In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 43
Chapter 43
“H-huh…?”
Her reaction was one of utter surprise. Greta had fully anticipated this, so instead of pressing further, she poured water into a glass and handed it to Hilde, smoothly changing the subject. “The wound on your shoulder is quite deep. Try not to use your left arm until it’s fully healed.”
“But then, how will I attend to Master…?”
“He’s not one for being waited on and is used to being alone. Trying to help him in your condition will only be a hindrance.”
“Oh…” Hilde replied softly. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Yes. For the time being, it’s best to focus on your recovery.” Greta stood up. “Now rest. Irma, on your way out, tell the kitchen to prepare Hilde’s dinner.”
“B-But, I can do that…”
“I forgot to mention,” Greta firmly interrupted, “His Grace has forbidden you from leaving your room. I believe you know the reason why.”
Hilde’s delicate eyes trembled as Greta pointedly questioned her transgression. She quickly lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry…”
“You did something very dangerous. You were lucky this time, but there’s no telling what might happen next time.” Someone else would have been executed by now. Greta didn’t add those words, as her intention wasn’t to frighten Hilde.
Instead, she offered sincere advice. “His Grace is not merciful to those who betray or disobey him. Don’t forget this.”
The Grand Duke was a truly ruthless master, particularly unforgiving when it came to deceit. Hilde didn’t seem the type to lie easily, but that worried Greta even more. If Hilde did attempt to lie, she would be caught immediately. “Never try to deceive His Grace. It’s better to be honest and beg for forgiveness. Do you understand?”
Hilde nodded.
With a faint sigh, Greta left the room to report to the master of the Grand Duke’s castle, as instructed, that his woman had awakened.
***
Left alone, Hilde sat dazed for a moment before fully rising from the bed. She placed the untouched glass of water on the nightstand and approached the small mirror on the dresser. Hesitation laced her fingers as she touched the ribbon tied beneath her neck.
“Master wouldn’t have treated me…”
Finally, she pulled the ribbon’s end, and the knot came undone. The soft fabric parted, revealing the cloth wrapped around her wound. It wasn’t her handiwork.
The way the cloth was tied was different. And… it was the same knot she’d seen when she first examined her wound after arriving at the castle.
“…It was really him.”
When she’d first heard, she’d inwardly denied it. She’d been certain the head maid was mistaken. But now…
“Why…?”
From their first encounter until now, Hilde had always been terrified of him. The man showed no hesitation at the sight of blood, whether his own or another’s. She couldn’t help but notice his familiarity with slaughter.
He was a cruel and cold-blooded man, devoid of pity or remorse. That was the master Hilde knew. Moreover, he had taken away the only treasure she held dear…
“….”
She tentatively touched the now-empty space beneath her neck, but felt nothing. A sharp pang of grief squeezed her heart, a wave of sorrow she’d tried so hard to suppress.
Sasha. I lost your keepsake. I’m sorry. Silently apologizing, Hilde composed her turbulent emotions. Only then could she bring herself to look back at the mirror.
The bandage carefully wrapped around her shoulder caught her eye again.
“It was… just a momentary whim.” She spoke aloud, desperately trying to avoid harboring any false hope. She had to remember she was a slave, nothing special, and that she shouldn’t overstep her bounds.
