Chapter 8
“A blonde maid…?”
“Yes.”
After thinking for a moment, Martha suddenly exclaimed:
“Ah! There is one pretty blonde maid. But she barely talks, and she always looks sickly, so she doesn’t really stand out.”
“That’s not it… the one I saw had a strong presence.”
“Really? If it’s a pretty blonde maid, she’s the only one I can think of.”
“Do you know her name?”
“No. I don’t memorize the names of all the maids… Should I ask the butler?”
Otille felt her pride sting at the thought of herself being bothered by a mere maid Everett had noticed.
But for some reason, she couldn’t ignore it.
Knowing her name wouldn’t hurt.
She nodded.
“Yes. Ask the butler. I want to know her name.”
***
Before long, rumors spread through the Fairborn estate.
“The butler has gone mad!”
And it wasn’t without reason.
George, who used to harass servants constantly, had suddenly gone quiet—as if his mouth had been sewn shut.
Not only that, he was even handing out money as bonuses.
Of course, Rowena was behind it.
Most of his money had been obtained illegally anyway.
She simply made him use it to compensate those he had mistreated.
It was also a small form of justice for the original owner of this body, who had nearly taken her own life because of him.
Rowena had always despised people who bullied the weak.
She had no hesitation using any means against equal enemies—but targeting the weak felt beneath her.
Despite being called a villain who boiled people alive, she had never harmed anyone who wasn’t an enemy.
“…Um, Lady Clarissa.”
The subject of the rumor approached her cautiously.
It was George.
In front of others, he treated her like a normal maid—but when alone, he always spoke respectfully.
“What is it?”
“Ah… it’s nothing serious. This morning, Madam Martha asked for your name.”
“Otille’s maid?”
“Yes.”
Rowena thought for a moment.
There’s no way Otille figured out who I am.
More likely, she was annoyed because Everett had shown interest.
How pathetic.
After betraying someone once, she should realize she could be betrayed too.
Rowena almost wanted to show Otille how easily Everett could be swayed by a mere maid—but she had more important things to do.
“Richard Fairborn is arriving today, right?”
“You shouldn’t speak a noble’s name so casually… ahem, yes, that’s correct.”
George was still startled by her attitude but answered obediently.
“He’ll stay in the west wing like Otille and the Count?”
“Yes. Preparations have already been made.”
“Good. Assign me to the west wing starting today.”
Working there would increase her chances of encountering them.
There was no reason to avoid them—aside from personal disgust.
In fact, it was better to observe them up close.
More importantly, I need to confirm whether Richard is still loyal to Greymont.
Though shocked at being ordered around by a maid, George nodded.
“…Yes, I’ll arrange it.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Rowena left the east wing with her rag.
She had grown tired of spending her days cleaning.
Thinking that she was finally beginning her counterattack, her steps felt lighter.
***
Upon reaching the west wing, Rowena noticed an unfamiliar carriage.
Has Richard arrived …?
She quickly hid behind a pillar and observed.
But the person stepping out wasn’t Richard.
It was someone unexpected.
Everett Winsrop.
And he was alone.
He really comes here often.
She imagined him secretly visiting Otille, whispering sweet words.
And yet her heart didn’t hurt.
It seemed her love had burned away along with the castle.
Still, seeing him left her uneasy.
She just wanted him to go inside and out of her sight.
As if sensing something, Everett suddenly stopped and looked toward her.
“Who’s there?”
As expected of Everett.
When alone, he noticed even the slightest presence.
Rowena stepped out immediately.
Everett’s eyes widened slightly.
“You…”
“Greetings, my lord.”
She bowed politely.
“…Why were you hiding there?”
“I was picking up fallen fruit. It must have looked that way.”
She opened her hand, showing red berries.
“Why pick fruit in such a secluded place?”
“I’m a maid. If fruit falls anywhere, it’s my job to pick it up. Cleaning isn’t my only duty.”
Her answer was flawless.
“…If I made you uncomfortable, I apologize. I’ll be more careful not to appear before you again.”
“I am the Marquis of Winsrop.”
Rowena blinked slowly.
“You should address me properly. ‘My lord’ is too vague.”
As if it matters.
We’ll only meet again at your execution.
But she hid her thoughts.
“Understood. I will address you properly. But I’ll still try not to get in your way.”
“Why?”
He tilted his head.
“I never ordered you to avoid me.”
“…”
“In fact, it feels like you’re the one avoiding me.”
Rowena smiled inwardly.
He’s still sharp.
Everett was skilled at reading people.
He might not recognize her, but he could sense something was off.
That could become a problem.
So she changed her approach.
“To be honest… yes. When you spoke to me before, it felt like unwanted attention. There are nobles who behave that way.”
In other words, she thought he was hitting on her.
Everett’s sharp expression crumbled instantly.
“That’s not—! I was just tired, and I stepped back when I realized I was mistaken!”
“That’s true. But that’s also a common tactic—pretending to step back, then approaching again later.”
Just like now.
“…Honestly.”
He looked flustered but didn’t scold her.
Making a scene would only cause trouble.
Especially if Otille found out.
“…If it seemed that way, I apologize.”
Surprisingly, his tone was sincere.
“But remember this—I have no interest in any woman. I already love someone.”
Someone he loves.
That must be Otille.
As she thought that, Everett continued:
“The reason I stopped you that day was—”
But he stopped himself.
“…Never mind. It’s not something to say to a stranger.”
Rowena didn’t ask.
It didn’t matter to her.
“I hope whatever it is gets resolved. But it’s best not to be seen talking too long with a maid. It could lead to rumors.”
“…You’re right.”
“Then I’ll take my leave—”
“But pretending not to see each other would be strange. If we meet, at least greet me.”
She couldn’t refuse.
Maybe it was because, for a brief moment, his faint smile reminded her of the man she once loved.
“…Understood.”
That was the end.
Everett left without hesitation.
As if nothing had happened.
Clop, clop—
Another carriage arrived.
Rowena turned her head quickly.
A tall, well-built, handsome man stepped out.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been at the Count’s estate.”
…Richard.
The one she had been waiting for.
