The Slave Queen - Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Thankfully, Cecilia caught her just in time.
To her, Julia was the daughter she had raised with her own hands — well-mannered, kind-hearted, and upright.
Even if she'd said something inappropriate today, it must've been because she was upset and rattled.
Yes, she knew Julia's words had likely hurt Raelynn. But she also believed it was just childish thoughtlessness — and that Raelynn, being sensible, would understand.
A little misunderstanding between the girls would pass in time. They'd make up sooner or later.
So even though she harbored some small doubts about Julia, her first instinct was still to defend her.
"Julia, I know you didn't mean it. Don't do anything foolish. If anything were to happen to you, how would I live with myself..."
Soothed by the gentle tone, Julia collapsed into Cecilia's arms, sobbing.
Between her tears, she choked out, "Mother, I really didn't mean it..."
"I know, I know," Cecilia said softly, patting her back.
The sight of this doting mother and tearful daughter made Raelynn want to roll her eyes.
This was Julia's one move, every single time.
She thought, 'Does she really think that after everything, hiding behind Cecilia and Hugo would still get to me?
'Ridiculous.'
She didn't even recognize them as her parents anymore.
Face cold, Raelynn turned to leave.
Compared to Cecilia, Hugo was at least a bit more clear-headed.
What Raelynn had said earlier had stuck with him.
Sure, he still believed the tension between the girls came from Raelynn's jealousy.
But another thought kept creeping in: Raelynn was his flesh and blood. She had suffered so much already. A bit of arrogance, a bit of temper? Understandable. Meanwhile, Julia had enjoyed the affection and indulgence of both parents for years.
If she truly was generous and kind, would she have said what she did, right in front of him and Cecilia?
Hugo let out a long breath and closed his eyes.
After a moment, he chuckled softly to himself.
Such strategy... it reminded him of his younger self.
Raelynn really was his daughter.
By then, Raelynn had already walked away, and Cecilia had brought Julia back to Moonspire Keep.
She had originally planned to ask Edgar to prescribe something for Julia's injuries — just to make sure there'd be no scarring.
But the same Edgar who'd been so warm and patient with Raelynn didn't even open the door when he heard the request was for Julia.
He left only a single sentence. "Rub on some ointment. It'll heal in a few days."
Since he clearly had no intention of helping, Cecilia couldn't insist.
She had no choice but to apply some herbal salve for bruises, gently dabbing it on to reduce the swelling.
When Julia found out, she was so furious she cursed Edgar in her heart.
She thought, 'Why is everyone siding with that little tramp Raelynn?
'I won't stand for it.
'I would take back everything Raelynn has stolen from me.'
So, as Cecilia carefully applied the ointment, she let tears well up in her eyes again and said pitifully, "Mother... I know I said the wrong thing. I don't blame Raelynn... but why did she have to badmouth me to Edgar? He wouldn't even give you any face at all. That's just too cruel..."
Playing the victim — it had always been Julia's specialty.
She thought, like always, if she cried a little and said a few words to stir the pot, Cecilia would come rushing to her defense.
But what she forgot this time was that her face was so swollen, she looked like a bloated pig's head.
And when she cried... she sounded like a talking pig.
It was nothing short of nauseating.
Cecilia's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. Though she didn't show it outwardly, she couldn't help feeling a flicker of distaste.
Still, she gently reassured her. "Edgar came for your grandmother. It was Raelynn's sincerity and filial devotion that moved him to help. Asking him to treat others is already overstepping. It's only natural that he refused.
"Julia, you mustn't hold it against Raelynn — do you understand?"
After a brief pause, she added that last line almost as a warning.
But that sentence hit Julia like a thunderclap.
She thought, 'Hold it against her?
'Even Mother believes that wretched girl's side of the story?'
Panic surged in her chest.
But this time, she was smart enough not to act out. She lowered her eyes and nodded obediently. "Yes, Mother. It was my fault. I shouldn't have said what I did."
Only then did Cecilia smile and pat her head.
"That's my good girl."
Obedient. Thoughtful. Well-behaved.
Julia had swallowed all the humiliation Raelynn dealt her — but in her heart, she was already plotting.
'Just wait,' she thought. 'Once the time is right, I'll pay her back tenfold.'
Sure enough, the next day, Ian of the marquis' estate arrived.