Malea had left Odette with a slight burn, but it wasn't enough. She needed a more serious scar to use in her plans.
Odette glanced at the table in the kitchen before Malea arrived. There, tea leaves were drying as usual, using the sunlight outside the window.
'Leaves of the Vesuvius rhododendron.'
Then, with a quick movement of her hands, Odette grabbed a handful of the best-dried tea leaves, crumbled them, and sprinkled them straight on her calves.
When the red tea leaves touched the wet calf, the wound quickly turned dark red.
The burn, which had only turned faintly red, changed into something horrifying compared to before as blisters appeared.
'Even though the wound is distorted to this extent, there is no pain at all.'
It's exactly the same setting as in <Redemption>.
Vesuvius rhododendron was a medicine that Charlotte discovered as a cure for burns in the middle part of <The Garden of the Damned>.
This herb has the side effect of causing the burned area to become seriously distorted for a month while it heals, but after that, the skin returns to a very clean state, smoother than before the burn.
However, at present, it is only known as a tea leaf that is steeped and consumed.
So, Malea had no choice but to fall for it.
“Why did you call me?”
Just then, at perfect timing, Malea came into the kitchen.
“Do you know what my brother hates the most? It’s getting scars on my body.”
Odette, who had waited long enough for the side effects of the red tree to reach their peak, looked back at Malea.
With an innocent expression and posture that did not seem like someone plotting evil.
“So what should I do, Malea? My brother won’t leave you alone since you’ve left burn scars on my legs.”
“Huh? What do you mean? The tea I spilled wasn’t that hot-”
Odette lifted her skirt lightly and showed it to Malea. Her graceful movements as if she was dancing, were beautiful, but Malea had no time to care about such things.
It was because the red scar revealed under the skirt was too noticeable.
“Oh, that’s ridiculous!”
Malea screamed, her eyes widening.
'It's surprising. The tea that kid spilled was only slightly hot enough to burn someone.'
The shock in Malea's eyes slowly turned into suspicion.
“Miss, I didn’t make this scar, did I?”
Although she was secretly impressed by Malea's quick wit, Odette pretended to reprimand Malea.
“How shameless, Malea. Everyone in this mansion saw you pouring hot tea on me just now, and you’re evading the blame.”
“Ha, but my tea definitely wasn’t that hot. I’m sure of it because I cooled it in the cup myself. This is the kind of scratch that only happens when you spill freshly boiled water!”
Malea continued, her voice filled with resentment.
“Tell me the truth, Miss. This wound could never have been caused by me.”
Odette burst out laughing at the sight of Malea glaring menacingly.
“But this is the wound you inflicted.”
“No, that can’t be...”
“Even if that’s not true, as you say, what’s the point? The important thing is not what’s true, but whether there’s anyone who will believe it.”
“...”
“If you’re so confident, why don’t you go around saying something? You indeed spilled hot tea on the area, but it’s definitely not the burn you caused.”
In contrast to the evil-possessed Malea, Odette smiled leisurely.
But only the attitude was soft and gentle. There was a sharpness like a blade in the blue-green eyes. Only then did Malea close her mouth after realizing that fact.
Looking at her eyes, which were filled with fear and resentment, it seemed that Malea had realized that she had fallen into Odette's trap. And that there was no way out.
It's no use appealing to the truth in any way. Since there are so many witnesses, everyone will think that this new maid caused this wound.
'And leaving these scars on my body is a great sin in this mansion.'
Apart from being ignored by the Count's family, Odette's body was very precious.
Because Ferdinand was very obsessed with her body.
He had a pathological aversion to having any wounds on Odette's body caused by someone else, let alone scars.
Especially around this time when the <Crown Prince Runaway Incident> occurred, the level was almost madness.
The fact that there aren't many days left to pretend to be a fake Purifier also means that there aren't many days left to abandon Odette.
'You hope my body is spotless and clean, as you plan on touching me soon.'
Like a child who is obsessed with a toy that will soon have to be thrown away.
Paula was also able to hit Odette because she had her mother's absolute protection.
'But Malea, who has no support, leaves a scar? Ferdinand would gladly kill her.'
Malea, who had just finished calculating the situation like Odette, immediately knelt down.
“Miss, please save me! Please save me from the Master!”
“Malea.”
“If you call me in and threaten me, doesn’t that mean you want to hide this scar? I’ll do whatever you say!”
'You're still quick-witted. Just like in my previous life.'
Even if she was framed, she knew that Odette was her only lifeline. Even if it was unfair, she could grab hold of the lifeline first.
'You also know how to be mean without being late.'
Well, that's why Malea must have taken the position of a maid after Paula, and her mother must have been very fond of that special person.
“Raise your head, Malea.”
Odette smiled fondly at Malea.
“It’s good that you’re quick-witted. Yes. That’s exactly what I want. In exchange for this scar, you comply with my threats.”
Most of the Countess's current wealth comes from the enormous dowry she brought with her when she married.
Odette was planning to use Malea to steal the money, but to do so, Malea had to first win her mother's favor.
“If you just tell me what you want-”
“No, Malea. I have no intention of threatening you right now. Shouldn’t we first verify whether you are worth threatening?”
"...Yes?"
“First, try becoming my mother’s close maid. Then we can talk about what you really need to do.”
Malea looked puzzled.
'I guess you thought it would be a more one-time, simple threat?'
Even the lowest maids in this house naturally ignored Odette.
Because the maids trust Dolly and Paula. Every day, they badmouth Odette, calling her a 'fool who only trusts her father and commits evil deeds.'
So, she guessed Malea would expect her threats to be nothing special.
“Malea, do you really think I’d trade my scars for a single threat?”
Judging by the stung expression on Malea's face, it seemed she had had exactly that presumptuous thought.
But soon Malea changed her expression and said to Odette.
“That’s not it, Miss. Your request is outrageous! The Madam’s close maid? I don’t know, but that kind of position is usually filled by maids brought from the parents’ house. It’s impossible for me, a new maid, to get that kind of position.”
“Impossible is when I don’t use you.”
Malea was left speechless by that firm assertion.
“Go to the gallery on the first floor for dinner tonight, when Rolf is managing the art there.”
"Yes?"
“There are probably quite a few fakes among the works in the gallery. Point out the fakes you notice. Rolf will be able to identify you in no time.”
This is actually how Malea was promoted to maid in her past life.
Odette glanced at the table in the kitchen before Malea arrived. There, tea leaves were drying as usual, using the sunlight outside the window.
'Leaves of the Vesuvius rhododendron.'
Then, with a quick movement of her hands, Odette grabbed a handful of the best-dried tea leaves, crumbled them, and sprinkled them straight on her calves.
When the red tea leaves touched the wet calf, the wound quickly turned dark red.
The burn, which had only turned faintly red, changed into something horrifying compared to before as blisters appeared.
'Even though the wound is distorted to this extent, there is no pain at all.'
It's exactly the same setting as in <Redemption>.
Vesuvius rhododendron was a medicine that Charlotte discovered as a cure for burns in the middle part of <The Garden of the Damned>.
This herb has the side effect of causing the burned area to become seriously distorted for a month while it heals, but after that, the skin returns to a very clean state, smoother than before the burn.
However, at present, it is only known as a tea leaf that is steeped and consumed.
So, Malea had no choice but to fall for it.
“Why did you call me?”
Just then, at perfect timing, Malea came into the kitchen.
“Do you know what my brother hates the most? It’s getting scars on my body.”
Odette, who had waited long enough for the side effects of the red tree to reach their peak, looked back at Malea.
With an innocent expression and posture that did not seem like someone plotting evil.
“So what should I do, Malea? My brother won’t leave you alone since you’ve left burn scars on my legs.”
“Huh? What do you mean? The tea I spilled wasn’t that hot-”
Odette lifted her skirt lightly and showed it to Malea. Her graceful movements as if she was dancing, were beautiful, but Malea had no time to care about such things.
It was because the red scar revealed under the skirt was too noticeable.
“Oh, that’s ridiculous!”
Malea screamed, her eyes widening.
'It's surprising. The tea that kid spilled was only slightly hot enough to burn someone.'
The shock in Malea's eyes slowly turned into suspicion.
“Miss, I didn’t make this scar, did I?”
Although she was secretly impressed by Malea's quick wit, Odette pretended to reprimand Malea.
“How shameless, Malea. Everyone in this mansion saw you pouring hot tea on me just now, and you’re evading the blame.”
“Ha, but my tea definitely wasn’t that hot. I’m sure of it because I cooled it in the cup myself. This is the kind of scratch that only happens when you spill freshly boiled water!”
Malea continued, her voice filled with resentment.
“Tell me the truth, Miss. This wound could never have been caused by me.”
Odette burst out laughing at the sight of Malea glaring menacingly.
“But this is the wound you inflicted.”
“No, that can’t be...”
“Even if that’s not true, as you say, what’s the point? The important thing is not what’s true, but whether there’s anyone who will believe it.”
“...”
“If you’re so confident, why don’t you go around saying something? You indeed spilled hot tea on the area, but it’s definitely not the burn you caused.”
In contrast to the evil-possessed Malea, Odette smiled leisurely.
But only the attitude was soft and gentle. There was a sharpness like a blade in the blue-green eyes. Only then did Malea close her mouth after realizing that fact.
Looking at her eyes, which were filled with fear and resentment, it seemed that Malea had realized that she had fallen into Odette's trap. And that there was no way out.
It's no use appealing to the truth in any way. Since there are so many witnesses, everyone will think that this new maid caused this wound.
'And leaving these scars on my body is a great sin in this mansion.'
Apart from being ignored by the Count's family, Odette's body was very precious.
Because Ferdinand was very obsessed with her body.
He had a pathological aversion to having any wounds on Odette's body caused by someone else, let alone scars.
Especially around this time when the <Crown Prince Runaway Incident> occurred, the level was almost madness.
The fact that there aren't many days left to pretend to be a fake Purifier also means that there aren't many days left to abandon Odette.
'You hope my body is spotless and clean, as you plan on touching me soon.'
Like a child who is obsessed with a toy that will soon have to be thrown away.
Paula was also able to hit Odette because she had her mother's absolute protection.
'But Malea, who has no support, leaves a scar? Ferdinand would gladly kill her.'
Malea, who had just finished calculating the situation like Odette, immediately knelt down.
“Miss, please save me! Please save me from the Master!”
“Malea.”
“If you call me in and threaten me, doesn’t that mean you want to hide this scar? I’ll do whatever you say!”
'You're still quick-witted. Just like in my previous life.'
Even if she was framed, she knew that Odette was her only lifeline. Even if it was unfair, she could grab hold of the lifeline first.
'You also know how to be mean without being late.'
Well, that's why Malea must have taken the position of a maid after Paula, and her mother must have been very fond of that special person.
“Raise your head, Malea.”
Odette smiled fondly at Malea.
“It’s good that you’re quick-witted. Yes. That’s exactly what I want. In exchange for this scar, you comply with my threats.”
Most of the Countess's current wealth comes from the enormous dowry she brought with her when she married.
Odette was planning to use Malea to steal the money, but to do so, Malea had to first win her mother's favor.
“If you just tell me what you want-”
“No, Malea. I have no intention of threatening you right now. Shouldn’t we first verify whether you are worth threatening?”
"...Yes?"
“First, try becoming my mother’s close maid. Then we can talk about what you really need to do.”
Malea looked puzzled.
'I guess you thought it would be a more one-time, simple threat?'
Even the lowest maids in this house naturally ignored Odette.
Because the maids trust Dolly and Paula. Every day, they badmouth Odette, calling her a 'fool who only trusts her father and commits evil deeds.'
So, she guessed Malea would expect her threats to be nothing special.
“Malea, do you really think I’d trade my scars for a single threat?”
Judging by the stung expression on Malea's face, it seemed she had had exactly that presumptuous thought.
But soon Malea changed her expression and said to Odette.
“That’s not it, Miss. Your request is outrageous! The Madam’s close maid? I don’t know, but that kind of position is usually filled by maids brought from the parents’ house. It’s impossible for me, a new maid, to get that kind of position.”
“Impossible is when I don’t use you.”
Malea was left speechless by that firm assertion.
“Go to the gallery on the first floor for dinner tonight, when Rolf is managing the art there.”
"Yes?"
“There are probably quite a few fakes among the works in the gallery. Point out the fakes you notice. Rolf will be able to identify you in no time.”
This is actually how Malea was promoted to maid in her past life.
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