Chapter 21. Understanding
Belladonna let out a small sigh and dropped her shoulders.
From the start, Escallion didn’t know that she had found out about Scarlet, but even so, he was doing his best to earn her forgiveness.
So, she couldn’t stay upset forever…
Thinking about how Scarlet would be by Escallion’s side after their divorce in three months, Belladonna even felt like maybe she should thank Scarlet.
Belladonna picked up the pen on the table.
Just as she was about to write, Escallion got up from his seat and came closer, holding out his hand.
“Write it on my palm.”
“…?”
Why?
“You always used my palm to tell me things before.”
He sat very close to her and put his big left hand on her lap.
Belladonna was nervous about their legs touching, but she put her finger on his palm.
‘N.o.t. M.a.d.’
“Really?”
He never waited for her to finish. He always asked before she could finish writing.
Belladonna nodded. Escallion narrowed his eyes, not sure if he believed her.
“Then why don’t you want my gift?”
‘T.o.o. M.u.c.h. J.e.w.e.l.r.y.’
“You had even more when you were the Saint of Astanya, right? Since you didn’t bring anything when we married, I wanted to give you as much as I could.”
Because in three months, she’d go back anyway…
Wait, a few weeks had already passed since she came to Griblatta, so only two months were left.
Belladonna felt a cold wind in her heart and lifted her finger again.
‘N.o. R.e.a.s.o.n. T.o. W.e.a.r. T.h.e.m.’
“Then, should I throw a party for you?”
Escallion suddenly asked.
Belladonna quickly shook her head. She hated parties.
She didn’t like lots of people, or people talking about her, or whispering behind her back.
And if anyone there had once told her a secret…
‘They’d want to talk to me alone, staring at me with wide eyes… It would be too tiring.’
People respected the Saint in the confessional, but not when she was out talking to others.
They just wanted her to keep their secrets and always listen in that dark room.
She never wanted to see those people again.
“Bella.”
At Escallion’s voice, Belladonna snapped out of her thoughts and looked up.
She could see herself reflected in his golden eyes.
He looked at her, then spoke.
“I’m sorry.”
“….”
Sorry for what?
Was he still thinking she was mad about him leaving her alone at the winter festival?
Belladonna just looked at him in silence.
Escallion looked troubled as he brushed back his hair.
“There are still… things I can’t tell you yet.”
“….”
Belladonna stared at him.
She remembered what she saw yesterday—Scarlet standing with Escallion.
Is he talking about his lover?
Belladonna gave up thinking.
Their marriage was only temporary, after all.
She nodded slowly.
Before Escallion could ever tell her the truth, she would leave him anyway.
When she nodded, Escallion looked relieved.
“My wife is so understanding.”
Understanding…
Belladonna smiled to herself inside.
Is giving up the same as understanding?
“Madam! Did you sleep well? There’s a letter from Astanya!”
Early in the morning, Cindy came in, talking excitedly.
Belladonna woke up and rubbed her eyes.
She turned her head, feeling something heavy and strange, and saw Escallion lying next to her with his big shoulders exposed.
‘Huh…?’
Belladonna blinked like she was dreaming.
Usually, he left very early, so they never saw each other in the morning.
Why was he still here…?
“Go ahead and read—Kyaa!”
Even Cindy was surprised to see Escallion still in bed.
She came in without thinking, then screamed when she saw him.
She turned quickly and almost ran back out.
“…I-is that the lord?”
Belladonna nodded slowly.
Why is he still sleeping here?
“I’m sorry! I thought it was just Madam… I’ll come back later! Here, read your letter, and call me if you need anything!”
Cindy covered her eyes, quickly handed Belladonna the letter, and left.
Belladonna looked at the door, then at Escallion, who still had his eyes closed.
He must be awake… Why is he pretending to sleep?
As if he read her mind, Escallion reached out and hugged her waist.
“I was so bored waiting for my wife to wake up.”
Belladonna was pulled into his warm arms, still confused.
He opened his eyes and smiled at her.
“I always see you fast asleep, so today I wanted to see you when you just woke up—like a cute little kitten.”
“….”
Belladonna rolled her eyes at his flirty words.
How could he say things like that with a straight face?
“You got a letter from Astanya? That’s good.”
Escallion looked at the envelope in her hand.
Belladonna was about to open it, but stopped to think.
‘What if there’s something dangerous in here…’
She didn’t think the Pope would be careless, but it was better to be safe.
Belladonna nodded and quietly put the letter on the nightstand.
Escallion looked at her, surprised she didn’t read it, but soon changed the subject.
“What will you do today?”
Belladonna thought, then pulled his palm over.
‘L.e.a.r.n. H.o.u.s.e. W.o.r.k. F.r.o.m. W.o.l.f.’
“Why bother? Wolf does it all anyway! Come with me today.”
Escallion grinned playfully, his golden eyes sparkling.
Belladonna frowned, thinking.
Truthfully, learning from Wolf wasn’t very interesting.
‘Wolf takes care of everything, so I only check things in the end…’
Escallion rubbed her forehead gently with his finger, smiling.
“Call back the maid who ran away. Tell her to dress you warmly.”
Wrapped in many layers of clothes, Belladonna went out into the hall with Cindy.
She saw Escallion bringing out a horse from the stable.
‘Are we going to ride again today?’
She felt a little excited as she walked downstairs. But just then, there was a loud noise from the right, near the kitchen.
Huh? What was that?
Belladonna stopped. Cindy quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the castle gate.
“Let’s go, madam!”
“I’m innocent!!”
Suddenly, the kitchen door burst open and someone fell at Belladonna’s feet.
She jumped back in surprise. Cindy blocked her with her body.
A man with a big blue bruise on his face crawled on his knees and bowed to Belladonna.
“Madam! Please listen to me! I’m innocent!”
“You! Don’t talk like that to Madam! Get out now!”
“Yeah! Be glad we let you walk out on your own. How dare you…!”
What happened to cause this?
Belladonna looked at Cindy, but Cindy was just as cold as the other servants, staring at the man.
Belladonna grabbed Cindy’s sleeve.
Still, shouldn’t we at least listen to him? He looks so desperate…
Cindy glanced at her and sighed, but pulled Belladonna to the castle gate.
Belladonna looked back at the man lying on the floor.
‘What happened…’
“Madam, don’t even look at him!”
Cindy said sharply.
If Cindy acted like this, the man must have done something really bad.
“He committed a big crime. It’s the one thing our lord hates most! Our lord is actually warm-hearted, but there’s one thing he never forgives.”
What is it?
Belladonna looked at Cindy.
What did he do to be kicked out like this?
Cindy bowed slightly to Escallion, who was walking toward them, then whispered quickly.
“Betrayal.”
Cindy’s face stayed cold.
“The lord never forgives someone from his own house who betrays him. That man lied and worked with another noble. It wasn’t a huge thing, but turning his back on the lord means he deserves punishment.”
Belladonna felt a chill down her back.
B-betrayal…?
“He hates people who smile at you but do something else behind your back. That’s what our lord hates the most.”
Escallion was coming closer, not knowing anything.
Belladonna gave him a beautiful smile and started to think fast.
Did I hide the letter from Astanya well enough…?
