The Abandoned Lady Lives in a Dollhouse

The child looked slightly older than Lily. He also has red hair… Lily never heard of Juno having children, but Lily knew he was Juno’s son because of his hair and beautiful face.

“Say hello to my son, Hebe Sergien.”

Lily stood up and bowed. “Hello, my name is Lily.”

“I’m the same age as you.” He waved his hand. “Hebe.”

Lily awkwardly waved back and lowered her head.

“Pfft!”

“Hebe.” After giving her son a warning, Juno turned her attention back to Lily. “Do you remember what John told you?”

“I’m not allowed to go on the third floor. Otherwise, I’m free to wander around the mansion. We’ll have dinner together today, but most of the time we’ll be eating by ourselves.” She continued, “If I need anything, I can ask a doll. I can’t bring my friends to the mansion, but I can go outside and play. I can ask Mr. John if I’m unsure of something.” Lily tried to catch her breath after speaking so quickly.

“…I’ll remind you again. Never come up to the third floor.”

“Of course!” Lily nodded.

“Let’s eat then,” Juno said.

Lily didn’t know where the food came from; she looked at the doll who brought her another meal. She was pleasantly surprised as she took a bite. For some reason, the doll seemed proud of itself.

Then, Hebe talked to John. “Mr. John, I’m not hungry today.”

“You are a growing boy who needs to eat.”

Hebe glared in response. Lily glanced at Juno to see how she’d react. Lily could never complain about eating food.

“Then I’ll give you a drink,” John said.

We didn’t get in trouble. Lily recalled the day Mother slapped her because Lily didn’t eat all of her food. Since then, Lily made sure to eat everything. Other families are different. Lily kept an eye on Hebe who made jokes and Juno who laughed at them. She was very affectionate toward him.

“Lily, have you finished eating?” Juno asked.

She nodded. “Yes.”

Juno called for a doll to clear the table. Meanwhile, John handed Lily a piece of paper.

“I heard you can read, Lily,” Juno said.

“I can.”

“Let’s talk about your future.”

“Do you mean my inheritance?” Lily rolled her eyes.

“Yes, that’s a list of the properties owned by your father and mother. Please look at it.”

“…Um.” There were many things written on it.

“You’ll get them once you turn eighteen.”

“Oh… Okay.”

John handed Lily another piece of paper. Like the first one, there were many big words.

“Right now, the royal family owns it. You can claim the properties once you’re an adult. Every month you’ll receive an allowance, and the amount is written there.”

“Uh…” No matter how many times Lily looked at the second piece of paper, it made no sense. I can read it at least…? Lily understood the letters, but the stories they created were like gibberish. She may not have been properly educated; however, Lily learned how to read and write. Unfortunately, her only friend was a book. Will she yell at me for not understanding? Should Lily just nod? But if Lily didn’t give an answer now, she’ll get in trouble later.

Hebe smiled. “…Mother, I think she’s confused.”

Lily felt ashamed. Mother was very angry when Lily didn’t understand what she said. Lily closed her eyes, bracing herself for the scolding.

In a calm voice, Juno explained, “I’m saying I have no interest in your inheritance. The money you spend is what your parents left you, so don’t hesitate to use it.”

Lily didn’t get in trouble. She blinked. “Um, how much do I owe you?”

“What?” Juno raised her eyebrow.

Lily’s heart sank. “Y-You’re raising me… Um, my allowance can… I mean, the money I have to pay back for living here…”

A laugh resounded in the room. It was from Hebe. “Mother, she’s a funny person!”

“Hebe.”

“But she’s worried about the money, isn’t she?”

After staring at Hebe for a long time, Juno sighed. She turned her attention back to Lily. “I have a lot of money.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not going to ask you to pay me for taking care of you.”

“But…” Mother always wanted to be repaid for taking care of her. So, Lily always tried to please her. Of course, Mother said Lily was a disappointment, but Lily kept trying.

Juno shook her head. “Read the papers I’ve given you first. If you have any questions, ask John.”

“Okay.” Lily nodded.

Juno stood up. “I shall take my leave.”

Lily didn’t get in trouble and wasn’t yelled at. No one gave disapproving looks at Lily. No one clicked their tongues. I have never seen this happen before. Lily jumped from her seat and curtsied to Juno as she left. “Thank you.”

“…You’re welcome.”

Hebe waved at Lily before grabbing Juno’s hand. “Mother, now we…”

The door closed. With Juno gone, Lily felt her body relax. She took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair.

John approached her. “I will carry all the paperwork and escort you to your room.”

“Um… All right.” Lily followed him out. This is awkward.

Once they arrived in front of her room, John spoke again. “It’s true my lady doesn’t like you very much, but as long as you follow the rules of this house, you won’t encounter major problems.”

It was a warning for Lily. John wasn’t looking at her when he said those words. He’s strict, but I don’t think he’s a bad person.

Lily nodded. “I understand.”

John opened the door and placed a huge stack of documents on the desk. “Good night. I’ll send a doll to check in on you.”

As he left the room, Lily said, “It’s okay. I’m fine by myself.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m used to doing it by myself… Is that not allowed?”

“I see. I will not have a doll check in on you.”

John left the room and closed the door. Lily sat down on the bed and picked up the paper at the top of the pile. It talked about each property’s value.

“Does this mean the number will continue to go up?” Lily put the document back on the desk after trying to understand its contents. It wasn’t important for now. “I don’t think she’s a bad person.”

John and Juno seemed to be good people. It was impossible they were bad people because they accepted Lily while hating Mother and Father. Juno didn’t get angry. She didn’t smile either, but she also didn’t ignore Lily.

“…It’s better than my old home.” There weren’t any servants who ignored her or secretly mocked her; the room was nice and clean. “Yes, it’s much better.”

It was so much better. There wasn’t a father who looked at Lily with a strange look, no mother who expressed her hatred, no servants to bother her. It was better… But I still miss Mother and Father. Lily began to cry. The soft bed made her sad. However, she didn’t blame the bed because she cried every other day after her parents died.

“I had a mother too…”

Lily was jealous of Hebe. He had a mother who said his name and looked at him affectionately. They held hands after dinner.

“But my mother is…”

Lily tried to find something Mother was better at but failed. Juno was prettier, and her personality was nicer. You’re also an alchemist, so you’re probably more amazing than Mother, right? Even Lily, who lived in a mansion without any friends, knew how great Juno Sergien was. Lily’s mother, on the other hand, cursed Juno’s name and drank alcohol every day. But when she drank, Mother always says she loves me.

Lily hated the smell of alcohol. She didn’t like Mother swearing at her half-sister who Lily never met; however, Lily liked the warm hug and “I love you”, so Lily waited to see her drunk mother before going to bed.

“This is my home now.” Lily blamed the soft blanket for why she was crying. The bed was so warm that she remembered Mother’s hugs. It was the bed’s fault. Lily wrapped herself in the blanket.

The faint sound of sniffling could be heard for a long time.