Chapter 23
Several days had passed since I grew closer with the servants.
Once again, I was summoned to the Duke’s study.
“Did you call for me, Your Grace?”
When I entered, I was surprised to find not only the Duke, but also Gilbert and even Vice present.
Why are the two of them here?
Is this about something important? Something to do with my sister, maybe? But no—most likely not. The Duke always keeps track of my actions, so it probably isn’t related to her.
Then why have I been called here?
The Duke spoke.
“Your personal maid, Lily, and the head maid, Isabella, have indeed been found guilty of malicious acts against Tiana Aster.”
So that’s why I was summoned.
I felt relieved.
This means I no longer have to fear their abuse.
And I won’t have to see their faces ever again.
“Therefore, it is your right, Tiana, to decide their punishment.”
I… I get to decide?
In that moment, a magic circle appeared on the floor.
In an instant, Lily and Isabella were teleported behind me.
Their hands were shackled with what appeared to be iron restraints that couldn’t be easily broken.
They must have resisted at some point—their wrists were marked red from struggling.
“Tiana, what do you want done with these criminals?
Shall we cut off their hands and feet? Or torture them to death?”
“Eh—”
Gilbert asked me the question.
He looked frighteningly calm as he said it.
Actually, all three of them were the same—completely composed, as if this kind of scene was normal to them.
“U-um…”
Their eyes were all on me, and it was terrifying.
My whole body tensed.
I never once imagined I would be allowed to decide their punishment.
So suddenly being asked… I don’t know what to say.
But cutting off limbs… that’s too cruel. Even I can’t stomach going that far.
Besides, no normal person would ever ask such a thing of a child.
Still… Lily had hit me over and over, and it hurt so much.
I want her to feel that same pain.
I don’t want to suffer humiliation ever again.
“U-um… I’ve always endured it, but Lily’s beatings were very painful. So I want her to experience the same pain I did. And also… I don’t ever want to see either of their faces again, so please banish them somewhere far away, alive.”
That was the answer I gave to Gilbert’s question.
Maybe that punishment is too lenient.
But once they’re cast out, their crimes—embezzlement, and treating a member of House Aster as something unworthy—will become known. No one will ever employ them again.
Eventually, they’ll meet their end. Alone.
“Tiana, are you sure such a light punishment is enough?” Gilbert asked uncertainly.
“Yes. Please let it be that punishment.”
“…I see.” The Duke seemed satisfied.
He had really accepted my decision.
“P-please wait! My lady, I was always on your side, wasn’t I? I’ve always served faithfully at your side. Isn’t such a punishment far too cruel? This must be some mistake, right? You would never do something like this!” Lily pleaded desperately with me.
No. She’s wrong.
She still looks down on me, even now.
She thinks that if she begs, I’ll forgive her.
That mocking smile, those scornful eyes she always gave me…
To still be able to say such things, even now—
I almost have to admire it.
