Chapter 22

Adella’s hand landed with a dismissive pat on Odelliana’s head, a sharp click of her tongue the only sound of sympathy offered. “A disgrace,” she spat, voice dripping with disdain. “Someone like you, a pretender to nobility without the Grüsewald name or true power, dares to act above your station? Have you forgotten your place?”

“Do you think the master and mistress summoned you back to the manor out of concern for you?” Adella’s voice rose, laced with mockery. “Perhaps to punish me for my actions? Or maybe to protect a precious little flower like you?”

Adella violently yanked on the wheelchair. The sudden stop sent Odelliana lurching forward, her body nearly tumbling out. She looked back at the older woman, eyes hollow with despair.

“They brought you back,” Adella snarled, “because you, with your manipulative ways, egged the young master on. Now, he’s caused trouble, and the master needs to manage an unruly beast. The manor might be grander, but believe me, it’s just a gilded cage, no different from this one. Remember that. And prepare yourself. Even your precious young master won’t be able to shield you from what awaits.”

“Spare me the sermon, Adella,” she said, voice quiet but laced with a steely edge. “I understand my position perfectly well, even without your lengthy explanation.”

Adella’s lips thinned into a disapproving line. Odelliana continued, her gaze unwavering.

“Don’t mistake me for a fool,” she said. “My memory may not be perfect, but I’m not so far gone that I can’t distinguish right from wrong. The way everyone in this house looks at me, the way you treat me – it speaks volumes.”

Adella scoffed. “You wouldn’t know right from wrong if it bit you,” she retorted. “And it’s more than that. You’re simply incapable of rational thought. You need to learn some boundaries. Picking up some… worthless…” Her voice trailed off as she subconsciously reached up to rub her neck, revealing a dark bruise that hadn’t been there before.

Odelliana’s eyes narrowed. The bruise wasn’t your average bump. It looked more like a strangulation mark, wide and angry. A flicker of fear crossed Adella’s face so quickly it could have been a trick of the light, but it was enough. Odelliana threw back her head and laughed, a sharp, unsettling sound.

“Such carelessness, Adella,” she said, her voice dripping with amusement. “Getting bitten after meddling with my sweet puppy.”

A recent encounter with Matthias must have not gone as planned.

“Be careful,” Odelliana continued, a dangerous glint entering her eyes. “You might get a real bite next time. And no one will be there to help you.”

Adella, regaining her composure, gritted her teeth in fury. “That scum and you won’t escape the Duke of Grüsewald’s harsh judgment,” she spat.

“Bring it on,” Odelliana countered. “I’ll teach my loyal companion to bite and defend itself against anyone who poses a threat. It might just make your throat its first target.”

Adella, speechless, quickened her pace. She glared icily at Odelliana, not even bothering to slow down at the approaching stairs.

“A disobedient dog needs correction,” Adella hissed, her eyes flashing with murderous intent.

Unfazed, Odelliana sat calmly. Fear wasn’t an option, nor was a desperate escape from her wheelchair. An unshakeable confidence in her own safety radiated from her.

As they neared the stairs, Adella’s grip faltered, and the wheelchair lurched forward. Before Odelliana could even react, a strong hand steadied the chair, gently cradling her.

“Are you unharmed, Master?” a voice inquired.

“Perfectly fine,” Odelliana replied. “Seems Adella’s old grip faltered a bit.” She’d known Matthias would always be there to catch her. Matthias was a silent protector who shadowed her like a wraith. He remained perpetually close, his watchful gaze unwavering whether they were navigating the familiar halls of Anatolia Castle or venturing into an unknown territory.

“Thank you, Matthias. Your presence ensured my safety.”

“Protecting you is simply my duty as your servant,” he replied modestly. “I merely fulfilled my obligation.”

“Indeed,” Odelliana agreed, a pointed barb in her voice. “Unlike some who seem incapable of even basic tasks.”

Still cradled securely in Matthias’ arms, Odelliana cast a glance up the stairs. Adella’s face, pale and drawn, met her gaze. Despite initiating the hostile act, Adella appeared genuinely startled, as if the push had been an impulsive mistake.

“We’ll proceed on foot since the wheelchair is unusable,” Matthias declared firmly, his gaze locking with Adella’s. She flinched under his scrutiny, instinctively clutching her neck as she scurried away. It was almost comical.

“That woman just tried to kill you,” Matthias stated, his voice low.

“I’m aware,” Odelliana replied. “It seemed impulsive, but her intent was undeniable.”

“Give the word,” Matthias offered, his face devoid of malice despite his harsh words, “and I’ll remove her permanently.”

“Your sincerity is almost jarring,” Odelliana mused, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“She’s a danger,” Matthias countered, his voice firm. “Eliminating threats before they escalate is preferable.”

Odelliana considered this. While Adella’s shove might have been a momentary lapse, the murderous intent behind it was genuine. The absurdity of it all struck her. Why would Adella, her lifelong tormentor, harbor such deep hatred?

Shouldn’t I be the one harboring the grudge? she questioned.

“Once something happens, it’s too late. We can’t undo it,” Matthias replied. “Eliminating potential threats in advance avoids future trouble.”

Odelliana understood. Life in the slums fostered a keen sense of self-preservation. There, eliminating threats ensured survival. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder: if they started eliminating anyone inconvenient, wouldn’t that mirror the very life she sought to escape?

“Constant killing and harming for convenience becomes a habit, Matthias,” Odelliana said gently. “It’s hard to break once formed. This isn’t Köbeck; you don’t need to steal or hurt to survive. Here, you can become a knight who protects, not harms.”

She understood the desire for revenge. If Matthias pursued a knight’s life, blood would stain his hands. Eliminating Adella might seem logical, but Odelliana yearned for a different path for him. This lifetime, she envisioned him wielding his sword to shield something precious, not take lives.

“Let’s stay quiet for now,” she continued. “Scratching that itch won’t help. I despise Adella too, her actions are unforgivable. But she’s connected to my mother’s people. Her sudden disappearance could raise suspicion, including towards you.”

There was no need to burden himself with killing a despicable woman. Now was the time for patience and strategy. The right moment would come.

***

A week later, a welcome reply arrived from Duke Grüsewald. It granted Matthias permission to accompany her as a retainer, ensuring he could stay by her side. With this news in hand, Odelliana swiftly made their departure a priority. Within two days, she’d finalized all preparations.

On their designated departure date, Odelliana instructed Matthias to take the carriage to a nearby village market early in the morning. He was to convert bulky fabrics, medicinal herbs, and other items into more manageable coin. He returned successfully with gold in hand.

Knowing they wouldn’t face price gouging in the capital, she planned to sell her precious metals and gems upon arrival. “Keep a watchful eye,” she instructed him.

“No need to worry, Master,” Matthias replied confidently. “No one will touch it.”

Adella, throughout the two-day packing frenzy, had cast covetous glances at the jewelry box, but Matthias’s unwavering vigilance thwarted any attempt.

Finally, the day arrived. Odelliana left behind the residence she’d called home for a month, ascending into the luxurious carriage. Their destination: the capital, where those who had sought her demise awaited.