Chapter 70

Mary Gold, who had been bowing with perfect formality, lifted her head and met his gaze head-on.

“My deepest apologies, but the one I serve is the Grand Duchess. It was you, master, who commanded me to protect her with my life.”

“And?”

“And so, I must prioritize Her Highness’ safety above all else. I beg you to forgive my disobedience.”

Mary Gold made it clear that she would not leave Daisy unprotected. Husband or not, she would not step out until she was assured of Daisy’s safety.

“You’re aware it’s insubordination… and yet you still choose to defy me?”

Maxim’s expression darkened, dangerously so. It was no surprise, as the thing he despised most was insubordination.

The tension in the room became almost suffocating.

Realizing the clash was about to boil over, Daisy realized it was her turn to step in.

“Max, don’t be so harsh on Mel. Let me explain things to her myself.”

“Mel?”

“Yes, oh, Mel is Mary’s nickname.”

“So you two are on nickname terms now?”

“Of course. She’s a talented person you picked out for me, after all.”

Was he jealous? Maxim looked distinctly displeased.

“She’s under my care now, so leave her to me. Alright?”

Daisy’s calm and coaxing tone prompted Maxim to reluctantly back off.

“Mel, come here.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At her master’s command, Mary Gold stepped closer, standing attentively in front of her.

“You must’ve been startled by all this noise in the middle of the night. Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine. I’m not hurt.”

“Are you absolutely sure you’re alright, Your Highness?”

Even after Daisy reassured her, Mary Gold’s expression remained unconvinced.

She clearly needed a more detailed explanation.

“Oh, about the gunshot you heard… there’s a bit of a story to it.”

What Daisy wanted to say was, “That jerk tried to shove his club in me, so I beg you, take me away before he impales me alive!”

‘…But that would likely escalate things beyond just a gunshot.’

It’s probably best I don’t blow this out of proportion.

Daisy decided she needed to defuse the situation as smoothly as possible.

Even if Mary Gold was a loyal and devoted servant assigned by Maxim, she was still a pair of watchful eyes. If Daisy wanted a clean and scandal-free divorce in the future, she couldn’t allow any hint of a scandal to take root.

And since trying to predict what kind of insane nonsense Maxim might spout was impossible, it was safer for Mary to hear an explanation directly from Daisy. Only then would she trust the situation and relax.

“Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing to talk about. But if you promise not to laugh at me, I’ll tell you.”

“Laugh? I would never, Your Highness. Please don’t worry and just say whatever’s on your mind.”

Reassured by Mary Gold’s response, Daisy hesitated for a moment, then began.

“Well, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of owning a beautiful gun.”

“A gun? You, Your Highness?”

Mary Gold’s eyes grew wide in surprise. It must have seemed like an odd combination given Daisy’s appearance.

“Yes. I happened to find a gun in His Highness’ pocket and begged him to teach me how to use it. While he was explaining it to me, I accidentally pulled the trigger and…”

Daisy stuck out her tongue with a sheepish smile, thinking this was the best excuse she could come up with on the spot.

“So it went off by mistake. Did it scare you? I’m really sorry.”

Now that she knew the awkward details, Mary looked visibly flustered.

“I had no idea. My apologies, Your Highness.”

“No, it’s fine. It would’ve been stranger if you knew. Still, I’m touched. I didn’t expect you to worry about me this much.”

Daisy reached out and gently patted Mary Gold’s head, meeting her eyes warmly.

Mary Gold’s face turned bright red again as she stammered out an apology.

“Regardless, I apologize for making such a commotion. I’ve lost too many comrades to enemy gunfire, so the sound alone puts me on edge.”

“No, thank you. It’s reassuring to have you around, Mel.”

“…”

The praise caused Mary Gold’s face to blush even deeper

“I’d prefer you kept it short. I’m tired.”

Maxim grumbled from the side. Mary Gold glanced at Daisy again, seemingly waiting for her final decision. It was clear she intended to follow Daisy’s command in the end.

“Mel, you should go get some rest too. Don’t worry about me, all right?”

Daisy got out of bed, linking arms with Mary Gold, and walked her to the door.

“Goodnight, Mel.”

“Ah, yes. Wishing you a pleasant night as well, Your Highness.”

With a polite bow, Mary Gold quickly exited the room.

Click—. The moment the door closed, Daisy stood there for a moment, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

‘Whew… I survived. For now.’

She’d nearly gone all the way with that lunatic, swept up like a helpless woman in a storm. It was pure sheer she hadn’t.

Thanks to Mary’s loyal intervention, she had put out the immediate fire. Now all she needed was to somehow coax Maxim down and figure out a way to escape.

She was just about to turn back with that plan in mind when, step, step, step, heavy footsteps quickly approached.

“What has you thinking so hard?”

“…!”

Before she could react, Daisy found herself instantly trapped between the door and Maxim’s bare body before her.

“Lucky you, having the moment interrupted. Were you standing here plotting how to slip away like a little mouse?”

He had read her thoughts perfectly. Daisy’s heart sank like a stone.