TFR 65

chapter 65

The maids’ room was small. Three small beds lined three sides of the room, and next to each bed was a tiny desk and chair. There were drawers on top of the beds and space underneath where each could store personal belongings.

Rosellina hadn’t brought anything with her, but when she returned after meeting with Lady Vanessa, there was a small suitcase waiting. It had been sent by Marco.

Maxi and Lexi weren’t in the room, probably gone to wash up. Before they returned, Rosellina organized the muslin clothes Lady Vanessa had given her and opened the suitcase. On top was a letter from Marco.

“First of all, don’t judge the Griffin family’s wealth by the worn state of this suitcase. I paid extra to deliberately get something old. It’s simply my way of making sure the other maids don’t get jealous or misunderstand. And don’t worry, our family is strong, so don’t misread this.”

Rosellina burst out laughing at the first sentence. She had never paid much attention to appearances, so she hadn’t even noticed before. But now she saw scratches and signs of long use here and there.

It was a considerate gesture that only Marco would think of, and Rosellina smiled as she continued reading.

Marco had even prepared a detailed story about the maid Lina, just in case Rosellina’s true identity was discovered.

Maid Lina was said to be the daughter of an old mercenary who had achieved remarkable feats in the previous war. After the war, the old mercenary had firmly refused to join the knights and only handled a few matters for the Griffin family. After hearing that he had died in an accident and his daughter was left alone, Marco Griffin had introduced her to the royal palace.

The story was built around Rosellina’s mercenary father. That he had distinguished himself in the war and handled Griffin family affairs could justify her entrance into the palace.

No one would ask casually, but if anyone became curious about her background, this story was ready. Rosellina thought Marco had done well and tucked the letter deep into the drawer.

The suitcase contained a few casual outfits showing signs of use, pajamas and underwear that looked new but were made of cheap fabric, and some cheap socks. Everything seemed tailored to Rosellina’s situation. In a small pouch that looked handmade, there was some money. Only ten galleons, but it would come in handy when needed.

As Rosellina carefully organized her belongings, Maxi and Lexi returned.

“Lina! Did you get scolded a lot?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Ugh, what a mess. I feel so wronged. We were just following the steward’s orders.”

Lexi flopped onto the bed, looking frustrated. Maxi sat on her own bed, pulling off her socks carelessly, and continued.

“Really, it’s not like Lady Vanessa is jealous, right? I mean, do you think she’d care about us lowly maids? And even if she did, we couldn’t become head maids immediately anyway.”

They hadn’t gone to wash up—they had been gossiping about the maids and Lady Vanessa.

“That’s ridiculous, Maxi. Why would Lady Vanessa be jealous? Sophie just says nonsense.”

“Ah, I don’t know. We’re the ones who suffer because of the higher-ups.”

Maxi buried herself in the bed, and Lexi nodded in agreement, glancing at Rosellina.

“You had a rough first day too, Lina. There won’t be many more situations like that. It was our first time too.”

“Exactly. Why did he even appear there all of a sudden?”

“This entire palace is his domain. You can’t go anywhere he hasn’t been. Just unlucky timing.”

“I hope we never run into him again. Right?”

Maxi asked, seemingly seeking Rosellina’s agreement. Should she never meet Dantes again? Rosellina asked herself the same question. But she couldn’t answer immediately, unsure of herself.

I want to meet Dantes again. But it would be better for both of us not to. Rosellina nodded slowly to herself.

Fortunately, Maxi and Lexi simply assumed Rosellina was slow to respond because she was tired and didn’t notice anything unusual.

“But, Lina.”

“Yes?”

“Where did you get your hair cut? Who chopped it so unevenly? And they actually got paid for that?”

“Ah.”

Rosellina fiddled with her messy hair. Seeing her embarrassment, Lexi pulled out a small pair of scissors from the drawer.

“Want me to fix it?”

Rosellina didn’t answer, but Lexi’s round eyes shone with expectation. Rosellina smiled faintly at that cute expression and nodded again.

Meanwhile, Dantes was busy with his schedule. From morning until lunch, he was buried in endless meetings. In the afternoon, he met nobles who had requested audiences. Each had their own demands. If they tried to speak indirectly, Dantes made them state their wishes plainly and asked what they were willing to offer in return. If the deal was reasonable or valuable in itself, he agreed; if it was absurd, he dismissed them.

After the eleventh audience, Dantes rubbed his head.

“Did everyone become children just because I stepped out of the palace for a bit? They’re impossible. I can’t just throw them all in jail either.”

He was very tired. Since Roberto Brida’s execution, people had been more cautious around him, but that hadn’t lessened his greed. Watching them shamelessly show their avarice made even a simple lunch feel indigestible.

“Only one more appointment today. Calm your temper, Your Majesty.”

“Is it the Peril family?”

“Yes, sir.”

Since Dantes returned, Demeteria Peril had wanted daily private audiences with him, even though she had no special business. Dantes, not wanting to waste time, had declined all her requests. This time, she brought her father, Andre Peril, along for the audience.

Cesario had advised him not to let the woman persist so much, but Dantes wasn’t in the mood. Meeting her without his heart in it felt burdensome. Her father, Andre, surely sensed Dantes’ unease but subtly pushed forward, seemingly unwilling to delay the marriage any longer. Dantes rubbed his forehead.

“And Marco?”

“Lord Griffin has arrived as well.”

Dantes nodded. Marco would help him with the pressure from the Peril family. The audience request was ostensibly to assist with Marco’s social party. Following Milan’s guidance, Marco entered the audience hall.

“Your Majesty, your shield, Marco Griffin, has arrived.”

Marco bowed exaggeratedly. Dantes smiled faintly and told him to sit. Marco took a seat beside Dantes, in the place the staff had prepared. They could accompany him to audiences whenever needed, and no noble could object. Dantes had entrusted his most trusted friends and subordinates with extraordinary power.

“Bring in Duke Peril and Miss Demeteria.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Milan stepped out once more. Soon, Andre Peril and Demeteria entered. Dressed in a pale pink dress with her hair neatly arranged, Demeteria was dazzlingly beautiful.

“Your Majesty, Andre Peril pays his respects. And Lord Griffin is present as well.”

Dantes acknowledged them with a slight nod. Marco, as if waiting, spoke next.

“Duke Peril, we meet again since the morning session. As this is my social party, His Majesty suggested we discuss it together. Miss Demeteria, long time no see. You’re as beautiful as ever.”

“You flatter me, Lord Griffin. Your Majesty, it’s been a while.”

Demeteria bowed gracefully, her blush and shy expression making her appear as the epitome of modesty.

“Miss Demeteria, thank you for coming to the palace. Unfortunately, there’s so much to discuss regarding state affairs that I doubt we’ll have time for lengthy greetings.”

Before formal conversation began, Dantes signaled that this would be brief. Marco continued before Andre or Demeteria could express disappointment.

“His Majesty mentioned you wished to assist with the social party. What kind of help do you mean? The Peril family’s support is always welcome, but with His Majesty providing the venue and other assistance, our Griffin family should manage comfortably.”

There was a subtle sharpness in Marco’s words. It seemed he was confirming whether the Perils sought to ensure the party’s success because the Griffins might not handle it well alone. Indeed, while the Griffin family didn’t have the deep history or fame of the Perils, their solid business foundation gave them pride in social events.

Andre Peril smiled quietly at Marco’s skill in steering the conversation, a smile that said he wouldn’t be easily outmaneuvered. But Marco returned the smile without hesitation.

Demeteria glanced between her father and Marco, then looked at Dantes.

As when they first appeared, Dantes’ expression remained impassive, revealing just enough indifference to be noticeable.