Chapter 16

“What is it?”

“My apologies. We received word that the banquet dress you were waiting for has been completed, my lady, and I rushed in to ask when you would like to go pick it up, but…”

Under Kersian’s cold gaze, the maid’s face turned pale, her body trembling like a leaf.

Heila casually picked up a cookie and watched the scene as if appreciating it.

Perhaps because it was an excuse hastily thought up, it sounded pitiful.

Of course, even if it had been more convincing, it wouldn’t have worked on Kersian, who had already been irritated by the door being flung open just moments ago.

“To open your master’s door without even knocking over such a trivial matter—clearly, you lack even the most basic manners. I should have the head maid retrain you.”

Though it was called “training,” in reality, it was no better than imprisonment—many were beaten to death or starved to death.

The maid looked at Heila, silently pleading for help.

Heila did not respond.

Seized by servants on both arms, the maid could no longer endure it and cried out desperately.

“My lady, please save me…! For the past few days, I’ve worked so hard for you. I was careful not to make a sound so you could sleep comfortably, and I changed the flowers in your vase every day. This is my first mistake. Just this once, please help me. I’ll live for your sake from now on.”

“To boast about doing what you were supposed to do in the first place—how dare you? Take her away and make sure she never appears before me again.”

Kersian sneered.

Heila remained silent, watching coldly as the maid was dragged away.

When the surroundings fell quiet, she spoke.

“That maid…”

“I don’t particularly like the idea, but if you wish, I can have her sent back after her training is complete.”

Kersian said, sounding displeased as he took a sip of his tea.

Heila quietly looked at his empty teacup.

Another maid saw it and poured him a fresh cup.

What she had originally intended to ask was how that maid would be dealt with.

If it had been the old Kersian, he wouldn’t have sent her back—he would have dismissed her.

And if it had been the old her, she would have defended such a maid.

Thinking about it, aside from before the marriage, this was the time when he listened to her the most.

It was because she still held the Imperial Knights in her hands.

Since he was willing to send the maid back for her sake, there was no need to refuse.

Besides, there was someone who would find it inconvenient if the maid were removed.

***

The maid returned sooner than expected.

Something had happened in the morning, yet she was back by the afternoon—barely half a day later.

As Heila returned after finishing dinner, the maid brought tea and snacks, limping slightly.

“My lady, I was wrong earlier. Thank you for forgiving me.”

It seemed the maid believed she had been allowed to return thanks to Heila’s mercy.

Heila did not correct her and instead picked up the snacks the maid had brought without hesitation.

The maid cautiously added in a low voice,

“I heard that His Grace doesn’t like strong-smelling tea. If you let me know in advance next time, I’ll prepare something suited to both of your tastes.”

She had nearly died for opening the door carelessly in front of the duke.

If it were discovered that he had drunk the infertility drug she had prepared, she would surely be killed this time.

Fortunately, no one but her knew about that.

“There’s no need. Kersian said the tea tasted fine as well. Bring the same one next time.”

Heila ignored the tea and only touched the snacks, not even looking in that direction.

“Yes… I understand.”

Her insides burned with anxiety, but if she said any more, it would only arouse suspicion.

From now on, she could simply change the method.

Instead of mixing the drug into the tea, wouldn’t it be better to apply it only to the Imperial Princess’s teacup?

“I overheard another maid earlier—His Grace apparently sent the ducal physician and gifts to the Count Bettia residence. A bouquet, earrings… and they say he even spent time with the Count’s daughter just the day before.”

At the maid’s cautious words, Heila set down the cookie she had been holding.

“Even that incident before—how could he trouble innocent Imperial Knights because of the Count’s daughter? It seems that in His Grace’s heart, the Count’s daughter holds a higher place than you, my lady. You are the rightful mistress of the ducal household—does that even make sense?”

Looking at the maid, who seemed to be seeking agreement, Heila let out a silent scoff.

Did she realize how suspicious she had just been acting?

It seemed she was hastily trying to change the subject.

If she brought up Uriel, Heila’s attention would naturally shift there.

And at the same time, she would grow jealous of her and harbor dissatisfaction and resentment toward Kersian.

In the past, even knowing the maid was trying to sow discord, she had let it slide.

She had thought that perhaps, within that voice that seemed to be venting in frustration, there was at least a trace of concern for her.

But from the very beginning, the maid had been Uriel’s person.

At first glance, her words seemed to take Heila’s side, but the more one listened, the more she poked at sensitive points, provoking and stirring conflict between husband and wife.

Knowing how cruel Uriel could be to the servants, Heila had briefly considered sparing her even after realizing the tea had been tampered with.

But without a shred of remorse, she was already planning to avoid Kersian’s cup next time and drug only Heila’s.

Completely unaware that Heila already knew everything.

Foolish like that, she would have no chance to escape.

“The tea has gone cold. Bring a fresh one.”

At Heila’s words, the maid limped as she left the room.

Glancing at the clock, it was nearly time for her appointment.

“Come to think of it, it’ll be difficult for you to carry tea with that leg. Stand by the stairs so you don’t miss her, and help her.”

Heila gave the order to another maid.

Before the maid returned, the guests Kersian had sent arrived.

It was the merchant group said to be staying at the House of Hameln.

“His Grace instructed that no expense be spared for his wife and that you may purchase anything you desire.”

The merchant displayed a variety of dazzling dresses and jewelry.

Heila ran her fingers over one of the dresses and spoke.

“As it happens, I do need a dress soon for an upcoming banquet.”

The dress she chose was a deep blue, nearly black—calm and refined.

“I believe this necklace would suit that dress. What do you think, Duchess?”

The merchant leader, smiling, personally brought out a set of coral jewelry.

The pale pink gems shimmered softly, seeming to match the elegant dress well.

“I like it.”

At that moment, the two maids who had gone to fetch the tea returned.

The limping maid looked startled upon seeing the room filled with people.

“I forgot to mention that we have guests. Bring another cup.”

At those words, the maid’s body trembled.

If she had been holding the tray, she might have dropped the teapot.

It might look strange to others, but perhaps that would have been better.

Seeing the maid lean toward the other maid holding the tray, Heila quickly gave an order.

“Bring it here.”

At the same time, Elliot quietly restrained the maid.

Unable to do anything, the maid stood there in confusion.

Seeing the maid’s trembling, anxious eyes, Heila asked with concern,

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

The maid forced a smile as she answered.

Soon, teacups were placed in front of both her and the merchant.

After the maid poured the tea, the merchant’s expression, as he savored the aroma, suddenly faltered.

“This tea…?”

His eyes wavered with confusion.

Heila did not miss it and quietly emptied her cup.

“My maid said these tea leaves were obtained at great expense. I enjoy tea, so I’ve been drinking a cup every day. A few days ago, even Kersian seemed to like it.”

“His Grace drank this tea as well?”

“Yes.”

She had heard that the merchant group dealt not only in dresses and jewelry, but also in tea leaves and various medicinal herbs.

Among them were all kinds of dubious items, from weapons to things useful for assassination.

She had worried they might not recognize it, but fortunately, it seemed they had identified it properly.

“Even if it’s good for the body, drinking only this every day does get tiresome. So I’d like to take a look at some tea leaves as well. Ah, and do you have any herbs that are good for pregnancy?”

“Herbs for pregnancy, you say?”

“Kersian has said since before our marriage that he would like our first child to be a son to inherit, and the second to be a daughter. Now that we’ve held the wedding, I suppose we should start trying.”

The merchant’s eyes filled with calculation.

According to rumors, Kersian had a mistress he had cherished even before his marriage.

Judging by his recent behavior, he seemed to favor her more than his wife, so it was only natural to assume the couple’s relationship wasn’t good.

At first, the merchant had thought he had been summoned to the ducal residence to purchase gifts for that mistress, but it turned out to be for the Duchess.

Though it was only natural, seeing it firsthand made it clear that the couple’s relationship was far more complicated than the rumors suggested.

However, it didn’t seem to be entirely bad, as the rumors implied.

“Please don’t worry. If it’s that kind of matter, I believe I can help resolve it. Our merchant group carries various types of herbs with such effects. They will certainly be of help. However…”

The merchant’s gaze shifted toward the limping maid.

“That maid appears to be limping… is she the one who brings you the tea?”