I'm Trying to End This Possession

I focused all my energy on managing my expression, hoping I didn’t seem too pleased. “Is that so?”

 

“Yes. Before he left for the trip, Viego ordered the servants to prepare an office for you.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

That’s a relief. Given the bloodshed in the Windsor territory, I had worried about being considered a failure. Fortunately, it seems he sees it as a success. This meant that the Windsor family was offering me a place.

 

That implied that…

 

If I just break off my engagement with Raios…

 

I would be closer to the position of deputy head. Only the direct line of the Windsor could hold the position of deputy head. If Carl Windsor steps down, perhaps…

 

It might become mine.

 

I glanced at the sparkling gem on Carl’s finger.

 

“Dana?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Aren’t you cold?”

 

“A bit. Ah…”

 

My words trailed off. It was because Carl wrapped his scarf around my neck. Then he placed his hand on my shoulder, drawing me closer. His warmth was so comforting…

 

“Why, what is it, Dana?” Carl smiled gently. “Do you have something to say?”

 

“Just…” I forced a stiff smile. “It seems Uncle often tells me that.”

 

“Eh?”

 

“Uncle often says I look cold.”

 

“Ah. Right.”

 

Carl chuckled, realizing what she meant. His handsome appearance was disgustingly appealing.

 

“Is it because of back then?”

 

“Back then?”

 

“When you first came to this mansion. You caught a severe cold around the seventh day.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Right. It was such a terrible cold that I remembered it too. I was really scared at that time. Alone in a strange world, among strangers, I couldn’t let my guard down even when sick. Lying in bed, I couldn’t sleep for a long time due to anxiety. But then…

 

“It’s okay, just sleep.”

 

Carl had held my hand, comforting me as I was anxious.

 

“Don’t worry. There’s nothing in this mansion that can harm you, so feel free to sleep.”

 

His warm voice seeped into her fading consciousness. It was so vivid that it seemed like he was whispering in her ear, even now…

 

“I’ll protect you.”

 

A laugh almost burst out of me, so I bit my mouth to suppress it.  Has he been eyeing my assets since then?

 

“Your appearance at that time is unforgettable.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yes. So, every time I see you, I feel like taking something off for you. Haha.”

 

Hahaha. I laughed along with him.

 

“We have to ensure her premature death.”

 

Such fierce lines from him always came to mind.

 

That’s why I’m afraid of you. And it made me unbearably curious.

 

How do you plan to kill me? With poison? A knife? Or…

 

“Uncle.”

 

Or, with these hands?

 

“Your hands are cold, Uncle.”

 

I placed my hand over his that was on my shoulder. “Your hands are like ice.”

 

Beneath my fingertips, I felt his smooth but firm hand, the pronounced tendons, and… The holy relic.  If only I could take it right now.

 

“Maybe I should buy you gloves.”

 

“Thanks for even thinking about that. Truly, only you care about me, Dana.”

 

“Of course, I always worry about you, Uncle.”

 

Speaking affectionately, I glanced up. I had felt a piercing gaze since a while ago. The owner of that gaze was Sandra, looking at us with a sinister look from inside the mansion.

 

How do you like seeing me, whom you hate, being cherished by your husband?

 

Even knowing he had ulterior motives, she still surely must have been unable to stand it, feeling bitter and sad. Hating her husband…

 

So, quickly leave this man.

 

I wished Carl Windsor would be abandoned by everyone and be alone. Completely unrelated to taking the holy relic, I sincerely hoped for his deep, profound unhappiness.

 

May Carl Windsor be deeply and thoroughly miserable.

 

* * *

“Congratulations, Lady Danae! You have your own office now!”  Viscount Manus came with a bouquet to congratulate me.

 

“Thank you. I count on you in the future, Viscount Manus.”

 

I caressed my new desk. “When is my brother coming back?”

 

“Hmm, probably in about a week. He mentioned he’d have a work for you as soon as he returns.” Viscount Manus gestured as if to tell me to brace myself.  “So rest well until then. You had a tough time in the Windsor territory.”

 

Not only Viego was absent. Lethe hasn’t returned yet either.  I had sent him to gather information on a deal with the emperor, but he hadn’t come back yet. The emperor was still at the Vatican…

 

My schedule had been crazy. Then a little rest wouldn’t be bad.

 

I should reply to the accumulated letters.

 

During my absence, quite a few letters had piled up. But then…

 

[To the beloved Lady Danae,

from Justin Lancaster]

 

He still hasn’t given up?

 

Previously, I hadn’t responded to his letter. That was meant as a rejection, but unbelievably, he sent five more, with the latest one arriving yesterday.

 

[I apologize if my feelings burden you. I’m sorry. I won’t be a nuisance if you wish. Please let me hear your answer this time.

I beg for your mercy, Lady Danae.]

 

Hmm. Danae furrowed her brow. This seemed like… A lack of awareness?  After all, he was the same age as Noah. A mere seventeen-year-old boy might not understand that silence was a polite rejection.

 

It might be better to be straightforward with him.

 

Thinking so, I discovered something else in the envelope. It was a ticket for a piano concert. A concert by the famous pianist Morgan Dale, and the date was… Today? And it’s just a little while later?

 

I pondered for a moment and then got up. Just in time. Might as well go and clearly reject him.

 

* * *

In front of the concert hall, Justin Lancaster was standing there, holding a bouquet of white roses.

 

“La-Lady Danae!”

 

Seeing me, Justin Lancaster shouted. Then he covered his mouth with his hand. He seemed to have shouted without realizing it.

 

“So-Sorry, I was just so surprised!”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

“Thank you so much for coming out! I’m so happy!”

 

Justin handed me the bouquet of roses. He was so nervous that his hands were trembling uncontrollably.

 

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this.”

 

It was better to say it quickly. I pushed the bouquet back with a pitying smile.

 

“Cadet Lancaster, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t send me such letters anymore.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“That’s what I came to tell you. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”

 

“W-Why?”

 

“…”

 

“W-What don’t you like about me?’

 

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Why? Did he really ask ‘why’ right away?

 

“Well.”

 

There are too many reasons why it’s not possible. I picked the most plausible one.

 

“Cadet Lancaster, you’re too young for me. Besides, you’re still a minor.”

 

“I-I just turned of age the other day!”

 

“…Happy birthday. But you’re still too young for me.”

 

At that, Justin looked utterly bewildered. “But Lord Carl married Lady Sandra when he was fifteen, and she was ten years older!”

 

“…”

 

Why did you bring him up all of a sudden?

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