She didn’t know that the seemingly composed Nigel was seized with the desire to push her against the wall and tear off her back buttons, to lift her skirts and rip her undergarments.

She was completely unaware of how intensely he was suppressing his urges at this moment.

After Marienne left, Nigel leaned his head back against the chair, exhaling a murky heat.

* * *

Back in her room, Marienne placed the book on the side table and pulled the bell cord.

While waiting for Bell to arrive, she recalled the Duchess from the portrait.

The blonde noblewoman who appeared calm and intellectual. No matter how she thought about it, she didn’t think she would be viewed favorably.

In truth, as the Duke had coldly stated, that person’s feelings weren’t important.

It wouldn’t affect their contract at all.

Yet the fact that she still wanted to make a good impression must be due to her excessive ambition.

Marienne fiddled with her sewing basket, idly thinking it would be nice to give the old duchess an embroidered lace handkerchief as a gift.

“Miss, did you call?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“If it’s about packing for Rockshield, I already heard from the head maid. I was actually waiting for you to call.”

“I see.”

“I heard we’re leaving in two days. They say I’ll be accompanying you too. I’m so excited since I’ve never been to the main castle in Rockshield.”

“I’m glad you’re coming with me, Bell.”

“Me too, Miss. Please let me know if there are any items or clothes you want to bring. I’ll pack them ahead of time so we don’t forget anything.”

“Actually Bell, I’m curious about something…… What kind of person is the Madam?”

Bell rolled her eyes as she sat in the chair Marienne offered.

“She’s quiet in nature. I hear she doesn’t socialize much with other noble ladies either. Oh! I heard she loves Nucria flowers. They only bloom in Rockshield, and the Madam grows them herself. They’re such special flowers that there’s an annual festival for them. The Madam’s only social gathering is held then, and only a select few noble ladies are invited. I hear the Madam’s invitation cards with Nucria flower designs are famous in social circles. Every year, there’s an uproar from noble ladies who didn’t receive invitations.”

“Where did my little darling get such information?”

“Baroness!”

Marienne and Bell stood up at the sudden appearance of the Baroness.

Chloe, wearing a sophisticated gown that wrapped around her pregnant belly, entered the room.

“I’m sorry for coming without notice while you were resting, Miss Rose.”

“Please don’t say that. You’re welcome anytime.”

“It’s because of that overprotective man who makes a fuss about not letting people come up freely.”

Marienne smiled and helped the Baroness sit down, while Bell hurriedly prepared tea.

For a while, the two discussed the proper occasions and attire required in Rockshield.

“I wish I could go with you, but as you can see, I’m too heavy with child.”

“Just your words mean so much. I’ll do my best with everything you’ve taught me.”

“You’ll do well, Miss Rose. If anything difficult comes up, rely on the Duke.”

“……Yes.”

“But Miss Rose, there’s something you should know.”

Chloe carefully continued as she set down her teacup.

“In Rockshield, you’ll meet many noble ladies. And most of them won’t welcome you. I’m not saying this to hurt you, but to warn you so you won’t get hurt. You understand my intentions, right?”

Marienne nodded with a gentle smile.

“Of course. You’re going through trouble for my sake despite your condition. I’m nothing but grateful to you, Baroness.”

Chloe tried to lean toward Marienne but groaned when her pregnant belly got in the way, stretching out her arm instead.

Marienne brightly smiled and moved closer to hold her hand.

“Think of it as a rehearsal before entering society. Though it will be difficult, there’s love to help overcome it.”

When shadows fell across Marienne’s face, Chloe shook the hand she was holding.

“Be brave.”

“But Baroness, should I really be brave? I’m just a bella, a commoner — perhaps it’s better to give up than to dream beyond my station and end up unhappy.”

“Miss Rose, I was raised as a Count’s daughter believing labor was shameful and humiliating, but now I work catering to noble ladies’ whims for my dream. A dream of looking up from below is as challenging as having to come down from above. But Miss Rose, I’ve been certain and happy every moment. Do you know why?”

Marienne shook her head.

“Because I listened to my heart. Even when you find yourself at a dark and daunting crossroads, remember this. The answer is always within you. Have the courage to follow the path your heart whispers. As you said, you might become unhappy or fail. But I guarantee it’s better than living a life of regret for not following your heart. I can promise you that.”

Marienne pressed her lips to Chloe’s hand.

“I won’t forget your kind words.”

“Don’t worry. You’re doing well.”

“Yes, Baroness. Thank you so much.”

How nice it would be if she were truly as pure as Marienne Rose appeared in the Baroness’s eyes — a woman trying to overcome class differences with love alone.

She would probably despise her if she knew she was a woman who boldly signed a calculated contract and still desired him.

Baroness, is a tainted heart like mine worth listening to?

“Cheer up.”

Chloe patted Marienne’s cheek.

“Now, let’s go to my room. I have a dress I’ve ambitiously prepared for you. Shall we bring our little darling too? I want to see both of you surprised together. Oh my, what’s happening? Could you help me up?”

Marienne laughed along with Bell as they helped the Baroness up from where she had sunk into the sofa.

* * *

The Count’s daughter, who had been chosen to serve Elizabeth Cruneau, the noble star of Grencia, headed to the bedroom with a silver tray carrying a letter for her.

The newly appointed maid’s steps were confident.

It was a precious position she gained thanks to the foolish maid who had eyed the Emperor.

What a golden opportunity to meet the highest-ranking men at the heart of power!

Who knows? She might even meet Duke Bernac whom she had admired.

Her family celebrated enthusiastically when she received the letter appointing her as the princess’s maid.

For her, who had only attended boring parties in the outskirts of the capital, the Imperial Palace was like a golden stairway to happiness.

The maid headed to the bedroom, looking at the Duke’s portrait hanging in the reception room.

Her unwavering steps stopped when she heard strange moans coming from the Princess’s bedroom.

She listened for a moment.

The sound, which had been continuing thinly as if in pain, gradually intensified and rose sharply. The sound of skin slapping against skin confirmed what she had suspected.

Though she was about to leave, the maid changed her mind.

She judged it would be advantageous to know her mistress’s weaknesses.

Given her father’s instructions to secretly report internal affairs and Count Godwin’s orders who had given her the maid position, she boldly entered the bedroom.

Red curtains that showed the inside were drawn on the bed’s square posts.

The maid gripped the tray tightly when she saw the n*ked princess.

The Princess was wearing an elaborate mask while bouncing vigorously on top of the man lying down.

As if they were having their own masquerade ball in bed.

“Haah, haah, Lester!”

Lewd cries and murky moans intertwined.

The maid lowered her eyes at the explicit scene. The silver tray trembled.

She needed to call out to the princess but couldn’t find her voice.

Just then, the man’s long fingers parted the curtain.

He was a man with flowing golden hair like threads and snow-white skin.

He grasped the princess’s b*ttocks and curved his red lips.

“What a pretty new face.”

“……”

“What brings you here?”

At the princess’s sharp question, the maid squeezed out her voice.

“I brought a letter that just arrived. Shall I place it on the table?”

“Bring it here.”

The man smirked at the maid’s pale face as he rested his bent arm behind his head. Then he deliberately thrust his hips upward for her to see.

“Ahh! Lester!”

The Princess, her br*asts bouncing, hit the man’s chest before taking the letter.

Since she couldn’t leave without being dismissed, the maid had to endure the awkward moment.

The bedroom, permeated with the scent of lovemaking, was too hot and suffocatingly stuffy.

While the princess read the letter, the maid stole glances at the man inside the bed curtains.

Below the mask covering his eyes, a refined nose bridge and sensual lips were visible, along with his characteristic pale skin and long blonde hair.

He was unmistakably Lester Godwin, the first son of Count Godwin.

The rumors about him being the Princess’s bella seemed to be true.

When her eyes met the man’s through the fabric, the maid quickly lowered her gaze.

A sleazy man who seduced court ladies with his slick face. And a mediocre sculptor with a limp.

Even if he was Count Godwin’s son, he was the type not worth even looking at, one who would ruin a woman’s life.

Lester sneered at the flower drawing on the envelope of the letter.

“Is this the famous invitation from Madam Bernac?”

“Yes.”

The letter fell back onto the silver tray the maid was holding.

“How bold of you to enter.”

“I heard it was an important letter, so I…… Please forgive my rudeness.”

“While I can’t stop you from looking as you please, you should remember that both I and my father, His Majesty the Emperor, are cruel to those with loose lips.”

“I-I’ll keep that in mind, Your Highness.”

“Leave.”

The maid bowed to her n*ked mistress and scurried out of the room.

The Princess, seemingly losing interest, tossed aside her mask and swept back her hair.

Lester stroked her slender arm with his finger.

“Isn’t this the party everyone’s dying to attend? Why such a sad expression when you receive an invitation every year?”

“Shut up and finish what you were doing.”

Lester let out a sneer and roughly grabbed her br*ast.