KFBRV Ch 23

[Malea] "The Countess said she would make me her personal attendant after a few tests. I passed them all—"

[Odette] "I’m sure you did. Judging by the price of those pearls you're wearing, she plans to keep you very close from now on."

Malea looked at her with a face full of wonder.

[Malea] "My Lady, it’s almost frightening. How does everything happen exactly the way you said it would?"

She offered only a thin smile in response as she sat at the tea table. The spread of black tea and pastries Malea had prepared looked delicious.

[Odette] "During this Founding Festival, you will attend the Empress’ Salon in my mother’s place. I'll give you a list of artworks that are about to skyrocket in value. Make sure you buy those specific paintings."

The Empress’ Salon was an incredibly prestigious event. She knew her mother had received a personal invitation, just as she had in her previous life.

In the past, the Countess had attended in person. But since she was currently confined, she would undoubtedly send Malea—someone with a keen eye—as her proxy.

While it was rare for a maid to attend such an elite gathering, a personal invitation allowed the recipient to send anyone they trusted. Given the Countess' greed for a larger dowry, she wouldn't miss the chance to invest.

She took a bite of a scone. A sip of black tea followed, filling her mouth with a rich, refined flavor.

[Malea] "That’s impossible!"

Malea’s sudden cry interrupted her.

[Malea] "How could I go to the Salon in place of the Countess? She has been looking forward to that day for months!"

[Odette] "My mother is under house arrest. She won’t be able to go."

[Malea] "But the Young Master is returning today! Her confinement is supposed to be lifted the moment he arrives. There's no way she would miss the Salon."

[Odette] "She won't be released today."

She spoke calmly as she pulled out a sheet of fine stationery and began writing with a fountain pen. Although it took some time since she was still getting used to the script, the names she wrote belonged to artists whose works would become legendary in a matter of days.

In her past life, the Countess had regretted not buying these pieces until the day she died. At the time, the Countess had mocked the style as 'vulgar and strange,' only to change her tune the moment the prices soared.

[Malea] "How can you be so sure? I don't see how—"

[Odette] "Do you think the Head Maid and the Housekeeper will just let my insults slide? Not with their pride."

She cut her off as she set the pen down.

[Malea] "Pardon?"

[Odette] "The moment Ferdinand returns, they will rush to him and beg for my mother’s release. And I know exactly how he will react."

Their plea would be a fatal mistake. Today was the first day of the festival, and Ferdinand would already be fuming because Odette's "illness" prevented him from showing her off. He was the type to chew on a grudge, replaying an insult until his anger boiled over.

When the servants tried to defend the Countess, he would see it as a lack of respect for himself, the future master of the house. His paranoia would flare up, and the Countess would remain locked away for the entire festival. She might even lose her right to manage the family's assets. Odette knew them better than anyone; she had spent a lifetime trying to earn their love, after all.

[Malea] "You are..."

Her voice trailed off, her eyes wide with fear.

Odette met her gaze and took another slow sip of tea.

[Odette] "Now that you are her personal attendant, you finally have enough value to be worth blackmailing."

She crossed her legs, making sure the burn scar was visible. Malea turned pale, clutching her hands together.

With Ferdinand returning today, the pressure was absolute.

[Odette] "Surely you didn't expect my threats to be a one-time thing? My scar is permanent. It would be a waste to only use you once."

[Malea] "I... I understand. I will follow any order you give, My Lady. Just tell me what to do."

In truth, the scar would fade in a month, leaving her skin smoother than before. But she didn't mind. To keep Malea obedient, she was willing to endure light burns and use the Vesuvius red tree every month if necessary.

[Odette] "For the duration of the festival, I am suffering from a severe lung disease."

[Malea] "My Lady?"

[Odette] "Not just my brother, but no one in this mansion is allowed to enter my room. Not even you."

[Malea] "Yes. I will make sure of it. Do not worry."

Malea bowed deeply. She knew that if anyone discovered the truth about the scar, her own head would be on the line.

[Malea] "It’s only natural for you to be ill after being thrown into the dungeon. Even now, your cough is quite terrible, isn't it?"

She spoke the lie boldly, despite Odette not having coughed once. She was showing off how well she could manipulate the narrative.

Malea is certainly easier to use.

She was quick-witted and understood the stakes.

While the world believed Odette was bedridden, she planned to use the secret passages to move through the city and set more traps for her family’s ruin.

[Odette] "Stand up straight, Malea. You have a meal to serve."

Malea immediately began cutting the bacon with meticulous care.

[Odette] "How has the atmosphere been while I was asleep?"

[Malea] "There is trouble with the Master's business. His partners bring bad news every day. Since he's stuck at the Palace and the Countess is confined... the servants are at their wits' end."

It was exactly as she expected. Malea was proving her worth by filtering the information she needed most.

[Odette] "Is Mrs. Becker busy then?"

[Malea] "Very. With the Countess locked away, she’s taken over all the minor household duties. I heard her complaining that she doesn't even have time to rest in her room."

[Odette] "Then it’s a perfect time to steal something from her quarters."

Malea looked stunned, but Odette simply ate her scrambled eggs.

She had learned a lesson among the beggars: always send the cleverest person to steal. Not just because they are good at it, but because a shared crime ensures they can never betray you.

[Odette] "Go to Mrs. Becker’s room. Steal her most expensive dress."

By making Malea a thief, Odette ensured the maid could never crawl back to Mrs. Becker for help.

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The Founding Festival was vibrant from the very first day. Orange lights lined the bridges over the river, and the streets were filled with boisterous parades.

Wolfgang, the owner of a local pawnshop, tapped his full safe with a satisfied grin.

No other shop has this much cash ready. I won't miss this chance.

Music, alcohol, and gambling always led people to sell their valuables for a fraction of their worth.

Suddenly, the chime above the door rang. A girl with pale skin entered, her hood pulled low over her face.

[Wolfgang] "Welcome!"

He was a better judge of people than jewels. He took in her appearance: a clean two-piece outfit with a dark green skirt and a high-quality brown cloak.

She looks like a noble’s daughter. Expensive clothes, but... they almost look cheap on her.

He didn't care about the details. If a girl like this was in a place like his with her hood up, it meant she was desperate for cash and couldn't be seen. Little did he know he was looking at the Lady of Albrecht.

His eyes gleamed with greed.

A naive little lady who knows nothing of the world. What a lucky start to the day.

As he licked his lips in anticipation, the girl reached the counter and placed two jewels down.

[Odette] "Give me a fair price for these."

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