Chapter 04
Is That Something You Say to Your Daughter?
While Ebony lay sick in bed, Irene told her about everything that had happened.
She mentioned how delicious the cake Herman brought back from a famous shop in the capital was, and how their father praised her singing.
It was a way of showing off, the kind that would make Ebony, who was always left out, feel envious.
If not, there would be no reason to go on and on about how happy everyone was during the week Ebony was bedridden.
Even Irene, who feigned concern for Ebony’s well-being with empty words, hadn’t visited her once while she was sick.
“Must’ve been fun,” Ebony replied, suppressing the surge of bitterness rising within her.
“But what’s with the dress? I’ve never seen it before.”
Irene, dissatisfied with her sister’s dull response, quickly changed the topic.
Her finger pointed to a luxurious red dress. Irene couldn’t have failed to recognize it—it was the dress she had coveted to the point of trying to snatch it away.
Feigning ignorance, Irene asked about it, and Ebony calmly answered,
“It’s the dress the Empire of Evgenia sent for my birthday.”
“Oh, did they send something like that?”
How dare she act oblivious when she had ruined the banquet that day by bursting into tears for everyone to see? Because of that incident, Ebony stopped receiving any gifts sent directly to her after that year.
“But why are you wearing it now? You got it last year and never even wore it once, right?”
“I’ve lost weight, so my face looks pale and gaunt. If I wore dull clothes, I’d look like a real patient. This is the only colorful outfit I had.”
“What a silly worry. You’d look beautiful in anything.”
Those kind words always managed to sway Ebony, however unwillingly.
“But if I may give some advice, I think your usual style suits you better.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah, I think that kind of dress would suit me more.”
And yet, Ebony failed to see the sharp fangs Irene occasionally revealed behind her mask.
“Well, I’ve decided to start dressing like this from now on. I’ve been too drab all this time.”
“Alright, then… By the way, should we go for a walk now? I’m so bored! Father’s busy, and our second brother went straight to training!”
Irene linked her arm with Ebony’s and tried to lead her toward the greenhouse.
But Ebony stopped them in their tracks after only a few steps.
Breaking free from Irene’s grip, Ebony hesitated for a moment before speaking, her face showing discomfort.
“Sorry, I don’t think I can today.”
“Why not? You don’t have anything else planned today.”
“I’m going to see Father.”
At that moment, a faint wrinkle appeared on Irene’s face, breaking her practiced expression of innocence.
She quickly composed herself and asked with feigned casualness,
“Why Father? What business do you have with him?”
“There’s something I need to say to him.”
“Then I’ll go with you.”
“No, it’s an important matter. I think I should see him alone.”
“If it’s important, then you’ll need me. Father listens to everything I say. Whatever unreasonable request you have, if I’m there, it’ll all get sorted out.”
Ebony stared at Irene for a long moment as she made her confident suggestion, urging her to rely on her.
Beyond her sister’s perfect gaze, Ebony caught a faint glimpse of malice carefully concealed.
‘Now that I think about it, she always took the lead in family matters.’
At the time, Ebony thought it was her kind sister being considerate. But in hindsight, things always went awry when Irene got involved—sometimes even ending in disaster.
Given her track record, those incidents were certainly no accidents.
Why would someone already basking in the love and attention of their family feel the need to sow division?
“No, I appreciate it, but I’ll go alone. This is something I need to handle myself.”
“Oh, come on! It’ll only work if I’m there!”
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come straight to you. Is that alright?”
“Fine! But don’t come crying to me later, begging for help!”
Irene pouted, sulking as she made it clear she wanted Ebony to change her mind.
But Ebony wasn’t the same compliant person she used to be.
With a simple farewell, she turned and walked away in the opposite direction, leaving Irene frozen in shock.
“Oh, Lady Ebony. What brings you here?”
Gale, the butler stationed outside the Duke’s office, was startled by Ebony’s unannounced visit.
“I’m here to see Father.”
“If it’s about the Duke…”
“I have something to tell him. And no, it’s not just to chat about how I’ve recovered, so don’t worry.”
“…Very well. I’ll inform him.”
At Ebony’s curt response, the butler’s unease became evident. He knocked on the office door and entered once permission was granted.
“The young lady wishes to speak with you, Your Grace.”
The butler made no effort to specify it was Ebony, just in case the Duke refused and she’d have to be turned away.
“Let her in.”
Fortunately, Edward, the Duke, allowed her entry.
“Thank you, Gale.”
Ebony stepped into the Duke’s office, glancing around.
Aside from a single flower Violet had gifted him before her passing, the space was dominated by dull, lifeless colors.
Standing before him, she waited until Edward finally looked up.
“So, my daughter, what brings you here?”
His warm words pricked Ebony’s heart.
He’d never called her “daughter” before. He’d never spoken to her in such a kind tone, either.
It suddenly hit her again—there was no place for her in his affections. But unlike before, the realization didn’t sting as much. It was just a bit bitter.
Edward eventually raised his head, his expression stiffening slightly when he realized the visitor was Ebony, not Irene.
“What business do you have, Ebony?”
Clearing his throat, he adjusted his tone, which grew noticeably colder.
Even a baby could tell the difference in his treatment. Edward didn’t even bother hiding the disparity.
“I want to leave the estate.”
“What?”
“I’m saying I want to leave the mansion.”
Edward’s interruption lets Ebony speak more bluntly.
She had no intention of beating around the bush or sneaking out. If she was leaving, she’d at least demand financial support on her way out.
“I won’t allow it.”
“…Why not?”
“No parent would allow an unmarried child to leave home. It’s common sense.”
“That’s your reason?”
“Yes.”
Ebony had thought Edward might be glad to hear her request. After all, he couldn’t even stand to breathe the same air as her.
Why would he refuse to let her go when she was offering to leave on her own? And yet, not only did he refuse, but he also cited parental love as the reason.
“I can’t accept your reasoning, Your Grace. I’m leaving.”
“I said no.”
“And I said I can’t accept that.”
Edward glared at her, his furrowed brows deepening.
He was no stranger to putting his rebellious daughter in her place.
“Please allow me to leave, Your Grace.”
But instead of yielding, Ebony stood firm, her sharp gaze making her resolve clear.
If she wouldn’t back down, Edward saw no choice but to escalate.
Grinding his teeth, he spoke in a harsh tone,
“I won’t allow it. Who knows what disgraceful behavior you’d engage in outside? It would ruin your future marriage prospects.”
“…Disgraceful behavior? You think I’d ruin my chances for marriage?”
“Yes.”
Ebony couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.
She’d never expected Edward’s refusal to stem from concern for her.
But to think his reasoning would revolve around protecting her value as a bride?
A father worried about his daughter’s purity affecting her future marriage—what a spectacle.
“Is that something you say to your daughter?”
