Misfortune 79

Chapter 79

***

Sponsored by LC. Thank you ❤️ (3/4)

***

As Roan hurriedly left for the capital, Delnia was able to spend some leisurely time in her room for once.

She glanced out the window at the deepening autumn. The leaves, once lush and green, were now yellow and red, swaying in the breeze and performing their final waltz of the season.

It was hard to believe how time had flown by. All she had done during that time was to endure Roan, swept away by fierce waves, and cry and sob until her voice was hoarse.

Looking back now, it seems unimaginable how she could have endured such a time, but at the time, she didn't even think it was strange.

It was because of that man, who relentlessly pursued her, as if he had been waiting for that very moment.

Perhaps that’s why, when Roan suddenly disappeared, she felt an odd sense of emptiness. They say you don’t notice what you have until it’s gone, and that’s exactly how it was.

But she didn’t miss him. The traces he left behind hadn’t even faded yet, so what was there to miss?

Even though three days had passed since he left, her legs still trembled. The bruises that had bloomed all over her body were no different. Thinking about the aftereffects, it felt as though time was moving slowly.

Especially since she ended up receiving the same level of care as when she was bedridden because of him.

"Leticia. It must be a hassle, but you can stop bringing them now. I can go downstairs myself."

Delnia tried to stop Leticia, who had brought a tray with a simple cucumber sandwich and a glass of milk. This was a recurring argument at every meal.

"Oh, don't worry about it. Just rest. You need to conserve your strength while the Colonel isn't here, don't you agree?"

Leticia narrowed her eyes and gave a sly smile.

"To be honest, when Delnia first arrived, the Colonel and you seemed so distant that I thought I was mistaken. But it turns out I was right after all."

The slightly playful voice pierced her heart like a dagger. But Delnia forced a smile.

There was no denying it anymore. She had become the Colonel's official mistress.

There was nothing unusual or dramatic about it, but she couldn't help feeling a chill of shame in her fingertips.

Roan Barthez had finally succeeded in wounding the woman he hated in the most humiliating way possible. He had been willing to dirty his own hands, so it was only fitting that he should reap the reward.

The hand that took her without hesitation was also a soldier's act, taking the enemy's life without batting an eye for the sake of victory.

Despite the surprising fact that he could become aroused by a woman he despised, she accepted reality with more composure than expected.

The pain of being drenched in the icy water of humiliation had certainly cut her deeply, but at the same time, she was calm, as if it were something that was bound to happen. She even felt a strange sense of relief.

It was like falling endlessly until finally hitting the bottom. Her skull might be crushed and her bones broken, but at least she wouldn't have to endure the terror of not knowing how long the fall would last.

“But you’ve come a long way.”

At that moment, Leticia’s admiring compliment pushed Delnia’s wandering thoughts aside.

She stopped her still-moving hands and lowered her gaze.

Lace and tufts of fur, each with delicate patterns, were scattered everywhere.

“You said your hands were slow, but you were just being modest, weren’t you?”

“I have plenty of time. I guess the speed picks up a bit as I keep going.”

Delnia smiled awkwardly and expressed humility.

Originally, she only occasionally picked up knitting as a hobby, so she never had the chance to improve her skills. However, now that she was constantly working on it as a means of livelihood, her hands couldn't help but become skilled.

Moreover, there was nothing else to distract her mind.

“When my daughter saw the one you finished this time, she praised it endlessly, saying it was so beautiful. She said it would fetch a good price.”

When Delnia was looking for a simple side job to earn some extra money, Leticia recommended lace-making.

Being nobility, her taste must be impeccable, and Leticia even went out of her way to arrange for it to be supplied to her daughter’s clothing shop.

Leticia credited Delnia’s skill, but in truth, it would have been impossible without her help.

“Thank you so much, Leticia.”

“It’s nothing. I’m glad I could be of some help.”

Leticia patted Delnia's shoulder as if to commend her.

Then, as if something occurred to her, she added.

“But there’s still no word from the postman today. I told him repeatedly to bring any letters addressed to Delnia first.”

Sophie had yet to respond to the letter informing her of the news that she was coming to Blois. Even though the convent was far away, there should have been enough time to receive a reply, so it was definitely puzzling.

However, Delnia smiled as if to say it was okay. This was because Leticia’s face was filled with worry as she relayed the message.

“Should I send it again? Maybe it got lost.”

Delnia spoke bravely, and Leticia nodded with a sympathetic look.

“Alright, let me know if you’re going to the village. I’ll prepare a carriage for you.”

“I will. Thank you so much every time.”

The hand that had been gently stroking her with a smile soon withdrew.

Delnia watched her back until Letticia completely left the room.

Leticia had always cared about her, but since she confided that she needed money to send to her sick mother, Delnia could feel that she was even more concerned.

Even if she didn’t know the exact details, Leticia must have known that Delnia’s family had been brought down by the royal family.

So she couldn't have stepped in to ask Roan for help either. He was a soldier loyal to the imperial family.

But she couldn't just ignore Delnia's plight either.

Leticia was such a kind and warm-hearted person that it was hard to believe she could be like this.

The fact that Delnia, rather than Madame Barthez, who should have received that kindness, was the one receiving it made her feel a sense of guilt.

‘Madame Barthez………………’

The mere act of silently uttering that title caused her heart to sink.

A sense of guilt and shame unlike anything she had felt when merely misunderstood as a mistress overwhelmed her. She couldn’t lift her head, feeling guilty toward a woman she didn’t even know.

Regardless of who eventually took that position, she would never welcome Delnia’s presence. What woman would welcome her husband’s mistress?

And since she was even a slave, it would be strange not to kick her out immediately.

Then what about him?

It was hard to imagine now, but if Roan were to marry the daughter of a noble family, he couldn't completely ignore his wife's words.

No, even if the woman wasn’t a noblewoman, if he were to marry and establish a happy family,

"I'll make you pay for your sins for the rest of your life."

Roan said that, but by then, the hatred might have dried up and lost its effect. He wouldn't want to keep an enemy he'd already torn apart around anymore.

But even so, since she was an enemy, he wouldn't just let her go. Perhaps he would sell her for a profit.

No matter what, she would inevitably become miserable.

The certainty of her impending doom brought a strange sense of relief. Now she could simply wait for that day to come and do what she had to do.

Reflecting on the conclusion that was similar to before yet could never be the same, Delnia pushed the race to the side of the desk and took out stationery and a pen from the drawer. The recipient was, of course, Sophie.

All that remained for Delnia to do was to take care of her only family. That was all she had left.

Unlike last time, when she had written smoothly, Delnia’s hand paused repeatedly as she tried to come up with the story again.

Nevertheless, Delnia managed to finish the letter and then focused on knitting the lace. It was as if she were pouring the rest of her life into writing a letter to her mother and saving money to send it.

How much time had passed? The sound of footsteps could be heard outside again.

“Delnia, do you want a snack?”

Margaret peeked her head through the door and asked.

“A snack?”

“Yes. Honey-soaked walnuts. They’re really delicious.”

Margaret came inside and held out a small plate. It was piled high with shiny, glossy walnuts.

“I received them as a gift. There are too many for me to eat alone.”

“A gift… oh.”

Delnia, who had realized the nature of the gift Margaret had received a moment too late, let out an exclamation.

Margaret then fidgeted with her shoes, looking embarrassed. Her ears were bright red, as if they might burst.

***