Episode 27
Of course, the man was pitiful and fully deserving of sympathy. He was simply endlessly unlucky before the goddess of fate.
Therefore, if I were to show mercy and forgive him, he could have a drink tonight and say, ‘Today was really unlucky. But thanks to the merciful young lady, I was able to survive. It’s really fortunate.’
This was also an opportunity to prove to everyone how generous I am and how I possess the benevolence to forgive others.
However, I did not want to forgive him, this pitiful man. Because if I think about the possible injury to Sir Halberd, no punishment would be satisfying.
So what does generosity or mercy matter!
The problem was that despite the boiling anger, with other young ladies watching, I had to act as rationally as possible in this situation.
Unfortunately, I had the duty to softly express the noble and generous temperament that people of the Wischwaltz family possess, and to prove the educational product that Madame de Lavallier desired.
In other words, there was a need to nicely kick away the expectations of the hyenas who were eagerly waiting with bated breath to watch a spectacle of floundering without escaping innate limitations.
However, I dare to assert that the dignity and respect, honor and admiration provided by status are as fleeting as sand scattered by the wind in the face of sorrow and anger.
Therefore, the small sympathy I possess and the dignity as a noble would also completely vanish amid the mockery of the hyenas surrounding this place.
Perhaps in the distant future, I might have a time to greatly regret that today was the most foolish moment in my life. But at this moment, I was not afraid or sad about the criticisms that would pour from others’ mouths. Rather, I was in a surprisingly calm state to the point of finding myself eerie.
Because my lingering feelings for Sir Halberd are not a small fragment but a wound deeply engraved in my heart that cannot be removed.
I shook off Marie’s hand that was supporting me and bravely took a step forward. It was to bestow the emotion of despair upon this poor man who was deeply bowing his head, waiting for a lenient disposition.
But there was someone who approached the man before me. He approached the man and kindly spoke, boasting to everyone his vivid sympathy and desirable goodwill.
“Of course. Sisse seems, um, yes, not yet accustomed to such situations, so she doesn’t know what to do. But she will surely forgive you.”
At Roena’s words, all the young ladies look at me. Their faces were full of mockery.
“Does the education that the Wischwaltz young lady receives not include a subject on ‘how to forgive’?”
Laughter bursts out at someone’s sarcasm. Roena said with a reddened face as if making an excuse.
“Don’t insult Sisse. She’s just still struggling. So I’m helping her. Is that something worthy of your laughter? No one can mock Sis’s courage and mercy.”
I was fed up with her attitude of claiming to help while instead publicly exposing my aristocratic flaws and shortcomings as a young lady.
The words Roena uttered were something that Sir Halberd, not him, should have said. Yet what right does she have to dare mention forgiveness!
Of course, if I had stepped forward, I might have received even more mockery. The action I had just intended to do was not at all aristocratic, but a very vulgar and petty revenge that could not hide my origins.
But that was my will. It was something I had decided to act upon, accepting it myself. To the extent that I could gladly accept any disadvantage. In other words, it’s a completely different situation from Roena who arbitrarily intervened as she pleased.
Ah, I have never seen a person as skilled as Roena, both in the past and now, at killing the opponent through consideration that is not consideration. So it would be better to call this a loathsome goodwill mixed with pretense.
“Do you think so too, Wischwaltz young lady?”
Princess Irene asks me. She was the most rational among the group and knew how to wisely judge and control the situation. That was truly fortunate for me.
I opened my mouth, expressing gratitude for her consideration.
“Thank you, Princess Divengel. For asking my opinion. First, I want to say thank you to Roena. Because the goodwill she showed is sincere. So thank you for helping, Roena. But it was something I could do alone. Of course, as Roena said, it’s true that I couldn’t do anything due to confusion and fear. In fact, who could overcome the terror of standing in front of a charging horse? But if I think of the dazzling courage and true chivalry shown by Sir Halberd, I can’t just tremble in fear. That’s why I can politely request. To leave the punishment of this person to the young lady who is his master. If the young lady respects me and the Wischwaltz family, everything will flow according to reason.”
Princess Irene says.
“It will be done according to your will.”
I quietly bowed my head in response to her goodwill. Roena looked at the servant with a very pale face at my answer, but she did not bother to refute or fight to the end for him.
Because her mercy is shallower than a stream, only slightly wetting the toes. So how futile this is. Therefore, I could finally feel deep sympathy for the servant who had suffered hope torture because of Roena.
Sir Rustein Halberd received treatment from the doctor called by another servant. He followed the doctor’s instructions, moving his arm or turning his head, performing various actions.
But his gaze was directed at me, so I had no choice but to keep making eye contact, and I found that very burdensome, so I excused myself saying I felt dizzy and left the place.
Marie was worrying about me while busily packing things. Because Princess Irene said it would be better to return to the residence and rest.
When the horse we would ride was prepared, everything for returning to the mansion was complete.
I had Marie check if Roena’s preparations were done. Princess Irene came to find me not long after Marie left. Strangely, she was a bit kinder than when I first saw her.
“I’m sorry that you had to experience such an unpleasant incident at the hunting ground you visited for the first time. I want to offer words of comfort.”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t know why she was suddenly showing such goodwill, but as her words continued, I could soon realize.
“Actually, I was impressed by the young lady’s bravery in overcoming fear, her wisdom in accurately grasping the situation, and her attitude that is more aristocratic than anyone else. This is sincere. I learned from a young age how beautiful and noble the elegance and sense of responsibility according to one’s status are. But my surroundings were full of people who are not aristocratic, and I couldn’t help but be quite disappointed and angry about it. But the young lady is different. I couldn’t find any flaw in you. Rather, you showed the appearance I wanted. The young lady is truly kind and sincere. May I call you Sisse as well?”
“It’s an honor, Princess Irene.”
As if my answer was satisfactory, Princess Irene whispers in an even softer voice.
“As I said before, I hope that you, Sisse, truly do not waver. So don’t lose the elegance like the appearance you showed just now. Then I too will not change. I’ll write a letter when I return. If you send a reply, Sisse, I’ll be very happy.”
Chapter 4 Chaos and Acquisition
When I arrived at the Wischwaltz residence, I could meet my mother who was waiting for me with a worried expression. She ran to me even before I dismounted from the horse and started checking my condition.
“Oh, my child. Are you hurt anywhere? If something happens to you, I, I…….”
“The attending physician will be able to tell right away if he examines. Why don’t you calm down a bit?”
My adoptive father wraps his arms around mother’s shoulders and speaks in a gentle voice. She had a very pale face and looked extremely anxious.
I tightly held mother’s hand and said ‘I’m fine’ as if to reassure her. Judging by the throbbing in my back and hips, there must be bruises, but I didn’t mention it. This was better for everyone.
The attending physician of the Wischwaltz family was an elderly man who was slow in action but very kind and knew how to meticulously examine wounds.
He said that my wounds are minor, but if the headache continues, I should be examined again, and gave Marie an ointment good for bruises and a herbal tea good for headaches.
“It’s thanks to Sir Halberd handling it really well. It’s fortunate that it’s only this much.”
“Yes, I’m deeply grateful. Now you’re on your way to check Sir Halberd’s condition, right?”
At my words, the attending physician smiles warmly. He wore a benevolent expression as if he understood everything, but on the other hand, he also looked a bit excited. It looked like the mischief of a boy who had witnessed something to tease about.
“What are you curious about, young lady? Oh, you don’t have to look at me with such a worried expression. Sir Halberd is a very brave knight and a well-trained man. There won’t be anything to worry about. I guarantee it.”
‘But I’m worried. After examining him, can you tell me how the wound was?’
These words rose to the tip of my throat, but I endured with deep patience. Showing respect for Sir Halberd who saved me would be the maximum virtue I could display as a young lady, but anything more is not permitted in reality.
“That’s right. Then there’s nothing more I can do.”
At my words, the attending physician packs his medical tools and answers casually.
“But Sir Halberd will be pleased too. If he knows that the young lady is worrying about him.”
Clearly, the attending physician would slip the words that I am worrying about him while examining Sir Halberd. Wouldn’t that be enough? I swallowed a sigh and adjusted my clothes with Marie’s help.
There was a message from Lavallier to come to her room as soon as the treatment was over. This old fox was very angry at me for not listening to her words, and judging by not even giving time to recover after the examination, she seemed extremely excited.
“So, how is your body?”
Lavallier first asked about my physical condition. She was drinking tea, which seemed to be the most effective way to hide the deep wrinkles furrowed between her brows.
“Thank you for your concern. There are small wounds, but they will heal soon, and it will be fine with a little rest.”
“Then that’s fortunate. But I’m very disappointed in you. Do you know that?”
I kept my mouth shut and waited for Lavallier’s words to continue. She also didn’t seem to expect me to make excuses.
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By Anna 💓
