There Is No Mercy

Chapter 34

“People cornered in a tough spot can be dirty and disgusting. There’s no need to see that. Above all, the patient’s stability comes first.”

“That’s…….”

“Hermonia is the goddess of night and the mother of pain. Leave this to me.”

Why does it suddenly feel like Aden’s quietly smiling face is hiding a deep, intense hostility?

As Aden looked up, the candlelight reflected in his golden eyes, turning them a reddish sunset hue.

He smiled softly before turning away.

“I’ll see you later, Sierra.”

Aden’s gentle farewell lingered in the stillness of the room before slowly fading away.

* * *

“Take down that painting. Father said he’s tired of it since it’s been up for so long. Hang the new one we won at the auction instead. It’s better to have something cheerful on these gloomy days than something depressing,” Bellietia instructed.

The servants at Bozbourne Manor’s first-floor entrance were bustling around.

They handled vases, paintings, and various artworks with extreme care, knowing that breaking even one would result in a debt they could never repay.

“Lady Bellietia,” the butler approached her as she supervised the servants.

When Bellietia turned her gaze towards him, the butler spoke in a low voice, “They’ve returned.”

“Is that so?”

Belieta’s previously indifferent expression brightened a bit, and she left the remaining tasks to the butler before turning around.

As she returned to her room, she spotted Fiorette standing there awkwardly.
Ignoring Fiorette’s bow, Belietta sat down in a chair and rested her chin on her hand.

“You must have had a hard time, Fiorette. Traveling so far in this hot and humid weather.”
“I’m fine.”

Belietta rolled her eyes at Fiorette, who replied with her usual impassive expression.

She couldn’t see Richelle, who was supposed to be behind her.

Belietta squinted and looked behind her, then looked up.

Fiorette was looking down at the floor, avoiding Belietta’s gaze at an angle.

“Fiorette.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I told you, I don’t like it when you don’t look me in the eye when we talk. I think I’ve told you several times, but why do you act the same way every time? Am I being ridiculous?”

Bellietia stood up and walked over to Fiorette.

Standing quite tall, Fiorette met Bellietia’s gaze directly, but her usually composed and confident eyes now showed signs of unease. She kept looking up and down, biting her lip.

“…I’m sorry. I’m still not used to it.”

Hmph.
Bellietia let out a small huff and followed Fiorette’s gaze down to the floor.

I wonder where she’s looking.

Nothing but brightly colored shoes and sturdy boots lying on the floor.

What should I do? Bellietia thought.
Punishing a loyal pet that reported back right after a long journey seemed too harsh.
She watched Fiorette, who was avoiding eye contact, and then smiled quietly.

Fiorette flinched and took two steps back as Bellietia crossed her arms gently.

“So, what’s your report?”

“…I failed.”

“That’s all?”

“Our initial plans were disrupted, and we couldn’t proceed as intended. We had to withdraw the knights we planned to enter in the tournament and leave right after the finals.”

“And?”

Bellietia jerked her chin and sat back in her seat.

Fiorette rolled her eyes, not knowing where to look, then fixed her gaze on the tip of Bellietia’s shoe as she lazily crossed her legs.

What had happened there, the plans that had been disrupted by Richelle’s actions.

As she recounted each detail, she paused but then continued.

“And then Richelle got mad at me for it, and tried to kill me.” …

“Really? How surprising.”

Bellietia’s expression didn’t show any surprise as she tapped her arm lightly with her fingers.

The calm moment was suddenly interrupted when she slapped Fiorette’s cheek hard.

The sharp sound echoed as Fiorette’s cheek turned red.

She looked at Bellietia in shock.

The calm and composed Bellietia was gone, replaced by a cold and displeased expression.

“You know how much money and effort I’ve put into this, and this is the best you can do?”

“I’m sor…”

“Whether or not you almost got killed by Richelle has nothing to do with me. What pisses me off right now is that Sierra is probably laughing at the idea that she beat me.”

All relaxed demeanor was gone.

She had lost to Sierra.

That alone was enough to make Bellietia’s head spin with displeasure.

Glaring at Fiorette, she sighed heavily and ran a hand through her hair.

She sat back in her chair and remained silent as if nothing had happened.

After being slapped by Bellietia, Fiorette felt more relieved than sore and dazed.

She had reported most of the events but left out one crucial detail that Sierra had saved her life.
Mentioning anything related to Sierra would only provoke Bellietia further.
What if she found out about this, too?

Fiorette’s fingers trembled slightly with fear.
She could never maintain her composure in front of Bellietia.
The longer the silence lasted, the more sweat trickled down her back.
Her eyes wavered violently, and she struggled to control her breathing.
Her clenched fists grew damp with sweat.

“Are you the daughter of Viscount Bayron? Serve me well, Bellietia, your future master.

‘You can’t even do the homework I assigned you? Because of your sloppy work, I lost to Sierra today. You know I hate losing more than anything. What should I do? What punishment should I give you this time?’
‘Pathetic. You never improve. That’s why you’re just my pet. Oh, what’s that look? Are you upset? Feeling humiliated? Don’t take it so hard. Not just you, but your father, your grandfather, and even your great-grandfather were all pets of the Bozbourne family.’
‘How dare you defy me. You need a severe punishment today. Don’t leave this room for two days. No water or food. I’ll let you out after two days. If this happens again, it’ll be four days next time. Remember that. Take care, Fiorette.’

Fiorette, Fiorette…… Fiorette…….

“Fiorette.”

“What were you thinking about that you didn’t hear me calling you several times?”

“I’m so… sorry. I’m just tired…”

“Tired, huh…” Bellietia murmured, clearly unimpressed by the lame excuse.
Fiorette realized her mistake and quickly tried to explain, but Bellietia spoke first.

“You must be tired. Fine, you can go.”

“…What?”

“It’s okay. Go rest. You’re tired, so take a bath and relax. Don’t worry about the Genoa business. I didn’t have high hopes anyway.”

Bellietia expected Fiorette to bow her head in gratitude for her generosity. But seeing Fiorette frozen in place without a proper reaction, she tilted her head.

“What? Do you want me to punish you like before?”

“No, no, it’s not that…”

Fiorette hastily shook her head and waved her hands, clearly flustered.

Bellietia finally seemed satisfied, a smile curving her lips.

Bellietia’s hand slowly moved to the report on the desk, flipping through the pages. Her narrowed eyes scanned the contents before she began to speak again.

Her lips slowly parted as her narrowed eyes scanned the scattered reports.

“I figured Richel would mess things up, whether the outcome was bad or good. The chances were fifty-fifty. It ended up going poorly, but I can’t blame you for that. It’s a shame Richel switched sides, but I didn’t give a direct order, so it’s not a big concern. So don’t worry and go rest, okay?”

Fiorette bit her lip and nodded, the trembling in her hands ceasing. She straightened her legs and bowed before hurriedly turning to leave. Bellietia watched her go, a slight smile playing on her lips.

“Fiorette.”

“Yes?” Fiorette stopped and turned back slowly her body tense.

Bellietia leaned back in her chair, adopting a languid expression.

“Did you thank Sierra?”

“…”

“She saved your life. You should thank her the next time you see her. Got it?”

Go on.

Bellietia waved her hand dismissively, the flickering candlelight casting a precarious shadow.

“…I will, my lady.”

As Fiorette walked away, Bellietia’s laughter followed her, echoing like an invisible shackle. It was a chain of fear, branded by pain.
ain.