TDIDTRA Chapter 10

Chapter 10. A Fierce and Intense Gaze

For three years, Bonida was his. A woman who would be touched by no one but him. Moreover, she was a saint blessed with the sacred power of Magliare. In the 500 years of Esperanza’s history, fewer than twenty saints had ever possessed Maliare’s power. Yet the Bello family had produced three. He didn’t know exactly how the curse would torment him for the rest of his life. 

The curse manifested in different ways for each person, but it was recorded in the documents secretly left behind by the past dukes. He was lucky to meet a saint with the power of Magliare, but there were also dukes who did not have a good ending. There were those who treated such a precious being carelessly. 

Girion had no intention of taking Bonida, who was his, away. He had kept the contract short in case she didn’t like him, but she was going to be his for the rest of her life. He needed to cut it off quickly before things got even more complicated.

“If we are to deal with the Bello family’s maid, we can’t give Viscountess Lenita an excuse to create a scandal. I don’t care what happens to that maid, but we need to turn this situation to our advantage.”

“You’re absolutely right. Viscountess Lenita is no ordinary woman. I’ve never seen anyone so shamelessly persistent in approaching you, Your Highness. It was exhausting. But why is she making such a fuss when Lady Bonida, a sacred saint, wants to stay under covers? I’ve only seen her briefly, but from her modest appearance and behavior, she doesn’t seem to be trying to manipulate you at all.”

Perz said irritably. The knights were still upset that Lenita, who calculated her obvious gain, had come a long way and harassed Girion for two months. Just as Girion showed them kindness, they also showed their devotion and loyalty to Girion.

“Yes. It was an unpleasant sight. If it weren’t for Lady Bonida, I would have dismissed her long ago. That maid may belong to the Bello family, but now that Bonida has signed the contract, she will be staying here as well. That means she should be strictly taught the etiquette that aligns with the discipline of this place. What do you think, Herba?”  

“Since Lady Bonida has signed a contract with the Tefort family, her personal maid is also bound to be associated with the family for the next three years. It is only natural that while Bonida stays here, her maid follows the strict rules of this household. I believe it would be best to entrust this matter entirely to Head Maid Milan.” 

“Yes. I think Perz agrees too.”

“Of course.”

When Lady Bonida returns to the Bello family tomorrow, there is no telling what kind of treatment she will receive in the mansion.  Even if Camille went, it would be difficult to deal with the quick-witted Viscountess Lenita. Girion’s worries were short-lived.

“Send that maid to Milan. Tell her to make sure she’s obedient by the time she returns tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Herba immediately left the conference room. Dealing with a mere maid was hardly a task for a duke. If he hadn’t seen the wounds on Bonida’s arm, he might have brushed it off. However, after witnessing the injuries on both arms, there was no reason to let it slide. Anyone who dared lay a hand on what was his would be dealt with mercilessly.  

Girion finished his work and checked his wristwatch. By now, Bonida would have long since finished bathing. It was time to go to the room where she was waiting quietly.

***

Bonida took a warm bath in the tub filled generously with expensive bath salts. Beside her, Camille carefully washed and massaged her body. Just yesterday, in an entirely different situation, Bonida had bathed. Though it was called “attending,” Marais was no less than a tyrant. As Bonida was about to get out of the tub, she nearly slipped on the wet floor.

As Bonida stepped out of the tub, there was water right where her foot landed, but Marais, instead of being concerned and helping, just pretended not to notice. When Bonida shot her an angry glare in disbelief, she only escalated the situation further.

‘Don’t glare at me like that. I didn’t know. Do you think I knew and did that?’

Bonida laughed self-deprecatingly as she recalled yesterday’s events.

Thinking that she wouldn’t have to see Marais’ behavior for the next three years felt like a weight had been lifted. With the other maid’s attentive care, Bonida couldn’t help but compare how different it was. For so long, she had only been used to Marais. However, there was someone to compare her to, and the contrast was striking.

Even if she returned home and roughly explained the contract details, Bonida couldn’t be sure how much her mother would believe. Most likely, her mother would try to find a way to test her by bringing up the situation with Girion. 

The only relief was that Girion was not the type to be easily swayed by others. No matter what her mother said, he would keep his promise with Bonida. Whether the lie Bonida told was the truth or not, her mother would find it hard to judge.

The reason she made the contract with Girion without going through her mother was to prevent something more dangerous from happening to her. If her mother made the contract with Girion, it was obvious that she would completely ignore Bonida’s wishes and sign a unilateral contract.

Although Bonida’s safety wasn’t completely guaranteed, her mother would still have to follow the terms of the contract with Girion. This absurd situation was something her mother had planned and executed. After bathing in a warm and comfortable place, Bonida’s mind felt clearer than ever. As she reviewed the things she had done one by one, she felt a bit more at ease.

As Bonida was about to get out of the bathtub, Camille politely extended her hand. Bonida appreciated her kind gesture. Grabbing her hand, she safely stepped out of the tub, and Camille quickly wiped away the moisture on her body with a towel. The warm steam rising from the bath filled the bathroom, creating a cozy atmosphere, but she was quick with her movements. Camille was worried that Bonida might catch a cold.

After wiping Bonida’s body cleanly, she put on a robe. It was such a sincere gesture. When Bonida sat down on the dressing table chair, she applied expensive perfume and combed her hair. Her eyes seemed to relax as someone affectionately touched her hair. When her hair was neatly styled, Camille asked.

“I’ll help you change your clothes. However, I haven’t had the chance to check your luggage yet since I was only assigned as your personal maid a few hours ago. I apologize.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I’ll take care of my clothes myself, you’ve already done a lot.”

“Please feel free to treat me casually. I’m your maid, after all.”

“Then I’ll make myself comfortable from now on.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Camille shyly smiled and left the room. Even though Camille had been a maid for a long time, it seemed that the fact this was the Duke’s estate made even the servants feel a bit uncomfortable. Bonida chuckled softly before unpacking her bag and looking for clothes. She found her pajamas, but when she started searching for her underwear, it was nowhere to be found.

“Where did it go? I’m sure I packed it.”