Chapter 6
“Why so surprised? Being romantically linked is the most natural way for us to stick together without arousing suspicion. Besides, in this body, you’re a maid. If you want to be seen with me in important places, we’d need to at least look like lovers.”
Ruslan’s tone was as calm as if nothing was out of the ordinary, his reasoning as practical as ever, leaving Juju momentarily stunned.
Out of nowhere, a question piqued her curiosity, and she asked, “Count Keitel, come to think of it, how old are you exactly?”
“Twenty-two.”
Oh, that’s right—he’s a descendant of Ifenia. The fall of that nation was precisely 22 years ago.
“Twenty-two, huh? Old enough. Are you… still a virgin?”
Ruslan’s well-shaped eyebrows knitted slightly. “Why would you even ask?”
“My instincts as someone experienced whispered it to me. You have the tone of someone who’s never been entangled with a woman. Dodging the question just proves it, doesn’t it?”
Ruslan pursed his lips, refusing to argue. This only confirmed her suspicion.
As expected. Even if he was a dethroned prince plotting vengeance, as a man, he was still a novice.
The soul of Charlotte, who’d lived 27 years, came to that conclusion. And while her own life had paused at twenty-two, locked away in a dungeon, she had far more—albeit failed—experience in romance.
“So, is this a problem for you? In my calculations, this is the best plan.”
“No, you’re right. I couldn’t convincingly pose as a maid, either. Being the count’s lover would actually make it easier to approach the target.”
Juju climbed down from the bed. It wasn’t until her bare skin felt the roughness of her robe, which revealed a glimpse of her undergarments, that she understood the purpose behind it.
Clearly, the decision to make her change into this was the overactive imagination of an inexperienced man.
Juju gauged the young man’s height as she looked up at him.
“So, you’re proposing a ‘contract relationship’? Pretend we’re passionately in love until we meet our goal?”
“Glad you understand. The story is that, during my time nursing you back to health after you saved the duchess from poisoning, we developed feelings for each other.”
Ruslan skipped further explanation; Juju already understood the backstory instinctively.
This maid had sipped poisoned tea right before the duchess’s eyes. Ruslan had taken her under the pretense of finding a way to heal her, only to have her cross paths with Charlotte.
“Fine, I’ll play along with the story.”
“A contract established, then.”
Ruslan straightened his clothes before leaving the bedroom. “I’ll call for a maid to assist you. From today, we’re lovers. I’ll play the devoted fiancé, so I expect you to do your part as well.”
“Count, who’s lecturing whom here?”
Juju reached out, grabbing the man’s cravat and pulling him close.
While her body now felt free, Ruslan stumbled, his expression momentarily flustered.
“Your imagination is seriously lacking… When a man and woman leave the bed, they don’t look this fresh and put-together. It’s hardly believable.”
It seemed she’d have to teach this fledgling count a few things. Just the thought made Juju’s head throb a bit. She tilted her head back, exposing her neck.
“Give me a kiss here. Make it strong.”
“…What?”
“Leave a mark, I mean. A mark to show we’re connected! Proof!”
Ruslan finally leaned in, planting a tentative kiss. The unfamiliar sensation made Juju squint slightly.
A sudden memory surfaced of another person she’d once shared this act with.
“Lotte, would you really do anything for me? Please prove I can trust you. Actions speak louder than words….”
“Thank you, Lotte. There’s no one else but you for me.”
The voice she had once revered lingered, now just a faded, cold memory.
Inwardly, she cursed the fantasy of that man.
‘Bastard.’
The feel of a man’s touch still wasn’t pleasant. Her bitterness over her first love’s betrayal surged, bringing back painful memories.
But for the sake of revenge, she could endure these feelings. The original owner of this body had also risked everything to seek vengeance.
“Hmm…”
There was no stopping her body’s physiological reactions. Although it wasn’t her original body, the sensation of having her neck marked was peculiar.
“A bit harder. Make it more noticeable.”
“…Will this really help?”
“Naive or just oblivious? You don’t get it. This is actually the least scandalous method.”
I’m putting it to good use, after all.
With a somewhat apprehensive look, Ruslan sighed before pressing down harder on her neck.
Lacking finesse, he merely sucked, making the skin wet and sticky. His blunt tongue touched her skin, then his teeth grazed her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.
Finally, he pulled a bit more forcefully. The unexpected intensity made Juju squeeze her thigh unconsciously.
“Ah, ha…!”
Embarrassed by the unfamiliar voice she’d just made, Juju swallowed her reaction, trying to stifle it as she glanced sideways at Ruslan.
He seemed equally embarrassed. If they’d been real lovers, his hands would be caressing her waist or hips, but instead, they hung stiffly at his sides.
His downturned almond-shaped eyes were aesthetically pleasing, his nose perfectly sculpted as if chiseled with precision. He had the kind of face that people would tear posters off a theater wall to keep.
‘…Well, at least he’s handsome.’
She didn’t particularly care about looks, but in this moment, that was a small relief.
“Juju, congratulations on your recovery. Though… I’m surprised.”
The maid who had been summoned cast a puzzled glance at Juju.
Juju reclined lazily on the bed cushions, looking up at her. “Why, Miss Lynde, are you in a bad mood so early in the morning?”
“What? Me, upset? Not at all! I’m just surprised… to see you in the count’s bedroom, that’s all.”
The maid quickly masked her expression with a smile, her obvious insincerity making Juju let out a long, teasing hum.
“Is that so? Well, I’m happy to see you, too. The count said my health is still fragile and asked me to rely on you for dressing. Would you mind?”
“Of course not! Shall I start with brushing your hair?”
The maid guided Juju to a dressing table, though her face remained awkwardly tense.
Juju could guess why; this maid had originally been Juju’s direct senior. Her position as Juju’s assistant likely explained why she’d been summoned.
The maid had clearly resented that someone from another household had been selected as the duchess’s attendant before her. Now, seeing her rival not only recuperated but under the count’s protection must have only deepened her displeasure.
‘Even among maids, there’s a pecking order. Looks like she subtly ostracized her all along.’
Juju’s memories of this body revealed trivial workplace harassment: ignoring her at social events, “accidentally” excluding her apron in the laundry, or spreading unfounded rumors.
‘So even for a beauty, life hasn’t been all roses.’
Juju glanced at herself in the mirror.
Long, straight golden hair. A graceful jawline with delicate features. But her striking, peacock-feather blue eyes were the highlight.
It was a face worthy of admiration.
She’d had ample experience in adjusting to a new body. The shock of inhabiting an unfamiliar form wasn’t too overwhelming; yet seeing an unfamiliar face in the mirror was still unsettling.
‘Born to a poor southern farming family, orphaned by a plague at ten, she worked for a wealthy household until fifteen. Threatened by her master for her beauty, she was eventually rescued by Duke Licht, spending three years under his care….’
A tough life endured with resilience, a character that was more beautiful than her face.
It felt almost wrong to use this body in her quest for revenge. But Charlotte resolved to honor the girl’s spirit by avenging her.
The maid then yanked her hair abruptly, causing Juju to wince. “Ow!”
“Oh, goodness, did I put too much oil on the brush?”
The maid busied herself with a towel, pretending to fix the mess.
Juju lifted a hand to touch her hair, feeling clumps of foul-smelling grease tangled in.
“Juju, I’m so sorry. Let me wipe it off. You won’t hold this against me, right?”
The maid’s expression turned overly apologetic as she scrubbed Juju’s head roughly with the towel.
Juju gave a slight smirk. Her intentions were obvious.
Always hiding behind excuses like “an accident” or “a little mistake.”
Cowardice at its finest. Some risk their lives for justice, while others indulge in petty envy.
“Oh, Miss Lynde. How could I ever hold a grudge?”
Juju stood abruptly, tossing the towel aside.
Startled, the maid flinched. Juju swiftly snatched the brush from her hand.
“Clearly, the brush is the issue here. Such a naughty brush, not obeying commands and moving on its own.”
“J-Juju…?”
Flipping the brush over, she raised it and struck.
Thwack!
“Ah!”
The maid instinctively shielded her shoulder. Juju then swatted her hands.
“Such a stubborn brush. Nothing personal, right, Miss Lynde? I bear no grudge.”
“Agh! Juju! Please stop!”
Once Juju finally paused, the maid cried out in indignation.
“You—you’re insane! After the poison, you’ve lost it! What could you possibly believe…?”
“Believe? In myself, of course. The count is kind enough to take care of me.”
With a practiced air, Juju tilted her head, displaying the mark on her neck.
Perfect proof for moments like this. It seemed Count Keitel hadn’t imagined it would be put to such use.
Predictably, the maid went pale at the sight of the mark. She backed away, staring in disbelief.
“That… that can’t be! The count isn’t interested in…”
So that’s his reputation? Even better. Juju used the end of the brush to tilt the maid’s chin.
“Oh, come now. He’s a man, after all. With all he’s endured, I offered comfort. Poison, as it turns out, wasn’t all bad. Right?”
Speaking softly, Juju watched as the maid’s expression shifted from disbelief to fear. Her tone changed entirely.
“M-my apologies… Miss.”
Within moments, she was elevated to “Miss.”
Juju felt a bit disappointed at how easily she’d won.
Throughout her life, she had faced ruthless royals and cunning ministers, spending years outwitting their traps.
This maid was trivial. Not worth any further effort.
Juju tossed the brush aside and resumed her seat in front of the mirror.
“Good, now let’s get on with it. Do you understand why the count asked for you?”
“Oh, of course! I’ll do my absolute best.”
This time, the brushing was genuinely gentle. The oil smelled of jasmine, no longer unpleasant.
‘No more time wasted on needless power plays.’
Since taking this body, she needed to establish her authority for the freedom to maneuver.
This maid’s strong hierarchical instincts made it easier. Once broken, people like her would quickly spread the word.
With that, Juju would naturally solidify her role as Ruslan’s lover.
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