Ch#219
In her previous life, Roena had told me that living in an attic helped her learn humility. She would shyly add that even though it was a cold room with only a single rickety bed, she was grateful not to be sleeping on the floor.
‘I think I lived too luxuriously before. I could have shared what I had with those around me, so why didn't I realize it until now? That’s why I’m so grateful to you, Sise.’
Her face, without a single blemish, was filled with a sense of holiness. She was like a lily covered in morning dew. Though she had grown so thin that her cheeks were hollow and her skin rough, that unique loveliness that enchanted people had only doubled.
Perhaps that was why the maids who used to torment her began to feel guilty toward the Roena who worked diligently with a gentle smile. Some even said they didn't want to bully her anymore, claiming their consciences pricked them until they couldn't bear it.
Like converted prisoners, the people were soon dyed with the piety that was Roena. I was the only unrepentant evil remaining.
Contrary to my wish for her to live in more agony, her life soon transformed into one of simple happiness. Before I knew it, the dusty attic was charmingly filled with flowers and branches Roena had plucked, small stones picked up while gardening, and items secretly pressed into her hands by those who pitied her.
A dress made from an old curtain hung from a jagged nail on the wall, and inside a rusted, dented pot, charcoal taken from the fireplace radiated heat, warming the room quite pleasantly.
Even chipped teacups or heavy brass kettles—things meant to be thrown away—were salvaged and reused by Roena.
‘In the past, I would have thrown these away as useless. But I hear people without money cherish even these things, right? It’s a life I wouldn't have known if not for you, Sise. To think these tiny things could bring such great joy.’
Roena had smiled brightly at me, who had frozen at the sight of her transformed surroundings.
‘My castle of joy.’
This term she used for her attic room was filled with unmistakable pride and affection. Humility and moderation were virtues she hadn't acquired even when she was called an angel, yet she possessed them as naturally as a gift even while living in misery.
Seeing her happy and grateful for what she was given made her appear far more beautiful than before. Quite unlike my crude desires, she had become even more perfect.
I felt a sense of frustration at the vivid spark in Roena’s eyes. It felt as if my whole body were twisting at her attitude, which seemed to say that physical abuse and mental deprivation could not hold her back.
Moreover, nausea surged within me. Her dazzlingly radiant appearance contrasted too sharply with me, who was forcing my skeletal, emaciated body into an extravagant dress. A scream of misery felt as if it might spill out.
Roena was like the lotus spoken of in the East, blooming loftily alone even in muddy water, bewitching everyone’s eyes. The quiet beauty emanating from within soon became a great light that slowly purified the mansion filled with my allies.
I was no exception to this, and for a very brief moment, I even thought she was quite lovely. Thinking back on it now, it was a very ridiculous thing.
Regardless, unlike in the past, Roena entered the attic at an earlier stage. Although I had shown mercy by having the room cleaned for her—unlike before—it was still lacking for a noble lady’s lifestyle.
No, was it just lacking? It was a wonder she didn't feel insulted. Even though it was furnished with more than just a single bed this time, no matter how much it was decorated, it was no more and no less than a room where a maid would reside.
Since I had no intention of treating her well, and this was the best way to quietly arrange a room without drawing others' attention, this was the result.
Roena’s eyes widened as I passed the stairs to her room and headed further up. She seemed puzzled that my promise to show her something led to the attic. She looked at me, questioning why a few of her belongings were placed inside the room we arrived at. A look of confusion—as if she couldn't understand why these were here—appeared on her face, which was still wet with tears.
“I think you’ll have to stay here for the time being.”
“What?”
Roena asked back in disbelief at my words. I used my palm to push her body further into the room. Then, I took the key Mullang handed me and shook it pointedly.
“If the Grand Duke finds out you’ve returned to the mansion, he’ll try to take you back somehow. He might send people to your room to attempt a kidnapping. But if you’re in this room, there won't be such a risk. Who could imagine it? That you’re hiding in an attic.”
“That’s absurd!”
Roena let out a low scream and tried to run out of the room, but she stopped when I blocked the doorway. Her face, pale as a ghost, was frozen in uncertainty. Only her eyes were blinking, and they were so slow it looked foolish.
“As long as Knight Sylphice is there, it can't be helped. It doesn't make me feel good to leave you here either. It’s not that I don't trust Knight Sylphice’s loyalty to the family. But who knows what he might do, as much as he cherishes you?”
“Why don't you trust the Knight?”
“Please, Roena, let's be a little more honest. You weren't the only one deceived.”
At my answer, her lips quivered as if she wanted to say something, but she soon turned her head away. As she avoided my gaze while her eyes darted around, I noticed there were still more facts she hadn't revealed.
Her shoulders, which flinched significantly whenever Knight Sylphice was mentioned, added to my suspicion. However, I didn't press her immediately. Pushing her any further might ruin everything. I had coaxed her this far; I couldn't let a momentary mistake destroy it all.
“Other people might talk.”
“The only people who know you’re in this room are you, me, and the head maid.”
“Wh-what about the others who cleaned the room?”
Mullang, standing behind me, bowed her head and spoke quietly.
“Pardon me, My Lady, but I cleaned this room alone.”
“Still, think about it again. If I’m not seen immediately, other people will be suspicious. Isn't that more strange?”
“I’ll take care of that, so don't worry. You only need to be here for a very short while. Do you really think I’d leave you here forever?”
Even though I had deceived her with all sorts of sweet talk, there was no telling when this troublemaker might do something again. It also hadn't been revealed what she had done while kidnapped by the Grand Duke.
Therefore, as long as Roena was in my grasp, I intended to observe their actions while keeping her hidden as much as possible.
In the end, she ended up living in the attic for a different reason than before. Although it was a bit different in that the window was firmly locked with a padlock—a precaution against any unforeseen situations.
Regardless, when I, hiding my true intentions, said with a hurt expression, ‘Do you still not trust me?’, Roena hesitated again, unable to find words.
“I want to cry too. But to protect you from a terrifying man like the Grand Duke, it can't be helped. Surely you aren't going to let go of my hand first this time too?”
“Th-that’s true, but….”
I softly cupped Roena’s cheeks with my hands and brought my face close to hers. Then, meeting her wavering gaze, I whispered in a low voice.
“Look into my eyes. Do I look like I’m deceiving you? Please, Roena. For the sake of the house, you have to be safe. I can do anything for that. I told you. The path I walk is practically the same as the one you walk. What are you so anxious about?”
I swallowed a sneer as I looked at Roena, who couldn't even open her mouth. It was because I knew what she was avoiding.
Yes, she surely couldn't say she was more anxious because of Lian. After all, sharp heel marks wouldn't be engraved on the path of a successor.
Roena should have returned to the mansion with Knight Sylphice if she wanted to move even the few knights available. Then she wouldn't have had to suffer being helplessly locked in an attic like this.
But she didn't. I don't know what business she has with the Grand Duke, but at least regarding the succession, she made a huge mistake. Thus, I could wait for her answer with much more composure.
“Sise….”
After a moment, Roena’s eyes closed weakly. It was a permission that was no different from a miserable resignation and surrender. I smiled brightly and kissed her cheek.
“You’ve made a very wise choice, Roena. It’s only for a moment. Understood? Just for a very short while. Trust me.”
“Okay.”
Her eyes wavered unsteadily as she slowly scanned the attic. A rickety bed and a small nightstand. A vanity and wardrobe stained black with age, a sofa with a sunken bottom, and a low table—every single piece was in poor condition.
It was only natural, as they were things left in the attic that had been roughly wiped down in a hurry. Still, for something Mullang prepared alone, it was quite clean, and compared to the past, it was even somewhat luxurious, causing my lips to twist involuntarily. My spite had flared up, thinking I was treating her too well.
However, it didn't seem to be to Roena’s liking, as her face was quickly dyed with shame and despair. At the same time, she trembled like someone who had discovered a rat, looking utterly disgusted. She was shuddering as if even taking a step was horrifying.
It was worst when she looked at the bed. It was because she couldn't believe she had to sleep under an old blanket that looked like it would smell of musty mold.
I spoke in a soothing, gentle voice.
“It’s very meager because it was prepared in a hurry. But I’ll change things little by little, so don't worry. So, you have to stay quiet and not make a sound, okay? Can you promise me? Just bear it for today.”
“Only for today, right?”
“Of course. Why would I leave you like this? So, please endure the door being locked from the outside with stoicism.”
“Yes. I’ll endure it. But tell me clearly. Until when? Until when do I have to stay here? It’s because I can't believe it. How can someone sleep in a place like this? My God, even the maids don't sleep like this. Sise, if I stay here for long, I’ll probably go mad.”
I quietly pulled the door toward me and answered in a low voice toward her, as she gradually disappeared through the gap.
“You will never go mad. Of course not. It’s only for a very short time. It won't be long. I promise. So, that’s enough for today; get some rest. See you tomorrow.”
Then I quickly closed the door. Since I locked it with the key immediately upon closing, I didn't hear how Roena replied. No, even if I had heard, I would have ignored it. I simply stood there in silence, watching the heavily turning key with great joy.
Mullang stood there in silence, even though she had seen all of this. I smiled brightly, finding her expressionless and quiet presence very much to my liking.
No matter how much I thought about it, there was no way to describe Marie helping Mullang other than as an act of divine providence. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to meet such a loyal person.
I commanded her in a low voice.
“Other people might notice, so for food, just give her the same thing the maids eat. Twice a day should be enough. Instead, be careful, very careful, not to be caught by others.”
“But My Lady, won't someone notice if I keep going in and out of the upper floor?”
“If I say I’m preparing to renovate the attic into a study, no one will dare to go up and look. I’ll tell the butler that as well.”
“Yes.”
Mullang obeyed with a polite attitude. Her actions, not even raising a single objection as if whatever I did was right, were truly reassuring. So I felt at ease. Even though we shared a secret about Roena.
When I unilaterally informed the butler that I had instructed Mullang to prepare the attic because I wanted to turn it into a private study, he furrowed his brows slightly. He seemed not to understand why I was suddenly creating a study.
But that was only for a moment; when I told him I had temporarily evacuated Roena to another safe place with the help of Lady Roshan, he quickly lost interest.
Instead, he expressed concern about me moving Roena arbitrarily. After all, Roena was the one who had been kidnapped while on her way to the villa. Yet, as soon as she returned home, she was sent back out again, so he seemed quite uneasy.
“I know what you’re worried about, Butler. But it’s to protect Roena from the kidnappers. Besides, since we have Lady Roshan’s help this time, she won't be kidnapped as easily as before. The situation won't allow it anyway.”
“Do you know the kidnapper?”
“Yes, I know. That’s why I’m hiding her even more tightly.”
He looked like he wanted to say more, but since even the guardian agreed with me and nodded, he only cleared his throat a few times and stepped back. However, his eyes were still clouded, suggesting he wouldn't just stay still.
So I instructed Marie that if she saw any sign of the butler sending a letter today or tomorrow, she should bribe the messenger and intercept it.
Sure enough, the next morning, Marie brought a letter that appeared to be from the butler. Through this, I discovered he had written to Roena’s maternal family to inform them in detail about her whereabouts and to ask for help in determining her future residence.
“How insolent. I didn't replace the butler before…. Is he trying to find an opening?”
“Pardon? My Lady, what did you just say?”
I smiled as if it were nothing while burning the butler’s letter. Then, I spoke to Marie in a gentle voice.
“Is there a servant we can trust? Yes, someone who doesn't get along with the butler, like the relationship between you and Mago—that would be even better.”
Since things had come to this, maybe it would be better to change everything for certain. Who would have known the butler would be trouble once Mago was gone?
So, I decided to personally meet about two of the several servants Marie mentioned. At the same time, I thought fiercely in my head about how to kick him out.
Perhaps it would have been fine to kick the butler out immediately that day. Because there was no longer anyone to stop me. But I couldn't. It was because of the Empress, who had made a declaration bordering on shock and had even blatantly taken the side of the Grand Duke.
