Chapter 1 – Part 9

“I’ve decided to work to protect my family. If that’s inconvenient for you, I’ll return to the inconspicuous annex as per your lordship’s wishes. That was originally where I belonged.”

“You’re not going to leave the mansion until the end, huh? It seems like you’d do anything for money, especially if it’s for your family.”

“If it’s for my family, I’m willing to do anything.”

Her voice trembled as she emphasized and corrected. Marcus leaned back in his chair, casually resting against the armrest, and raised an eyebrow. His expression seemed to mock her well-articulated arguments.

Liese gripped her apron, realizing that bravery and humanity were never proportional.

She suddenly realized the arrogance of the man before her, who was hailed as a hero by the kingdom. She wished she could snatch all the red decorations that the citizens of Bachmann had adorned the entire city with for Marcus and set them on fire.

“For my family, anything?”

Marcus repeated Liese’s words rhythmically, his mocking tone evident.

“Your grandfather, Viscount Brennan, and your younger brother, who will take his place when he comes of age.”

“…”

“Speak.”

“What do you mean?”

“About the family that pushed you off a cliff.”

She had clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palm. She wanted to hit the arrogant man with all her strength, if possible.

But it was impossible to touch the elevated nobility,even if she died and came back to life. It would be reckless to endanger her family with impulsive actions.

‘Don’t react emotionally. Liese took a deep breath and exhaled quietly.’

“My family, House Brennan, has been knighted for generations. My great-grandfather was awarded a baronetcy for distinguished service in a war long ago, and my grandfather, who succeeded him, was also awarded a viscountcy as a war veteran….”

“You seem to think I have a keen interest in the history of your paltry family.”

Marcus interrupted her speech with a low, sinking voice. His impatience was evident, and he seemed less and less tolerant.

“Stop being funny and answer me straight.”

“I apologize.”

Liese, with her lips tightly closed, lowered her head.

Where should she start talking about her family? Although she had never considered her crippled grandfather and frail brother as her weaknesses, whatever she said might be used against her by this twisted duke.

“As I mentioned, my grandfather values honor greatly, having received a knighthood due to his merit in the past. However, due to the lingering effects of the war, he requires some assistance in his daily life. My younger brother is still attending primary school.”

“Where are your parents?”

“… They passed away in an accident.”

“I see.”

Marcus lightly clicked his tongue.

“That must be a heavy burden on your shoulders. It must be worrisome whether your younger brother, in his worst condition, can responsibly take over the family when your feeble grandfather falls ill or passes away.”

His voice was impassive, like he was reading words on a piece of paper. If anything, he seemed to be enjoying piecing together Liese’s situation like a puzzle. Marcus didn’t stop, even though he could clearly see Liese’s cheeks flush with insult.

“Have you ever considered getting married?”

Liese froze at the unexpected question. But there was no hint of flirting in his voice. She glared at Marcus and asked.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying that an arranged marriage is the most realistic way to avoid bankruptcy. Having a beautiful woman with a significant background is a valuable asset in the marriage market. You should be aware of how highly prized such a commodity is.”

The color drained from Liese’s face. It was difficult to discern how far this rude duke wanted to insult her. How many times had she doubted her own ears since the moment she’d entered this study?

Perhaps, tired of the monotonous life, he had decided to torment a newly hired temporary maid?

“Why did you decide that dressing up in a maid’s outfit and picking up after me was a better option, when normally you would have considered that route first?”

Marcus didn’t stutter, even as he considered the words bordering on blasphemy; he was genuinely curious, and the utter lack of consideration for the feelings of the listener made it all the more cruel.

Liese felt the tip of her nose grow cold, and she answered as calmly as she could.

“As you say, an arranged marriage was one way to right the ship. It’s not that I didn’t consider it, but… no one in my family wanted me to be sold off to a stranger.”

“Why not?”

“Such arranged marriages rarely lead to the bride’s happiness, as your lordship is well aware. My grandfather had no intention of putting me on the marriage market like a product to be sold, and I, too, had no desire to marry in that manner.”

“Any particular reason?”

“That’s just how I felt. If possible, I would like to marry someone I love.”

“How romantic.”

Marcus responded with a smirk.

“And unrealistic.”

“…”

“If you truly cared about your family, you would have arranged a marriage first, so you’re telling me there are things you prioritize over money and family security.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Is it a matter of pride?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Or perhaps you want to fall in love with a prince riding a white horse who will embrace all your shortcomings.”

“Your lordship, you are misunderstanding my intentions…!”

Unable to suppress her anger, Liese raised her voice. Her hand, tightly holding the apron, trembled. Nevertheless, Marcus paid no attention.

“If you want to marry the man you love, you must meet regularly to develop feelings. I’m not sure that’s feasible in your situation, where you’re expected to provide for your family.”

Liese wanted to cup the duke’s cheek for his unexpectedly common-sense remark.

“I was merely answering a question, so please refrain from being rude. I don’t believe marriage to someone I love is possible for me in the first place.”

Marcus, smiling wryly, leaned forward and looked down at Liese.

“You don’t want to make sacrifices, do you?”

“You’re going too far.”

“You’re not desperate enough to put your own greed ahead of your family.”

“Duke, I am….”

“Or do you have some other reason for creeping into my manor in such a state?”

Liese’s lips parted in astonishment. The words she didn’t want to know the intention behind completely turned her inside out. She had to raise her chest and suppress the urge to thump her heart.

The words coming out of such a handsome face were as sharp as blades. Liese could no longer hide her discomfort.

“Who are we to judge someone else’s desperation? If one does so even after knowing the circumstances, it is excessive interference; if one does so without understanding, it is an even more impolite behavior.”

Marcus tilted his chin as if urging her to continue. Once the dam of thoughts broke, new ones flowed incessantly.

“If you’ve never had to stomp your feet because you don’t have food to eat, if you’ve never had to worry about a full stomach in your life, then you shouldn’t be judgmental of the desperation of others.”

It should have stopped there. Criticizing someone who has never experienced hunger in front of the wealthiest man in Rosen seemed absurd.

There was a curious glint in the Duke’s blue eyes. Despite knowing it was an ominous sign, Liese continued speaking.

“Of course, I cannot claim to be at ease in my situation. However, it is not as dreadful as Your Grace might think.”

“As bad as I think it is?”

Marcus gestured towards Liese’s attire.

“Does my opinion matter? It’s bad enough that the daughter of a Viscount is dressed the way she is.”

Liese, momentarily speechless, blinked her wide eyes. It was a moment when her carefully chosen words lost their color.

There was no need to justify her situation to him. Why did she let herself get so worked up? If she was going to be tongue-tied by the Duke’s sharp words, she should have stopped arguing.

Aware of her blurring vision, Liese squeezed her eyelids shut. The corners of her mouth twitched downward as she fought the lump in her throat.

Marcus stared at Liese intently. Perhaps he realized how harshly he had treated her, or maybe he was waiting for her to burst into tears.

It didn’t matter. Tears were shed where no one could see them. She couldn’t afford to cry in front of such a heartless man.

“I am not ashamed of myself.”

She swallowed her resentment like a spell. What was the point of sacrificing her pride for the sake of her only family?

That man had been a high-ranking noble, ruling over others throughout his life. Dealing with those beneath him was probably as familiar as breathing, and considering their emotions was likely never a concern. It seemed like she could endure the shame that everyone might experience.

“It’s getting boring.”

Muttered Marcus, who had lost interest. His face, now as indifferent as it was when they first met by the lakeside, seemed nonchalant.

“Let’s stop wasting time here.”