You Said I Was a Persecuted, Terminally Ill Grand Duchess? - Chapter 47

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 47

 

“Hiiiik!”

 

Katarina, looking at what I handed her, shuddered as if it were something terrible.

 

The more she reacted that way, the more sinisterly I smiled as I pushed it closer.

 

“Why are you avoiding it? Come on, take it quickly.”

 

“This is clothing I specially made upon Madam’s request. Perhaps it’s not to your liking?”

 

Garnet, who had been standing behind, stepped forward with a stern, solemn, and serious expression.

 

Her impressive triceps bulged as she crossed her arms, showing off their imposing presence.

 

As if by coincidence, she was backlit, casting deep shadows across Garnet’s face.

 

‘I’m glad she’s on my side…’

 

Once again, this thought crossed my mind…

 

‘Still, she’s a good kid.’

 

While I was feeling petty relief.

 

“Hiiiik! No! No! B-but! I’ve never seen such an ugly outfit before! My goodness, how can something so hideous exist?”

 

Katarina cried out to me, genuinely terrified.

 

However, under Garnet’s intimidating gaze, she reluctantly picked up the garment.

 

She held it up with just her index finger and thumb like pincers, as if she didn’t want to touch it.

 

What she held in her hands was none other than waders.

 

Also called chest boots, this outfit was in the form of waterproof overalls that came up to the chest.

 

While commonly thought of as clothing worn when entering tidal flats, it was actually perfect for farm work too.

 

The ultimate item that could protect the body from external dangers like plant toxins or insects, with integrated boots attached to the bottom of the pants!

 

‘Hehe. I specially ordered this from Garnet for farm work. And now it’s being used like this.’

 

Having some experience myself, I thought there must be good reasons why farmers and fishermen liked to wear them, and indeed, working in waders had been really comfortable.

 

Seeing her dislike it so much was puzzling.

 

“Why? Aren’t the suspenders cute? I’m going to wear one too.”

 

Anyway, I have a lot to do today. I’m busy!

 

Before getting started in earnest, I tucked the waders under one arm and left the cottage to check the condition of the field first.

 

But just how far had the rumors spread?

 

The courtyard was packed with servants who had come to watch.

 

Slightly flustered, I approached them and made eye contact with Genie, the maid standing at the front.

 

“Madam! What kind of punishment will you give to Young Lady Katarina?”

 

“Uh… You’ll see soon enough. But did everyone come here to watch?”

 

“We couldn’t miss such a rare spectacle. Besides, look over there.”

 

Genie subtly pointed behind her.

 

There stood three young ladies with parasols, pretending to look elsewhere.

 

“Lilian, Julie, Serena! Didn’t you return to your duchies?”

 

“How could we? Actually, we wanted to meet and talk with Lady Rene, but… we were sad because it was so difficult to see you.”

 

“We happened to hear you were at the annex, so we came to find you.”

 

“We heard you were punishing Young Lady Katarina… Is it true?”

 

The young ladies spoke in turn, deliberately opening their fans.

 

Though they tried to act otherwise, their faces showed they were dying of curiosity.

 

I didn’t realize because so much had happened right after I came back to life, but they’ve been staying at the Duke’s Castle this whole time.

 

They even came to watch?

 

‘Of course, from their perspective, it might be good entertainment.’

 

What do they all think I’m going to do that they’re so excited?

 

With all this sudden attention focused on me, I felt somewhat burdened.

 

‘I’m a performer who’s strong with small audiences. The more eyes on me, the more I malfunction!’

 

With such a tiny liver, being a commoner was indeed my calling.

 

I should avoid doing things that draw people’s attention as much as possible, I resolved.

 

Creak.

 

The sound of the cottage door opening came from behind me.

 

“Pu, puhaha!”

 

“My goodness, look at that sight!”

 

“The noble young lady who always sought out different types of silk is actually wearing such clothes!”

 

Without even needing to turn around, Katarina stood beside me with her head hung low, shuffling her feet.

 

Her face, ears, and even the back of her neck were all red.

 

“This is the first time in my life I’ve worn such an ugly outfit!”

 

Katarina whispered as if humiliated.

 

“Is it really such a strange outfit?”

 

That’s more shocking to me!

 

This outfit wasn’t even the punishment I had prepared!

 

Somehow I was starting to doubt my own aesthetic sense.

 

But seeing Katarina’s reaction as she kept sniffling, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

 

“Puhaha! Yes, it’s a truly terrifying punishment, isn’t it? This is just the beginning~”

 

I hummed as I led Katarina to the backyard.

 

There, a small vegetable garden with evenly plowed furrows welcomed us.

 

“Now! A punishment should be hard labor. Katarina, take this.”

 

“Eh?”

 

As if seeing it for the first time in her life, Katarina awkwardly took the hoe and just blinked her big eyes.

 

To demonstrate, I went into the cottage, changed into waders, and quickly came back out.

 

Those who had been mocking Katarina’s outfit shut their mouths when they saw me wearing the same clothes.

 

‘Now shall we begin in earnest?’

 

I boldly entered the vegetable garden and planted one of the seedlings the maids had prepared.

 

Then I turned to Katarina and gave her a terrifying smile.

 

“Now, Katarina. The hard labor begins. Hurry up and follow my example!”

 

“Th-this is ridiculous!”

 

Katarina’s delicious reaction, acting as if the world had ended, was perfect too.

 

And so began the enjoyable vegetable gardening time disguised as hard labor.

 

“Kyaaah! There’s a bug here!”

 

“Wow, that’s a really big earthworm. This must be good soil.”

 

“My goodness! Don’t touch it!”

 

“Why? It doesn’t bite.”

 

“Huaaang!”

 

Katarina, who had barely managed to plant a couple of seedlings, was again whimpering as she fumbled with the soil.

 

I chuckled and adjusted the straw hat Nina had put on me.

 

Bewildered reactions erupted from the spectators who were still holding their positions.

 

“Is this really a punishment?”

 

“It’s quite different from the punishment we were thinking of…”

 

“But she does look genuinely distressed.”

 

Hmm.

 

Seeing them scratching their heads as if something felt off, I pretended not to notice and held back my laughter.

 

Well, this could be considered a form of humiliation, I suppose.

 

It seemed like Katarina’s version of punishment was functioning well enough.

 

‘For me, it’s killing two birds with one stone. Giving punishment and doing farming.’

 

What I was planting now were various vegetable seedlings.

 

‘I’m really going to try making kimchi later!’

 

While I was filled with such hopeful dreams.

 

“L-Lady Rene!”

 

A thin voice suddenly interrupted.

 

When I looked up, it was Genie the maid.

 

“Surely this isn’t the end of the punishment, is it? That person is a traitor who tried to harm my lady!”

 

Indignation rippled across the girl’s face.

 

“That’s right, exactly. Surely they’re not going to let it slide like that?”

 

“This doesn’t preserve Your Grace’s dignity!”

 

“If you give such a lenient punishment, she’ll become arrogant again and surely harm Your Grace once more!”

 

Following Genie, complaints burst forth among the servants.

 

I dusted off my hands and stood up from my seat again.

 

Everyone had instantly agreed with Genie’s words and was only watching my reaction, clearly wanting something stronger.

 

‘Right, that child was the one who testified about Katarina.’

 

I had no idea, but it seemed Katarina was quite hated.

 

So I could understand why she was so intimidated.

 

Well, regardless of how she had behaved, I had no intention of changing my decision, so I spoke firmly.

 

“Yes, so I heard. But I’m also the person involved, if I remember correctly. Katarina didn’t push me.”

 

“What?”

 

Instantly, Genie’s complexion darkened.

 

It was understandable since it was the opposite of her claim.

 

Worried that Genie might have another misunderstanding, I gently added.

 

“Genie, I’m not trying to blame you. But we need to address the truth.”

 

At those words, a ripple instantly spread through the people gathered in small groups.

 

“Wait, so Genie saw it wrong?”

 

“But surely everyone who was there…”

 

“B-but I saw it clearly! Not just me, but everyone who was there! Above all, Lady Katarina hated Lady Rene terribly!”

 

Genie shook her head as if she couldn’t accept it and shouted.

 

Things were getting bigger than I thought.

 

Hmm. I was pondering what I should say in response.

 

“I didn’t push Her Grace the Duchess.”

 

Just then, Katarina, who had put down her hoe and stood up, spoke in a firm voice.

 

But her hands were trembling finely.

 

I understood her intention and simply waited for Katarina.

 

At Katarina’s words that followed, everyone’s eyes widened greatly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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