“No, it’s not. I think I caused a commotion by misjudging the young lady. The young lady was actually… trying to help me up. I’m sorry.”

Huh? I didn’t expect her to cover for me to that extent. That maid was quick-witted.

Anyway, what followed her words was a chilling silence.

Calix still had a cold expression, but his wavering eyes betrayed his confusion.

I opened my mouth gently towards him, who must be feeling awkward.

“Brother, I think you misunderstood due to my inadequate conduct in the past. Like this maid. However, I too am human, and your actions hurt me.”

“……”

“If you’re done with your business, please leave now. Irena, could you go and bring something for a snack? I’m feeling weak.”

Irena hesitated for a moment, then quietly answered and left.

Calix stood still, looking at me. His eyes still held suspicion.

However, what followed was unexpectedly an apology.

“If this was a misunderstanding, I apologize. I won’t barge in like this again. I’ll also overlook the incident with the servant.”

“Yes, brother.”

“However, this is only as long as your conduct remains proper. Keep that in mind.”

I thought he might have lowered his guard since I responded gently, but his following words were typical of him.

He turned and left without waiting for my response.

Feeling completely drained, I went to the drawing room and collapsed onto the sofa.

If someone saw me, they would probably whisper that I lacked dignity, as expected of an illegitimate daughter.

“I didn’t come here to resolve Lora’s karma.”

Knock knock-

“Young lady, I’ve brought your meal.”

I had been staring blankly at the ceiling, leaning on the sofa, overwhelmed by the situation, when Irena’s knock brought me back to my senses.

“Come in.”

Irena entered quietly. The door, despite being nearly twice my height, opened smoothly without a sound.

…Just how forcefully did Calix open the door earlier?

“Shall I set it on the tea table?”

“Yes, set it down and you may leave.”

“Yes, young lady.”

She placed the tray she brought on the tea table in front of the terrace.

Then, instead of leaving, she stood there hesitantly, watching me.

I could guess why. I wanted to pretend not to notice because I was tired, but knowing that having a bad relationship with the maid who would be attending to me would only be to my disadvantage, I decided to speak to her first.

“Why are you standing there instead of leaving? Do you have something to say?”

Hmm, that seems to have backfired.

Irena turned even paler at my words.

I let out a deep sigh and quickly put on a pitiful expression. At times like this, acting pitifully was the best approach.

“If it’s about what happened earlier, it’s okay. It was all a misunderstanding that I caused. It’s just because I’m lacking, so don’t worry about it.”

“No, young lady. I judged you without ever having met you directly. I’m truly sorry for putting you in a difficult situation.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Irena apologized to me carefully, looking flustered.

“Thank you, for the apology, and for explaining on my behalf in front of my brother. I hope you won’t feel uncomfortable about today’s incident and continue to remain as my maid.”

Irena’s expression became choked up as soon as I finished speaking.

Well, Irena still doesn’t know anything.

Even I would feel sorry if I saw a child being treated like this at home and speaking so calmly about it.

“No, it’s all because of me.”

“Don’t dwell on today’s incident too much. Anyone can make mistakes. Of course, we just happened to get caught by Brother Calix.”

I winked playfully, and when I finished speaking, Irena made a tearful face again.

“Hahaha- I’m joking. I’m really fine. This isn’t the first time this has happened.”

“Young lady.”

“Anyway, since it’s been resolved well, go out and do your work now. A lot of time has passed.”

“Yes. If you need anything, please call me again. Then…”

“Wait a moment, Irena.”

I called out to her as she was about to leave.

“Yes?”

“Have you eaten? Here, take this at least.”

Then I handed her a plate with delicious-looking cookies.

Food was the best way for people to get closer.

“No! How could I touch what the young lady is supposed to eat?”

“On stressful days, you should eat something sweet.”

I approached her and placed the plate directly in her hands.

“Young lady, thank you so much……”

Irena bowed her head, her eyes glistening with tears as if moved, and left.

Thud-

As soon as the door closed, I, now a hungry hyena, dashed to the table.

“Indeed, a noble’s meal is different.”

A soft omelet full of butter aroma, bacon, fresh seasonal fruits, and three types of juices. It was perfect with various soft breads in a small basket, cheese, and jam.

I started eating, momentarily losing myself.

“Wow, I’m so happy……”

For the first time, I thought it was good that I came here.

To continue enjoying such a bountiful table without getting caught, I needed some kind of plan.

After finishing my meal, I pulled the table next to the bed, took out paper and pen, and thought deeply.

Then I wrote down each letter one by one. Looking at the quickly filled paper, I tilted my head.

It feels like something’s missing.

“Ah! That’s right! The forbidden magic!”

But if I don’t touch the forbidden magic anyway, the world won’t be in turmoil.

And I just need to not lose my temper with other people from now on.

So I just need to do nothing?

Sweet.

I came to a clear conclusion and cheerfully burned the paper with the plan written on it.

Then I took a nap.

***

Several days passed while I lived an exciting life with my days and nights reversed.

“Um, young lady? Please wake up. It’s dinner time.”

“Mmm, not interested.”

Irena started waking me up from my sweet sleep that lasted from early afternoon to evening.

“Young lady, today is the day when the Count and all the masters gather for dinner. If you miss it……”

“Is it already that time?”

The Epine Count family gathered all family members for dinner once a week.

Lora would try to speak to other family members there somehow, but the family members always gave her no particular response, as if there was a solid wall around Lora.

Everyone was dining together, but it was the loneliest time for her.

Of course, I couldn’t care less about it.

Swish-

“I should go. Would you prepare me?”

“Then I’ll call the other maids.”

“No, I’ll go lightly. It’s just a meal after all.”

“Pardon? Yes. I understand. Which dress would you like to wear?”

“Prepare anything comfortable.”

Her eyes wandered back and forth.

Irena was really bad at managing her expressions and hiding things. Her inner thoughts that this wasn’t right were clearly visible.

She must have heard that I would dress up like a peacock. Since there was no need to clear up the misunderstanding, I started preparing without saying much.

When I entered the dining room on time, the other family members were already seated.

“Hello, Count, Countess, brothers.”

“You’re late. Sit down.”

Except for my father, Count Epine, no one even glanced at Lorazie, let alone greet her.

Moreover, I wasn’t even late.

I had entered the dining room with 5 minutes to spare, but the family members had simply arrived earlier.

However, I didn’t add anything else. They would think it was all excuses anyway.

Splendid dishes that pleased the eye began to be served on the table one by one.

It looked delicious, but the bleak atmosphere and hostility towards Lorazie made it hard to swallow.

But I steadfastly focused on the plates and food, working my way through the meal.