Chapter 16
‘As long as she doesn’t commit something immoral like adultery, I can overlook a maid’s little ambition.’
If she actually achieved her dream and managed to marry into the nobility, that would only expand April’s connections as well. In that sense, it could prove quite helpful.
‘First, I should see how determined she really is.’
April deliberately asked in a cold tone.
“Do you really think social advancement is possible in the Beska Empire?”
“…You never know unless you try.”
“How impudent.”
Despite the harsh words, April burst into a bright laugh.
With that much tenacity and boldness, the girl likely had a strong backbone.
‘This one might even help strengthen my reputation as a villainess.’
Since the girl would want to find a good marriage for herself, she would surely bring April invitations to more prestigious events after carefully selecting them.
“I like honesty too.”
The maid lifted her head as if she had heard something she never expected.
Her eyes trembled as she looked at April, unable to hide the faint hope rising within them.
Ignoring that reaction, April leaned lazily back against the sofa and asked,
“What’s your name?”
“Joan… is my name.”
“Joan, then. Short—easy to remember. I’ll keep it in mind.”
Though she spoke as if it were unimportant, surprise flashed across both the head maid’s and Joan’s eyes.
“Madam, does that mean…?”
April tilted her head back while still seated and looked at Mrs. Nora.
“Assign this girl as my personal maid.”
“Understood, Madam.”
“I—I’ll work hard!”
Joan bowed deeply, her face bright with excitement.
But April no longer smiled.
‘I will never open my heart completely to anyone.’
So she continued in a cold voice.
“I’ve decided to keep you by my side, but don’t misunderstand.”
“…Pardon?”
“Until the day you leave this estate, you are nothing more than a maid.”
“Yes, Madam. I will remember that.”
“And I won’t help you with your plans in any way. I can barely take care of myself.”
Joan nodded firmly, engraving every word April spoke into her mind.
“But if you stay beside me, you might find opportunities on your own.”
“Madam…!”
“You said yourself you’re quick-witted. You’ll have to judge the timing well.”
“…Yes!”
“And if you betray me or do anything that harms me, I’ll throw you out immediately.”
“Please trust me. I’ll work hard! I’ll truly do my best to serve you, Madam.”
April let out a light snort and clapped her hands sharply.
“Then let’s see your work skills. Are there any dresses in this mansion that I can wear?”
“A dress?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to proceed with the dinner with Duke Fitzren as planned.”
A troubled look appeared on Mrs. Nora’s face.
“But Madam, as I mentioned this morning, we’re running low on ingredients…”
“He said he would take care of that, so don’t worry.”
After all, he had boasted about it himself—he could handle it.
“Well? Do I have to say it twice?”
Mrs. Nora and Joan exchanged awkward glances.
“W-well, um…”
“Don’t trail off. Speak properly.”
“Y-yes! There are some clothes sent from your family home, and a few dresses that Lady Deborah didn’t take with her.”
Deborah’s clothes…
“Did she maintain her figure well? She looked about the same size as me.”
Deciding this wasn’t the time to dwell on it, April quickly nodded.
“Fine. Bring out all of them.”
“Yes, Madam!”
“We’ll prepare them right away.”
Mrs. Nora and Joan left the room at the same time.
A short while later, five dresses were neatly laid out before April.
“The two on the left are formal dresses sent from your family home, and the three on the right belong to Lady Deborah.”
April asked,
“Did the Countess Dowager lend them willingly?”
The two hesitated, pressing their lips together. When April pressed them again, the head maid spoke cautiously.
“…We brought them quietly.”
In other words, they had taken them without permission.
April let out a small laugh. She had already read Mrs. Nora’s intentions—cutting ties with Deborah and trying to align herself with April instead.
Pretending not to notice the effort, April turned her gaze back to the dresses.
“I can’t wear anything sent from House Rebelln.”
As she clicked her tongue and frowned, Joan quickly removed the two dresses.
“You have good taste.”
Examining Deborah’s dresses carefully, April acknowledged it honestly.
The designs were timeless, and thanks to the high-quality fabric and careful maintenance, their condition was quite decent.
“Well, she spent money quite enthusiastically all this time. At least she spent it on things like this. Good thing she didn’t waste it entirely—I’d be even more annoyed if she had.”
Even while continuing her sharp remarks, April inspected the dresses meticulously.
“Among these three, the red dress is the best.”
At last, she made her choice.
But the moment she did, Mrs. Nora’s face turned pale.
“What’s wrong?”
“Madam… Forgive my boldness, but… considering that the master has passed away, wearing such a bright-colored dress might not be appropriate. We are still in a mourning period.”
“Mourning? Ha.”
April let out a cold sneer, as though she had heard the most amusing joke.
The more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed, and she held her stomach as she laughed for quite a while.
After finally calming down, she spoke sharply to Mrs. Nora.
“That would apply only to ordinary married couples.”
“…Madam.”
“You know it. And so does that lowly maid Joan.”
She looked at them one by one with a mocking gaze.
“You know that I had a spirit marriage, don’t you?”
Everyone’s mouths shut tight as if sealed.
With venom filling her eyes, April continued.
“You’re not under the illusion that Count Facon and I were actually a real married couple, are you?”
Mrs. Nora flinched.
Only then did she realize she had made a mistake.
Just because April seemed to treat it lightly didn’t mean it was truly nothing.
‘For a young lady who has only just turned twenty… that’s far too harsh an ordeal.’
Mrs. Nora felt genuine regret.
“I… spoke out of turn.”
April glared at her for a moment longer before clicking her tongue and turning away.
“From now on, I’m going to live doing whatever I want. I will never… suppress my nature again.”
Her stiff voice carried a kind of solemn determination, as if she were reaffirming a vow to herself.
After taking a deep breath, April turned her gaze back to the head maid.
The agitated expression she had shown moments earlier had almost completely disappeared.
“So, Mrs. Nora. You’d better watch your words from now on. I have no need for people who don’t cater to my moods. Otherwise… you can just leave.”
Mrs. Nora bowed her head.
She couldn’t bring herself to meet April’s eyes out of guilt.
“I will be more careful with my words and behavior.”
Watching her, April let out a quiet sigh.
‘That’s enough for now. I’ll still need her help with the count’s debts and account books.’
She pointed once again at the red dress in the center.
“I’ll wear this one.”
“Yes, Madam. I’ll help you prepare.”
April nodded and sat down in front of the dressing table.
The reflection staring back at her in the mirror felt unfamiliar—yet strangely familiar at the same time—so she found herself staring at it for a long moment.
