Chapter 41

After arriving at the Waldeck townhouse in the capital, the former Grand Duchess looked positively thrilled.

Daisy had only been nice to her to gain her favor for the sake of the divorce.

Yet, perhaps, in that short time, she had managed to lower her guard just a little. Throughout the rest of the car ride, Daisy was stuck listening to her endless chatter.

She had said that she’d been confined to the Waldeck domain because there was no reason for her to appear in society, but now with Maxim’s triumphant return as a war hero, she believed Waldeck’s standing in high society would change significantly.

All that non stop talking during the ride had worn her out.

Declaring that she needed to unwind from the journey, the former Grand Duchess ordered for a bath to be prepared and retired to her usual room. Daisy could finally rest from having to humor her all day.

‘Hah, what a tiring day.’

She still had a little time left before the formal dinner.

Maxim appeared to be out for the moment, so this was the perfect opportunity to wash up and laze around in bed doing absolutely nothing.

She figured she could come up with a plan after taking a nap.

Daisy had been given the largest and finest room in the house, thanks to Maxim insisting they had to sleep together.

She found it excessive, but it’s not like she could actually refuse to sleep with him, anyway.

And hey, better spacious than cramped, right?

With that optimistic spin in mind, Daisy trudged into her room, looking slightly haggard.

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

“Oh, uh, hello!”

Startled, Daisy flinched at the unexpected, formal greeting as she stepped in. It was Karen, the head maid, and beside her stood a rather familiar face.

“A servant has just arrived from Therese. I was told her name is Rose and that she used to be one of your maids back then.”

‘So much for their big talk about sending someone reliable. Why of all people did they have to send this thing?’

Honestly, the organization is absolutely useless.

Daisy’s expression stiffened slightly as she glanced at Rose, who stood with her head bowed.

“It’s been a while, my lady. How have you been?”

“Oh, fine.”

As Rose pretended to show interest, Daisy managed to force a smile her way.

“I’ve already briefed her about Waldeck. Now then, please rest. If you need anything, just let her know.”

“Understood, Karen.”

“Your Highness, no need to be so courteous with me. The master would be furious. You may speak comfortably.”

Karen quickly adjusted her tone, as Daisy was still in the habit of speaking to her with formal politeness.

At least Maxim got points for insisting on things like this.

“Alright. Then you can go.”

Karen bowed and exited, leaving only Daisy and Rose in the room.

Click—.

Step, step, step…

Once the door closed and the sound of Karen’s footsteps faded, Rose—who’d been standing with hands folded neatly together and her head bowed in a submissive posture—finally lifted her face.

“Well, aren’t you living the dream?”

And just like that, she revealed her true colors.

She was still the same, poking at others without knowing what they were going through. Still just as rude as ever.

“If you’re so jealous, why don’t you take my place? I’ll gladly trade with you. I’m absolutely exhausted,” Daisy replied flatly.

“Would you listen to that! Complaining while living it up in a luxurious mansion. It didn’t take very long for you to turn into the royal family’s little lapdog, huh?”

Living it up? Really?

Grinding her teeth, Daisy replied, “Be honest. That man sent you here to keep an eye on me, didn’t he?”

“No. He said you whined about not being able to handle it on your own. That’s why I had to squeeze time out of my busy schedule to come help.”

I never said I couldn’t. I just said I didn’t want to.

Count Therese truly had a way of twisting words to suit his narrative.

Still, why send someone so useless and downright irritating?

She had been looking forward to enjoying some alone time in this lovely townhouse, but just looking at her was enough to sap her energy.

“Why am I always the maid while you get treated like royalty?”

“…Beats me.”

Rose pinned the emerald hairpiece into her hair, tilting her head this way and that to admire herself in the mirror.

When did she manage to steal that? It had been locked in my jewelry box.

It was one of the things Count Therese insisted on buying for Daisy before she married into Waldeck. Just for appearances, of course. Daisy had never even worn it, too scared of losing it.

“Of course you’d sniff out the expensive stuff. Keep swiping things like that, and you’ll get yourself kicked out. Or worse.”

Daisy smacked her hand, snatched the hairpin back, and put it in her own hair.

“Do you really think this is the face of a maid? Please. It’s ridiculous. Let’s be honest, I’ve got better looks and skills than you.”

“I guess you just look like a maid, then.”

“Are you blind? I look much more classier than you! It’s unfair!”

She couldn’t stand listening to her absurd complaints any longer.

If she had to sum up Rose in one word, it’d be delusion. From the start, back when they were at “Clean,” she’d been claiming to be Daisy’s rival, and whining about it to anyone who’d listen.

Her code name was “KEY.”