The Sickly Youngest Member of the Villainous Family

“But…….”

 

We were walking side by side down the corridor.

 

A cold wind was blowing, but I didn’t need my winter coat yet.

 

“Haven’t you said you’re not interested in Cassilion?”

 

I asked Evan with a skeptical look.

 

Recently, I had seen Cassilion with Evan three times in the past week.

 

“…….”

 

Evan remained silent, wearing an uncomfortable expression.

 

What’s different from the original “The Secret of the Blue Falcon” is that Cassilion seemed to be watching Evan with a rather wary eye.

 

There were rumors that Evan had somehow threatened Cassilion.

 

Well, they would probably get along eventually.

 

“You…….”

 

Evan’s lips twitched.

 

I turned my head slightly and saw that Evan was looking at me with a very serious look in his eyes.

 

It was like looking at a child that’s been put up for adoption.

 

After a moment, Evan turned his gaze back to the front and spoke again.

 

“I don’t know how you can be so fearless.”

 

I didn’t know exactly what he was dissatisfied with, but his tone resembled something along the lines of ‘I don’t know what you’ll become in the future.’

 

“Are you kidding?”

 

“…….”

 

“After seeing him several times.”

 

I blurted out to Evan.

 

At that, Evan’s eyebrows twitched.

 

“……You.”

 

Evan opened his mouth with a complicated expression as if something had pricked him, but I quickened my pace and walked ahead, leaving Evan behind.

 

***

 

“You look like a doll, miss.”

 

“A doll. No doll in the world could be so beautiful.”

 

“This is a secret, but I’ve seen a doll in the north wing that looks just like her.”

 

Maya motioned for the noisy maids to be quiet.

 

I was wearing a newly fitted emerald-colored chemise dress, and I did look like a doll in the mirror.

 

Fitting a new dress was not my favorite thing to do.

 

Each day brings different growth, and the measurements always had to be taken again, often with no fixed schedule.

 

There were times when I postponed it with the excuse of not feeling well, but there were also times when I had to yield without a word.

 

“Miss, dinner is ready.”

 

There was a knock at the door, and I heard a servant’s voice.

 

It was time for me to dine with Recardo.

 

I had been putting off getting fitted for a dress for a long time and had gone once to dinner in a short dress, and afterward, the mansion symbolically turned upside down.

 

I had to explain to the head maid where the budget for me was being used, and Maya got a big scolding.

 

So, even if it’s a little uncomfortable, I can’t neglect to get my dress fitted.

 

I headed to dinner with Recardo wearing the first dress that was tailored.

 

When I opened the door, he was already there.

 

“I apologize for being late.”

 

Although it was 30 minutes earlier than the announced mealtime, I had made him wait, so I had to apologize first.

 

“Have a seat.”

 

Today, Jin was not present.

 

Although we didn’t always dine together, I said.

 

“It seems like brother Jin is busy.”

 

“He has a mission to carry out and won’t be back for three days.”

 

Now a teenager, Jin, as the heir and esteemed member of the Winchester family, was carrying out his duties.

 

Will I too someday carry out missions like him?

 

“In three days, I expect you’ll be able to attend the Dark Feast.”

(T/N: for anyone who did forget what that was, It was mentioned in Chapter 24 😉 )

 

Time passes quickly, and the day of the family gathering has come again.

 

“Jin will perform the duties of the head of the family in my absence.”

 

I narrowed my eyes.

 

“Brother Jin?”

 

“Yes. I have some business in Paramena, so I unavoidably have to leave.”

 

The people of the Winchester territory usually reside in the south, close to here.

 

I’ve heard that Paramena in the north is rugged…….

 

“Please be careful out there. Dress warmly so you don’t catch a cold.”

 

I said to Recardo with concern.

 

Recardo looked at me for a moment, then his lips curled.

 

“It’s not bad to hear such words.”

 

There was no need for Jin or anyone else to worry about Recardo catching a cold.

 

Recardo sipped the wine in his glass. In front of me was orange juice.

 

The dishes were gradually disappearing.

 

“You too.”

 

I heard Recardo’s voice.

 

I turned from my food to look at him.

 

“Take care of yourself.”

 

His eyes were serious.

 

I nodded.

 

“Yes, I’m taking good care of myself.”

 

My health was naturally low, so a simple cold would leave me laid up for days.

 

But with items like the Dried Scale of the Earth Dragon, I was able to increase my overall health, so maybe one day I’ll have a healthy body like everyone else.

 

I’m also working hard on quests, so maybe I’ll get some useful items.

 

I can only hope.

 

“Thank you for worrying.”

 

Recardo gazed at me for a while upon my words.

 

Then, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

 

“A father worrying about his daughter is not something to be thankful for.”

 

His words caught me off guard.

 

Father, daughter, family. It’s true that Recardo and I have that kind of relationship, but …..I still don’t feel comfortable with him.

 

I naturally get tense before having a meal with him and usually can only eat half of my usual portion.

 

It isn’t entirely because he’s a duke of some ancient villainous family.

 

My father in my previous life died when I was a child, and I’ve never had a meal like this with him, let alone memories of it.

 

“…….Yes.”

 

The corner of Recardo’s lips twitched at the slightest hint of a smile.

 

After a moment, he looked at me and said.

 

“By the way, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that dress before.”

 

***

 

After finishing the meal, I didn’t immediately return to my room.

 

Recardo suggested taking a walk.

 

Eating and going straight to sleep wasn’t good, so it was an acceptable way to stay healthy.

 

“Although it’s important to be physically strong.”

 

I nervously walked beside him. I could hear his voice in the chilly darkness.

 

“The strength of the mind is fundamental.”

 

It was a story I had heard from Grandfather Hector many times.

 

“Yes. I know, Father.”

 

The story was about the necessity of possessing both physical and mental strength to become a true owner of the Black Flame.

 

“Sasha, you are mentally strong. However, mental strength and emotional vulnerability can coexist.”

 

He was right, but I wondered why he was telling me this.

 

“Yes…….”

 

But I could only listen silently.

 

“If a worthless person strikes up a conversation or catches your eye, it’s better to reject them. Same goes for people who are not worthy.”

 

“Yes…… huh?”

 

“Make a habit of rejection. If your heart becomes vulnerable, even strong mental strength can be shaken.”

 

I walked silently beside him without giving a response. I needed to understand the context before replying.

 

After a moment, Recardo continued.

 

“Evan Taylor.”

 

His words made me startle.

 

I looked at Recardo, and in the darkness, his eyes showed a distinct glint.

 

“I told you to form a habit of rejecting, but it’s not the first time he’s peeked at you.”

 

Apparently, he was bothered by the fact that I often talked to Evan.

 

It’s inevitable for families in hostile relationships.

 

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

I chuckled and replied.

 

Why does a simple conversation feel so tense and turn into something complicated?

 

After a short walk around the garden, we returned to the entrance of the mansion.

 

Rowen, who had not been visible before, was waiting. Behind him were several mansion guards.

 

Rowen greeted me with a nod, seeming pleased.

 

“Hello, Miss.”

 

“Yes, Rowen. Good evening.”

 

It was time to part with Recardo.

 

“There’s a rumor that a suspicious figure has appeared in the eastern barn, so I was taking some guards.”

 

“Reinforce the security and report immediately if caught.”

 

“As you wish.”

 

I felt a bit embarrassed overhearing the conversation between Recardo and Rowen.

 

The barn… Was it because of what I did to Balmont and Neville?

 

‘That stings a little.’

 

“Father, I will be going now, then…….”

 

He said he was going to the north in three days, so maybe we wouldn’t be able to dine together next week.

 

“Sasha.”

 

I turned to leave, but Recardo’s lips curled into a smile.

 

“I was told you had a new dress fitted today.”

 

I froze, a little startled by his words.

 

Why is he suddenly bringing up this topic?

 

The wine he had today seems to be quite strong.

 

Rowen, who had been staring at me absentmindedly, seemed to realize something and spoke.

 

“Miss, you look beautiful. The jade-colored dress makes you look like a fairy.”

 

Rowen turned to the guards behind him.

 

“She’s beautiful.”

 

“It’s like a fairy has descended.”

 

“Your Grace, having such a beautiful lady with you, your heart must always be full, even if you don’t dine.”

 

The last guard seemed to have quite a way with words.

 

Recardo listened to their praise without saying a word, and then he said to me.

 

“You may go in now.”

 

A hint of pride in his cold eyes.

 

A moment later, still feeling bewildered, I bowed to Recardo in greeting.

 

Had he just…… pulled some strings to hear praises about me?