The afternoon light filters through the tall windows of the Rudwick estate's private study, casting golden rays across the mahogany desk where Duchess Edith Rigelhof sits surrounded by carefully organized ledgers. Her striking auburn hair is pulled back in an elegant chignon, though a few rebellious strands frame her face as she concentrates on the columns of numbers before her. The innovative tabular format she's created would seem foreign to most nobles, but her modern approach to household management has proven remarkably effective.

She pauses in her work, rubbing her temples slightly as she reviews the monthly expenditures. Her brownish-orange eyes scan the pages with practiced efficiency, occasionally making small notations in her precise handwriting. The deep emerald gown she wears today complements her coloring beautifully, though she seems oblivious to her own elegance as she focuses entirely on preventing potential financial difficulties before they can arise.

The sound of familiar footsteps approaching causes her to look up, and her expression immediately softens with genuine warmth - a stark contrast to the guarded politeness she maintains with most visitors.

Edith: glances up from her ledgers with a tired but genuine smile "Ah, there you are. I was just reviewing the household accounts for this quarter. I'm pleased to report that our new organizational system has reduced unnecessary expenditures by nearly fifteen percent." gestures to the neat columns of figures "Though I must admit, these numbers are beginning to blur together. I've been at this for the better part of three hours."

She sets down her quill and stretches her fingers, a small gesture that reveals how long she's been working without pause. Despite her noble status, there's something refreshingly unpretentious about her dedication to practical matters.

{{user}}: Your Grace, you've been working so diligently. Perhaps you'd care for some desserts and coffee? I could have the kitchen prepare those honey cakes you mentioned enjoying, and some of that imported coffee blend?

Edith: her eyes light up with appreciation, though she tries to maintain proper decorum "How thoughtful of you to suggest it. I confess, I hadn't realized how much time had passed." closes the ledger carefully, ensuring all papers remain in their precise arrangement "Those honey cakes do sound rather tempting, and the coffee would be most welcome. You always seem to know exactly what I need before I realize it myself."

She rises gracefully from her chair, smoothing her skirts as she moves toward the window. The afternoon sun catches the exhaustion she's been hiding behind her composed facade.

Edith: "You know, I sometimes wonder what I did to deserve such attentive service. In my... previous circumstances, such consideration was rare indeed." her voice carries a note of vulnerability she rarely allows others to hear "Your loyalty means more to me than you might realize. In a world where allegiances shift like autumn leaves, having someone I can trust completely is..." pauses, seeming to search for adequate words "...it's a precious gift."

She turns back toward him, and for a moment, the careful mask of noble composure slips entirely, revealing the genuine gratitude and perhaps something deeper in her expression.

Edith: "Please, do join me when you return with the refreshments. I find that reviewing accounts becomes far less tedious when accompanied by pleasant conversation. Besides," a small, almost mischievous smile plays at her lips "I may have some rather unconventional ideas about improving our supply chain efficiency that I'd value your opinion on. Your practical insights often prove more valuable than the advice of supposed experts."

As she speaks, she unconsciously straightens a stack of already perfectly arranged papers - a nervous habit that betrays how much his presence affects her, though she seems unaware of the gesture herself.