“...”
Aila looked at Laura, speechless.
It wasn't that she hadn't expected to receive such an order soon, but when she actually heard the order to kill Noah, her lips seemed to be glued shut, and she couldn't say anything.
Her younger brother had only just turned one. He was still a baby, unable to speak or walk without assistance.
However, no matter how small and weak a being was, it was still a living being.
Aila still vividly remembered the moment Noah's hand touched her face. She felt the warmth from those small hands still lingering.
So warm hands, breathing, and a beating heart.
She couldn't understand why they wanted to kill that innocent child.
"Why aren't you answering, Miss? You should kill that child right now and prove your loyalty."
“...”
Despite Laura's urging, Aila remained silent.
In fact, now that the curse was lifted, there was no need to worry about Laura's reaction. There was no need to worry about her dying if she disobeyed Byron's orders.
But to carry out her plan to bring him into this house and seek revenge, she had to at least pretend to follow orders.
No matter what happens later, she has to just say she understands now...
'My mouth won't open.'
Even if it was just empty words, how could she easily say that she would kill her little brother, who smiled brightly at her?
"Miss!"
Laura demanded in a harsh voice. She seemed completely at a loss for Aila's reaction.
Laura deliberately blurted out words that would provoke Aila, hoping that she would immediately demonstrate her loyalty to her "father."
And yet, she keeps her mouth shut as if she has glue on her lips.
She couldn't put her finger on it, but it was clear that something unusual was happening.
"Aren't you going to answer? If you keep saying that, I'll have no choice but to tell your father!"
It was when Laura, who was growing impatient, raised her voice and tried to push Aila away.
Knock, knock. There was a knock on the door. She couldn't tell who it was, but it was definitely Aila's savior.
'Why now of all times!'
Laura, unable to hear Aila's answer, grumbled and walked towards the door with no other choice.
As she carefully opened the door, a gentle smile appeared on her face, as if to ask when she had ever had such a fierce expression.
And the person who poked his head out through the open door was none other than Lisa, who had gone on vacation to her hometown.
“Miss, I’m here!”
She was in her street clothes, as if she had just arrived at the mansion, and her cheeks were flushed red, as if she had run all the way to her room.
"Lisa? Why are you here so early? Your vacation ends this weekend."
Aila asked, puzzled. She couldn't understand why Lisa returned so soon, even though she'd given her a generous vacation to rest and relax with her family while she was at home.
"I came early because I wanted to see you, Miss. I wanted to surprise you by arriving before you arrived, but I'm too late."
Lisa's face, narrowing her eyes and smiling, showed no sign of pretense. It seemed as if she was genuinely happy to see Aila again.
It was a very different expression from Laura, who was forcing a smile while barely controlling her embarrassment and anger next to her.
“You should rest more. It’s a rare vacation...”
When Aila spoke in an apologetic voice, Lisa smiled playfully and asked.
“Are you not happy to see me, Miss?”
"No, I missed Lisa too. I even prepared a gift for you when you get back."
Aila shook her head in denial, as if nothing had happened. There was no reason Lisa wouldn't be happy. She'd even appeared at the perfect time and saved her from danger.
“Laura, please take the gift box out of my suitcase.”
“...Yes, Miss.”
At Aila's direction, Laura, trying to calm her bubbling stomach, took out a box from her still-unpacked luggage.
She didn't know what it was going to be used for, even wrapping and gift-wrapping such a precious item, but it turned out to be a gift for Lisa.
Laura was upset for no reason because she thought it was something that didn't suit the poor Baron's circumstances.
“Come on, open it up. It's a souvenir I prepared for Lisa from the estate.”
“What could it be? I’m looking forward to it. Oh my, this is...”
Lisa opened the box with a face filled with excitement, then looked startled. The items inside were so precious.
It was a set of jewelry crafted from precious gems found only in the Weishaffen estate. It was made from the same snow diamonds that had been embedded in the necklace that seemed to be proof of Aila's status as a Princess.
The jewels used in the pair of earrings and the necklace were not very large, but they were of the highest quality.
“It’s so pretty, but... can I accept something so precious?”
She said it with an expression that seemed as if she didn't know what to do with herself.
"Of course. Father has told me many times not to forget the kindness of you and the Baron, Lisa."
Aila answered with a bright smile.
Although she had a genuine desire to give a gift to Lisa, who was always so kind to her, there was another intention behind the gift.
In her previous life, Laura had framed Lisa as a thief, so she was laying the groundwork to ensure that she couldn't be framed like that this time.
If Laura were to accuse Lisa of being a jewel thief again, Lisa would be able to defend herself by saying, "The lady gave me precious things as gifts, so why would I steal them?"
And by showing that she was kind to Lisa, she could also stimulate Laura, so she could kill two birds with one stone.
“...Then I will gratefully accept it, Miss. I think I should pass it down as an heirloom to future generations.”
Lisa said, holding the gift box tightly in her arms.
That evening, at the dinner table where everyone was gathered, Aila fidgeted, looking for a chance to have a private conversation with her parents. She wanted to talk about Noah.
But with so many eyes watching, the meal ended without her being able to utter a single word. All Aila could do was hope that her parents had finally gotten her point across.
And a moment later, her butler, Lester, came to her room. Fortunately, her wishes had been conveyed correctly.
“Miss, the master is looking for you.”
“What’s going on tonight?”
Aila tried hard to suppress her joy and muttered.
“The lady said she wanted to get together with her family and listen to their travel stories.”
At Lester's words, Laura could only watch Aila's back as she walked away, like a dog chasing a chicken looking up at the roof.
Laura had thought she would send Lisa away and get an answer from Aila this time, but that plan had been ruined.
Following the butler's guidance, they entered the reception room attached to the couple's room. Besides Roderick and Ophelia, there was another person inside. It was his uncle, Isidore.
Aila felt as if her tongue was being defiled. It was a misery to have to tell her parents this.
“...”
And Roderick and Ophelia, who heard their daughter's words, were speechless.
They thought they already knew Byron's wickedness, but this incident was beyond their imagination. Born with a curse, how far could he go in his wickedness? It felt like a distant dream, as if the limits were impossible to grasp.
Not only did he raise this child to be an assassin and have her kill her own father, but he also had her kill her own newborn brother. Isn't that too cruel?
"I don't know what to do. Should I just abandon the operation now?"
Aila asked in a tearful voice.
She really didn't want to do that. She desperately wanted to hold Byron, who had ruined her life so badly, in that place where she had to die painfully, knowing the whole truth.
“...You definitely wanted to take revenge with your own hands, didn’t you? Would you feel better if you gave up now?”
Her father asked her as if he had read her mind.
“Honestly... I don’t want to give up.”
"If that's what you think, let's find a way. I'm sure there's a good way."
Isidore, who had been silently listening to the conversation between the two, interjected. His voice was laced with anger. He, too, was enraged by Byron's brutality.
“Your uncle is right. Let’s think about it together.”
Ophelia held Aila's hand tightly.
Aila looked at Laura, speechless.
It wasn't that she hadn't expected to receive such an order soon, but when she actually heard the order to kill Noah, her lips seemed to be glued shut, and she couldn't say anything.
Her younger brother had only just turned one. He was still a baby, unable to speak or walk without assistance.
However, no matter how small and weak a being was, it was still a living being.
Aila still vividly remembered the moment Noah's hand touched her face. She felt the warmth from those small hands still lingering.
So warm hands, breathing, and a beating heart.
She couldn't understand why they wanted to kill that innocent child.
"Why aren't you answering, Miss? You should kill that child right now and prove your loyalty."
“...”
Despite Laura's urging, Aila remained silent.
In fact, now that the curse was lifted, there was no need to worry about Laura's reaction. There was no need to worry about her dying if she disobeyed Byron's orders.
But to carry out her plan to bring him into this house and seek revenge, she had to at least pretend to follow orders.
No matter what happens later, she has to just say she understands now...
'My mouth won't open.'
Even if it was just empty words, how could she easily say that she would kill her little brother, who smiled brightly at her?
"Miss!"
Laura demanded in a harsh voice. She seemed completely at a loss for Aila's reaction.
Laura deliberately blurted out words that would provoke Aila, hoping that she would immediately demonstrate her loyalty to her "father."
And yet, she keeps her mouth shut as if she has glue on her lips.
She couldn't put her finger on it, but it was clear that something unusual was happening.
"Aren't you going to answer? If you keep saying that, I'll have no choice but to tell your father!"
It was when Laura, who was growing impatient, raised her voice and tried to push Aila away.
Knock, knock. There was a knock on the door. She couldn't tell who it was, but it was definitely Aila's savior.
'Why now of all times!'
Laura, unable to hear Aila's answer, grumbled and walked towards the door with no other choice.
As she carefully opened the door, a gentle smile appeared on her face, as if to ask when she had ever had such a fierce expression.
And the person who poked his head out through the open door was none other than Lisa, who had gone on vacation to her hometown.
“Miss, I’m here!”
She was in her street clothes, as if she had just arrived at the mansion, and her cheeks were flushed red, as if she had run all the way to her room.
"Lisa? Why are you here so early? Your vacation ends this weekend."
Aila asked, puzzled. She couldn't understand why Lisa returned so soon, even though she'd given her a generous vacation to rest and relax with her family while she was at home.
"I came early because I wanted to see you, Miss. I wanted to surprise you by arriving before you arrived, but I'm too late."
Lisa's face, narrowing her eyes and smiling, showed no sign of pretense. It seemed as if she was genuinely happy to see Aila again.
It was a very different expression from Laura, who was forcing a smile while barely controlling her embarrassment and anger next to her.
“You should rest more. It’s a rare vacation...”
When Aila spoke in an apologetic voice, Lisa smiled playfully and asked.
“Are you not happy to see me, Miss?”
"No, I missed Lisa too. I even prepared a gift for you when you get back."
Aila shook her head in denial, as if nothing had happened. There was no reason Lisa wouldn't be happy. She'd even appeared at the perfect time and saved her from danger.
“Laura, please take the gift box out of my suitcase.”
“...Yes, Miss.”
At Aila's direction, Laura, trying to calm her bubbling stomach, took out a box from her still-unpacked luggage.
She didn't know what it was going to be used for, even wrapping and gift-wrapping such a precious item, but it turned out to be a gift for Lisa.
Laura was upset for no reason because she thought it was something that didn't suit the poor Baron's circumstances.
“Come on, open it up. It's a souvenir I prepared for Lisa from the estate.”
“What could it be? I’m looking forward to it. Oh my, this is...”
Lisa opened the box with a face filled with excitement, then looked startled. The items inside were so precious.
It was a set of jewelry crafted from precious gems found only in the Weishaffen estate. It was made from the same snow diamonds that had been embedded in the necklace that seemed to be proof of Aila's status as a Princess.
The jewels used in the pair of earrings and the necklace were not very large, but they were of the highest quality.
“It’s so pretty, but... can I accept something so precious?”
She said it with an expression that seemed as if she didn't know what to do with herself.
"Of course. Father has told me many times not to forget the kindness of you and the Baron, Lisa."
Aila answered with a bright smile.
Although she had a genuine desire to give a gift to Lisa, who was always so kind to her, there was another intention behind the gift.
In her previous life, Laura had framed Lisa as a thief, so she was laying the groundwork to ensure that she couldn't be framed like that this time.
If Laura were to accuse Lisa of being a jewel thief again, Lisa would be able to defend herself by saying, "The lady gave me precious things as gifts, so why would I steal them?"
And by showing that she was kind to Lisa, she could also stimulate Laura, so she could kill two birds with one stone.
“...Then I will gratefully accept it, Miss. I think I should pass it down as an heirloom to future generations.”
Lisa said, holding the gift box tightly in her arms.
That evening, at the dinner table where everyone was gathered, Aila fidgeted, looking for a chance to have a private conversation with her parents. She wanted to talk about Noah.
But with so many eyes watching, the meal ended without her being able to utter a single word. All Aila could do was hope that her parents had finally gotten her point across.
And a moment later, her butler, Lester, came to her room. Fortunately, her wishes had been conveyed correctly.
“Miss, the master is looking for you.”
“What’s going on tonight?”
Aila tried hard to suppress her joy and muttered.
“The lady said she wanted to get together with her family and listen to their travel stories.”
At Lester's words, Laura could only watch Aila's back as she walked away, like a dog chasing a chicken looking up at the roof.
Laura had thought she would send Lisa away and get an answer from Aila this time, but that plan had been ruined.
Following the butler's guidance, they entered the reception room attached to the couple's room. Besides Roderick and Ophelia, there was another person inside. It was his uncle, Isidore.
She hadn't expected him to be there, but it would have been nice to have someone to consult with about how to navigate this. Her uncle, with his vast knowledge, could have come up with solutions she hadn't even considered.
"Come and sit down, Aila. I saw you at dinnertime, and it seemed like you had something you wanted to discuss with us. Am I right?"
“Yes, Mother.”
Aila sighed in relief as she sat down on the soft sofa. It was fortunate that the quick-witted Ophelia had caught her signal.
"Yes, what's going on? I used an anti-eavesdropping spell, so you can speak with confidence."
Roderick opened his mouth in a calm voice.
"That is..."
Aila swallowed dryly. She desperately wanted to meet her parents and discuss this matter, but standing before them, her mouth wouldn't open.
How could she tell him that she had been ordered to kill her younger brother, who had just turned one?
But she couldn't keep her mouth shut forever. Aila squeezed her eyes shut and spoke.
“Laura relayed his orders... He said to kill Noah... As soon as possible...”
"Come and sit down, Aila. I saw you at dinnertime, and it seemed like you had something you wanted to discuss with us. Am I right?"
“Yes, Mother.”
Aila sighed in relief as she sat down on the soft sofa. It was fortunate that the quick-witted Ophelia had caught her signal.
"Yes, what's going on? I used an anti-eavesdropping spell, so you can speak with confidence."
Roderick opened his mouth in a calm voice.
"That is..."
Aila swallowed dryly. She desperately wanted to meet her parents and discuss this matter, but standing before them, her mouth wouldn't open.
How could she tell him that she had been ordered to kill her younger brother, who had just turned one?
But she couldn't keep her mouth shut forever. Aila squeezed her eyes shut and spoke.
“Laura relayed his orders... He said to kill Noah... As soon as possible...”
Aila felt as if her tongue was being defiled. It was a misery to have to tell her parents this.
“...”
And Roderick and Ophelia, who heard their daughter's words, were speechless.
They thought they already knew Byron's wickedness, but this incident was beyond their imagination. Born with a curse, how far could he go in his wickedness? It felt like a distant dream, as if the limits were impossible to grasp.
Not only did he raise this child to be an assassin and have her kill her own father, but he also had her kill her own newborn brother. Isn't that too cruel?
"I don't know what to do. Should I just abandon the operation now?"
Aila asked in a tearful voice.
She really didn't want to do that. She desperately wanted to hold Byron, who had ruined her life so badly, in that place where she had to die painfully, knowing the whole truth.
“...You definitely wanted to take revenge with your own hands, didn’t you? Would you feel better if you gave up now?”
Her father asked her as if he had read her mind.
“Honestly... I don’t want to give up.”
"If that's what you think, let's find a way. I'm sure there's a good way."
Isidore, who had been silently listening to the conversation between the two, interjected. His voice was laced with anger. He, too, was enraged by Byron's brutality.
“Your uncle is right. Let’s think about it together.”
Ophelia held Aila's hand tightly.
No solution has been found yet, but the fact that so many adults are helping her is a great comfort.
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