Despite my worries, Elias, instead of starting the usual war of words, “She isn’t my mother,” he kept fighting the carrots as if they were his enemy.

It goes without saying that I glanced out of the window wondering if the sun had risen from the west today.

What’s the matter with this arrogant guy? He would never act that way just because I was sick. Oh, I guess it’s because his aunt is here.

I cast my eyes at the twins sitting side by side next to Elias while the maids serving the meal brought my share of the dish separately.

Maybe they just finished taking a bath as their hair was shiny. They even looked quite cute and lovely while nibbling on the cranberry salad.

…..Of course I know better than to be fooled by their angelic look.

“Where’s Jeremy?”

“My big brother already ate,” it was Leon who answered. With one hand stirring the salad and glancing at me with those big emerald eyes, Rachel, who was stirring the salad from the side, suddenly lowered the fork and shouted firmly, “I don’t want to eat this.”

Yes, I thought so. It’s not surprising anymore.

No, maybe she’s doing it on purpose only in front of me.

“Oh, Rachel, you’ve been eating so well these days. You can’t complain about side dishes.”

Phew, let the loving aunt deal with her. I’m not going to fight too much now.

“Fake mother, did you hear what I said?”

“Rachel!”

Oh, is this the beautiful aunt’s power, the power of blood? Much to my surprise Rachel said nothing more. Instead, the fork she held clipped loudly against the plate, revealing her feeling.

Lucretia, who looked back at me for some reason or other, smiled with pride.

“If you’re feeling well, why don’t we go out later in the afternoon? I just got an invitation from Madame Luave’s salon, and I think it’s time for you to start going out.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine.”

“As long as you stay at home, you will become very tired mentally. You have to share your sorrows with people and socialize. You are a lovely young girl, Madame Luave’s dress line for this winter has been highly praised, they will suit you.”

That was right. It was a pretty sweet remark, but why am I reluctant?  In order to pursue my future as planned, it’s advantageous to establish a place in society with Lucretia from now on.

“I’m still feeling a little weak. I’ll come with you next time.”

“Okay we’ll go together next time.”

As soon as I finished eating, I left the dining room and headed to the study room. I had to hurry to get rid of the three-day documents.

Well, I have to finish my work quickly to feel better.

How much time has passed already? Sooner or later, I have to attend the parliament.

I am not particularly anxious or afraid. I know which of the many cardinals and nobles is most hostile to me and who is most helpful to me.

First of all, the Duke of Nurembet, who was the friendliest to me in the past.

If I ever see him again…

The problem arose around the time my thoughts got there.

As I walked past the stairs and corridors, I felt eyes on me from all directions.

It wasn’t the first time I came to this magnificent mansion, where employees and knights are scattered all over the place, and I’ve been walking around this place for the past nine years, so why am I feeling so sensitive?

Did I really just become sensitive? What’s going on?

Didn’t the atmosphere indicate that everyone wished that I didn’t wake up?

…. Is it really like that?!

No, I need to get my act together. Maybe it’s right that I’ve become unnecessarily sensitive.