TISND Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Since she had left the mansion in a huff, Rosalith hadn’t visited as often as before. That didn’t mean she stopped coming entirely—she still dropped by occasionally to bicker with Jeremy or strike up a conversation with Calligo.

The good news was that Helena no longer found it as difficult to face her as she once did. In any case, with Rosalith visiting less frequently, the rumors surrounding her and Calligo gradually died down. However, not all the gossip disappeared entirely.

Helena noticed the subtle shift in the way the servants looked at her.
When she first arrived in the capital, their gazes had been filled with curiosity.
When Rosalith appeared, their expressions turned intrigued and amused.
But now, something was different.

Though hard to pinpoint, their eyes carried a faint trace of hostility.

It wasn’t entirely surprising. The daughter of Eskel was always bound to attract some resentment. But this wasn’t just about her family—it felt like they were blaming her, personally.

A sense of déjà vu lingered. She’d experienced similar feelings back at the academy.

“Madam, the wind has grown quite cold. Spring breezes can be even more dangerous when it comes to catching a cold, you know. You should stay somewhere warm,” Emma said, interrupting Helena’s thoughts.

Downstairs, the sounds of servants chatting could be heard as Emma secured the window latch and even drew the curtains in the bedroom.
The sunlight that had filled the room moments ago was replaced by a dim shadow.

Helena understood Emma’s concern. It was comforting to know there were still people who cared for her in times like these.

“I’ll make sure all the windows in the house are shut. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time in the study? Sitting by the warmth of the fireplace can be quite pleasant,” Emma suggested.

Helena’s movement had already been limited to a few places. Working in the garden didn’t mean she could wander freely, after all.
Her days were mostly confined to the study, the garden, or her bedroom.

Emma strongly recommended avoiding the garden and spending more time in the study.

“The study… It’s a good place to be alone. At least no one comes and goes there.”

“Indeed. Shall I bring some tea to the study for you?”

“Emma.”

“Yes, Madam?” she replied politely.

“Speak,” Helena said firmly.

“I’m not sure I understand, Madam.”

“The rumors circulating in the house. Don’t they concern me? I am the subject, so I should at least know what’s being said.”

“Rumors?” Emma hesitated.

Helena could tell Emma was withholding the truth out of concern for her. Appreciating the thought, she gently pressed further.

“I’ve been the subject of stares my entire life—I can recognize what kind of looks accompany certain rumors.”

“…Madam, it would be better if you didn’t know,” Emma replied calmly.

“These are just baseless rumors that will naturally fade with time. That’s how most gossip works. I’ll ensure the servants keep their tongues in check, so wouldn’t it be best to leave it at that?”

Emma concluded with a tone of genuine concern, worried that Helena might be hurt by the idle talk.

“I appreciate your care, and I’m grateful that you’re trying to protect me.”

“Madam…”

“But truly, it’s fine. I’ve been the subject of gossip since I was a child—I’m used to it,” Helena said, meeting her eyes.

“Wasn’t it the same when I first arrived at Frantor? Don’t worry and just tell me.”

“…Very well.”

Emma hesitated, biting her lip as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, she spoke.

“It’s about you and that doctor, Aiden.”

“…”

“It’s rumored that the two of you might be lovers…”

And so, what happened at the academy was happening again.

“They say that’s also the reason why the Duke doesn’t get along with you.”

Helena had always been alone since she was young. When she first stepped out of the mansion, the first person she made friends with was Aiden. It would be a lie to say she never had romantic feelings for him. Aiden’s kindness and affection were exactly the warmth she had longed for, the very care she had been seeking.

For the first time, she felt the warmth of friendship and excitement. It was a time when she was so happy she could cry.

But the label of being Eskel’s daughter was one that couldn’t be easily removed.
The name Eskel nearly ruined the promising future of a young doctor.

“Thank you for telling me.”
Helena smiled.

“Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

“I told you, didn’t I? I don’t mind these rumors at all.”
Seeing Helena’s composed demeanor, Emma sighed in relief.

“I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried it might hurt you.”

“Honestly, you should’ve told me sooner. This is really my fault for not handling things properly.”

Helena spoke.
“It’s fine, so don’t worry. I’ll be careful, and you shouldn’t overthink it either.”

“Yes, Madam! I’ll leave now.”

Emma answered briskly and left, leaving Helena alone in the bedroom.

*

In the end, such things were bound to happen again.

‘Do you think a noblewoman can save a declining family by attaching herself to a loser?’

‘If he’s willing to be with someone like Eskel, Aiden must be nothing special either.’

‘The one who used to be a top student has turned out to be so insignificant. What a disappointment.’

These were the rumors that spread when news of Aiden and Helena broke at the academy.
Helena had grown used to these kinds of looks, but Aiden hadn’t.
Those who had been jealous of him openly spat at him and called him a parasite, pointing their fingers at him.

“Aiden! Please. Don’t let that girl be with you.”

“But… Mother. Helena is just my friend!”

“Friend? She’s an Eskel!”

“Helena is a good girl! She’s not what those rumors say!”

“It doesn’t matter if that’s true. What matters is that her name is out there!”

Eventually, Aiden’s mother, Baroness Beren, came to the academy.
Despite the fact that the person involved was standing right there, she unabashedly poured out her criticism of Helena.

“You should become a doctor. You should carry your father’s name and revive the family!”

The Baroness grabbed Aiden’s shoulders, pleading.

“And what about Helena? What are we supposed to do with her?”
Aiden shouted.

“Didn’t you always tell me to treat everyone kindly? You always told me I should help those in need.”

“I did say that!”

Baroness Beren raised her voice too.
“But she’s an Eskel!”

“What does that have to do with anything? She’s someone in need, just as you said.”

“You alone can’t help her. No matter how much you shout about her innocence, no one will believe you!”

“Don’t you think Helena is pitiful?”

“Pitiful!”
The Baroness shouted angrily.

“But I don’t want her involved with us. You should never have been involved with Eskel in the first place!”

“Mother!”

“If you continue hanging around with Eskel, do you think it will end with just you? What about your younger sister? What about me? You’ll be mocked in the streets and hear insults from everyone!”

I clearly heard the conversation between the two of them. I still couldn’t forget that day.

“Does she not even think we’re pitiful?”

“Please! She just wants to be friends.”

“That’s not even possible! We can’t do it. We’re too weak to withstand even the slightest rumor!”

The reason I wasn’t particularly shocked when I received the terminal diagnosis seemed to be because of that moment.
What Baroness Beren said to Aiden felt like a death sentence to me.

That was when Helena finally realized—
As much as she longed for human warmth,
It was something she couldn’t have.

“Oh, dear! For our sake, please stay away from this boy!”

Baroness Beren had pleaded, rushing toward Helena.

“This boy is meant to be a doctor. If he gets tangled up in such terrible rumors, not only will his life be ruined, but the whole family will fall apart. Please, for my sake, end it now.”

Why can’t I have that?
Others have families and friends, one by one.
Why is it that such a thing is not allowed for me?
I’m so lonely and struggling. I only wanted someone to be by my side.
I didn’t ask for much; just that.
But why is that too much to ask?

“I understand. I’ll do as you wish. Please calm your anger now.”

At that time, in despair, Helena had no choice but to say what Baroness Beren wanted to hear.

If my existence was ruining my senior’s life, what could I do?
The only choice she had was to agree.
But now, that situation seemed to be repeating itself.
She thought it would be different this time.

“I guess it’s still not possible.”

In the bedroom, left alone, Helena smiled bitterly as she whispered to herself.

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