Chapter 78
Even in the carriage heading to the foundation festival, nobody spoke.
Obviously, everything went as planned, though the unfortunate thing was that Duke Icard had such a sad expression on his face. Even Olivia looked at Duke Icard’s face repeatedly, sighed, glanced at the window and sighed again.
So, I took the risk.
No matter how much I recalled, there was no mention of an adopted daughter in the Icard Duchy in the original story. However, from what I could see, if it wasn’t for such a big event, he would have taken her as his foster daughter.
No, it was apparent that he would at least break the custom and keep her as a guest in the mansion. Still, why didn’t it even mention such an important event…?
The only explanation was that such an unexpected incident occurred when I twisted the original. Although I did all kinds of deeds behind the scenes, there was only one thing that actually interfered with the flow of the original work.
‘That’s Duke Orlando’s closest aide, Medor, was removed.’
Having cut off one of the leading character’s right arms would definitely change his behavior. Without his most capable minion, he probably felt a sense of crisis and decided to confront his political opponents differently.
Since there was no talented person to handle things quickly and smoothly, wouldn’t it have been possible to place a spy to gather information slowly but surely for a long time?
So, after predicting that Rosaline might be a messenger sent by the Duke of Orlando, I threw the bait and fished it. And, if by any chance, when the word ‘Duke Orlando’ came out and the answer was, “What? What are you talking about?” there wouldn’t be any risk either way.
Naturally, the tailor was a member of the Bestian Dark Guild, and as soon as he was found out, he jumped out of the window and hid in Serena’s temporary residence just downstairs. No matter how much the servants search, Serena would say, “There’s no one here. Did that person really still exist?”
Meanwhile, while selling ‘The Last Memories of the Family,’ I dragged Duke Icard, Olivia, and Evan along to Rosaline’s room at the right time.
“If it’s just us alone, Miss Rosaline will be sad. Why don’t we all go together to see the dress that I gave to Miss Rosaline?”
“Why on earth would we all go…”
“Kugh—cof! Cough! Cough!”
By the time we arrived at Rosaline’s room, the tailor had thrown the bait he had prepared. That was how everyone listened to Rosaline and the tailor. There was a condition of high-level difficulty that the appearance should resemble Matilda, so I thought that she wouldn’t be a professional spy.
‘Especially considering that she stole my vase, she didn’t look like a professional.’
That was why I was able to make plans easily. According to Olivia, Duke Icard knew something was strange…
“It’s because as long as I perform and act like Madam Matilda, Duke Icard will allow me anything with a blank expression on his face…”
Shock therapy was the best way to bring him to his senses.
“I’m even laughing at jokes that don’t even make sense, so I’m sure he’ll give away soon…”
It was literally ‘face-to-face.’
“I say things like this, but every time I do it, I feel a bit like an idiot.”
…To confirm with his own eyes and ears what the hell was going on. It was for such a dramatic situation that I pretended to be pitiful and comforted Rosaline. Naturally, I had no intention of giving away what was mine to her.
“Serena, when everything is over…”
“Yes!”
“Get some vases from the room and put them in their place. Oh, even the jewels I sent to her. I’ll have to throw that dress away though it can’t be helped.”
It was truly a refreshing ending.
I continued to be a good child without being someone to be particularly wary of, and her true identity was revealed ‘by accident.’
‘But, why is my heart isn’t feeling good?’
Perhaps, because Duke Icard in front of me showed how greatly shocked he was. Pretending to be curt, pretending he wasn’t hit though, inside him, he must feel ridiculed because he was facing his fatal weakness.
Literally, when a child resembling Matilda appeared, even Evan and I treated her like family. Of course, it was a word I twisted a bit, but the rumor spread like that.
‘It’s obvious your mental breakdown… Will you be able to receive the medal properly?’
There was no joy in the expression of the man about to receive a medal.
Even though one could be angry if they were deceived, it was inevitable to feel the despair of reality after being hit even though you roughly guessed it. At the same time, I felt like I could witness how weak a person can be after losing a loved one.
According to Olivia, it was ‘reckless and foolish,’ but I couldn’t say something like that…
“When Matilda died, I thought that Kallaudin would follow her.”
He was a living person with the sole purpose of reviving the person he loved.
I, too, got a little depressed and fell into thoughts.
‘…Will I ever receive such love?’
It didn’t seem like I would be able to receive such love no matter how many times I reincarnated or possessed another’s body.
Even in this life, I was just an extra being quietly used by that immense love…
‘That’s just my destiny because my previous life was truly unlucky.’
Again, I confirmed that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stay with Duke Icard until the end.
‘So, no matter what, you shouldn’t give affection… The Duke will save Matilda’s life even in the afterlife, but I have to take care of my life no matter what.’
I couldn’t defeat Matilda.
It was close to impossible to become more precious than the memories of someone who was no longer in this world. Since there was no one to scheme against, there was nothing to do. She was irreplaceable, so it was beautified.
There was no way for me to deal with the memories of the dead.
“Ah, she’s just a dumb girl who’s being loved because she acts cute to gain favor. The child knows the subject well and doesn’t try to overstep. It doesn’t seem like someone to be wary of. She’s quite easy-going.”
Even the spy evaluated me in such a positive way, so there was no way the people of Icard Duchy would not like me.
I am not an idiot. It was not like I didn’t know I was receiving a lot from Duke Icard. However, after Matilda’s death, I was like the moon in the Duke’s residence where a long night had come. It shone brightly at night and was beautiful, though when the sun rises, it was immediately obscured and discharged by light.
In fact, even that beauty came from Matilda, not from my light since everyone saw Matilda’s kindness and warmth in me.
There was no one who didn’t wait for the morning just because the moon was bright—Night would not go away until the sun goes up.
So, I made the clear promise not to give affection, but it pained me seeing Duke Icard’s doing such an expression. The thought of running away from these people and living in hiding alone made me feel somewhat sad.
‘But, father’s plans are all in vain anyway, so I can’t ask him to forget Matilda and live all together, anyway.’
It didn’t seem like it would be a good idea to go into hiding and watch all of Duke Icard’s plan go to waste because of Seymour and Elanie’s love.
Of course, it would be sad, although even if I feel sad…
I thought it would be better to be sad while cutting steak than to be sad while eating corn porridge.
[ T/N: It means it’s better being sad living a wealthy life than an unlucky one. ]
Wouldn’t it be better to do it in a large mansion rather than a small rented room, even if you are filled with regret while reminiscing about the days when you were with everyone? Therefore…
“Wow, Evan.”
What made me feel restless was restless, and money was money.
“So pretty…”
Sitting in the first-class seat, seeing Elani closer than anyone else, I clasped my hands tightly and muttered. A large ruby necklace shone on top of a simply designed dress. The golden eyes were confidently folded brightly while looking at the crowd.
Elanie was the same age as me. However, because of her gorgeous and slender features, she looked like a grown-up lady.
‘As expected, her visual balance is well-matched with Evan, who looks older.’
It was such a powerful beauty that anyone who saw her would want to wear a ruby necklace.
“Beautiful, really…”
As expected, it was a worthwhile investment. Clearly, it was obvious that ruby accessories orders would be flooding by now.
‘I can do some more repairs on the inside of the mansion and fill it with luxury furniture.’
The more beautiful Elanie was, the more beautiful my fortune became so I was more ecstatic.
Looking at me like that, Evan opened his mouth.
“Pretty, why…? Do you want a ruby necklace?”
As expected, this was the general reaction. It made me proud to think that these kinds of conversations are taking place all over the place.
“It’s not that, it’s just… Princess Elanie is beautiful, don’t you think so? She’s so pretty… She looks like a shining person also has great charisma, and is cool. I feel possessed just by looking at her.”
“Well…”
At my words, Evan held his chin and frowned.
“It’s just whatever.”
Even looking at that absolute beauty, he said he wasn’t that impressed. After all, he was treated like a scrap car by the original female lead…
At that time, Elanie’s gaze, who was slowly turning her head greeting people, reached me.
Then– Isn’t she smiling brightly and warmly at me…?
As I blinked my eyes and suddenly smiled back, the short mouthing that followed clearly said, “Nice to see you.”
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