Chapter 48
It seemed like the maids had been ordered not to talk about the incident—no one said a word about the dead maid.
Only after work, when the maids were alone, did a few of them talk about it quietly. Even then, they just whispered. All I could gather was that “Milon was closest to Pryn,” and they were worried about Pryn returning to the palace after her vacation.
But my thoughts were different from the maids. Maybe this maid, Pryn, ran away because she knew something about the incident.
What if she already knew someone would poison me and then blame her close friend? If that was true, Milon must have been threatened. Pryn got scared and used the party as an excuse to run away.
I thought of this after I had already finished preparing to attend the final week of the party. I’d worked hard to look like someone with power so that it would be easier to get Pryn to talk.
‘Maybe I overdid it?’
It was too late to think that—my look was already complete.
Calix didn’t like the idea of me going to the party but couldn’t stop me either. I figured it was because he really wanted to see me in a dress.
Also, ever since I woke up, Calix tasted every bit of food before I ate—acting like my royal taster. I told him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen.
I couldn’t really blame him. If I saw him collapse in front of me, I would’ve tied him up and never let him out again. In that sense, Calix was more decent than me. He only interfered with food—how gentlemanly.
The knights attending the party with Calix were all in formal uniforms. Their sharp outfits looked really good.
Calix noticed I couldn’t stop looking at them and pulled my hand tighter. I ignored the sting on my arm and let myself be pulled along.
“You shouldn’t be distracted.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.”
He stopped, surprised by my answer.
“You’re not denying it?”
“Come on, just let it go.”
I waved it off and walked toward the greenhouse.
Today, I decided to attend the party from the afternoon. I had already eaten lunch in my room—Calix refused to let me eat anything from the party, saying he couldn’t trust the food.
As soon as we stepped into the greenhouse, I could feel eyes turning toward me, but I pretended not to notice and walked confidently. The greenhouse during the day had a different charm from the night. Sunlight sparkled through the glass, and the stream was clearly visible.
The butterflies that glowed at night now had shiny, glass-like wings in the sun.
We found a spot hidden behind large trees. It was a resting area for people who wanted a break from dancing. With all the big plants around, we didn’t have to worry about anyone overhearing.
Calix double-checked.
“So we’re here to find the maid named Pryn?”
“Yes. I heard she started working again today.”
But how was I going to find her in this huge place?
‘Hmm.’
Thinking hard, I called over a servant carrying a tray of drinks.
“Yes, my lady?”
“Is this strong alcohol?”
“Not very strong, but…”
“Then bring me the strongest drink you have. Just one glass.”
As soon as the servant left, Calix looked at me, clearly worried.
“Lena, didn’t we promise you wouldn’t eat or drink anything here?”
I smiled at him.
“Don’t worry. I’m not the one drinking it.”
“Then…?”
“And you’re not drinking it either, so stop worrying.”
“…?”
Soon, the servant came back with a clear glass of alcohol.
“This is what you ordered. It’s called Flame of Wigmenta…”
“No need for the explanation. You can go.”
At Calix’s wave, the servant left quietly. I smiled triumphantly and raised the glass. This was exactly what I needed.
As Calix reached out to stop me, I didn’t hesitate—I splashed the drink right into his face.
“…”
Calix instinctively closed his eyes. He didn’t open them, and he didn’t say anything either.
I immediately grabbed a napkin and started wiping his face carefully.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry! I’ve cleaned it all up.”
“…”
Once his soaked face was dry and clean, I said,
“There, all done. You can open your eyes now.”
He slowly opened his eyes—his blue eyes were full of confusion and annoyance. Instead of answering, I grabbed his collar and pressed my nose to his neck. His body stiffened.
‘Mm, good.’
He smelled like alcohol—a lot of it.
“Lena, what are you doing…?”
He looked shocked, his eyelashes still wet.
‘He probably looks like I’m playing some dirty trick on an innocent guy.’
But Calix wasn’t some innocent guy. He probably knew too much.
Ignoring that, I grinned down at him and whispered just for him to hear.
“From now on, you’re a drunk duke who’s had too much.”
“…”
His eyelids twitched. His eyes were full of disbelief. I ignored it and explained my made-up plan.
“You’re drunk and curious about the maid named Pryn. You saw her last time at the palace and liked her, so you remembered her name.”
“…”
“And in your drunken state, you decided you wanted to see her.”
“So?”
“So, go grab any servant and ask them to bring the maid named Pryn.”
“You want me to leave you to go chase another woman?”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed.
‘He’s not upset I splashed him with alcohol—he’s mad about pretending to like some random woman.’
It was ridiculous—but also a little satisfying.
I gently cupped his cheeks and said sweetly,
“I’m sorry, Duke. But today, your role is the lovesick drunk who likes a maid named Pryn.”
“I never agreed to that.”
He grumbled.
“What’ll make you agree?”
When I asked, Calix pulled me closer by the waist, pretending to think.
“Hmm… if you kiss me?”
His obvious trick made me laugh.
“Duke, you’re so easy to read.”
“It’s only easy for you.”
Good point. I nodded.
“Okay. If you bring her, I’ll kiss you.”
He grinned and stood up.
“So I just have to find the maid named Pryn?”
“Yep.”
‘He really is sweet.’
Anyone else would’ve said no to a plan like this.
“I’ll be in the lounge. You know where it is, right?”
Calix thought for a moment, then nodded. His frown already made him look like a drunk man—it was perfect.
“Don’t eat or drink anything while I’m gone.”
“Of course.”
“And don’t talk to anyone. Pretend you don’t know them.”
“That’ll be hard.”
I answered without thinking, then quickly added,
“…But I’ll try my best!”
“Good. Oh—”
Calix waved at a servant nearby.
“What’s your name?”
“Peta.”
The servant looked confused as the Duke suddenly called him.
“Peta. This lady needs a rest. Can you take her to the fifth lounge room?”
“Yes, sir. This way, my lady.”
Calix even asked the servant’s name before sending me off.
‘So thorough.’
He left no room for mistakes.
I waved once at Calix, then turned to follow the servant. As we walked to a small door in the greenhouse, I glanced back. I saw Calix stop another servant with an annoyed face.
‘He’s handling it well.’
I followed the servant without worry.
“This is your room.”
The servant said politely and left. His attitude felt a little colder than usual, but maybe I imagined it.
‘Is he looking down on me because I’m a commoner with no title?’
I almost pouted but stopped myself.
The lounge room was for nobles at the party. There were many of these rooms. Probably used by nobles who wanted private moments during the party.
Next to me, there was a bed, a sofa, a table—everything you’d need. There was even a bell to call a servant.
I sat on the bed, swinging my legs, waiting for Calix.
But even after a long time, he still didn’t come.
I got tired of waiting—lay down on the bed, then the sofa, even jumped on the bed—but he still didn’t show up.
‘He should be here by now.’
Unless Pryn was somewhere very far away in the palace, she should’ve arrived by now.
‘Did they get lost on the way?’
But he told the servant exactly where to bring me—so I doubt he forgot or got lost.
