“You, you, what are you saying…!”

“Moreover, I’m already an adult, so there’s no reason I should do as you say, whether it’s marriage or anything else.”

Gwen’s eyes and mouth opened wide.

Shailyn had always been timid and weak, barely able to look her in the eye.

Even when mistreated, she couldn’t protest, but now she was looking directly at Gwen and speaking firmly.

The shock felt like someone had struck her from behind.

“Hey, are you crazy? How can you talk to my mom like that!”

Janice shouted in anger on behalf of the speechless Gwen.

Shailyn smirked as if it was amusing and replied.

“Yes, Janice. She’s your mom, not mine.”

“…But she raised you! If you don’t repay kindness, you’re no better than an animal!”

“I’m not unaware of kindness.”

“Then why—!”

“And the same goes for grudges.”

Shailyn cut off Janice’s words coldly, raising one corner of her mouth.

Her calm gaze suffocated the pair of mother and daughter.

The pressure from Shailyn, something they had never felt before, left them at a loss.

“You and your mother don’t seem to know, but I repay both kindness and grudges thoroughly. Keep that in mind.”

Shailyn placed the teacup down elegantly without a sound and said.

“I’ll let you go peacefully today, so leave. I have no intention of going with you.”

Her expression was cold, her tone icy, and her head held high with confidence.

She truly wasn’t the same as before.

The mother and daughter’s expressions hardened, feeling this truth deeply. Gwen clenched her fists and spoke.

“So… you plan to stay here?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think that’s shameless?”

Shailyn faintly furrowed her brows. Needing her to repay debts, Gwen continued sharply.

“You were born after killing the young lady of this household. If it weren’t for you, your mother wouldn’t have died.”

“……”

“Do you think the people of the Duke’s family won’t resent you? Even if they don’t show it now, it will surface over time.”

“……”

“Shailyn, don’t be deluded. No one in this world wants you. The Duke’s family only took you in for appearances, but they’re probably hoping you’ll disappear soon.”

Gwen’s voice, as cunning as a snake, pierced Shailyn’s eardrums.

It dredged up the pain and sadness of a childhood unloved by anyone.

As memories forcibly intruded into her mind, Shailyn grimaced.

“Ah…”

Seeing this, Gwen smiled wickedly.

No matter how much you struggle, you’re still Shailyn Sharofe.

Who would be crazy enough to like someone like you?

Gwen’s eyes, having regained her confidence, gleamed cruelly.

* * *

Carl, leisurely wandering behind the mansion, happened to run into Paul.

From afar, seeing his relaxed gait and back, Paul thought a friend of Dain’s had arrived, but upon closer inspection, he turned serious.

“Are you slacking off again?”

“Ah.”

“How many times must I tell you? If you have nothing to do, go train.”

Carl closed his eyes tightly, sighed, and opened them again.

“I understand, so stop.”

“You naturally speak down to people. I’m worried you’ll make a mistake in front of others.”

“That’s an unnecessary worry, butler.”

Paul narrowed his eyes at the unconvincing reply.

“This won’t do. From now on, speak politely to me. It’ll become a habit.”

“There’s no need to…”

“Hush, from now on, end your sentences with ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’.”

Paul wore a stern expression, like scolding a mischievous seven-year-old grandson.

Surprisingly, Carl nodded obediently.

“Understood, sir.”

“……?”

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“…Are you defying me?”

“No, sir.”

It’s not defiance, just a bit of teasing.

It’s also because addressing non-nobles politely doesn’t come naturally.

With no expression to give away the jest, Carl spoke to the bewildered Paul.

“Then I’ll go to the master now, sir.”

“……”

So taken aback, Paul forgot to inform Carl that Shailyn was entertaining guests.

As Carl leisurely entered the main building, he noticed Deborah suspiciously peeking into the reception room.

Why is she acting like a thief?

Having little interest in her, Carl intended to pass by and head to Shailyn’s room.

“Wait, you there.”

But Deborah noticed him and stopped him.

“Yes, the one with black hair.”

“……”

“You’re Shailyn’s knight, right?”

Deborah gestured for him to come over. Carl stood stiffly and replied.

“I’m busy going to my master right now.”

“Your master is in here.”

Her slender finger pointed to the reception room.

Then I must go.

Carl quickly changed his attitude and approached, as Deborah crossed her arms and spoke grumpily.

“I came to greet her mom and sister, but… the conversation isn’t pleasant.”

Her face was dark, having overheard unpleasant things despite her good intentions.

“Stay here and guard the door. If anything happens, protect her. I’ll bring Grandfather.”

“Understood.”

Deborah hurriedly ran to fetch an adult.

Left alone, Carl quietly listened to the words seeping through the door crack.

“It seems Mother is mistaken again. I never thought I can truly become family with the Duke of Diart.”

Shailyn’s voice, calm yet sharp as usual, could be heard.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m not loved. I’m used to it anyway.”

“Liar, you crave love. You were so afraid of being hated you couldn’t even make a sound…”

“That was then. Not anymore. Whether someone likes or hates me, I matter more to myself.”

“So you’re staying in a house that doesn’t want you? I can’t allow that!”

“Why? Because you need to marry me off to a rich old noble?”

Carl gently widened the gap in the door and peeked inside.

He saw Shailyn twisting her lips into a smile at the unfamiliar women.

“Marry Janice off instead, Mother. She’s your real daughter, isn’t she?”

“Shut up! How dare you talk about Janice like that…”

“Don’t dare treat me like that either. I’m not someone you can treat carelessly, Mother.”

Gwen, her face flushed red, breathed heavily, her shoulders trembling.

‘This is a bit concerning.’

Carl raised an eyebrow, watching Gwen closely.

When she suddenly grabbed a steaming teacup, Carl also moved.

Splash―.

The hot tea aimed at Shailyn was blocked by Carl’s hand.

“Carl!”

Startled by the sudden situation, Shailyn jumped to her feet.

Gwen, who had thrown the tea in anger, looked up at him in confusion.

“Wh-what is this?”

“Bondservant.”

Carl answered calmly, his gaze cold as he looked at the mother and daughter.

The mother and daughter flinched at his sharp gaze.

“Are you okay? Did you burn your hand? Let me see!”

Shailyn urgently checked Carl’s hand. Seeing the slightly reddened skin, she felt a surge of anger.

Turning sharply, she glared at Gwen and snapped.

“Are you out of your mind? My bondservant got hurt because of you, Mother!”

“Ah, it’s not like he’s badly hurt… Are you crazy? How dare you raise your voice to your mother over a mere bondservant!”

“Enough, just leave!”

“I won’t take a step until I take you with me!”

Gwen shouted, her voice rising with momentum.

“How much criticism will I face if I leave a nuisance like you at the Duke of Diart? Even if you hate it, I’ll drag you away…”

It was then.

“Who is this nuisance you’re talking about?”

A heavy voice, filled with fierce anger, resonated.

Shailyn and the mother and daughter simultaneously turned toward the door.

There stood a white-haired, robust old man with a stern face.

“Who dares to enter the Duke’s residence without permission and speak so recklessly!”

“L-Lord Diart.”

Gwen flinched at the booming reprimand. Terrified, Janice hid behind her mother.

Bartholomew, glaring at them, passed them coldly and approached Shailyn.

“…Ahem, are you alright?”

Shailyn, surprised by his sudden appearance, nodded in bewilderment.

“I will handle this, so go upstairs and rest.”

“But…”

“Go and rest. I’ve been wanting to have a conversation with Count Sharofe for some time.”

Bartholomew glanced sharply at Gwen.

Sensing the danger, Gwen shook her head at Shailyn, hoping she’d intervene with the Duke.