Chapter 42

Translator and Editor: Effe and Nabi

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 42

Anriche added her words after carefully examining that Liliana’s nose was not dripping with blood.

“So, let’s cut the class in half. How about it?”

“…Yes, I will.”

Finally, after seeing Liliana nod her head slightly, Anriche smiled contentedly.

***

The next day was the visit of Viscountess Ivan.

After bringing Liliana into the study room first, Anriche summoned Viscountess Ivan.

“Well, Viscountess Ivan.”

“Oh, yes. Duchess, Did you call?”

The strict expression on her usual dealings with Liliana was not there, but Viscountess Ivan had a very kind face.

“I want to cut Liliana’s class time in half.”

“Yes? What do you mean…”

“While it’s important for the child to study, it’s just as important for her to rest and play.”

At those words, Viscountess Ivan put on an absurd look.

“But, Miss Liliana is far less educated than the ladies of her age.”

“That’s a problem that can be solved by taking it slow, right?”

“Oh my God, the Duchess is too soft on Miss Liliana.”

Viscountess Ivan shook her head and added, “In my honest mind, I think she should study more than she does now.”

“No, Liliana has Liliana’s speed.”

Anriche gave strength to her voice.

“Also, I want to keep the pace. I don’t want to see Liliana overdoing it.”

“…If that’s what the Duchess really said, I understand.”

After several persuasion, Viscountess Ivan nodded her head with an inconsiderate look.

“Then please take good care of Liliana today.”

“Yes, Duchess.”

Viscountess Ivan, with her head bowed, entered the study room. While Anriche, who looked at her back, headed to the kitchen.

She meant to prepare a snack to eat while studying.

***

Anriche packed the snacks and drinks on a tray and headed to the study room.

She could, of course, have a maid do it, but she wanted to bring it herself. In the meantime, she stood in front of the door and made a look of disappointment.

‘By the way, did Viscountess Ivan forbid the parents to come in and out of the class?’

But hey, she’s only bringing snacks…

Anriche tried to knock on the door with a light heart.

“Viscountess Ivan, I have some snacks to take to class…”

At the same time, she stopped her hand and paused. It was because as she was passing through the thick door, a clear voice could be heard.

“Miss, the very least, you can’t even properly review Elvante’s poems.”

“Sorry, I’m sorry. Teacher Ivan.”

“Really, is this the only way you can live up to the Duchess’ expectations?”

Anriche narrowed her brow.

The poet Elvante was famous for his esoteric poetry. She asks a seven-year-old girl to review poems interpreted by famous scholars…?

‘Besides, is Liliana living up to my expectations? Why was she saying that?’

Anriche listened closely by the door.

Viscountess Ivan continued equally spirited in her words.

“Did you know that this time the Duchess told me to cut Miss Liliana’s class in half?”

“Ah, yes. I know that, but…”

“Oh my gosh, you have no sense of shame. Are you willing to cut your class down on that level of skill?”

She heard the sound of the tongue being clicked.

“It’s not because you have been fooling around with the Duchess saying that studying was difficult?”

“No! It’s not like that at all…!”

“Then, why are you not keeping up with your studies properly?”

There was a faint smile in the voice of Viscountess Ivan. As if she were mocking Liliana.

“If Miss Liliana makes a mistake in front of other ladies.”

Viscountess Ivan said her words in a dramatic tone.

“Doesn’t she know that not only the Miss, but she is also dishonoring the duchess?”

“…Yes. I know.”

“Miss Liliana, did you say you wanted to be a lady that the Duchess could be proud of?”

Anriche’s expression hardened.

[ “I will work hard. I want to make mother proud of me.” ]

Liliana’s voice, who was speaking with strength, suddenly came to Anriche’s mind. It seemed like Viscountess Ivan uses the child’s admirable heart to wield the child at will.

“The Duchess seems to care too much about the Miss, so even for me, I should strictly teach the Miss.”

Viscount Ivan sternly ordered Liliana. “Put your soles out.”

“Soles?”

“Yes. It’s the teacher’s job to correct the wrong students.”

Viscountess’s voice was full of joy she couldn’t hide.

“Actually, I didn’t want to do corporal punishment, but I can’t help it because the Miss is so lax.”

After she said those words, Anriche opened her eyes wide.

‘What…? Is she going to hit Liliana?!’

Liliana, in a trembling voice, called out to Viscountess Ivan.

“Te, teacher…”

“All of this, you know that this is for your goodness, right?”

At that confident voice, Liliana was silent for a moment. Anriche held her breath without realizing it.

‘Liliana, don’t tell me you…’

“Yes, I know.”

Soon, a terrified reply came back.

‘…You know?’

Anriche felt her eyes turn white with anger.

She’d rather Liliana be angry or cling to her for this! That gentle and kind child is putting up with it again this time…!

“However, the Duchess may worry unnecessarily.”

The Viscountess whispered softly.

“This is a secret between us.”

“….!”

Anriche opened her eyes.

By using Liliana’s affection for Anriche to cunningly shut Liliana’s mouth, even as a part of her body was to be punished, Anriche could see it well in her eyes. Even choosing the inconspicuous sole.

Anriche shivered at Viscountess Ivan’s viciousness.

“Liliana!”

Bang!!

Anriche, who put the snack tray down on the floor, slammed the door open right away. At the same time, she froze on the spot.

“What, what is this…”

The first thing that catches her eye, leaning against the wall, with her soles outstretched. It was Liliana, shivering.

She rolled her eyes.

“Mo, mother?”

But, Anriche was so surprised that she could not answer the call.

“Viscountess Ivan.”

Moments later, Anriche clenched her teeth and looked at Viscount Ivan.

“What, what the hell is this?”

“Du, Duchess?!”

“Did you really intend to punish the child?”

Viscountess Ivan froze on the spot. The euphoria in dealing with Liliana had now disappeared without a trace.

Anriche, who walked with big strides, snatched the stick and threw it away.

“Donatella Ivan.”

“Du, Duchess. I, I…!”

“If you’re going to make useless excuses, cut it.”

In those eyes as sharp as shards of broken glass, Viscountess Ivan involuntarily avoided the eyes.

‘This is weird… This can’t be…?’

Anriche, whom Viscountess Ivan knew, was a woman who had always been oppressed by her mother, the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony. In the words of her mother and her younger brother, she was a woman who would even pretend to die.

There is no way that such a duchess could treat herself when the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony has personally recommended her, so rudely…

“The, the grand madam of the Marquisate of Saxony, has asked me to teach Liliana strictly!”

Viscountess Ivan tried to make up for her dignified stance and straightened her waist.

At that blatant protest, Anriche bit her lips till blood flow.

“What if the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony finds out that the Duchess has interrupted the class?”

“…What?”

“If you treat me badly, the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony will surely be angry!

Viscountess Ivan spat it out.

‘Ah, that’s right…’

Anriche sneered coldly.

The Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony wanted her daughter to be in the palm of her hand. And, the teacher, with whom she was very close, was Viscountess Ivan in front of Anriche.

Instead of answering, Anriche strode towards Viscountess Ivan.

The cane broke under Anriche’s heels, and the sharp-edged violet eyes stared straight at Viscountess Ivan.

When Viscountess Ivan unknowingly retreated back.

Slap!!

Anriche slapped her cheek violently.

“….”

“….”

A chilly silence passed.

Viscountess Ivan lifted her head, wrapping her cheeks.

The surprise was far greater than the pain.

Anriche opened her mouth in a cold voice, towards Viscountess Ivan, who blinked blankly.

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

“What, what is this…”

“Actually, I don’t really like that word.”

She then rubbed the sorely aching hand, and she took a step forward.

“But when it comes to my children, I’m going to stick with it.”

“Duchess, but…!”

“You dared to threaten Liliana, and even punish her with corporal punishment… Shouldn’t I do the same?”

Anriche’s voice was frighteningly quiet.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Advanced Chapters!

Rate the novel on Novel Updates.

Join our discord to receive the latest updates as soon as possible!