The Maid and The Usurper - Chapter 25
“Thank you. These are precious liquors to serve to our guests. Even the slightest mistake could bring dishonor to the family’s honor.”
The head maid wiped away the cold sweat from her palms. The incident was caused by a small mistake from the servants. As always, she sought out Layla. Despite her young age, Layla was sharp and remarkably clever. Her quick wits allowed her to resolve the situation before Lady Wegener could catch wind of it.
“But how do you know so much about the world, when you have only lived in the convent?”
“A dear old priest taught me. He was in charge of the liquor for the monastery altar, so he was very particular about the liquor.”
“That’s right. The monastery brews the wine. How could he not know?”
The head maid accepted the hasty excuse without question. In truth, Layla had picked up that knowledge from the smugglers. They specialized in supplying high-end liquor to Sarban, where prohibition laws were strict, and Layla became quite knowledgeable about alcohol.
“You learned a lot of things while living at the convent.”
“I figured knowing a bit of everything couldn’t hurt. You never know when you might leave the convent.”
Anything that could be a ticket out of La Ellosa was worth knowing. Legal or not, it hardly mattered to her. In the end, it was the knowledge she had gained from La Ellosa’s gutters that had saved her.
“For now, go back. We’re short-handed, and there’s no other choice.”
Layla bowed her head. Her footsteps felt heavy as she made her way back to the ballroom. She dreaded encountering Viscountess Bertel. The thought of facing someone like her, who regarded Layla as little more than a pest, was unsettling. Though it was unlikely that the viscountess would remember her face, Layla didn’t want to grow accustomed to such encounters. All she wished for was to live unnoticed in this place, like a ghost, until she could finally be free.
‘How will the bastard prince fare when I’m gone?’
It was an uncharacteristic concern for someone who could barely look after herself. Still, she couldn’t help but worry, moreso after seeing the list of fewer than ten names.
‘He’ll likely get engaged, marry someone suitable, and live his life. By then, Prince Michael will have ascended the throne, and the queen won’t set me up anymore.”
But it was improbable that she would be around to see that future. The queen would eventually see her as a liability. Given her nature, the queen wouldn’t create unnecessary conflict; she would simply arrange for Layla’s quiet elimination. So it would be best to be wary of the queen, fake her death and disappear.
‘I think living here is starting to mess with my head.’
She slapped both cheeks. She needed to pull herself together. She mustn’t lose her mind just because it’s more comfortable than La Ellosa. With a sigh, Layla returned to the banquet hall and carried food and drinks with a presence as inconspicuous as a decorative object, like the other maids.
“Viscountess Bertel, the diamonds on your necklace are truly magnificent,” someone remarked, the voice filled with admiration.
The viscountess’ hand touched the large diamond with more care than ever.
“This is the Glory Diamond from Sarban. I obtained it with much difficulty.”
“The Glory Diamond? How did you manage to acquire such a rare gem, Viscountess?”
The Glory Diamonds were often praised as the Crystals of Water. It could only be found in the water-flowing mines of Sarban, and even there, it was extracted in such small quantities that its rarity was legendary.
“It’s also one of the most counterfeited diamonds out there.”
Layla muttered quietly to herself. It wasn’t even funny. If they knew what those stones were made of, they would be horrified. Layla inwardly scoffed at the nobles. There was nothing noble about them. The ones who indulged in La Ellosa, losing themselves in pleasure and debauchery, resembled beasts cloaked in human skin, panting like dogs. They were truly pitiful creatures.
“It’s so brilliant!”
Layla suppressed the urge to snort. She moved quietly, carrying brandy from place to place.
“Knights are really annoying. They follow you around wherever you go.”
