The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 101
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“No, you can’t.”
“…I haven’t even said anything yet.”
“You are expressly prohibited from leaving that bed.”
Roxelyn was speechless at Zerti’s deliberate explanation filled with affection.
The incident in the city, Landarin, had been resolved, and upon returning to the ducal residence, she was confined… no, recuperating in bed as a patient.
Several rumors spread from the incident in Landarin stirred the public.
First, the perpetrator had escaped while injured amidst the melee and had not yet been caught.
Second, it was none other than the Third Prince who saved those dying from respiratory distress due to the consumed oxygen, even though the fire was out.
He had instantly removed a dome of tightly packed soil that not even an ant could pass through. This was possible through his Abyss.
Although there were those with severe burns, fortunately, there were no fatalities.
The Kalutans had only a few with minor injuries.
Even Sanja, who had gotten caught in the fire, ended up with only light burns, thanks to the unique regenerative ability of the Kalutans.
Nonetheless, the public was in uproar.
Stories circulated that the fire engulfing the village had disappeared as if sucked into somewhere, heralded as a miracle from the gods or the gods’ mercy on Marquis Wilfred, who often performed good deeds.
“It’s not even funny.”
Roxelyn scoffed at the ridiculous rumor upon reflecting on it again.
A devil’s contract bearer receiving god’s care just because he made some donations to the temple? Ridiculous.
Anyway, rumors circulated that the Kalutans were at the scene of the incident.
There were rumors that it was a self-inflicted drama by the Kalutan group, and rumors spread that they had punched through a massive wall to desperately protect the imperial citizens.
Of course, the latter was a rumor Roxelyn had asked Marquis Gerun to spread.
Whereas the Landarin in Roxelyn’s world had been razed to the ground, this world’s Landarin somewhat retained its form.
And belatedly, Roxelyn fell severely ill.
Given her frail constitution, the long journey, and her trip abroad, it was natural for her to fall ill on the way back.
By the time Zerti received Roxelyn, navigating through the flames and even overexerting herself, her condition was indescribable.
Even though she was protected by a blue stone shield, entering the heart of the firestorm left her with light burns everywhere, and her eyes were damaged too, leaving her unable to open them for days.
‘I was lucky I could call a healing priest.’
After returning to the mansion, Zerti called for a healing priest to start treatment, and now she was much better.
Thus, today marked the fifth day since returning to the mansion.
“…But the bed is stifling.”
“…Absolutely not. Not even if my eyes were filled with dirt.”
“Soil is readily available, though.”
Roxelyn reached for a small potted plant she had received as a get-well gift from someone.
Zerti looked at Roxelyn with an expression as if to say, what kind of child is this, then spoke again.
He seemed somewhat disappointed.
“I didn’t say it was okay if soil gets in; I said it’s not okay even if soil gets in.”
Roxelyn clamped her mouth shut at Zerti’s precise correction.
It felt like bile was rising in her throat.
She hunched over sharply, expressing how she felt like vomiting.
“Why? If you need to go to the bathroom, I’ll take you. If the bedding is uncomfortable, shall I change it? You might get bedsores, so let’s turn your body appropriately.”
The advice returned was somewhat embarrassing.
Roxelyn looked at Zerti with an expression as if to say, what kind of father is this, then sighed and closed her eyes.
The prescribed period for recuperation was one month.
Roxelyn couldn’t refuse, considering Duke Devon Bellion himself was involved in assessing her condition.
“I want to sleep now.”
“Alright, sleep well.”
As Roxelyn gently closed her eyes, Zerti slowly stroked her forehead.
“I love you, my child.”
“….”
At those embarrassing words, Roxelyn pretended to be asleep, unable to respond.
She hadn’t imagined she actually wouldn’t be able to leave the bed for an entire month.
* * *
After a month of recuperation, what she had to face was neither the Emperor, the Kalutan she had brought along, nor even the Third Prince, Arma.
“Roxelyn.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
It was Devon Bellion.
At Roxelyn’s cunningly respectful address, the corners of Devon Bellion’s mouth twitched once.
Beside him were Aegis Bellion and Ian Bellion, who also showed a displeased demeanor.