Evelyn, The Red Moon

-Chapter 8-

Evelyn smiled at Lady Redicia with sparkling eyes.

“I’m the princess’s adoptive daughter. So even if you don’t want to, please keep your manners, Lady Redicia.”

Unlike the kind smile that is plastered on her face, Evelyn’s voice was determined. Although she was a foster daughter, she was very confident that she was no different from a noble family’s daughter.

Lady Redicia inwardly groaned and just hid her true feelings.

‘Where did this humble thing come from?’ She doesn’t even know that she’s just an adopted daughter of the lord of the Bavela Palace. We’ll just see until when she’ll  last. 

Lady Redicia then masked her expressions from Evelyn.

“Okay, Evelyn… My lady.”

“Then, let’s continue the class.”

They were in a wide hall for walking practice. The past noon sunlight smoothly passed through the halfly-opened window.

Because of the wind, thin curtains with rich wrinkle decorations were swinging slightly.

As if to fulfill her duty as a tutor, Lady Redicia showed a stern look.

“Straighten your back and lower your shoulders. Lift your chin a little, keep your eyes up front and tighten your thighs.”

She had to learn as quickly as possible so Evelyn then fixed her stance and moved.

“Oh my God! You’re shaking your hips too much. Your walk looks very discourteous.”

The criticism was to mock Evelyn and even though she was aware of it, Evelyn stopped walking and still managed to give her a smile.

“Thank you for your comment. I’ll surely keep that in mind.”

Evelyn, who was walking, had to stop and take a deep breath.

“You’re raising your chin too high. What, do you think you’re walking up to, the sky?”

“I see, I’ll be careful.”

Why are you waving your arms so much?

You’re walking with no sense of dignity in it.

How many times do I have to tell you to not exhibit an expression like that and smile elegantly?

All throughout the walk practice, Mrs. Redicia’s sharp criticism continued. Evelyn continued to do her best without giving off an impression or expressing any dissatisfaction.

Yet, as if she was very unsatisfied with the practice, Lady Redicia narrowed her eyes and rubbed her forehead.

“That’s enough for today.”

Mrs. Redicia’s tired face showed a little annoyance.

“The sun has yet to set. I will continue practicing.”

“Don’t overdo it. One has to learn from an early age in order to be able to walk naturally. While those who grew up in a wild environment, won’t be able to do it in just a short period of time.”

“That’s why I’m going to practice harder.”

“You’re acting too avariciously.”

Evelyn’s blue eyes fixated on Lady Redicia.

“Lady Redicia is merely an employee. Does she really want to leave Bavela Palace just because she is neglecting her duty?”

“Well, that’s not it. I just thought that my lady might be tired…”

“I can take care of myself. You can continue to devotely fulfill your duties and responsibilities as a tutor.”

It was a firm statement from Evelyn. So Lady Redicia pushed back her building irritation and let Evelyn continue practicing her walking.

Why is your stride getting smaller? It looks like you’re crawling.

Your hips are still swaying, it’s no different from a dog’s tail.

In fact, Evelyn’s walk, which she only practiced for just half a day, was clearly not perfect, yet it was alright. Nevertheless, Lady Redicia still continued to find mistakes while being all vitriol and sarcastic.

Teaching Evelyn, whose true identity was vague, wounded her pride even if it was for Rasmania. It was because Evelyn lived her life as she liked.

Since it was well-paid, Lady Redicia didn’t show Rasmania how she despises her.

It was too much to take in that a daughter of a lowly baron became the wife of the most powerful Grand Duke of Dresten, Samuel Travitt, and after his death, she inherited everything he owned and became the lord of the Bavela Palace.

Even though it wasn’t the hot season yet, Lady Redicia’s forehead was soaking with sweat. Making criticizing and mocking comments, were never easy.

It was amusing at first since she was able to fully enjoy her intellectual superiority but as the sun was setting, she was getting exhausted.

“Lady Redicia, do I still lack a lot?”

Lady Redicia inwardly sighed at Evelyn’s question, not showing her exhaustion.

“You’re getting better.”

“Really? Then, I will have to practice a little more.”

“Let’s call it a day for today.”

“I want a satisfactory result and besides, the sun has yet to completely set.”

Lady Redicia had to admit her defeat. She has been trying to hold down her anger, but she’s already brimming with irritation.

“Now, call it a day.”

Ignoring her words and with a moderate stride, Evelyn was now able to walk gracefully. Lady Redicia, once again sighed inwardly and nodded lightly.

“Very good. Evelyn… my lady!”

“Then let’s call it a day, good job.”

Evelyn grinned.

Lady Redicia, it won’t be long till I’ll finally have you on your knees in front of me.

Even if I am just a foster daughter, she has to treat me with respect in the name of the highest family in the Dresten Kingdom!

***

Evelyn returned to her room, which was on the second floor, after practicing her walking. She slumped down on a chair, rolled up her dress and took off her high-heeled shoes. Her toes and her calves were throbbing.

She still couldn’t get used to the narrow, pointed high-heeled shoes. The corset that is tight was also uncomfortable.

Evelyn alternately rubbed her calves and then straightened her posture.

She risked her life to come all the way here. She would never let go of this golden opportunity, Rasmania Travitt!

She was determined to do everything even if she told her to die. She would endure every unfair and servile thing.

Jervas, who I loved with everything I have, yet he was a coward,

Evil Vestina, just you wait and see. I’ll make you repay the hell I went through!

Evelyn, who was lost in her thoughts for a while, heard a knock. It was Jenny, her maid.

“My Lady, it’s dinner time.”

Jenny, who had full freckles on both cheeks, spoke bluntly in front of the door. Evelyn, who got invited to dinner, replied.

“I’ll be there.”

When mealtime arrives, Evelyn has to go to the dining room first, before Rasmania and her eight-years-old son, Alex.

Evelyn hurriedly fixed her appearance in front of the mirror and went down to the first floor.

***

The large rectangular table was filled with delicious food. The maids and chefs were lining in a row on one side of the room.

The moment Evelyn stepped in, they all bowed in unison. Proceeding to sit on her seat, she waited for Rasmania and Alex to arrive. Not long after, the mother and son soon came to the dining room.

Evelyn stood up and politely greeted Rasmania.

The meal then began. The candles were set on silver candlesticks, and had flailing flares. The flowers in the vases that were enhancing the table were giving off a subtle scent.

Evelyn, who has gotten familiar with life in the palace for the past month, has adapted to some extent compared to her first embarrassing and awkward meal time.

She now knew how to use utensils without making a sound, and learned how to eat with dignity.

“How was your class today, Evelyn?”

“It was great.”

“You need to learn more from now on. It’s for you to be able to live as my foster daughter.”

“I’ll do my best to learn more.”

After dinner, Rasmania invited Evelyn for tea.

The first floor of the palace had the dining room, the reception room, an office, a study with a bathroom, a fitting room, two bedrooms and a living room.

The tea table was located in the living room which was also connected to the bedroom. Evelyn then sat while facing Rasmania. The herbal tea that the maid brought had a delicate smell in it.

“It has already been a month since you came here. You must have already learned the lifestyle here and gotten a proper rest, right?”

“It’s all thanks to the lord of the palace.”

“Call me mother from now on, Evelyn.”

“…Can I call you that?”

“Even if you’re adopted, you are my daughter now.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

Rasmania, who gracefully took a sip of the tea, stared at Evelyn with a stern look.

“I’ve been watching you for the past month.”

I knew you were observing me, so I tried to not make any mistakes.

“It seems that my foster daughter will be a great lady. Besides, you risked your life and saved mine.”

“Thank you!”

“Evelyn, who are you?”

At that moment, Evelyn got nervous and swallowed her saliva to get rid of the dryness that was forming in her mouth. She had to give an answer that would satisfy Rasmania.

“I am the foster daughter of my mother, the princess of the Bavela Palace!”

Evelyn answered with sincerity. Rasmania lightly nodded with her eyes revealing her calm expression.

“You are Evelyn Travitt. I want you to wipe away your memories from when you were a commoner.”

“I already did.”

Rasmania rose up from her seat and slowly walked through the living room.

“You resemble my past self a lot. The eyes that are full of ambition.”

“…”

“You’re smart, courageous and a critical thinker. So I’m sure you are already aware that I didn’t adopt you just because I was thankful for your valiant act of saving my life .”

In the middle of winter, after the heavy snow, a sly smile fixated on Rasmania’s lips.

“It happened a long time ago. Grand Duke Travitt’s birthday party was held at this palace and I wasn’t invited since I was the daughter of a fallen baron.”

She had a calm tone as if she were talking about someone else’s story.

“But I had to attend the party. That’s how I could meet with Travitt the Great. I wore my best dress, and heated up the iron skewer to get my hair done. I had no accessories and my shoes were worn out, but I still went to the party with confidence.”

Rasmania chuckled.

“The noble ladies and young men were dressed in fancy dresses and accessories and were looking down at me with mockery. I didn’t care about them because the only person who was important to me at that moment was Grand Duke Travitt.”

The Grand Duke Travitt was fascinated at once by the sight of Rasmania’s pure beauty.

“People treated me lowly for seducing Travitt, but I still married him and became the mistress of Bavela Palace. I then looked down on those who once laughed and scorned at me.”

Rasmania lifted Evelyn’s chin with her hand, as she continued to silently listen to Rasmania.

“Look at me.”

Evelyn’s blue eyes widened when she met Rasmania’s violet colored ones. Rasmania’s breath like a wind was brushing lightly on the tip of Evelyn’s nose as she brought her face closer.

“Your eyes are like jewels! Any man would fall for them.”

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“…”

“A woman’s beauty is a weapon and it is a really powerful one!”

“…”

“A true woman is someone who can use beauty and charm. Do you understand? Evelyn.”

Rasmania then smiled brightly.