DDSWTB 25

Chapter 25

“You two will have all your assets confiscated. And you are never to set foot on Astaire family lands again.”

The duke handed down the sentence. His voice was low and resounding.

“All of your property will be transferred as compensation to the victim, Lady Tiana.”

Vice spoke to the two of them.

“Wha… why…” Lily whispered in a faint, broken voice.

“Of course, since you committed crimes, you will be branded. That way, you’ll never be able to work under any noble again. Finding employment in the future will be nearly impossible for you.”

Gilbert declared coldly. Unlike the duke, Gilbert carried a different kind of fear—one that was colder, sharper.

“Th-that’s too cruel! If we’re branded, th-there won’t be anywhere left that will hire us…!”

Isabella pleaded through her tears.

[ Branding ]

It is a privilege granted only to heads of houses of marquess rank or higher.
It leaves a mark on the body of a criminal as proof of their crime.

Once branded, there is little chance of finding decent work. At best, they might end up as prostitutes or laborers in dangerous districts—if anyone is willing to take them.

Even in the novel, when Tiana poisoned her elder sister, she was branded.
It was written that the branded flesh burned with searing pain.

Branding was reserved only for the gravest of sins.

“F-forgive us! We will never commit such a mistake again. Please, I beg you, reconsider!”

Isabella fell to her knees before the duke.

“Take them away.”

“…Why?! There’s no reason to keep such a useless creature here! She’s nothing—no talent, no worth—just happened to be born into nobility!”

Lily finally dropped her act and revealed her true nature.

“Silence.”

The duke strode toward Lily, drawing the sword from his hip and pressing the blade against her throat.

“Eek…”

The mouth that had been shouting suddenly quivered, unable to form words.

Even I could barely stay on my feet. Only Gilbert and Vice remained composed, their expressions unchanging, as though they were used to this.

Then my body suddenly rose.
Vice had lifted me up, seeing how unsteady I was.

“My lady, it’s all right. Duke, please restrain your killing intent.”

He gently patted my back.
His calm, reassuring scent washed over me, soothing my nerves just a little.

The duke’s murderous aura was overwhelming as he spoke:

“I could kill you right here, and wipe out your entire family line along with you. You’d do well to remember that Tiana chose a punishment short of death.”

Was the duke furious over the abuse I suffered—or was it that they had sullied the Astaire family name?

Knowing him, it was likely the latter.

The knights waiting outside entered and dragged the two away.
Crushed under the duke’s terrifying bloodlust, they didn’t even try to resist, trembling all the while.

By tomorrow, they’ll be gone from here for good.

At last, I’ll be able to live a normal life.