Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 4
While washing the dirty underwear, Roel suddenly realized it was her birthday.
“Oh no.”
The realization startled her, turning her face pale with shock. Knowing she had turned twenty, Roel understood Roniti would be even more eager to marry her off and would treat her with increased harshness.
Disturbed, Roel packed the laundry into the basket. Her hands were numb and sore from washing in the cold winter, as if frostbitten.
Few people did laundry in the winter, especially not full garments—just maybe underwear. It was a chore Roniti forced on Roel to torment her.
Upon Roel’s return home with the laundry basket, Roniti immediately screamed at her.
“Why are you so late! It’s almost time for dinner?!”
She had been idly knitting by the fire but was irritable for no reason.
Since dumping all household chores on Roel, Roniti acted as though she was some kind of noblewoman, engaging in knitting or embroidery without lifting a finger for any real work. Whenever she tired of her hobbies, she would interfere and angrily criticize everything Roel did.
This time, Roniti picked on the laundry.
“The water’s dripping! Did you wring it out properly?”
“My wrist hurts. It’ll dry if you hang it out.”
“Do you want to flood the living room? Go outside and wring it out until it stops dripping.”
“I’m sorry. My wrist hurts. Would you do it?”
“….Are you out of your mind?”
Perhaps she was, having realized it was her birthday and feeling as though she had reached the end of the cliff.
Whether she appeared good in her aunt’s eyes or not, her future seemed unchanged—destined to be driven away. So, why bother appeasing them?
Roel reflected on the years of oppression she had endured. She had hoped enduring would lead to better days, believing that, in the end, they were family and would have her back.
She might have even held a bit of faith in Ger’s words—that he would ensure she was well-married by providing a dowry.
All that endurance proved futile, as it seemed she was destined to be sold off to someone like Hetter.
Roel set the laundry down and turned away. As she entered the kitchen, Roniti quickly followed, sneering in anticipation of Roel’s despair.
“Ger said he would visit Hetter today.”
“…”
“Ah, he must be on his way back by now.”
Roniti threw out the words she had eagerly prepared to shatter Roel’s spirit.
Roel clenched her mouth shut. Roniti seemed thrilled to say it. She was more infuriated by Roniti’s gleeful face than the fact that Ger had visited Hetter.
“Why? Are you upset because I’m sending you to marry Hetter? Or is it because you think there’s nothing in it for you once you’re married?”
“…”
“Do you think marriage will set you free? Just because you marry doesn’t mean you cut ties with your family. You’ll have to take care of Hetter’s household and continue doing the same chores you do here. That’s how you repay us for raising you. Understand?”
Roel felt a lump in her throat, her vision blurring with dizziness.
“…..Why should I?”
“So, you’re refusing? Do you think I’ll just let it slide? Do you think the people in this village will take your side? No! They’ll all point fingers at you.”
Roniti was truly vicious. In fact, she had considerable influence among the village women. If Roel didn’t comply, Roniti would surely spread malicious rumors about her.
To think she would be sent off to marry such a man, and still expected to perform the same household duties here? How could someone be so cruel?
Roel’s hands trembled as she chopped vegetables. Roniti viciously stated she would correct Roel’s so-called arrogant attitude before sending her off.
“You won’t eat dinner tonight. Someone as ungrateful and pathetic as you doesn’t deserve to eat.”
Roel suppressed her anger, nearly retorting that they should prepare their meals themselves.
“….Yes, I understand, Aunt.”
“Ingrate! Arrogant girl! If you ignore the kindness of being fed for the past four years, I’ll pluck out every hair on your head. Even Hetter, who chases after women, would throw you out for being ugly!”
Roniti snorted and left the kitchen, confidently assuming Roel would cower and comply as usual.
Roniti knew well that Roel, with no parents or known adults in the village, couldn’t stand against her. She could easily tarnish Roel’s reputation in the village, making her life miserable even if she married Hetter.
Thus, Roel had no choice but to obey silently.
“Who do you think holds the reins to your life, daring to defy me like this?!”
Roniti shouted as she left the kitchen, ensuring Roel heard her warning loud and clear.
