The Male Lead Obsesses Over the Wicked Maid – Episode 22
Kiera gritted her teeth.
Tyburn issued a cold dismissal to her.
“You may leave now. And summon the physicians who examined me. It seems I should have my condition checked.”
“Yes, Father.”
Kiera bowed her head and exited the bedchamber.
She glanced sharply at the head maid, who was watching her cautiously, then stomped off angrily.
‘I need to use a stronger poison!’
But from that very morning, Kiera had been hit with more devastating news. Tyburn had dismissed not only the head maid, but also two of the family doctors and a couple of other maids.
Tyburn had cut off Kiera’s limbs—figuratively and without hesitation.
‘That damned old man figured it out!’
Kiera’s blood ran cold.
She paced nervously around the room. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t think of anyone suitable to entrust with her schemes. Dania was obedient but nothing more could be expected from her.
What about Lani? She was clever, and there might be more potential. Even the head maid had praised her highly. But she was still only fifteen—too young.
Left with no choice, Kiera went to the steward.
“I hear my father-in-law dismissed some of the mansion staff?”
“Yes, Madam Duchess.”
“Can you find the two doctors for me? There are some things I must tell them. As you know, they also served as our children’s physicians. I’m worried they might let something slip about our children.”
“I’ll look into it and report back.”
The Duchess nodded calmly.
It seemed it was time to use the leftover poison meant for Tyburn.
A cold glint flashed in her eyes.
The news of Tyburn’s recovery revived Hider.
With a gaunt face, Hider asked softly, “Is Grandfather really okay?”
“I’m telling you, young master. The whole estate is abuzz about it—especially the Duchess,” Dania relayed the latest updates to Hider.
“I heard the moment Lord Tyburn awoke, he dismissed several staff members. The maids are trembling with anxiety since those people were thrown out without even being given time to pack.”
“He dismissed people…?”
“Yes.”
Hider fell silent in thought. He was the perceptive and intelligent type—true male lead material. What was he thinking now?
As I hovered nearby, curious, Hider spoke.
“What.”
“I was just wondering what you were thinking. I thought you’d be happy, but you look… conflicted.”
“If Grandfather took such drastic action, doesn’t that mean those people did something unforgivable? I don’t know exactly what, but I suspect it’s related to why he collapsed.”
“Wow, our young master is so smart!”
“Lani, make sure you act like you know nothing. If you’re not careful, you could get caught up in this too. Got it?”
“I really don’t know anything, though.”
I smiled brightly and shrugged.
Even Hider didn’t know I was the one who saved Tyburn. I hadn’t told him Tyburn was poisoned because that would only make him more anxious.
I’d thought about saying I simply treated an illness—but the more I imagined having to explain what illness and how I cured it, the more overwhelmed I felt. So I just decided to keep quiet.
Lord Tyburn, I’m trusting you.
You’ll keep it a secret from Hider too, won’t you?
“It’s best not to get involved in dangerous things.”
“Understood, young master! Oh, would you try this? I made a new dish!”
My cooking skill had leveled up, and I’d attempted something new—apple pie.
Wow. I never thought I’d be the type to make something like this.
Seeing Hider eat it with enjoyment filled me with pride.
Honestly, ever since my talk with Tyburn, I’d been ridiculously happy. The world looked so beautiful—like I was seeing everything through rose-colored glasses.
I was going crazy waiting for 3 PM.
Hehe. I wonder what kind of mansion it’ll be.
I shared the apple pie with Dania too. After all, she played a big part in helping me save Tyburn.
Dania took the pie with a deeply moved expression.
“You’re really giving this to me?”
“Of course, Dania. You’re my only friend.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“T-thank you…”
“Are you crying?”
Why? Over a piece of pie? I took a step back, flustered. Are you an F-type or what?
“Actually, I’ve been scared all morning. Since the head maid got kicked out, I was worried I might be next.”
“Why would you be?”
“Because I came here with the head maid. But thanks to you, I feel better now.”
Dania collapsed to the floor in tears, snot running down her face.
And then—her status window changed.
[Name: Dania
Occupation: Maid of Catieron → Lani’s Supporter
Supporter Level: v.1]
Her betrayal points were gone, replaced with a supporter level. What the heck…? And she’s no longer labeled as Catieron’s maid, but my supporter?
Wait.
Does that mean I’m responsible for her salary…?
[You will no longer need to pay compensation for Dania’s support.]
Ah. This system… I thought it was a cheapskate leech, but maybe it’s learning. Good job, my sweet Dania.
I patted her on the shoulder.
She was now my precious, unpaid labor force.
“Don’t cry, Dania. I’m here for you.”
Hehehe. Dania’s EXP? All mine. That’s what friends are for!
Herden went to see Tyburn.
After all, despite their differences, Tyburn was his father. And he’d just escaped death—Herden couldn’t completely turn away.
He also needed to see it with his own eyes—proof that Tyburn really was fine.
If Tyburn wasn’t well, both Catieron and the North would be in serious trouble.
Seeing Tyburn calmly sitting and meeting with his aide, Herden let out a breath of relief. But at the same time, he felt angry.
The man had scared everyone half to death and now sat there calmly working, as if nothing had happened.
“You scared everyone and now you’re suddenly fine?”
Tyburn frowned.
“Are you unhappy that I’m fine?”
“Of course not. But if you were going to recover so quickly, maybe you shouldn’t have collapsed in the first place.”
Tyburn chuckled dryly.
Seeing Herden speak so bluntly was amusing and surprising. The son who used to shrink away in fear now stood his ground.
He must really know nothing.
After Amy’s death, Herden had let Kiera drag him around like a puppet. But now he showed emotion again.
Back when Amy was alive, Herden used to clash with Tyburn constantly. After her death, it was as if his soul had been buried with her.
“If I had known you’d react like this, maybe I wouldn’t have.”
“Yes, please do so next time. I really don’t want to be shocked like that again. What would happen to Catieron and the North if something happened to you?”
Tyburn crossed his arms.
“To put your worries to rest, I’m doing paperwork. In case something happens to me, someone has to inherit my sword.”
Herden’s brow twitched.
Tyburn’s greatsword, Exilon, held legendary value. Not just anyone could wield it. It had led countless victorious battles against monsters. The head of the Catieron family had always possessed it.
“The next wielder of Exilon is me. And after that…”
“Do you plan to keep it locked away? You, or Carthe, or Sornya—none of you can even hold that sword.”
A sword like Exilon was said to have its own will. It would not accept any wielder it did not choose.
