<CHAPTER 32>
Vulgar Rumors
At some point, the atmosphere had shifted to the belief that Camilla Berzac, who perfectly assisted the master of the Winter Palace, had been chosen as the future Crown Princess.
Messages from those seeking connections with the new master of the Autumn Palace never ceased.
“…I apologize.”
Camilla lowered her head, as if ashamed, waiting for Evelyn’s judgment.
Evelyn tilted her head and asked.
“Why are you asking for forgiveness?”
During a walk, loose-tongued individuals had spread rumors about Camilla and the Crown Prince.
They even spoke of a vulgar rumor that the three of them, including the master of the Winter Palace, shared the same bed.
“It is not your fault.”
Evelyn thought Camilla might be apologizing either for being included in such rumors or for guiding her to a path where such people were present.
Not knowing the exact reason, Evelyn simply smiled gently at her maid.
However, that was not what Camilla was apologizing for.
She knew the source of the rumors.
The Marquis Berzac and the Countess were behind them.
They had been spreading stories as if Camilla had captured the Crown Prince’s heart, and many believed it as truth.
“I heard that lady has been involved in another scandal recently?”
“Ah, I heard that too.”
It was a joke made possible only because their relationship was firm.
They laughed about something that would never happen.
Then Rexfail stepped in between them with visible displeasure.
“Fen. Why do I sometimes feel like breaking you?”
“Such a misunderstanding. Is there not only one flower worthy of being broken by Your Highness’s noble hands?”
“Since when did you adopt such an outdated mindset of comparing women to flowers?”
They joked like old friends while waiting for dinner to be prepared.
The Crown Prince had arrived earlier than expected.
Then suddenly, Rexfail spoke.
“I believe Vane is alone.”
“Sir Acrain?”
Evelyn hesitated slightly.
Rexfail looked puzzled.
“Why? Do you dislike him?”
Though somewhat nagging, he was capable and diligent.
Despite disliking his own delicate appearance, it made him popular among the female staff.
The more Rexfail thought about it, the stranger it seemed that Evelyn did not consider Vane.
“I will introduce him to the group.”
“But he…”
As Evelyn hesitated, Fenril interrupted.
“He has red hair, does he not?”
“So?”
“Lady Berzac also has red hair. Standing together, they may look like siblings.”
Evelyn nodded, finding it a reasonable point.
Only Rexfail seemed unconvinced.
“In any case, Sir Acrain will not do.”
Vane Acrain tended to avoid Evelyn.
Still, he treated her properly due to the Crown Prince’s authority.
However, he was not particularly polite, and there was a chance he would clash with Camilla.
“It cannot be helped. If there is an opportunity, I will judge him myself.”
Camilla was troubled.
She could not actively deny the rumors despite them being false.
Her position was too ambiguous.
She had become a maid of the Winter Palace through the support of the Berzac family.
Even her status was granted by being registered into their household.
If she denied the rumors, it would disgrace them.
She might even lose her position.
That was what worried Camilla.
Evelyn liked Camilla.
She was loyal, intelligent, honest with her emotions, and diligent.
Such people were rare.
Evelyn wanted to ease her worries.
So, when Rexfail came to dine with her after finishing his schedule, she asked.
“A man?”
Rexfail’s eyes twisted upon hearing her question.
“Why ask about another man? Am I not enough?”
“Rex.”
Evelyn raised her hand to stop him and stepped back.
“I only asked because I thought it would be good if there were a suitable man for my maid.”
“Your maid?”
“Which lady do you mean?”
Unexpectedly, Fenril joined the conversation.
“Is it Summer, Autumn, or Spring?”
It was a rude remark, likening mere maids to seasons before their master.
But Evelyn did not take issue with it.
Only Rexfail looked displeased.
Evelyn understood immediately whom Fenril meant.
After a brief hesitation, she answered.
“Autumn.”
“Ah, the lady with the burning red hair, a classical beauty with a strict aura.”
Fenril glanced at Rexfail mischievously.
Only those permitted may prepare tea.
Thus, when Evelyn told Ivy to serve tea, it was a warning to recognize her position as someone working under her.
Ivy’s flushed face looked as if not the kettle but her head was boiling.
“Ivy.”
Evelyn urged her as she stood trembling, biting her lips in anger.
It was long overdue to discipline that temper.
But if not handled now, Rexfail might intervene.
So Evelyn, despite thinking it harsh, pressed her.
With trembling hands, Ivy picked up the teacup.
She poured out the water used to warm the teapot and cup.
Fresh water was poured in, and tea leaves were added.
Meanwhile, Evelyn deliberately spoke gently to distract Rexfail.
It only provoked Ivy further.
Trembling, she finally managed to brew the tea.
“I offer this to Your Highness.”
Unless the recipient was of the same gender, offering tea implied a promise of marriage, close familial ties, or an intimate relationship.
Otherwise, it could be a signal of such intentions.
Rexfail’s dry gaze scanned Ivy.
Seeing her humiliated expression, it did not seem like she meant it as a formal offering.
Then there was only one answer.
As he was about to respond, a quiet voice called him.
Evelyn quickly grabbed Ivy’s arm and took the teacup meant for him.
“This is for His Highness—!”
Ivy stumbled.
Evelyn could not fully support her, but she succeeded in taking the cup.
To smooth things over, she took a sip.
And then—
“Evelyn!”
Rexfail cried out as Evelyn collapsed, coughing up blood before him.
