Viola recalled the contents of the novel.
While the novel had a relatively small focus on society-related content, there were chapters that delved into it significantly. Most of the noted social events within Bellato were written from Hera’s perspective because, apart from Hera, the other Bellatos rarely attended social gatherings.
In any case, whenever social scenes appeared in the novel, Hera was always present, and wherever Hera was present, one family always appeared, the ‘Mariantu’ family.
“I’ll thoroughly trample Mariantu.”
The Mariantu Duchy.
One of the very few duchies on the central continent. Located in the vast plain area of the ‘Hain River,’ which runs through the central continent, the Mariantu Duchy possessed a fertile agricultural zone and the family even owned a gold mine, giving them tremendous reputation and power.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“I know about the incident with Mariantu’s Third Lady.”
“At first glance, such policies may seem like punitive measures against those with money, but in the end, all the burden is passed onto the common people.”
“Hera seems to be very eager to show off her knowledge. She appears quite studious from all the time spent at her desk.”
Mariantu’s Third Lady, Senna, elegantly sipped her tea. She seemed graceful and dignified on the surface, but her eyes were filled with contempt.
“However, the world is much different from theory. I know that your work as a savior, protecting humanity from the cold wind that blows, has all failed. If the opportunity arises, I would like to invite you to our duchy. As a gesture of gratitude for all your service at the Winter Castle, I would like to introduce you to a highly civilized and mature society.”
Viola continued, “That dirty-mouthed thing said a lot of nonsense to you.”
“Dirty-mouthed?”
Hera burst into laughter.
The Maniantus were one of the most prominent families on the continent. To call their Third Lady ‘dirty-mouthed’ was not something just anyone could say unless it was Viola.
“When I heard about that incident, I had a portrait of Senna commissioned.”
“Why?”
In truth, this was not something Viola wanted to say, but she responded as a Bellato should.
“Just to kill her when we meet.”
“That would make things complicated.”
“Then I’ll have to kill her quietly, without anyone noticing.”
“Keeh.”
Hera burst into laughter. It was an absurd conversation, but it made her feel good. It felt like Viola had become her ally.
“I learned that gossiping is bad, but it doesn’t seem so bad.”
“Well, she gossips a lot more about you, so…”
Mariantu’s Third Lady had always ignored and ridiculed Hera.
Several factors combined to make society an unpleasant place for Hera. Firstly, it was because she was a White Bellato and Bellato’s real power was Black Bellato. Secondly, Hera was considered an outsider in society because Bellato was originally a family located at the northern border, not having much presence in the central region.
“I’ve thought deeply about what Senna said to you.”
“However, the world is much different from theory.”
This statement implied that Hera was merely a bookworm. In other words, she meant that Hera had no worldly experience.
I know that your work as a savior, protecting humanity from the cold wind that blows, has all failed.
Everyone knew that Hera didn’t confront monsters directly. That was the work of the Black Bellatos. But had Hera failed as a savior, protecting humanity from the wind?
Essentially, Senna was saying, ‘You don’t seem to know how to do anything. Especially as a White Bellato without real power.’
It was a clear mockery. Then came the coup de grâce.
“If the opportunity arises, I would like to invite you to our duchy. As a gesture of gratitude for all your service at the Winter Castle, I would like to introduce you to a highly civilized and mature society.”
On the surface, the comment praised the Winter Castle, but in reality, it called the place barbaric and isolated.
She was implying that the Bellatos weren’t civilized or mature because they were too busy fighting monsters and suggested they should experience an advanced society like theirs.
“The most infuriating part is that you simply sipped your herbal tea calmly.”
That was just Hera’s way. Later in the novel, Hera would prove her qualifications when she became the White Bellato.
However, that was not Viola Bellato’s way, the protagonist of ‘Bellato’s Shadow.’
“So, is there a more rational way?”
Viola looked at Hera. Hera was someone she absolutely had to make her ally. A girl who dreamed of becoming rich would be an excellent supporting character. She had already accumulated wealth and was even a property owner.
Time passed and Hera became a bit impatient.
“Well…?”
While the Bellato Duchy was still intimidating and strange, Viola had begun to feel closer to Hera.
“Don’t forget, you are my sister.”
“I asked if there was a rational way, but you gave an emotional answer.”
“No one can touch my sister.”
“So, what specifically?”
Viola chuckled, “I’ll cut her hair.”
Hera wasn’t exactly sure what she meant by ‘cut her hair,’ but anyway, she had an answer.
Hera laughed heartily again.
“It may not be realistic, but it feels refreshing. Anyway, we’re going to Parr Viscounty together, right?”
***
Hera returned to her room, a smile on her face.
Her butler who was tidying her bed stood up straight.
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Yeah.”
“It’s been a year since I’ve met the Lady. This is the brightest expression I’ve seen on your face so far.”
“I feel refreshed.”
“Whenever you have a conversation with Lady Viola, your expression always improves.”
Hera’s butler was hired just a year ago. She was a woman in her mid-30s with jet-black hair and black eyes. She was relatively petite in stature compared to most people, but no one ignored or looked down on her.
“Your sobriquet was ‘Sword Demon,’ right?”
“I was called that until five years ago, but now I’m serving exclusively as the Lady’s butler.”
She responded with warm eyes and a warm voice. Her demeanor was as if she was looking at her beloved daughter.
“Is it okay for the Sword Demon to be so warm?”
“Even demons can be warm to their own people.”
Ersa, ‘The Sword Demon’ five years ago who became Hera’s butler, smiled sweetly.
“I’m happy when you’re happy, Lady.”
“Why do you like me so much?”
It had only been a year since they met and it was an employer-employee relationship.
“Do you need a reason to like someone? Is there a special reason why Lady Hera likes Lady Viola?”
“Yes, there is.”
“What is it?”
“That girl is more Bellato-like than anyone else. Someday, she’ll break the limits as a White Bellato.”
Ersa approached Hera.
“If I may be presumptuous, Lady, you can be a bit more honest. I have decided to serve you wholeheartedly. Show me a little more of your heart. Then I would be really happy.”
Hera paused for a moment in thought. When she thought about it, what the butler said seemed to be correct.
‘Don’t forget, you are my sister.’
Honestly, when Hera heard the words ‘No one can touch my sister,’ she felt a bit excited.
In Bellato, who would say such a thing about a family member? No other Bellato than Viola.
Usually, when people said such things, it was closer to an insult like ‘You’re useless, baby.’ But when Viola said it, it was different.
“For some reason, it feels like Viola will always be on my side.”
Ersa nodded.
“I’ll always be on your side, too. Use me as much as you want, whether as a swordswoman or as a butler.”
***
One year ago on a rainy day, Ersa wiped her bloodied hands and entered a general store to buy a large teddy bear.
“It’s a little late, but… it should be fine, right?”
Her six-year-old daughter would be waiting at home with her nanny.
A few days ago, her daughter had waved at her with a small hand as she was wheeled away in a wheelchair. That memory of the moment she bid farewell came to mind.
The little girl would come to the door, pushing her uncomfortable body around in a wheelchair. Her precious daughter. Thinking of that, Ersa couldn’t help but smile.
“If I sleep for just four more nights, it’ll be my birthday! You know that, right? You have to come back quickly!”
“I’ll come before then. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”
However, the commission from a high-ranking noble turned out to be more complicated than she had anticipated, taking much longer than expected.
In the end, she couldn’t be there to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. And she could never be there for her again.
“What on earth…?”
While she was out on the mission, a robber broke in and killed Ersa’s young daughter and her nanny.
They said he was after the valuables inside Ersa’s house. The nanny had tried to resist with a hand ax to protect Ersa’s daughter, but it wasn’t enough. Ersa had cried for three days and nights.
“I’m sorry, my daughter.”
She had lived every day, devoting herself to her work for a better future. She wanted her daughter to have a happier life. She had lived each day with unwavering determination.
As all the strength left her body, she started questioning why she needed to live in the first place.
“I don’t want to live.”
Her reason to live had disappeared. But strangely, she didn’t want to die either. She didn’t want to die, but she had no reason to live.
“Become useful to me.”
Strangely, Ersa found solace in those words.
“I need you. As a swordswoman. And as my person.”
Someone needed her and at that time, that was the most important thing to Ersa.
“You are needed.”
That became a small spark. Out of nowhere, a girl appeared and helped her hold the funeral for her daughter and the nanny. She helped Ersa to stand up again. The girl’s name was Hera, and she was the fourth daughter of the famous Duke Bellato.
Just a few days after becoming Hera’s butler, Ersa said, “I don’t know if this is rude or not, but… my daughter couldn’t walk either.”
“So?”
“I keep thinking of you as my daughter. I may be projecting my daughter onto you.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Hera really didn’t care.
“You get your needs met by me. It’s okay to project your daughter onto me if it helps you find a reason to live. It doesn’t matter if you use me as an escape from reality.”
“…”
“I will also have my needs met by you.”
Hera spoke without much emotion and Ersa nodded. The hole created by the loss of her daughter was filled by Hera. That was Ersa’s motivation and reason to start serving Hera.
A year had passed since then.
***
“Everything is ready.”
“Okay.”
“A day out with Princess Viola. I’m feeling excited!”
“Why are you excited?”
“This is one of the very few events where I can make Lady Viola happy.”
Ersa pushed Hera’s wheelchair with a smile.
Once Hera, Viola, and her butler, Xenon, were all gathered in one place, Ersa placed one hand over her chest and bowed at the waist.
“Everyone probably already knows, but I’ll formally introduce myself. I’m Ersa, the butler who will lead this outing. I will make sure there are no disruptions in the schedule.”
But Ersa felt a strange energy. As the person in charge of the outing, she couldn’t afford to ignore the strange feeling.
“Lady Viola, there’s something I’d like to ask…”
—————————————————————
Translator Note:
This chapter was translated by Bree.
If you like my work please support us in Patreon. Next post will be released on October, 31.
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