Renovation

Claria woke up early because today was her first day to take care of the House of Silvian. She opened the thick curtains blocking the sunlight.

'I can't imagine I was reincarnated as a villain' she said to her self.

Sir Oren attend her because of having lack of maids. Most of the maids in the house of Silvian is hired by the Original Duchess Claria.

'Luckily, it was my best choice to do. And from now on I must get used to being called Duchess Claria Arthea Dalgona Silvian'

After Claria got ready she and Sir Oren immediately went to the Main Office. As they walked, Claria noticed that the remaining maids and knights called her Duchess.

"I immediately told them to call you by your Duchess title, as you told me." Sir Oren said.

"Well, thank you for being reliable Sir Oren. I own you one" Sir Oren was really surprised at what the Duchess said because this was the first time she had been complimenting others.

Claria noticed that the maids' uniforms were hanging and old. Many of them still lack uniforms and have holes in their clothes. As well as knights, she also noticed that their swords were rusty and their uniforms were old.

When they entered the Duchess's Office, they were greeted by the piles of house reports papers. Claria picks up one of the papers and then the list of the bill are waving at her.

'I no longer wonder why there is a shortage of equipment for maids and knights here.' Claria Sigh(ಠ_ಠ)

After a few hours, Claria finished reading all the House Reports on her table .. and most of them are the receipts of the expenses of the original Claria. Claria was very tired from the reading she did because she could not stand how much Duchess Claria spent before.. and especially the House of Silvian is in bankruptcy.

Claria just lay her head down at her table then Sir Oren entered just in time with a tea and strawberry cake in his hand. Sir Oren was terrified when he saw the Duchess because she looked like a ghost in extreme stress.

"Here Duchess, I prepared some for you," Sir Oren said while pouring some tea in Claria's teacup. Claria wonders how many years Sir Oren has served the Silvians.

"Sir Oren, tell me. How long have you been working here?"

"I grew up here Duchess, I was one of the children rescued by the First Duke Silvian in child slavery back then. In return, I dedicate my whole life to this house" He said calmly.

Claria noticed that Sir Oren was dedicated to what he was doing because she remembered in the memories left by the Original Duchess were even though Sir Oren was still sick, he continued to obey the Duchess's orders.

"Do you want to retire?" Claria asked.

"Thanks for the favour Duchess but I can't see myself not doing my job .." He politely said.

Claria just nodded in respect of the old man's answer. She looked back at the receipts of her expenses and the bankruptcy notice paper.

'*sigh* If only I could sell those things..'

"That's it!" Claria jumps out from her seat when she suddenly realised something that makes Sir Oren flinched.

"What is it, Duchess?" He asked

"Sir Oren, Let's go and tour the whole mansion. Also, bring all the available maids and knights with us." She commands as she carries all the receipts and the account book with her.

Sir Oren immediately took action and summoned all the maids and knights available that day. Because of the decision made by the Duchess, it was a big question to the people inside the mansion. They don't want to ask too because they are afraid to lose their head.

Their first destination was the Entrance Hall also known as Grand Foyer. Claria inspected the whole area carefully.

She motioned to Sir Oren so he approached her.

"Do you have a pen and papers with you?" Claria asked.

"Yes, Duchess.."

"Good, then write down everything I say." Sir Oren nodded in response and prepared the paper and pen for her. Claria sat on the floor and her subjects were shocked because of it.

"Duchess, is it okay for you to sit on the floor?" One of the maids asked.

Claria wondered at the maid's question. "What's the problem if I sit on the floor?" she also asked.

The maid did not speak anymore because Sir Oren signalled to her as if he was saying 'no more asking'.

The Duchess just shook her head and started reviewing the account book and then she started commanding Sir Oren.

"The Chandelier must be clean every two to three months"

"That Vase over there, remove it."

"These carpets need to be replaced and cleaned every week."

"...."

When Sir Oren had finished listing what the Duchess had said, they immediately left the entrance hall and proceeded to the other rooms of the mansion.

Like in the previous room it is easy to say that the Original Duchess just ignored and misused her role in the Silvian Mansion. All she did is to attend social gatherings, gambling, and buy very expensive things for decoration.

They finished before sunset. They were all out of breath as they wandered around the mansion. The Duchess was also tired so she lay down on the couch when they returned to her Office.

"Duchess, do you need anything else?" Sir Oren Asked

Claria closed her eyes because she felt sleepy. Before she finally fell asleep, she told Sir Oren to tell others to go back to their rooms to rest because tomorrow morning they will start doing renovations throughout the mansion.

"If that so then I'm leaving Duchess. I will just prepare your food first so that if you feel hungry .." He insists.

"Yeah sure, thank you" After Sir Oren closed the door Claria was completely fell asleep.