Published: July 29, 2025
I washed my face, brushed my teeth, changed into my pajamas, and flopped onto the bed.
There was a long, slender pillow there. I hugged it tightly and whispered softly.
“...Haa... Marie. So cute.”
“Master.”
“Uagh!”
Startled, I suddenly sat up and hit my head on the canopy post, writhing in pain.
“Mio, you were here!?”
“I was.”
“Say something!”
“I just did.”
Her calm tone and usual expressionless face were exactly as always. Since this was nothing new, I didn’t argue.
Mio placed my work clothes for tomorrow in the cabinet and was silent for a while.
It seemed like she had something to say. As I waited, she suddenly spoke softly.
“Master, how did you feel seeing Lady Marie again today after four days?”
“I love her.”
“That’s not it.”
I answered immediately, and Mio instantly retorted.
“...She’s cute. No, rather, she’s more of a beautiful type, isn’t she?”
“That’s not what I meant... Five days ago, before you went to work, you said to me, ‘Treat Marie with the utmost hospitality. Treat her as befits her true self, a noble lady.’”
“Yeah. Marie lacks self-confidence too much.”
I stated firmly.
At the Baron Chadelan household, it was obvious that the sisters were treated differently. The older sister was beautiful, while the younger sister was insulted as ‘not cute.’
Hierarchy between siblings, whether noble or common, is common. Treatment changes depending on birth order, gender, and whose child you are. For me personally, I’m the duke’s fourth child and an illegitimate son, yet just because I’m male, I’m designated heir. I have many thoughts about that too, but it’s probably wisdom from predecessors to avoid pointless disputes.
But Marie’s case is different. It’s not because she’s the second daughter or the younger sister; it’s just because she’s not pretty — that’s simply bullying.
I wanted to deny that.
I wanted her to understand that she was beautiful.
Half of my feelings were anger at this injustice. The other half was my own selfish desires.
Mio sighed deeply.
“I think this strategy — that if Lady Marie gains self-confidence, your words will resonate with her — isn’t wrong.”
I nodded. That conviction remained firm. But... there had been no results.
“...Is it not enough? Then, I’ll gather treasures from across the royal capital. Or take her to high society — no, hold a party here in the castle. Invite nobles from all over the kingdom and have them praise Marie’s beauty. — If that would make her smile.”
“That won’t work, certainly not.”
Mio said firmly, and I agreed.
For some reason, I just couldn’t understand why. Marie was genuinely happy with the dazzling luxury goods and delicious food. Her smile in those moments didn’t seem fake. Yet, at unexpected times, her eyes would cloud over. Why did she look so anxious...?
“Master, master,” Mio called out twice, bowing deeply.
“Though I’m a nameless child, I was raised in the ducal family. It’s different from Lady Marie’s situation, but I feel I understand a little.”
“...I see. Then, please explain.”
“Something suddenly given by a magician will eventually disappear when the magic wears off. What you can trust are only things you create yourself over many years.”
...I didn’t understand.
She really was the baron’s daughter, and she was beautiful.
I was drawn to her, and everything in this castle was already hers. What did this talk about magic mean?
Mio smiled wryly.
“That’s fine, master. Please continue to believe in the obvious, the truth, as you always have.”
“...Is that some kind of sarcasm?”
“No, it’s praise. Truly from my heart.”
Apparently, she really meant it.
What Mio said was probably right. I don’t understand women’s hearts at all. When you don’t understand something, you just don’t.
—So, what now? Even not understanding, I have to do something.
Putting my selfish desires aside, I wanted first to ease her tension. I wanted her to feel comfortable and at ease in this castle, her new home.