Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure-Chapter 219: Scene CCXIX

Her head lowered in ponder after making thee guard say such with insistence. Pausing to contemplate in Gilead’s words so a real motive could be found.

“... Guilt... if it is guilt... Then maybe I could accept it... Yet now the question would be for you to tell me, why was that guilt born?”

“... It was born from learning after being ignorant... From the beginning, I was an ignorant man, Ma’am, just as you said once we met at the stables of your Residence... I wish to serve one who is proper and clever, unlike my nature that once misjudged your value. Therefore, who my loyalty belongs to... That is simply yourself in my eyes, Archduchess.”

“... I do not trust you.”

“Such may change with time.”

“Neither do I believe your sayings.”

“I am to probe myself trustworthy eventually.”

“...”

“...”

“... Goodness... haha... No more about this. It appears like no real motive is being conveyed or at the very least, those you give do not convince myself.” — Tired of listening to roundabout reasons, Ewelina waved her hand to dismiss the subject. Staring intently at the guard firmly standing before her after no opposition was made. — “However, with honesty, I shall tell you Gilead... it makes myself glad to see that it is you that remained here.”

“... Pardon myself if it is impolite... Yet it does not seem like it after this exchange, Your Elegant Grace.”

“Hahaha! I mean it sincerely. It does make myself glad... You share my roots as you well said... At this place, at least a face I have known for slightly longer is near... The events that occurred here... right here in this chamber... even at this very moment they seem so distant and yet so vivid in my memories and soul... That somehow, your presence appears refreshing.”

“... Ma’am...”

“Oh... haha... Ignore these tears... lately, they flow without permission nor warning... Was it someone else that stood before myself... maybe these tears would be judged differently.” — Looking directly into the guard’s conflicted gaze, Ewelina said with fond sobriety. — “Albeit I do not believe your pledges... you know what those who respect my being at Sortnafeigr ignore... A past as a servant under my mother’s household... as well as the details entailing my marriage.”

“...”

“You probably know more than I do at this moment, Gilead.” — Taking a napkin delicately in her hand, Ewelina continued to talk composed while the drops were dried. Gracefully placing the piece of cloth on the table she sat by to change the frailty in her gaze into harshness again, seeking what she called the guard to her presence for. — “Therefore, tell me.”

“... What is it that I can tell the Ma’am and she does not know?”

“What you witnessed while I was not present. Tell me what happened the day I took this ring from your possession, Gilead.” — Leaving the piece of distinct jewellery on the table, her intent stare provoked a shiver in the man. One thrilled for the fragility she showcased with delicate sound was dismissed by the danger conveyed in a sly glare.

“What I know I will tell.”

Many details she ignored of the events were initially shared superficially by the man. Eventually, Ewelina prohibited his omission of some gruesome truth, one Gilead even if wishing to save his master from the picture of such tortures, did not lie about the things she inquired further about.

“... Her organs... he pulled them out while she was alive?”

“Yes... so she would remain awake he would squeeze them so the pain would wake her, yet at some point it was the aid of Kir that was used in the torture.”

“...”

“Your spouse’s wrath was appalling, Ma’am... no mercy was allowed upon the Princess.” — Noticing the surprise Ewelina emitted even if seemingly composed at his sayings, Gilead added to excuse the cruelty. However, solely curiosity continued to grow in the woman, aware that the Princess was not the only one to receive a punishment.

“What else... did he do?”

“... Does the Archduchess wish for a detailed story?” — At such a question, to which Gilead sincerely yet seriously wanted to correspond, Ewelina met his determination. Nodding certain so every detail she missed was informed.

“Even if the wind blew or dried up... I want to know.”

Consequent to her demand, then the Guard told how the Archduke had acted from the moment he stomped his way to the garden where the feast was held.

— The fame of the Archduke was left in shame after seeing the lengths of his true cruelty. —

“...”

— In the Archduke’s gaze, once he came before myself to inquire on my presence and cooperation, never before had I sensed death without a single touch nor motion... And yet, once the Ma’am was mentioned, the treacherous dread he carried changed greatly. —

“Master’s wife! Nu thinks the palace is under magic!”

“... Why does Nu think so?”

“Corridors appear magically! Nu found one by chance and then, hwah! An exit appeared!”

“Is that so? How thrilling a stroll you had.”

“Aie~ Nu will show Master’s wife once Master’s wife eats all the meat Nu serves~”

“... Alright.”

— Lady Dina’s punishment was placed on myself, Ma’am. —

‘I... I cannot believe it...’ — Pained as she recalled what the guard had told, Ewelina got into ponder even as the brakian mainglousse roamed around her chamber.

— I did not refuse and neither do I regret it... Had I not done so, the Archduke would not have seen this guard’s determination to serve you, Your Illustrious Grace. And at this moment, perhaps my presence would not stand before you. —

‘Everything that happened... I understand and yet cannot comprehend... was such cruel violence the correct answer?... Were you that blinded by rage... as I was with sorrow, Aslak?’

“..... Master’s wife?”

“?! Yes, what is it?” — To the intrusive lean of the child to stare at her concentrated demeanour, Ewelina wondered about the seriousness Nu’s eyes had.

“... Master’s wife’s insides shiver a lot with dark sensations. Nu has been thinking, maybe Master’s wife is ill.”

“Shivers you say...?”

“However! It was sudden for Nu. Master’s wife used to titillate warmly before.” — The child, leaning on the woman’s lap said truly curious while observing her. — “Nu wanted to ask, yet Master’s wife was too bothered by the rotten. Nu could not say it. Did something happen? Master’s shivers also felt sad when telling Nu to care for Master’s wife.”

“Sad... Was he, Nu?” — Interested, Ewelina inquired, making the girl continue to talk.