Tamed the Monster Prince - Chapter 12.1

The maids exchanged glances and murmured amongst themselves. Additionally, one of them was lying on the ground behind them.

“It has come to Your Majesty’s attention that a child has handled a royal treasure.”

“My treasure?”

Once more, they indicated the maid who was lying on the ground.

“I saw it!”

“Due to Delphina’s actions, we must expedite this child’s departure.”

Irena surveyed the group before her, their faces exhibiting a fierce and dignified air. She could sense a single emotion in the atmosphere.

“What exactly is this rudeness?”

Irena indicated the maid with the dark brown hair who had gone ahead. Her attire was of the highest quality, leading Irena to deduce that she was of a prominent status.

So Irena asked bluntly.

“You there. What’s your name?”

“…Eltha.”

Irena’s revelation that Eltha was the person in question caused Eltha to momentarily lose her composure and posture before regaining it.

Irena always managed to keep a calm demeanor despite the tense situation. Following a lull of a few seconds, Eltha turned her attention to Irena with a look of apprehension plastered across her face.

“I am the head housekeeper here.”

Finally, Eltha provided her name and association. Irena maintained her composure and repeated the query.

“What is the cause of this disturbance, Eltha?”

The maids following Irena spoke resolutely.

“Delphina!”

“This child!”

Irena interjected to halt their conversation.

“Eltha, tell me.”

“This morning, during cleaning, Delphina was observed departing the area where Your Majesty’s property was handled. This is the reason for our presence here.”

“Yes.”

Irena took a quick look around the room before continuing. She could pick up on a trace of suspicion in their expressions, and it appeared as though they were accusing Delphina of doing something wrong. She was uncertain as to whether or not her belongings had been stolen as they had claimed.

As soon as she joined the Flores family, she was fully aware of the rivalry among the household staff. She is reminded of the hostile glances that were directed her way.

“It is alleged that Count Gasparo is the father of an illegitimate child.”

“Through Annalisa, the kitchen maid, and Jeong…”

Attempts were made to disregard Irena’s presence. This was particularly true due to her role and the fact that her lineage was traceable to the same source.

‘How should I proceed with Celestine, my stepmother, and the Countess?’

‘There is a strong resemblance between my mother and myself.’

Celestine was compelled to regard Irena with distrust due to her being a manifestation of her husband’s unfaithfulness. This was how Irena’s initial introduction to the household was determined.

Irena was treated in a manner that was much lower than that of a maid. It would have been to everyone’s advantage if she had come to work as a maid. After ten years of service, maids can advance in status and gain more authority. Some maids can cash in their savings, move up to a more desirable position, or launch their own businesses upon retirement.

Irena did not receive the same rights and responsibilities as the others. She was not given any consideration and was maltreated as a result. Even the head maid and housekeeper failed to treat her with respect. Having the daughter of one of their maids living in the same house was probably a source of discomfort for them.

She had a life of struggle that was significantly more difficult than the lives of the servants who worked in the mansion. She frequently went without food and was physically abused in secret locations. During the year’s colder months, she was tasked with doing the laundry in icy water until her hands became utterly numb. It was expected of her that she would clean the floor whenever she had a free moment.

She was well-versed in their anatomy and thoroughly understood their physical state and fears.

” Eltha.”

“Yes, my Highness!”

She was overjoyed to hear Irena’s voice after a prolonged silence.

“I do not come from a family with a maidservant.”

Irena observed a look of delight on Eltha’s countenance. Such was due to the impression of being backed by her despite her lack of someone to depend on.

“Are you responsible for supervising the maids?”

“Yes.”

Eltha’s chin was firmly lodged in her ear, and she appeared unable to bring it down. Irena was intrigued to observe how broad her smile could stretch.

“But Eltha.”

Irena lowered her voice.

“This behavior is highly inappropriate.”

Eltha’s cheerful expression suddenly shifted to one of confusion.

“What?”

“What source did you consult to gain the knowledge of arriving before I rose?”

“Th-that’s not what I meant…”

Eltha stumbled over her words, attempting to conceal her error. Had this been the court of Flores, she would have been reprimanded without delay.

Eltha drummed her fingers nervously as if a positive thought had occurred to her.

“Ah, yes. Delphina, Delphina!”