Chapter 40

The former Grand Duchess looked at Daisy with a conflicted expression and agreed.

“That’s right. Back then, no one wanted the position. Everyone believed Maxim would never return alive.”

“Exactly. That’s why an undeserving person like me was given this opportunity, when it never really suited me in the first place.”

…I married him because he was supposed to die in the war. What a disaster.

Daisy forcibly swallowed the words rising in her throat.

“But miracles do happen. The Lord must have answered my prayers for Waldeck’s future.”

“Your faith is truly remarkable. I pray regularly too… but compared to you, I’m sorely lacking. I wish to learn from you.”

Were my prayers not sincere enough?

It wasn’t that she wished for her husband’s death, even though he had been expected to die in the war. Instead, she prayed every day that he’d find eternal peace in heaven.

If she’d known that “heaven” meant right beside her, she would have prayed less fervently.

Surely, this was the Lord punishing her for the sins of her past.

But regretting it now wouldn’t change a thing.

“I wish I could be as poised and graceful as you, Aunt. It seems like those qualities must be something you’re born with.”

Daisy deliberately continued to belittle herself.

The more she did, the softer the former Grand Duchess’s expression became.

“Frankly, no matter how hard I try, I doubt I could ever suddenly transform into someone suited for such a noble position like a grand duchess.”

“It’s unfortunate, but you’re not wrong. There are some things in life that effort alone simply can’t change.”

“I completely agree.”

“Though, you are quite pretty. That must be why Maxim is so infatuated and protective of you.”

“Maybe so. Thank you for the compliment.”

Since it was true that she was pretty, Daisy saw no need to argue otherwise.

Besides, if it wasn’t love at first sight… how many times could he have even seen her?

Maxim von Waldeck’s over-the-top devotion was baffling.

‘We’re almost there.’

Seeing as this strict auntie was handing out compliments, Daisy knew she almost had her in her grasp.

“Men only care about matters of the bedroom, so of course they’d believe beauty is all that matters, but you aren’t playing the role of some mistress… Being the lady of the house comes with many responsibilities. It’s not as easy as it seems.”

“I believe you. What should I do then? I feel so lost. Should I return to Therese for the sake of Waldeck’s future?” Daisy asked, her eyes wide with mock innocence.

Please say yes.

“Well, you needn’t go that far. Maxim is completely smitten with you, so staying as his mistress wouldn’t be an issue.”

“His mistress?”

“Yes, we could find a more suitable young lady to take the position of Grand Duchess. Plainly speaking, given Maxim’s current status, the royal court might prefer it that way.”

A mistress? That would mean spending her days and nights doing nothing but having sex with Maxim. She couldn’t think of anything more revolting.

She decided to play the pitiful victim a little longer.

“I have no intention of holding Maxim back. And truthfully, no wife wants to deal with a mistress. I want to live my life freely. I’m tired of constantly tiptoeing around. If I need to step down… then I will.”

“Daisy, my dear, I had no idea you were such a considerate young girl.”

The former Grand Duchess looked genuinely moved.

“Yes, Maxim may be completely infatuated with you now, but beauty only lasts so long. Eventually, you’ll become a burden to him.”

“You’re right.”

“He’s with you because you’re the only woman he’s ever known. Once he meets a noble lady of proper standing, Maxim will change his mind.”

Unlikely. Auntie clearly didn’t know her nephew very well.

Judging by his skill at undoing her undergarments and his insatiable lust, Daisy was convinced he was nothing short of a man whore.

But there was no need to contradict her now.

“…I think so too.”

“Even after you divorce him, you’ll have the advantage of having been the Grand Duke’s wife, even if only briefly. That will serve as a stepping stone to new opportunities. Remarrying isn’t frowned upon these days.”

“You really think so?”

“Absolutely. As long as you step aside when the time comes, I’ll ensure you receive a generous amount of alimony.”

She couldn’t care less about reputation, but a generous amount of alimony? That was more than welcome.

“Thank you. I’ll trust and follow your lead, Aunt.”

Daisy beamed a bright smile as her gaze met the former Grand Duchess’s.

And just like that, yesterday’s foe became today’s ally.