Chapter 128: Just Show the Results (2)
A chilling warning left everyone unsure of how to react.
However, Ghislain ignored her warning and strode confidently into the room.
The room was far too shabby to belong to a young lady of a powerful noble family.
âSheâs living in a place like this?â
The butlerâs expression stiffened slightly, perhaps embarrassed by the poor state they were showing to Ghislainâs group.
âMy lady, it is the Marquisâs order. For the next fortnight, Baron Fenris will be treating your skin condition.â
â.......â
âHe is highly knowledgeable in medicine and herbalism. He even personally makes the cosmetics currently in vogue in the capital.â
â.......â
Despite the butlerâs continued explanations, Rosalyn only breathed heavily without uttering a word.
Although her face was hidden behind a mask, the air around her made it clear enough what kind of expression she had.
Ghislain clicked his tongue at the sight.
âThere was no record of her living like this... Well, itâs not the kind of story that would spread. They must have kept it tightly under wraps.â
There had been little information in the records he had seen in his previous life about how Rosalyn had lived. Mostly, it just mentioned that she had lived quietly in seclusion after marriage.
Even those remaining records only spoke of her past kind and gentle character, as the butler had described.
âWell, it has nothing to do with me. Once I treat her illness, we wonât have any reason to meet again.â
Ghislain cleared his throat and spoke gently.
âI am Ghislain. From now on, I will be treating your illness...â
Before he could finish, Rosalyn interrupted him in a chilling voice.
âI donât need it, so leave.â
Her tone was as cold as ice. It was almost a relief that she was speaking politely, even though she was addressing a noble.
Ghislain quietly stared into her eyes.
Rosalynâs eyes were filled with resentment and hatred.
âThis doesnât look good.â
A mix of self-loathing and unresolved issues had darkened her heart, making it burn black with despair.
Ghislain had often seen people with eyes like these.
When such people finally snapped after holding everything in, they usually dragged many down with them.
âStill, it seems sheâs somehow keeping herself in check.â
Even in his previous life, there had been no record of Rosalyn losing her mind and recklessly killing anyone.
Perhaps isolating herself like this was her way of preventing such incidents.
âEven so, her reaction is far too extreme.â
A person suffering from an illness would usually cling to the hope of treatment, desperate to grab hold of even the smallest chance.
It didnât make sense for her to refuse this strongly.
Sensing Ghislainâs confusion, the butler spoke in a bitter tone.
âMy lady has suffered greatly from treatments until now. Thatâs why she is acting this way.â
âHeh...â
Ghislain understood the unspoken words from the butler and clicked his tongue.
âBecause of those bastards, she doesnât even trust someone sheâs meeting for the first time like me.â
He could understand Rosalynâs feelings. The fear of living with permanent side effects from a failed treatment could be worse than death.
âThereâs no helping it. Earning her trust has to come first. Damn those amateurs, always causing trouble.â
Forcing a smile, Ghislain spoke.
âYouâve been through a lot, my lady. But Iâm not like those other doctors.â
Rosalyn tilted her head slightly and asked, âHow are you different?â
âIâm putting my life on the line for this treatment.â
âHa.â
Ghislainâs words were serious, but all he got in return was a derisive laugh.
Rosalyn didnât even try to hide her amusement, her shoulders shaking as she laughed, before speaking in a sharp tone.
âListen, Baron. Do you really think none of those other doctors put their lives on the line?â
â.......â
âThe ones who came looking to gain wealth and fame all said the same thing. âIâll risk my life to cure the young ladyâs illness!ââ
â.......â
âDo you want me to tell you how all of them died?â
Unable to suppress her rising anger, Rosalyn finally raised her voice.
She jabbed her finger against Ghislainâs chest as she continued.
âBut forcing it is a bit... How about taking some time to persuade her?â the butler hesitantly suggested.
âSheâs too riled up right now to even have a conversation. When exactly would I persuade her? We only have two weeks,â Ghislain retorted.
âWell... thatâs true... but...â
âWe canât just sit around twiddling our thumbs for two weeks and end up failing. Iâll take care of it, so just cooperate. Youâre not the one responsible for our lives, are you?â
âAh, understood.â
With the butlerâs reluctant agreement, there was no longer anything to hold him back. Ghislain immediately started giving orders.
âGood, first, letâs talk about the medicinal ingredients weâll need. Go and buy enough top-quality mandrake root for her to take twice a day.â
âMandraroga root?â
Not only the butler but also the others around looked at him in surprise.
Mandrake root was well-known as a tonic, but it was typically consumed by men. The prevailing belief was that its strong, heating effects were actually harmful to women.
Though Ghislain could guess the doubts in everyoneâs minds, he didnât bother explaining and continued with what he had to say.
âYes, itâs essential for treating the Marquisâs young lady. Along with that, gather some other herbs as well.â
The butler, with a worried expression, nodded. Since the Marquis of Branford had given permission, there was no point in opposing it.
* * *
Most of the medicinal ingredients Ghislain requested were rare and expensive.
Yet, it took less than half a day for the Marquisâs household to acquire and brew them, once again showcasing the immense wealth and influence of the Branford family.
As he carefully inspected the decoction, Ghislain found himself once more impressed.
âAlright, letâs head to the young lady.â
Belinda cautiously asked, âBut how are you planning to enter the room? If she doesnât open the door, thereâs nothing we can do, right?â
âIf she refuses, weâll just have to break it down. But it would look bad, so maybe the butler could give it a try first?â
âMe?â
The butler looked at Ghislain, taken aback.
âWho else? Or should I just tell the Marquis weâre giving up? Are you ready to take responsibility for that?â
With a sigh, the butler nodded in agreement.
The group gathered once more and made their way to Rosalynâs room.
Knock, knock.
The moment the butler knocked, Rosalynâs irritated voice shouted from within.
âWhat is it? I told you not to come!â
In a trembling voice, the butler replied, âAh, Iâve brought new attendants to serve you, my lady.â
âWhat? Who asked for that?â
âHowever... the household has been short-staffed lately, hasnât it? So weâve brought in some new staff. We thought it best to introduce them to you since theyâll be attending to your needs.â
There was a moment of silence from Rosalyn.
Even though she stayed secluded in her room to avoid people, she couldnât avoid her personal maids entirely.
There had to be someone to prepare her meals, bathwater, and clothing, as well as to clean the room.
The maids would always try to finish their tasks as quickly as possible, but Rosalyn couldnât even tolerate them for that short amount of time.
Whenever something displeased her, no matter how minor, she would lash out fiercely.
It was not uncommon for the staff, worn out by her outbursts or unable to bear the stress, to quit.
âLet them in.â
After a long pause, Rosalynâs curt reply came.
The tightly shut door slowly opened, and two women stepped inside.
They were dressed neatly and elegantly in the Branford familyâs exclusive attendant uniforms, carrying themselves with grace.
They bowed slightly toward Rosalyn.
âHello, my name is Belinda.â
âIâm Wendy. Itâs a pleasure to serve you.â
As Rosalyn slowly inspected their faces, her expression twisted.
âWhat kind of nonsense is this?â
These were clearly the women who had been with that so-called doctor earlier.
And now they had the nerve to appear as new attendants? The audacity was beyond belief.
âAre you playing games with me? Do you two have a death wish?â
Grinding her teeth, Rosalyn stood up from her seat. Even so, Belinda didnât wipe the smile off her face.
âFrom today onward, we will serve you with the utmost care. Iâm quite experienced in such matters.â
âServe me? What exactly do you mean by that?â
âWe will begin treatment. Please prepare yourself.â
âWhat? Who gave you permissionââ
Before Rosalyn could finish her sentence, Belinda and Wendy sprang into action like lightning.