The Villainess Wants to Make Her Husband Slim Down

CHAPTER 33

3 – 2

"Why did you dismiss those maids without consulting with me first?"

When she was on her way to Alois' room with a container of cream in her hand that might help his skin condition, Camilla heard a woman's low voice.

It was a middle-aged woman's voice, calm but with a coercive air to it. There was something about her tone that made Camilla freeze up on the spot, as if on instinct. From where she was, she could just see the door to Alois' room and in front of it, she saw two people calmly talking.

She didn't have to squint to make sure of who it was, either. It was Gerda.

Standing in front of her as if in opposition was Alois. Camilla could only see his massive back, however.

Neither of them seemed to notice Camilla at all. So, they continued the conversation, without raising their voices.

"I personally made the judgement that it was in the best interests of this house."

"That girl was a legitimate member of the Ende family, she isn't someone who should be dismissed on personal judgement alone."

Gerda's mannerisms didn't even change when she was face to face with her master, Alois. She stood tall with a straight back and her chin up, that brown hair tinged with streaks of white neatly braided behind her head. With both her hands linked in front of her, she directly faced Alois. Although there was absolutely none of the undisguised hostility she usually directed at Camilla, there definitely was not a friendly air between her and Alois.

"She tormented her colleague to the point that damage was done to the house. Not to mention, she even targeted my guest. Is that not reason enough?"

"When it comes to the damages, it was hardly all that girl's fault alone. As for the bullying, that is an internal squabble between members of the Ende family. It is not something that Lord Alois should be personally interfering with."

"It happened in my house, so it's only natural that I would intervene."

Neither Alois nor Gerda raised their voice or even had a hint of venom in their voices. However, their locked gazes were beginning to become fiery.

As Alois said that last piece, Gerda simply looked at him in silence. Alois, also, returned her gaze. Camilla felt the atmosphere become even chillier than when they were talking before.

It was Gerda who finally broke that silence.

"...That woman..."

She swallowed the words she was about to say. Before continuing, Gerda averted her gaze, taking a deep breath.

"Lord Alois, you've known it yourself for quite some time. Just how much the Ende family has done? Surely you haven't forgotten."

"This and that are two different thi-"

"That girl was a bridge between the Montchat and the Ende families. As long as she was here and offered due hospitality, we could trust on the cooperation of and communication with the Ende family. Now that she has gone, we have to seek out an alternative. When there is a hole in the ship, it's necessary to find a stopgap. Lord Alois, have you truly thought about this?"

Despite how imposing the words were, Gerda spoke calmly. Though she didn't raise her voice, her speech cut through the silence authoritatively.

"Evaluating the abilities and conduct of the female servants in the mansion and assigning them accordingly is my role. If you are misled and interfere over trivial matters, the management of this house may go awry. In the future, please consult with me first. Thank you in advance."