TSPCOB Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“Lady Aselin, the Viscount has arrived at the mansion!”

Dana was out of breath, as if she had run all the way from the mansion.

“Really? I’m busy today, so tell him to go back.”

“What? But you’ve been waiting for his visit!”

“Once we’re married, we’ll be together all the time anyway. Right now, I’m busy researching herbs. He’ll leave if you tell him that.”

“……”

“Oh, and tell him to schedule a visit in advance next time.”

Dana stared at me with wide eyes, then suddenly grabbed my dirt-covered hands.

“Aselin… Are you sure you’re okay? Ever since you fell from the terrace, you’ve seemed like a completely different person. I’m really worried about you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m not sick, and my mind is perfectly clear. You don’t have to worry.”

When I smiled brightly, Dana looked a little relieved.

“That’s good, then. But if you ever need help, please tell me. You healed my little brother and even got my family a home. I would do anything for you!”

“Thank you, Dana. I still have work to finish here, so I’ll stay a bit longer. Can you deliver my message to the Viscount?”

“Yes! I’ll tell him exactly what you said, word for word!”

With a determined expression, Dana clenched her fists and hurried back to the mansion.

I finished spreading the fertilizer, then picked up a heavy basket.

Sitting at the edge of the field, I carefully trimmed the small roots of the herbs.

By the time I looked up, the sun was already setting in the west.

That’s enough for today. I’ll come back tomorrow.

Stretching my arms, I tucked the basket under my arm and headed toward the mansion.

After placing the basket in my research room, I was halfway up the stairs when—

“Oh my! Another gift for you, Miss?”

“Yes! It’s a surprise from him! Over ten dresses, all designed by Alonso! And they came with accessories and shoes, a full set!”

Rachel’s voice was full of excitement.

I paused on the stairs.

“Alonso? You mean the Alonso, the first designer to be knighted by the Emperor? His dresses are extremely expensive! You must be thrilled.”

“Of course! He said only something of this quality would suit me.”

Rachel emphasized him and started humming happily.

I continued up the stairs.

When Rachel noticed me, she hesitated for a moment before flashing a sweet smile.

“Oh, sister! Why are you so late?”

Her voice was filled with fake enthusiasm.

I ignored her and kept walking down the hallway.

Then, from behind, her voice rang out—

“Sister, did you forget your appointment with Viscount Alex today? Or… is your mind still a bit off after falling from the terrace?”

Her fake concern was disgusting.

I turned and smiled at her, slow and confident.

“You know as well as I do that the Viscount never makes appointments. And yet, every time he shows up unannounced, you wag your tail like an eager pet. Remember, your worth is something you decide.”

Rachel’s face froze as if I had slapped her. Then, she quickly forced a sweet smile.

“Aren’t you being too picky over something small? Men don’t like stubborn women, you know. I was just worried the Viscount might be upset. But don’t worry! I kept him entertained while he waited.”

She stretched the word entertained and smiled smugly.

I looked at her and smiled back.

“Thank you. But be careful from now on.”

“Careful? About what?”

“It doesn’t look good for an unmarried girl to spend too much time with her future brother-in-law. People might start talking.”

“What?! Oh my, sister, what are you saying?”

Rachel covered her mouth in fake shock, her big eyes filling with fake tears.

“…How could you say such a thing? The Viscount and I are family. What’s wrong with that?”

Even her maid glared at me as if I were some villainess.

I looked at the perfect pair of pests and smiled.

“By the way, I overheard you. The one who gave you those dresses—was it Viscount Alex?”

“…Yes. He sent them as a thank-you gift for me agreeing to be a bridesmaid. Why?”

Her teary eyes quickly turned sharp.

“It’s not appropriate to exchange such expensive gifts before a wedding. I’ll return them to him today.”

“W-what?! Why?! It’s my gift! Why are you interfering?!”

“Interfering? My fiancé gave you a gift. Stop acting foolish and behave properly, Rachel.”

Rachel’s jaw dropped in shock.

“Did you just… did you just call me cheap?!”

Her fake tears vanished, replaced by fury. Her green eyes, like a calm lake, now burned with hatred.

I smiled sweetly.

“Now that you understand, try to improve yourself. Who knows? You might actually succeed.”

Rachel’s eyes widened in outrage.

I turned and walked toward my bedroom.

As I did, I caught a glimpse of something flickering in her eyes.

“Sister, you must be in a bad mood today. Fine. I’ll return the dresses like you said. Just get some rest and come down later, okay?”

Her sudden obedience felt suspicious.

But I had no interest in wasting my time on garbage.

I paused briefly, then continued walking.

Finally, I opened my bedroom door.

---

Ha.

Rachel glared at Aselin as she disappeared down the hall, unable to contain her rage.

Alex was always mine.

You stole him from me.

He was mine first!

And now you think you can return the gifts he gave me?

Rachel was furious.

Alex only loved her.

The main character of this story was not that dull, strict Aselin.

It was her.

Yet Aselin had taken everything.

The jewelry, the dresses, the wedding with Alex—

Everything that should have been hers.

Rachel clenched her fists, seething.

She had worked so hard, using every bit of charm and sweetness to get those gifts.

And now Aselin wanted to take them away?

Rachel stared after her sister until she vanished completely.

Her dress was covered in dirt, her hair messy and damp with sweat.

How dare she?