Battle Divorce! - Chapter 9
The startled head maid quickly clasped her hands together and bowed.
“A-Ah, you must not be familiar yet. Allow me to properly introduce myself, Master. I am Karen, the head maid of Waldeck mansion. I’ve worked here for thirty years, serving since the former Grand Duchess was young—”
“Karen. Sorry, maybe it’s because I’m a soldier, but I really hate unnecessary small talk.”
Karen’s face went pale.
“I prefer reports to be simple. Just answer the question when you’re asked, understood?”
“Well, normally… matters regarding the wedding night are taught by the bride’s family. But since Lady Therese came in such a rush, she didn’t get that chance, so I thought it would be helpful to give her a brief lesson to serve you bett—”
“’Lady Therese’?”
Maxim’s voice dropped.
What’s gotten into him? Daisy, watching from the sidelines, swallowed nervously.
“Listen, Karen. I believe a person’s name and title are the most important things in the world.”
“W-What do you mean…?”
“People call you ‘head maid, head maid’ all the time, so you start acting like you’re something special, don’t you?”
Maxim took a step closer, causing Karen to retreat a step in fear.
“But calling my wife ‘Lady Therese’. That sounds to me like you don’t accept her as Grand Duchess. Which means you don’t accept me as your master, either.”
He tilted his head.
“Am I misunderstanding?”
The room was dead silent.
Everyone in the room was completely cowed by the murderous air the new master of Waldeck exuded.
Karen, especially, looked as if she’d seen a ghost. She’d never expected the aloof bride he’d left after he got married to would be this fiercely defended.
She’d just been acting as she always did, but it was a clear mistake.
It was still too early to get a read on the new Grand Duke’s temperament, but it was obvious enough what might happen if she offended him.
After all, this was Maxim von Waldeck, the man who had just returned after annihilating enemy forces with a handful of elite troops.
“I-I’m so sorry.”
Feeling the ominous air, the head maid dropped to her knees in apology.
“I’m just not used to the new titles… I apologize. I’ll make sure to fix it.”
“Is that so? If I’m just misunderstanding you, that’s a relief.”
He let out a short, cold laugh at her stricken face.
“Whether you’re deceiving me or I’ve just misunderstood you… I guess we’ll see, won’t we? I’m a naturally skeptical person, Karen. From now on, show me with actions, not just words.”
“Yes, Master, I understand! I apologize again.”
“Shouldn’t you apologize to my wife, not to me?”
Karen flinched and quickly bowed to Daisy.
“I apologize. I’ll be more careful from now on. …Your Grace the Grand Duchess.”
Receiving such a formal apology while half-naked… Daisy was both embarrassed and bewildered.
‘Is this really something to go this far over?’
Are they really that close? Sure, technically she was his wife, but in reality, they’d only met once, and it was at the wedding.
Okay, so the wedding kiss was… intense. Still, this felt odd.
‘Maybe he’s just making an example out of someone. In the army or a knight’s order, this is how you keep people in line.’
Maybe it was because he was a soldier. Maxim von Waldeck didn’t treat the staff like servants, but more like subordinates needing discipline.
‘Still, it’s nice of him to take my side, but did it have to be while I’m half-naked?’
Why did the embarrassment always fall to her? Standing in the middle of it all, barely clothed, Daisy wished she could crawl into a hole.
“Well then, our head maid, Karen.”
“What is it, Master?”
“It’s not ‘What?’ It’s just ‘Yes’. When I speak, don’t question, don’t argue. Just answer. Obedience is the rule here. Understood?”
“…Yes!”
Maxim’s sharp tone made the head maid respond disciplinedly.
“As for bedroom matters, I’ll teach my wife myself. Those things are best learned between partners, and nothing beats hands-on practice, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
It sounded like he was seeking agreement, but clearly, Maxim had already made up his mind. Karen understood and answered without missing a beat.
“If anyone has any objections, speak now. I always welcome a range of opinions.”
Not that anyone would dare. The other maids exchanged nervous glances and nodded silently in agreement.
Step, step.
The only sound left in the room was Maxim von Waldeck’s footsteps gliding over the carpet.
