The Grand Duchess Escape - Chapter 129.2
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A soft feminine voice spread through the deadly space, like walking on a razor’s edge. It was Asella.
“It’s not like that.”
A faint change of expression flickered across Calix’s cold face. The intense gaze that had been fixed on her softened ever so slightly when it shifted toward her. Those who were watching held their breath, waiting for the next words from their mistress.
“It’s just that I don’t feel too well.”
“….”
“If it’s cooked a bit more, I might be able to eat it.”
“If you’re trying to protect them–”
“It’s true, Your Grace.”
At that moment, he looked at her with a meaningful gaze. Despite the obvious observation to gauge her sincerity, Asella pretended to be nonchalant. However, her hands clasped under the table were trembling uncontrollably.
“Cook it properly and bring it back. There won’t be a second chance.”
As the order came with a stern warning, the servants swiftly moved into action. Before long, a perfectly cooked steak dish was placed in front of Asella.
The exceptionally pleasing appearance and rich flavors hinted at the chefs’ earnest efforts, causing Asella to let out a faint sigh.
‘I have to eat it.’
She reluctantly grasped the utensils with hands that continued to shake. Fortunately, there was no more visible blood. Only the sound of the plate, knife, and fork brushing against each other echoed in the serene space.
“Is it edible now?”
“Yes, it’s delicious.”
It was a lie. Although it was a perfectly cooked, top-grade meat, Asella couldn’t taste anything at all. She cut it into small pieces and pushed them into her mouth, chewing a few times before swallowing them down her throat. It was a mechanically repetitive movement, like a mechanical doll.
The chef’s efforts, given with all their might, bore fruit. It was more of a forced ingestion than a meal, but Asella managed to empty the plate halfway.
Finally, after the meal, a teacup was placed in front of them. The refreshing aroma of citrus-scented black tea wafted gently in the air. It was one of her favorite teas that she enjoyed.
‘Just a little longer, I can endure.’
However, the fragrant scent of the tea held no significance for Asella. She simply wished for everything to end quickly. She reassured herself that the reddish hue of the orange-colored tea was just an illusion.
Calix, who had been observing her closely, spoke up.
“You didn’t ask.”
“Pardon?”
“You must have been surprised by the sudden arrangement.”
“Is… there a reason?”
Her blue eyes flickered anxiously. Asella tried to read something from his expression and voice, but it was in vain. His consistently emotionless face revealed no trace of any emotion.
Calix briefly instructed his chief aide.
“Bring it.”
Then, Ryzen approached with a few thin documents in his hands.
***
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