at her reflection in the mirror.

 

"It seems enough," she murmured, smiling.

 

She tidied her hair slightly, parting her hair in two, with some placed in front of her chest and the rest behind her body. She sighed softly to calm herself for a moment, then walked towards the door and gently opened the room's door.

 

Maddie was still standing upright in front of the door; the woman was still in a simple black dress that reflected dignity and strong self-control. Maddie's hands were neatly folded in front of her body, and when she heard the sound of the door opening, she turned slowly.

 

Her eyes scanned the appearance of the woman standing before her, then paused for a moment.

 

"You have good taste in clothing, Madam," Maddie said in a serious tone, but with a hint of sincere praise. "I will take you around the mansion and introduce you to some important areas that you should know as the lady of the house."

 

She then stepped forward, while Lyra quickly followed behind her. "Don't worry, I will explain everything in detail so that you can understand the ins and outs of this mansion well."

 

[Notification; Maddie Vernelle added +1 point of respect towards you]

 

[Notification; Relationship with Maddie is starting to warm up, the next dialogue will be easier and more open]

 

Lyra smiled slightly, feeling a little relief and renewed spirit after receiving that praise and looking at the new notification from the blue board. She adjusted her posture, trying to appear more confident even though her heart was still a little anxious.

 

"Thank you, Madam Vernelle," Lyra replied in a soft but firm voice. "I really appreciate your help."

 

Maddie nodded slowly, her eyes still focused ahead, but her view and assessment of the woman softened slightly. Although Maddie didn't give any response, Lyra knew that the step she had taken was right.

 

Lyra walked beside Maddie through the magnificent yet cold corridors of the mansion, with white-painted walls and neatly displayed family portraits. Each of their steps echoed in the spacious room, as if emphasizing how large and complex this palace was. Maddie walked with a calm and confident attitude, making Lyra feel an invisible distance that was difficult to penetrate. However, behind that firmness, Lyra sensed something fragile, a burden that Maddie might carry more than just daily tasks.

 

Meanwhile, Lyra's mind was filled with various questions about the roles and relationships of the people around Keith Hale, especially her relationship with Maddie. She knew that to change the long-running storyline, she had to dig deeper and build trust. Maddie might help her in approaching Keith Hale, and she didn't want to waste this opportunity.

 

"Madam Vernelle, may I ask something?" Lyra carefully tried to start a conversation. "Did Mr. Marquiss tell you to serve me? Or is this your personal decision?"