Chapter 244 - Sweet Dreams

Furious, Beatrice asked Max to leave. Nonetheless, the eyesore did not budge as he was faced with a grave issue.

‘If I don’t do anything, it’s only a matter of time before Jubelian realizes that I have concealed Master’s words.’

Once the lady grew close to her father, there would be things she might find strange. For example, the duke may say something like, “I told Max every day about how much I cherish you.” This would lead to Jubelian feeling betrayed.

‘I trusted you… Did you hide these things knowing how much I wanted to reconcile with my dad? I’m disappointed in you,’ she might say.

Due to the fear that the disheartened lady might leave him, Max had not been able to sleep well—to the point that the lack of rest was putting a strain on his body.

“Come on, be honest with me,” he pleaded Beatrice. Her slight flinch was unnoticeable to Max. The thought she had just a moment ago…

‘I guess he’s not hideous.’

She was overcome with shame. ‘I must be going crazy, thinking someone like him has decent looks.’ Scowling, she demanded, “Of all people, why should I listen to your nonsense?”

Watching his stepsister grit her teeth in anger, Max stroked his chin calmly and mused, “You hate me very much. If you say ‘yes’ to my question, I will be at ease knowing that most of my sins will be forgiven.”

He wore a subtle smirk on his face, and Beatrice had to suppress her violent urges. ‘Who the hell does he think he is? That crazy b*stard!’ Max was now sauntering around her room. Beatrice’s eyes widened when she realized what was in his hand. ‘T-that is…!’ The precious letter from Jubelian was now between his calloused fingers. “What do you think you’re doing? Give it back!” Beatrice stomped toward him, but he was already reading the contents of the letter. Seeing that, she was rather smug.

‘You’re jealous, aren’t you?’ she snickered, expecting Max to be envious. However, his expression was rather strange. Wondering what was wrong, Beatrice called, “Maxmillian.”

His voice low, Max asked, “Is this a reply to a letter you’ve sent Jubelian?”

“Y-yes.”

Handing over the letter, Max began to walk out. “I’m leaving.” After putting the helmet back on, he headed out of the room. Narrowing her eyes, Beatrice watched as he left.

‘Seriously, what’s gotten into him?’

Max furrowed his brow once he left the room. For the past three days, he had not visited Jubelian in fear that he might have insulted her in some way. However, he was heading to the mansion now. ‘She never replied to my letters…!’ Jealousy had taken over, replacing his worries.

* * *

Feeling uncomfortable with the person I was speaking to, I periodically checked the clock on the wall.

“Lady Jubelian.”

Tensed up from her call, I answered, “Yes, Madam Perez. I’m listening.” I was in the middle of discussing the plans for my coming-of-age ceremony with Madam Perez, the head housekeeper for our family.

“Where are you planning to get your dresses made?” Unlike the friendly and gentle butler Derrick, Madam Perez was a strict woman. Her nature suited her duties as our housekeeper, but it made it difficult for me to hold a conversation with her.

“Hmm… I’m thinking of doing them at Lily Muge,” I said hesitantly.

Scribbling something on a piece of paper, she noted, “We will contact them in advance once you decide when to visit. There will be three dresses needed for the ball—one for the day, another for the evening, and the last for the ceremony itself. “