The Duke's Substitute Bride is a Maid

Inside the Royal Palace of Xandia.

Before dawn, Irene the maid got up early and waited for the first call from the noblest princess ever.

After waiting for a while, Irene glanced at the clock uneasily. It was already past the usual time for the princess to get up.

Just as she was worried that the princess might be sick as she's always punctual, Princess Marla finally rang the bedside bell.

At the sound of the bell, several maids led by Irene entered the princess's room, one after another.

They all did their jobs. Some clothed the princess, while others handed her toiletries.

Irene, the Princess's personal maid, was the last step. When the princess sat at the table, she combed her hair.

The princess's silky blonde hair was a little like her late mother's, but her face was as friendly as her father's. Serving Princess Marla was like serving her parents. She was careful and respectful.

The mirror reflected the princess with her beautiful hair in a bun and the petite but quick-witted Irene.

The princess, as usual, seemed to be nonchalant as she picked the perfume that the maid brought over. As she held it in her hand, she said nonchalantly, "Irene, from today onward, you don't have to serve me anymore."

The comb in Irene's hand fell to the ground, and in the next second, she knelt down in panic. She was like a devout believer abandoned by God, scared and sad. "Princess Marla, what did I do wrong? Don't you want me anymore?"

Marla shook her head, put down the perfume in her hand, and looked at Irene with a smile. "Of course not. You are the maid that I am most satisfied with. This time, something good has happened to you. The palace is selecting high-ranking maids, and I recommended you to Father."

However, Irene did not look delighted at all. "But I'd rather stay by your side and serve you."

Marla smiled and helped Irene up from the ground. Her gaze was concerned and gentle. "Silly girl, if you become a high-ranking maid, you'll get more silver coins. Aren't you short of money? This is a rare opportunity for you."

Although Irene understood the princess's good intentions, she was still very reluctant. "Then who will take care of you in the future? I can't rest assured about the others. They don't have as much experience as me..."

Marla patted Irene's head and looked at her, sighing meaningfully. "I have too many maids by my side, but there's only one such capable Irene. You shouldn't stay hidden by my side. You can go to a better place, right?"

Irene's eyes were already filled with tears. "If being skilled means I have to leave, then I'd rather be useless. Princess, I wish to follow you forever..."

Ever since she was saved by the princess in the war, she had always wanted to find a chance to repay the princess.

Now, after taking care of the princess for merely a few months, she was recommended by the princess to become a high-ranking maid. It was a great favor to others, but to Irene, it meant that she could no longer stay by the princess's side to continue repaying her kindness.

Marla's eyes gradually turned cold and stern as she looked at her. "If you really want to repay me, you should work hard to learn etiquette. After becoming a high-ranking handmaiden, you should make me proud instead of being indecisive and crying. I really don't like the way you are right now."

Irene's face turned pale at the words. She hurriedly wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes and sobbed softly. "Yes, I'll listen to you, princess. I'll definitely learn etiquette well and become your pride!"

Marla nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand. "You can go now. The teacher who will tutor you is on her way. Let Keisha take you there."

After Irene left with Keisha, Marla turned around and looked at herself in the mirror. A cold smile appeared on her face.

The maid next to her put on the last coat for her. Seeing her smile, she said mockingly, "This Irene really thinks she can be a high-ranking maid. How absurd."

Marla smiled and narrowed her eyes dangerously. "She's just an obedient fool."