Chapter 59

“…Ah.”

“Are you saying no?”

He must’ve been referring to that time not long ago when she kissed her on the cheek to avoid taking Mary Gold in as a maid.

Seriously? Was he a child or what? He was actually holding onto that this entire time?

So ridiculous. Daisy narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

“I’m spending so much already, can’t you do that much?”

“After all the extra money I’m spending, a little kiss can’t be too much to ask for?”

“You said that money was pocket change. My lips, however, are expensive.”

“Then since we’re on the topic, let’s appraise their value. How much are they worth?”

“Excuse me?”

“As you know, I tend to prefer buying things whole rather than piecemeal. I just wouldn’t stop at your lips, so if you’re going to name a price, make it a bold one.”

“And what if I decide they aren’t for sale?”

“Then who will be paying for all those extra dresses?”

“…”

“So enough with the sass and just do as I say. Before I decide to change my mind.”

The nerve of him. Even though she wanted to smack him, she was too drained for another quarrel. They had kissed at their wedding, hadn’t they? With tongue, even.

It was just a peck on the cheek. Why make it such a big deal?

Her lips had already brushed against that thing earlier. They had even “shared a bed” for forty minutes in the fitting room. In light of that, what was one kiss?

Resigned, Daisy rose onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips softly to Maxim’s cheek.

“Happy now?”

It was the briefest touch, but she was still too embarrassed to meet his eyes.

“Come on, we kept everyone waiting long enough. Let’s go. Our five minutes are up.”

With that prim whisper, she swept out of the fitting room. Maxim followed with a wide, satisfied smile.

༺♰༻

“Child, I have no need for dresses.”

Outwardly, the former Grand Duchess refused, but her face glowed with delight.

So this was what she had meant by nobles pretending not to have what they do, and pretending to have what they don’t. She was clearly delighted, but trying hard not to show it.

“Whether you need them or not, you’ll have to accept. I’m under strict orders from the Grand Duchess.”

“From Daisy?”

“Indeed. Izzy has been very thoughtful of you.”

Though it was Maxim spending the money, he cleverly shifted the credit to Daisy.

“Izzy will choose them for you herself. Now, I have other business to attend to, so I’ll excuse myself.”

Their eyes met. The former Grand Duchess muttered as though scolding her for needless fuss, but she looked thrilled. Daisy was glad she had asked Maxim to buy his aunt’s gowns as well.

“Once they’re finished, settle the bill and escort them home safely.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The aide bowed deeply at Maxim’s order. Maxim had taken two steps when he paused.

“Oh, and you. Anna, was it?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He addressed the attendant who appeared to outrank the other.

“I know little of these matters, but if she requires anything else, handle it for her. You’ll be rewarded generously.”

“Do you mean other articles, such as shoes and accessories?”

“Precisely. The finest you can find. And since you mentioned it, I expect you to strip her of that ‘country bumpkin’ tackiness.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

So he did actually hear them. Honestly, it was a miracle he hadn’t kicked the door down earlier.

Maxim didn’t care if the attendant panicked or not. All that mattered was getting his point across.

“And the undergarments, too. You’ve seen her figure. She’s rather… on the curvier side. Make sure it’s nothing that squeezes the bust. Anything tight will upset her stomach.”

The bastard! Does he have to say that out loud? Everyone can hear, for god’s sake.

Daisy’s face blazed, and the second he gestured at her chest, she nearly punched him.

“One in every color. The best quality. I’ll be inspecting later tonight, so see that it’s done perfectly.”

“Yes, Your Highness. We shall serve you both with utmost devotion.”

Only once the boutique staff swore their diligence did Maxim finally depart.

Click—. As the door shut behind him, Daisy slipped her arm through his aunt’s and whispered warmly.

“You heard him, Aunt! I’ll make sure you get the most gorgeous gowns.”

“But child, what was all that about ‘country bumpkin’ tackiness?”

The former Grand Duchess questioned what Maxim had been referring to.

Since she didn’t know about the staff’s rude comments, Daisy figured there was no reason to sour her mood, so she just brushed it off with an excuse.

“Oh, I guess I behaved a bit carelessly… I was just surprised when Max said he’d buy it all.”

“I warned you to be careful.”

“You’re right. If I’m ever going to be as graceful as you, I’ll need much more practice. But tell me, Aunt, what styles do you like?”

“Enough of that. Just one or two modest dresses will be plenty.”