Chapter 9
Seeing Seolha quietly staring without replying, Hong Youngryeong mistook it for gaining the upper hand and spoke in a lecturing tone.
“This child has always had bad habits. There are many witnesses.”
“I see.”
“Yes. From the kitchen servants to the maids, they all testified to the same. There is no doubt.”
“All testified together, you say.”
Seolha’s calm reaction made Hong Youngryeong think she had been convinced. She hid her satisfaction behind a bitter expression.
“It’s possible… she even stole from you, Miss.”
She spoke as if comforting her.
Seolha tilted her head slightly.
“Who exactly are these people who all testified?”
“…What?”
Hong Youngryeong looked confused.
Seolha replied calmly.
“Is it difficult to understand that I want to confirm it?”
Only then did Hong Youngryeong examine her more carefully. Seeing no obvious anger, she pointed to the people beside her.
“These are the ones.”
As Seolha’s gaze landed on them, the maids and servants shrank back.
“And who first accused her?”
Everyone’s eyes turned toward one person.
A maid flinched—then met Seolha’s gaze stubbornly.
“Your name?”
“…Seo Unhyang.”
It was a familiar name.
One of the maids who often harassed Eunseol.
Seolha folded her arms and turned.
“And you?”
“…Han Soso.”
One by one, she memorized their faces.
“I’ve heard enough.”
“Yes, then if you’ve confirmed it, shall we proceed with her punishment—”
“Are you stupid, or do you just not understand what I said?”
Hong Youngryeong blinked in shock.
“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“I said I heard it.”
“…”
“How did that sound like permission to punish Eunseol?”
The situation wasn’t going as expected.
Hong Youngryeong suppressed her anger and spoke gently.
“Miss, you may care for that maid, but she must have deceived you.”
Seolha’s eyes narrowed.
So she either lacks sense… or thinks I’m an easy fool.
A cold smile formed.
“Not true.”
“…What?”
“She has never deceived me.”
Seolha openly defended Eunseol.
Hong Youngryeong quickly tried to recover.
“Even so, does that matter? I already said nothing is wrong.”
Seolha looked at her calmly.
Only then did Hong Youngryeong realize—
Seolha had never been convinced even for a moment.
Was she always like this …?
Seolha had long been ignored.
No one paid attention to her.
That’s why Hong Youngryeong had dared to act this way.
Why is she suddenly acting like this now?!
Seolha continued without hesitation.
“Or… does Madam Hong hold more authority than my grandfather, the head of this house?”
“That’s absurd!”
“Then the problem must be your incompetence.”
“…What?”
“You speak so boldly to me, someone you should serve. I almost thought you outranked my grandfather.”
“That’s nonsense!”
“Even my grandfather has never spoken to me like that. What gives you the right?”
Seolha threw her own words back at her.
“Since you mentioned rules earlier… then this house must have its own laws.”
Each word tightened around Hong Youngryeong like a noose.
“You seem to disagree.”
“N-no…”
“So is it that you are ignorant of the house rules… or that you dared to act arrogantly toward someone of my bloodline?”
A brutal choice.
Hong Youngryeong’s face turned pale.
If she admitted ignorance, she was incompetent.
If not, she had to bow.
She clenched her teeth.
I can’t lose here.
“You’re exaggerating!”
“This is exactly what’s happening right now.”
Seolha’s eyes turned cold.
“Are you claiming to stand above me?”
“No! But disciplining servants—”
“She is mine.”
Seolha cut her off.
“If you are not above me, then be silent.”
Hong Youngryeong glared but didn’t act.
Too many people were watching.
Seolha knew—
She wouldn’t lose control here.
Hong Youngryeong quickly changed tactics.
“Will you really keep such a lowly thief as your servant?”
Seolha answered plainly.
“I ordered it.”
“…What?”
“I told her to bring me proper food by any means necessary.”
She looked around.
Some people avoided her gaze.
I remember all of you.
Not a single one had defended Eunseol.
Even knowing the truth.
Some quietly slipped away.
“There must be some misunderstanding—”
“Is that so?”
This time, Hong Youngryeong didn’t relax.
“Then we’ll see.”
Seolha continued calmly.
“Was it a misunderstanding when my meals were lacking? Or when food kept disappearing?”
“Miss!”
“I told you to be silent.”
Their eyes met.
“If you call me ‘Miss,’ then act like it.”
“How can you speak to me like this?!”
“I can. You cannot.”
If they used status and schemes—
So could she.
“Show proper respect, Madam Hong.”
Seolha’s voice was cold.
She didn’t know why Hong Youngryeong had looked down on her before.
But one thing was clear—
I can’t let this continue.
Otherwise, Eunseol would suffer again.
Then there’s only one answer.
Change it.
She glanced briefly—
At a group of elders watching from afar.
Then back at Hong Youngryeong.
“Choose, Madam Hong.”
Her voice was calm.
“Are you a servant of the Geum family… or merely my aunt’s servant?”
Cold sweat rolled down Hong Youngryeong’s face.
