Chapter 156
‘Is it because the distance has shortened?’
Absentmindedly fiddling with my necklace, I consciously withdrew my hand as I recalled the report Jane had given me not long ago.
⟨Your Highness, I’ve confirmed that there’s a café at the location you mentioned.⟩
⟨…Really?⟩
⟨Yes. It seems to have been around for about four years now.⟩
The timing matched perfectly with my memory of Terencium’s headquarters moving from a back-alley tavern to a bustling café.
At fourteen, after completing my training as an informant, I had started working at the headquarters disguised as a tavern in the backstreets.
But not long after, due to the master’s whims, the headquarters had changed to a café.
‘I once thought it was because of Darel…’
A part of me had been afraid—was it changed because I was scared of large men?
It was a ridiculous thought, and I felt a little embarrassed realizing it. Still, I was glad I had checked first thing upon returning to the Empire.
Knowing that they were still hiding in the same place as before would be a major advantage in case of unforeseen situations.
“By the way, Your Highness, about Amber Countess’s household…”
As I sat blankly holding a glass of water, Jane discreetly changed the subject.
She must have noticed that I didn’t want to talk about my dreams any further.
“The procession of gifts hasn’t stopped, and visitors come every day.”
“Is that so?”
Jane nodded and began reporting what she had discovered.
I had been using her as an informant more frequently these days, and though the thought felt strange, Jane, on the other hand, seemed to sparkle with excitement.
It almost seemed like she was more suited to this than working as a lady-in-waiting or a knight.
“The Countess’s daughter is Your Highness’ only younger sister by blood, so those unaware of the full circumstances are desperately trying to establish ties with her. Since Your Highness has refused all gifts and invitations, they must be getting anxious.”
Many servants of noble families had repeatedly knocked on the door of the Marquis’s estate, bearing invitations and gifts. But since my mother and I had no intention of participating in social activities, we had sent them all back.
As a result, all those invitations and gifts had seemingly been redirected to Amber Countess’s household.
Jane pursed her lips in displeasure before continuing.
“But at a gathering, the Countess proudly boasted that your Highness the Grand Princess had prepared a gift for her.”
“Oh?”
Jane nodded, then added excitedly that there was more.
Apparently, my aunt had said that while she had declined the gift out of embarrassment, since it would be inappropriate for an aunt to receive gifts from her niece, she emphasized how much I adored and followed her.
‘To think she twisted that event into such a story…’
Shaking my head, I recalled the Amber Countess barging into the Marquess’ estate a few days ago.
✦ ✦ ✦
It was the day after the welcome banquet.
Awakened by an early morning commotion, I hurried to the reception room upon hearing that the Countess had arrived.
Just outside the door, I overheard my mother and the Countess arguing.
⟨I’m not a stranger! How could you refuse to let me see my own niece even once? How can you be so cold to me? You never even acknowledged me or my husband at the banquet! That just proves you don’t consider me family, doesn’t it?!⟩
⟨I’ve held my tongue long enough, but I won’t anymore. You never once sent me a letter, either. If you had come to greet me first yesterday, I would have gladly acknowledged you. Why is it that you only ever demand things from me?⟩
⟨W-what did you say?!⟩
⟨And honestly, I’m quite taken aback. I thought you were keeping quiet because you felt at least a little guilty.⟩
⟨What exactly do I have to feel guilty about?!⟩
At the Countess’ bewildered voice, my mother let out a dry laugh.
Was there some hidden history between them that I didn’t know? I listened quietly, curious.
⟨Did you really think I wouldn’t find out what you said about my daughter?⟩
At those words, I froze.
⟨You said, ‘Maybe there’s something wrong with her.’ That perhaps we hid her away because we were ashamed to show her.⟩
⟨T-that was just said in the heat of the moment…! So what, you’re saying you cut ties with me over just a few words? Fine! I don’t need you either! From now on, I’ll act like I never had a sister or a niece! And was I even wrong? You must have had something to hide if you kept her away—⟩
SLAM!
Unable to listen any longer, I threw open the door.
Inside, my mother and the Countess turned to me in shock.
To my surprise, the Amber Countess bore a striking resemblance to my grandfather, with the same sky-blue hair and teal-green eyes.
‘I heard she was a twin to my uncle in the marquisate…’
For a moment, I was fascinated by the resemblance, but the sharp look in her eyes was nothing like my grandfather’s gentle gaze, quickly snapping me back to reality.
Without giving them time to compose themselves, I spoke, my lips trembling with anger.
⟨I’m sorry, aunt. I rushed down to greet you when I heard you had arrived… Ah! Calling you ‘Aunt’ must be unpleasant for you, right? My apologies, Countess.⟩
At my correction, my eyes brimming with unshed tears, the Countess’ mouth fell open in shock.
I nearly let out a laugh but bit my lip to maintain a sorrowful expression.
Fortunately, it wasn’t difficult.
Unlike with Clara, I had never intended to forgive the Countess from the start.
Because she made Ascart, my brother and the kindest person I knew, feel like a bad child.
⟨But… I never thought you felt that way about me all this time… Hic!⟩
I deliberately hid my true emotions, shaking my shoulders as if deeply wounded.
Like a child who had been hurt by the cruel words of an adult she once considered family.
Seeing this, my mother immediately stepped forward and wrapped her arm around my trembling shoulders.
The slight tremor in her grip told me everything—I could feel both her shock and anger.
Peeking up from her embrace, I saw the Countess’ face turn deathly pale.
‘How does it feel to be the villain now?’
I had encountered people like her countless times before.
Those who twisted the blame onto others and left no room for proper retaliation.
I had always thought the best way to deal with them was to avoid them entirely.
‘I avoided them because they were filthy, not because I was afraid.’
If I wanted to, I could return the favor in kind. Or even take it a step further.
⟨Your Highness, about the earrings you mentioned… No, wait, Your Highness!⟩
Right on cue, Jane entered the drawing room and gasped upon seeing me.
I dabbed at my dry eyes, sniffled once for effect, and gave a wistful smile.
⟨I’m fine, Jane. More importantly, I’m sorry for making you come all this way for nothing.⟩
Taking the jewelry case from her hands, I opened it with a flick of my wrist.
The Countess, unable to help herself, let out a soft gasp of admiration.
I enjoyed her reaction for a brief moment before snapping the case shut with a sharp clack!
Then, handing it back to Jane, I firmly declared,
⟨Take it back. A niece who has ignored her aunt all this time won’t suddenly become family over something like this.⟩
The Countess’ eyes widened in alarm.
⟨N-no, that’s not what I meant—⟩ she stammered, but I cut her off.
⟨Mother, I was thoughtless. I was just worried that my poor health would make me a rude hostess to any guests… I hadn’t considered things properly.⟩
And for the finishing touch, I placed a hand to my forehead and staggered slightly as if feeling faint.
Both my mother and Jane rushed to support me in alarm.
⟨Are you just going to stand there watching? Since I’ll be living as if I have no younger sister from now on, hurry up and leave!⟩
With my mother’s sharp command, the Countess was all but chased out of the drawing room.
I had my eyes closed, regretting that I missed her final expression.
⟨She’s gone now, Adriana. You can open your eyes.⟩
Startled by my mother’s voice, I opened my eyes, only to see her burst into laughter.
⟨You knew?⟩
⟨Of course. At first, I was so shocked, thinking you were actually hurt. But when you staggered, I realized it. If you were like Ascart, who takes after your father, I might have believed it. But you? Losing consciousness over something like this? Never.⟩
I couldn’t help but laugh at her teasing words, though I still hesitated before asking,
⟨Are you mad at me?⟩
After all, the Countess was still my mother’s younger sister. Had I gone too far?
⟨Not at all. In fact, my heart is racing with joy, seeing this new side of my daughter.⟩
⟨…What?⟩
⟨You’ve always been so kind and gentle. I worried you might spend your life being taken advantage of.⟩
With a small sigh, my mother apologized on behalf of the Countess.
Seeing her worried that I might have been hurt, I shook my head and, instead, worried about her.
She simply shrugged and said,
⟨Me? As long as you’re fine, I’m fine too. Besides, to be honest… Adriana, thanks to you, I feel like I’ve finally let go of everything that’s been piling up inside me.⟩
I tilted my head in confusion, and she smiled.
⟨All this time, I either ignored Regina completely or let her have her way. This is the first time I’ve ever given her a real taste of her own medicine.⟩
And for the first time, she told me about my grandmother.
⟨It seems giving birth to twins took a great toll on her. She passed away before Regina and Ivan were even a month old. I always worried about my younger siblings. Since Ivan was my little brother, I treated him strictly, but Regina… Looking back, I made a mistake. I let too much slide, and she became more spoiled. Eventually, even Father couldn’t control her, and she stopped listening to me entirely.⟩
She sighed deeply, as if there were things she couldn’t bring herself to say in front of me.
Then, suddenly, she frowned.
⟨But what if Regina starts badmouthing you after today? She might spread rumors about your health…⟩
⟨That won’t happen.⟩
Seeing my mother uncharacteristically anxious over something related to me, I reassured her confidently.
Then, I glanced at the jewelry case Jane was still holding.
‘She saw those ridiculously expensive diamond earrings. There’s no way she’ll risk losing them by making a move against me.’
