~Chapter 70~
From now on, Ancia would have to keep a close eye on Rosa.
While Ancia stood in thoughtful silence, contemplating Rosa, Bianca misunderstood and assumed she was simply struggling with emotional pain. Her gaze toward Ancia became deeply sympathetic.
Bianca confessed everything that had happened between her and Rosa after entering the ducal house.
She recounted—without a hint of shame—how Rosa had told her that the duke and duchess hadn’t shared a bed since their wedding night, and that the duchess’s frail health made it difficult for her to bear children.
“She even said that since there’s no heir, the duke must be lonely and struggling—and asked me to help him.”
“That’s basically asking her to act as a surrogate,” Ancia thought. “This poor girl fell for Rosa’s pretty lies.”
Watching innocent Bianca explain how she tried to seduce the duke and got stabbed, while the two maids behind her shook in betrayal, Ancia had a sudden thought.
“Bianca, who taught you how to seduce someone?”
Her confession had been far too naïve for it to be self-learned.
As expected, Bianca smiled brightly and nodded.
“Mrs. Hera, the village’s most infamous flirt, taught me!”
“…Do you even know what ‘flirt’ means?”
“She told me to call her a ‘woman of irresistible charm,’ but the whole village calls her that.”
The more innocently she spoke, the more convinced Ancia became.
“Do you know how babies are made?”
“I heard that if I seduce a man, he’ll take care of the rest.”
“…Have you ever kissed anyone?”
“My lady! That’s such an embarrassing question…”
She had tried to seduce the duke with her body, yet blushed like a schoolgirl at the mention of a kiss. Even the stoic Julie looked shocked.
So all she ever did on her own was break plates or twist words a bit to her advantage.
Everything else? Just bits of misguided knowledge about love.
Ancia sighed.
Even Ellie, who moments ago had looked ready to explode in rage over Bianca’s betrayal, now just stood there, speechless and exasperated.
“Ellie. Or Julie. One of you, please educate Bianca properly about love between men and women.”
“Even if it takes all night, I’ll teach her thoroughly.”
“Leave it to me.”
Ancia nodded in relief at her two reliable maids. Just then, Bianca’s grip on her hand tightened.
“Ouch.”
“My lady, please give me errands too! I’ll work hard at anything.”
Bianca clung to her like a child desperate for attention. And frankly, her grip hurt.
“Bianca, let go and go back to your seat.”
Seeing Ancia in pain, Ellie rushed over and smacked Bianca on the back. The loud sound echoed, but Bianca didn’t seem bothered.
No wonder she couldn’t gauge how fragile Ancia was—she had the durability of a rock.
“How rude can you be to my lady? Step back!”
But Ellie didn’t stop there.
“I’m sorry, my lady. I overstepped. I’ll be more careful. Please forgive me.”
Ellie bowed deeply, likely apologizing for both the earlier incident and for sharing Ancia’s condition with Bianca.
Even if she grumbles, it seems she and Bianca got close while I was unconscious.
I don’t hate it.
Ellie’s face turned red with embarrassment as she lightly smacked Bianca’s arm. It made a loud noise, but clearly wasn’t painful.
“You really don’t get it. Even if the lady cares about you, you need to learn basic manners.”
Ancia had given a slight warning, but only in front of herself. Between the three of them, they’d have to sort it out their own way.
Despite Ellie’s scowl, Bianca continued smiling cheerfully.
“I heard everything you said while crying.”
“Wh-what?”
Ellie looked like a kid who just got caught sneaking out at night, while Bianca grinned mischievously.
“W-what did I say?”
“You said, ‘Why is the injured girl locked up like this? What if her arm rots? She’s such an idiot.’”
“Yeah, I cursed you. So what?”
Even faced with Ellie’s cold tone, Bianca scooted closer.
“You were worried. You’re just like the foul-mouthed auntie in my village. Always angry, but caring deep down.”
“Who says I was worried? You’re really dumb.”
“You taught me the rules so I wouldn’t get in trouble. I’ve been lazy, but you still kept guiding me. Thanks, Ellie.”
“T-there’s nothing to thank me for… Don’t think I’m going easy on you.”
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. Just forgive me this once, yeah?”
Ah. Ellie can’t win that one.
A beautiful woman’s apology is pure sugar.
From the cracked door, Ancia saw Ellie’s ears turning crimson red.
Why is Bianca suddenly trying to charm me and my maids?
With that much charisma, how did she end up stabbed and banished?
Watching the two walk away, Ancia felt warm inside.
“Julie, you should go and rest with them.”
“One of us must stay by your side, my lady.”
Julie’s unwavering loyalty made Ancia’s chest feel warm. But that feeling didn’t last.
“Julie, has there been any news about the duke?”
“No, my lady.”
Thankfully, Rishar seemed unharmed. Ancia no longer hoped for him to get hurt. If he returned, she was prepared to share her knowledge about how to deal with the monster overgrowth.
And to make sure he never hurts Bianca again, I’d demand a promise.
*
The duke returned to the estate after ten days, bearing deep wounds on his waist and abdomen. The first to notice was the head butler, waiting to greet him.
“Master, shall I escort you to the infirmary?”
“No. Bring a healing stone to the office.”
“Understood, Master.”
“Where is the duchess?”
A duke returning after ten days without even a glimpse of his wife? The gossip would write itself.
“She is resting.”
“I see.”
Rishar deeply cared for Ancia. Many servants had witnessed it. Knowing how frail she was, the butler chose not to disturb her sleep. It was a wise decision—Rishar didn’t complain.
He had longed to see Ancia’s face—enough to return without treatment for his wounds.
But now that he was here, he hesitated.
He didn’t want to be rejected again.
Before going to his office, he received the usual report from the head butler.
“Is there anything I should know?”
“Letters arrived in your absence and are in your office. One other thing…”
The butler paused, but as it involved the duke, he continued.
“Your wife’s new personal maid was found injured in the herb storage. The dagger used was yours.”
“I see. It was my father’s dagger—valuable, so I suppose it will serve well as compensation.”
That casual tone…
“The dagger was returned to its place. One healing stone was used for treatment, and she resumed duties without rest.”
Rishar stopped walking—not because a healing stone was wasted on a mere maid.
It was the unpleasant realization that Bianca had returned to Ancia’s side.
