The Cardros family has defended Lagos Castle for seven generations.

The first two generations faced many trials and tribulations.

It wasn’t until the third generation that the family was finally recognized as the rightful lords of the area.

By the sixth generation, Russell Cardros’ father had begun establishing some order and structure.

However, the previous lord passed away early, in his thirties, leaving his responsibilities to Russell, who was only eleven years old at the time.

“Butler?”

“Yes, Milord.”

As always, Hoffman reported to Russell.

This winter has been more eventful than any other in recent Lagos Castle history.

For centuries, Lagos residents have lived scattered like grains of sand, their sole goal survival.

For them, allies were limited to their family, close kin, and perhaps their village. Everyone else was an enemy.

Distrust and hostility prevailed among them.

That is what made the Cardros family special in Lagos.

The Cardros family were not conquerors who seized Lagos through war.

Over generations, they earned the loyalty of Lagos’ people.

Through trust rather than fear, the Lagos people accepted the Cardros family as their sole rulers.

It was a long and difficult journey, but the result was beautiful.

However, this also meant that progress had been slow.

Even by the seventh generation, Lagos lacked the administrative structure expected of a regional lord.

‘Butler, huh…’

Russell bore numerous burdens as the lord of Lagos.

One of the most critical unfulfilled tasks left by his father was establishing an administrative system.

Everything at Lagos Castle ran on makeshift methods.

The lack of major issues thus far was due to three factors: the small population, the formidable hunter force under the Cardros family, and sheer luck.

However, to grow, this ad-hoc approach would no longer suffice.

Russell had no intention of remaining content as the lord of an isolated castle.

‘The start of an administrative system must be defining ranks and roles. With a butler… I might as well begin now.’

“What is the general reaction?”

“Everyone has accepted Helen as the butler.”

“No opposition?”

“Not as far as I know… no.”

“She seems well-regarded.”

It’s common for people to envy someone who suddenly rises in rank.

“She’s someone without flaws.”

“I’ve heard many times that she’s good at her work.”

Hoffman reflected honestly.

He hadn’t realized Helen had gained so much favor among the others.

Overnight, everyone began addressing her respectfully as ‘Butler Helen’, even those older than her or those Hoffman considered obstinate.

On the day the Madam gathered all the servants, Hoffman thought the inevitable had arrived.

He prepared himself for a tense aftermath.

But things unfolded differently from his predictions, leaving him uneasy.

Public sentiment toward the Madam had subtly shifted.

Hoffman, who saw nearly everyone in the castle at least once every few days, could sense it.

‘I should have attended that gathering.’

What he’d heard secondhand couldn’t compare to seeing and experiencing it firsthand.

“If she’s to hold the position of butler, she must also have the corresponding authority. Hoffman, work with her to delineate the domains of responsibility within the household. The butler will have full authority over the household’s internal budget, within its limits, while key reports will come directly to me.”

Hoffman hesitated before replying cautiously.

“Are you certain you don’t need more time to consider this?”

“What’s the issue?”

“The Madam made this decision unilaterally.”

“Unilaterally…”

Russell paused before responding.

“The management of the household’s internal affairs is traditionally within the lady of the house’s purview. It’s not overstepping.”

“My lord, we still don’t clearly understand the Madam’s intentions…”

“Hoffman.”

“Yes, Milord.”

“There may have been opposing opinions, but my marriage was my decision.”

“……”

“If I had thought bringing outsiders into Lagos Castle would be such a constant source of tension, I wouldn’t have gone through with it in the first place. The truly important matters of this castle don’t exist in here. Even if someone scoured every corner of this castle, they wouldn’t find them.”

“…Understood.”

“Hiding and guarding secrets only raises suspicion. You already have plenty on your plate—don’t add more. This marriage was my decision, and if there’s a problem, I’ll resolve it myself.”