Chapter 14 – Part 1

Kristin rode in a carriage to Beatrice Charlotte’s boutique. She organized her thoughts on the way to Sharon Boutique.

If she made even the slightest mistake, she might face an unexpected death, just like in her past life.

She was particularly uneasy about Elena and her stepmother letting her leave the mansion without snide remarks or attempts to stop her. Usually, they would mock or hinder her every time she went out. Their unusual behavior this morning was unsettling.

Kristin was certain her stepmother and father were responsible for her mother’s death. But despite knowing this, she needed time and evidence to act decisively.

She planned to ensure they had no escape route so that she couldn’t afford even a small mistake. Kristin resolved to act confidently, knowing she had come this far and there was no turning back.

However, if things didn’t go as planned, Rose might intervene, so she even considered being cautious with her meals at the mansion. Kristin clenched her fists so tightly that the veins stood out when Beatrice Charlotte greeted her.

“Have you been well? I heard you faint at the debutante ball. I was so shocked. I also heard rumors that you spent a night at Duke Raphael’s mansion. The young ladies who visit the boutique told me. I was so surprised, Kristin.”

“Lady Beatrice.”

On the way to the shopping district, Kristin noticed many nobles and commoners glancing at the Edith family crest on her carriage. Perhaps everyone has heard the rumors by now. She encountered such gazes even on her way to the newspaper office yesterday.

Although the attention made her uncomfortable, she carried herself with confidence. She couldn’t bow her head like she used to.

“I wanted to rush to the Edith mansion when I heard you collapse, but I figured they wouldn’t let me in any way. They always told me to return later since you were out, and I was turned away several times before.”

That was true.

She could guess that this was how communication with Beatrice Charlotte had been lost before.

If the letters had stopped, Beatrice Charlotte might have come to the mansion personally, mistaking it for a postal error.

She had thought that Beatrice Charlotte had avoided visiting her since her mother passed away, but it was ultimately a misunderstanding caused by Rose’s interference.

Hearing Beatrice Charlotte’s words fueled Kristin’s determination further.

She could no longer forgive Rose, who had ruined her life, but she had to wait for the right moment.

“I think it was due to overexertion. I didn’t want to go to the Duke’s mansion, but when I woke up, I was already there.”

“I see. I’m glad to hear that you look a little better now. Anyway, I heard you received an honor at the ball. That’s wonderful, Kristin. I was really worried when you went to the Levi mine, so I’m relieved to hear such good news.”

Beatrice Charlotte patted Kristin’s shoulder and instructed an employee nearby.

“Please bring some tea for Kristin.”

“The weather is chilly. Should I bring milk tea?”

When the employee asked, the madam nodded.

“Yes, that sounds good. Bring some for Lenci as well.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’ll just stand behind the lady. You don’t need to prepare anything for me.”

Lenci waved her hands, but Beatrice Charlotte’s eyes twinkled kindly.

“I appreciate that. It’s not common for a maid and a noble to sit together for tea, but as long as we do it in the guest room where other nobles can’t see, it’s fine.”

“B-but I…”

“Kristin, come this way. It seems you have something to tell me. It’s better to discuss it here, as there’s no benefit in being seen by other young ladies.”

Beatrice Charlotte motioned for Kristin and Lenci to follow her into the private room. Soon, the employee addressed them.

“Then I’ll prepare the tea for you.”

* * *

As Beatrice Charlotte entered the guest room, she spoke to another staff member before closing the door.

“When the young ladies arrive, show them the ready-made dress designs first. If someone wants a custom order, then knock. Don’t just come in suddenly. Wait until I open the door before you speak.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Please sit down, Kristin. Lenci.”

After seeing the staff bow their heads, Beatrice Charlotte closed the door completely.

Then, she smiled as she looked at Kristin and Lenci.

“I’m still worried about Lady Rose living with you, Kristin. I’m always anxious that something bad might happen again, like it did with Elesia.”

“My Lady, I’m worried about that too.”

Beatrice Charlotte’s smile soon faded into a bitter expression.

“If I had paid a little more attention, Elesia wouldn’t have died so tragically. By the way, Kristin, if you’re uncomfortable at the Edith residence, you’re welcome to come to my house. It would ease my mind.”

But Kristin had no choice but to decline the lady’s offer.

If she moved into Beatrice Charlotte’s house, the already chaotic Edith family would fall further, and her father’s remaining wealth would be seized by her stepmother.

Although her stepmother pretended to love her father deeply, she secretly despised him when talking with Elena.

So Kristin had to stay at the viscount’s residence.

“My Lady, I must stay at the residence. It’s time for me to handle everything on my own rather than rely on others’ help.”

“Even so, Kristin. I’m worried.”

As Beatrice Charlotte spoke with concern, Kristin gently held her hand and continued.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I have many things to do. That’s why I came to see you today. I want to deliver compensation and medical expenses to the injured workers at Levi Mine.”

“So you had such a plan. Just a moment.”

Beatrice Charlotte seemed to be thinking of something after finishing her words.

Soon, there was a knock on the door, and she slowly responded.

“Come in.”

“Yes, then I’ll come in.”

A staff member carefully brought in a tray with two cups of steaming milk tea and one cup of black tea, placing them in front of each person.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, I’ll be leaving now.”

The staff member then took the tray and left, closing the door behind them.

Seeing this, Kristin softly asked Beatrice Charlotte,

“Is there something you’re worried about?”

“It’s not that, Kristin. I read the newspaper this time. I saw the obituary of Finn Declan and wondered if this article was related to you. It’s been quiet for years, and I never expected to see such an obituary in the paper.”

Kristin decided to tell Beatrice Charlotte the truth.

After slowly taking a sip of tea, she spoke to her.

“I was the one who placed that obituary. I needed to meet Dr. Finn Declan. I want to hear the truth directly from him and ensure that my stepmother and father receive the punishment they deserve.”

Beatrice Charlotte’s face darkened upon hearing Kristin’s words.

Then she gently caressed Kristin’s hand and responded.“You must be careful. Lady Rose might do anything.”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind. So please don’t worry too much.”

When Kristin smiled and said this, Beatrice Charlotte spoke again.

“It seems like you’re planning to call Dr. Finn Declan to the Hudson Mausoleum. Should I go with you?”

As Beatrice Charlotte spoke, Kristin shook her head and answered.

“I’ll go alone. This is my problem. You can help later if needed, in case something significant happens to me.”

Kristin guessed that Rose would surely be planning something new.

Although handling everything alone was right, it was better to inform Beatrice Charlotte at least once. Hearing this, Beatrice Charlotte nodded and said,

“Alright. I hope nothing serious happens, but I will help you, Kristin, as much as I can.”

Kristin looked at Beatrice Charlotte and spoke again.

“Could you withdraw some money and deliver it to the injured workers at Levi Mine?”

Normally, Kristin should personally visit and deliver the money to them, but she has no time now.

If someone saw her withdrawing money from the bank, it could lead to problems later.

Kristin had already become quite famous within the Empire, and if rumors spread that she withdrew a large sum of money from the bank, it would surely reach her father’s ears.

Kristin still didn’t have the estate she was entitled to.

If rumors spread that Kristin had cash, there would be many people curious about the source of her funds.

Among those people, she couldn’t trust her father and stepmother the most.

Her father was someone who could squander the remaining inheritance entirely.

She didn’t want to see the money fall into the hands of such a person.

So Kristin asked Beatrice Charlotte, who then unzipped the pouch she had placed on the table and spoke to Kristin.

“I’ve already withdrawn the money. I didn’t know when you’d come, so I prepared it in advance.”

“As expected, you prepared it before I even asked. Thank you.”

“It’s less suspicious for me to move around than for you to do it. I can just say that you borrowed the money from me to give to the workers. The story that you bought Levi Mine with the jewels you provided is already circulating in the Empire. So there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kristin felt a sense of relief.

If it weren’t for Beatrice Charlotte, she wouldn’t have been able to find anyone to handle the task.

The only people she could trust in this world were Lenci, Beatrice Charlotte, and Lenci’s brother, Oliver.

She couldn’t trust anyone else.

“Then I can relax and just meet Dr. Finn Declan tomorrow. I don’t know if he’ll come to Hudson Mausoleum, and even if he does, I’m not sure how to approach the conversation. But I’m determined to clear my mother’s name.”

Kristin’s face showed determination.

Her eyes were so firm that Beatrice Charlotte decided not to stop her any further.

Instead, she decided to send people to protect her.

“Kristin.”

“Yes.”

When Kristin responded, Beatrice Charlotte continued.

“I’ll send a few knights from our family to Hudson Mausoleum tomorrow. It’s dangerous for you to be there alone. Besides, you don’t even know what Dr. Finn Declan looks like.”

Kristin took a deep breath and answered slowly.

“I’m worried about that too. If I had seen him even once, I might recognize him, but I have no idea what he looks like. I’m afraid I might miss him if he comes to the mausoleum. But since the obituary was published while he’s still alive, he’ll probably try to find out who did it and why, right? He’d be curious about the person behind the article and their intentions.”

Beatrice Charlotte spoke to Kristin.

“You’re right. He probably will. Since you haven’t seen the doctor’s face, I’ll describe Dr. Finn Declan to you. It’ll be easier to find him if you know what he looks like. He had an elongated face and wore brown horn-rimmed glasses. His lips were thicker than average. There was a mole under his left eye. He always buttoned his shirt up to the collar, unlike others.”

“A long face and brown horn-rimmed glasses? ”

“Oh, and his skin was a bit dark. He seemed to deeply regret his sins. It’s been a while since I met Dr. Finn Declan, but I think it’s good to have hope that he will show up. If he doesn’t, then we may need to consider using a private investigator.”

Kristin wrote down everything Beatrice Charlotte described in her notebook in her pouch.

She was worried she might miss some details.

“I’m really glad you have such a good memory and remember his appearance well. I feel like I’ll recognize him immediately if I meet him.”

“When you work, you naturally remember faces. Anyway, Dr. Finn Declan might be scared, but he won’t avoid showing up. We must hope he appears.”

When Beatrice Charlotte finished speaking, Kristin stood up and responded.

“I’ll let you know how it goes if I meet him tomorrow.”

“Alright. Don’t worry about the workers at Levi Mine. I’ll handle it discreetly so no one suspects anything.”

“Yes. Thank you, Lady Beatrice.”

After responding, Kristin resolved in her heart about the events to come.

‘I must meet him. If I don’t, I can’t get rid of Lady Rose from the house.’