Chapter 14 Pretentions (Part 3)

***

The weather is good and the sun is peeking from the clouds in the sky. The birds tweeted happily, the flowers and leaves swayed along the gentle morning wind.

The atmosphere is light and full of laughter and competitive voices of some young people who were filled with life and vigor.

The maids were chattering with each other while doing their laundry, talking excitedly of the changes that will happen since the Master of the house paid attention to the Young Lady they served.

Theories and presumptions were made until it became a loop of a believable story.

One plus one, which is two became three, four or five in their perspective. Some irrational plots were added, some parts were omitted, nevertheless it became a big hit.

Words of mouth spread far and wide, like a baby eagle suddenly spreading it's wings, taking flight, bearing the news that can shake the whole town.

Due to this, the people became busy gaining new information to boost their standing; be it a maid, stable worker, a knight and even the merchant and salon owner outside the estate.

From morning to night people chatted among themselves getting busy with other people's affairs.

"Hmmm... I've heard of something unbelievable..."

"Indeed, what's this brewing change?"

"I thought---"

"No, I think---"

"I heard..."

One woman will start with keen eyes. The other will lean nearer to hear the words clearly followed by another, then another.

One speaker with one topic will share it to two and the two will spread the topic exaggerating the principal idea until the chain of messages diverts from the main topic. But, it would still be acceptable because, as long as it's interesting, people are willing to hear and be entertained.

The fans in their faces cannot cover their curiosity and excitement. They will began to chatter endlessly of the topics they assumed were facts and satisfy themselves.

Men weren't different too. They will talk the topic over booze or as a spice when talking politics, economics or even random topics.

Men and women gathered to talk with each other. The salon and cafes were filled with people who liked to gossip.

The small talk of the maids became a story until it became the talk of the town. In short, it became sensational where almost no one will not know of it.

On the other hand, those who have served Aillenne became instant celebrities.

Whenever they open of their mouth, an interesting story worth sharing came out and people who likes gossips would seek them out or even pay for whatever story they may share.

The stories boosted the image of the Marqius, saying he changed already and dearly loved his daughter.

A lot of speculation circulated talking that she may be loved in a protective manner because she's weak.

Some even say that she's being kept in the west house for her own good like she needs to distance herself from stress and politics.

Some would assume that it's related to the issue thirteen years ago and the Marquis is trying something to help his daughter regain her mana.

Nobody knows what theory to believe, as long as it sounded right and a lot follows, people will believe.

Little did they know that it was all for self gain. The Marquis grinned while savoring the attention of the nobles.

"Fame really tastes great."

***

Days progressed monotonously ever since she arrived at the main house.

From morning to sunset, she studied or more like, forced to do activities to mold and make her into a fine and perfect lady, ready to wield the power in the social circle.

Her only use in this world... the fate of the character... these were the terms that are used in the original.

Aside from her other teachers from different subjects, Madam Cynthia, the teacher for etiquette came from the noble house of Counts.

She is so strict that Aillenne were strucked a lot of times by her long stick akin to a whip, in her legs, arms, and back to the point that it became swollen and red.

"Your mother even told me to bring out the harshest way of teaching for you to remember what I have taught. What's with that look?! Do you intend to annoy me again? Now, from the start!"

The mother, whom Aillenne still haven't seen since possession of the body, was the one who suggested such ridiculous discipline.

The nanny, who appealed to the Marchioness and Marquis was disregarded.

Due to this, the discipline went harsher as days passed. Her legs and fingers were swollen, her butt and back had long blue-violet bruises but no one paid attention to it as it is regarded as part of discipline.

The young lady endured the pain and the uncomfortable nights when her skin that is torn, sticking to the fabric whenever she move or scratch the itchiness. The blood oozes and the bandage cannot stop the bleeding.

The nanny cannot even get any proper medicine from the doctor as the Marchioness prohibited it.

Her body is sore and her strength is draining.

Her small body is frail and she could feel the tremors of her body as if screaming that it cannot bear the pain any longer.

However, she can't allow herself.

Her perception always turn back to her previous world. She endured the harassment just like in the previous life, the director would often impose strict rules then punish the children severely.

The children would sometimes bleed and fall unconscious for a week.

She recalled the bad memories and her head became blank. Her body endures but her mind was rotting.

'Am I going to experience it again? It's painful. Stop it! It hurts! I'm sorry...'

'I'm not going to do it again. I'll learn effectively now, just stop hitting me!'

Her mind screamed but her mouth is shut close.

She cannot do anything.

The abuse she experienced is swirling in her mind.

Now, she is kneeling while being struck by the stick for she made a mistake when handling a teapot.

Fwik! Fwik!

Blood started to splatter on the floor. Her dark green dress became darker and her knees were getting soft.

The pot is big and heavy that a mere 13 year old child who is smaller than kids her age cannot possibly handle.

She was strucked by the stick at the back of her hand and the pot come crashing the ground.

Right then and there Madam Cynthia shouted indecent words capable of crushing a child's mind while repeatedly striking her small body with the stick.

The appearance of Madam Cynthia really overlapped the director of the orphanage in her previous life.

It is only a matter of time that her will broke and she fell unconscious.