Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 31
“Yes, that’s how it was.”
Irene rose from her seat with a smile on her lips and approached Lani.
“I knew you were close with Mary, but you’ve made a difficult decision.”
“Not at all! It meant nothing to me since Mary insulted the saint.”
As she said this, Lani’s eyes sparkled with firm determination. She truly believed she was doing the right thing for the saint.
“I want to serve the saint.”
“Why?”
“I realized too late that the things I’ve done were terrible. I cannot just stand by after realizing this. I want to atone for everything by serving the saint.”
Whether she was truly repentant or just pretending out of fear was not the important issue.
What mattered more was that Lani had pledged herself to her.
“So, atonement. Are you confident you can do it well?”
“I will dedicate my life to serving you.”
“Good. From now on, you’re my personal maid.”
“Th-Thank you!”
Then, looking at Burt, he nodded and responded.
“I will transfer your affiliation.”
Currently, the maids were associated externally. He meant to transfer her under Irene. Now Lani would be part of the temple as well.
“More importantly, you’re so thin. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“Then let’s start with some soup.”
It was the moment Irene’s previous punishment was lifted. Lani, moved to tears, had a face full of gratitude.
‘Such a kind person.’
“Th-Thank you.”
“Enough thanks, let’s focus on regaining your health first.”
“Yes, I will do my best to recover quickly.”
Lani exclaimed, overwhelmed with emotion.
Indeed, this was the right path. Serving the saint and living solely for her was what she was meant to do going forward.
“And about Mary.”
“Yes?”
“She must be punished. Can you do it?”
“Of course. Leave it to me.”
It was the moment the positions of Lani and Mary were reversed.
“Ahh, I hate this.”
Mary sighed and leaned back on the sofa.
Since entering the temple, her body felt at ease but her mind was always uncomfortable. It felt like walking through a path of thorns.
It wasn’t unreasonable to sigh over the situation, given that ignoring the Duke’s orders and returning to the mansion wasn’t an option.
Should I have some tea? She pondered, attempting to rise, when a familiar figure hurriedly approached.
“Mary!”
“Rouie?”
She was somewhat close among the group of maids, though not as much as Lani.
“Lani has just returned and something’s off!”
“Returned? Where had she gone?”
“She left earlier in new clothes and with a new determined appearance.”
Gone somewhere? Where? A chilling premonition suddenly hit her. It seemed necessary to have a talk with Lani.
Mary hurried to leave the room. That would have been the case, had Lani not been blocking the door.
“Lani!”
“Mary.”
Lani called her name calmly, her face parched.
“Where have you been? I was worried.”
“Worried?”
Lani smiled slightly, lifting the corners of her mouth.
“About me? I’m just the foolish Lani, right?”
At those words, Mary felt a sting in her heart. It seemed Lani had heard her speaking ill.
“You must have heard wrong, Lani.”
“I heard perfectly. No, that’s not what’s important, Mary.”
Lani straightened up and spoke solemnly.
“The crime of insulting the saint. It’s time to receive the penalty for that sin.”
“What?”
“The saint has given me all authority. Mary, you’re going to be punished now.”
“Why me?”
Mary’s mind raced. It seemed Lani had sided with the saint.
However, she had always shown a weak side to those stronger than herself.
She couldn’t afford to show weakness now. With that thought, she tried to stand tall, but before she could, Lani raised her hand.
Slap.
A loud noise accompanied a burning pain on her cheek.
“La-Lani?”
The other maids called her name, seeming perplexed.
“Do not give this sinner any food from now on.”
“W-What is this madness!”
Mary protested indignantly, but Lani remained unmoved.
“What madness? I’m merely carrying out the orders given by the saint.”
Mary’s hand, which had been raised to retaliate, slid back down. Hitting Lani might have brought temporary satisfaction, but the fear of consequences held her back.
So, she cradled her swollen cheek and lowered her head. Lani came closer to Mary and whispered,
“Now it’s your turn to taste everything I went through.”
