Chapter 10

“It’s been a while, my daughter.”

Father came to the duke’s residence just as I finished today’s financial work. The air in the usually pleasant drawing room felt stuffy. I said with an unpleasant expression.

“Yes, it has been a while. But what brings you here without notice?”

“What’s the problem with a father visiting his daughter?”

If it were any other family, there would be no problem. But wasn’t father the one who made his young daughter a married woman solely for his own benefit? Perhaps because I said nothing, he cleared his throat awkwardly and continued.

“Your older sister Daisy will be getting married soon.”

“Wow, really? Congratulations.”

I said it lifelessly, without any emotion. What did it matter to me whether my sister, who wasn’t friendly toward me, got married or not? She told her own sister to never come home. I thought she was such a terrible sister.

“She’ll be holding the ceremony with Baron Davida in two months.”

“Baron Davida?”

I asked back loudly, too shocked. My sister was sixteen, two years older than me, and as far as I knew, Baron Davida was a decrepit old man close to fifty.

Unable to believe it, I questioned father.

“Baron Davida must have passed his title to his son.”

It must be his son, not the old Baron Davida I knew. Otherwise, there’s no way this marriage would happen.

“What are you talking about? That family has no sons. They only have a daughter born with his previous wife.”

“Then you’re saying sister is marrying a man old enough to be her father?”

It felt like warning bells were ringing in my head. No matter how bad our relationship was, I had to stop this marriage.

“Although he’s old, he’s tremendously wealthy. He’s a very important person to me.”

“If he’s that important, you should marry him, father. You’re similar in age, so you’d make a good match.”

“Don’t make stupid jokes.”

“Then why does sister have to marry him?”

“He’s offering to invest in my new business without even requiring a dowry.”

I barely managed to hold back the curse that was about to escape my lips. Through Anna the maid and the surrounding nobles, I was well aware of my family’s circumstances.

My mother had good business acumen. Thanks to that, our family was harmonious and enjoyed a prosperous life. But after mother passed away from illness, misfortune came. My lazy father with no business sense squandered all of mother’s efforts one by one and took out his stress on me and my sister.

“Business? You’re already receiving plenty of money from the Bellocchio family.”

The sponsorship money Duke Bellocchio had given him over the past year alone was enormous. Yet I couldn’t understand how he could sell off his sister to an old man for business funds.

“I had no choice.”

He wrapped his hands around mine. Instinctively feeling repulsed, goosebumps rose on my arms.

“I invested money for our Evra Marquis family, and it wasn’t easy.”

“Where did you invest it?”

“You’re still young, so you wouldn’t understand. We divided cards, staking each other’s property.”

Father thought I wouldn’t know and dressed up his gambling in plausible words. That appearance was utterly ridiculous. Moreover, seeing that he has no money now, he must have lost it all.

“Unfortunately, the world doesn’t flow according to my will. Once we get past this crisis, things will improve. So there’s something you need to do.”

I had no intention of granting his request. I just sat still and glared at him. As if not caring about my reaction, he looked around and muttered quietly.

“There are too many listening ears right now.”

Two maids were waiting in the corner, ready to attend to anything I might need. What kind of great secret did he want to talk about that he was complaining about listening ears? I sighed and told the maids.

“I’ll call you later if I need something. Can you leave for now?”

They bowed to me and Duke Bellocchio, then left the drawing room.

As soon as the door closed, father looked around. Having confirmed that only the two of us were in the drawing room, he spoke in a low voice, perhaps worried someone might eavesdrop from outside.

“Every time you accomplish something here, Duke Bellocchio gives more support money. So you need to accomplish more.”

“I’m already accomplishing enough.”

“You need to do more.”

“This is my limit.”

“Then you can create problems that don’t exist. Getting rid of one maid wouldn’t be difficult, right? Like how you got rid of the etiquette teacher.”

It was insane talk. The maids here took care of me thoughtfully for my comfortable life at the duke’s residence. And they were good to Anna, who came to the duke’s residence with me. I didn’t want to betray them. Just as I was about to express my refusal.

“For your sake, mine, and your sister’s, you must accomplish more.”

He quickly added in a gentle tone, as if he knew I would show my intention to refuse.

If it were the real Elicia, her heart might have softened, but since I wasn’t really her, I wasn’t swayed.

“I’m tired. Please leave.”

“I can’t leave with peace of mind unless you agree to do it.”

“Just go. Before I really do nothing.”

Of course, I had no intention of doing as father ordered. Not wanting to associate with him anymore, I spoke indirectly. As I stood up with an expression full of irritation, father glared at me.

‘What are you going to do by glaring?’

Anyway, this is the duke’s residence, so he can’t treat me carelessly.

“See yourself out.”

I turned my back and left the drawing room. Very quickly, before he could chase after me.

***

“How annoying.”

As soon as I entered my room, I lay spread-eagled on the bed. I don’t know why I feel so unsettled and disgusted. Is it because my sister, though we’re not close, has to forcibly marry an old man? Or is it annoying just from meeting father himself?

I punched the mattress for no reason. Right at that moment.

[★Lala★’s Quest has appeared! Would you like to check it?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

 

A window appeared before my eyes proposing a quest. A quest at this timing. I wanted to refuse, but if I did, I would only get a bunch of penalties. I had no choice but to select ‘Yes.’

 

[★Lala★’s Quest]

 

<Stop your sister’s marriage!>

 

You should prevent your beloved sister’s unhappiness, right?

 

Stop Daisy’s marriage and give her the gift of freedom♬

 

(Period: Two months)

‘Why should I?’

I really didn’t understand. Of course, it was unfortunate that she had to marry a man old enough to be her father. If I had met her often and been close with her even after possessing Elicia’s body, I would have naturally approached the quest actively.

‘We’re not even close, so why should I?’

She didn’t show me a friendly attitude either through letters or when we actually met. So why should I suffer for her sake? I questioned the quest itself. No, even if I were close with my sister, I was at a loss about how to stop the marriage.

– Hello, beloved Elicia♪

As if realizing I had many complaints, Lala appeared.

– Do you have complaints about the quest?

Glossy blonde hair, soft curved lips. I glared at him for no reason, finding him especially irritating today.

‘Wouldn’t you have complaints if you were me? Why should I help a sister I’m not even close with?’

– Don’t worry. Lala has come to raise Elicia’s motivation.

‘Do you think my motivation will increase just because you do that?’

– From now on, I’ll share Elicia’s memories with you. I hope you succeed in the quest♬

Lala disappeared, and pitch-black darkness enveloped my eyes.

***

The darkness lifted, and Elicia’s memories flashed before my eyes. It began with a scene of Elicia, her parents, and her sister being a happy, harmonious family.

But the happiness was short-lived. Her mother’s health suddenly worsened and she passed away, after which her father was seen drinking every day.

“Sister…”

“It’s okay. Hide until I call for you.”

Her drunken father had a violent temper. Whenever he reached for a bottle, Daisy would hide Elicia in the closet. Perhaps she was worried about upsetting her younger sister. Though her father’s blows were painful, she never made a sound.

‘He was even more of a bastard than I thought.’

It was cunning for mere drunkenness. He never touched her face, only inflicting violence on places that wouldn’t show. Because of this, Daisy always wore long-sleeved dresses, even on hot days.

‘I wondered if the Evra Marquisate was an overly conservative family…’

It was all to hide the bruises left by her father.

Next, I saw Daisy speaking with her father.

“Why do you think Elicia should marry instead of me?”

“She’s the same age as Young Master Erlian, so they can get close quickly. Besides, Elicia is smart, so she’ll be able to handle anything Duke Bellocchio asks of her.”

The person originally supposed to marry Ian was not Elicia, but Daisy. Yet, perhaps unable to leave her sister alone in that terrible house, Daisy gave up her opportunity to Elicia. Meanwhile, she delivered harsh words to her sister, telling her never to think of returning home.

Even after Elicia’s marriage, her father’s violent habits didn’t cease.

Then, one day, Daisy’s marriage partner was decided.

“Sister… not that man, never.”

“No, I’m happy. I can escape this house. It will be happier there than here.”

Contrary to the sisters’ hopes, the new place was not much different from home. The man, thirty years her senior, was also physically abusive like their father.

After her marriage, Daisy still had to wear dresses that covered her arms completely. Watching this, Elicia fell into despair. She had to run away with her sister. To do that, they needed a substantial amount of money.

“I’ll do anything.”

And so, Elicia became Duke Bellocchio’s willing tool. She did whatever he commanded.

“Sia, you were so dignified and wonderful when you were younger, but I don’t see that side of you anymore.”

Angelo openly pointed this out to her. Elicia cut off all contact with Angelo in response.

Time passed. Elicia saved enough money for her and her sister to run away and live on their own. As soon as she came of age, she planned to divorce Erlian and flee with her sister. But what went wrong? Duke Bellocchio threatened Ethel, which incurred Ian’s wrath.

In truth, Ian knew that Elicia was Duke Bellocchio’s person. He had tolerated it until then because it hadn’t caused any major problems. But he could not stand by when Ethel was touched.

Sling—

Ian drew his sword from its sheath and held it against her neck. A stream of bright red blood trickled down her pale neck. This scene was one I had already witnessed in the original game.

‘At this rate, Ian will kill Elicia and bring back Ethel.’

But the truth was different from the game.

“Get out of the mansion. This is my first and last consideration.”

Ian did not kill Elicia.

The rumor that she had died spread rapidly after she fled the ducal estate. This was likely Ian’s final act of consideration. Thanks to this, Elicia, with a light heart, took her sister’s hand and boarded a carriage.

As they left the capital, the wide open grasslands and bright yellow flowers welcomed the carriage. They had succeeded in the escape they had desperately wished for. They would never return to the capital. They would hide away quietly in a small village. The two were crying silent tears, yet their lips were smiling. Just then.

“Aah!”

Suddenly, the horses lurched, the carriage rattled, and finally, it fell onto its side.

“Sister, are you okay?”

“Yes.”

An unexpected accident, but they were fine. They weren’t seriously hurt, and their father wasn’t here. Laughing softly at each other, the two managed to crawl out through the window. But then.

“You turn on me after I raised you?”

A familiar, sickening voice, a face they never wanted to see again. Their father had found them after all, accompanied by two assassins holding sharp swords.

“All my plans have gone awry because of your foolish actions. Useless things.”

Their father’s cold gaze no longer felt frightening. However, it was unfair that everything they had worked for to gain freedom was now ruined. But with the plan having failed, there was nothing they could do.

The assassin raised his sword high. The two embraced each other as if by promise, and soon their dresses were stained red.

Their father did not collect their bodies. He abandoned his two cold daughters and went back.

“Sia!”

After a long time, Angelo found the bodies of the two sisters. He, who had always laughed, even when his arm was broken or when Elicia tormented him, cried out loud for the first time.

***

“Young Mistress, are you alright?”

Someone shook my body. As my eyes slowly fluttered open, Anna looked at me with a face full of concern.

“I… I’m fine.”

Huh? Was that my voice? A raspy sound, surprising even myself, escaped my lips.

“You must have had a nightmare. You were shouting and crying nonstop.”

“I was?”

Embarrassed, I touched my right cheek. It was damp, confirming Anna’s words.

‘To give such a tragic backstory to a mere supporting character…’

Honestly, who wouldn’t be angered by that situation? The sisters, who suffered from domestic violence, were forced into marriage by their father’s greed and were ultimately killed by his own hand.

‘I would have regretted not knowing.’

I was almost grateful to Lala for giving me the quest to stop my sister’s wedding. Now I understood why my heart ached when she spoke those venomous words. Elicia loved her sister.

‘This time, I will prevent the sisters’ tragedy.’

I got out of bed and planted my feet on the floor, but my body swayed for a moment, losing balance. Startled, Anna rushed over to support me and said, “Perhaps you should rest a bit more?”

“No. I have something I must do. Thank you for worrying about me.”

I left the room, leaving Anna behind. I walked slowly down the corridor and descended the stairs, where the butler greeted me. I simply smiled at him when he asked if I needed anything, and continued walking. My two legs led me to the door of Duke Bellocchio’s office.

Why was I so nervous over this? I took a deep breath to relax, then knock, knock—I rapped on the door.

“Come in.”

Duke Bellocchio’s voice was heard from inside. As I opened the door and took a step in, my eyes met his. Perhaps because it was unusual for me to come to his office first, his eyes were full of curiosity.

“I have something to tell you.”

As I spoke, I hoped he would take an interest in my story.

“Has something happened to Ian already?”

“No. It’s not related to Ian.”

“Hmm, I thought I might have to go to the Academy again.”

Duke Bellocchio sounded disappointed as he said this, as if he was hoping Ian had caused trouble. But this was not the time to be concerned with such things.

“Father, do you remember?”

“Remember what?”

“You asked me if there was anything I wanted right after the hunting competition last year.”

After all that had transpired—Ian and Liam’s sword practice, the etiquette teacher incident, and Liam’s attack after the hunting competition—he had offered me a reward. I had deferred the request.

“The more I see of you, the more useful a daughter-in-law you are. Is there anything you desire?”

“Could I tell you later?”

“Very well.”

Frankly, I had forgotten about it and only just now recalled it. I thought it was a good thing I had postponed it instead of asking for something trivial right away.

The Duke, who had been momentarily lost in thought, now focused on me, seemingly remembering the offer he had made.

“So, what is it that you want?”

“That is…”

Since I was young, Duke Bellocchio would expect me to request something simple to handle. If I were to tell him honestly what I wanted, he might be deeply disappointed in me.

‘But I have no choice.’

It was important to complete Lala’s quest, but above all, I could not ignore a girl in suffering.

‘No, isn’t this too cruel a backstory for a minor game character?’

In any case, I was Elicia now. Having learned the truth, I could not turn away from my biological sister, Daisy, who was in crisis. Furthermore, if I left my father alone, he would continue to bother me from time to time, as he did today.

As I hesitated, unable to speak, Duke Bellocchio quickly lost interest and turned his gaze back to his documents.

‘Will Duke Bellocchio grant my request?’

I was worried that far from granting it, my trust with him might be damaged. Still, I couldn’t just stand there. I tried to ignore my rapidly pounding heart and slowly opened my mouth.

“Please kill my father.”

“…What?”

Perhaps because it was a truly unexpected request, his gaze snapped back to me. It was understandable that he was shocked. A young girl asking for someone to be killed, and her own father at that.

But I felt nothing. Why should I feel guilty about killing a game character?

“Do you know what you just said?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Kill a person, your own father? That’s far too much for a fourteen-year-old’s request.”

“But it is an urgent and important matter for me.”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but calm down and return to your room for now.”

He turned his gaze back to his documents, as if he no longer wished to associate with me. Though I called out to him several times, he did not respond.

‘I can’t go back. I must get a confirmation right here, right now.’

If I were to leave now as Duke Bellocchio instructed, he might ignore my future requests for a meeting, citing his busy schedule. He wouldn’t want to hear such a request again, after all.

“Even now, my sister is probably unable to avoid my father’s abuse. Just like always.”

“…”

“And because of my father, my sister is marrying a man who is incredibly old.”

“I also heard about the marriage to Baron Davida. I did find that a bit hard to understand.”

“My sister will be miserable even after marriage. So, I must stop this wedding.”

“Still, I cannot kill a person. Furthermore, I cannot interfere arbitrarily in someone else’s marriage.”

Even with my emotional plea, he seemed unwilling to help. But I had no intention of giving up. I sighed and opened my mouth.

“Father, do you know what it’s like to want to meet or contact someone, but not be able to?”

“…”

My words seemed to have had an effect. Although he didn’t say anything, I succeeded in making him look back at me from his documents.

“I know.”

His low voice pierced my ears.

“I have suffered that pain for longer than you have.”

At his words, the image of a woman suddenly came to mind—the black-haired woman I had met by chance at the Academy during the incident with Ian. That is, Ian’s mother, Adria.

“My sister was the same. She was afraid that if she sent a letter, it would bring harm to me.”

It was true. In the original story, Daisy never sent letters because she was afraid that contacting her sister would weaken Elicia’s resolve and make her want to come back. Even when Elicia wrote, she never replied. She only sent one harsh letter early in the marriage, telling her sister not to think about returning.

Moreover, even when Elicia wanted to see her, Daisy always refused. She wanted her sister to see only good things and be happy, unlike herself, who constantly faced misery. That’s why she ignored Elicia when they accidentally met at parties.

Fortunately, Elicia was smart enough to understand her sister’s heart. That’s why she worked so hard for her escape.

“Give my sister her freedom. I want her to be happy now.”

“Even so, your father is a Marquis. Even though I am a Duke, I cannot simply kill him.”

“Can’t you hire an assassin discreetly?”

“You often say cruel things that are unlike a child.”

“…I said that because I was desperate.”

I realized my mistake late. He had openly called me cruel. But I didn’t have the luxury of worrying about that.

“I can help your sister escape. I can provide enough wealth so she won’t lack anything while in hiding. Although it might be difficult to meet, she won’t have to suffer.”

No. That won’t work. What happened in the original story? The two ran away, were caught by their father, and met a tragic end.

“That won’t be enough.”

I must definitively kill my father so he can’t pursue Daisy. When I shook my head in refusal, he sighed heavily, sounding frustrated.

“Even so, I cannot kill a Marquis. Though he does occasionally bother me.”

“Really? Why?”

“Your father seems to have endless greed.”

He didn’t elaborate, but I could roughly guess.

Duke Bellocchio was providing my father with sufficient support. But my father was likely growing bolder, revealing his greed by constantly asking for increased support. Since that didn’t work, he was pressuring me to contribute more.

“What if, just hypothetically, my father commits an enormous crime?”

“You say it like the Marquis is plotting something.”

“If there isn’t one, one should be made.”

The moment I said that, my eyes met Duke Bellocchio’s.

‘It’s settled.’

I smiled and nodded my head.

***

 

「Hello. It’s me.

 

(~~~~)

 

You said you’d send a letter right away, but you haven’t.」

A week had passed. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been able to send Ian a single letter. My days were hectic, filled with financial duties and preparing for the quest to help Daisy.

Duke Bellocchio had entrusted me with the preparations for taking revenge on my father. I was putting in extraordinary effort to ensure the matter would be resolved decisively and in one go. A letter rushing for a reply during such a busy time was exasperating.

‘I’ll send one once I sort out this business.’

I put the letter in the drawer and started working again.

***

Three days later.

“Erlian has caused trouble again.”

Duke Bellocchio came directly to tell me.

“It must be Liam causing trouble again, right?”

“…This time, they say it has nothing to do with Liam.”

Damn it. I was in trouble for two reasons. First, I didn’t want to waste time going to the Academy when I was this busy, and second, Duke Bellocchio wanted his son to be perfectly raised. Therefore, he hated hearing his son’s name mentioned in connection with bad news more than anyone.

‘It’s because he’s conscious of Adria.’

Why else would he bring in an obedient daughter-in-law to monitor his son?

“Hmm, well… perhaps Ian was trapped again?”

I said it with the desperate hope that Ian was truly innocent. If Ian was to blame, Duke Bellocchio’s trust in me would surely plummet. That would immediately disrupt my plan to help my sister. I nervously bit my lip and looked at him, then I was startled.

‘What is this expression?’

I had expected a cold expression. After all, Ian’s perfectly curated life had been stained. However, Duke Bellocchio was looking excited again.

Perhaps because I had seen that look before, I was able to observe him calmly without being too surprised. This time, I looked out the window for the entire carriage ride to the Academy, ignoring the Duke.

“Ian!”

“Long time no see.”

I breathed a sigh of relief seeing Ian, who was smiling brightly and greeting me, which was unusual for someone who had just caused trouble. Surely he must have been caught in someone’s trap and was innocent, which is why he was greeting me with such an honest smile.

“Ian, was Liam at fault again?”

“That guy is probably in class.”

“Then why, in the world…? Is someone else harassing you?”

“That’s not it. Young Master Bellocchio broke half of the windows in the main building’s first-floor corridor.”

The professor, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, spoke up. I briefly doubted my ears and asked Ian if it was true, and he nodded. Seeing him nod so confidently, I was certain.

“Someone must have cast a spell on the windows! So they shattered only when Ian passed by. We should suspect Liam is the culprit in this incident.”

“Unfortunately, Liveri’s magic skills are not up to that level.”

“Then Liam must have hired someone.”

“At the Academy, magic cannot be used outside of designated areas. That area is a magic-free zone. You cannot use magic even if you wanted to.”

“If not that, then he must have attached an explosive item to the window…”

“No. Not only the students but I also saw Young Master Bellocchio break the windows one by one with his scabbard.”

The professor pushed up his glasses and refuted me.

“Why did you do that!”

“Perhaps an evil spirit briefly possessed Ian’s body?”

I stood in front of the highly irritated Duke Bellocchio and said anything that came to mind. Unfortunately, no one seemed to believe me.

“Eli, I’m sorry.”

Finally, Ian spoke. He bowed his head deeply, as if genuinely reflecting.

Wow, what an improvement. Ian is apologizing now. But there was no time for admiration. The priority was resolving Ian’s window incident.

“Just tell me what happened.”

“I was going to class, and…”

Seeing Ian hesitate and unable to continue, I was convinced.

“Liam did something nasty again, didn’t he? He harassed you, and since you couldn’t hit a person, you hit the window instead, right?”

“No. Some kid bumped into me and spilled water on my clothes.”

“Water…?”

Surely, he didn’t do that just because water was spilled on him. I wanted to trust Ian, but anxiety kept enveloping me. It absolutely couldn’t be that. There must be some unavoidable circumstance.

‘Ian’s Temperament score is over 30.’

So he wouldn’t do something so petty. I calmed my surprised heart, put on my best benevolent smile, and urged him to continue

“My clothes were getting damp, and he didn’t apologize right away. It took more than three seconds for him to apologize, I think.”

“Huh…?”

Did I mishear? Unlike me, who was dumbfounded, Ian smiled brightly, devoid of any malice, and said, “You told me not to hit people. So I just broke a few windows, but I didn’t think it would be such a problem.”

“You crazy bastard.”

Surprised by the profanity that popped out of my mouth, I covered it with both hands. This isn’t the image I’m supposed to project here…

‘This is all Ian’s fault!’

It was water, not some beverage, and the kid did apologize eventually. So why was he acting like this?

I rolled my eyes, trying to gauge the reactions. Duke Bellocchio’s eyebrow twitched slightly, as if my cursing bothered him. The unnamed professor pursed his lips as if he had a lot to say but was holding back. And Ian was curving his lips into a smile, finding my reaction amusing.

“Still, I broke the windows with the scabbard, so no one, including me, got hurt.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Sorry, are you angry?”

Ian asked with a bright smile. It was a perfectly innocent smile, unlike that of a culprit, almost too kind-looking. Knowing that opening my mouth would only lead to more cursing, I tightly closed my lips and shut my eyes.

‘Is there a bug in the game?’

Could Ian’s Temperament score actually be around -5?

Knock, knock.

Just then, the door opened with a knock. As I saw the woman who entered, my gaze instinctively turned towards Duke Bellocchio.

‘Seriously.’

His cold, unfeeling amethyst eyes brightened. Watching that, I was once again certain. Duke Bellocchio still loved Ian’s mother—his wife, Adria—very much.

She approached with an elegant stride and sat opposite Duke Bellocchio.

“Professor Albichy. May I handle this matter?”

“No. I have no intention of letting this incident go easily. Even if he is your son, he will find it difficult to avoid punishment.”

“I agree with you. I will be the one to punish him most severely for this matter.”

“Hmph… Then I shall leave it to you.”

Professor Albichy, who had handled the Liam incident last time, nodded and rose from his seat.

The door closed. Only Ian, I, Duke Bellocchio, and Adria remained inside.

“Have you been well?”

“How did you raise your son? This is the second time this semester. Do I have to inconveniently drop by every time?”

“It seems my own shortcomings mean there is a limit to raising a son alone.”

Astonishing. The man who always seemed so imposing and utterly without humility just said that. He was even smiling. Duke Bellocchio, of all people. I think this is the first time I’ve seen him smile so brightly.

“If you acknowledge your shortcomings, then hire a proper tutor for Erlian during the vacation.”

“It would be better if you, Erlian’s mother, joined us. Of course, you won’t have to suffer from child-rearing.”

“Yes. I won’t suffer from child-rearing like I did back then. Because you just want me to do nothing.”

“…But I don’t regret my actions.”

After Duke Bellocchio’s words, no one spoke. Only the chirping of birds outside the window could be heard.

What exactly happened between them? It’s intriguing, but I wish someone would tell me why they are acting like this. But they wouldn’t tell me even if I asked. So, I kept my mouth shut and remained still.

“I’ll send the claim for the window repair compensation to the Bellocchio Ducal Estate.”

Adria broke the silence.

“Consider yourself lucky that Erlian’s punishment ended with only a 20-point deduction.”

She left after saying her piece. Bang! The door closed, and the three of us remained.

Now, I was the one in big trouble. My role as a daughter-in-law in this ducal family was not only to report to Duke Bellocchio if anything happened to Ian, but also to prevent Ian from causing trouble.

“I apologize. This happened because I failed to be attentive…”

Regardless, I needed to stay in Duke Bellocchio’s good graces right now. So, I apologized. I needed his help to screw over my father and cancel my sister’s marriage.

“It’s alright. It was something you couldn’t have prevented.”

Fortunately, he seemed to be in quite a good mood. He wasn’t even angry at Ian.

“Well, this method isn’t so bad either.”

Watching Duke Bellocchio mutter to himself, I was sure. This situation was, somehow, turning out for the better.

“The matter is settled, so we shall leave now.”

As Duke Bellocchio and I walked towards the carriage, Ian followed silently beside me. Just as we exited the main building.

“Hello, Duke.”

Angelo appeared. He greeted Duke Bellocchio politely and nodded towards me.

“You, you rascal!”

I was so happy to see him that I approached him with open arms, but Ian grabbed my arm, preventing a hug. Seeing Ian’s firmly set expression, I realized my mistake late.

‘That’s right, I’m married.’

But Angelo is such a precious friend to me, isn’t he? After seeing Elicia’s past, I resolved to be exceptionally kind to Angelo.

Though Angelo was disappointed by his friend Elicia’s change after the marriage, he took care of her until the end. He even found her body and cried when she died.

‘He was a truly loyal friend.’

So much so that I felt sorry for being uncomfortable with him in the beginning.

“I came because I heard something happened to Ian, but Sia, you came too.”

“Erlian.”

“Right, Erlian.”

When Ian corrected him, Angelo laughed as if he couldn’t help it. It seemed Angelo wasn’t close enough with Ian to call him by his nickname yet.

“The problem is solved. We should go back now.”

When I sighed heavily and walked toward the carriage, Ian and Angelo trailed behind me like chicks following their mother hen.

***

“Goodbye. Don’t cause any more trouble.”

Elicia waved and smiled. She was utterly unaware of why he had done what he did.

When she smiled, her eyes curved beautifully. It was a smile that made anyone watching feel good, even him, who normally lacked expression. She would never know how much Erlian avoided her in the early stages of their marriage because he didn’t want to admit that fact.

This time, even when she smiled, Erlian didn’t return it. He merely nodded and looked at the back of the carriage as it drove away from him.

‘She said she’d send a letter right away…’

However, contrary to her promise, Elicia hadn’t sent Erlian a single letter for a week. He asked the butler, but the only reply he got was that she was too busy.

‘You don’t even care how I’m doing.’

When did it start? The person he merely considered a nuisance was gradually starting to occupy his mind. His gaze was constantly drawn to her.

‘This is what they call companionship and friendship.’

Erlian thought so.

“People talking to you aren’t trying to use you. It’s just for friendship. Friendship.”

“…”

“Remember what I told you all this time? Please speak with a smile.”

She wanted him to make many friends. So he tried to make friends at the Academy, but he wasn’t interested. Elicia was enough of a friend for him.

After his mother left, Erlian built a fence around himself. The space within the fence was very narrow and sturdy, and no one had ever managed to enter it. No, no one even tried. But Elicia was different.

“Why do you keep following me?”

“Isn’t it good? If we stick together like this, we can become friends quickly.”

She relentlessly tried to step inside the fence. Was it thanks to such effort? The sturdy fence began to crack, and eventually, it broke. And she left her footprints in that place where no one else had entered.

The intruder burst into Erlian’s space, which was dull and dark like his hair, and filled it with her own various colors. He didn’t mind the intruder messing up his space. On the contrary, he enjoyed it and looked forward to each day.

Perhaps that’s why. At some point, others also tried to enter his space, now filled with various colors. In response, Erlian built an even sturdier **invisible fence**. One that only she could enter. That’s how special Erlian considered his friend and wife, Elicia.

‘But why are you so indifferent?’

Now that they were apart, Elicia wasn’t even sending letters frequently, the only thing connecting the two of them. If she had sent letters more often, Erlian wouldn’t have broken the windows.

Erlian was anxious. He was worried and restless that she might find someone closer than him while he was busy at the Academy.

‘Should I just go back home?’

While walking down the corridor with such thoughts.

“S-sorry!”

Someone whose name he didn’t know spilled water on him. He was going to ignore it and continue on his way since the student apologized. But in that instant, he wanted to do something different.

If he couldn’t go home, couldn’t he just get her to come to him?

Of course, he briefly remembered his father, who always emphasized perfection, but he dismissed the thought. Erlian vaguely knew that his mother’s departure was not solely his fault. It was just the culmination of long-accumulated dissatisfaction. That dissatisfaction was directed at his father as well as himself.

Unfortunately, Duke Bellocchio could not accept that fact. So he kept emphasizing perfection to Erlian. He thought that if Erlian showed a perfect demeanor, Adria would appease her anger and return.

Sling—

When Erlian drew the sword from his scabbard, the student turned deathly pale.

“It’s okay. I won’t stab you.”

Elicia had told him to value life, after all. Despite this, the unnamed student remained terrified. Erlian saw the look on his face and threw the sword on the floor.

Clang!

The sound of the blade hitting the marble floor echoed. The unusual noise drew the attention of the students in the corridor, but he didn’t care. In Erlian’s hand was only the empty scabbard.

He used the scabbard in his hand to start breaking the windows next to him, one by one. The reason was simple: if he broke the windows with his fist, he would get hurt. And then Elicia would be sad.

With a loud crash, the windows shattered one by one, but no one dared to stop him. Although the Academy officially pursued equality among students, there was an invisible hierarchy.

“Young Master Bellocchio. What are you doing?!”

His actions were stopped by Professor Albichy, who rushed over after hearing the commotion. Only then did Ian smile faintly. Would his prediction come true? He was full of anticipation.

A little while later.

“Liam must have hired someone.”

She was so busy, yet here she was, having come to the Academy right away. Seeing her, he was certain that his choice had been correct.

***

Five days ago, when I visited the Academy after Erlian broke the windows, I definitely intended to explain why I hadn’t sent a letter and why I was so busy. But…

‘I forgot to mention it.’

Because I had assumed it was another one of Liam’s schemes, but it turned out Ian had done it himself.

On top of that, I was busy excitedly listening to the conversation between Duke Bellocchio and Ian’s mother, Adria, and then chatting with Angelo, whom I ran into on the way back to the carriage. I simply didn’t have the presence of mind to explain why I hadn’t sent a letter.

‘I need to explain to Ian, even now.’

So, the next day, I sent him a letter. It announced a party to celebrate our 500-day wedding anniversary in two weeks.

***

The day after I sent the letter.

「Hello. I received your letter.

 

(~~~~)

 

I never dreamed you’d prepare a party like this.

 

I guess I need to get my formal wear fitted right away. I’ll be there this weekend.」

A reply came back that seemed incredibly excited about the party. As soon as Saturday morning arrived, Ian came straight to the ducal estate to greet me. A subtle curve on his lips indicated he was in a good mood.

“Hello, Ian. You’re early.”

“You should have told me sooner.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been too overwhelmed.”

“You certainly look overwhelmed. But what made you decide to plan a party for our 500th wedding day?”

Yes, this party was a trap for my father.

‘Why else would anyone bother celebrating an ambiguous 500th day of marriage? It’s not an anniversary like one or two years.’

But I couldn’t tell him the truth. How could I say that when he was looking at me with those bright amethyst eyes, clearly full of anticipation?

‘I didn’t want to use Ian for my personal business…’

Besides, even if I am an adult mentally, Ian is still only fourteen. No matter how much of a bad guy my father is, Ian shouldn’t be involved in malicious acts of deception. I wanted Ian to simply enjoy the party while I handled the core issue.

“A party for the 500th day of marriage, not the first or second year. That’s quite unique.”

“Well… doesn’t a 500-day party, which others don’t have, seem a little special?”

“That’s true. But did you count the 500 days yourself?”

No. I couldn’t be bothered to count precisely, so I just estimated. Of course, Duke Bellocchio doesn’t know this fact either.

“Come to think of it, you’re quick with numbers. That must have been simple for you.”

Ian decided on his own that I was a smart person. As we exchanged these brief words, the tailor approached us.

“I will take your measurements now.”

We quietly allowed the tailor to measure us. By the way, the surprising thing was…

“I think you’ve gotten taller.”

“Have I?”

Looking again, the height difference between Ian and me had increased since the vacation.

“It seems both of you are at an age where you’re growing rapidly.”

Of course, I was growing too, but not as fast as Ian. When we got married, we were eye-level, and now I have to raise my head to look at him… That felt a little unfair.

I just huffed indignantly at Ian, but he had a slight smile on his face, as if he found it amusing.

“Should the accent color be purple again?”

“No, red.”

“Ian, why red?”

The leader of this family must inherit the Bellocchio bloodline and must have purple eyes. Therefore, the family’s symbolic color, **purple**, was always incorporated into the clothes. Why red this time?

“The rings we ordered last time have arrived, haven’t they?”

“Yes. They came yesterday.”

They were rings I’d prepared so Ian could land more effective punches when he ran into trouble. I ended up getting one for myself as well.

“The gem on that ring is red, so I thought it would be good to match it.”

“But basing the accent on the ring is a bit much.”

“Liam will be there that day, too.”

I reaffirmed my decision to definitely wear the ring that day. You never know what might happen.

“If we wear an outfit with a red accent, even if blood splatters, it won’t show much.”

That line… I thought he was reading my mind. I was thinking the same thing, so Ian must have been too.

“You’re right, a little splatter won’t show.”

“I will try to incorporate both red and purple appropriately as accent colors.”

Ian nodded with a look of satisfaction.

After hearing from the tailor that the clothes would take about ten days, we headed to the dining room.

‘The smell is insane!’

The delicious aroma assaulted my nose right from the entrance of the dining room. The chef must have gone all out since Ian had returned for the weekend.

I was about to applaud the chef in gratitude but stopped short.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

Unfortunately, Duke Bellocchio was sitting at the center of the table.

‘I wish he’d just eat alone as usual…’

I sat down with an awkward smile.

Because Duke Bellocchio was present, our meal proceeded quietly. The silent atmosphere was stifling, but the meat, which melted in my mouth, made me feel happy.

The silence, barely soothed by the taste of the meat, ended only when Duke Bellocchio was about to finish his meal.

“Did she say anything else to you?”

“I have not seen her since then.”

As expected. He ate with us only to ask Ian questions about Adria.

“I emphasized that you must display a perfect demeanor, yet you disappointed Adria again.”

“My apologies.”

He answered mechanically, so he didn’t seem to truly acknowledge his fault. 

‘Is his Temperament score dropping back to zero again?’

“With a 20-point deduction in your attitude score, being the top student this semester is out of the question.”

Ian lost 20 points for breaking the windows for no reason. In addition, he had previously lost 2 points for hitting Liam.

‘Is he going to miss out on the top rank this time?’

Ethel would enroll next year, so this year was Ian’s last chance to take the top spot. It was a little worrying that the top spot might be lost due to the attitude score.

“In that case, it wouldn’t hurt to cause one or two more incidents this semester.”

He stood up as if he had said all he needed to say. I immediately understood his true meaning. He wanted Ian to create another opportunity to see Adria.

‘That’s a persistent kind of love.’

I confirmed that Duke Bellocchio had completely left the dining room, then approached Ian. I leaned in close to whisper, worried that the maid might hear. Ian, however, panicked and turned his head away.

This happened when I went to the Academy last time, too… Ian seems uncomfortable when others stand close to him.

“I’m not doing anything weird. I just wanted to whisper.”

“…Why don’t you just speak softly instead of getting close? Father’s gone, anyway.”

Since he disliked it so much, I couldn’t force it. I spoke quietly, loud enough only for Ian to hear, so the maids further away couldn’t.

“You still shouldn’t cause any more trouble. Just behave yourself.”

If Ian kept causing trouble as Duke Bellocchio requested, and his character score plummeted, I would be the only one to lose out.

“That depends on what you do.”

“What should I do?”

“Send letters often.”

He was still sulking about the letters. I smiled and nodded.

-***

Ian and I had a busy weekend. There were surprisingly many things to pay attention to while preparing for the party. How to decorate the interior, what kind of tablecloth design to choose, and carefully selecting every detail, down to the beverages and refreshments.

I told Ian he could rest, but he actively helped me, which was unexpected. Time flew quickly, and soon the end of the weekend, Sunday evening, arrived.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“About what?”

It was time for Ian to return to the Academy, but he kept stalling instead of heading to the carriage.

“My attitude score dropped because of the last incident anyway, so I can’t get the top rank next semester.”

“Hmm, that’s true. It will be difficult.”

“So, do you think it would be okay if I didn’t go to school until the party?”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

I crossed my arms to look intimidating and scanned Ian up and down.

“Since this semester is ruined anyway, I thought I could enjoy a bit more freedom.”

“No, you can’t. Go back to the Academy.”

“Isn’t it hard for you to prepare the 500th-day party all by yourself?”

“I have a reliable butler, maids, and servants.”

“That’s disappointing.”

It was obvious this struggle would last all night. I refused to continue the conversation. I grabbed Ian’s wrist and walked towards the carriage. He obediently walked toward the carriage, indicating that going to the Academy wasn’t completely disagreeable.

“Go. I’ll see you in two weeks.”

I waved goodbye as Ian boarded the carriage. 

‘He’s finally leaving.’

“I won’t wait for a letter this time. I know you’re busy.”

“Okay. Stay out of trouble and take care.”

As I stepped back, the coachman carefully closed the carriage door. Soon, the carriage started and gradually moved away. I turned my back and walked quickly toward the mansion.

‘Only two weeks left now.’

Why was I feeling a strange thrill?

‘I’m actually looking forward to setting a trap for someone…’

As soon as Ian left, I went into my room and sat down at my desk. There was a letter in the center of the desk. In fact, this letter had arrived yesterday, but I hadn’t opened it while I was preoccupied with Ian. I roughly tore open the envelope with a crude motion, slightly ripping the edge of the letterhead. It didn’t matter, though. It was a letter from my father.

It was a meaningless letter that I would shred after reading anyway. I had sent him a letter lying that I was hosting the 500th-day wedding anniversary party with Ian and that I would perform an action there that would satisfy him, and this was his reply.

「I’ve checked the letter. I will definitely attend that day with Daisy.

 

I hadn’t heard from you for a while, so I wondered if I should visit again, but thankfully you contacted me just in time.」

“Insane. How dare he try to come here again.”

I muttered and continued reading the letter.

「When I first handed you over to the Bellocchio Ducal family, I worried about whether you would do well. It makes me very happy that you are succeeding like this.

 

So, what is your plan? Shouldn’t you tell me in advance so I can help?

 

I will be waiting for your reply.」

“I won’t reply.”

I tore the letterhead and threw it in the trash. The pieces of the letter mixed in with the rest of the garbage. The sight, which resembled his future, somehow made me feel pleased.

***

Thus, two weeks passed, and the party celebrating the 500th day of marriage with Ian was held.

‘My hard work paid off.’

The hall of the Bellocchio Ducal Estate, which was rarely used, had been transformed into a space as lavish as the imperial palace by the hands of the servants. Expensive artworks and sculptures were appropriately placed throughout the hall, adding sophistication to the party. This was all thanks to Duke Bellocchio’s generous financial support for every idea I came up with for the party.

Since it was the first party held at the Bellocchio Ducal Estate in a long time, the interior was bustling with guests. I heard Duke Bellocchio personally sent invitations to the nobles for this occasion. As a result, most of the guests were adults.

“You’d think the host was my father.”

Ian surveyed the surroundings and snickered. The real hosts of the party, Ian and I, were relegated to a corner. Of course, neithErlian nor I liked being the center of attention, so we didn’t mind.

A short man appeared among the adults. It was Angelo. He looked around, spotted us, and approached with a warm smile.

“I didn’t expect you to throw a party. And a 500th-day anniversary party, no less. That’s unique.”

“Well, it just happened.”

I answered vaguely, as Angelo didn’t know this party was a trap to corner my father.

“That’s right. We’ve been married for 500 days, and you’re just a friend.”

Ian replied quite arrogantly, but Angelo didn’t seem to mind and handed us each a gift box.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to get us a gift.”

“I just picked out things I thought would suit you both. Elicia’s is a bracelet, and Ian’s is a brooch. I matched the colors to your eye colors.”

“It’s not very uniform for a couple’s anniversary gift.”

I was flustered by Ian’s sarcastic tone. Why was he in a bad mood again?

“Ian, what’s wrong?”

When I nervously nudged Ian’s waist with my elbow, he immediately sealed his lips. Angelo merely offered an awkward smile.

To change the subject, I looked around the party hall, and my eyes met Celine’s. She immediately approached me, as if she had been waiting.

“You’ve prepared a truly splendid party.”

“Thank you for coming. Are you feeling better now?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’m healthy now.”

She smiled gently. When we last met at the hunting competition, Celine had left early, saying she wasn’t feeling well. Being frail, she had suffered from a fever for a whole month, I’d heard. I knew the news quickly because we often exchanged letters checking on each other.

“You don’t have to be too wary, as Brother Liam hasn’t come today.”

I even wore the ring specifically for him… While I was relieved, I was also a little disappointed and needlessly clenched and unclenched my fist.

“Well then, my mother is waiting for me, so I must go. Erlian, see you later.”

Ian slightly nodded at her farewell. There was no hostility in his gesture. It seems he knows that Celine is a decent person, despite being Liam’s sister.

Celine turned and approached Countess Liveri, who was conversing with other nobles. I watched Celine for a moment, then looked around.

‘The main character is someone else.’

The party hosts were clearly us, but all the guests’ attention was focused on Duke Bellocchio. He looked busy receiving greetings and engaging in conversations with the nobles. It was understandable.

‘There are rumors that the Bellocchio Ducal family’s wealth exceeds even the imperial palace’s.’

So, everyone clearly wanted to use this opportunity to build a connection with him and secure a major benefit.

The young nobles who weren’t yet adults kept glancing at us, wanting to speak, but didn’t approach. A few who bravely started to approach recoiled in surprise when they saw Ian.

“Why are they doing that?”

“I have no idea.”

Ian shrugged as if he didn’t know either.

Right. There were rumors about Ian’s poor temperament back when I first got married.

‘The current Ian has become genuinely kind thanks to me…’

It seems the fact that he’s reformed hasn’t spread yet. I enjoyed some snacks and had a small conversation with Ian and Angelo. We talked about things like Ian being the top student in the Academy’s swordsmanship department and Angelo being the top student in the magic department, or Angelo maintaining the second-place rank.

“I might be the top student this time.”

“You might. I lost 22 points on my attitude score, after all.”

‘Fighting for the top spot is only until this year, buddy.’

I smiled faintly, muttering the future I alone knew to myself.

Still, the conversation assured me of one thing: Ian was adapting to the Academy better than expected. That was it.

Just as I was feeling relieved,

“Your father seems to have arrived.”

At Angelo’s words, I quickly scanned the hall. My father was standing next to Duke Bellocchio.

‘I didn’t even know he came…’

He went straight to Duke Bellocchio without even greeting me. But there was something else that made me even angrier.

“Wow…”

Next to my father was my sister, Daisy, arm-in-arm with Baron Davida, whom she was soon to marry.

By the looks of it, my father was introducing them and announcing the marriage to Duke Bellocchio. My father was chatting and laughing heartily, seemingly in a good mood, while my sister maintained a plastered smile like a wax doll.

As expected, even on this warm day, she was wearing a dress that covered both her arms and collarbone. Knowing the reason why she only wore such dresses, I bit my lip hard.

“The news of Lady Daisy’s marriage was truly shocking…”

Angelo, who was close to me since childhood and thus frequently interacted with my sister, looked at them with regret.

“No matter how I look at it, that marriage is strange. It’s a ridiculous pairing. It’s so different from our time.”

“I think so too.”

I nodded, agreeing with Ian. However, today would be the last time I’d see such a bizarre scene. I was confident that Baron Davida would request an annulment if the party proceeded as I planned.

My father stayed by Duke Bellocchio’s side for quite some time. I stared intently at them. Then, my eyes met Duke Bellocchio’s. Duke Bellocchio approached Ian and me, speaking loudly.

“Allow me to introduce the protagonists of today’s party. My son, Erlian, and my daughter-in-law, Elicia.”

‘He’s introducing us so suddenly?’

Before I knew it, the nobles surrounded us and began clapping. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t know where to look, so I looked at Ian instead. Ian was also looking at me. Ian, who was slightly smiling, moved his lips.

He conveyed the word without making a sound, only with his mouth shape. He must mean that since we’re at a party and there are many eyes watching, we should pretend to be happy. I forced the corners of my lips up as hard as I could.

‘That guy is smiling too.’

I saw my father, who was wearing a somewhat benevolent smile. My sister and Baron Davida, who stood next to him, were doing the same.

‘I’m getting too invested.’

Seeing my sister smile made my heart ache unnecessarily. If she hadn’t sacrificed herself, she would have been the main character of this party.

“Even though this marriage was unwanted, based on our ancestors’ promise, they get along so well that it makes me happy every time I see them. Proceeding with their marriage was the best decision of last year.”

Happy my foot. He lied without batting an eyelid. But the guests seemed to believe him, smiling and looking at us.

‘This is embarrassing. I wish he would finish his speech quickly.’

But since I couldn’t overtly show my displeasure, I kept the smile plastered on.

“It’s already been 500 days since the two got married. I wish them continued happiness in their marriage, and please enjoy today’s party.”

As he finished his words, music flowed through the hall, accompanied by applause.

Duke Bellocchio, having said what he needed to say, moved back towards the center of the hall. The nobles followed him in a flock like sheep. My father, my sister, and Baron Davida, however, did not.

“My daughter, congratulations!”

“Yes, thank you.”

My father was a genius at acting. He was probably more interested in his own gain than his daughter’s anniversary, but his fierce congratulations, with arms wide open, looked truly sincere.

“It feels like you just got married yesterday, but 500 days have already passed.”

“Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed. And celebrating just 500 days, not one year or ten years, is something I’ve never seen before.”

“I just wanted to celebrate.”

“Yes. If you want to, you should. Congratulations truly.”

He bent down and hugged me with both arms.

‘I really hate this.’

His touch was so repulsive. I almost pushed him away.

‘Hold it in. The real action hasn’t even started yet.’

He didn’t immediately let go of me. While embracing me, he asked softly enough for only me to hear, “You didn’t reply after all. So, what exactly is your plan for today?”

“You seem curious.”

“I need to know the plan if I am to help or not.”

“I’ll use a maid, just as you suggested.”

I could hear his laughter near my ear, indicating he was pleased with my answer. His breath on me felt disgusting. Just as I was about to lose control and shove him away, he luckily pulled away from me first.

What I saw then was Ian, who was unable to hide his displeasure, gripping my father’s arm. It was as if he wanted to stop my father from hugging me.

“It seems my son-in-law is quite the jealous one.”

My father smiled, clearly delighted.

‘Yes, you would be delighted.’

If I got along well with Ian, he would earn Duke Bellocchio’s trust, which would lead to more support.

“Ah, and did you hear the news? Daisy is getting married now, too.”

My father introduced my sister and Baron Davida—to Ian, not me.

“It seems like a rather shabby decision for a family connected to ours.”

“Don’t say that so loud!”

Flustered, I stopped him with a louder voice.

“Ahem. The wedding is next month. If you attend, the ceremony will be all the brighter.”

“…”

Ian replied with only his expression. Judging by his grumpy look, he clearly didn’t want to attend. Embarrassed by his reaction, my father cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“I would like to speak with my daughter after a long time. May I have your permission?”

Now he needs Ian’s permission to speak with me. I was once again reminded of what a strange man he was.

“No.”

“It’s okay. I’ll go. Follow me, Father.”

I briefly placed my hand on Ian’s shoulder and then removed it. As I started to walk, my father followed behind me.

 

***

“I think I need to boost Erlian’s trust in me after this plan is over.”

The place my father and I arrived at was the terrace. Perhaps he didn’t want others to witness our private conversation, as he drew the curtains before closing the door, concealing us from the main hall.

“So, what exactly is the plan for today?”

“Well… what it is…”

“Hurry up and tell me.”

“It’s, well, it is…”

I watched my father’s expression, which screamed curiosity, and simply hesitated, not following through with the next words. There was no big reason. I just wanted to annoy him.

Fortunately, my plan succeeded. He grabbed both my shoulders impatiently, urging me to speak quickly.

“Father, look behind you.”

He took his hands off my shoulders and turned around. Only then did I vigorously dust off my shoulders where his hands had touched.

‘Gross.’

I decided I would have to throw this dress away after the party.

“You actually brought a maid.”

His voice softened considerably.

The maid, Elena, bowed low to us. Although silent, her expression looked incredibly determined, as if she were marching off to war.

“Yes. You are actually going to use a maid as I suggested. A good idea. So, what are you going to do now?”

“What I’m going to do is… just stand still and watch carefully.”

When I nodded towards Elena, she raised her hand. Then, she squeezed her eyes shut and delivered a loud slap to her own cheek. The sight made me frown too.

‘I told her to just use makeup instead of hitting herself.’

Elena was the person Anna had recommended, saying she was the right fit for the job. The main reason was simple: she was one of the maids in the ducal estate who liked me very much and was prepared to do anything.

Anna initially offered to do it, but she was still technically a maid of the Marquisate of Evra. She had only moved to the Ducal family to assist me after my marriage.

‘If we use the excuse that Father was forced to strike her as part of maid education, other nobles might accept it.’

Therefore, the help of a maid who had worked long at the Bellocchio Ducal Estate was needed, and Elena stepped up. While I was grateful, I was also suspicious.

‘Is she really this benevolent towards me, enough to help with such a dangerous and wicked thing?’

I worried she might get scared and run away before starting or eventually tell my father the truth. However, she said:

“Young Madam, you helped me last year. So, I must help you too.”

Elena recalled a past event I had completely forgotten. I had casually found Elena lamenting to a colleague that she was worried about her sick mother. Without thinking much, I had gone to Duke Bellocchio and said,

“Father-in-law, please give that maid some money and a vacation.”

She remembered that, even though I had completely forgotten, the maid’s name was Elena.

Through Anna, I learned that Elena was well-known among the maids for having been abused by her father. Furthermore, when she took the vacation I helped her get last year, her father had died in a carriage accident while drinking and wandering outside. Rumors circulated that Elena and her mother had killed him, causing her significant distress.

‘That’s why she was easily persuaded by Anna.’

Although she didn’t know the intricate details of my family, Elena, upon learning that I had suffered for a long time because of my father, eagerly offered to help me. There was a shared empathy of having been abused by a father.

My initial plan was to simply apply red makeup to her cheek and arm, making it look like she had been struck, and then frame my father. However, Elena insisted:

“That will be easily noticeable. I will hit myself.”

Even though I tried to dissuade her, she wouldn’t budge.

‘Should I have insisted more strongly?’

She slapped her cheek, and then, displeased, hit it again even harder. She grit her teeth, clearly in pain.

“Why is that maid hitting her own cheek?”

My father seemed completely oblivious. He just snickered at her actions.

“Because the person who hit that cheek is going to be you, Father.”

“What nonsense is that? I never hit her.”

“Rumors can be created if you just have a mouth.”

I smiled, and Elena smiled too. Then, she raised her right hand high and slapped her cheek once more. Again, a loud, clear slap echoed on the terrace.

“Stop that!”

Did he finally realize this was not a joke? My father, finally grasping that he was being framed, grabbed Elena’s arm.

“Elicia, why are you doing this to me! I am your father!”

“You are my father, but you’ve only ever acted un-fatherly. I need to go back inside the hall now.”

I opened the door, intending to re-enter the hall where everyone was enjoying the party. My plan was to immediately go to Duke Bellocchio and tearfully tell him my lie. Unfortunately, my father was faster than me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him.

“You fool! Who do you think will believe you!”

“They will believe a transparent lie, won’t they? You are the Marquis of Evra, the head of a failing family, and I am the soon-to-be Duchess of Bellocchio, the head of the Empire’s greatest family.”

“How dare you call the family you were born into ‘failing’!”

“It’s true, isn’t it? It failed because of you, Father.”

“You must truly be insane.”

He couldn’t restrain his habit even here. He raised his right hand as if to strike me.

The moment my father’s hand descended towards my cheek.

“Agh!!”

Fortunately, I was faster. I screamed and ducked, avoiding his blow.

“How dare you resist me right in front of me?”

He grabbed me by the collar and pulled me up. I really need to throw this dress away. I looked at my father, who raised his right hand again, and thought:

‘Can’t they hear us inside? I screamed, so someone should come out, but why isn’t anyone coming?’

Am I actually going to get hit? I involuntarily squeezed my eyes shut, anticipating the pain.

“What is the meaning of this!”

Just then, the terrace door flew open, and Duke Bellocchio’s voice, filled with fury, rang out. Thank goodness. Duke Bellocchio’s intervention was faster than my father’s blow.

Only then did he lower the hand that was gripping my collar and adopt a very deferential posture. Ian, who had appeared beside him, stared intently at my face, as if checking if I had been struck.

“I’m fine.”

I whispered to Ian, and he sighed in relief. Then, he stood next to me and glared at my father.

“Are you perhaps trying to lay a hand on my daughter-in-law, the host of today’s party?”

“I-I apologize. I was merely attempting to educate my daughter and seem to have caused a misunderstanding.”

“I don’t think this is a misunderstanding. What kind of parent would strike their child like that under the guise of education?”

‘The person saying that has hit Ian’s cheek before, but since he’s taking my side right now, I’ll let it slide.’

My father, who was so coercive towards me, couldn’t offer any excuses in front of Duke Bellocchio and bowed his head low. He looked pathetic. I almost laughed at the sight. But it wouldn’t do to be giggling at such a crucial moment. I forced myself to cover my face with both hands, pretending to weep.

“H-hic, the truth is, Father ordered Elena to steal jewels… He said now was the right time, while Father-in-law was busy with the party. When Elena refused, he slapped her… and when I tried to stop him, he even tried to lay a hand on me…”

“It’s alright for him to lay a hand on me, but I never imagined he would try to use violence against the Young Madam…”

Elena’s voice sounded tearful. Although I couldn’t verify the situation visually since I was pretending to cry, I knew she was performing her part faithfully. It seems Anna recommended a good maid.

“How dare you lay a hand on my daughter-in-law and even a maid of the Ducal family!”

“This is not true! She suddenly hit her own cheek! I never laid a hand on her.”

“So, you’re claiming our maid staged this?”

My father would have tried to affirm the Duke’s words. That is, if Angelo hadn’t intervened.

“I don’t think it was a staged incident.”

At Angelo’s calm voice, I pretended to wipe away all my tears and lowered my hands. Simultaneously, my eyes met Angelo’s. He smiled serenely, as if to reassure me.

“I saw it through the terrace window earlier. Although the curtain was drawn, I could see the silhouette. I saw the Marquis raise his hand as if to strike someone. He was probably trying to hit the maid, just as Elicia said.”

He was likely referring to the moment my father raised his hand to stop Elena from slapping herself.

“And I also saw the Marquis roughly grabbing and shaking Sia’s shoulders.”

Fortunately, Angelo’s testimony was entirely in my favor.

‘I’m grateful, but why did you just watch and not intervene?’

He’s kind, but too much of a coward to dare to step in, I guess.

“Angelo Leglorie! How could you say such things when I’ve cared for you since you were little!”

“It is true that the Marquis is the father of the Sia I love, but I do not wish to see her suffering.”

My father briefly glared at Angelo as if he wanted to kill him, clearly put out, and then opened his mouth to Duke Bellocchio with an aggrieved expression.

“It is true that I briefly held her shoulders to discipline my daughter. But isn’t this something a parent is fully entitled to do? And as for striking the maid… I merely raised my hand to stop the maid from staging an incident.”

“Stop it now and tell the truth, Father! You told me last time to try and impress Father-in-law even by using a maid! You said we would get more funding that way!”

“When did I ever say such a thing!”

“You said it in the drawing-room when you came to the Bellocchio Ducal Estate last month! And when the maid refused to listen, you struck her!”

“Look at this! My daughter keeps saying absurd things, so I have no choice but to discipline her!”

Since the situation wasn’t flowing as he wished, he tried to frame me as a liar.

“Elicia, did you say the drawing-room?”

“Yes, Father-in-law. The drawing-room!”

“Then that works out well. We always install a Memory Stone in the drawing-room to record the conversations we have when guests visit.”

“That’s right! It should all be recorded on the Memory Stone!”

Unlike me, who was smiling brightly, my father’s face turned ashen. And for good reason.

“Every time you accomplish something here, Duke Bellocchio gives more support money. So you need to accomplish more.”

“I’m already accomplishing enough.”

“Then you can create problems that don’t exist. Getting rid of one maid wouldn’t be difficult, right? Like how you got rid of the etiquette teacher.”

He had actually uttered those exact words in the drawing-room, where the Memory Stone was supposedly installed.

“N-No, why would you install that precious Memory Stone in the drawing-room…”

“Most of the people who visit the Ducal Estate are related to business. It’s beneficial to keep a record of business-related conversations as evidence.”

Of course, it was a lie. There was no Memory Stone at the time, but this was a detail Duke Bellocchio and I had concocted to corner my father.

“I didn’t intend to say those things. It just happened that way…”

Fortunately, he fell for our lie. Didn’t his statement imply that he was trying to commit a wicked act using a maid?

“You should have just hit me as usual! I don’t understand why you would strike an innocent maid too. I’m so sad.”

“Listening to this, it seems my daughter-in-law is telling the truth. Both that he struck the daughter-in-law and the maid, and that he intended to use them to seize our family’s assets.”

“M-My apologies. I will live quietly from now on.”

“No, there’s no need for that. The Ducal Estate’s dungeon is soundproof; no matter how loud you scream, it can’t be heard outside.”

Duke Bellocchio didn’t want me to lead someone to their death. So, after a long discussion, we agreed on imprisonment instead of murder. His instruction was for me to create a legitimate reason for his incarceration. If his misdeeds were exposed in front of people, no one would question my father’s imprisonment.

“I am, after all, the head of the Marquisate of Evra! You can’t just lock me up in the dungeon as you please!”

Although guilty of wicked deeds, my father was the head of a noble family, and a Marquis at that. Even a Duke couldn’t arbitrarily confine a Marquis to his mansion’s dungeon.

So, the method we chose was…

“You might try to flee before the noble trial begins. You can rest in this dungeon until the trial is held.”

We planned to initially confine my father to the Ducal Estate’s dungeon under the pretense that he might flee. Then, we would use the Bellocchio Ducal family’s public influence at the noble trial to permanently imprison him in the imperial jail.

Once he was locked in the Ducal Estate’s dungeon, I planned to immediately proceed with the annulment of my sister’s engagement. Duke Bellocchio had also agreed to provide the settlement funds for that.

‘I’m getting close to Quest Clear.’

Relief washing over me, I smiled and looked at Ian, who was next to me. His expression was serious, as if something was bothering him. We just resolved a major conflict with my father, so why was he so serious? I’ll have to ask him what’s wrong once the party ends.

“Come with us, Marquis Evra.”

The knights of the Bellocchio Ducal family, who had approached, tried to seize my father. Unfortunately, my father was faster. He quickly dragged me towards him, pulled out a sword, and held it to my throat.

“The dungeon! I am innocent!”

‘Wow, such a predictable development.’

The familiar touch of my father’s arm around me was more repulsive than the blade poised near my throat. It was the moment I frowned, trapped in my father’s embrace.

Shin.

Ian, whose eyes met mine, mouthed a word to me. I confirmed his message and nodded slightly. Then, I kicked my father’s shin.

“Ugh!”

The coordination was perfect. The moment my father’s concentration scattered from my kick, Ian drew his sword and slashed my father’s arm. My body was free again as my father clutched his bleeding arm.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Ian grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him, and at the same moment, my father clambered over the terrace railing and fled.

“Father-in-law, shouldn’t we catch him right away?”

“We should.”

The party ended abruptly. The nobles looked like they had a lot to say about the sudden conclusion but departed without saying a word. One peculiar thing was that my sister gave me a resentful look before she left.

‘Honestly, even when I help her, it’s a big drama.’

Out of sheer disappointment, I glared back at my sister.

The knights scattered to pursue my father, and Duke Bellocchio left the hall without hesitation, as if his duty was done.

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

“I’m sorry, Ian. I’ll explain later. Can you go to the room first?”

Then, I left Ian behind and led Elena to a guest room. As soon as we entered, I sat her down on the bed.

“Young Madam, I’m fine.”

“*I’m* not fine. You overdid it today, so sleep here. The bed here is much better.”

I personally applied an ice pack to Elena’s swollen cheek.

“You didn’t have to help this much. You pushed yourself too hard.”

“No, I didn’t. Since I know the Young Madam suffered for a long time because of her wicked father, I wanted to help.”

It seemed she wanted to help because she understood the pain of being abused by family.

“I received great help from the Young Madam, after all.”

“It wasn’t that big of a help, I think.”

“No, it was. Thanks to the Young Madam speaking to the Master last year, I received money and a vacation, didn’t I?”

“You’re a diligent maid, so you deserve benefits.”

I was the one who asked, but the money and vacation were provided by Duke Bellocchio, weren’t they? I felt unnecessarily burdened.

“Do you know something? Thanks to that money and vacation, I was able to arrange a carriage accident.”

“A carriage accident, you say…”

“That’s right. My father’s accident. My mother has found her smile again since then. Because the Master gave us generous money, thanks to your concern, Young Madam.”

I thought it was just a rumor, but it seems it was true that she had hired someone to kill her father.

“I decided then that I would be eternally loyal to the Young Madam.”

She smiled playfully, despite her swollen face.

“Thanks to the Young Madam, my family is able to live happily.”

She looked so happy that I was momentarily stunned, unable to speak.

“Well, then get some good rest. You worked hard.”

Regaining my composure, I quickly said goodbye to Elena and returned to my room, but no one was there. Was Ian showering in another bathroom?

Without thinking much, I comfortably showered in the en-suite and lay down. As I was lazily rolling around and my eyes were starting to close, Ian came in.

“You’re back?”

But he said nothing to me and lay down next to me.

“You were very surprised today, weren’t you? I’m sorry. I should have explained in advance.”

“…”

“Ian, are you sleeping?”

He was quiet, lying on his side with his back to me. He must have fallen asleep already. In the pitch-dark and silent room, my mind grew complicated with the solitary time.

‘Father will be caught soon, won’t he?’

Honestly, I expected my father to be caught immediately after the party abruptly ended. It wouldn’t be easy to escape the ducal estate without being seen by the knights. Yet, even as I was about to fall asleep, there was no news of his capture. Despite so many knights searching for him.

‘Father needs to be caught quickly so I can comfortably stop my sister’s wedding.’

It was a night where my heart felt unnecessarily heavy.