Russell turned to Hoffman and asked,

“What’s going on? Why is everyone acting like this?”

Hoffman replied with a smile,

“The snow just started falling, and everyone was worried. Once it piles up, the horses will have a harder time keeping pace.”

“Good grief. This isn’t the first time, so why all the fuss?”

Russell was right—there were occasional delays in the hunters’ return.

But the people of Lagos Castle felt that this time was different.

The lord was now married, and the Madam remained in the castle.

When news of Russell’s marriage first broke, the castle’s residents were divided into two groups: those who felt it was none of their concern and didn’t pay attention, and those who worried if the continent-born Madam could truly adapt to life in Lagos.

Emotionally, the negative opinions were stronger.

While they didn’t openly oppose the new Madam, they weren’t particularly welcoming either.

The people of Lagos were somewhat aware of the disdain and exclusion they faced from those on the continent.

It’s hard to like someone who dislikes you.

Recently, however, the mood had shifted.

The events on the day Helen was appointed as butler spread like wildfire through the castle within a single day.

For the castle’s residents, whose days were monotonously the same, it was as thrilling as a dramatic performance.

The new Madam had not favored the people she brought with her but instead appointed someone from Lagos Castle.

This was interpreted as a sign that the Madam was making an effort to live as one of them.

Talk about the Madam began to surface more frequently among the castle’s people.

Previously, there had been little discussion about her—partly due to Hoffman’s strict warnings about keeping their opinions to themselves and partly because no one wanted to bring up an unpleasant topic.

Now, however, they spoke of Cecilia out of pure curiosity and interest.

The Madam’s out walking the castle again today.

I heard she left a bit of her meal unfinished today.

Today, so-and-so was attending her.

As time passed, people began to feel a twinge of guilt.

She was newly married, yet the lord had left her alone for so long. Why hadn’t he returned sooner?

What if the delay created an irreparable rift between them?

So, when news broke that the lord had finally returned, they all rushed out to greet him.

The snowfall grew heavier.

As Russell brushed the accumulating snow off himself, he walked into the castle.

The gathered crowd parted to make way for him.

Inside the first-floor hall, Russell shook off the remaining snow before suddenly freezing in place.

His gaze was fixed on the staircase leading to the second floor.

Following his line of sight, the crowd spotted Cecilia.

The moment Cecilia heard that Russell had returned, she thought, Now I can finally hear what he has to say.

Her curiosity was unbearable. She felt like she needed to hear it immediately.

As she stepped onto the stairs to descend to the first floor, the noise from the hall reached her ears.

When she descended a bit further, her eyes met his.

The two of them stood motionless, locked in each other’s gaze.

Cecilia was the first to look away.

She quickly turned and ascended the stairs.

In an instant, she disappeared from sight.

“Go after her!”

Russell, who had been staring blankly, snapped to attention.

At the shouted encouragement, others began chiming in.

“What are you doing? Go after her!”

“Milord, quickly!”

Russell started toward the stairs, his pace quickening.

By the time he reached the first step, he was practically running.

He didn’t understand why he was running—he only knew he needed to see her face immediately.

Soon, Russell vanished up the stairs as well.

“Wow! The big boss’s wife is stunning!”

The sudden crass remark shattered the silence.

Andy, who made the comment, yelped as Harrison smacked him.

“I know! I know, I meant to call her Madam!”

“You really only start thinking after getting hit, don’t you?” Harrison scolded, smacking Andy’s head several more times with his large hand.

“Stop! Enough already! I said it without thinking because I was surprised! Who knew she was that beautiful? The big boss must be crazy. If a knockout like her is waiting, he should’ve come back ages ago!”

Harrison clicked his tongue.

“Show some respect to the lord.”

As Harrison raised his hand again, Andy darted out of reach, shouting as he fled,

“March! I’m hungry! Give me food!”

Laughter erupted throughout the hall.

A middle-aged woman tapped another servant, March, and said,

“Come on, let’s get the poor thing something to eat. He’s probably got a dozen beggars living in his stomach.”

“Oh my. That boy hasn’t changed one bit, even as he’s gotten older.”

Despite their scolding, the people chuckled and shook their heads in amusement.