KFBRV Pt 2 Ch 46

Malea had been kneeling on the floor beside the sofa even before Odette arrived.

Since entering the room, Odette hadn't spared her a single glance. She simply flipped through the boutique's catalog, the pages rustling in the quiet room.

Malea knew the rules. To earn Odette's recognition, she had to endure this cold silence.

[Malea] "I begged Lize for this meeting."

Odette dropped a sugar cube into her coffee. She stirred the cup slowly, showing no interest in the woman on the floor.

[Odette] "You are here, so I suppose I must listen. Tell me what you want."

Malea swallowed hard. Tension gripped her throat.

[Malea] "I want you to accept me as your person. Genuinely."

Malea never believed the news of Odette's death. She was certain Odette would never kill herself. More than anyone, she knew Odette possessed a burning will to live.

For the day of Odette's return, she had kept her weapons sharp.

[Odette] "What value do you offer?"

Her voice lacked heat.

She pointed to a hat in the catalog. Lize immediately brought over an ivory hat with a mesh veil and placed it on Odette's head. She held up a mirror so Odette could inspect herself.

Odette focused on her reflection, but Malea continued.

[Malea] "Mrs. Becker trusts me entirely. In the entire Albrecht house, she trusts only me."

Odette ignored her, adjusting the tilt of the hat. Malea didn't lose hope. If Odette genuinely loathed her, she would have dismissed her already.

[Odette] "This hat is beautiful. Pack it, Lize."

Malea's confidence wavered. Odette acted as if she were invisible.

[Malea] "I...... I am also in contact with the former Countess, Sasha. My relationship with Paula remains strong. They both trust me. I am also on good terms with the other maids. I can gather information from anywhere."

Odette remained silent.

[Malea] "Most importantly...... the Count appointed me as the personal maid for Charlotte, who will soon move into the estate. He ordered me to spy on her."

Odette finally looked toward the mirror. Her beautiful teal eyes sparkled like emeralds in the glass.

[Malea] "Whether you stay at the Cathedral or elsewhere, I can bring you every detail about Charlotte."

[Odette] "Is that all?"

Malea's words failed her.

Odette's status was now overwhelming. Two years ago, people called her a villainess, but she was still a Purifier. Now, she was the woman who rose from the dead—the greatest Purifier in history.

Is my value not enough?

No maid in the Albrecht house had a better reputation than Malea. For two years, she had polished her influence like a weapon, all for Odette's return.

[Malea] "I......"

Her throat tightened.

At first, she had despised Odette. While the whole empire hated the villainess, her hatred was deeper. She couldn't understand why a Purifier who refused to purify deserved such luxury.

She thought Odette was a spoiled flower, raised in a greenhouse. Unlike Malea, who was born to a thief, Odette's life seemed too easy. She believed Odette threw fits simply because she was bored.

[Malea] "I...... My Lady......"

Her father spent his life in and out of prison. Because of him, Malea learned to read people's moods just to earn a dry crust of bread. In her wretched life, loyalty and love were useless. Only profit mattered.

But as she watched Odette, Malea saw a reflection of herself.

It was strange. Why would a high-born lady join hands with a lowly maid? Only someone with no one else would do that. Why had she been allowed into the Count's house in the first place, unless he had a motive?

She found the answer during those two years of absence.

Did the Count really protect Lady Odette? Or was there abuse?

Cruelty is a luxury for those who don't have to watch their backs. Odette, however, was far too careful to be a simple villain. She called Malea in secret. She measured every move as if walking a tightrope. She knew her family wouldn't protect her. She knew herself only savior.

Just like Malea.

Their first meeting was a disaster, but Malea eventually found herself rooting for the lady. When she heard Odette jump from the cliff, she realized the truth: in that moment, Odette had no cards left but her life.

It was pitiful.

It was a disrespectful emotion for a servant to have toward a superior. But for a person like Malea, pity was the closest thing to loyalty.

Malea bowed until her forehead nearly touched the floor.

[Malea] "I find you deeply pitiful."

[Lize] "Malea!"

Lize barked a warning at the disrespect, but Malea didn't stop.

[Malea] "That is why I want you to win. When I look at you, I see myself."

Malea remained motionless on the floor.

This is my loyalty.

Even a parasite has something it holds dear. Malea had never pitied anyone but herself. Odette was the second. And there would never be a third.

[Malea] "The pity I feel for you is the most precious thing I possess."

The words were rude, but they were her purest truth.

Silence filled the boutique.

[Odette] "You are disrespectful."

Odette finally turned her gaze to Malea. Her voice sounded mocking, but Malea knew. Odette recognized the truth.

[Odette] "But if it is your most precious possession, then it is not entirely worthless to me."

[Malea] "My Lady."

[Odette] "Then prove your use, Malea. Just as you did the first day you knelt before me."

It was a command—the first in a long time. She looked up into Odette's eyes.

[Malea] "I will not fail you, My Lady."

She meant it.

---

After sending Malea back to the estate, Lize placed a bundle of papers tied with a string on the table.

[Lize] "My Lady. These are the results of the investigation into High Priest Raphael. Detective Müller sent them."

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