Chapter 173: The Victor’s Return 6

Desth Andreas knelt prostrate, begging forgiveness from Caseross before her.

Though Santana, her brother, was also present, Desth could spare no attention for him in that moment.

The profound dread consuming her issued an unequivocal warning – her very existence hinged upon this abject apology. Driven by the primal instinct for self-preservation, Desth poured forth her regrets, forehead pressed to the floor.

“I…I was terribly wrong. This foolish, incompetent soul failed to recognize your noble status, Lady Caseross…and committed such audacious, unforgivable transgressions against you!”

Tears streamed down Desth’s face as she remained prostrate, forehead grazing the ground. Caseross maintained a solemn silence as she observed this display.

“I beg your forgiveness. Please, just this once…show mercy to this foolish, wretched being…I implore your compassion!”

Desth’s anguished pleas escalated from desperation to outright anguish.

After a lingering pause, Caseross finally broke her silence, her tone measured:

“Forgiveness…is indeed a noble concept – dispelling resentments and fostering reconciliation, as the Lord instructs. Undoubtedly a virtue we must uphold.”

“Ah…!”

Hearing Caseross’s saintly words hinting at clemency flooded Desth with fleeting hope as she gazed upwards.

Yet that glimmer was swiftly extinguished.

“However, many labor under a misconception. The Lord’s notion of forgiveness does not simply entail empty words.”

“…”

The chill in Caseross’s tone robbed Desth of speech, leaving her fraught with dread as she mutely awaited the princess’s pronouncement.

“The Lord granted mankind forgiveness through His sacrifice. Yet such absolution demands recognizing one’s transgressions and enduring their due recompense. Thus, I shall require appropriate penance from you as well.”

“!…Wh-Whatever it may be, speak! This Desth shall gladly obey any command from you, Lady Caseross!”

“Very well. Then heed my words closely.”

Desth clung to Caseross’s every utterance with frantic desperation.

The princess’s voice rang with frigid authority as she addressed the prostrate noblewoman:

“The crime you have committed against me – threatening a princess with vile insults – would constitute a capital offense if made public. However, I harbor no desire to pursue such an extreme course. For I had concealed my status at the time, and you are the sister of my beloved husband, Lord Santana – my own sister-in-law. Exacting your life would indeed be an excessive punishment.”

Gulppp…

Though merely words, Caseross’s declaration carried an undeniable gravity amplified by her imperial authority and ability to inflict far graver consequences if provoked.

A chill ran down Desth’s spine as she swallowed hard, overwhelmed by dread.

“Thus, this shall be my demand of you.”

Softening her tone slightly, Caseross continued with measured poise:

“Desth Andreas. As penance you seek, I hereby command you to serve me henceforth as my personal attendant.”

“Wh…What?”

Taken aback by this unanticipated demand, confusion momentarily gripped Desth before comprehension dawned.

‘She wishes me to serve as…her maidservant?’

While differing somewhat, it was indeed common for imperial princesses and high nobles to enlist lower-ranking aristocrats’ daughters as personal maids.

Though nominally “maids,” such appointees functioned more as secretaries. Regardless, this practice was hardly unprecedented, and Desth realized Caseross sought to bind her service thus.

‘The princess’s maidservant… Admittedly, as a Count’s daughter of lofty standing, this is not an overly appealing prospect…’

Such maidservant appointments often served as entryways for lower nobles to gain sociopolitical clout.

Yet for Desth, already of sufficiently elevated rank, this held scant enticement.

However, presented as penance rather than advancement, refusal was impossible.

Compared to the worst-case scenario of execution she had envisioned, Caseross’s demand for servitude amounted to extraordinary mercy deserving of the deepest gratitude.

Thus, Desth could only bow her head before the one granting her this “grace,” expressing profound appreciation.

“I am grateful for your magnanimous judgment, Lady Caseross… From now on, this Desth Andreas shall devote her utmost efforts to serving you, my mistress.”

“Very good. Then I shall anticipate your devoted service henceforth.”

Observing Desth’s declaration of fealty, a serene smile graced Caseross’s lips – the benevolent mien of a merciful saint.

Having concluded her new role as Caseross’s subordinate, Desth departed, leaving me beset by profound disquiet as I cautiously addressed my wife:

“Forgive me…”

“Hmm? Whatever for?”

Taken aback by her response, I conveyed my remorseful feelings:

“This incident arose from my failure to properly guide my sister. Had I recognized the situation sooner, this could have been avoided…”

Unaware of Desth’s relentless insults against Caseross’s concealed nobility, I could not help but feel a sense of responsibility as her brother and apologized accordingly.

Yet Caseross regarded me with her customary gentle, radiant smile, assuaging my regrets:

“Please, think nothing of it. This situation ultimately arose due to my own obscured identity. You bear no need to apologize.”

“But still… I had promised to protect you. That I failed to perceive my own sister’s transgressions, allowing this indignity to unfold…”

Though rendered somewhat absurd in hindsight given her actual standing, I had indeed sworn to safeguard Caseross during our days as holy knights.

That this vow had been breached filled me with profound contrition.

Then, an impish glint sparkled in Caseross’s eyes as she remarked:

“Well, if you insist on assuming responsibility… Shall I demand recompense from you, my lord?”

“Pardon?”

Caught off guard by her whimsical query, I faltered momentarily before Caseross’s playful smile reassured me of her intent.

“In truth, Desth’s actions caused me immense hardship. They nearly drove us apart and forced me to risk peril by returning to Sophia. Having endured such ordeals, I believe I am owed compensation from you commensurate with my suffering… As my husband.”

“Ah…”

A faint flush tinged Caseross’s cheeks as the implication of her words dawned, mirrored by the rising heat I could feel upon my own face.

“Then…I shall endeavor to oblige, my love.”

“Though inadequate, I shall strive to fulfill your desires.”

Exchanging affectionate smiles, we reaffirmed our bond through this uniquely intimate manner of reconciliation.