Chapter 90. What Kind of Trash
“Chomp!”
With Veronica’s permission, Erika no longer cared about appearances. She sank her teeth into the roasted suckling pig without hesitation. Image? What image? This was her image when eating—got a problem?
Veronica didn’t scold her further. She merely shook her head with a soft laugh, her slender fingers lifting the wine glass again for another sip of cherry wine.
The two of them made quite the amusing sight.
The master in the wheelchair elegantly sipping wine, while the little maid beside her devoured meat without a care in the world. The stark contrast in behavior drew a fair share of attention from those around them.
After finishing the entire platter of roasted pig, Erika wiped her mouth once more. Her face now beamed with delight.
“Thank you, Miss Sunflower.”
“No need to thank me. That food wasn’t mine.”
“I got to enjoy it thanks to you though, hehe.”
Tilting her head playfully, Erika thought to herself—this Veronica wasn’t so bad after all. At least she wouldn’t let her go hungry.
“Little Jasmine.”
Veronica called her again, pulling out a small, exquisite gift box from her lap. “Now that you’ve eaten, take this to the guest table.”
Accepting the box, Erika blinked. “Is this a gift for someone?”
“This is a birthday banquet. We are guests. Why are you asking such a foolish question?”
Can’t even ask a simple question!?
Erika shot a glare at Veronica, then carried the gift box over to the guest table.
Just as Veronica had begun to earn a few points in Erika’s heart, her sharp tongue had knocked them all back down, leaving Erika frustrated again.
At the guest table, many guests were already lined up to deliver their gifts. Most of them came in person, dressed in luxurious attire and full of flattery, conversing with a young man at the front.
“Your Highness Andy, this is a small token of respect for your esteemed father.”
A middle-aged man in a high-collared noble outfit bowed deeply, smiling. “May the wheel of time spin ever onward. Wishing Prince Cortefort a happy birthday—and continued prosperity for the Clappen Family business!”
“Baron Relf, you are too kind. I will relay your wishes to my father.”
“Much appreciated.”
Hearing the exchange ahead, Erika froze, her heart tightening. Her eyes shifted to the young man at the guest table.
Crap!
It was that guy from Wode Academy—Andy!
She’d heard long ago that this guy was a prince’s son. So this banquet was hosted by his father!?
No good. She had a grudge with this guy. If he saw her like this, he’d definitely spread the word all over the academy. She’d never live it down.
Looking down at the gift box in her hands, Erika hesitated.
What now…?
How could she hand off the gift without being recognized?
Maybe she could say she lost the gift? Veronica was blind anyway…
“You there, maid—are you here to…?”
As Erika was staring down, lost in thought, Andy suddenly spoke to her.
Baron Relf had already stepped aside, and Erika was now the only one left in line.
Startled by the sudden address, Erika quickly lowered her head even more.
Screw it!
She squeezed her eyes shut, held out the gift box with both hands, and deliberately made her voice hoarse.
“This is… a gift from Miss Veronica…”
“Miss Veronica’s?”
Not recognizing her at first, Andy squinted, sizing up the maid who kept her head buried and spoke in a muffled voice.
“Maid, if you’re here to deliver a gift, look up at me. That’s basic courtesy.”
“I’m… too ugly… I don’t dare show my face…”
Just take the damn gift already, you rule-obsessed jerk!
Erika was desperate.
“Oh~ Maid, are you belittling the Clappen Family’s generosity? We don’t judge by appearances. There’s no need to behave like this.”
“That’s what Miss Veronica said… She said I was hideous… told me to keep my head down…”
“Miss Veronica told you that?”
Andy raised an eyebrow at that. Who would instruct a maid to act like this?
Then again, it was possible. Veronica was infamous for her terrible temper—maybe she really did mistreat her maids.
He almost found it funny. Andy didn’t press her further and accepted the gift box politely. “In that case, please thank Miss Veronica on behalf of me and my father.”
“Got it.”
With the gift delivered, Erika finally let out a breath of relief and turned to leave.
But just as she did, Andy’s expression changed.
“Wait!”
He immediately called out and quickly stepped out from behind the guest table.
Erika froze in place, terrified. She lowered her head again, trying her best to hide her face behind her hair.
Unfortunately, Veronica had tied her hair into twin ponytails, and her gray-white hair couldn’t hide anything.
Andy leaned in closer and instantly recognized her—shocked.
“I knew your voice sounded familiar! It’s you—Erika Blaniel! You’re really Miss Veronica’s maid!?”
“AH—!”
Erika shot her head up, giving up the act. Her crimson eyes glared furiously at Andy.
“Yeah, it’s me! So what!? What’s it to you!?”
“Well, well… who would've thought? You’re actually a maid.”
Andy’s face curled into a mischievous grin—one that spelled trouble. “Miss Erika, if you need money, why not become my personal maid?
“I can promise you—whatever Veronica’s paying, I’ll give you double!”
“Dream on!”
Erika scowled and turned to leave.
But Andy reached out and blocked her path, grabbing her arm.
“I’m being serious.
“I know Miss Veronica has a terrible temper. Sure, she pays well, but you must get yelled at all the time, right?
“Come work for me instead. I’ll treat you well—as fellow academy students, I’ll take good care of you!”
“Get lost!”
Erika didn’t even waste words. She immediately raised her white-stockinged leg and aimed a sharp kick at his groin.
Again!?
Andy flinched in terror.
Last time, Vanessa had been there to stop it. But this was his own house!
He quickly hunched over in panic, cold sweat pouring down his back.
Knowing better now, Andy let go of Erika, not daring to touch her again. But his face clearly showed his anger.
“Erika, do you even know what you’re doing!? Believe it or not, I could have you fired from that maid job right now!”
“Fire me then!”
Erika wasn’t backing down either. Hands on her hips, she glared back, fuming. “I never wanted to talk to you! You’re the one shamelessly asking me to be your maid!
“Have you ever looked in the mirror!? What kind of trash do you think you are!? Why would I ever serve you! Move aside!”
What kind of trash!?
That line caught the attention of the nearby nobles.
Who was Andy?
He was Prince Cortefort’s only son—and the most favored at that. He was essentially the heir to the Aarlan Empire’s next generation of royalty.
And now, Erika had just openly insulted him like that. Needless to say, many were not pleased.
No matter how pretty Erika was, she was still just a little maid.