Episode 16.
“As long as she doesn’t do anything immoral, like have an affair, I can overlook the purpose of this maid.
Then again, if she were to fulfill my dream and marry a nobleman, that would be quite helpful, as it would expand April’s network of contacts.
“I’ll have to see what I’m up to first.
April’s tone was deliberately cold.
“Do you think it’s possible to rise in status in this Beska Empire?”
“You don’t know until you try …….”
“You’re so arrogant.”
Despite the harshness of her words, April laughed a laugh that was too clear.
If she had this much venom and ambition, I thought, she’d be a pretty good cook.
“She might even add to my reputation as a badass.
She’d want to find a good mate for herself, so she’d be sure to bring April a selection of invitations to the finer affairs.
“I like your honesty.”
The maid looked up as if she’d heard something unexpected.
Her eyes fluttered as she gazed at April, unable to hide the flicker of anticipation that rose in her.
Regardless, April leaned back lazily on the couch and asked.
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Joanne…….”
“Okay, Joanne. It’s short, so it’s easy to memorize. I’ll remember.”
The words were muttered as if they were unimportant, but a gleam of surprise crossed the maid’s and Joan’s eyes.
“My lady, that means…….”
April sat up and craned her neck to look at Lady Nora.
“You are to be my maid, this child.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, I’ll do my best!”
Joan bowed gaily, her face brightening.
But April was no longer smiling.
“I will not open my heart to anyone.
She continued in a cold voice.
“I’ve decided to keep you around, but don’t be mistaken.”
“……?”
“That you are merely a maid until you leave this manor.”
“Yes, my lady. I will keep that in mind.”
“And I will not be of any assistance to your plans. I can barely support myself.”
Joan nodded, her expression determined, taking in every word April said.
“But with me by your side, you’ll have a chance.”
“Ma’am……!”
“You said yourself that you have a quick eye, so you’ll have to figure out the timing.”
“That’s ……!”
“If you betray me or do anything to harm me, I’ll kick you out in a heartbeat.”
“Trust me, I’ll do my best, I’ll do my best to serve you.”
April snorted lightly and clapped her hands together loudly.
“Now then, let’s see what you can do. Do you have any dresses in this mansion that I can wear?”
“You mean a dress?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to go ahead with the dinner with the Duke of Fitzren.”
A troubled look came over Lady Nora’s face.
“But, my lady. As I told you this morning, we’re running out of food…….”
“Don’t worry about that, he’s going to prepare it.”
I assured her.
“So, do I have to tell you twice?”
Mrs. Nora and Joanne exchanged a puzzled glance.
“Uh, that’s me…….”
“Don’t slur your words, say it right.”
“Yes, four, sir,” said Mrs. Norma, “and a few dresses that Mrs. Deborah’s family sent me, and a few that Mrs. Norma couldn’t bring with her.”
Deborah’s clothes…….
“You’ve kept in good shape, and you look about my size.”
April nodded, deciding now was not the time to think about it.
“Very well, I want you to bring her things out as well.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“I’ll be right back.”
Mrs. Nora and Joan left the room at the same time.
A moment later, five dresses were laid out in front of April.
“The two on the left are the banquet dresses your family sent me, and the three on the right are Deborah’s.”
April asked.
“Did your godmother lend them to you graciously?”
Both pursed their lips, hesitating to answer. April asked one more time, eagerly, and the maid cautiously opened her mouth.
“I brought this …… quietly.”
In other words, she snuck it out without permission.
April smirked. She’d read that Mrs. Nora was trying to cut Deborah off at the knees and move the line to herself.
She deliberately ignored the maid’s efforts and turned her attention back to the dress.
“I can’t wear anything from Viscount Levelne.”
She clicked her tongue and furrowed her brow, and Joan quickly pulled them off.
“You have good taste.”
April, who’d been eyeing Deborah’s dresses closely, conceded as she studied the designs.
Her clothes were timeless, made of good quality fabrics, and well-maintained, so they were in good shape.
“Well. After all the fun you’ve been having, this is the least you can do. I’m just glad you didn’t spend it all on waste, or I’d be even more upset.”
Even as she continued to spew her vitriol, April carefully examined the dresses.
“I think the red dress is the best of the three.”
Finally, she’d made her choice.
But at that moment, Mrs. Nora’s face turned sour.
“What’s wrong?”
“Ma’am. With all due respect……. With your master’s passing, I don’t think it’s appropriate to wear such a colorful dress. It is a time of mourning.”
“Mourning, Foot.”
April scoffed as if she’d just heard the funniest joke.
The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed, so she held her stomach and laughed.
When she finally stopped laughing, she turned to Mrs. Nora and said sternly.
“I suppose that’s what happens when you’re a married couple.”
“……, ma’am.”
“You do realize, don’t you, and Joan, the maid at the end of the line, that I have performed a soul marriage?”
Everyone’s jaws dropped like dumbfounded mutes.
April cast her gaze to each of their faces in turn and sneered.
“You don’t think that Count Falcon and I are a real couple, do you?”
April’s eyes glittered with venom.
Lady Nora shuddered.
A beat too late, she realized she had blurted.
It wasn’t that April didn’t care, not really.
“That’s a lot for a young lady of only twenty to go through.
Mrs. Nora was sincerely remorseful.
“I…… made a mistake.”
April glared at her for a moment longer, then clicked her tongue and looked away.
“I’m going to live my life doing what I want to do, and I’m never going to…… my personality.”
There was a certain grit in April’s voice as if she were reminding herself.
Taking a deep breath, April turned her gaze back to the maid.
The furious look of a moment ago had all but vanished.
“So, Mistress Nora. You’d better watch your tongue in the future because I don’t need anyone who doesn’t agree with me. Or you can just leave.”
Mrs. Nora bowed her head.
She couldn’t meet April’s gaze without feeling sorry for her.
“I will be more careful with my words.”
Watching her, April sighed softly.
“Let’s leave it at that. I need help with the earl’s debts and books.
April jabbed her finger once more at the red dress in the center of the room.
“You will wear this dress.”
“Yes, my lady. I’ll help you get ready.”
April nodded and walked over to the dressing table and sat down.
I continued to stare at my reflection in the mirror, both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.
