The Unlucky Villainess Small Fief

Chapter 16

"In what way does being engaged to me benefits you? In the society, I am already branded as 'poor goods'. If they discovered that you are engaged to me, what would only the king say, Duke Suvvell?" Ortezca asked as she rubs her fingers on the cup that she is holding.

"....I do not intend to make our relationship be known immediately. I plan to let you stay in my private villa until you get well." 

"...why not just bring a doctor here?"

"It would take two days journey to get here...furthermore...doctors only checks patients of noble blood..even if I ask the family physician to visit here...he would not come since you are no longer of noble blood."

"Then...why would you even bother? Leave me alone. I will get better in no time. As a repayment, please bring with you these packs. It is coffee and chocolate. You may go if you are already done eating." Ortezca said and began to stand up when Rudevich mumbled something.

"....why are you so against on going back to the kingdom?" Rudevich blurted out without him thinking. He was about to say sorry when Ortezca bursted out laughing.

"Are you out of your mind? I am not the one who is against on going back to the kingdom! It is them! Seriously, do you even Have any idea on what had happened when I was still a Holminne? How much do you know about me anyway? Do I look weak to you? I had been living on my own ever since I was a child and had never sought any help from anyone. So don't you dare come here acting all saint, Duke Rudevich Suvvell. I am grateful for your visit, I hope the coffee and chocolate are to your liking. Have a safe trip and good day." Ortezca then stomped her way out in the cold world, only wearing her sleeping gown and slippers. 

"Wha-please wait, lady Ortezca! Let me explain!" Duke Suvvell followed her out. He grabbed the coat and scarf from the couch and ran outside. He followed her towards the cliff and he was astonished at what he saw. Looking at the kingdom which was only a dot far away, Rudevich realized how far it was and how isolated Ortezca must have felt when she was banished.

"....I never had any resentment. Not even a single one. On the day of the accident, I was prepared to die. My only thoughts during that time was- i had never done anything for the kingdom...just because I was a woman. My brothers would not acknowledge me, My father would turn deaf against me. Even in the academy... men would often tell me to act cute, meek and weak just like the other noble girls...that stupid nephew of yours too told me that I do not look like a girl, that he would prefer girls like Lady Vanessa..." ortezca said while the two were standing side by side on the edge of the cliff, cold wind blowing making their breaths visible in the air. Duke Suvvell was not listening...he was more worried at her trembling body.

"Say, Duke Suvvell... if I come with you back to the kingdom... Will it be different, or will it be still the same?" Ortezca asked him with cold eyes.