Chapter 60

Clearly, she was being mindful because of Maxim.

If her one and only husband insisted on flaunting his wealth because “even his tantrums were luxurious,” the least she could do was play along.

Making money was the hard part, but when it came to spending, she was an expert.

“Oh, don’t say that. You preserved the honor of House Waldeck. You deserve finer gowns than I. Let’s choose matching outfits and wear them together. Yes?”

“You always make such a fuss.”

Though she grumbled, the former Grand Duchess didn’t shake off Daisy’s arm.

“Oh! And guess what… I picked up some very interesting information.”

“Information?”

Daisy’s eyes sparkled as she whispered to the old woman.

“Yes. You’ll be pleased. How about we have some tea before Max returns, just the two of us. A little planning session in the greenhouse?”

“Very well.”

“Ah, and I passed by a cake shop nearby. They say the cakes there are divine.”

How can this girl chatter on so endlessly? She’s like a little lark.

The former Grand Duchess watched Daisy with bemused wonder.

“I’ll have to start dieting tomorrow to fit into those dresses. Perhaps having a slice of cake with tea won’t hurt today. All these different fittings have me starving.”

“You truly are incorrigible.”

“So may I buy just one slice? They say it tastes like heaven itself. And I think better when I’ve had something sweet.”

When Daisy gave her those pleading puppy dog eyes, the former Grand Duchess could no longer hold back her laughter.

“Then why not make it two.”

“What?”

“I’d like to have a taste of this ‘heavenly’ cake myself.”

“…Yes!”

Maxim might not be pleased, but Daisy felt giddy. She was going to show his aunt her “list of potential mistresses” and scheme together.

But Daisy never noticed that the only ally she had was beginning to look at her with a newfound, gentle warmth.

༺♰༻

It had been a long, exhausting day.

Daisy lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling in the dark room.

She had thought buying dresses would be the end of it, but that was only the beginning.

Shoes couldn’t simply be bought since they had to be tried for fit and comfort.

And then there were the bags, the gloves… so many things a lady must have. The attendants insisted these were only the essentials. So many “basics,” that Daisy’s head spun.

By the time they returned from shopping, the sun had already set, and they didn’t even get to grab some tea.

The former Grand Duchess had retired early, weary from the day. Daisy fully understood. If it was exhausting even for someone young like her, how much harder must it have been for an older woman?

“…I’m exhausted.”

She did have one secret remedy that could instantly bring her energy back.

Daisy sprang up and lifted the dome on the tea table. A plate of cake sat there.

“Maybe just the cream, so no one will notice. Just the cream. I swear.”

After hesitating, she scooped a fingerful of cream and tasted it.

“Mmm. Delicious.”

Matthew’s baking at Waldeck was good, but the patisserie from a famous shop in the capital’s wealthy district had a different taste.

If Rose saw her, she would probably sneer, “Look at you, acting like some grand duchess you’re not even fit to be. Even your taste buds have turned into some royalist bastard’s.”

Savoring the cream on her tongue, Daisy flopped onto the bed, then rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands.

She had promised Maxim’s aunt only two slices, but she had Mary secretly buy her a few extra slices.

She gave one to Mary, one to Rose, and kept an extra for herself.

Perhaps it was because she smuggled in the cake, but it tasted even sweeter.

Now that she’d had a taste, maybe she could restrain herself from having an over-the-top reaction during tea with his aunt tomorrow.

“Ugh, whatever. Just one more bite.”

She cut another piece with the fork and popped it into her mouth.

They weren’t kidding when they called it the “Taste of Heaven.” It really melted in her mouth. It truly was paradise itself.

“So this is what heaven tastes like.”

Sweet enough to drive one mad.

And eating the “Taste of Heaven” only made her long for heaven all the more.

But could she really go to heaven?

It’s said that in hell, they mash up all the food you’ve ever wasted in your life and serve it to you as slop. The thought alone was dreadful.

“If I want to go to heaven, I’d better pray.”

Acting like nothing happened, Daisy quickly covered the cake. She picked up her rosary and pressed her palms together.

Just then, knock, knock. Someone rapped at the door.