Episode 9
Even now, but Roena before returning didn’t know the word ‘doubt.’ The world reflected in her eyes was always just and beautiful like in fairy tales.
Funnily enough, Roena only knew disputes as things that happen only when opinions don’t match, and had no idea that they could also derive from jealousy or envy. And how much destructive power it boasts when connected to inferiority.
Therefore, Roena wouldn’t even imagine that I possess ‘malice’ that she dare not harbor. Since she interprets everything to her liking and laughs it off. So such trivial tricks wouldn’t work.
Ah. I hid a low sigh that seemed about to flow out and blinked my wet eyes a couple of times.
I felt ashamed of my own immaturity. The problem was that, unlike the past, I was intoxicated with the joy of being able to confront her on a more equal footing and rampaged like a thunderstruck fool.
The setup of the hardworking one versus the complacent genius should have been initiated after laying the foundation through subtle preliminary work to have some effect, but I couldn’t overcome my impatience and committed the mistake of revealing my inner thoughts first.
My cheeks were turning red with shame. The burning heat makes my insides stuffy, even angering me. Of course, in their eyes, it would look like Sisse who can’t control her emotions due to love for Roena.
Anyway, I needed to be secretive and sly like a night cat, and show a more clever attitude. Acting very naturally so that others can’t easily notice my intentions.
Thus, I had the duty to be more careful until I blind the eyes, block the ears, and shut the mouths of everyone in the count’s family.
So let’s become cold like ice and sharp like a knife. Let’s sharpen our eyes wisely like an owl, and act cunningly like a snake. Hide and hide again until I can laugh loudly in front of her distorted face at the end. Until then, I could play the kind sister, the innocent ‘Sise’ who envies Roena, as much as needed.
After that, I stopped subtly attacking her. Rather, I was faithful to the role of an innocent sister who is desperate to resemble Roena. Ignoring the surging disgust or the goosebumps rising on my arms, I smiled with a twitch at the corners of my mouth to the point of spasm.
Mother was smiling brightly as if happy with our appearance. Even pretending not to, it seems she was worried in a corner of her heart that Roena and I might cause discord.
Mother was very pleased when I held Roena’s hand and even teared up. At the same time, she tried to show the demeanor as the mistress of the Wischwaltz family and ‘mother.’ It was so obvious that it was very pitiful. So I laughed heartily at mother’s boring jokes and boosted her spirits.
As time passed like that and conversation topics ran out, Roena reluctantly made a regretful expression and stood up from her seat.
“The literature teacher is coming soon. So I’ll leave first. Um, can I come visit often? M-mother…….”
Roena hesitated and finally uttered the word ‘mother’ out of her mouth. Mother, as if very moved, without even keeping face, jumped up from her seat and ran to Roena. And hugged her, patting her, shedding tears profusely.
“Oh, of course, child. Come visit anytime. Thank you so much for calling me mother.”
I almost burst into ridicule at this unfunny sight, but held it in and stood up to join their embrace. I spread my arms wide to hug them and pretended to sob together. Then, I sneakily lifted my eyes to look at the maids, and they too were floundering in some strange emotion that might be, not knowing what to do.
Well, who would have thought that mother, who entered as the mistress of the mansion by seducing the adoptive father, would be so modest and fragile? Or that she would stage this comedy of donning the name ‘family’ so quickly.
Of course, Margo and her followers won’t easily be fooled, but it’s important that good ‘rumors’ spread first, so it can’t be helped. So even if annoying, I have no choice but to participate in this ridiculous play.
Roena only stopped crying when tears half-covered her face and escaped from mother’s arms. She showed kindness by wiping mother’s tears first before her own face, moving her once again.
Of course, I almost collapsed at the following words ‘I’m glad mother became my mother.’
Mother was so delighted at those ridiculous words. How much she liked it, to the point of showering kisses on Roena’s face.
I bowed my head because that sight was somehow bitter. It’s good that mother maintains her good nature unlike the past, but since it leads to closeness with Roena, the feeling becomes strange.
On one hand, even anxiety arose. Because if it’s mother, she’ll quickly notice my undercover work or mockery disguised as idiocy. Surely she’ll scold me sternly and worry about me. Since before changing, she was more just than anyone.
So I’m scared in advance. What should I do if you become my ‘wall.’
Roena, with her nose red, looking very funny, was exuding ‘I’m happy’ vibes all over her body. Whether she knew or not the maids suppressing giggles seeing her, she smiled broadly like a child. That face is pure and beautiful like a flower with dew, making everyone let out low exclamations.
“Then see you at dinner. I hope time passes quickly.”
Mother escorted such Roena to the door. I couldn’t move a step from my spot because mother’s appearance was so unfamiliar. Somehow, it felt unpleasant as if Roena stole mother from me. I know it’s childish whining, but I truly felt that way.
After escorting Roena, mother suggested to me to walk in the garden. I replaced the answer by scurrying to her and linking arms. Mother softly smiles with her eyes and strokes my hair. Funnily, I ended up relieved just by this one action of hers.
The count’s family garden was very beautiful. The trees carefully tended by the gardener were amazingly fresh and vivid. My ears were delighted by the chirping of unknown birds coming from somewhere. The dress hem brushing the grass also sounded like music.
Everything is quiet and peaceful, immersing in serene feelings. Even the malice invading my body holds its breath and crouches at this time.
“I’ll be busier from now on. Now, even this walking time might decrease.”
Mother opens her mouth and speaks.
“For a few days, with the help of the butler and head maid, I’ll tour the bakery, brewery, and meat storage, and check the household details coming from the rural estates. Also, I need to know how much household expenses are, how to give salaries to employees, and include charitable donations in the budget, so I’ll be out of my mind for a while. You must be busy too.”
“Yes. To learn instruments and singing, literature, history, etiquette, dance, etc., even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough. I’ll also learn falconry.”
“Falcon?”
“It’s a hobby trending among young ladies these days. I want to learn it too.”
In the past, among noble young ladies, following young lords to hunting grounds and flying falcons spread like a trend. One might wonder how they, busy elegantly guarding their bodies, handled those fierce hunting birds, but seeing it lasted quite long, it must have had great fun worth the risk.
But the me at that time was too busy trying to beat Roena to pay attention to it. Especially since I had the experience of being humiliated at the hunting ground once after begging her to take me.
Roena also didn’t like hunting but showed going to hunting grounds a few times for interactions with others.
The reason current me is interested in falconry is not because I feel interest in birds like other young ladies or to raise as a hobby. It’s because most young ladies and lords gathering at hunting grounds will grow into power holders leading the empire later. What more to say since the crown prince participated several times and mingled with them.
To current me, new ‘meetings’ that will take my side and attack Roena are needed. Because the social circles Roena participates in are so solid that I can’t interfere and break them.
Moreover, the groups she meets are all her followers. So not beneficial to me.
Mother looked very puzzled at my sudden mention of ‘falcon,’ but soon nodded, showing silent acceptance.
Rather, she was more concerned about something else. Mother, seeing the maids walking a bit far away, soon lowered her voice and whispered to me.
“Sisse, do you dislike Roena?”
“Why do you think that? Even just a moment ago, we were really fine.”
“Oh, maybe this mother thought too sensitively. It seemed like you keep sharpening your edge toward Roena. Of course, if not, I’m sorry.”
“No way that could be. Not at all. It’s just because I’m not used to it. I haven’t fixed the habit from when I played roughly with other kids on the streets, so words come out a bit bluntly. If I caused worry, I’m sorry. I’ll be careful from now on.”
Mother says to me in a voice mixed with a sigh. Perhaps tense, her neck was a bit stiff.
“I’m thankful if you think that way. Somehow you seem very different.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
“It is, but. Anyway, promise. That you’ll continue to get along well with Roena from now on.”
“Of course.”
I answered without hesitation. Though a promise that won’t be kept, I uttered it naturally. I love mother but don’t feel guilty lying to her. Because I know she’ll be happy because of me anyway. Thus, I had no shame in myself.
Mother gave a light kiss on my cheek as if proud of such me.
After that, we enjoyed the walk by bringing up other topics and having trivial chats.
While barely holding back and chiming in to mother’s boring jokes, around the time of returning to the room, I casually asked if she received the ‘key’ that manages the count’s household.
Mother said with a perplexed expression that she hasn’t received it yet. To such mother, I said in a casual tone as if spilling.
“If Roena truly thinks of mother as real mother, she’ll give the key. I think so.”
Really, I’m a born wicked bitch. But even this way, I hoped mother would have some suspicion and caution toward Roena.
I’ll prevent confrontation with hatred like in the past, but becoming unnecessarily close beyond need is unnecessary. You are my mother, not Roena’s mother, right?
Anyway, the possession of the ‘key’ symbolizing the mistress is very subtle, so the longer it takes to receive it, the more disappointed mother will be in Roena.
Roena too will awkwardly treat mother, floundering in fear as if something unknown is being taken away. It would be good if Margo whispers around here. No, it’s desirable. The more that old weasel does so, the more cards I’ll have to choose. So I deeply kissed mother’s cheek with affection, her face half-hardened, rolling her eyes anxiously.
“See you at dinner time. I need to rest for a bit.”
I truly love my mother. I like her fragile heart so much. That’s why I hope you don’t become a shield protecting her. Because if not, it’ll be very sad. Therefore, this kind of trick is okay, right?
