MHYFMAMD Ch 29

“Ah, no, I wasn’t going to slap her… I just wanted to touch my daughter a little more.”

 

It seemed that the Baroness finally realized where she was. She tried to excuse herself with an awkward justification, claiming her innocence.

 

The knight continued holding her wrist until Tenesia finally told him it was okay to let go, which he did.

 

“Tenesia, I didn’t raise you to put a nail in your mother’s heart like this.”

 

Her tone had softened significantly, as if she had regained her senses.

 

“Even if you rebel, you’re still my flesh and blood! Are you really going to abandon the love between parent and child?”

 

“…Is it love that you didn’t even visit your sick daughter’s room for two months?”

 

The past two months came to Tenesia’s mind.

 

Back when she still hadn’t fully accepted the merging of body and soul. She had felt confused by the separation between her body and mind, yet the fever was still very clear and sharp.

 

If her body and soul had fully synchronized, the heat would have felt even stronger. The scorching heat would come and go, warming her body only to cool it down again.

 

But Tenesia was alone.

 

Even when she couldn’t bear the pain and buried her head in the pillow, no one was there for her, except when it was time to eat or take medicine.

 

It wasn’t the treatment one would expect for a precious daughter miraculously brought back to life.

 

She had thought that perhaps the Baron and Baroness were busy, but that wasn’t the case. The voices of people could be clearly heard through the thin walls. The sound of children passing by in the hallway, and the lively voices of her mother, were frequent.

 

“If you really valued me, you would have spent time with me, instead of preparing for my  marriage to a man nearly three times my age.”

 

This anger was justified.

 

She had to express it, for Tenesia’s original self. If she didn’t, Baroness Blanchette would never understand.

 

“You know better than anyone how long I was alone.”

 

Not even the maid who served her was on her side. The world she had was limited to a single room. It was hard to imagine just how lonely she must have felt without anyone by her side.

 

“Well, I was busy, you know. I had to take care of your younger siblings too.”

 

The Baroness faltered under the cold, distant gaze Tenesia gave her, a look she had never seen from her before.

 

“You know, Tenesia, how hard your brother and your bright younger siblings are working at the academy.”

 

“…”

 

“You stay at home, but your brother and younger siblings are out there, all alone. So you need to understand.”

 

If only she had apologized, things might have been different.

 

But even in this moment, the Baroness continued to make excuses, blaming others, while Tenesia gazed at her indifferently. It was clear how little the Baroness thought of her.

 

“I don’t have anything more to say. Please leave. You’re causing trouble in someone else’s home.”

 

“T-Tenesia!”

 

Realizing the negotiation had failed, the Baroness screamed.

 

“No! I can’t go home without you!”

 

“I don’t know what Count Weigelin threatened you with, but that’s your problem, not mine.”

 

Once again, the Baroness attempted to lunge at her, but the knight easily restrained her.

 

“So, I’ll leave that matter for you to solve yourself.”

 

“Do you think you’re still alive because of anyone but me? Huh? How much do you think your medical bills cost?! And now you’re going to abandon your parents without even repaying that?!”

 

The Baroness screamed loudly, her composure completely gone. The surrounding people frowned at the spectacle.

 

“Do you think I’ll just let you go? You’re my daughter! Tenesia Blanchette! My child!”

 

Her shrill voice seemed to pierce the air.

 

Tenesia felt her ears ringing and lowered her head. If she didn’t act now, it would cause trouble for not only herself but also the servants.

 

‘I can’t cause more problems for Haberfeld with family matters.’

 

With a sigh, Tenesia turned toward the stairs. As she took steps toward them, the Baroness’s face lit up.

 

“Well, now you’ve changed your mind, haven’t you? Come back home with me.”

 

“Mother. If you keep this up, I’ll have to speak.”

 

“Speak? What do you mean?”

 

“You don’t want Father to find out, do you?”

 

“What? What are you talking about?”

 

“Mother.”

 

Tenesia smiled faintly, then leaned in close to her ear and whispered.