Chapter 12

“Please don’t say things like that, Sasha. That’s exactly what makes you so remarkable. You’ve proven your abilities on your own and polished everything to perfection.”

“I’m truly happy… to be acknowledged by Mother!”

While the two of them exchanged warm, emotional words that could have brought tears to anyone’s eyes, I took a quiet sip of tea.

‘So that’s why she brought it up.’

Now that I’d seen through Sasha’s true nature, she no longer seemed admirable.

She must have said all that to boast in front of me—how close she was to Lady Eteil, how intelligent she was.

Compared to herself, who had achieved everything through her own merit, I was nothing more than a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse under the protection of the House of Scarlett.

That’s what she wanted to say.

“You truly are impressive, Lady Kidman. You’ve lived a life I could never have imagined. As you said, it must have been terribly difficult. Without the support of your family, having to accomplish everything on your own.”

I responded to Sasha’s words with genuine sincerity.

“…What?”

Lady Kidman looked at me, clearly startled by my composed demeanor.

Watching her wide eyes and flustered expression was surprisingly delightful.

“I can see now why the Duke must have been such a great support for you. It makes sense, why you two get along so well.”

Having said all I wanted, I finished the remaining tea in my cup.

The fragrant flavor filled my mouth, and my lips naturally curled into a smile.

‘I don’t particularly enjoy talking with those two… but if I get to see this kind of reaction, maybe it won’t be so bad.’

I felt a bit more refreshed.

“Ahem! Don’t say such things to Sasha, Lirie.”

“Yes, Mother. I’ll keep that in mind. It wouldn’t do to become a rude daughter-in-law.”

Responding to Lady Eteil with elegance and grace, I quietly rose from my seat.

Judging from the look on Sasha’s face, it seemed she wouldn’t feel free to talk about me until I left.

It was probably best to excuse myself.

‘It’s never pleasant to hear people talking about you behind your back…’

Still, I’d gotten in a few barbs of my own today, so it wasn’t entirely unfair.

“Well then, I’ll be heading in first. Mother, and Lady Kidman.”

“Have a good rest, Lirie.”

“…”

I signaled to Betty and stepped away from the two.

This felt like the better choice for my mental well-being than just sitting there and taking it.

“I’d have to do this more often.”

“What is?”

“Hmm? Nothing, Betty. It’s nothing you need to worry about.”

I patted Betty’s head out of habit as she followed me, curious, and entered my chambers.

***

Edward had returned. It had been about a week since he’d left Winderton Castle.

“Edward!”

As soon as the carriage he was riding in entered the grounds, Sasha ran out to greet him like she was his wife, looking giddy and unrefined.

Edward stepped down from the carriage and frowned slightly at Sasha’s undignified approach, though he didn’t outright reject her.

“You’re still here?”

“The business isn’t completely settled yet. Where else would I go?”

Before I could even offer my greeting, the two of them were already lost in their own conversation.

“Welcome back, Your Grace.”

“You’re still here, I see.”

“…I am the mistress of Winderton, after all.”

It was a similar line to what he’d said to Lady Kidman, but the intent was completely different.

Perhaps because of what had happened before, Edward’s gaze was much colder than before, filled with contempt and distrust.

“You must be tired after a week away. Please get some rest.”

“The only time I get to rest is when you’re not in my castle…”

Even after time apart, his sarcasm hadn’t waned. In fact, he seemed bolder.

“Then I apologize.”

Though I knew it was an embarrassing scene for the servants, I answered without letting myself shrink back.

“It can’t be helped. I won’t be able to rest properly this time either.”

Shrugging and then lowering his shoulders, Edward walked right past me into the castle.

Sasha and the servants followed after him, leaving only Betty and me behind.

“My lady, let’s head inside too.”

“Sigh… Yes, I suppose we should.”

I let out a deep sigh.

Betty’s face darkened as she looked at me.

It was already this difficult.

How was I supposed to endure it from here on out…?

Dealing with Edward was exhausting.

With Lady Eteil or Sasha, the discomfort was just unpleasant, but the emotions I had toward Edward were of a completely different nature.

Back when I first met him, his confident and flawless appearance had stirred admiration—and a flutter of something more.

Even if I told myself I shouldn’t feel that way, I couldn’t control my heart.

‘Mother, what am I supposed to do now…?’

Before stepping inside, I looked up at the sky and asked my late mother.

Her daughter was walking the same path she once had. I wished—just once—she would appear in my dreams and help me come to my senses.

***

The day Edward returned to Winderton Manor.

A lavish banquet was held in the manor’s dining room, but I didn’t attend.

I excused myself, saying I wasn’t feeling well, and they readily permitted my absence from the table.

“My lady, are you really not going to eat anything?”

“I’m not hungry. I’ll just have some fruit later tonight.”

“You’ve always been slender, but it feels like you’ve gotten even thinner since coming to Winderton Manor.”

Hearing Betty’s words made me painfully aware of how I was being treated here.

Even at Scarlett Manor, women were told they should be thin and were never allowed proper meals, but it seemed I looked even thinner now than I did back then.

“…You can go now, Betty.”

I gave a faint smile and sent the tired-looking Betty out.

Then I sat alone on the wide windowsill beneath the large window, looking down at the beautiful gardens of Winderton Manor.

Almost no one walked there, and seeing such a well-kept garden helped calm the storm brewing inside my chest.

“Edward…?”

But that peace lasted only a moment.

The ones who appeared in the garden that had brought me comfort were Edward and Sasha.

The two of them were walking side by side, almost pressed together.

I couldn’t hear what they were saying from inside the building, but I could see the affectionate look Edward gave Sasha.

“I really am the villain, aren’t I.”

I had warned Sasha boldly, but I was only human, and I did feel a twinge of guilt.

It’s never enjoyable to watch the person you love be unhappy, even if you’re the cause.

The two of them, unaware that I was watching through the window, looked like they were filming a beautiful, tragic opera.

“Is she crying…?”

My eyes widened in surprise when I noticed faint tears running down Sasha’s cheeks.

As tears flowed from her hazel eyes, Edward looked flustered and wiped Sasha’s face with his handkerchief.

Sasha clung tightly to his sleeve, saying something.

Edward shook his head at her words, but he didn’t shake her hand off.

The two of them stood there in the middle of the garden, talking for a long time.

And all I could do was watch the whole scene helplessly.

Without sound, strange thoughts filled my head.

Thoughts like, maybe he’ll divorce me and make Sasha the duchess, or maybe he was declaring that Sasha was the only one he truly loved.

‘God, I really am pathetic… Just sitting here watching all this like a fool.’

The more pathetic I felt, the more painful it became to keep watching.

Just as I got up to stop myself from looking, Sasha, who had been clutching Edward’s sleeve, buried herself in his firm chest.

“……!”

The small-framed Sasha in Edward’s arms completed the perfect picture of beautiful lovers.

The next moment, Edward and I locked eyes.

Edward quickly pushed Sasha away, but the cold look on my face wouldn’t easily fade.

‘I could understand everything else, but to do that when I’m still here at Winderton Manor—how could he?’

“Disgusting…”

I was disgusted that I’d even felt guilty toward those two.

No matter the reason, nothing would change how revolting it all felt.

I yanked the curtains closed with a gesture full of irritation, blocking the view.

***

Late that night, Edward came to my room.

“I’d like to speak with you.”

“Go ahead, Your Grace.”

Maybe it was guilt over his behavior during the day, but for once, he asked me in a voice that almost sounded dignified.

Though the content itself was still harsh.

“That scene you saw earlier… it was nothing.”

“Nothing? Then what did I see—was it a ghost?”

“If it upset you, I apologize.”