Battle Divorce! - Chapter 32
Chapter 16.2
“Even when I was still a Therese, you know I was never one of those refined noble ladies, right? Before I found my father, I did whatever I had to just to survive in the slums! That place is a jungle, pure and simple.”
“Hm.”
“Maybe that explains it. I have a big appetite, I’m an excellent swindler, and… pickpocketing was my specialty. Before I ended up in the convent, I made sure to steal something at least once a day. It gave me a rush.”
The idea of the grand duchess being skilled at pickpocketing was—no matter how one spun it—a complete disaster.
This time, Maxim actually reacted. He let out a small, incredulous chuckle.
“And why would you go to such lengths?”
His brow creased ever so slightly.
That’s it, just a little more. Daisy, sensing an opportunity, cleared her throat and launched into a dramatic spiel.
“Well, I couldn’t steal anything while I was living with the nuns. But now that I’m free, the urge is driving me mad. I think I may have a problem.”
She fluttered her lashes and cast her gaze downward, fidgeting with her fingers as though she couldn’t contain herself.
“I can’t forget the thrilling sensation of stealing something. How can I rid myself of such a filthy habit? I don’t even know anymore. Must I cut off my hands to make it stop?”
“…”
“Especially when I see such fine clothes like these… I simply cannot help myself. That’s why I had to rummage through them.”
“I see. Did you find anything worthwhile?”
His reaction remained frustratingly indifferent.
What now? Growing irritated by his composure, Daisy snatched the cigar case from his pile of clothes and shook it in front of him.
“This! I’ve got a keen nose, and I happen to be a heavy smoker. I’ve been catching the scent of expensive cigars since earlier, and I just could not stop myself from wanting a puff.”
“Someone from the slums knows the taste of cigars?” he said sharply.
Daisy stiffened. “Uh, well… I smoked stolen ones, of course! B-by pickpocketing. Where else would I get the money?”
“Oh? So you smoked stolen cigars?”
“What? You think poor people can’t appreciate the taste of cigars?”
“…”
Nothing’s more off-putting than a baseless inferiority complex, and Daisy was committed to the bit. She kicked off into an angry, disorganized rant.
“Just because I grew up poor does not mean you get to treat my words as if they are meaningless. That is simply rude, Max.”
“I was merely curious. Who said anything against you?”
She had spoken so quickly that she was now breathless, her head slightly spinning.
“Don’t belittle me. Are noble mouths somehow better than ours? Do you consider ours to be snouts? Whether rich or poor, we’re all human, and anyone can appreciate luxury… especially a stolen cigar. You have no idea how good it tastes—”
“Then smoke it.”
“What?”
“I’ll consider it stolen, so smoke it. You’ve had one before, have you not? With that sharp nose of yours.”
Maxim pulled out a cigar and held it out to her.
The problem? She’d never smoked a day in her life. She put on a big act, but the truth was she had never even touched cheap tobacco, let alone an expensive cigar.
Daisy’s face turned noticeably pale.
“Go on. Don’t stop on my account.”
“…”
“Well?”
After her whole dramatic speech about the joy of stolen cigars, backing out now would be laughable.
‘How hard could it be? Anyone can smoke a cigar. Just stay calm.’
Daisy hesitated for only a moment before plucking the cigar from his hand. She immediately brought it up to her nose and took a long, exaggerated sniff.
“Mmm, this is precisely the kind of scent I adore. See? Expensive items always hit different. The scent alone makes my blood rush.”
“Here.”
Maxim handed her a match. Daisy, trying to hide her trembling hands, accepted it.
With what she hoped was a casual air, she held the cigar between her teeth.
Strike, strike—.
Her hands were shaking so much that she snapped the matchstick in half before she could even light it. Daisy’s face turned bright red.
Oh… no. She could feel Maxim’s gaze on her, and the humiliation was unbearable.
Watching Daisy fumble so miserably, Maxim let out a soft chuckle. He plucked the cigar from her lips, placed it between his own, and lit it with effortless ease.
Crackle, crackle—.
The tip sizzled as the ember caught, sending wisps of smoke curling into the air.
“There.”
After taking a few puffs to ensure it was properly lit, Maxim handed the cigar back to her.
‘Don’t panic. It’s simple. Hold it, inhale, and blow the smoke out. Nothing to it.’
After watching how Maxim lit it, Daisy remembered she had watched Count Therese smoke a cigar once and prayed she could replicate the same thing.
Summoning every ounce of confidence she had left, Daisy took the cigar between her fingers and placed it back in her mouth.
Then she inhaled.
And immediately regretted it.
“Cough, cough—!”
Acrid smoke seared her lungs, and a violent coughing fit took hold of her, leaving her gasping for air. Tears pricked her eyes, and her head swam.
As she wiped at her watery eyes with the back of her hand, she caught sight of Maxim stifling a laugh, clearly bemused at her pitiful state.
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Maham.b
When will be there new update???
Mkg2445
Jeez this was a cringe read she has to stop trying so hard.
eriann
Mas que espiã nunca beijou? nunca fumou? que espiã especialista em assassinar homens intragaveis é tão desajeitada? Já assistiram Nikita? A Assassina? Gente, ela poderia ser sem jeito com ele, mas é feio fazer uma personagem que tinha tudo pra ser potente tão lamentavel. Espero que ela possa se mostrar melhor no decorrer