In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 29
Chapter 29
‘This is troublesome…’
He’d expected it, but it was clear she hadn’t served him properly. What’s more, it seemed she’d made a grave error before her master.
‘Lady Greta is taking over her training, so she should improve gradually…’
Alois looked up, his gaze fixed on the woman disappearing into the distance.
‘I wonder if she’s even of age.’
He’d often heard that people from the Holy Kingdom were smaller than those from the Empire, but even considering that, she was particularly petite.
Of course, the meticulous head maid would confirm that as well. The old butler’s wrinkles deepened.
This was the first woman his master had brought to the castle. The Grand Duke’s only slave.
‘She may be of the lowest status here now…’
But no one could know what the future held. Alois turned his head, thinking he needed to warn the staff to prevent any unforeseen incidents.
The servants had already cleaned the soiled floor and set out fresh plates. Meanwhile, the Grand Duke sat rigidly in his chair. Alois nervously spoke, “Your Highness, shall I prepare your chambers for a change of attire?”
“After the meal.” The curt reply was typical of his master, but the content was not, and it surprised him. The Grand Duke was a man of impeccable cleanliness, almost to the point of obsession.
Under normal circumstances, he would have already stormed off.
‘Could it be… he doesn’t intend to hold the slave accountable?’
If the Grand Duke were to leave now, the woman would inevitably face criticism for ruining his meal. Of course, he, as the butler, would manage the situation, but she wouldn’t escape the staff’s reproach for rendering their hard work meaningless. But why would a master go so far for a slave?
‘Am I losing my mind? Such absurd thoughts…’
Alois shook his head at his own delusional assumptions when a scathing voice cut through his thoughts.
“This meal seems to be quite ruined.”
He snapped back to attention.
“I apologize, Your Highness.”
Alois, with the practiced skill of a seasoned butler, attended to his young master’s meal. But despite his precise movements, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
‘…I hope nothing happens.’
A sense of unease settled upon him, like the premonition of a great storm.
* * *
Hilde, led by the maids, walked for a while before entering a small room. The moment the door closed and she realized she was finally away from the Grand Duke, the tension drained from her body, and she collapsed onto the floor. Her legs wouldn’t hold her weight.
“You should sit on the chair. Get up.” As the maid on her left instinctively reached out to pull her up—
“Ugh!” Hilde cried out in pain as her shoulder was pulled, tearing open the barely healed wound. The maid recoiled in surprise.
“What’s wrong?” Seeing Hilde’s pale face, the maid on the right knelt beside her. “Are you hurt—?”
“I’m fine.” Hilde forced a smile and shook her head. “I injured my shoulder a while ago, and it startled me when it was pulled… I’m truly fine.”
‘A minor injury, yet she’s sweating?’
The maids exchanged glances, their suspicion piqued.
“We’ll help you up. Can you stand?”
“Yes.”
Supported by the maids, Hilde sat on a chair at the round table and finally took a breath.
“You’re here.” A stern voice came from the doorway. Hilde looked up and saw a middle-aged woman entering the room. She looked familiar.
‘I saw her when I got out of the carriage.’
“Lady Greta.”
The maids bowed in unison. The woman, seemingly accustomed to such greetings, turned to Hilde.
“I am Greta, the head maid of this Grand Duchy. As you may have heard, His Highness has entrusted me with your training.”
“Oh, hello.”
Hilde tried to stand up, but her weak legs gave way, and she collapsed back onto the chair several times.
“It’s alright, stay seated.” Greta, seeing her struggle, helped her settle back down. “What is your name?”
“Hi-Hilde.”
“An uncommon name in the fallen kingdom.” Hilde flinched at the brief comment. Her name was of Imperial origin, given because the ill-omened twins could not bear the sacred name of Crozeta.
