I Won’t Go Back To My Family Who…

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Table of Contents

  • 1. Chapter 1. I Was Abandoned By My Family
  • 2. Chapter 2. Today's Luck Doesn't Seem So Bad
  • 3. Chapter 3. There's No Way She’s Incompetent
  • 4. Chapter 4. Maybe It's Better To Break Up
  • 5. Chapter 5. I Wish I Had A Family Like This
  • 6. Chapter 6. ‘No Luck’ Is An Ability
  • 7. Chapter 7. I've Been Waiting For You
  • 8. Chapter 8. The Reason Why My Family Avoided Me
  • 9. Chapter 9. Lock Her Up Or Kick Her Out
  • 10. Chapter 10. Who's That Gold Thread Bracelet For?
  • 11. Chapter 11. Those Who Ignore Their Good Fortune
  • 12. Chapter 12. Where The Luck Left
  • 13. Chapter 13. If There’s No Place To Go Back
  • 14. Chapter 14. I’ll Decide Where To Be
  • 15. Chapter 15. I Like The Threat Of Being Here
  • 16. Chapter 16. There’s A Little Bit Of Bad Luck
  • 17. Chapter 17. “Good Luck” Is Unexpected
  • 18. Chapter 18. Where Misfortunes Come
  • 19. Chapter 19. In Order To Move Forward
  • 20. Chapter 20 - You’ll See, I’m Sure It’ll Be Successful 
  • 21. Chapter 21. It’s Time To Let Go
  • 22. Chapter 22. If You Really Want It
  • 23. Chapter 23. I'm Not Buying It, I'm Just Wondering Where They Sell It.
  • 24. Chapter 24. Who’s On Their Knees?
  • 25. Chapter 25. We’re Getting Closer, And They’re Falling Apart
  • 26. Chapter 26. Your Ability Is So Useless
  • 27. Chapter 27. Blue Ribbons And A White Rose
  • 28. Chapter 28. It’s Already Over
  • 29. Chapter 29. Over-Reacting To A Bad Joke
  • 30. Chapter 30. My Greed To Make You Happy
  • 31. Chapter 31. To See What Kind Of Person You Are
  • 32. Chapter 32. Who’s The Winner?
  • 33. Chapter 33. I Hope We Can Reach Each Other Someday
  • 34. Chapter 34. The Broken One And The Strong One
  • 35. Chapter 35. Don’t Be Ashamed Of Yourself
  • 36. Chapter 36. A Good Person, A Bad Person
  • 37. Chapter 37. Blood Of The Extinct Family
  • 38. Chapter 38: I Did My Best
  • 39. Chapter 39. Someone Wins, Someone Loses
  • 40. Chapter 40. Welcome To
  • 41. Chapter 41. Tell You Want You Want To Hear
  • 42. Chapter 42. I Didn’t Want You To Be
  • 43. Chapter 43. I Can't Protect You Just Because You're Family
  • 44. Chapter 44. It’s Not Until You’ve Lost The Obvious
  • 45. Chapter 45. Unwanted Generosity Is Just Unpleasant
  • 46. Chapter 46. Cookies Sold By An Unlucky Person
  • 47. Chapter 47 I Want You To Believe That Rumor
  • 48. Chapter 48. The People Who Love Me
  • 49. Chapter 49. Using A Crisis As An Opportunity
  • 50. Chapter 50. What Do You Think About Him?
  • 51. Chapter 51. Luck Itself
  • 52. Chapter 52. Don’t Mess With Me
  • 53. Chapter 53. You Want To Adopt Me?
  • 54. Chapter 54. How Can I Confess First? What Can’t I Do?
  • 55. Chapter 55. I Like You More
  • 56. Chapter 56. Worth The Price Of A Cookie
  • 57. Chapter 57. May Luck Pour Down Like Rain
  • 58. Chapter 58. The Ability ‘Luck’
  • 59. Chapter 59. Love Yourself More
  • 60. Chapter 60. I Hope You’re Ready For Everything To Come Back
  • 61. Chapter 61. My Brother-in-law And My Sister-in-law
  • 62. Chapter 62. Things Only You Can Do
  • 63. Chapter 63. It’s Not That I Don’t Want To Get Married
  • 64. Chapter 64. An Uncomfortable Guest
  • 65. Chapter 65. Your Misfortune Is More Enjoyable Than My Happiness
  • 66. Chapter 66. When You Realize How Precious It Is After Throwing It Away
  • 67. Chapter 67. It’s Late, But Is It Too Late
  • 68. Chapter 68. Nothing Changes Now
  • 69. Chapter 69. When Misfortune Hits A Fun Party
  • 70. Chapter 70. When Misfortunes Points To Me
  • 71. Chapter 71. The Reality Of The Misfortune
  • 72. Chapter 72. We’re A Married Couple!
  • 73. Chapter 73. Individual Nights
  • 74. Chapter 74. Starting With Good Faith
  • 75. Chapter 75. We Want To Have Each Other
  • 76. Chapter 76. How To Deal With Rude People
  • 77. Chapter 77. I Want To Avoid It, But I Can’t
  • 78. Chapter 78. The More You Rush, The Quicker You Fall
  • 79. Chapter 79. When We’re Together, We Bring Good Luck
  • 80. Chapter 80. I’m So Proud Of You
  • 81. Chapter 81. You Have To Bring Good Luck
  • 82. Chapter 82. The Person Who Threw It Away Can Also Be Thrown Away
  • 83. Chapter 83. I Won’t Go Back To My Family That Abandoned Me
  • 84. Chapter 84. Let Them Suffer From Regret
  • 85. Chapter 85. A Bolt Out Of The Blue
  • 86. Chapter 86. Misfortune Comes Silently
  • 87. Chapter 87. Excessive Greed Causes Disaster
  • 88. Chapter 88. Our Positions Have Changed
  • 89. Chapter 89. If You Live A Good Life, It’ll Come Back To You
  • 90. Chapter 90. I'm Happy, You're Unhappy
  • 91. Chapter 91. What’s Wrong With Abandoning Your Parents And Younger Siblings
  • 92. Chapter 92. When You’re Attached To A Goose That’s Already Gutted
  • 93. Chapter 93. Those Who Want Good Luck
  • 94. Chapter 94. After All, We’re Going Until The End
  • 95. Chapter 95. Who’s The Unlucky One?
  • 96. Chapter 96. Weeds?
  • 97. Chapter 97. A Mischief Of Rats Appeared
  • 98. Chapter 98. Nothing Good Happens If You Don’t Even Start
  • 99. Chapter 99. If You Don’t Propose, Then I Will
  • 100. Chapter 100. I’ll Give You Luck
  • 101. Chapter 101. How The Couple Spend Their Wedding Night(1)
  • 102. Chapter 102. How The Couple Spend Their Wedding Night(2)
  • 103. Chapter 103. The Twin’s Spring Day
  • 104. Chapter 104. Surprise Birthday Party
  • 105. Chapter 105. From The Beginning, It Was Meant To Be(1)
  • 106. Chapter 106. From The Beginning, It Was Meant To Be(2)
  • 107. Chapter 107. Irene’s Story
  • 108. Chapter 108. For Their Newfound Happiness(1)
  • 109. Chapter 109. For Their Newfound Happiness(2) (End)

Chapter 1. I was abandoned by my family

 

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***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 2. Today's luck doesn't seem so bad

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 3. There's no way she’s incompetent

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 4. Maybe it's better to break up

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 5. I Wish I Had A Family Like This

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 6. ‘No luck’ is an ability

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 7. I've been waiting for you

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 8. The reason why my family avoided me

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 9. Lock her up or kick her out

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 10. Who's that gold thread bracelet for?

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 11. Those who ignore their good fortune

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 12. Where the Luck Left

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 13. If There’s No Place to go Back

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 14. I’ll Decide Where to be

 

Brand new Kofi shop is now up! (ノ>ω<)ノ :。・:*:・゚’★,。・:*:・゚’☆

https://ko-fi.com/s/896b7055bb

***

 

“Don’t worry, Irene. Father and I are looking for ways to regain our abilities.”

 

It was just as she put her luggage in her room. Emil, who’d followed her in, said this to Irene and expected her to feel relieved.

 

However, Irene looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

 

“Why?”
“What?”
“Do you need to find your ability again?”

Emil could not hide his confusion at the look on her face, as if he was doing something useless.

 

“What are you talking about, Irene? Of course, I can’t live without it.”
“I don’t need it.”

“Are you serious?”
“Yes, it’s better without it.”

 

Leaving behind Emil, who was looking flabbergasted, Irene recalled a time from when she was staying at her maternal uncle’s estate.

 

It felt like something was disappearing from her. The more she tried to grasp it, the emptier she felt.

 

It was so strange, when she tried to use simple magic, there was no response.

 

At first, she was embarrassed and scared. The significance of her existence had always been due to her magical ability. When her magic power suddenly disappeared, she was afraid of how she would live in the future.

 

However, as time passed and her mind calmed down, she thought it was for the best. She felt that she’d finally been given the opportunity to live for herself.

 

It was difficult at first for her to get over the pressure and anxiety to meet her father’s expectations, and solely focus on herself, but later she began to feel more comfortable. At the same time, she blamed herself, and regretted it.

 

‘My family wasn’t normal.’

 

She didn’t know it at the time. It was so natural to keep each other in check and compete, so she thought it was normal. No, she was so busy showing her father her results that she didn’t even have time to think about it.

 

A father, who was always cracking the whip; and a mother, who turned a blind even though she knew everything. Then there was Diana, who would belittle and demean others; Emil, who was vain; and Xavier, who only cared for himself.

 

‘I’m the same too.’

 

Irene smiled bitterly, and sighed. What’s the difference between her, a selfish person who didn’t want to suffer any damage, and her family?

 

‘So, it’s better now.’

 

It was too much of an ability for her from the beginning. Since this was how it was going to be anyway, Irene was just going to use this as an opportunity to decide her own future.

 

However, Emil looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

 

“Are you crazy? Does it make sense that you aren’t going to even try, and find your ability?”

“Does it make sense to make a big fuss over it?”

“IRENE LEROY.”

“Is that all you’re worth?”

“What?”

“Do you lose all of your value just because your ability is gone?”

 

Irene looked straight at Emil as she asked. Her expression was one of pure curiosity, rather than scorn.

 

Not liking the way she was looking at him, Emil burst into a fierce laugh.

 

“Then why did you return? You should go live quietly on Uncle’s land.”

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to.”

 

When her ability disappeared, she thought she should go home as soon as possible. The next day, after she had time to calm down, she thought there was no need to go after all.

 

However, she was forced to return home after her family convinced her uncle that they were worried about her since she’d been gone for so long.

 

“I’ll be going back soon, so you can relax. Also, there’s no reason to put in any effort, because your ability will never come back.”

“How do you know that?”

“Just a feeling?”

 

It was a strong hunch that she couldn’t explain in words.

 

She was a little sad that she couldn’t use her ability in the future, but she was still able to laugh because she felt more relieved and refreshed than anything else.

 

Emil just looked at Irene in frustration, and said.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and get a hold of yourself. We need to find a way to get our abilities back.”

“Brother.”

 

At her serious expression, Emil breathed a sigh of relief. He thought Irene had finally come back to her senses.

 

“If you have time to look for your ability, you have time to think of how to live in the future.”

“What?”

“You have a smart head, how are you going to use it?”

 

Emil didn’t even chuckle as he looked her up and down as if she was pathetic. However, Irene’s next words froze him in place.

 

“Oh, that’s right. You lost your ability. Is that why your brain isn’t working right?”
“You…”

 

Emil’s hands trembled when Irene opened her eyes wide, as if she’d only just realized it. An unbearable anger soared within him at her obnoxious sarcasm.

 

“You’ll regret it if I find out how to restore our abilities.”

“You won’t tell me? That’s fine, you can do that.”

 

Rather, she didn’t have much interest in what he wanted.

 

***

 

“Thank you for coming like this, Miss Aster.”

“Thank you for inviting me to the tea party, Miss Melony.”

 

Seeing Count Melony’s daughter welcoming him, Leticia smiled.

 

At the party thrown by Count and Countess Aster, Leticia happened to have a conversation with Melony, who was surprisingly easy to communicate with and easy-going. The next day, Melony sent an invitation, and asked if she wanted to come to a tea party she was hosting if she didn’t mind.

 

At first, she was worried about whether she should really go. However, she ended up accepting the invitation because she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing to become acquainted with other young noble ladies.

 

“Oh, it’s Miss Aster, right?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Aster.”

“Let’s have a good time today.”

Everyone looked surprised, as if they didn’t expect her to come, but soon they welcomed her with big smiles.

 

The tea party was so much fun that it overshadowed her nervousness. It was their first time meeting Leticia, but they were able to hold many conversations without excluding her. 

 

“I heard you’re engaged to Duke Achilles.”

 

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on her. Leticia, who was eating freshly baked cherry pie, smiled quietly after a moment of bewilderment.

 

“Yes, it hasn’t been long.”

“Oh, my. Is he good to you?”

“I heard he’s really sweet to you.”

 

When Leticia just smiled softly as if they were right, everyone began to ask more questions with curious expressions.

 

“That’s right. I heard he was only nice to the young miss. Is that true?”

Leticia paused for a moment, then she nodded firmly, unable to resist the twinkles in their eyes. 

 

“Yes, I think he’s only kind to me.”

 

When she answered with great conviction in her voice, everyone sighed with looks of envy, or regret.

 

That was when a maid brought in a familiar dessert. A surprised Leticia looked at Melony, who just lightly shrugged her shoulders.

 

“This is…”

 

Leticia muttered without realizing it, and picked up a dessert. It was almost too ‘playful’ to be a dessert.

 

“The lucky cookies made by Miss Aster are popular at tea parties these days.”

 

Melony had been smiling for a while, and slowly distributed the lucky cookies to the other young ladies. She heard that the cookies were handed out at tea parties. It looked like they did this because of the kind words, and good advice written on the paper inside. 

 

Melony glanced at Leticia, who was touching her cookie with an expression of wonder, and said. 

 

“I barely managed to get these.”

“I had no idea.”

Leticia knew that the cookies were selling well. What she didn’t know was that they were difficult for even nobles to get a hold of.

 

“If you don’t mind, can I send some to you next time?”

“Really?”

“I want some too. Could you send some to me as well?”
“I’m thinking of having a tea party soon, so I’d like to get some too.”

 

At this unexpected suggestion, everyone who’d been quietly listening to the conversation began to interrupt. As they tilted towards her, Leticia smiled gently and nodded.

 

“Of course, I’ll send some to everyone here.”

“Thank you, Miss Aster.”

“Thanks to you, I’ll have something to brag about.”

After that, the conversations that followed were filled with smiles. Leticia was in a relaxed mood, and chimed in as the ladies talked about other young lords and ladies, but that pleasant feeling didn’t last long.

 

“Did you hear the news?”
“What news?”
“You know… about the extinct family.”

 

Leticia, who’d been drinking tea with a slight smile, paused for a moment.

 

The conversation continued.

 

“It seems a child of that family is still alive.”

“I thought they were all executed.”

“That’s what I thought as well, but there’s been disturbances here and there.”

“I heard they’re eager to catch them because of that.”

 

They were talking about Keena Erebos. All the young ladies began to talk about how scared they were, and whether they should even go out.

 

During all of this, Leticia was the only one who drank her tea quietly, as she felt detached from it all.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“Thank you for inviting me, Miss Melony. I had a great time.”

“Thank you very much for coming, Miss Aster. Please come again next time.”

 

Leticia sighed as soon as she entered the carriage after saying some light goodbyes. When stories about Keena started to circulate, somehow she felt like an uninvited guest, and had trouble concentrating on the tea party. 

 

In the end, she decided to leave for the Achilles mansion earlier than she expected, so she gave the excuse that she was feeling unwell. As she looked out the window to soothe her frustration, she suddenly paled at something she saw.  

 

“Hold on!”

 

Leticia yelled for the carriage to quickly stop, and then ran to the poster as soon as she alighted from the carriage. A familiar face was drawn on the wall.

 

‘Why…’

 

Leticia couldn’t believe what she was seeing, so she looked at it again. Still, Keena’s description was written very specifically on the wanted poster. Leticia’s lips quivered as she read out the phrase that said that she wasn’t a rebel, but that she was rampaging everywhere, and to report her immediately if seen.

 

‘I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would do something like that.’

 

But did she truly know anything about her?

 

Keena appeared at will, and offered to help when she wanted. It was also true that they had a slight affinity for each other, but it wasn’t that long ago that she broke into the mansion, and stole Leticia’s book. 

 

Nevertheless, Keena was someone who kept bothering her because she felt sorry for her.

 

‘I wonder if it’s true…’

 

She didn’t think Keena would do this. However, she wondered if she would for the sake of revenge.

 

‘Even so.’

 

She wanted to believe that she wasn’t that kind of person.

 

At that time, she heard movement behind her. Leticia looked behind her, and hardened as soon as she saw who it was.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

It was Marquis Leroy.

 

As soon as they made eye contact, Leticia had the strong urge to leave immediately. Marquis Leroy didn’t seem uncomfortable, and even gave her a sweet and friendly smile for the first time in her life. 

 

His relaxed attitude said that he’d already expected her to be here.

 

As the number of eyes on them increased, Leticia was forced to move to a different location with the Marquis. 

 

She sincerely hoped that this mysterious foreboding was just her imagination. 

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

“How have you been?”
“….”

 

Leticia clenched her hands, and kept her mouth shut.

 

She didn’t want to say anything, and wanted the time to pass quickly.

 

When there was no answer from Leticia, the Marquis smiled coldly, and said.

 

“We should try to get along. Does it make sense if you don’t get along with your parents and younger siblings?”

“Just say what you want to say.”

 

Marquis Leroy looked disapprovingly at Leticia, whose expression didn’t change even after he’d used a criticizing tone, and sighed briefly.

 

“I know that I’ve made you sad.”

“….”

“But that’s because I couldn’t be sincere. It was all because I wanted you to do well.”

“….”

“That’s how a parent feels. Even if I wanted to cherish you endlessly, I have no choice but to be harsh with my children.”

“…”

“I thought you understood that.”

 

What should she say?

 

Leticia let out a short laugh at what he’d said so casually. Sure, her head understood, but her heart didn’t.

 

“Did you kick me out because you wanted me to do well?”
“Leticia.”

“Should I understand that everything that happened was supposed to be, and hope that it would all work out?”

It was all nonsense from the beginning.

 

Her family abandoned her because they judged her to be filthy and useless.

 

“What’s wrong with abandoning your parents and younger siblings? I’m the one who was abandoned first.”

 

Chapter 15. I Like the Threat of Being Here