Episode 14
I had only a hunch.
But why do I feel so strongly about it?
In response to my question, my father nodded.
“I’ve tried to extract information, but even after taking the truth serum, she denies it.”
The truth serum, a highly potent substance traded in astronomical quantities, was as effective as it was elusive.
If she had truly given a false testimony, it would only be possible if she herself mistakenly believed it to be the truth.
However, even amidst her deep understanding of hypnosis, making someone consume the truth serum and still confess lies was no easy feat.
“Understood for now…”
The suspect seemed to be saying she had been waiting as the investigation narrowed down.
Whether it’s the truth or not, we’ll have to wait to find out.
“Nevertheless, we must not let our guard down, Sierra.”
My father added, perhaps having his own doubts.
“Yes, I understand.”
Just a while ago at the tea party, I didn’t even eat a single cookie.
Even the fragrant tea in front of me looked like poison.
Unbeknownst to me, trauma had taken root deep within me.
It would continue for a while.
My father, seeing my complexion, spoke in a low voice.
“Sierra, for the pain you’ve endured, karma will come back to repay you.”
“Yes, I won’t just sit idly by. I’ve learned from the best, haven’t I, Father?”
Whether Hilda is the culprit or if my suspicions point towards my Aunt.
Either way is fine.
I’ll need to repay them doubly to ease my conscience.
Amidst the chilling smile of the lady, I could see Arzen trembling, sandwiched between us, but he remained silent.
* * *
“You’re so beautiful, Miss.”
The maids who were arranging the lace one by one let out sighs of admiration.
I looked at myself in the mirror.
Madam Caddil’s dress was even more beautiful than I had anticipated.
It was more than just aesthetically appealing; it felt as though delicate care had been taken just for me, making everything perfect.
The honey-blonde hair contrasted beautifully against the black top, and the coral-colored corsage matched the pink irises as if every detail had come to life like a flower.
Above all, the layers of the red lace like undulating waves at the hem added an elegance beyond my expectations.
But more than that…
‘With the embellishments, I feel like a different person.’
Even though my face was already satisfactory, the face in the mirror had such extraordinary features that I had to question who it was.
Though the makeup was light and suited my style, it wasn’t heavily applied. Even if Nella had cast a spell, I’d believe it.
“Your complexion is improving, and you look healthier. Now, no one will be able to match you.”
“I want to capture this moment in a painting. So I can see it forever…”
The maids exclaimed and gently poked my cheeks, shouting that I was the best lady.
Having spent so much time with them since I was young, I was even more moved.
“Looking at you, you really resemble Madam.”
“That’s right. Lady Sio’s beauty was unparalleled in the empire, and you’ve inherited it perfectly.”
Resembling my mother.
I remember seeing her portrait back then, in a room at the end of a corridor, now covered with white curtains.
She held a newborn me, smiling brightly beside Father. A breathtakingly beautiful woman.
But there was only one portrait, and I only knew her smiling face from that.
Because her loving expression didn’t manifest in my reflection’s vacant gaze, I hadn’t really thought about our resemblance…
“I do see a little resemblance, now that you mention it.”
According to Nella and the other maids who worked at the mansion for a long time, my mother was supposedly lovely and cheerful, like a sunny person that brings smiles just by being around.
I was too young when she passed away due to illness, so I had no memories of her.
“She loved you immensely, Miss.”
“She never wanted to be apart from you for even a moment.”
“She whispered ‘I love you’ all the time, unreservedly…”
Whenever I heard stories about my mother like this, my heart would ache. Her love, unlike anything I had experienced in my past lives, was so overwhelming even to hear about.
“[Take her with you! I don’t need her, so just take her away!]”
“[Why me? If you don’t want to take her away so badly, then leave her with your sister! She’s short on help at the store!]”
The memories from my previous life, where two people sharply and loudly shouted at each other, momentarily clouded my mind.
I smiled faintly and said, “I want to meet my mother.”
At my words, the maids paused momentarily, and their expressions turned melancholic. They must feel the same way as I do.
*Knock-Knock*.
Just then, a knocking sound came from the door.
“Miss, Duke Karsian has arrived to escort you.”
Upon the butler’s announcement, I turned around and spoke, “Please, come in.”
Timing is perfect, as he arrived right after my dressing was completed.
“I shall enter.”
With a low, melodic voice, the doors on either side opened.
When I saw the man who appeared as the doors opened, I was taken aback.
“…Lady Sierra?”
Not because we had agreed upon it beforehand, but because Ludwig was standing there dressed as if he had coordinated his attire with mine.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that even if your eyes were fixed on the sky, you wouldn’t be able to find a more fitting explanation for his crazy appearance, which even surpasses my sister’s, who is known for her eccentric looks from a young age.
And he seemed equally stunned, just like me.
“It’s amazing. Even though we clearly didn’t coordinate outfits or even discuss it, we ended up in matching ensembles….”
Even at my words, Ludwig was at a loss for words for a moment.
What is this? Is it because we unintentionally followed the same dress code?
I called out to him, raising my head with a playful smile.
“Duke?”
“Yes.”
His voice, pleasant to the ears, sounded a bit startled, as if he had just regained his composure.
“I was momentarily speechless because you’re so beautiful.”
It was me who was rather taken aback by his expression, which was utterly devoid of pretense or flattery.
What’s this? You’re not the type to speak such romantic words.
Ludwig surprised me in various ways that were different from what I knew about him.
He extended his well-built arms towards me.
“Shall we go together, Sierra?”
“Yes, Ludwig.”
Is it just my imagination that his habit of calling me by my name as if he’s sulking about not being called by his name is coming across like that?
Without realizing it, I called his name and took his arm.
Then, a satisfyingly cool breeze seemed to blow as he raised the corner of his lips.
For some reason, fanning myself due to the heat, I left the room with him.
It was when I was descending the stairs with Ludwig.
“Sister?”
A familiar voice was heard from behind.
Jeria, elaborately adorned, walked towards us with Karlik and their arms linked.
Jeria strained to hide her contorted expression and glanced up and down at me.
“The Duke’s partner seems to have put a lot of effort into this… You look so natural that people might actually mistake you for real skin.”
‘Your complexion is completely gone, sister. Such pale skin wouldn’t be appealing to men; this is troublesome.’
Her words from the past resurfaced in my mind.
Now, a soft, rosy hue adorned my cheeks, and it wasn’t the pallor of a sick person that anyone would think; it seemed that Jeria assumed I had concealed it all with makeup.
Considering that Jeria wouldn’t say such a thing if the maids hadn’t interfered with her skin, it appeared that she had improved quite a bit.
Since I see my face every day, I couldn’t notice the differences, but now that she pointed them out, I could see.
“Thank you, Jeria. As you know, my skin is somewhat delicate, and I couldn’t properly apply anything. But hearing you say that makes me embarrassed for no reason.”
Her openly teasing remark prompted me to respond with a big smile, causing Jeria to bite her lip.
“So, in the end, you’re going with Lord Karlik, huh? It hasn’t been long since you came from the academy, so finding a partner isn’t easy, right?”
In response to my words, Jeria looked at Karlik, who was standing with crossed arms, with a frustrated expression.
When Jeria, with a face more beautiful than anyone else’s, faced Karlik, who had a calm expression, she couldn’t even meet his gaze for a moment before turning her eyes away.
Her reddened ears seemed to reveal her inner thoughts to Jeria without reservation.
“Y-your Grace. My sister caused a lot of trouble before. I heard that you saved her precious life.”
Well, precious sister?
What did she eat wrong?
Even Karlik looked at Jeria as if questioning what she was saying.
Only Jeria, with a face as thick as a steel plate, continued speaking to Ludwig.
“I must find a way to repay you somehow… My sister is so awkward and not skilled at these things. Even I could substitute…”
“Repayment has been more than generous from Lady Sierra.”
“What?”
“Giving me your full attention today and tomorrow, for two days. That’s the repayment I desired. It’s something no one else can do, only Lady Sierra can offer.”
He lifted our intertwined hands and displayed them as if to emphasize his point.
“Since I’ve received a repayment that is beyond my desires, I don’t need to concern myself with that matter from your side.”
Ludwig passed by the frozen Jeria and led me towards the door.
Incredibly handsome, yet a face that exuded a chilling aura with just a glance.
A face that couldn’t be read, devoid of any hint of emotion.
This is the Ludwig I know.
With a face like that, he likely exterminated the elders of his family, and later, he probably even slaughtered the protagonists in a fit of rage.
But then…
“Was I alright just now? I feel bad for being rude to Sierra’s cousin, but I somehow wanted to do it.”
As I looked at Ludwig who smiled faintly and turned to me, my lips remained sealed, and I couldn’t respond.
Why does he show a different side in front of me?
Whenever I face something different from what I believed without doubt, I get flustered.
“Am I really useful to Ludwig like this? Or…”
Is he genuinely smiling at me like this?
It felt like solving the most bizarre quiz in the world.
Why does this man act like this towards me?
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