Marriage of Convenience

Chapter 14 – A Wounded Palm (2)

Translator: Skye

“That’s what everyone thinks, you know? The knights and the servants.”

Bianca hadn’t thought much of it even up to that comment. After all, Ante wasn’t wrong. Bianca’s reputation amongst the castle servants and Zachary’s vassals wasn’t exactly the best. As a result, no one had stood up for her when she was ousted by Viscount Hugues in her past life. A bitter smile marred her lips.

At the very least, it was fortunate that the conversation between her and Zachary in his room earlier hadn’t been leaked. Zachary really hadn’t been welcoming towards her, matching the maid’s inciting expectations. Bianca let out a sigh of relief. If word of what happened earlier had gotten out, confirming the assumptions she was a forsaken wife, she wouldn’t have been able to take a step outside of her room from the shame.

In any case, it would only make her look more ridiculous if she were to unnecessarily show a sensitive response to these worthless gossipers, and it could even give the effect of acknowledging that the rumors were true. Knowing that it would only bring her mood down even further if she were to continue listening, Bianca was about to turn around when she heard something that she could not ignore.

“I bet I would do a better job of warming our lord’s bed than the madam.”

“You can’t say things like that. What if the madam were to hear? No, I mean, you shouldn’t be saying things like that even if she’s not here. That’s insulting her!”

“Hmph, but it’s the truth. Her body is probably as cold as her personality, like a reptile I’m sure. Plus, she’s thin and unattractive. I’m better than her in every way.”

Ante placed a hand on her slim waist and stuck out her rear. Her voluptuous figure was on display, unable to be hidden by her clothing, and her voice held a pompous tone.

Meanwhile, Bianca froze. She had been able to ignore and overlook all the insults towards her so far, but she could not pardon what she heard just now.

Insulting and looking down on me was already crossing the line, but you dare to compare yourself to me? You, a mere wench hired as a maid?

Bianca’s light green eyes flared. Her shoulders became tense and the corner of her lips tightened. She recalled how she had definitely heard similar things said in her past life, which she had ignored and done nothing about. However, she found that she was unable to overlook it this time.

Before she could even contemplate why, her body moved on its own. By the time she came to her senses, it was after she had automatically grabbed the arm of the impudent maid and struck her cheek.

Stunned from having been abruptly slapped, Ante stared at Bianca, eyes blinking as she tried to understand what just happened. The person in front of her eyes, the person who had slapped her was none other than the countess, and… and after processing what had just transpired, Ante then came to realize that Bianca must have heard her talking about her behind her back. While Ante was still in a state of confoundment, her cheek fell victim to Bianca once more.

Bianca wasn’t kind or merciful, she simply found many things too troublesome to get involved with. Instead of brooding over the insults directed towards her, she was the type who paid back just as much as she received. As such, Bianca waited for the other maid to return with the cane while enduring the pain coming from her stinging hand.

Other than the sound of Ante’s sniffling, a silence ensued, resembling a calm before the storm. Bianca’s lips were closed shut, signifying she had no need to exchange any words with Ante, while the other remaining maid remained quiet, wary of her master.

It wasn’t long until Bianca was presented with the cane she had asked for. The maid who brought the cane glanced sympathetically at Ante, but Bianca pretended she didn’t see it, and instead lightly swung the cane. The sound of it slicing the air was sharp and harsh.

“A thin, unattractive, reptile-like woman you say…” Bianca murmured while brushing the end of the cane with her fingers.

Everyone flinched when they heard the words Bianca muttered under her breath. They were wondering how much she had overheard and it seemed she had heard everything. When Bianca lifted her gaze sharply, eyes curled and piercing like a leopard cat’s, all the maids held their breaths.

“Comparing me to a reptile, yet it seems you weren’t aware of my personality being more vicious than a poisonous snake. That’s why you went about babbling without thinking.”

Bianca grinned. There was a bite hidden in her smile. The maids had no excuse and could only remain silent, bowing their heads.

“Do you think I’ll go easy on you?”

Though her voice appeared gentle at first, it was clear that Bianca held absolutely no intention of showing mercy in the slightest. And the one who was more cognizant of that fact than anyone else was Ante, whose skin felt like it was being pierced by the hostility coming from Bianca.

Ante began crying even louder as soon as Bianca finished her words. She purposely raised her volume while fully aware that Bianca wasn’t going to take pity on her because she wanted someone to hear her cries and come to her rescue.

Come to think of it, Count Arno was present in the castle today. Ante pictured the count coming to her rescue, pulling her into his arms while clicking his tongue at his wife’s wickedness. A few whips were nothing in comparison. She could tolerate that much. The countess’s wrists were frail, so no matter how hard she could possibly hit, Ante was confident she’d be able to endure it. A scheming glint passed over her watery eyes.

But regardless of what her inner thoughts were like, her sad, wailing outer appearance made her look quite pitiful. It was to the extent people would feel sorry for her even if they knew the whole situation. However, Bianca was unfazed and raised her cane.

“Hold out your hand.”

As maids always did work requiring the use of their hands, it was inconvenient for them if their palms were injured. Just thinking about dunking their sore, tender hands in cold water when doing the dishes or laundry made them wince. Ante hesitated for a moment before eventually holding out her hands, having no other choice. Her outstretched hands were palm-side up and trembling.

Bianca brought down the cane immediately.

Thwack!

Ante closed her eyes shut.

“This is for comparing your lowly self to your master.”

Smack!

Ante couldn’t help but let out an ugly scream.

“This is for needlessly prying into the affairs of your masters.”

Strike!

Ante scanned her surroundings, hoping that someone would see and help her. But everyone averted their gazes, not wishing to make eye contact.

“This is for running your mouth.”

“This is for slandering your master.”

There was no pause or hesitation in the strokes of the cane. Bianca continued to bring her arm down, causing Ante to cry in pain and realize she had deluded herself into thinking she would be able to endure. Despite Bianca’s frail wrists, the cane still held onto momentum, splitting the air and leaving unsightly red welts on Ante’s fair skin. It was only after a long while that Bianca’s hand paused, but it was only so that she could catch her breath.

Ante’s face was a mess despite her initial attempt to cry prettily and hope for someone to save her. Her pained features were wet with tears and snot. She couldn’t understand what she did wrong to deserve this kind of treatment.

‘Did I lie? She’s just doing this to me because she’s jealous that I’m prettier than her–that I’m a beautiful blonde while her own hair resembles a barkless tree. That I’m more… Anyone is fine. Please, someone save me from this wicked countess…’

“And this is for daring to covet your lord who is way beyond your reach.”

After catching her breath, Bianca raised her arm again, cane splitting the air more menacingly than before. Ante squeezed her eyes shut and braced for the incoming pain.

But nothing happened.

Ante carefully opened her eyes, wondering what happened. Her eyes widened, feeling like the heavens were answering her prayer when she saw a man standing in front of her, Bianca’s cane firmly trapped in his hand.

“What are you doing?” he questioned, sounding as if he had witnessed something absurd.

“…I’ll ask you the same thing. What do you think you’re doing?” Bianca retorted, irritated.

She tried the shake from the man’s grip, but it didn’t budge in the slightest. And by the way he kept his mouth stubbornly closed as he looked down at her, it didn’t seem like he would back off easily either.

It was then that Vincent arrived, panting and out of breath. Did he come after hearing the ruckus, or… Bianca glanced sideways at the maid who had retrieved the cane. The maid let out a small eek and flinched when she met Bianca’s eyes.

Bianca returned her gaze to the man standing in her way. Could he be around Zachary’s age? Black hair, dark green eyes, and a familiar face.

He was definitely one of Zachary’s captains…