In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 36
Chapter 36
His eyes finally landed on Hilde. Her already frozen body began to tremble like an aspen leaf. Her teeth chattered.
“What are you doing? Why aren’t you healing that poor servant again?” His mocking words fell upon her. “Both his hands have been cut off this time.”
Two hands rolling on the ground, white bone peeking through the severed flesh, gushing red blood… Hilde’s breath caught in her throat, as if someone had choked her. Dizziness swept over her, and her mind went blank.
“M-Master…” Hilde forced her trembling lips to part.
“I was wrong.” She couldn’t bear to see someone bleeding, writhing in pain. It always brought back the image of her dying sister, covered in blood. Please, please stop. Sasha, my poor sister… Hilde looked up at Benedict, tears welling in her eyes.
“I was wrong, Master. It was all my fault…”
It was a clear warning, a threat. A punishment for defying him, the Duke. Even if she healed the servant again with her divine power, would he survive? No. Next time, it might not just be his wrists. It could be his arms, his legs, or even his life.
“Please forgive me.”
But even her heartfelt plea didn’t move the Grand Duke’s impassive face.
“If he had lost only one wrist, he might have been lucky enough to survive.”
“…!”
The words hit Hilde like a hammer blow. I… it’s my fault, that man… Her head turned stiffly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked at the writhing man. Because of me. Because I interfered.
“Greta, take her to her room.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
And so, Hilde was dragged back to the Grand Duke’s bedroom.
***
“What were you thinking, doing something so dangerous! What if His Grace had become truly enraged…!” Greta scolded Hilde harshly for the first time. But seeing Hilde’s stunned silence, she sighed.
“Hilde, that servant wasn’t innocent. He was a criminal who smuggled goods out of the castle during the war.”
“….”
“His Grace has never changed his mind once it’s been made. If you defy him, you’ll only get hurt.”
“.…”
“Rest for now. We’ll talk later.”
Even after Greta left, Hilde stood frozen like a statue. It’s my fault… Despite hearing that the servant had received his just punishment, a heavy guilt weighed her down. If he had lost only one wrist, he might have been lucky enough to survive. That man is going to die because of me.
The thought of her foolish actions contributing to someone’s death was terrifying. If I beg Master again now… Despair washed over her, but she couldn’t just stand there. As Hilde took a step towards the bedroom door, intending to plead for its release— Creak—a faint sound reached her ears.
Her head slowly turned. She noticed a slight gap.
The terrace door… it’s open?
The bedroom was on the ground floor. If she went through the terrace door and climbed over the low railing, she could escape.
Then…
Hilde clutched the necklace at her chest, her pink eyes trembling.
***
“Silence.”
The Grand Duke’s command was short and absolute. No one was to speak of the woman’s abilities. If word of this incident spread, their lives would be forfeit.
“As you command.”
Benedict turned and left, Moritz following close behind. Even with her divine power, I never thought he would spare her.
The slave had dared to stand before her master, even reversing his punishment. It was no different from outright defiance. The Grand Duke never tolerated such insubordination.
