Chapter 16

Chapter 16

It was Tyler.

Daisy beckoned Tyler, who greeted her politely.

“Sit down.”

“Madam, I dare not sit in front of you.”

“Fine. Don’t sit down then.”

The discussion wouldn’t be long anyway. If you refuse, then I shall let you have your way.

Tyler was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure.

“Thank you for the offer.”

Tyler looked at Daisy, who gracefully crossed her legs. She looked different from his first impression of her, whom he thought was someone without any outstanding ability.

When Daisy was preparing for the party and during the party, her actions and words left a deep impression on him.

‘I must’ve misjudged her.’

Daisy was genuinely affectionate to the children and merciful to him. In fact, she was far from being incompetent. She was insightful and broad-minded. Due to that, he had a hunch that something great was going to happen in the future.

‘Is there any hope for this family to change?’

He was busy pondering so, but Daisy’s voice woke Tyler up.

“Tyler.”

“Yes, madam. Please tell me.”

“Have you posted the announcement?”

“I was going to inform you today.”

Even though it had been a while since he posted it, no one applied. Not because there was a shortage of people, but because there was only one person who barely matched the qualifications.

It wasn’t surprising, but it was complicated to explain.

Tyler, who tried to hide his heart, said.

“In my opinion, we’ll have to take some time to find one.”

“No. That’s okay.”

“Pardon?”

“I decided to hire a maid who was introduced by my acquaintance.”

“Then, I’ll take down the announcement.”

Mmm. Daisy waved her hand nonchalantly. Not long after, she could feel Tyler’s confused gaze.

“Leave it. When the time comes, tell the servants that I didn’t hire her myself, and that you were the one who picked her.”

I must not take down the announcement. From the beginning until the end, everyone had to be an actor on this stage. Because I had to fool them completely.

“Do you want me to leave it as if I am still looking for a maid?”

“That’s right.”

Tyler frowned at her words. Why must you make such a lie? It’s against work ethics. The new maid should be introduced to the servants truthfully since they will be working under the same roof.

For that reason, Tyler tried to refuse, but Daisy smiled gracefully.

“Tyler, trust me just this once.”

The silence ensued. The time passed by ever so slowly. The only thing moving in the room was the clock on the wall. Not long after, Tyler opened his stubborn mouth.

“Then I will do as you say, madam.”

What a relief. Daisy thought and breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

“That maid is going to work starting next Monday. I have an important appointment that day, so I’ll be going out.”

“I’ll oversee the introduction of the new maid that day. I’ll prepare the carriage for your trip as well, madam.”

It wasn’t the butler’s responsibility, but he had no choice since the housekeeper was too incompetent and lazy to handle that.

But Daisy only waved her hand as if telling him that he didn’t need to do that.

“Let the housekeeper handle the introduction. Otherwise, the maid will be surprised. Still, please take care of the carriage.”

Perhaps the mansion will be turned upside down by next week.

Daisy, who was satisfied, was reminded of her conversation with Carlyx this morning.

-‘I’ll be home late because I have a sparring session.’

For some reason, I didn’t want to let it slide so easily. So, Daisy stopped Tyler, who was preparing to leave.

“Wait, Tyler. What is Carlyx’s schedule for today?”

To be honest, Tyler wouldn’t know either. Carlyx was a peculiarly independent nobleman, so he wasn’t someone who followed a schedule.

Then, Tyler explained with a proud expression.

“Master has a sparring session from morning to lunch break. I suppose he has nothing to do afterwards.”

“Did you ask him?”

“I figured that would be the case because he didn’t answer my question yet.”

He must have found out through the knights of Logan.

‘It must be hard for Tyler.’

Looking at Tyler, who stood proudly with a straightened posture, I was filled with delight. In fact, there was someone else who needed to be aware and follow the owner’s schedule perfectly. Such a person was called a valet, but the household did not have someone who holds that position yet.

‘’Tyler is the only one who can dig out information about him safely.’

The butler should keep track of his owner’s situation, which was not easy, but necessary.

“Well done, Tyler.”

“Of course, madam. Thank you.”

Even if it was just for a brief moment, Tyler, who always wore a stiff expression on his face, smiled softly. It was a smile without any pretense or caution.

“I hope you’ll continue to keep up the good work.”

“I’ll do my best to not let you down.”

Soon, Daisy was left alone in her seat. She muttered in a serious tone.

“So you lied to me.”

Daisy rose from her seat, lifting up one corner of her mouth.

Today, they will have a conversation no matter what.

“Let’s see who will win in the end.”

****

At 3 a.m.

Carlyx, who checked his pocket watch, put down the book he was reading and picked up a candlestick.

‘I’m sure she’s sleeping by now.’

Just as he thought, there was no light coming out of the gap in the room.

Carlyx, who was a little relieved, lowered the door handle and went inside. But soon after, he was greatly bewildered.

“…Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”

“Let’s talk.”

Daisy brought it up as soon as she saw Carlyx.

Ah, so she put out most of the light and pretended to be asleep.

Carlyx looked at her while brooding over the name ‘Daisy’. Perhaps because of the candle she held, his eyes went straight to her.

Daisy was wearing a white nightgown that was embroidered with elegant flowers. Her blonde locks gliding down her shoulders sparkled stunningly. It was reminiscent of a full moon shining behind the window.

So, he deliberately suppressed his overflowing thoughts.

“Carlyx? What are you standing there for?”

After barely returning to his senses, Carlyx closed the door carefully. At that moment, Daisy’s candle went out. Now, only the candle he was holding remained to provide sufficient light in the room. That meant he couldn’t avoid her anymore.

“I’ve been waiting to talk to you. Sit down.”

“…Alright.”

Carlyx heaved a sigh and walked to Daisy. The light blue wallpaper blended well with the light. On the other hand, the white fireplace and the antique longue next to it created an elegant atmosphere.

Daisy gestured to sit on another lounge chair in front of the round table. It was dawn, but she was determined to have a conversation with him.

‘Ravi.’

Daisy recited the name of the lovely child inwardly. That precious little boy was limping on one leg.

‘What happened? Was his ex-wife involved in this?’

I could’ve done some research myself, but it’s better to ask Carlyx directly.

In fact, I’m not sure if it’s something I can pry into. Thinking that even the children were involved, I was reluctant to do a background check.

“Let’s have a drink.”

Daisy gently shook the wine bottle. It was a friendly and relaxed gesture.

“I’m fine.”

Carlyx looked at the clock on the wall. It was time to go to bed soon, and he didn’t want to get drunk.

It feels like instead of getting intoxicated in alcohol, he would be put under a strange spell if he drinks it.

So, Carlyx took the bottle from her and picked up the opener on the table.

“How much are you going to drink?”

“I’m not going to drink it.”

“Then why did you bring it?”

Carlyx stopped moving. He put down his hand that had already broken the cork. Daisy, who adjusted her posture comfortably, said leisurely.

“Of course I brought it so I can drink it.”

“Then drink it. I don’t think you’re someone who cares about what I think. I won’t say anything about people who enjoy drinking alone, and there’s no one else here.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why?”

The wine seemed to have been carefully picked, and from the label year, it clearly wasn’t his wine. He initially thought it was a newly bought wine, but it was old and the wrapper was luxurious.

Didn’t you go out of your way to choose this wine and bring it here? If that’s the case, why are you suddenly changing your plan?

“I don’t like to drink alone.”

“You don’t like drinking alone?”

I know she doesn’t have many friends, but I wonder if she ever had a drink with another guy…

What a useless question, let’s just forget about it.

Carlyx put down the wine bottle he was holding.

“No. I often drank alone.”

Ah, perhaps it’s because she doesn’t want to drink alone in front of a bastard son like me?

‘Because she’s afraid I’ll do something.’

His assumption did not have any relevance with the situation. In fact, he was aware that he was exaggerating. Daisy did not do anything rude. But strangely enough, he viewed everything she did negatively.

“I don’t want to get drunk alone today. I’m not good at handling alcohol.”

Daisy moved the wine bottle to the corner. In her memory, Carlyx wasn’t someone who had a high tolerance of alcohol either. So, she thought it would be helpful for the two to talk about River with the influence of alcohol.

But this man didn’t seem to have any intention of doing that.

“Let’s have a sober conversation, then.”

Daisy shook the empty glass meaninglessly. Carlyx, who had been looking down for a while, was now looking at her calmly.

“I’m sure you have many questions. Go ahead and ask.”

“Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”

About River’s condition.

The words that were omitted at the end felt as though it was hanging in the air. He understood what she meant even if she didn’t say it.

No matter how kind hearted one is, it was natural to be surprised in unexpected circumstances. He knew that reaction could be falsely interpreted.

“Since I was not informed about his condition, I could have hurt River accidentally.”

If her expression changed as soon as she saw the child, whether it was good or bad, River may never forget that look.

Do you think doing so was best for the child? Daisy was extremely curious.

‘I want to know.’

And she deserved to know as their stepmother.

Carlyx closed his lips for a moment. He tried to open his lips several times, but he couldn’t easily say what he wanted to.

“…I apologize about that.”

A silence ensued again as if she was waiting for his next words. Then, Carlyx spoke in a resigned tone.

“I was partially expecting and partially waiting.”

“Waiting for what?”

“I’ve been waiting for you to be disappointed.”