MMLP 02

Chapter 2

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“Get up! Before I kick you!”

That condescending glare and that spiteful expression—I could never forget that face. She was Belladonna, the maid who had tormented me relentlessly in my previous life.

“If you kiss my feet, I’ll pretend I didn’t see you accidentally wandering into the young master’s room.”

“Oh, you got beaten half to death by the young master with a riding crop because I tattled? Well, why’d you do something to deserve it in the first place? If you’re lowborn, you should act like it and watch your manners.”

There was no greater fool than me back then.

I was treated like a villain outside, yet inside the household, even a mere maid had me wrapped around her finger.

Whenever I resisted, I’d be forced to drink filthy mop water, or I’d find nails hidden in my shoes, leaving my feet bloody.

But all that was in the past. I had already died once and come back—what was left to fear? The shrill yelling of Belladonna no longer frightened me.

“Not only do you look filthy, but are your ears plugged too? Looks like you won’t come to your senses until you’re thrown into a manure cart!”

After so many lifetimes, I found it almost amusing to see Belladonna’s sour face again. Perhaps this would serve as a light warm-up before meeting that person.

Her glare stung, but instead of scrambling off the sofa, I simply crossed my legs the other way.

“Is this how the Grimlores treat their guests?”

“W-what…?”

The aristocratic tone I adopted made her whole body flinch. Belladonna looked like she might bow down at my feet any second.

And why wouldn’t she?

The most dignified noblewoman Belladonna knew was Jimena Grimore—and I had been personally taught by her.

For just a moment, this ragged nine-year-old girl in front of her gave off the same imposing aura as Jimena. Belladonna blinked rapidly, trying to shake off her unease.

“A guest, you say?”

Not collateral, not some child sold off because of debts.

My appearance might be shabby for a noble lady, but I didn’t give off the air of a mere pawn either.

With her limited imagination, it never crossed Belladonna’s mind that I could be a regressor from the Grimore household.

“I… I wasn’t told anything like that…”

Look at her panic—worried she might have made a mistake in front of a noble.

Seeing her stiff expression, I almost felt my past suffering had been worth it.

Those who’ve been beaten know exactly where to strike to hurt the most. And with cowards like Belladonna, nothing worked better than an overwhelming display of authority.

Lifting my chin, I looked down at her with an imperious gaze.

“I was formally invited here by Lord Gilbert himself.”

Transforming a debt notice into an invitation letter—my shamelessness was flawless.

Her face grew paler by the second as she realized she might have just insulted an actual noble. She finally spoke more politely.

“Forgive my rudeness, but may I ask which house you belong to, my lady?”

Even if I looked young, a noble was still a noble. If I really was a guest of Gilbert Grimore, she’d have to beg forgiveness.

Confirming she was already prepared to grovel, I spoke with confidence.

“I am the only daughter of the illustrious Duke Hendanol. I am not someone a rude maid can dare to mistreat.”

In my past life, I had been sacrificed as the vessel to seal away the Archmage.

If that counted as fate binding us, then I had no qualms about using the Archmage’s family name now.

The Hendanol name was perfect—it was relatively unknown due to the family’s lack of public presence, but still of ducal rank, enough to frighten Belladonna.

“For your information, my father, Duke Hendanol, dotes on me dearly.”

As the lies flowed smoothly from my lips, a faint, glowing mark suddenly appeared on the back of my hand.

It felt almost as though it was denying my words, but since I was too focused on scaring Belladonna, I didn’t notice it.

Neither did she.

Belladonna trembled like a condemned prisoner. Her sunken eyes darkened with fear, as though they were about to cave in.

“Forgive me, my lady, but my knowledge is lacking—I’ve never heard of such a house…”

“Whether you’ve heard of it or not is irrelevant.”

A maid who insulted a noble couldn’t be let off so easily. Depending on the case, noble insult could bring severe punishment.

Facing her now, I wondered—why had I let myself be bullied before? Once I’d let go of my obsession with becoming “that person’s” sister, everything seemed so simple.

Growing tired of this little exchange, I delivered the final blow.

“Judging by your attitude, I cannot let this go. You—what is your name?”

“I-I was wrong!”

Unable to endure the pressure, Belladonna collapsed flat on the floor. She only pretended to apologize, with no true remorse.

“I didn’t know! Anyone would’ve acted the same, seeing your ragged appearance!”

“You didn’t know?”

“Kind lady, you’re still young, so you may not understand, but punishing me for this much would be too harsh. If you let it go, I’ll be forever grateful.”

Kind Revieta? She’s dead.

“The only thing unchanged is your insolence.”

“…What?”

“Quit your yapping. Bring that face over here.”

As if bewitched by my gesture, Belladonna leaned in. I raised my hand high and slapped her hard across the cheek.

Smack!

The mad dog who used to leave handprints on nobles’ faces wasn’t dead yet. The sharp sting from my small hand brought tears to Belladonna’s eyes.

Oh dear. Do I feel bad? Not at all.

Cold and expressionless, I flicked my fingers again.

“Come here.”

“I-I’ll never talk back again! Please forgive me, my lady!”

“Shut up and get over here. Why’d you act out if you didn’t want to get hit?”

Moments later, Belladonna ran out into the hall, clutching her flushed cheek. If she brought Gilbert Grimore back, the truth would surely be exposed.

Even better.

“Father. Dad. Hmm. Doesn’t roll off the tongue.”

Since I was younger now, should I try debuting as a cutesy child in a parenting drama? One bit of aegyo and power would be mine.

“Papa… ugh, forget it.”

Cute wasn’t my style anyway. Besides, there was no way I could outshine her in charm. I was shaking my head when I heard footsteps approaching outside the door.

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The door opened with unhurried steps, and finally, Gilbert Grimore appeared.

“Hm? A kid?”

His blue eyes narrowed beneath his dark hair.

A sharp nose, a strong jawline, and a tall, sturdy build—all emphasized his masculine allure.

Wild yet cold, dangerous yet captivating—he looked like an untamed wolf.

“Why’s a girl here? Did I come to the wrong room?”

Gilbert had come to receive a horse, but instead of a stable boy, he found me, which puzzled him.

“You’re in the right place, young master Gilbert. This lady is from the Hendanol family.”

Belladonna gestured toward me respectfully. But to her surprise, Gilbert only looked mildly bemused.

“Hendanol? Never heard of it. I didn’t come here for tea with a lady—I came to collect gambling debts.”

“B-but that’s not what I heard…”

As Belladonna faltered, Gilbert snapped his fingers as if realizing something.

“Ah, I get it now. That bastard sold his stepdaughter instead of the horse, didn’t he? Am I right?”

“Yes. My damned stepfather sold me instead of a horse.”

“Well now, what a pretty mare.”

I gave him a shy smile. Belladonna, her scalp still stinging, glared at me as if demanding an explanation, but my smile didn’t waver.

What could she do? Scream in front of Gilbert?

As he fished through his pockets, I stuck my tongue out just enough for her to see. Belladonna nearly lost her mind with frustration.

“Want a candy?”

“I’ll just accept the thought.”

“I never said I was giving you the thought.”

He awkwardly popped the candy into his mouth, not seeming interested in exposing me for false nobility. Knowing his personality, he’d probably just brush it off as childish mischief.

But if I turned the tables and revealed what really happened, Belladonna would be in deep trouble. The Grimore household wasn’t exactly forgiving toward maids who failed at serving guests properly.

Grinding her teeth, Belladonna bowed to Gilbert and hurried out, promising herself she’d get back at me once I entered as a servant.

But that was only if Gilbert kept me around. Reality, however, was harsher.

“Kid.”

“….”

 

“Sorry for your situation, but you’ll have to go back.”