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Chapter 4

-Chapter 4-

"Our family maids are also quite skilled. They will exceed Edith's standards." Duke Ludwig firmly states.

"Did Duchess Ludwig not bring a single maid with her when she got married?" The Count inquires.

"Well..."

In many ways, the conversation was in Count Rigelhoff's favor. After this conversation, in the original work, Sophia would have been sent in with Edith.

Count Rigelhoff looked at me again, this time with a kind and affectionate look on his face, as if to conclude the negotiation.

"My dear, Edith. It seems that Duke Ludwig is unwilling to allow you to bring a few maids with you. I don't know what to do."

I felt a chill run down my spine at the thought of bursting into tears at any moment, but I had to keep my wits about me. My decision here would determine my life.

"I'm fine.. I don't need to bring a maid." I assured.

"Huh...? E-Edith...?" Count Rigelhoff stammers.

"After all, the Ludwig family's maids are only as good as ours. And I don't want any maids to leave our mansion because of me. So you don't have to think about sending me a maid, Father."

The Duke and his two sons were watching me with sharp eyes. They seemed to think that I was going to cushion myself and then demand other terms.

'But I am innocent, gentlemen!'

"Please forget my father's request, Your Excellency. It seems that my father is very anxious to give me away in marriage when I am still so young."

"No, well..." The Duke of Ludwig sounds like he's in trouble. I can't be weak-hearted here!

"As the daughter-in-law of the Ludwig family, I don't want to be seen as a spoiled lady. I'll come alone and I'm sure the Duchess will appoint a good maid for me." I tried my best to put on a good smile.

But the corners of Edith's eyes were slightly upturned, making it difficult for me to put on an innocent face.

The Duke and Duchess nodded their heads in agreement, albeit with a hint of irritation. Count Rigelhoff's face hardened.

* * *

As soon as we were in the carriage and out of the mansion gate, Count Rigelhoff shouted. "Are you out of your mind?!"

I was afraid he would slap me in the face, but I'm glad he didn't. From now on, I have to act with all my might.

"Father, didn't you saw the look on Duke Ludwig's face earlier?"

"...what?"

"He had already realized what you meant when you said you wanted to send the maids along. What could I do if you made such a blatant demand?"

At those words, Count Rigelhoff's eyelids trembled.

It must have been strange to hear his daughter, who was always so good at doing what he told her to do, stand up and say something completely out of left field.

But I couldn't back down now.

"What's the point of bringing a maid in if you've already aroused suspicion? There will be more prying eyes around, and that's why I'd rather not have one, Father."

"That's...!"

"Have you forgotten what the primary purpose of this marriage was? It was to dispel their suspicions. First, we must blunt the blade of vigilance they have set upon us."