Sophie was seething. She was the one who covered for Elena when she slipped out to meet her lover. Although it was true Sophie did it for a gold coin, she didnt know that she would be treated this way after protecting Elenas secret. Nothing had changed since they returned from the trip. She thought her position would be increased, but Elena had not given her any preferential treatment.

She secretly snuck out in the middle of the night to sneak out to see a man. Shes not afraid that Im going to reveal her, is she?

Sophie was unable to hold back her anger and roughly hung out the washing. Mary approached Sophie with her washing in a basket.

Whats wrong with you these days?

Whats wrong with me?

Arent you being too rude to Lady Elena after the trip?

Ha! Rude? Me?

Sophie spat angrily. Elena couldnt treat her like this. It was amazing Sophie closed her eyes for Elena just for a single cold coin.

Mary, dont talk about things you dont know. Shes the one that owes me a debt.

What? Debt? Like you, Im the one whos indebted to Lady Elena. Dont act sorry for yourself and behave. Im saying this for your sake

What do you know? You dont know about her lover.

W-what?

Sophie winced when she realized the words that inadvertently came out of her mouth. However, she wouldnt take it back. If nothing changed in her current life, she did not have to keep it secret, and if Elena suspected her, she would just deny it. There was no way to prove that Sophie had started the rumor. If the price for the secret had been a gold coin, which she already had, then there was nothing to lose.

What on earth are you talking about?

It was when we traveled to Glenns wedding. In the middle of the night, Lady Elena went out to see a man and didnt come back until morning.

W-what? Really?

Why would I lie to you? She told me personally theres a man she loves.

I cant believe it

Sophie held a finger to her lips and looked at Mary, who had an incredulous look on her face.

Im telling this only to you, so keep it to yourself. Okay?

Oh, I see. So shes been doing this every night?

Elena had only left once, but Sophie nodded.

Yes.

Are you the only one that knows?

Yes, but Lady Elena doesnt know that I know, so can you keep a secret?

I cant believe she would do something like that.

Again, you cant tell anyone else.

Sophie had repeatedly warned Mary to keep it to herself, but at the same time she knew the rumors might snowball. Something explosive could happen.

Sophie swallowed a smile, imagining Elena getting trapped in a scandal.

She would pay for neglecting her.