Chapter 6
Noel had a talent for making people feel comfortable. Before I realized it, I was talking about the things that happened with the brothers here.
Even though I found out later that we weren’t actually blood-related siblings. Of course, I didn’t say anything about not being a real daughter.
“I also have a lot of siblings! Just like you!”
Noel said while bouncing excitedly.
“I have two older brothers and one younger brother.”
She counted them with her small fingers. I nodded.
“I see.”
“I always wanted a younger sister, though.”
She pouted, clearly upset. Her slightly puffed cheeks looked cute.
So exhausting. Isn’t she tired at all?
As our pace got faster, I was starting to get out of breath, but Noel showed no signs of getting tired. Suddenly, she stopped and stood in front of me, staring.
“What is it?”
“I think you’d look cuter with your hair down.”
Her gaze was fixed on my long black hair, tied up neatly.
“I have to keep it tidy.”
“Really? That’s too bad.”
Noel acted very comfortably with me. She looked like a noble’s daughter but had no hesitation at all. But more than that—Noel… she felt really familiar.
“Since you said you started working yesterday, I’ll give you a bit of advice.”
Noel lowered her voice like she was sharing a secret.
“Advice?”
“Yeah. It’s best to quit places like this quickly.”
Her words, “places like this,” bothered me. Of course, the Shainon family wasn’t exactly a good place, but…
“What do you mean?”
“I mean what I said. The Shainon family only looks good on the outside. Inside, it’s completely empty.”
She lifted her index finger as she kept talking and started walking again.
“There have been rumours for a long time, and lately, I even heard they used illegal funds.”
“Really?”
“They say it’s a big problem because they don’t even have the ability to repay it.” Noel didn’t sound like a child at all as she talked about the Sheinen family.
“In the end, things got so bad they even called in the father. But it’s not like the Harriet family will help them easily.”
“…What?”
“Well, I guess it’s to be expected after Beryl Shainon, the one they called a saint, died.”
A cynical expression flashed on her face. The last thing she said sounded more like she was talking to herself. Noticing my stare, Noel quickly changed her expression and smiled brightly.
“That’s what the grown-ups said. I don’t understand any of it, though.”
She shrugged with a playful look. But I couldn’t stop thinking about what she said before. Just now, what family name did she say?
“Harriet?”
Noel nodded.
Noel. Noel Harriet. Silver hair and blue eyes. She was Noel Harriet, the female lead of this world.
“…!”
I never imagined I’d meet Noel here. No wonder I kept feeling something was off! I was surprised for a moment, but quickly started thinking. Now that I serve Lilith, wouldn’t it be a good thing to be close with Noel too? Maybe she’d help me later if something happens…
While I was secretly nodding to myself, Noel kept chatting away, full of energy. When I started to fall behind, she even grabbed my hand and pulled me along. After walking for a long time, we finally saw the roof of the main building we had seen yesterday.
“Found it at last!”
Noel turned to me, looking delighted. Just like she said, it really felt like we’d been on an adventure.
How am I going to get back later?
Could I make it to the annex by myself? Honestly, we found the main building only thanks to Noel. All I did was follow her. As I was thinking seriously about it, suddenly there was a commotion nearby. Someone was coming towards us.
Soon, servants appeared and spotted me and Noel.
“F-Found her!”
At those words, the sound of many footsteps followed. Then, Ivna appeared from between the crowd.
“Noel-nim! We were looking all over for you. I was so shocked when you disappeared!”
“I was just bored, so I went on a short walk.”
“You… Chloe?”
Ivna frowned after seeing me and glanced between me and Noel.
“It’s thanks to Chloe—”
Noel started to speak again.
Smack!
But once again, she couldn’t finish. Ivna had suddenly rushed forward and slapped me hard.
Why did I get hit…?
I blinked slowly, my cheek stinging. She hit me so hard I staggered.
“How dare you come here! You had work to do!”
I looked around at the other servants’ faces and then back at Ivena.
“And on top of that, you brought a guest with you? Are you insane?”
She clearly thought I had secretly taken Noel with me. My right cheek began to burn.
“…I’m sorry, Ivna-nim.”
Even though I didn’t do anything wrong, I had no choice. Still, not even listening to an explanation… what a harsh life. I didn’t even get a chance to touch my hot cheek.
“You and everyone in the annex will be punished—”
“Stop!”
Right as Ivna grabbed my hand, Noel stepped forward and blocked her.
“N-Noel-nim?”
Ivna looked startled.
“I don’t know what kind of misunderstanding this is, but I just got lost while walking. I met Chloe on the way and came here with her.”
“But…”
“Please stop.”
Another voice interrupted her. It was a gender-neutral voice—low and calm, but with strength.
“If there’s fault, it lies with Noel, who left without saying anything because she was bored. Don’t blame the maid for anything.”
“But, Johann-nim, our maid has troubled—”
“We don’t want to make a big deal out of this.”
At the boy’s words, Ivna answered softly, “Yes, understood.”
Johann?
I lifted my head a bit. The first thing I saw was shiny golden hair, different from Noel’s. But his eyes were the same blue.
“Onii-sama!”
“Noel. You shouldn’t leave your place without telling anyone…”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
Johann let out a short sigh, clearly frustrated.
If I remembered right, Johann was Noel’s eldest brother. His voice was still high and youthful, not yet past puberty. His appearance also looked very androgynous.
So pretty.
That was my first thought when I saw him. I kept sneaking glances. Suddenly, Johann looked straight at me. Our eyes met—and then he began walking toward me. As he came closer, I instinctively stepped back. I couldn’t read anything from his clear blue eyes.
Up close, he’s different from Noel.
Noel’s eyes were a mix of blue and a bit of green, like an emerald sea. Johann’s were a pure, clear blue.
But why… why is he coming closer?
He was clearly walking toward me, but I had no idea why. As I nervously looked around, a white handkerchief was suddenly held out in front of me.
“…?”
I just stared blankly at it. A soft breeze came from Johann’s hand.
“Hold it to your face. It’s red.”
He gently placed the handkerchief against my right cheek. The sensation was a little cold.
That breeze just now… was magic.
I accepted the handkerchief, still dazed.
“…Thank you.”
I thanked him a little late.
I didn’t expect him to be this kind.
Johann Harriet.
The female lead Noel Harriet’s oldest brother. I had only heard that he was cold and quiet.
But the one who becomes the Duke of Harriet is the second brother, Noah Harriet.
I glanced at Johann’s back as he walked back toward Noel. There weren’t many events in the novel about Johann, so I didn’t know much about him.
All I knew was that he was one of the brothers Noel relied on…
Still, he was definitely different from someone who slapped people out of nowhere. I looked at Ivna. Her face was stiff. The cool touch on my cheek felt nice.
Since I’ve run into Ivna already, I might as well bring up the main point here. Besides, with Noel and Johann here, it might go better than if I were alone. Just then, Ivna and I made eye contact. I looked at her and slightly narrowed my eyes.
