Duke Luteous’s expression turned peculiar. His gaze indicates that his business here isn’t over.
“Do you have something to say?”
“…It’s about the funeral ceremony.”
“The funeral ceremony that will be held at the Hegaea Plaza? I have no intention of attending.”
“Because of the people?”
“What do you mean?”
“Although the gazes directed at you may not be pleasant, it would be less burdensome if you had someone by your side. If you wish, I can accompany you. That day… coincidentally, my schedule is clear.”
In an instant, goosebumps rose on my arms.
Doesn’t that sound like he’s offering to shield me?
“Did the coffee go bad? Why are you suddenly saying something strange? It’s unsettling.”
“I judged it wasn’t a bad suggestion, but…”
“Are you afraid that I’ll attend the funeral and do something crazy? I understand your concern, but, Your Grace, I’m not who I used to be. You don’t have to keep an eye on me. If someone overhears, they might think you’re worried about me.”
“…”
“If you’re done speaking, I’ll take my leave first.”
Just then, news arrived that someone had come to visit.
Leaving Duke Luteous behind, I made my way to the reception room.
“I thought it was a visit from a knight… but no?”
She walked in on her own, just as I had wanted to see her. What’s the matter with her?
Lady Herot, who had been sitting on the sofa, biting her nails, suddenly stood up when she saw me.
Her stained fingers, the smell of alcohol, a disheveled appearance.
She looked like she had come running straight from the gambling den.
‘Did she take drugs?’
Her bloodshot eyes trembled uneasily, giving off an alarming vibe.
Sensing that something serious was happening, Genia blocked my path.
“Lady Herot? How did you come here?”
“Move aside.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”
“Have you lost your mind too? How dare you stand in front of a commoner like that? Move aside this instant!”
“I sent you a dismissal notice by mail. Didn’t you receive it?”
“Oh? You’re the one who sent it? You bitch!”
Thunk!
Lady Herot slapped Genia’s cheek. Genia staggered for a moment but regained her balance.
Lady Herot struck her swollen cheek, which had turned red like a handprint, once again.
Thunk!
This time, Genia couldn’t regain her balance and fell to the ground.
Blood was flowing from her tender lip, which had burst open under Lady Herot’s ruthless touch.
“I adored you so much all this time, and you dare to do such a thing? Do you know how much trouble I’ve been through because of you? How will you compensate me for the losses I’ve suffered today? How will you take responsibility?”
Lady Herot stomped her foot heavily on the ground.
It seemed impossible for her anger to subside with just two slaps on the cheek, as she even let out a heavy sigh through her nose.
Gambling was her only solace.
Until now, she had been selling Astel’s jewels to make gambling stakes or borrowing money using her status as the Lady-in-Waiting to the Luteous family.
But if she was fired, she had no way to secure money.
Not only that, rumors of receiving a dismissal notice spread, and creditors began to press her for repayment.
If she couldn’t pay off her debts immediately, it would be the end for her. So, it was no wonder she was in a desperate situation.
“I am the My Lady’s maid and the wife of Baron Maya Herot! Who dares to fire me?”
“It was me.”
As I stepped forward, Mrs. Herot’s face contorted.
“My Lady?”
“I fired you. Is there a problem?”
“My Lady, you don’t have the authority for that! Only Lord Duke himself can dismiss me! How much more damage must I suffer from the My Lady’s delusions?”
“Tell me about the damage you’ve suffered because of me. I’ll compensate you for everything.”
“How can you say that so easily? How many years of suffering have I endured because of you, My Lady? Stop talking nonsense and take responsibility for the accident you caused! If even one person misunderstands that I was fired because of the My Lady, you should be held accountable!”
“Why should I? You were indeed fired.”
“My Lady! Do I have to resort to physical force for you to come to your senses?”
The voice turned fierce, like a growling beast. It was the voice that emerged when Mrs. Herot was seething with anger.
[Flashback]
“My Lady! Do I have to resort to physical force for you to come to your senses? Why do you keep shaking the rope?”
“Y-You told me not to call you at night… Ah, it’s not night yet.”
“After dinner, it’s already night. Don’t you know that? Do I have to tell you every little thing?”
“I-I’m sorry, nanny. I was just scared to go to the bathroom alone. From tomorrow, I won’t do that anymore.”
“It’s so annoying. You should cut the wavering nonsense. Ah, what are you doing? Hurry up and lie down in bed!”
“T-The bathroom…”
“By the time you’re five years old, you should know how to go to the bathroom by yourself! It’s a punishment! Endure it until tomorrow morning!”
When Astel was young, the person she feared the most was Mrs. Herot.
With her booming voice and intimidating presence, Astel could hardly catch her breath.
“She knows how to make things troublesome. There’s no one as bothersome as a Lady who begs like you, Lady.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Truly, Lady is so vexing. It’s truly a terrible thing to do. Stand over there in the corner and reflect on your actions.”
“I was wrong. I won’t do it again.”
“With such behavior, who would want to be by the side of a Lady like you? Lord Duke, all the working staff, they all dislike you, Lady. There’s no one by your side except for me. You should be thankful to me.”
“Yeah, I’m grateful for being by my side… Nanny.”
[Flashback Ended]
At that moment, Astel believed she was truly a bothersome and annoying presence.
There were times when she sincerely felt grateful for Mrs. Herot, who stood by her side despite that.
She had even made efforts to be loved by her.
‘When did she realize she had been deceived?’
Was it when she found out that Mrs. Herot was stealing jewelry?
Or was it when she witnessed her spreading gossip about herself to other employees?
As I delved into Astel’s memories, my brow furrowed.
It was because the image of Astel, devastated by the betrayal of Mrs. Herot, suddenly came to mind.
A sigh escaped me involuntarily.
“You fool, why did you just stand there quietly? You should have scratched her face or bitten her arm.”
Even though it was not something I had personally experienced, anger welled up within me.
I glared at Mrs. Herot.
“What right do you have to lecture me? Don’t you understand the meaning of being fired?”
“Watch your words! I’ve told you numerous times that you should use formal language when addressing someone of noble status! Your lack of basic manners is why everyone dislikes you, Lady!”
“Are you calling me crazy? Are you afraid I’ll suddenly lose control and attack you? Is that why you’re scared to be around me? That rumor was spread by you everywhere.”
I laughed mockingly.
“Follow the rules? You have quite a lot of expectations for a mad Lady.”
Mrs. Herot blinked her eyes rapidly as if having a seizure.
Being trapped in an underground gambling den, she had no idea what was happening in the outside world. It was only natural for her to be taken aback.
Astel, who should have been on her knees, begging for forgiveness, was still standing tall, making one wonder what was going on.
Until now, she had been a fool who would tremble and apologize feverishly at the slightest raised voice.
“That’s why, when she confirmed that the separate residence had disappeared, she should have run away.”
Initially, one would have thought that Astel had finally been driven away.
Then, they would have heard her response, saying that she had returned to her true nature as a servant.
Only then would Mrs. Herot have realized what had transpired during the few days she had been absent.
However, she was arrogant.
No matter how Astel had changed, she believed she could still control her.
After all, she had skillfully gaslighted Astel, almost dominating her mind. It was only natural for her to think that way.
“If I hadn’t possessed her, it would have been like that.”
Mrs. Herot chewed on her cracked lips.
Her eyes darted around aimlessly, spinning without focus.
I observed her with great interest. I was genuinely curious about how Mrs. Herot would navigate this crisis.
“Lady, what happened to you? What happened that made Lord Duke forgive you?”
Of course. Mrs. Herot began to change her attitude, trying to soothe Astel with a soft voice.
Listening to her gentle voice, as sweet as cotton candy, I couldn’t fathom why a sense of unease was creeping up inside me.
“It’s not necessary for you to know. You are no longer my maid.”
“Oh, my. Why do you keep saying that? It seems that leaving Lady alone has caused you distress.”
“What?”
“It was truly an unavoidable situation. My daughter fell ill, and I had to take care of her. I was reluctant to leave the Lady alone.”
I couldn’t stand to listen any longer. I interrupted her words.
“No need for excuses. It won’t change anything.”
“Lady!”
“If you feel unjust, then formally demand compensation for damages. Think of it as severance pay. I will inform Lord Duke about it.”
The smile vanished from Mrs. Herot’s face, which had been so sweetly smiling. The sudden change was so drastic that one would doubt if she was the same person.
She seemed to have decided that there was no way she could change her mind, so there was no need to grovel.
Mrs. Herot chuckled arrogantly.
“I was ashamed to go anywhere and introduce myself as Lady’s maid, but it worked out well.”
“Oh?”
“You will surely regret casting aside a maid who served you devotedly all her life. Even if unfavorable rumors spread among the nobles, I won’t know.”
“I’ve already heard rumors that I’m a mad Lady. So what? Don’t worry and go back.”
Mrs. Herot glared at me before swiftly turning her body.
I turned around, creating a gust of wind, and threw my words at her back.
“Oh, wait a moment.”
