Chapter 279 - 6.39 Blood Sacrifice
The bowl crashed to the ground in pieces, barely missing Maia’s feet by an inch and the medicinal soup ended up seeping into the thick rug. Maia subconsciously wrinkled her nose, both from the thought of how much of a pain it would be to wash the stain out and also the pungent, distinct smell of medicine.
"Get out!" Her father, Ernoul, hollered furiously from where he was slumping on the bed. His face was red from exertion and he was looking at Maia with so much hatred as if wanting to tear her apart. No matter how many times she had seen him like this, it didn’t hurt less. "Get out, you ungrateful wench! Don’t ever show yourself in front of me again!"
Clenching her fists, Maia silently crouched down to gather the ceramic pieces onto the tray. It’s okay, she told herself. At least everyone could now eat their fill and no longer worry about food for the rest of the winter. No matter how much tantrum her father was throwing, it wouldn’t change the fact that the deal had been struck. "Someone else will come by later to feed you medicine. Please excuse me, father," she said as calmly as she could.
"It’s all because of you. I should have killed you..." Ernoul hissed in rage. "When that woman gave birth to you, I should have known not to raise you. Such a disgrace to our ancestors! Pathetic slut who can only lower her head and lick those man’s shoes—"
Ernoul’s shouts and curses followed behind her as she stepped out of the tent.
"Miss!" Frey, who was pacing back and forth outside, hastily approached to take over the tray. Her face turned concerned when she saw Maia’s face. "Miss..."
"It’s okay, Frey." Maia wiped the tears on her face and sniffled, forcing a smile that seemed to make Frey get even more worried. "It’s not uncommon for him to take it out on me when he’s angry. Moreover, he must be so upset that his old illness relapses at a time like this."
Frey’s eyes reddened and her shoulders shook indignantly. "I don’t understand. Why... Why is he so fixated on wealth and power? Why does he keep insisting to go forth with the war? He’s so selfish! His people are suffering and he can’t even see that! Now he’s blaming you when you are trying to save us...?!"
"Hush, Frey!" Maia huffed out a breath as she pulled Maia toward the direction of her own tent. As much as she agreed with Frey’s words, there was no denying the fact that the elders who supported her father relentlessly were still around. If they were to hear Frey’s insult toward him, who knew how they might react? "We agreed not to talk about this."