Chapter 27
“Yes, Mother.”
Cecilia forced a smile, pretending nothing was wrong.
But the Duchess wasn’t finished yet.
“Why, Cecilia?”
Her voice followed, laced with concern.
“You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”
“……”
For a brief moment, Cecilia looked at her with eyes that seemed as though they might collapse at any second.
The overwhelming pressure she carried—regarding the “real daughter.”
And yet, she resented her mother for not noticing it at all.
But even so… it made her happy that her mother was worried about her.
“No, I’m fine,” Cecilia said, smoothing her expression as if nothing had happened.
However, the Duchess still looked deeply concerned.
“I see. If you say so, I won’t press you… but still.”
That familiar warmth stirred uncomfortably in Cecilia’s chest.
What should I say to make Mother happy right now?
After a brief moment of thought, Cecilia glanced sideways at Milena.
And then—
“Shouldn’t we start choosing accessories for Milena now?”
Mother must be very happy that her “real daughter” has returned.
So it would be best to bring up the topic that would please her most—Milena.
And Cecilia’s attempt had an immediate, overwhelming effect.
“How thoughtful of you to care so much for your younger sister. Truly admirable.”
Admirable?
Cecilia froze completely.
It was only a simple compliment, something trivial to others.
But at this moment, to Cecilia, it felt as though she had received the entire world.
Yes!
Milena, who had been carefully observing the situation, clenched her fist in excitement.
If things continued like this, the “family reconciliation project” might actually proceed smoothly!
Meanwhile, the Duchess—having inadvertently broken Cecilia with a single compliment—turned to Milena with crescent-shaped, smiling eyes.
“Yes, it’s about time we looked at accessories as well.”
“Eh?!”
That part was less welcome.
Oh no, another fashion show?!
Just changing dresses had already been exhausting—now accessories too?!
Panicking, Milena quickly waved her hands.
“N-no, I’m fine! A dress alone is more than enough—”
But the Duchess shook her head firmly.
“As a young lady of House Lusert, you must maintain proper dignity. Accessories that match your dress are essential.”
“……”
Milena fell silent, her expression complicated.
Cecilia, watching her reaction, slowly let her smile fade.
Even though Mother is treating her so carefully, she doesn’t look happy at all.
Being loved so openly by the family she herself longed for… yet instead of joy, Milena looked burdened.
Honestly… she felt a little jealous.
No. I shouldn’t think like this.
Thinking negatively would only make her look petty.
Cecilia averted her gaze and took a sip of cold tea when—
“Cecilia, sister.”
Me… me?!
The sudden address made Cecilia nearly spit out her tea.
Startled, she turned around.
Milena was smiling sweetly, holding out a jewelry box.
“Could you help me with this?”
“Me?”
“Yes!”
Nodding eagerly, Milena continued, slightly embarrassed.
“I don’t really know much about accessories. I’d be very grateful if you could advise me.”
“Cecilia, please help her.”
The Duchess looked at Cecilia with a gentle expression.
Then she smiled brightly.
“You two look so close. It makes me very happy.”
“……”
At that moment, Cecilia’s expression melted like snow under spring sunlight.
Sisters…
She wasn’t sure she fully understood such a soft, affectionate relationship yet.
But still…
It feels like… I really am part of this family.
Her heart began to beat with quiet anticipation.
Ignoring the feeling, she opened the jewelry box.
Inside was a silver hairpin decorated with deep blue sapphires.
She held it up against Milena’s hair, then shook her head decisively.
“This is too dark compared to your hair color. Something brighter would suit you better.”
“Really? Then what about this?”
Milena offered another box.
Cecilia examined the accessories carefully.
A hair tie decorated with cream pearls and transparent crystals.
A ribbon ornament made of deep green silk with a small ruby accent.
And a purple amethyst hairpin.
Each piece was exquisitely crafted.
“In that case… either the pearl pin or the ribbon would—”
“Wow, thank you!”
Milena smiled brightly and immediately picked up the ribbon.
She swiftly tied her hair into a ponytail, finishing it off with the ribbon.
“How does it look? Does it suit me?”
She leaned her head toward Cecilia.
At that shameless gesture, Cecilia couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
“Yes. It suits you.”
“It’s all thanks to you choosing it.”
Milena turned back around, smiling warmly.
“It’s because you have a good eye, sister. Thank you.”
“……”
Cecilia’s cheeks turned slightly red.
At the same time, the Duchess couldn’t hide her pleased expression.
“It seems Milena is quite skilled at doing her own hair.”
“Of course! It’s basic. When I worked at the Trancier manor, they made us tie our hair up at all times…”
Milena stopped mid-sentence.
She realized too late what she had said.
The Duchess’s expression filled with pity.
“…So that’s why you’re so used to it?”
Even the young lord, Elias, looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
“It’s alright now.”
He spoke firmly.
“We’ll always be by your side from now on.”
N-no, that’s not necessary…
It’s just tying hair, after all.
Milena was flustered when—
Cecilia’s gaze drifted to a brooch resting on the edge of the table.
That… would be useful to have.
It was a flower-shaped brooch made of pink coral, mother-of-pearl, and small diamonds.
Simple yet elegant, suitable for both everyday and formal wear.
It would be perfect for Milena, who still lacked accessories.
But—
“Cecilia, dear.”
A gentle voice suddenly came from behind her.
It was the governess, Mrs. Howard.
“Y-young lady Cecilia?”
Startled, Cecilia looked up at her.
Mrs. Howard continued kindly.
“Of course you’d like some jewelry for yourself too, but today is about preparing things for Lady Milena, isn’t it?”
What was she talking about?
Cecilia’s turquoise eyes wavered.
The governess smiled gently, as if soothing a child throwing a tantrum.
“Today, let’s let your younger sister have it, alright?”
“……”
It was as if… I had been greedy for that brooch.
But that wasn’t it.
I was only thinking it would be useful for Milena…
Cecilia bit her lip tightly.
And just then—
“What were you looking at?”
Milena suddenly leaned in, peering right into her face.
