Chapter 46
“Even thinking about it again, I don’t need more money than I already receive. What’s the use of fancy clothes and jewelry when I have nowhere to go?”
At her words, Laszlo’s expression hardened.
The only reason she had confined herself to this house without issue was that she had nowhere else to go.
After all, no one would welcome a traitor.
While Laszlo hesitated to find something to say, Idel spoke as if a thought had just occurred to her.
“If you wish to grant me something, Count, I’d like to ask for something other than money.”
That was an unexpected but welcome request.
“Anything.”
“Please believe me when I say I’m telling the truth.”
“I see. Tell me.”
A brief silence followed before Idel smiled awkwardly and repeated herself.
“What I’ve already asked: for you to believe me.”
Laszlo stared at her for a long moment, visibly confused, and then said,
“I really don’t understand how that could be a reward instead of a blank check.”
“One day, you will. When that day comes, I hope you’ll believe me.”
Something in her earnest gaze shifted Laszlo’s expression to match her seriousness. Slowly, he nodded.
“Alright. I will.”
“Thank you.”
Idel gave him a small bow and left his room.
After she left, Laszlo ran a hand through his hair in frustration and tousled it in agitation.
“I had the audacity to ask her why she locked herself in here when I’m the one who took away everywhere else she could go. What a joke…”
His insensitivity towards her became glaringly clear.
To her, he must seem like a monster—someone who took others’ lives with ease, without remorse.
“I’m going to miss being close to you, sister,” Daisy sighed as she helped Idel move her belongings.
“Anyone listening would think we were parting ways forever. I’m only changing rooms.”
“I know, but we won’t be able to snack together every night anymore…” Daisy trailed off sadly.
Idel was in the process of moving into the maid’s room adjacent to Linia’s chamber.
Though it had been a few days since she became Linia’s personal maid, it took time to clear out the space since it had previously been used for storage.
While Daisy genuinely congratulated Idel on her promotion, she couldn’t hide her disappointment about them no longer being in the same room.
And Idel felt oddly happy to see Daisy so reluctant to part ways.
“Just because I was the wife of a traitor doesn’t mean I couldn’t make friends.”
She had thought that the stars and the moon would be her only companions from now on. But Daisy, without expecting anything in return, had offered her hand creams, ointments, and warm words.
Idel would never forget that night—it was the first time she made a friend after losing everything.
Though she didn’t have much to move, Daisy insisted on carrying half of it, sacrificing her own rest without complaint. Idel couldn’t help but find her as kind and lovable as she was back then.
“Wow! This is my first time seeing this room,” Daisy said in awe, looking around Idel’s new quarters.
The room was far nicer than the cramped servant quarters at the end of the dormitory hall, with a wider bed, two chairs, a proper table, and a tall mirror that reached chest height.
Though cleaning out the former storage room had been hard work, the result was a spacious and spotless room.
“I feel bad for taking such a nice room for myself.”
“Why would you feel bad? As a personal maid, you deserve it. Even Mina has a nice room, and she’s no one special.”
Idel froze at the unexpected comment.
“Mina’s room is on the same floor as ours, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but the servant quarters vary in size. Ours were the small ones, and Mina’s area is a bit bigger.”
“There were several empty rooms in the larger area. So even with space available, the other maids were still given the smaller ones?”
“Yes. According to Celia, it’s all about status. Can you believe it—hierarchies even among the maids?”
Idel found it absurd and maddening.
She had assumed Mina’s room was similar to her own and hadn’t thought much of the proximity between Mina’s clique and Marsha’s. Now, she realized it was all calculated favoritism.
“Lady Bohen must’ve handled the room assignments, right?”
“Of course.”
Idel confirmed yet another of Marsha’s corrupt practices.
She had been quietly investigating Marsha’s embezzlement and misconduct for some time, gathering evidence. But the more she uncovered, the more Marsha’s wrongdoings seemed endless—like peeling back the layers of an onion.
“Who knew a mere head maid could do this much damage to a noble estate? In a way, it’s impressive.”
But no matter how skilled Marsha was, none of this was excusable.
If Laszlo weren’t so busy, Idel would have been deeply disappointed in him.
“He doesn’t have as many people to rely on as other noble families do. He wasn’t raised as a noble, nor did he have time to prepare for the role.”
There was no one around to help him, either.
Honestly, Idel believed the Emperor should have supported him, but she doubted Laszlo would have accepted help so easily.
“Idel! Idel!”
“Ah, yes?”
Lost in thought, Idel snapped back to reality at Daisy’s excited call.
Daisy looked at her with bright, eager eyes.
“So, how are you going to decorate this room? It’s trendy these days to hang multiple small portraits on the wall. There are even streets full of portrait artists! They’re a bit pricey, but they draw them really quickly and beautifully.”
Daisy spoke with the excitement of someone imagining their own room makeover. Idel couldn’t help but smile at her curiosity.
Though portrait painting was traditionally a luxury for nobles, it seemed to have become a popular trend among commoners as well. Quick and affordable pastel portraits were particularly in demand.
Idel didn’t care much for portraits, but if it meant sharing one with Daisy, it didn’t sound like a bad idea.
“Now that I know I’m allowed to go out…”
Idel smiled and made a suggestion to Daisy.
“How about we visit that portrait street together this weekend? If you’re free, of course.”
“Really? With me?”
“Yes. We can shop a little too, and grab something delicious to eat.”
“Yes! I’d love that!” Daisy exclaimed, practically bouncing with joy.
Seeing her so happy made Idel feel even more delighted.
They wanted to sit down and plan the weekend together, but Daisy had to visit her father, Mr. Marco. So they agreed on a time to meet and said their goodbyes.
Once Daisy left, the room felt strangely quiet.
“It’s… a little lonely.”
Even though the new room was bigger and nicer, it felt emptier somehow. Being alone had always been her norm, but now that solitude felt like a burden.
“Maybe I should just sleep early.”
At this time, she would normally be chatting and snacking with Daisy. But such moments wouldn’t happen with Linia.
Just as she was about to change into her nightgown, a knock sounded at the door.
“Daisy?”
Idel opened the door with a smile, thinking that Daisy might have forgotten something or that her plans with Mr. Marco had fallen through, prompting her to return.
However, to her surprise, it was Laszlo standing at the door.
“…I thought you’d at least ask who it was. You’re not very cautious, are you?”
“Count?”
“May I come in for a moment?”
“O-of course. Please come in.”
Awkwardly, Idel stepped aside to let him in.
Laszlo entered but left the door wide open—perhaps more than necessary.
“What a gentleman.”
She appreciated the subtle gesture, knowing it showed his concern for her reputation.
However, she couldn’t help but feel puzzled. It was unusual for him to visit at this hour—no, the fact that he came in person at all was unexpected.
“The room is a bit small, isn’t it? That’s just how they built it. It’s not like we can move Linia’s room either.”
“It’s much larger and better than the one I used to stay in. The furniture is well-provided, so it’s very comfortable.”
“…It’s much larger and better?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of room were you staying in before?”
It was clear Laszlo hadn’t personally inspected every corner of the estate.
Idel gave him a small, knowing smile without answering directly.
“But… may I ask what brings you here?”
“Ah.”
Laszlo shifted his gaze, as if looking for something to distract himself, scanning the room aimlessly.
“Well, it feels like I’m just repeating myself, but… thanks to you, Linia seems a lot happier these days.”
“That’s just because Miss Linia is naturally bright and energetic.”
“True. She’s always been like that… but you probably have some idea of what happened to her.”
He smiled bitterly and let out a sigh.
