The Lady Nun Vows Revenge - Chapter 41: Chapter 41

Eliza's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Of course, I want to hear it."
Nolan smiled silently and didn't make her wait. He repeated what the officials had said. "They said the great Duke of Mowbay has let his son run wild, acting entitled and lawless. If he isn't punished severely, he'll only become more reckless and dangerous in the future."
Under Nolan's direction, the officials had gone all out, making Dylan sound like a future menace to society.
Gabriel had been left with no room to argue—his colleagues hadn't just criticized him; they had practically mocked him to his face.
With half the court voicing their disapproval, the king had no choice but to impose a harsh punishment and accept Nolan's timely suggestion: Dylan wouldn't be released unless the Stonor family begged for Eliza's forgiveness.
Gabriel had no way to fight back. Dylan had crossed the line. If he had merely trespassed, it might have been brushed aside as youthful recklessness.
But he had attacked Eliza. And with the nuns of Saint Grace Nunnery all testifying that Dylan had struck first, his protests of innocence were useless.
Eliza let out a satisfied sigh. "If I'd known this, I would've stayed unconscious a little longer."
Keeping Dylan locked up for a few more days would have been nice. But now that she was awake, the Stonor family would be knocking on her door soon enough.
The last thing she wanted was to deal with those people—especially Sophie.
Eliza didn't believe for a second that Sophie had nothing to do with Dylan barging into Saint Grace Nunnery.
Looking back, Dylan's words that day had been odd. His accusations of shamelessness must have been due to Sophie filling his head with lies. The realization sent a chill through Eliza.
Nolan, who had been watching her closely, caught the shift in her expression.
Assuming she was upset about seeing the Stonor family, he said, "If you don't want to deal with them, you can stay in the palace a while longer. As long as you don't leave, they can't get to you."
Eliza was briefly caught off guard, then shook her head, touched by his consideration. "I appreciate your kindness, Prince Nolan, but with the blessing ceremony coming up, I need to return to Saint Grace Nunnery to continue preparations."
She had to face them eventually—there was no point in avoiding it.
"Oh, right..." A thought suddenly struck her. She hadn't even asked how long she had been unconscious. "Prince Nolan, how long was I out this time?"
Nolan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Not long. Just a week."
"What?" Eliza shot upright, only to wince in pain and collapse back onto the bed, sucking in a sharp breath.
Nolan's amusement vanished in an instant. His brow furrowed as he scolded her, "Stop moving. Your injuries will take at least two more weeks to fully heal."
"Two weeks?" Eliza groaned. "The blessing ceremony is in less than that."
In fact, there were fewer than ten days left.
Mary had chosen a perfect date for the ceremony, and originally, Eliza had sixteen days to prepare. But now, after waking up, she only had nine.
Eliza groaned internally, 'I still have so many prayers to memorize. How is nine days enough?'
"No, I have to go back," she said urgently. The pile of prayers waiting for her took priority over the Stonor family.
"Prince Nolan, could you have someone prepare a carriage to take me back to Saint Grace Nunnery?" she asked, carefully sitting up and feeling around since she still couldn't see.
Her fingers accidentally brushed against something firm and warm—clearly a person. And since no one else had spoken in the room, that left only one possibility.
Realizing she had just touched Nolan, she yanked her hand back as if burned. But before she could fully withdraw, a large hand caught her wrist.
"I told you not to move." Nolan's voice was unusually firm. "If you need anything, I'll have it brought to you. But you're not going back to Saint Grace Nunnery."
Eliza's heart sank. "But I have to prepare for the blessing ceremony. If I don't start now, there won't be enough time."
"And how do you plan to prepare when you can't even see?" Nolan shot back.
Eliza froze. Right. She had completely forgotten about that. She did not know how she was supposed to memorize prayers if she couldn't read them.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Nolan hesitated, wondering if he'd been too harsh. As he sighed and was about to soften his words, Eliza suddenly lifted her head, her expression dark with anger.
"This is all Dylan's fault." The frustration she had been holding in finally erupted. "He's just a violent thug! What right does he have to interfere in my life?
"If he hadn't barged into Saint Grace Nunnery, spouting nonsense and trying to drag me away, none of this would've happened! Hasn't he beaten me enough times already? What gives him the right to lay a hand on me?"
Eliza felt utterly wronged. No matter where she went, whether it was the Duke's estate or Saint Grace Nunnery, the Stonor family never left her alone.
Especially Dylan. He had made her fear his fists. But more than that, he had made her hate him.
She had finally escaped and enjoyed a few peaceful days at Saint Grace Nunnery, only for him to storm in and destroy it all.
That day, Eliza had truly wanted to kill him. Even if it meant dying, she wanted to drag Dylan down with her.
Blind and vulnerable, Eliza felt stripped of all security. Her fear and hatred were written all over her face.
She couldn't see, but Nolan could. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he silently watched her trembling shoulders and tear-streaked face. For a brief moment, he had the urge to pull her into his arms and comfort her.