Chapter 243
Even with the heavy silence that befell upon them, Orland did not change his attentive expression. Completely willing to listen, watchful to what was to be told next... And placing aside his emotions to hear objectively. With difficulty. Yet with determination, so the truth could be found.
Paige saw it clearly during her nervous pause and decided to continue. Entirely sure that her Master would listen sincerely.
"There have been occasions where Louisa and Debra would keep silent at my questions and avoid any conversation when they learned I had noticed their wounds."
"... Is there a reason why you came to think it is Theressa who hurt them?"
"At first, I believed their excuses. They would often say they tripped or got hurt while doing chores. Sometimes they also feigned stomach ailings. However... There was a day I happened to listen to one of their private conversations... where Louisa clearly said that the Lady had stomped on her hand after pushing her for not taking care of her dresses as she liked."
"... What?"
"... Yes. However, then I came to hear it myself... By coincidence... I heard how the lady yelled at Debra for not serving the tea she expected and how Louisa received the hit... Being poured the boiling tea on her hand by the lady in leisure."
"..."
"I asked Louisa for answers once I saw her hand covered... I asked what had happened. But she always denied it saying it was an accident."
"... I believe... You are now to explain why you never said anything to me, Paige."
Orland could not help but glare, since acerbity at being kept ignorant was pushing his patience to the edge.
"... I had... I had tried to convince them to speak... I had tried to make them confide in me, in your Grace... But I couldn’t... I thought about saying it myself... But..."