Chapter 37

‘Oh, I’m saved! Now I can finally enjoy my meal. While that bastard’s gone, I’ll sleep as much as I want and start working on a proper plan.’

Daisy forced the corners of her mouth to stop twitching and began eating in earnest.

Maxim finally smiled in relief when he saw her eating properly.

“You’re leaving right after breakfast, correct? His Majesty will be waiting, so you must hurry.”

“Yes.”

“Honestly, you. Why didn’t you head straight to the capital instead of stopping by here first?”

The former Grand Duchess didn’t hold back with her nagging, but Maxim seemed unfazed.

Soldiers had to follow protocol after returning from war and report to the royal court first.

Especially for a war hero like Maxim, who’d just achieved a grand victory and was the talk of the city. Yet instead of proceeding to the capital, he had chosen to return directly to his family home, which was unusual.

“There was some urgent business I needed to attend to. His Majesty will understand.”

“Urgent business, you say?”

“I’m sure you’ve read the newspapers, Aunt.”

Maxim’s smile was calm and collected.

Oh no. He surely isn’t talking about…

“What could possibly be more urgent than holding Izzy in my arms?”

But of course, when it came to him, the worst possible scenario always came true.

Maxim von Waldeck never failed to defy her worst expectations. With his shameless smirk fixed on her, Daisy couldn’t bring herself to lift her head. At the same time, her throat felt tighter, and she found herself unable to swallow another bite.

The former Grand Duchess looked as if she’d just witnessed something unsightly, her expression twisting as if she’d bitten into something sour.

“Speaking of which, I’m planning on taking Izzy with me to the capital.”

This is news to me. Maxim had just dropped a bomb on her, and her face turned ashen.

What was she going to do? If she went to the capital, he was going to drag her all over the place.

Not only would she be unable to focus on planning her divorce, but she’d also be stuck making endless public appearances. That was unnecessary attention she didn’t want.

Nope. Absolutely not.

The mere thought of it was suffocating. Dealing with Maxim alone was hard enough. This would only make things worse.

After a moment of frantic thinking, Daisy came up with an idea.

“I’m feeling rather tired. My stomach’s upset and my head hurts…”

…So please, for the love of all that is holy, just go without me.

Daisy lowered her lashes and put on her most pitiful expression.

“Are you alright? Let me call for a doctor at once.”

Maxim’s face was full of concern as he studied her carefully.

“It’s fine. I was just tense yesterday, and it’s left me a bit tired. I’ll be okay after getting some rest.”

“It’s not fine. How could I leave knowing you’re unwell? I’d be worried sick.”

“It’s really nothing to fret about, so there’s no need to worry—”

“The palace can wait. My wife’s health comes first. What good are meaningless formalities if they come at the cost of your well-being?”

“T-that’s…”

This wasn’t going as planned.

Just moments ago, it had been an act, but now, her stomach really began to churn, and her head started to throb.

“Maxim, did you at least inform His Majesty that you’d be late?”

“No.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

The former Grand Duchess’s face went pale.

“Maxim, how could you possibly insult His Majesty like this? Not only are there many eyes watching, but His Majesty must be surely awaiting your return after hearing the news. What on earth are you thinking—”

“I will go. Once Izzy recovers, I’ll reschedule.”

“What?”

The former Grand Duchess repeated, unable to believe her ears.

“Aunt, are you having trouble with your hearing? Have you gone deaf in one ear? Or perhaps you’ve experienced some ringing in your ears?”

“What nonsense are you saying now?”

“You keep asking me to repeat myself, so I thought it was worth checking.”

Maxim’s face darkened.

“If there’s a problem with your hearing, get it checked out. If not, stop making me repeat myself. I have no tolerance for it.”

“…”

“Didn’t Karen or whatever that woman’s name was, mention this to you?”

She had assumed Maxim would be a little softer with his family than he was with the staff.

But he was just as overbearing with the former Grand Duchess.

“Izzy, don’t let this upset you.”

But just because he told her to not be upset didn’t mean she could simply ignore it.

In an uncomfortable tone, Daisy replied, “P-please, just go by yourself. I’ll stay home and rest. It truly is for the best.”

“No.”

Though she pleaded earnestly, Maxim flatly refused.

“Maxim, how can you behave so carelessly toward His Majesty? Stop thinking only of yourself and remember your duties as the head of the House of Waldeck. You must reconsider.”

“She’s right. I wouldn’t want my situation to cause any trouble for the family. Really, I’m fine.” Daisy quickly sided with the former Grand Duchess, who was making a valid point.

Maxim’s expression hardened.

“I’m acting this way because I have the right to. But if this small matter is going to cause political damage, then I’m not going to sit by and let it happen.”

“…”

“Does that answer satisfy you, Aunt?”