Chapter 38

So much for being the “royal family’s loyal hound.” Contrary to his reputation, Maxim was downright insolent. He was more like a rabid beast than a hunting dog.

It was like trying to fix one problem but ending up with another.

Now all the blame was on Daisy. The look in the former Grand Duchess’s eyes only served to make her feel more drained.

She didn’t want to escalate things any further. With a soft sigh, Daisy relented.

“Um, Max. It really isn’t that serious. If I rest for a bit, I think I’ll be able to leave by this afternoon.”

“You don’t have to force yourself for my sake. You can barely eat right now.”

“I mean it, I’m fine. In fact, some fresh air might even help.”

“I’ll stay with you until you’re fully recovered, Izzy.”

Stay with me? Noooo, thank you. Daisy frantically waved her hands in protest.

“No, no, no. If you’re that worried, you can simply call the doctor to check on me.”

Since she was faking her symptoms, the doctor would naturally say she was fine.

Daisy focused on eating the remainder of her food, chewing slowly.

The former Grand Duchess, who had been silently watching her with disapproval, finally broke her silence.

“Do you plan to stay at a hotel in the capital?”

“Yes.”

“You’ll be there for weeks. Even the best suite is going to feel cramped. Let’s just pack lightly, bring the staff, and move to the townhouse instead.”

“Will you be coming with us, Aunt?” Maxim asked, uninterested.

“Yes, I am. It’s rather… sudden for me as well, but since you’ve never cared for social gatherings and Daisy is a commoner, I take it this will be her first time attending such events. Wouldn’t it be better if I accompanied you?”

The former Grand Duchess spoke with an air of graciousness, though it was clear she was forcing herself to sound generous. For someone as rigid as her, this must have taken significant effort. Daisy stole a glance at Maxim, trying to gauge his reaction.

“I’ve been feeling a bit lonely myself. A trip to the capital for a change of scenery might do me some good as well,” the former Grand Duchess hastily added when Maxim didn’t respond.

If she wanted to come, she could’ve just said so. Was she embarrassed? It was as if she were beating around the bush.

“You’ll be joining us for my sake, then?”

Daisy, who had been carefully observing the two, quickly chimed in.

“This will be my first time visiting the capital, and it’s been making me feel extremely anxious. Thank you so much for your generosity, Your Highness.”

Better to bring someone along than be stuck alone with that lunatic. She’d take whatever help she could get, so having the former Grand Duchess accompany them was a welcome relief.

Staying at a townhouse would be much better than having to share a hotel room, just the two of them.

All things considered, bringing the former Grand Duchess along was a strategic choice.

“‘Your Highness’ is for her to use, not you, Izzy. You may address her as ‘Aunt.’”

Maxim corrected her choice of titles with a smile. He had a strange fixation on proper forms of address. Nothing ever slipped past him. The former Grand Duchess’s expression darkened further.

For all her usual sharpness, seeing her shrink in front of her nephew stirred a sense of pity within her. She looked like a tiger without its teeth.

Daisy had always had a soft spot for the vulnerable, so she wanted to help.

“Please join us, Aunt. You too, Max.”

Please. Daisy added with an extra note of sincerity.

“I’m still inexperienced and would greatly benefit from the wisdom of someone as insightful as you, Aunt. It would truly be an honor if you accompanied us.”

Flattering the old woman wasn’t too difficult.

As Maxim’s smile grew warm and the former Grand Duchess’s expression softened ever so slightly, Daisy allowed herself a small smile in return.