Chapter 29: The Lady Klein part 2
When Dott came to, she found herself in a completely different place. She was lying on the soft bed of the temple she had visited before, her head throbbing with pain. Duchess Klein, who had been waiting for her to wake, embraced her tightly, sobbing.
“Oh, my beloved Tiana!”
“W-What?!”
Not Dorothea… Tiana? Did she mean me?
“It’s all over, my child. It’s done. Oh, how foolish I was not to recognize you as my precious daughter while you were right beside me! I’m unworthy of being called your mother.”
Chills ran down Dott’s spine.
“Can you forgive me? You are my one and only, irreplaceable daughter!”
What was going on?
After waking, Dott ate some bread and soup brought to her by a bowing maid. Only then did she grasp the situation.
The reason the Duchess persistently sought forgiveness included the fact that she had forced Dott into unconsciousness. It was a desperate act, driven by her eagerness to confirm Dott as her daughter, and she pleaded for Dott’s understanding. She even added a useless promise never to do such a thing again, yet Dott’s heart remained restless.
‘Back then, I was asked through the Stone of Truth whether the silk robe and ruby pendant were truly mine. I cleverly manipulated the situation, placing Morgana in the adjacent room to answer on my behalf.’
Unlike before, Dott was no longer in control of the schemes unfolding around her. The groundwork she had laid was now spiraling beyond her grasp, leaving her unsure of what was happening.
‘But… is Morgana really here in the Grand Temple? That can’t be. I was brought here while completely unconscious. What in the world is going on…?’
Dott was utterly terrified.
What if the Saintess Kaphia were to arrive at the temple at any moment and declare that the results of the statue’s verification were wrong, stating that this girl has absolutely no connection to the Klein family?
I would be tortured until I revealed the origin of the silk robe, and then I’d be executed for identity fraud! I only wanted to buy time, so why are things spiraling out of my control?
Dott, having spun a massive lie, trembled in fear, but no such calamity occurred. When she asked in a barely audible voice, ‘Is this… where the Saintess resides?’ she was told that Sainess Kaphia had been away for several days, immersed in humble prayer.
“It’s done, Tiana. Let’s return now. I’ll ensure that you enjoy the life of comfort and luxury you were denied, for the rest of your days, without a care in the world. I’m truly sorry for making you endure the burdensome role of an Eina. From now on, I promise there will never be a single sorrowful day for you.”
“Yes, yes…”
Duchess Klein gently draped her shawl over Dott and helped her into the carriage. The grand carriage sped away from the temple, as if determined never to return.
Back at the Klein Ducal residence, Dott was treated with the utmost hospitality. She was gifted a silk dress, much lighter and smoother than anything she had ever worn, as well as a delicate blue sapphire bracelet lovingly clasped onto her wrist.
The Duchess smiled warmly.
“Hoho, Kassel is the captain of the Blue Rose Knights, you know. I hope this will help you and Kassel grow closer as siblings. He seems to be quite busy these days, but I’ll make sure to have a word with him when he returns.”
“Lord Kassel?”
“Lord? He’s your older brother now, isn’t he? Let go of any lingering bitterness. Blood is thicker than water, after all. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Ah… yes.”
Of course, Dott loved the jewels.
Yet, the thought of Kassel’s perpetually cold demeanor left her feeling uneasy.
The verification process is over, isn’t it? It’ll work out… it has to. If I’m to have a single stroke of luck in my entire life, let it be this.
Dott’s belongings from her time at Selphia House were mostly discarded, and she was assigned the same room she had been given when first recognized as the Duke’s daughter.
Since the arrangements were made in a hurry, most of the furniture was simple and painted white, unlike before.
“Just be a little patient. Furniture made hastily for winter often uses subpar paint and materials, so it’s better to commission new pieces next year. Come spring, I’ll decorate your room perfectly. For now, let’s focus on preparing winter dresses and cloaks for you.”
Dott shamelessly hugged the Duchess.
“It’s already perfect as it is. It’s still hard to believe I’m a part of this family. Really… truly?”
“Oh, my dear Tiana! No matter what anyone says, you are my daughter, my precious and noble princess.”
“…Um, there’s one thing I’d like to ask of you.”
“Anything. Just say the word.”
At the Duchess’s encouraging words, Dott’s insatiable ambition began to stir.
Perhaps I should ask for some gold coins and move things along quickly…
The top priority was to reignite the fire that would once again ruin Grace Monastery in the dry winter.
There was no need to kill many. Taking care of Beryl and her daughter would suffice. As for the others? They could die or not, it hardly mattered. Of course, her old family in the countryside, who knew her true name, would have to meet a clean end as well.
……
T/N: This chapter is just pure evil and wickedness 👹
On another note, I apologize for being unable to release chapters after the holidays and these past few weeks. I had been busy with real life and school stuffs, I hope that you will forgive me 🙇 Thank you for waiting and have a great day ahead 🙇😸)
