Chapter 4: A Rightfully Deserved Privilege

“…What did you say?”

“If we suddenly delay my coming-of-age ceremony, won’t everyone assume something’s wrong with me and tear me apart?”

The Duke of Stern, knowing this better than anyone, couldn’t refute her and furrowed his brow.

“At the very least, you should allow me to be treated properly as the daughter of House Stern.”

“You’ve developed quite the bad habit of talking back to your father.”

“…You don’t even consider me your child, and yet you only call yourself my father at times like this. How convenient for you.”

Edelweiss stared straight into the duke’s eyes.

She had never dared to look at him directly before, for fear of angering him.

But now, she was no longer afraid of being hated—no longer desired to be the dutiful daughter.

Emotion surged up in her throat, making it feel raw.

“If I don’t have my coming-of-age ceremony, won’t people start to wonder?”

She clenched her teeth to keep her voice steady.

“If you neglect the legitimate daughter and cherish a bastard, won’t my sister’s name start coming up too?”

The Duke’s face flushed red.

“You’re just like your mother. That woman was selfish, just like you.

Even though she knew Serena was pregnant, she still threw her out into the cold…”

Serena.

Rosemary’s birth mother and the duke’s lover.

Edelweiss had heard it all her life, so it no longer pained her.

If anything, she was grateful.

He was confirming that her choices were justified.

“At that time, Mother had just given birth to my brother and was pregnant with me.

Even if it was a political marriage, how could a wife accept her husband’s mistress—someone who’s carrying his child?

Not even a saint could do that.”

And the Duke of Stern’s claim that her mother had been cast out was misleading.

“Please say it properly. Mother did everything she could to maintain propriety. Have you forgotten that she gave your lover enough gold to live on for life, along with a luxurious villa?”

Thanks to that, even before living at the Stern duchy, Rosemary had grown up wealthy.

“So now you’re holding that against me?”

“I’m not accusing you. I’m simply stating facts—to ask you not to tarnish my late mother’s name any further.”

She would no longer walk in his shadow.

“And the selfish one here is you, Duke. You’ve never once fulfilled the duties or responsibilities you should have, not even acted as a father.”

“…..”

“You were never there for me, not once, in any of the moments I needed a father.”

She wouldn’t chase after him again, hoping he might turn around.

“Oh, and isn’t it strange? Even without any powers, those with Blossomweaver blood can still see the butterflies.

But my sister doesn’t even seem to know they exist.”

Edelweiss turned her back on him for the first time, planting a seed of doubt:

That perhaps Rosemary was not his true daughter.

***

In the carriage on the way to the Marquisate of Riche, Rosemary was brimming with excitement.

She was overly decorated and clearly put effort into her appearance.

‘Trying not to get looked down on by the other ladies, huh? Wearing every piece of jewelry she owns again.’

Her dress was so voluminous it looked ridiculous.

When they arrived and entered the greenhouse garden, three noble ladies were already conversing.

“Oh my, Lady Edelweiss. I’m so thankful you came, even with such short notice. It’s such a pleasure.

I’m Chloe Riche.”

The young lady of the Marquisate of Riche greeted her with a warm smile.

“It’s an honor to meet you, my lady. I’m Leoni Scherna.”

“Bianca of House Chedil greets the Lady of Stern.”

The others also greeted her cordially.

“And the lady behind you is…?”

“Pfft.”

Just as Lady Riche began to speak, a laugh escaped Lady Scherna’s lips.

It was a clear mockery, and Rosemary’s face turned bright red.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just… even if it’s a greenhouse, the outside air is chilly. I just worried you might catch a cold.”

Countess Scherna added innocently that she was merely concerned.

“But may I ask which noble house you are from? I heard the invitation was addressed to the Lady of Stern alone.”

As a bastard child, Rosemary could not confidently introduce herself as a Stern.

‘They’re asking on purpose.’

Her official status was that of Viscount Benel’s adopted daughter, arranged by the Duke of Stern.

“…I’m Rosemary of House Benel. I didn’t receive an invitation, but I came with Edel.”

“Please, both of you, have a seat. Oh, Lady Edelweiss—I heard your coming-of-age ceremony is soon.

Congratulations.”

Lady Riche clapped her hands and quickly changed the subject.

‘Come to think of it, Lady Riche invited me because of Mother.’

Her mother had once requested the heart of a fox for the ailing Marchioness of Riche, something difficult to obtain.

‘And the Resen Guild is operated by Blossomweavers.’

She recalled the request and brought it up intentionally.

“Thank you, Lady Riche. By the way, how is the Marchioness feeling?”

“Hmm… the cold weather hasn’t helped. She’s still the same…”

Lady Riche’s expression darkened.

“If you need anything, you can mention my name at the Resen Guild. They should be able to help.”

“Oh my! Really?”

Lady Riche took Edelweiss’s hand with delight.

“I’ll never forget this kindness. Truly, thank you, my lady.”

She must’ve gone through quite a bit—she was even tearing up.

While comforting the Marchioness of Riche’s daughter, Edelweiss glanced sideways at Rosemary, who sat stiffly, lips pressed tightly together.

Rosemary was biting the inside of her cheek with a hardened expression.

‘This must be uncomfortable for her.’

“Kyaaa—!”

Just then, a small canary flitted across in front of them.

Lady Scherna clutched her chest in surprise, and startled, Rosemary dropped her teacup.

The tea spilled onto her dress. She fussed irritably, brushing at the wet fabric.

After all the effort she’d put into overdressing to avoid being looked down on, it must’ve felt pointless.

“Are you all right? I can lend you a dress if you’d like to change,”

said Lady Riche with concern, signaling a nearby maid.

Rosemary clenched her fists tightly, held back her anger, and followed the maid out.

“Lulu, you little rascal.”

Lady Riche tapped the canary perched on her shoulder lightly on the beak.

Perhaps annoyed, the bird quickly flew off elsewhere.

Lady Scherna and Lady Chedil could barely suppress their laughter.

“What a clever little thing. You must’ve trained her well.”

Seeing them struggling to hold back their amusement, Edelweiss gave them permission to laugh freely.

They surely understood the meaning behind praising the canary that had flown at Rosemary.

“I might start raising a canary myself.”

That was it—Lady Scherna burst out laughing, holding her stomach.

Lady Riche and Lady Chedil also turned away, shoulders shaking with mirth.

“Leoni, you’re scared of birds, aren’t you?”

“Exactly. I’m surprised you didn’t drop your cup. My lady, if Leoni raises canaries, there won’t be any dresses left intact.”

The two of them playfully teased Lady Scherna, and cheerful chatter filled the air.

“Hmph, you’re both ganging up to tease me? Fine. My lady, I’m not afraid of birds, don’t believe them.”

Her childlike sulking as she clung to Edelweiss was oddly endearing.

“Shall I gift you a canary then?”

“N-No thank you. I’m good.”

When Edelweiss teased her, Lady Scherna immediately backed away, shaking her head fast.

Seeing her recoil like that, Edelweiss and the others all smiled softly.

“Looks like no one here’s on my side… hmm?”

She pouted slightly, then suddenly raised her index finger to her lips as if to hush them.

Peep—! Peeep—!

A string of distressed chirps echoed from the canary.

“Lulu—did something happen to her?”

Worried, Lady Riche immediately stood and left the greenhouse.

Everyone followed her.

At the end of the garden path, the canary hovered in agitated circles over Rosemary’s head.

In front of her lay a plainly dressed middle-aged woman who had fallen to the ground.

Everything was unfolding just as it had in the past.