CH 12

Chapter 12

Translator: Eonnicorn / Editor: Scarlet

The news of Count Holland’s visit put the Baronet household in an uproar. No one expected such an important figure to come to Baronet Biti’s house, who was not part of the peerage.

Because of the lack of hands, Eva was busy all afternoon along with other maids. After changing curtains and cushions, while also sweeping and mopping the house, she was exhausted to the point she had no energy to walk. Eva trudged up to the stairs, thinking of taking a short break in her room. However, as they said, the moment hands don’t have something to bustle, that’s the moment where thoughts get jumbled. Her walk became heavier, mixed with confusion.

The Crown Prince Edward Kane Butterfield.

The name of the Crown Prince who was five years older than Eva. She only met him once when she was very young, but didn’t have many recollections about it. Since then, they had never met in person nor communicated with each other. The only thing left was the title of fiancée.

‘H-however, he’s at the border.’ So he couldn’t be the Crown Prince. Right now, he was declared to be standing by on the western border. If he returned, the whole empire would be in commotion and a welcome ceremony would be thrown.

‘I don’t know… I’m not quite sure.’

Cecil’s answer was a fifty-fifty chance. Even though she persuaded herself, her suspicion stowed even more. The Count didn’t say Ruth’s full name. Despite Count Holland having a higher position than him, the way Ruth held his gaze, the charisma, as well as the dignity he emitted felt more natural.

There was another thing. The wounds on his bare body were clearly the traces of battles he had to face countless times and injuries on the battlefield.

But was it only that?

As Eva sighed and opened the door, “Goodness! You startled me,” the unexpected Baronetess in front of the dressing drawer, yelped in surprise and twirled to Eva. “Do you not know how to knock?”

“This is my room. Instead, what are you doing here?” Eva asked, frowning. It was odd that the Baronetess sneaked into Eva’s room and was surprised as if she was caught doing bad things.

“W-what am I doing you asked? I came to find you. I didn’t see the tip of your nose all-day. I didn’t come here because I wanted to!”

“I was inside the house where you could see me clearly this whole time, madam.” Eva held her breath and spoke calmly. She worked all day long, in and out of the drawing-room and the dining room, so it was impossible that she failed to notice her presence. The Baronetess lied. If not, then she wasn’t interested in Eva’s whereabouts because she was too preoccupied dressing up.

“Ahem. Anyway, I want to inform you that you don’t have to attend dinner.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s a family gathering and they’re the guests we invited. Don’t linger too long because it might bother our guests, just greet them and leave. Do you get it?”

“…Yes. Please tell Pamela to speak on behalf of me.”

The Baronetess wanted both Count Holland and Knight Ruth to only have eyes focused on Pamela. It almost made her laugh, but Eva accepted without further question. She didn’t want to take part nevertheless. After all, it had been a long time since she was included in the family list, she was used to eating separately with the maids after they finished their meal.

“Go back to work if you understand. Also can’t you do something about that look? That damn look as if you’re still at the top…”

Not wanting to continue the words that had been on the tip of her tongue, the Baronetess left the room furiously with a crumpled face. She often affronted Eva’s proud face, which she didn’t understand why she was so bitter about it.

Cecil said that it was because Eva didn’t grovel or defend herself, even when trampled on. They instinctively knew that her aristocratic nature was something they couldn’t have, and it made them boil in anger. Of course, Cecil also said it was also because of her unparalleled beauty. Although by heart, Eva might know the reason why. It was because she never broke from the Baronetess’ hysteria.

Alone in her room, Eva exhaled a deep breath as she looked around. The room was still clean like she was left before. She opened the dresser drawer just in case, but nothing was missing. Well, in the first place, there was nothing valuable to be stolen.

Eva relaxed and untied her apron to change her clothes. The moment she untied the knotted strap on her chest and lifted her skirt, she could smell a foul scent from behind.

“Hey, beautiful. What are you up to?”

“Gasp! What are you doing, Todd!” Eva shoved him, out of her wits. It was Todd, the Baronet’s son, who had been out of the house to gamble lately and had only shown up today.

Todd used to be plump when he was young, but now he boasted of his huge physique, which was enough to be compared to the combined three bodies of strong young men. He had a slick oily face while his forehead became broader because of the hair loss on his scalp. He smelled as though a fish was rubbed against his body.

“What’s wrong with you? It’s been a while since I have been home, but you don’t welcome me?”

“Get out, Todd.”

Eva took two steps back as he approached with a sick smile. If there was anything more unbearable than the Baronet couple’s abuse and horrendous housework she got, it was Todd’s flirtation and licentious gaze that grew intense as the days passed.

It had become common to openly stare at her chest and buttock. Sometimes, he uttered some indistinct lewd words that left her appalled. Moreover, with how drunk he was now, he tried to embrace her or take her to a dark corner. Whenever days like this occurred, Eva always wished for Todd to get married quickly or for something to happen to him so he couldn’t return home.

“Don’t play hard to get, Eva. If I was in your shoes, I would think that I would make a great husband, no?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Go away.”

Eva glared at him, but her body was shaking. Every time she was verbally molested by him, she felt like a bunch of caterpillars were crawling all over her body. It wasn’t this bad before, but every time he lost money in gambling, he seemed to lose some more screws.

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But there was another reason why he became more aggressive. Five months from now, Eva would become an adult. When that time comes, it meant that Eva could become independent as she no longer needed protection from the Baronet.

Eva had previously attempted to leave the house with Cecil, but had no choice but to come back after the Baronet reported it to the investigation bureau. He must have felt it was unfortunate to lose an unpaid worker, and at the same time worried that his flawed reputation would get dirtier. Ever since then, Eva and Cecil have been waiting for Eva’s coming of age, dreaming that they’ll be able to live happily outside of this gutter-like place.

Aware of the fact, it was why Todd became impatient, afraid he might lose Eva.

“Did you know? The more you behave like this, the more delicious you look. You have nowhere to go anyway, so in the end, you’ll become mine.”

His eyes were wide open, glaring with darkened eyes. Todd advanced toward Eva like he was ready to attack her and grabbed her wrist.