Pride and Sanctimony

Chapter 27

*

* * *

*

[Lexus] “If you become a chief administrator, do you think you’d want to get married at all?”

[Valentia] “I’m not sure. If I find someone I am fond of, perhaps.”

But that probably wouldn’t happen for the rest of her life. She didn’t think it was possible for her to feel like this twice in her lifetime.

And this man would end up marrying a noble and beautiful woman. One so very different from herself.

[Lexus] “Would you marry me?”

[Valentia] “No thank you.”

[Lexus] “You refused without even a second thought. You hate it that much?”

[Valentia] “I just get the sense you must say that a lot.”

[Lexus] “I never say this as a joke.”

Lexus was so desirable that the women he spent the night with would often suggest holding their wedding the very next day, joke or not. Knowing how unpleasant that was, he never once said anything even remotely broaching the topic as a joke.

So why did he ask that of this woman?

He didn’t even know himself.

[Valentia] “You’re terrible at proposing.”

[Lexus] “Would you accept?”

[Valentia] “No thank you.”

She answered again without taking even a second to think.

[Lexus] “Why must you reject me again?”

[Valentia] “You don’t like me, Lexus.”

Valentia tried to say it casually, but the words made a short sting burn inside her chest.

[Lexus] “That’s not true.”

[Valentia] “Sorry?”

[Lexus] “What makes you think I don’t like you?”

[Valentia] “Do you like me?”

[Lexus] “……I like you.”

The man spoke in a low, subdued voice. It was foul play to say something like that with a voice that seemed to resonate with something deep within her.

That was the worst thing about this man. Even though he was clearly joking, she had no choice but to feel a little disappointed. Perhaps it was because her feelings towards him had changed. She felt excited, but that excitement could make her both happy and sad at the same time.

[Valentia] “Is that so.”

[Lexus] “I really like you.”

Saying he liked her once again, he sounded like he was trying to defend himself from being falsely accused.

[Valentia] “Yes, yes. I see.”

[Lexus] “Why don’t you believe me?”

[Valentia] “You like me as a friend, you mean.”

[Lexus] “Ah, yeah.”

[Valentia] “But marriage should be done with someone you love.”

[Lexus] “Most Princes get engaged through a political arrangement anyway, so it’s fine.”

[Valentia] “Then marry another woman. And I will marry another man.”

They were talking about an unlikely future.

Though she said it, she could not imagine herself getting married and having a relationship with another man. But in contrast, she could very easily see this man marrying another woman. The image came to her quite well.

But even if she thought about him marrying another woman, that fact didn’t make her sad. This feeling she held for him would be only for her to know, and she knew it carried no hope with it the moment she first realized it.

[Lexus] “Wow, you’re cold.”

[Valentia] “If you feel lonely, then go find someone to be your latest lover.”

Valentia already knew it well herself. 

This man was lovely and kind, but he was cold and cruel to the women who loved him. It was probably because she acted so cold towards him that he first became interested in her. 

And so she could not be caught liking him as she did.

Her mind had become so sensitive after she understood her own feelings. If this was a feeling that could never be fully realized, then at the very least, she wanted to be able to see him for a little while longer.

She could not say that she hated him because that was not true. But at the same time, she couldn’t say that she loved him because she was desperate to keep things as they were.

[Lexus] “What about you, Valentia? What if I asked you?”

He whispered so sweetly, and the emotion she realized today bent so easily underneath his words. He was a terrible man for her heart—her feelings shaking so intensely, they were painful.

This is bad.

She knew it was just a joke. It only sounded so sweet because she held him in her heart now, which made her want to believe that he meant it. But she let her calm judgment take over, responding coldly.

[Valentia] “I would refuse.”

If he had a fiancée, then maybe this feeling would be easier to clear away.

[Valentia] “Why aren’t you engaged yet? Both you and His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

[Lexus] “We’re waiting for destiny. For our fated ones.”

[Valentia] “……Your methods are very different from one another.”

Her comment sent Lexus into a loud bout of laughter.

[Lexus] “Right. We’re taking different paths.”

Axion never met with women like he was a man of faith dedicated to piety. Meanwhile, Lexus never stopped meeting with women for even a second. 

And yet, despite their stark differences, both of them were waiting for fate to bring them their person.

Valentia smiled bitterly at the words of the same man who said that he liked her and wanted her to become his lover just a second ago. This was truly cruel, for she knew she could never be his destiny.

[Lexus] “That reminds me, the outdoor circuit will begin soon.”

Once a year, the Academy would organize an outdoor circuit for the students.

It wasn’t much. Basically, it was meant as time for the students to spend camping with their teams so they could develop a sense of independence as a person, learning what they could about reacting to crisis situations.

It was just a bit of leisure time, forming groups and going into the forest to gather things.

But it wasn’t difficult. They were even allowed to bring servants with them.

[Valentia] “Oh, it’s already that time.”

The outdoor circuit was scheduled as the weather transitioned from summer to fall, and had continued as a tradition since the foundation of the Academy. There were students who enjoyed the outdoor circuit, and so it managed to survive the test of time.

After the circuit was done, a banquet would then be held, allowing both students and their families alike to attend. As a result, it was one of the largest of all the Academy events.

[Lexus] “I’m looking forward to it. I think it’ll be fun.”

Valentia never enjoyed the outdoor circuit. She was always alone, and this particular event was no different. They were forcibly split into groups, and her teammates always left her behind. They would even relegate her to a corner of the tent while they slept.

While the other ladies stayed up, chatting into the night, Valentia would just go outside and watch the stars by herself.

However, just like he said, she was feeling a little excited this time, too. All because he would be there, too.

Valentia nodded to agree.

[Lexus] “We can’t be in the same group, but do you want to spend your free time with me?’

[Valentia] “I would like that.”

Lexus’ eyes narrowed in a pleasant arc as he smiled at her answer. But that handsome smile quickly disappeared when a sturdy looking man suddenly approached, calling out to him.

[???] “Your Highness.”

[Lexus] “You must really be clueless if you’re calling out to me like this. What do you want?”

A different kind of smile was on his face now, but his voice was strangely low when he responded.

[???] “I received a message from the Imperial Palace. You were called to return early today.”

[Lexus] “…..Then it can’t be helped. I’m sorry this happened.”

[Valentia] “It’s alright.”

[Lexus] “See you tomorrow, Valentia.”

[Valentia] “Yes. Tomorrow, Lexus.”

For the first time, she felt a feeling of anticipation, excitedly waiting for tomorrow.

*

* * *

*

When she returned to the mansion, the butler was waiting for her, and Valentia felt something foreboding at the sight of his presence.

[Butler] “The Madam is waiting for you.”

[Valentia] “Is something wrong?”

[Butler] “I was not told.”

[Valentia] “I’m a little tired, so I will see her tomorrow.”

[Butler] “I was informed to bring you, even if you were to say that.”

Valentia had no choice but to follow the butler’s departing footsteps.

Standing in front of the Baroness’ room, her entire body turned stiff. Remembering what happened in this room before, Valentia tensed as she felt that same searing pain cross her back once more.

And the sound of the butler knocking on the door made a cold sweat permeate the skin on the back of her neck.

[Butler] “Madam. The lady has returned.”

[Baroness] “Come in.”

The door opened from the inside. The same maid that had mercilessly grabbed Valentia’s hair twisted her lips as she glared at her. Inside the parlor was the Baroness, sitting on the sofa.

The sofa was luxurious, with both a backrest and armrests., but she was sitting completely upright. It was the kind of propriety that was more often than not seen displayed by nobles at a party.

Valentia knew the Baroness was aware of her lack of noble blood, so she was trying to fill the gap like this. (1)

[Baroness] “You’ve been coming home late.”

[Valentia] “It’s no different a time than usual.”

[Baroness] “Wrong answer.”

Valentia was startled by the Baroness’ sharp tone. The Baroness was once a woman who treated her like she was invisible, so she never felt tense or nervous in her presence before. 

But her body instinctively reacted to the excessive violence she had shown her a few days ago.

[Baroness] “I’ve been thinking about things lately.  I don’t think I’ve been paying enough attention to you.”

[Valentia] “It’s already enough.”

[Baroness] “Look at you now. Such an attitude in the presence of one of your betters. It would seem you have not been fully educated on manners. That’s why you dared to touch the Prince’s body as you did.”

Although Valentia’s last name was Syner, she was no different from an orphan, so these were not words that could hurt her. Rather, the ominous feelings being brought about by the Baroness’ sudden desire to bring her here and say these things were far more terrifying.

[Baroness] “An orphan whose mother died when she was young, but what did she teach you before she died?”

But though she could endure what the Baroness had to say about her, it was difficult ignoring words of clear insult towards her mother.

Valentia’s mother was a frail and soft-hearted woman who was hurt by the husband she loved so much. She did not have many memories of her mother, but that was something that always stuck with her.

Valentia’s mind was a sharp one, and so once a memory became vivid, it could never be forgotten.

Her mother was a warm and kind person. Her hands were fragile but they were elegant, and she would always stroke Valentia’s head with affection. Her lips were cracked, but she would kiss Valentia on the cheek, telling her how lovely she was.

And after young Valentia exhausted herself from running and playing around, she would cover her with a blanket as she fell asleep.

[Valentia] “You can say whatever you’d like about me, but please stop insulting my mother.”

[Baroness] “You insolent child!”

Slap—!

Angered by the mention of her husband’s former wife, the Baroness jumped up from her seat and slapped Valentia. Her hair loosened from being pinned back, flowing over her shoulders from such a harsh touch.

[Baroness] “How dare you speak of her in front of me?”

[Valentia] “You brought her up first, Madam.”

[Baroness] “Ah, look at you. Still so arrogant. I must educate you properly from now on.”

It was clear what she was saying. Valentia took an instinctive step back.

[Baroness] “Bring it.”

A maid came when she was called, carrying the same box from a few days ago. As she left, the maid cast a sneer towards Valentia. It was fun seeing the noble lady of the house being treated worse than a maid.

They clamored towards her, grabbing Valentia’s arms and legs, binding them while pushing her down onto her knees. They roughly grabbed her hair, shoving cloth down her throat to block out the screams.

And echoing out was the awful sound of the air being cut and the whip slashing against her back.

It was only then that Valentia realized that her harsh beating and abuse did not end that day. That was merely the beginning of what would become known as the Baroness’ ‘education’.

She did it every day from that day onwards.

And Valentia was afraid of going home.

* * *

T/N: (1) The Baroness was once described as coming from a ‘minor baron’ family. What this means is that her family was rich, so they were able to purchase the title (though it cannot be inherited), hence why she lacks noble blood.