C16
Ante was sure Zachary would take pity on her and lose whatever affection he had left for Bianca once he witnessed the latter's evil deed. If he was the lord she was familiar with before her, she could be sure. After all, he was an earl who had no interest in his wife but was kind to her inferiors.
Zachary looked at Bianca's hand, which made her wince involuntarily. Fighting the urge to hide her cane behind her back, he convinced himself that she had done nothing wrong. However, that courage dissolved like salt in water as soon as he saw the furrow on her forehead.
“…Bianca.
Zachary called her name, his voice deep, a frown still present on his features. He had only said her name, but Bianca could read the rebuke in her eyes.
His face turned red, his chest growing hot and congested, as if it contained burning coal. What did I do to make you look at me with those eyes? Was it because I couldn't get a single maid to take care of her mouth? Why am I a woman who deserves to hear such insults, and therefore am making a scene for nothing? Bianca pursed her lips. She was curious as to what kind of expression Zachary would make if he told her what Ante had been saying about her. Would she be surprised as if she was hearing it for the first time, or would she be indifferent as expected?
Bianca held her head high despite being embarrassed.
Pride.
Pride was what kept Bianca going no matter the situation, even when Viscount Hugues had overthrown her. The only time she let go of him was when she held onto Fernand from her after she was kicked out of Arno's castle. She had let him go because she trusted him. Because she loved him and she believed he loved her too...
Of course, the result of that did not need to be said. Having learned that hiding her pride from her would only bring misery, Bianca lifted her chin, forcing herself not to cry. She fought to keep her voice from trembling, spitting out each word one by one.
"Are you planning to tell me I went too far too?" I think I have done what, as mistress of the house and as your wife, I was expected to do.
—…….
"I'll take a step back if this woman turns out to be your lover, since that would mean she's in a position to say things like warm your bed or whatever."
Her words were a reflection of her current emotional state: half sarcastic and half miserable.
-It's not that. Zachary answered firmly.
He pursed his lips, his jaw clenched. An indescribable anger painted his features, making him look like a beast baring his teeth. Vincent, Robert, and the other maids backed away quickly as Zachary began to take large steps toward Bianca, fearing they would get in the way. A shifter-inducing tension gripped the hallway.
Bianca stepped back when she saw Zachary walking towards her without hesitation. The sight of her large figure approaching her was as intimidating as ever. He was faster than her and caught up with her before he could get away from her. He reached out her hand to her, causing her to flinch instinctively as he saw her long arm reaching out for her.
His hand went not to her hand, but to the end of the cane she held. Bianca, unaware of her, tightened her hold on him as soon as he tried to pry it from her hands. They ended up looking at each other as each grabbed one end of the cane.
Bianca looked at Zachary in bewilderment, confused as to why he was suddenly acting like this, while her gaze fell on his busy hand. His fingers, which always resembled the thin white branches of a birch, were flushed.
“Your hand is red. He muttered to himself.
Bianca could only blink at the unexpected words that came out of her mouth. Was that important right now? She was speechless.
Zachary's brows were still furrowed, like he was unhappy about something. The shadows in the creases on his forehead didn't seem to be fading anytime soon. Bianca had no idea why she was acting like this, but she knew that making her confusion obvious would be sloppy on her part. Therefore, she feigned composure and answered slowly.
“…I momentarily forgot there was a cane, so I used my hand.
“…It will swell at this rate.
Zachary clicked his tongue, clearly disgusted. It was possible that he was not happy that someone who was supposed to be a countess had used his hands recklessly. Though Bianca had been satisfied the moment her hand struck the maiden's cheek, he agreed that she hadn't been worthy of a nobleman to do so. Bianca lowered her eyes, her dark reddish-brown lashes hanging over her green irises.
Suddenly, Zachary's hand reached out for hers, but it only lingered for a moment before briefly withdrawing. Almost like it was someone who couldn't touch his hand. Bianca wondered if she hated the idea of even touching her. However, if that was really the case, then Zachary's behavior was a bit strange.
After glancing once more at Bianca's hand with a look of disgust, she gestured at the butler.
—Vincent. He escorts Bianca inside and calls the doctor.
-Yes my lord.
Vincent took a step toward Bianca as soon as Zachary's orders fell. His curiosity as to why he wanted her to call a doctor was answered when he discovered Bianca's blistered palm. The blood vessels seemed to have ruptured. It looked like she must be in quite a bit of pain as he wielded the cane. Vincent marveled that she hadn't let it show at all and noted that she had quite a bit of determination.
Ante realized that the situation was taking a strange turn, but he looked at Zachary desperately, unable to shake off his foolish aspirations. The earl can be gruff, but he is also considerate and appreciative of the castle's servants…she Before her she was sure that Zachary would never let him pass once he saw the blood pouring down his face. If he looked in her direction even once, she would surely be surprised. Before her he clung to the slightest hope. He's only acting like this right now because he hasn't taken a good look at my status...
Perhaps his seriousness had shown, as Zachary's eyes flicked up to her ever so slightly. It was just a fleeting glance, but the moment she felt her gaze, she before her intensified her cries to appear more pitiful and tragic to gain sympathy from her. The sight of her lowered eyebrows and the sound of her anguished cries was completely heartbreaking. The slight tremors in her shoulders emphasized her effeminacy, and she didn't forget to lift the hem of her skirt to reveal her pale, slender ankle ever so slightly.
However, Zachary's eyes never looked her way a second time. He brushed it off as if it were nothing more than a common pebble lying on the ground, and he was engrossed in watching Vincent inspect Bianca's hand. As soon as Bianca's injured palm was clearly revealed, an even darker shadow fell across Zachary's features.
"And make sure such a ruckus in the castle never happens again." He added irritably.
-… Yes my lord.
Vincent nodded gravely.
And with that, Zachary turned around, never once looking back, his retreating back wide and firm.
Appearing out of nowhere and making baffling comments before leaving as quickly as he had come. Bianca placed her uninjured hand on her head, as she was inundated with a myriad of thoughts as she pondered the possible meanings behind Zachary's actions and the few words she had said.
She wasn't the only one in shock; Robert stood in her place, stunned, while Ante couldn't hide her devastation.
Before I had no idea.
Zachary was a generous lord to his people, but on the battlefield, he was known to have no heart and shed no blood or tears. He had been given the nickname “Iron-Blooded Earl” not only because of his mighty army and his achievements on the battlefield, but also because the sight of his blood-spattered silver hair almost looked like a sword dipped in blood.
The reason he seemed to be considerate was because he didn't care, and the reason he appreciated the servants in the castle was because it made it more convenient and easier to govern his territory, as well as manage and manage the servants themselves. If necessary, he could be quite cruel and ruthless. Therefore, there was no chance for a heartless lord like him to side with a maiden who had insulted his wife.
"Ma'am, please let me walk you back to your room," Vincent urged as everyone was stunned.
Bianca, who had been absently watching Zachary's retreating figure, replied in exasperation.
"I can go back alone." No need to make a fuss.
She was embarrassed at the thought of making a scene and calling the doctor just because he had used her hand twice. Her hand was really sore, but it was bearable. Besides, something like that wasn't the main problem.
Bianca bit her lip, feeling puzzled; she couldn't understand Zachary's behavior at all. It was almost as if...
"It's almost like he's worried about me."
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