Stella leaned against the bed with a languid expression.
'I guess it would be better to wait and see a little longer.'
This amount of evidence was not yet enough to confront Sia. If the Sia mentioned here were to deny it was her, that would be the end of it. She believed the saying that one needs composure to catch a big fish. Since her regression, she had gained peace of mind, and things had been going relatively smoothly.
"You came?"
Kendrick, looking exhausted from the heavy workload, opened the door and came in. Stella did not hide her excited expression.
"You look like you're in a good mood. It seems you get along better with your playmate than expected."
"Yes, that's right."
At his words, Stella's eyes grew even more glistening with a smile. Kendrick was right. Thanks to the chance encounter that made a playmate, they had gained an unexpected reward. Kendrick wore a rather proud expression.
"A letter has arrived for you."
She received a letter from Kendrick. As she did so, the scar on her wrist caught Kendrick's eye. It was not a scar from before the marriage, but a new one.
"Stella."
Kendrick's pupils widened.
"Ah, Kendrick."
He hurriedly pulled Stella's arm toward him. And he checked.
"Why are you doing this?"
He asked in a surprised voice.
"When did you get that wound? I haven't seen it before."
"Ah. This. When was this again?"
After making me so nervous, all he says is to ask when I got the injury. Feeling somewhat deflated, she looked at Kendrick with a puzzled expression.
"It happened around lunchtime yesterday. I was too lazy to use crutches, so I was just walking."
Kendrick let out a low sigh as if drained of energy. His stiff eyebrows had not yet relaxed.
'What's wrong with Kendrick's expression?'
Stella tried to call his name but stopped. Her shoulder throbbed as it was bent toward him.
"Let go of me. Why are you suddenly getting so worked up?"
She pulled his arm again, speaking to Kendrick in a reprimanding tone. However, Kendrick did not let go of Stella.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
His eyes flickered seriously.
"This? Come on. Why go on and on about something so trivial? I wasn't even hurt that badly."
Stella couldn't understand why he was acting so seriously.
"You used to tell me everything individually before."
She was so excited that the end of her voice cracked slightly. Stella tilted her head slightly, making no attempt to hide her puzzled expression.
"You weren't really interested, you know."
"What?"
It's a little embarrassing for her to say this out loud, but...
'Didn't you know I got hurt to get your attention?'
But what could be done? It was true that she had done something foolish in the past. Kendrick remained silent.
"That's why I didn't mention this either. I was afraid you would think I got hurt on purpose again."
"Ha."
Kendrick slumped onto the floor and ran his hand over his face. Thinking this was her chance, she tried to reach for the arm, but the other man still wouldn't let go. After taking deep breaths for a few minutes, he lifted his head.
"Stella, the reason I didn't pay attention to your wounds was..."
Stella was starting to feel frustrated with the situation. She understood that he must have been sick of his wife faking illness at all times. She didn't particularly want to hear any excuses. It wasn't that she didn't understand Kendrick's situation, as he had grown annoyed by Stella's complaints about being sick.
'I didn't want to look foolish for no reason. It would be a hassle for Kendrick, too.'
Kendrick pressed the corners of his eyes with his palms, as if feeling guilty. Every single word coming out of her mouth was shocking. He had no idea Stella was thinking this way. Really, he hadn't expected it at all.
'I get annoyed when Stella is sick...'
Since when has she been thinking that?
As Kendrick's hand loosened, she turned her wrist a few times and checked the letter.
"Is that important?"
Kendrick felt all the strength drain from his body. Along with a sense of helplessness, he recalled the conversation he had with Harald a few months ago. He had been agonizing over Stella in his own way, but unable to find an answer, he had even sought advice from Harald, the Duke's private doctor.
- Harald. What do you think would be the best way to get Stella to stop doing things that harm her body?
- Don't give her attention.
- What?
- The more Lord Kendrick pays attention to Lady Stella's wounds, the more she will hurt herself. Even if you are worried, it would be best not to show it as much as possible.
However, little did he know that following his advice would backfire. He felt as if he had swallowed a blade.
"Kendrick, you don't need to overreact. It doesn't even hurt that much."
"Stella, I don't mind at all that you're telling me that you're sick."
She nodded half-heartedly as she tore open the envelope.
"Yes. I understand."
She nodded and gave a vague answer. The letter was enough to take Stella's gaze away from Kendrick.
[To my dear Stella, Roy]
"It's Roy."
We could have just met and talked, so why did he even send a letter? She checked the contents of the letter and realized the reason.
[You are invited to the Succession Ceremony of Marquis Roy Andra.]
Roy will fully inherit the Marquis title next week. There was no mention of this when they met. For whatever reason, the schedule seemed to have been arranged in a hurry. Unlike the succession to a Duke, which requires permission from the Imperial Family, it appeared that the family would hold a party to celebrate the succession to a Marquis. Since she was close to Roy, she could not afford not to attend the succession ceremony.
She has to be out of the house next week because of this, so she'd better gather the evidence then.
She felt that if she couldn't finish the matter regarding the playmate, her heart wouldn't be light throughout the celebration of Roy.
If she has to be away from home for a long time next week, she'll have to gather evidence during that time.
It wasn't difficult to gather evidence. They underestimated Stella and weren't wary of her at all. Fortunately, Jerina wore the necklace Stella had given her every day. Stella had heard that her family had been scholars for generations and wasn't wealthy, so it seemed that Jerina, who liked to show off, wore the same necklace daily.
"Um. How did the thing I asked you to do the other day go?"
At her words, the three playmates fell silent. After discreetly delaying their response, Jerina spoke up.
"A request? I wonder what kind of request you are asking for..."
So you're testing the waters while remembering.
Even if Stella was taking a humble stance, this was too much. They were arrogant, way too arrogant. Stella timidly fidgeted with her fingers and cautiously began to speak.
"Uh, the rumors about Kendrick... Did you happen to look into it?"
"Ah. That?"
The three women exchanged glances. Lily was the first to speak.
"Um, we did go around asking around, but we think you might get hurt, Stella. We recommend you don't listen to it."
"Hurt?"
Stella's face darkened rapidly.
"That’s bad news. It’s okay, go ahead and tell me."
Stella even went so far as to bite her fingernails with her teeth.
"There has been a lot of bad news. You know, I've been hearing that His Excellency has been frequenting bars lately."
Lily spoke with an expression that seemed apologetic for bringing it up. Stella looked as if she wanted to deny it.
"A bar? If it's just having a drink to socialize with the aristocrats, then well..."
"No. I don't mean that kind of bar. I mean a bar where women are always present. Ahem."
"...Kendrick?"
Stella frowned and asked back. What they were saying was truly preposterous. Stella knew it better than anyone.
"How could this happen?"
Kendrick was more likely to have a mistress than frequent such bars. Above all, he was a man of order who always finished work at a set time and returned to his bedroom. It was physically impossible for him to manage a busy schedule while also enjoying entertainment with multiple women.
"Yes. Please don't be too upset, Stella."
Lily stomped her feet as if she were really worried about Stella. This time, she looked at Shimizu.
"And I've heard a lot of people say that Kendrick seems quite close to his assistant. There's also a lot of talk that Kendrick would have married Sia if it weren't for Lady Stella's interference. I absolutely didn't make that up! It's just that there are a few ill-mannered people who talk like this..."
"Ha."
It was the same this time. To think that Kendrick would have married Sia had it not been for Stella's interference. As far as she knew, Sia and Kendrick hadn't known each other for that long.
Anyone listening would think she's the villain who pushed away Sia while she was dating Kendrick.
Furthermore, Stella and Kendrick had a love marriage. Unlike other nobles who entered into arranged marriages, they were lovers who confirmed their love for each other before getting married.
"There aren't any other rumors, right?"
She looked at Jerina one last time. She was looking forward to what would come out of Jerina's mouth.
"Ahem. I don't know the exact reason, but there is talk going around that Adrian's mistress will be changing soon."
There is no way to know the exact reason.
Because it must be made up.
Stella buried her face in her palms to hide the hollow laugh threatening to escape her. Heck, huff. Her body trembled as she tried to turn the sound of her laughter into something like crying.
"Oh, dear..."
They reached out and approached Stella as if to comfort her. They patted her back and stroked her shoulders. However, through the gaps between her fingers, she saw them exchanging glances and wearing smiles.
It was time for them to go back. Before seeing them off, Stella deliberately fiddled with the drawer containing the valuables. Lily and Shimizu did not notice, but Jerina kept her eyes on Stella's actions.
"Well then, we'll be going now."
Lily stood up with a cheerful voice. Stella deliberately met Jerina's gaze. Lily and Shimizu packed their bags quickly, as if they had been waiting for work to end, while Jerina tidied up slowly. The bait was half successful.
"Jerina, may I ask you one more favor?"
She approached Jerina and whispered.
"Only to me? What is it?"
"Can you find out what kind of person the bar girl Kendrick is seeing?"
She had to end the conversation as quickly as possible because she couldn't let Shimizu and Lily find out about it. Jerina furrowed her brows deeply.
"That's a little dangerous."
"I’ll do anything to show my sincerity. Of course, I’m not saying I’ll buy Jerina’s heart with money."
She took out whatever she could grab from the drawer. It was a large pearl necklace.
"Here. Could you take this?"
Jerina shook her head as if troubled. However, the corners of her mouth curved upward. Smiling helplessly, she accepted the pearl necklace.
"Lady Stella, I'm granting this request for the sake of our friendship."
"Yeah. Thank you so much."
Stella put the necklace in Jerina's bag, mindful of Lily and Shimizu.
"Jerina! Let's hurry!"
Lily's voice, having left the room first, was heard. It was instantaneous. Jerina scurried out the door. Before leaving, she didn't forget to turn around and exchange a glance with Stella. The door closed, and Stella grinned. Now it was time to verify the evidence.
'I guess it would be better to wait and see a little longer.'
This amount of evidence was not yet enough to confront Sia. If the Sia mentioned here were to deny it was her, that would be the end of it. She believed the saying that one needs composure to catch a big fish. Since her regression, she had gained peace of mind, and things had been going relatively smoothly.
"You came?"
Kendrick, looking exhausted from the heavy workload, opened the door and came in. Stella did not hide her excited expression.
"You look like you're in a good mood. It seems you get along better with your playmate than expected."
"Yes, that's right."
At his words, Stella's eyes grew even more glistening with a smile. Kendrick was right. Thanks to the chance encounter that made a playmate, they had gained an unexpected reward. Kendrick wore a rather proud expression.
"A letter has arrived for you."
She received a letter from Kendrick. As she did so, the scar on her wrist caught Kendrick's eye. It was not a scar from before the marriage, but a new one.
"Stella."
Kendrick's pupils widened.
"Ah, Kendrick."
He hurriedly pulled Stella's arm toward him. And he checked.
"Why are you doing this?"
He asked in a surprised voice.
"When did you get that wound? I haven't seen it before."
"Ah. This. When was this again?"
After making me so nervous, all he says is to ask when I got the injury. Feeling somewhat deflated, she looked at Kendrick with a puzzled expression.
"It happened around lunchtime yesterday. I was too lazy to use crutches, so I was just walking."
Kendrick let out a low sigh as if drained of energy. His stiff eyebrows had not yet relaxed.
'What's wrong with Kendrick's expression?'
Stella tried to call his name but stopped. Her shoulder throbbed as it was bent toward him.
"Let go of me. Why are you suddenly getting so worked up?"
She pulled his arm again, speaking to Kendrick in a reprimanding tone. However, Kendrick did not let go of Stella.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
His eyes flickered seriously.
"This? Come on. Why go on and on about something so trivial? I wasn't even hurt that badly."
Stella couldn't understand why he was acting so seriously.
"You used to tell me everything individually before."
She was so excited that the end of her voice cracked slightly. Stella tilted her head slightly, making no attempt to hide her puzzled expression.
"You weren't really interested, you know."
"What?"
It's a little embarrassing for her to say this out loud, but...
'Didn't you know I got hurt to get your attention?'
But what could be done? It was true that she had done something foolish in the past. Kendrick remained silent.
"That's why I didn't mention this either. I was afraid you would think I got hurt on purpose again."
"Ha."
Kendrick slumped onto the floor and ran his hand over his face. Thinking this was her chance, she tried to reach for the arm, but the other man still wouldn't let go. After taking deep breaths for a few minutes, he lifted his head.
"Stella, the reason I didn't pay attention to your wounds was..."
Stella was starting to feel frustrated with the situation. She understood that he must have been sick of his wife faking illness at all times. She didn't particularly want to hear any excuses. It wasn't that she didn't understand Kendrick's situation, as he had grown annoyed by Stella's complaints about being sick.
'I didn't want to look foolish for no reason. It would be a hassle for Kendrick, too.'
Kendrick pressed the corners of his eyes with his palms, as if feeling guilty. Every single word coming out of her mouth was shocking. He had no idea Stella was thinking this way. Really, he hadn't expected it at all.
'I get annoyed when Stella is sick...'
Since when has she been thinking that?
As Kendrick's hand loosened, she turned her wrist a few times and checked the letter.
"Is that important?"
Kendrick felt all the strength drain from his body. Along with a sense of helplessness, he recalled the conversation he had with Harald a few months ago. He had been agonizing over Stella in his own way, but unable to find an answer, he had even sought advice from Harald, the Duke's private doctor.
- Harald. What do you think would be the best way to get Stella to stop doing things that harm her body?
- Don't give her attention.
- What?
- The more Lord Kendrick pays attention to Lady Stella's wounds, the more she will hurt herself. Even if you are worried, it would be best not to show it as much as possible.
However, little did he know that following his advice would backfire. He felt as if he had swallowed a blade.
"Kendrick, you don't need to overreact. It doesn't even hurt that much."
"Stella, I don't mind at all that you're telling me that you're sick."
She nodded half-heartedly as she tore open the envelope.
"Yes. I understand."
She nodded and gave a vague answer. The letter was enough to take Stella's gaze away from Kendrick.
[To my dear Stella, Roy]
"It's Roy."
We could have just met and talked, so why did he even send a letter? She checked the contents of the letter and realized the reason.
[You are invited to the Succession Ceremony of Marquis Roy Andra.]
Roy will fully inherit the Marquis title next week. There was no mention of this when they met. For whatever reason, the schedule seemed to have been arranged in a hurry. Unlike the succession to a Duke, which requires permission from the Imperial Family, it appeared that the family would hold a party to celebrate the succession to a Marquis. Since she was close to Roy, she could not afford not to attend the succession ceremony.
She has to be out of the house next week because of this, so she'd better gather the evidence then.
She felt that if she couldn't finish the matter regarding the playmate, her heart wouldn't be light throughout the celebration of Roy.
If she has to be away from home for a long time next week, she'll have to gather evidence during that time.
***
It wasn't difficult to gather evidence. They underestimated Stella and weren't wary of her at all. Fortunately, Jerina wore the necklace Stella had given her every day. Stella had heard that her family had been scholars for generations and wasn't wealthy, so it seemed that Jerina, who liked to show off, wore the same necklace daily.
"Um. How did the thing I asked you to do the other day go?"
At her words, the three playmates fell silent. After discreetly delaying their response, Jerina spoke up.
"A request? I wonder what kind of request you are asking for..."
So you're testing the waters while remembering.
Even if Stella was taking a humble stance, this was too much. They were arrogant, way too arrogant. Stella timidly fidgeted with her fingers and cautiously began to speak.
"Uh, the rumors about Kendrick... Did you happen to look into it?"
"Ah. That?"
The three women exchanged glances. Lily was the first to speak.
"Um, we did go around asking around, but we think you might get hurt, Stella. We recommend you don't listen to it."
"Hurt?"
Stella's face darkened rapidly.
"That’s bad news. It’s okay, go ahead and tell me."
Stella even went so far as to bite her fingernails with her teeth.
"There has been a lot of bad news. You know, I've been hearing that His Excellency has been frequenting bars lately."
Lily spoke with an expression that seemed apologetic for bringing it up. Stella looked as if she wanted to deny it.
"A bar? If it's just having a drink to socialize with the aristocrats, then well..."
"No. I don't mean that kind of bar. I mean a bar where women are always present. Ahem."
"...Kendrick?"
Stella frowned and asked back. What they were saying was truly preposterous. Stella knew it better than anyone.
"How could this happen?"
Kendrick was more likely to have a mistress than frequent such bars. Above all, he was a man of order who always finished work at a set time and returned to his bedroom. It was physically impossible for him to manage a busy schedule while also enjoying entertainment with multiple women.
"Yes. Please don't be too upset, Stella."
Lily stomped her feet as if she were really worried about Stella. This time, she looked at Shimizu.
"And I've heard a lot of people say that Kendrick seems quite close to his assistant. There's also a lot of talk that Kendrick would have married Sia if it weren't for Lady Stella's interference. I absolutely didn't make that up! It's just that there are a few ill-mannered people who talk like this..."
"Ha."
It was the same this time. To think that Kendrick would have married Sia had it not been for Stella's interference. As far as she knew, Sia and Kendrick hadn't known each other for that long.
Anyone listening would think she's the villain who pushed away Sia while she was dating Kendrick.
Furthermore, Stella and Kendrick had a love marriage. Unlike other nobles who entered into arranged marriages, they were lovers who confirmed their love for each other before getting married.
"There aren't any other rumors, right?"
She looked at Jerina one last time. She was looking forward to what would come out of Jerina's mouth.
"Ahem. I don't know the exact reason, but there is talk going around that Adrian's mistress will be changing soon."
There is no way to know the exact reason.
Because it must be made up.
Stella buried her face in her palms to hide the hollow laugh threatening to escape her. Heck, huff. Her body trembled as she tried to turn the sound of her laughter into something like crying.
"Oh, dear..."
They reached out and approached Stella as if to comfort her. They patted her back and stroked her shoulders. However, through the gaps between her fingers, she saw them exchanging glances and wearing smiles.
It was time for them to go back. Before seeing them off, Stella deliberately fiddled with the drawer containing the valuables. Lily and Shimizu did not notice, but Jerina kept her eyes on Stella's actions.
"Well then, we'll be going now."
Lily stood up with a cheerful voice. Stella deliberately met Jerina's gaze. Lily and Shimizu packed their bags quickly, as if they had been waiting for work to end, while Jerina tidied up slowly. The bait was half successful.
"Jerina, may I ask you one more favor?"
She approached Jerina and whispered.
"Only to me? What is it?"
"Can you find out what kind of person the bar girl Kendrick is seeing?"
She had to end the conversation as quickly as possible because she couldn't let Shimizu and Lily find out about it. Jerina furrowed her brows deeply.
"That's a little dangerous."
"I’ll do anything to show my sincerity. Of course, I’m not saying I’ll buy Jerina’s heart with money."
She took out whatever she could grab from the drawer. It was a large pearl necklace.
"Here. Could you take this?"
Jerina shook her head as if troubled. However, the corners of her mouth curved upward. Smiling helplessly, she accepted the pearl necklace.
"Lady Stella, I'm granting this request for the sake of our friendship."
"Yeah. Thank you so much."
Stella put the necklace in Jerina's bag, mindful of Lily and Shimizu.
"Jerina! Let's hurry!"
Lily's voice, having left the room first, was heard. It was instantaneous. Jerina scurried out the door. Before leaving, she didn't forget to turn around and exchange a glance with Stella. The door closed, and Stella grinned. Now it was time to verify the evidence.
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