The Villainess Reverses The Hourglass - PDF Version 1

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https://www.readlightnovel.org/the-villainess-reverses-the-
hourglass
Type
Light Novel
Genre
Shoujo
Romance
Fantasy
Tags
N/A
Language
Korean
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N/A
Artist(s)
N/A
Year
N/A
Status
Ongoing
Description
With the marriage of her prostitute mother to the Count, Aria’s status in society
skyrocketed immediately. After leading a life of luxury, Aria unfairly meets death
because of her sister Mielle’s schemes. And right before she dies, she sees an
hourglass fall as if it were a fantasy. And just like that, she was miraculously
brought back to the past.
“I want to become a very elegant person, just like my sister, Mielle.”
In order to face the villainess, she must become an even more wicked villainess.
This was the new path Aria chose to take revenge on Mielle who murdered both
her and her mother.
Alternative Names
The Villainess turns the Hourglass 악녀는 모래시계를 되돌

린다
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The Villainess Reverses
the Hourglass - Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Chapter 1 . The Villainess
Turns The Hourglass, Part I
Chapter 1 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
——————-
Title: The Villainess Turns The Hourglass
Genre: Romance Fantasy
Author: Sansobi
Synopsis:
Aria’s mother is a prostitute and marries a count, and Aria

suddenly rises to fame as the daughter of the Roscent
Family .
Aria lives a life of luxury, but is killed by a plot by her sister,

Mielle .
She dies amidst the cold stares and jeers from those who
watch her .
As soon as she sees an hourglass falling like a dream, Aria
miraculously returns to the past!
“I want to be a very elegant person like my sister, Mielle . ”
To deal with a wicked woman, she has to become more

wicked than that wicked woman .
The story about the thorough revenge on those who drove

her to death .
It is the new way of life that Aria chose .
A woman more wicked than imagined, that’s how the story

starts…
A meticulous revenge play hidden within deadly beauty!
———————
1 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass
“Lift her head . ”
At Cain’s command, Aria, whose hair was strewn about the

floor, was grabbed and held up .
Aria’s hair, which was soaked in blood, was raised to midair

by a rough hand . Aria’s once beautiful, shiny blonde hair
was in a condition worse than the shaggy fur of a pig that
had just rolled around in the mud .
“Do you know what your sins are?”
“…”
Cain questioned her, but Aria did not have the energy to
reply .
Even if she had some energy left, with her lacerated tongue,
it was impossible for her to talk back .
That white, gray, salt-stained tongue was filled with

unbearable pain, and it did not even give her the
opportunity to repent .
Aria closed her eyes, which was difficult due to the bloating
from the countless bruises that had been inflicted upon her .
Those eyes had once stirred the hearts of many men, but
now, they had become like those of a rotten fish .
Though she felt betrayed and bitter, there was nowhere to

go, and Aria simply waited for the Grim Reaper to claim her
life .
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“Brother, I have one last thing I want to say to Aria . ”
The saint, who had been victimized countless times by the

evil woman, slowly led her to the execution table .
She smiled, implying that she had already forgiven Aria, and
said that she had not been seriously hurt from being pushed
down the stairs and that she was okay even after being fed
poison . Everyone who had gathered in the parlor thought
the same .
Cain shook his head and said, “No . ”

“I have to say this . Please…”
How could she be so benevolent to the wicked girl who had

tried to hurt and kill her? There was no one who could reject
her tearful request .
Eventually, Cain gave his permission, and Mielle, like a poor

wildflower, moved her fragile body closer to Aria . It felt as
though her shoulders were being crushed by Cain’s sighs .
“These words, which I have contained within me for all this

time, are reserved for our sister . Since this might be the
last time… I feel like I must tell you… It could be that I’ve
been waiting for this day to come . ”
Mielle slowly wiped away the transparent tears stuck to her

eyelids and knelt down on the floor .
Her sudden action frightened much of the audience, and

they rushed forward as if they wanted to intervene . But,
Mielle signaled to them that everything was okay and
brought her lips to Aria’s ear as if to deliver a final, sacred
message .
“You stupid bitch . Playing and fooling around like that with
my ladies… Was it fun?”
Aria’s eyes widened as if they would burst out . She slowly

turned her stiff, bloated head toward Mielle, who was
smiling . Her smile was pure and beautiful, like a flower .
Aria blinked quicikly, unable to understand the nonsense

she had just heard . Her mangled tongue prevented her
from asking questions .
Mielle read her expression and explained it again, “The

ladies who told you to do all those evil acts were all my
maids . It was all to portray you as the evil bitch . It was all
for this moment . ”
“…!”
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“I’m telling you this because these are your last moments .
I’ve wanted to kill you from the moment you and your naive
mother appeared, if possible, in a manner as painful as
possible . The shame on our family is such that nobody has
even come to see you . How dare you, a bug, crawl here not
knowing where you stand? Hoohoo!”
Mielle barely contained the unendurable laughter that

nearly erupted from her mouth .
At this moment, she smiled brightly, as if Aria’s tears made

her want to sing and dance . Mielle’s joy, which no one else
was able to notice, stabbed through Aria’s chest like a blade
.
“I had thought of poisoning you like I did to your mother, but

I refrained . It’s no fun that way, right? So, I gave my poison
to a maid and made her ride in my car . Ah, of course, I
didn’t drink it . ”
“Ah…! Ahah…!”
Before Mielle could finish, Aria’s body spasmed, and she

collapsed to the floor . Aria had used all of the strength she
could muster to move, but it had only resulted in a feeble
struggle . All the veins in her eyes burst, and blood tears
slowly slid down her face .
Mielle finished her speech and stood up . Looking back at

the execution table, she slowly returned to her spot with a
sad, regretful expression, saying, “It was fun while it
lasted… Thinking of how Aria won’t be here is already
making me feel empty inside…”
The saint who had forgiven the evil woman buried her face
in her holy hands as her shoulders shook . However, she had
done that to cover her face filled with joy .
‘Please don’t let the death of the wicked woman cause the
saint to suffer . Do not let her feel guilty . ’
Everyone who had gathered there was worried about

Mielle’s state of mind .
Since there was no one else who had anything to say to

Aria, Cain raised his hand . Simultaneously, the knight
raised his sword high in the air . The blade shone so brightly
that it seemed it could cut through bone with one swing .
And that light grabbed Aria’s attention, and she began to

see a strange remnant being created in her view . It was as
if an hourglass was one with the light, causing Aria, who was
bloodied, to stare at that phenomenon for a long time .
As if it was a rope that could save her life, she reached both
of her hands out, spasming violently like a fish out of the
water, but her shoulders were stomped upon by the knight .
Soon, Cain lowered his hand, the signal of the evil woman’s
execution .
As such, the knight’s sword swung down, cutting through
the wind and separating her head from her body in a split
moment, her life ending pitifully just like that .
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“Kyaak!” a person’s scream echoed as Aria’s head rolled

across the ground, but her eyes once more fell upon the
afterimage of the hourglass .
‘Why?’ Even though her head was severed, Aria could not
feel pain, nor grief, nor sadness . All she could see was the
image of the hourglass as the sand fell, whether it was
forward or in reverse time and time again .
‘I want to go back . Again… To the old days . I want to turn

everything back… like that hourglass . ’
Before her brain accepted her death, Aria’s eyes were filled
with the movement of the hourglass, and finally, her vision
faded completely .
***
“… a! … Aria!”
Crash!
The cup that Aria had been holding fell onto the floor,
shattering into many pieces . The maid, who was on standby
behind her, hurriedly came over and began cleaning the
mess .
Aria awakened from her absentminded state and cast her
eyes toward the voice she had heard . There, beyond the
long marble table, she saw Mielle’s worried face weeping .
Even as her tears fell, she was as elegant and pure as ever .
‘How come she’s become such a small child?!’
From what Aria remembered, Mielle was twenty-three years

old . However, the figure she was seeing in front of her was
ten years old at the most . Beside her, was Cain, who stared
at her with narrowed eyes . He looked as young as
seventeen years old .
Unable to comprehend the situation or find a way to cope

with that unbelievable circumstance, Aria continued to blink
. Then, she heard a cold voice from the very seat next to her
.
“Aria, are you alright? I called you several times, but you
didn’t answer . ”
“… Mother?”
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Turns The Hourglass, Part II
Chapter 2 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
It was the same mother who had been poisoned and died of
a heart attack . She was a beautiful, elegant woman who
captivated the hearts of many noblemen with her lips
redder than roses and sensual body . Of course, she was
very young and lively now as she scolded Aria to maintain
her table manners . It was the same maternal instinct that
resonated within her ever since she had a child .
Did Aria think that she was at a dining room? A mess of

bloody meat was scattered all across her plate, whereas the
salad bowl was empty, its contents all over the table .
‘I haven’t committed such an act since my sixteenth

birthday, when I was greatly humiliated . ’
Aria looked down at her hands . They were very small and
smooth . There were no scars left from when she had thrown
a glass bottle at Mielle either .
That had been the very first time that she had committed a
violent act against Mielle, which had happened when she
had been fifteen . At the time, the bottle full of water had
been too heavy for such a fragile girl to throw with ease . In
the end, the bottle headed not for Mielle, but to Aria’s feet .
As the glass bottle shattered, the sharp pieces wounded the

top of her feet and her hands as well, causing Aria to leave
the mansion crying . The main instigator of that incident had
been Mielle . No, it had been Mielle’s maid that had caused
her to hurt herself .
‘I had no inkling that all those people were Mielle’s

informants . ’
The maid that had helped her with the methods to harm
Mielle had at last confessed that all of those incidents had
been plotted by the evil woman, along with all of the sins
she had committed . For confiding everything to the maid
that had pleased her, the naïve, foolish daughter of a
prostitute met a miserable end .
‘It can’t be…’
Aria awakened to the unbelievable possibility that might

have become reality and looked up and around . Just like
how everyone was small and young, so was she .
‘I’m alive…!’
It wasn’t a dream or a hallucination . The pain from the

injury that was left from the dropped glass cup had
confirmed this . She lowered her hand and touched her leg
and found that it was a bit wet . Checking it with her own
eyes, she found red blood . The maid, who was cleaning the
floor, noticed it, causing her face to darken as she hurriedly
bowed .
“Aria?!”
It was her mother, who was sitting next to her, so Aria

swallowed her breath and put on a shocked expression .
Aria’s hands trembled . Her lips were parched, and her face
devoid of life .
A room of frustrated glares was aimed at her, who stared

down at her hands blankly . Soon, that vulgar little girl
would raise her voice and scream . That was the future that
no one doubted would happen . There was no touch of
sympathy for Aria, in whom everyone had already lost faith .
Aria closed her eyes quietly . She pondered for a moment

the options that were presented to her . She raised her eyes
and straightened her face, having decided on what she
would do .
“Jessie, give me your handkerchief . I think I may have hurt

my leg, so I’ll ask that you treat me . I apologize, but I think
I will have to finish my meal later . ”
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It was a calm response that betrayed everyone’s

expectations of Aria’s normal choice of screaming . She took
the handkerchief from her maid and wiped her hand, leaving
a note of apology for causing a disturbance at mealtime .
That totally unexpected reaction from Aria caused everyone
sitting around the table to become speechless and frozen .
Aria, who was being assisted by Jessie in her room, could
feel herself young . As she had grown older, she had
changed all of the furniture and decorations in her room into
high-quality, luxury items, hanging the jewelry she had
bought all around as if to boast .
Although her room now did feel luxurious, it didn’t have any
major luxury items since it had been decorated by an
immature teenage noble . She looked down at her leg and
saw Jessie bandaging the wound .
Though Jessie had been on Mielle’s side, she had still lightly
discouraged her from the series of misdeeds that she had
committed . Aria remembered how she had cut Jessie’s hair
and tongue, and burned her right hand at the stable since
she had not like being opposed . That same Jessie had
appeared here totally fine as she was dressing her leg .
‘…It was just Jessie . She was the only maid who tried to
prevent me from attempting my evil deeds… I shouldn’t
have kicked her out . ’
When she had first entered the county, all of the nobles and
maids had compared her to Mielle, instilling jealousy into
her .
‘I’m sure that Aria can do a lot better! It’s certain that Miss
Mielle will use some underhanded methods, right?’
The stupid and naïve Aria had unknowingly attached herself

to the maids who had spoken sweet words to her and had
been assigned to her by Mielle, and had been unable to
overcome that jealousy and eventually died a miserable
death .
However, now was different . A person who knew there was

a trap did not fall into it . Rather, the person would repay
the cost of constructing that trap .
And the one who had set the trap was the devil among
wicked women, the one who wore the mask of the saint .
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It was precisely her step-sister, Mielle Roscent .
‘I will never forgive you . ’
She had promised herself that she would never forgive that
bitch even if her body was thrown into the flames .
Perhaps it was due to her returning to the past, but fatigue

overwhelmed her . She wanted to lie down to rest
immediately . Although she had lightly considered that all of
those blessings might dissipate and be replaced by a
nightmare, she couldn’t overcome the fatigue that befell her
. She prayed not to wake up if that ended up being the last
time she would be able to sleep . That was her last wish and
hope, which came from someone who had lived her life filled
with jealousy .
“Jessie, I want to lie down on the bed . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
Jessie changed her into her pajamas and helped her onto
the bed to rest . Up till then, she had lightly reminisced on
her actions at the table, but at that moment, it was as if she
had lost all of her strength to something else .
‘… What is this?!’
With Jessie’s help, she had folded the blanket back and
begann to get into the bed, but after feeling some rough,
strange sensation, she hurriedly shook her leg and rose
from her place . She had a dumbfounded expression on her
face, unable to comprehend why that soft, silky blanket
could arouse that strange feeling .
“Jessie! Hurry and quickly check under my blanket!”
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Doubting that Mielle might have plotted something against

her, Jessie followed Aria’s orders . Surprise washed over her
face after she quickly threw the blanket out . Grains of sand
scattered about the floor, and shards of glass among them .
The largest piece, shaped like an X, clearly from an
hourglass .
After confirming this, Jessie hurriedly bowed low to the

ground and admitted to the crime .
“Before you started your meal, I… I cleaned the bed, but I

wasn’t aware there were glass scattered around here! Miss,
I’m truly sorry!”
Her body was shivering furiously as she lay face down on

the floor . It was as if she was expecting an outburst of
anger to come her way, all the more because she continued
to admit to the crime at the top of her voice .
Aria’s trembling eyes turned to Jessie for a moment before
returning to the hourglass . She picked up the broken
hourglass gently with her hands . It was something that she
had never seen before, but it felt very familiar, frightening,
and yet precious .
‘Maybe!’ She had a hunch that it might not have been a

coincidence . ‘Yes! All of this is surely a sign from God .
God’s will to save a poor girl who repented her foolish past
after being deceived like a fool!’
All of this was to free her from the clutches of evil that had
driven her to the abyss! And it must have been with the
help of God that she was able to keep all of her memories
intact, so that revenge would be possible .

possible .


Turns The Hourglass, Part III
Chapter 3 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The jubilant Aria clasped the piece of the hourglass .

Although the action caused numerous sharp pieces to dig
into her small and fragile palm, it was not the pain, but the
joyous relief that reminded her that she was living a second
life .
Drops of scarlet blood fell onto the floor, dripping down and
gradually condensing . It was both the remorse and the
venom of the wicked woman wishing for revenge .
‘I will never forgive you . ’
Slowly, Aria opened her hand and smiled .
The smile was so similar to that of a benevolent saint that

even Jessie’s shivering stopped .
“It seems that Aria has been studying hard as of late . ”

Several days had passed since Aria had returned to the
past, and Aria’s clear and transparent recital of poetry had
filled the dining hall . As a result, Count Roscent had praised
Aria for the first time .
The countess, who smiled naturally, intelligently forged a

pretense for Aria’s brilliance, “She enjoyed reading
numerous books during our impoverished life, which is why
she is elated by the opportunities to learn . ”
A lie . Aria hadn’t even learned how to eat cleanly until she
was sixteen years old . She had never touched the cover of
a book before entering the county, which had similarly
transitioned to her life after that as well .
She preferred playing over reading, and to dress up in

luxury was her pleasure . This was also because that was all
she knew how to do .
When she had been very young and ignorant, she had
remembered how she had stumbled upon some of the
poems that the count enjoyed and had memorized them in
front of his weary state, but the receiver of any honor had
always been Mielle .
It was natural that Mielle, who could recite the poems like
songs, was praised over Aria, who had recited poems
mechanically, like a book, just like now .
“It’s a famous poem handed down from generation to

generation in Count Roscent’s county . It was written by the
first count, and it was the first poem that I learned when I
was four years old . The last verse, the woman’s reply to
‘The Woman I Love,’ is not well known, but only when the
two become one is the poem complete . ”
With her right hand on her chest, Mielle recited the poem
quietly and clearly . There was a sense of satisfaction in the
eyes of those who watched her . Aria’s mother, the
countess, also looked toward her with a commendable
expression . She seemed like the lead actress who
succeeded the upbeat supporting actress .
“… and I will gather my admirable heart and scatter it all

out into your future!”
When she finished her poetry recital, there was a round of

applause in the dining hall . Unlike in the past, where she
had gritted her teeth with envy and jealousy, Aria joined the
audience this time . With blushing cheeks and a shy smile
creeping from her mouth, Mielle had become the real
protagonist of that day .
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As always, it was an honor that was taken by her from Aria .

An honor that would always return to the noble girl as
opposed to staying with the girl of humble origins .
It could be that due to Aria’s presence that there was more

praise being thrown at Mielle . It would be a compliment to
say that all of that was a coordinated effort to trample on
the petty pride of a stupid girl, so Aria decided to reclaim
the glory that was stolen from her .
Since it wasn’t Mielle’s to begin with .
The applause died down, and Aria, the supporting actress

asked without losing her smile and composure, “What a
beautiful poem, Mielle . But do you know what?”
This sudden question caused Mielle’s eyes to widen .
Aria continued kindly, for it was obvious that Mielle did not
know, “The fact is that this poem was created by the
brother of the first count, who tried to assassinate him . This
was the reason why this poem was not famous . Because
the first count did not want the poem to spread . ”
That was the reason why Aria had decided not to memorize
it, because she had wanted to add that information… but
she decided to test her luck all the same .
“I remember that not too long ago this poem was forbidden
since there was an embedded metaphor in it wishing a
curse on the family . ”
Mielle’s fine face quickly hardened like ice because the

poem she had so proudly recited could also be seen as her
cursing the family . After achieving her first victory, Aria had
to resist rolling on the floor with laughter .
It was the complete opposite of the past .
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She had wanted to be recognized for something, so she had

hired a tutor to prepare that poem . It had been then that
her eyes had twinkled in anticipation, and she had recited
the answer that she had long prepared in the presence of
the count, who had returned after being away abroad on
business for a long time . But her eyes had become instantly
lifeless from the numerous sharp criticisms that followed .
It had not been long after the count entered the room that
this incident had happened, and the person who had
criticized her had been none other than her brother, Cain .
He was four years older than Aria, and had learned much
from attending the academy, so he had used that
knowledge to pick on everything that Aria had tried to do .
‘He must have known all of this . ’
However, this time, he had kept his mouth shut the entire
time, not wanting to insult his sister . No, it could be that, in
the past, he had wanted to hurt Aria just like Mielle .
To confirm that, Aria just rolled her eyes and checked Cain’s
face . He was staring at Aria with his mouth firmly fixed .
Now that Mielle had been humiliated, it seems that he was
unhappy about the situation .
Aria smiled awkwardly and decided to pretend to defend

Mielle since she didn’t want to be openly hated .
“Mielle is only thirteen years old, so it is amazing that she

was able to memorize the whole poem . ”
However, the mood did not abate since it was clear that
Mielle had memorized and recited that poem just now in
quite the foolish manner .
‘How embarrassing would it be for her to berate the

daughter of a shallow prostitute who was born and raised in
the lowest places of society without even knowing what Aria
knew?’
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The count, who had warned her daughter in vain for the first
time, encouraged everyone to continue eating as he raised
his fork . Aria, who smiled like a child at her new father, took
the messy-cut meat and brought it to her mouth .
That day’s meal was very satisfying .
The first thing Aria had done after returning to the past had
been to hire a tutor . She was of low origin and hadn’t
learned proper manners until she was about to die .
Because of the things she had heard and learned in the last
decade of her life, she tried to use elegant gestures
whenever she could, but she hadn’t then .
There had been no need for that because she had retained
her mother’s good looks . Her mother had stolen the count’s
heart with her beauty alone, which was why no matter how
reckless and rash she had acted, Aria had always had
countless suitors . A beauty that one could get drunk with
just by staring, she was essential to entertain a great party .
Although she had heard the growing criticism and

vulgarities thrown at her back as time passed, she hadn’t
thought of learning anything because there were many that
loved her appearance, so Aria hadn’t felt the need . She had
been humiliated several times at parties, but each time, a
bunch of men had defended Aria .
Thinking back, it hadn’t been much help . They had done so

to have a night with her, not to love or care for her . Just like
moths jumping toward a light, men had been captivated by
her appearance, chasing after a fantasy that could burn in a
flash at any moment .
However, as time passed, the men that followed Aria were

soon bound to their elegant, aristocratic paths and began
engaging with others in their circle, and finally, none
remained by Aria’s side . Of course, a few men who had
confessed they had truly loved her came to mind, but she
didn’t know if those words had been true .
‘Yes, if the opportunity comes, we’ll see what happens if I

test those idiots . ’

possible .


Turns The Hourglass, Part IV
Chapter 4 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
At the time, she didn’t admit that she had been abandoned,
and focused only on grooming her appearance, but now,
having the chance to restart her life, she realized that she
couldn’t afford to do that . Nothing was as stupid as
treasuring a withering appearance as a lifelong asset .
“Nice to meet you, Miss Aria . I am Sarah, from Viscount

Loren’s family . ”
The new home tutor, who looked about seventeen years old,
curtsied to greet her politely .
She was pretty, but she was an ordinary girl without any
particularly unique features . There was only one reason for
why she had chosen Sarah who had never taught anyone
else before, as she rejected everyone else of their great
skills .
That was because that humble, only daughter of the

viscount would later captivate the heart of Marquis Vincent
and become his wife . With the exception of the Duke of
Frederick, who was part of the bloodline of the Royal Family,
it was safe to say that Maquis Vincent’s family was at the
pinnacle of power among the aristocrats, and Sarah would
become the mistress of such a great family .
It was hard to forge relationships with those who held

authority from the start . In that case, then wouldn’t it be
ideal to become friends with someone who would later take
hold of that authority?
After thinking of several key figures from a list she had

made, she had decided to win Sarah over to her side, who
was the most accessible among them, as her tutor . The
innocent girl, who had not unstained yet, seemed as easy to
handle as a lamb that would soon be taken to the
bloodstained altar for sacrifice .
Aria, ignoring common etiquette, ran towards Sarah and

hugged her waist . This was the most honorable welcome
that Aria who had just become a noble from a commoner
could provide . It was all very unexpected, which caused
Sarah’s eyes to widen, but she didn’t show her surprise with
exaggeration .
Aria hugged Sarah and raised her head to meet her eyes .
“It’s so nice to meet you!” said Aria, who smiled like a child .
Sarah smiled at the appearance of innocence, possibly due
to the fact that Aria was a child on the outside, but inside,
she wasn’t .
The countess, witnessing this scene, apologized as she

separated Aria from her .
“She doesn’t know how to behave just yet, so please

understand her, Lady Sarah . ”
“It’s fine . Please, do not worry . ”
“Please, take good care of Aria . ”
Sarah liked a child . Unlike other aristocratic women who

didn’t want to have any more pregnancy when a boy was
born, she liked to give birth every year . Sarah believed that
fertility was the duty of the nobility, and that all the children
that were borne needed to be raised with love . Therefore,
she did not reprimand Aria, who could not show any
etiquette, but treated her warmly .
After the countess went out, the two sat face to face with
the table between them and talked with the future classes .
“It is an honor to be able to teach Miss Aria . What would

you like to learn the most?”
At Sarah’s question, Aria cocked her head, blinking her long,

beautiful eyelashes . After pondering for a moment, she
fiddled with her fingers as her cheeks reddened . The peach-
like appearance caused Sarah’s cheeks to redden as well .
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“The manners of sitting, walking, and eating… All of them! If

I were to be asked why, I would say that I want to become a
very elegant person like my sister, Mielle . ”
Although she was depressed inside, she pretended to be

very innocent and elegant on the outside . In order to deal
with a wicked woman, she too had to become that way .
‘No, I must become a woman more wicked than the evil
woman; a woman with a very thick mask to hide my true
colors . ’
That was how Aria had decided to live her new life . It was
her vow to act just like Mielle, and she let her go through
the miserable end she herself had faced in the past .
At Aria’s words, Sarah could think of Aria’s sister right away

. Although Mielle was still young, she had a great reputation
for her elegance and graceful gestures .
It was said that she began being instructed to be a model of

aristocratic ladies from the moment she started to walk,
because of the characteristics of the business of the count
who frequently invited high-ranking foreign nobles to his
mansion . It was possible because she was a quick learner
when compared to her peers . So Sarah could understand
Aria’s mind . There was a model of ladies within easy reach,
so it was natural that she would want to become just like
her sister .
It was clear that Aria, with her enchanting eyes, would have
the advantage when it came to appearance, but not among
the aristocrats . In the aristocratic world, reputation
changed depending on how smart or noble one was .
‘She is just fourteen years old . How could she give off such
a different atmosphere despite the same hair and eyes as
her younger sister, Mielle?’
Even though Aria was only fourteen years old, Sarah was
captivated by the magical, colorful atmosphere that
surrounded her . It was an asset that could not be gained by
effort alone . If Mielle and Aria stood side by side, it was
quite certain that the eyes of the people would naturally
shift toward Aria .
She was still young, and if she were to groom and perfect
her manners and sophistication before her debut in the
social world, it was certain that she would become a very
influential figure, which would dominate the society .
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Sarah began to feel that it was a great honor to be able to

teach such a young girl, to the point that she felt grateful
that Aria had chosen her . Both Aria and Sarah had similar
thoughts .
“Though it may take a while, I will do my best . ”
“If so, we will see each other for a long, long time . I’m so
glad . ”
‘I hope to see you for a long time, future marquise . ’
Aria smiled naively . She felt that she had been given a
generous assessment from seeing Sarah’s smile . It wasn’t a
bad start .
***
Aria was able to quickly assimilate Sarah’s teachings . She

had seen them hundreds or thousands of times already
through various people in the past, so she had no trouble
learning them . At one point, she had even tried to secretly
imitate Mielle’s gestures, so it would’ve been even more
strange if she hadn’t been able to fully learn something that
she had seen and heard thousands of times .
However, that truth was known only to herself, so it seemed
like she was a girl who was learning all of it in a very short
time .
Sitting down gracefully, like a butterfly, Sarah gave Aria a

relentless round of applause . If she could, she would like to
compliment her immediately .
“If you continue to progress at this rate, I think you’ll be

able to learn all of the basic precepts of etiquette by the end
of the year . ”
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“That’s too much, teacher . ”
Aria had begun to call Sarah by teacher . Although Aria

didn’t have to call her that way since Sarah was of lower
status and was lacking in teaching experience, Aria, hiding
her innermost thoughts, had exclaimed that she would call
her teacher because she was being taught by Sarah .
Her good-natured and kind personality was able to quickly

win over Sarah’s heart . In fact, although she wasn’t a hard
worker, she was able to learn the etiquette Sarah had
taught her perfectly by the following class, and it made
Sarah think of Aria as a hard worker .
‘Poor Miss Aria . ’
To be honest, the rumors circulating around Aria were not so

good . Before meeting Aria, she had also heard the rumors
and thought lightly that the rumors might be true . But now,
she felt ashamed for thinking like that .
The bad rumors were all based on the fact that she was the
daughter of a prostitute . Sarah began to think that she
wanted to at least help clean the slate to Aria first .
Although Aria lacked social skills and didn’t stand out

compared to the other aristocratic ladies, Sarah wanted to
do whatever she could to help out because the rumors were
much too frightening and scary for a young girl to go
through .
“Miss, since you have learned all of the basic precepts of

etiquette, why don’t you try participating in a tea party?”
“A tea party?”
“Yes, it is an opportunity to expand your relationships and

network with others while learning new things at the same
time . ”

possible .


Turns The Hourglass, Part V
Chapter 5 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOw
“But, I don’t know too many people . I am a bit young…”
“Do not worry . I’m sure that all of my acquaintances will

like Miss Aria . It would also be of great help to you, miss . ”
“Teacher…”
Aria, who didn’t finish her speech, suddenly hugged Sarah’s

waist . Since she was still short, her face was buried into
Sarah’s belly as she sniffed back her runny nose, making
Sarah slowly pat her back due to how pitiful she looked .
‘What sins could a child who hasn’t even blossomed yet

ever commit?’
It hadn’t been long since the lectures had started, but the
constant worry and continued comparison between Mielle
and Aria had subconsciously brought some anger to Sarah .
It wasn’t like Aria had wanted to be born out of low status .
It was pitiable that the judgement could be following her like
a tail . It was too much pain for such a nice little girl to
endure . That was why Sarah had brought up the subject, to
please Aria .
“How is mealtime these days? Are you doing as I have

taught you?”
“Of course! It’s all thanks to Teacher Sarah!” Aria raised her
head as if she did not sniff, and replied with a bright smile .
Looking down at Aria, who was excitedly anticipating for

dinner, caused Sarah to burst into laughter .
Thinking about the previous night’s dinner, Aria smiled .
What Aria hated most were vegetables . She didn’t find the
texture pleasing because they were soggy when cooked, but
even uncooked vegetables weren’t good . Vegetables were a
staple for commoners, so she had eaten them every day to
the point of nausea before she entered the count’s family .
So, every time a salad or varied vegetables were presented
to her, she wouldn’t eat them . Instead, she would make an
incredible mess on her plate, turning everything inedible .
Initially, maids would take out new vegetables again, but

every time, she screamed that she didn’t want to eat, and
they didn’t touch her plate any more .
As a result, she had always been an unwelcome guest at the

dinner table, which was set up to improve family harmony
and relationships . Therefore, everyone gave up her table
manners and mocked her, including her mother .
However, such Aria began to quietly eat her salad . It was
not bad to eat a salad with dressing . Although it wasn’t
tasty, she felt no need to cause a ruckus because of it .
At first, no one noticed . The food in front of Aria had always

been so messy that nobody wanted to look at her .
The first to notice the change in her table manners were the
maids, who were the ones who cleaned up Aria’s tableware,
then the count, and finally, her mother .
“Oh! When did you learn these table manners, Aria?”
“Teacher Sarah taught me . ”
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“Oh, my God!”
What followed after were pity and an apology for not

properly assigning her the right teacher after witnessing
how her manners and behavior had changed .
Of course, when she had first entered the family of the

count, she had been assigned a personal tutor, but she
hadn’t been able to learn basic etiquette then, because it
was too difficult and boring of a study for a girl who had run
around and played in the street all her life . Thinking back,
the count and his wife began to blame all of that on the
talentless tutor .
And that was precisely what Aria was after . It was not only
to display that her background wasn’t the reason for why
she hadn’t been able to learn, but to show that as long as
she learned properly, she was able to keep up with them .
‘The fact that Mielle was more outstanding than her peers
was because she had learned early . I’m certain that I can
do that as well . ’
Aria’s change in behavior had brought great joy to the

count, and he declared that he would actively help her learn
whatever she wanted . What was more relieving was that
even Mielle had sarcastically complained about it as well .
“I used to think that they had purposefully made the food of

Sister Aria dirty . ”
“Mielle… don’t tell me someone would hate me so much as

to think that they would play tricks with my own food?
Although I have been arrogant… I didn’t expect that I would
be hated . ’
Contrary to what she thought, Mielle reached out her hand

to Aria, who asked her in tears . It was very enjoyable to see
her who denied that it was not . ‘How much would Mielle be
swearing to me at this moment?’
Enduring the desire to laugh, Aria said with a sorry face . “If
so, that’s truly a relief . But if you were to think for a bit, you
would understand that unless I were a magician, it would be
impossible to make perfectly fine food into a mess, wouldn’t
it? It was because you were too young that you couldn’t
think that far ahead . ”
“… It . . it was a joke, sister . ”
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“Oh, I see…! I’m sorry, Mielle, for getting upset and not
noticing it was a light joke . ”
Seeing Aria smile awkwardly was enough to arouse the pity

of others . It must have hurt her feelings, but her apology
was sufficient to move the count’s iron heart .
The count, who slowly laid down his fork on the dining table,
displayed a hardened expression to Mielle, which he had
never shown before . It was the expression that had always
been directed at Aria . In the past, it had always been the
work of Mielle, the great writer, who had received her
father’s affection, while Aria, who had always been treated
like a visitor, remained pitifully alone .
“Mielle, make sure to think once more before you speak .

Can’t you see that you’ve hurt your sister? I’d be ashamed if
someone were to see this . ”
“I’m sorry… father . And sister Aria…”
As she recalled Mielle’s contorted face, it brought a smile to

Aria .
To begin with, for Aria, who had lived for more than twenty
years, it was easy enough to deal with the thirteen-year-old
Mielle . She wasn’t sure if it would’ve been the case if they
had been of similar ages, but she found Mielle in her current
young age to be nothing special . She had thought Mielle to
be a genius, but she was just a noble girl that had received
her education a bit earlier .
‘Of course, moving forward, much will change . ’

It was okay now because Mielle was still young, but it was
certain that she would soon start tormenting Aria without
any hesitation when she got older . There was already quite
a large gap between Mielle and Aria, who was born of a
father she didn’t know and a prostitute mother . So, it was
crucial that she had to prepare meticulously for that, lest
her doomed fate repeated .
Those were steps that were set for the future that even Aria
did not doubt . No matter how much she struggled, she
couldn’t overcome the count’s biological daughter .
‘But, I have the special power that was gifted upon me by

God . ’
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It was that she knew the future; which bourgeois would

seize power in the future; what would happen to the trading
business of her father; even beyond that, which business
would be prosperous . And there was nobody who could
beat Aria, who knew everything .
Therefore, in order to achieve that great goal, she needed to

take it one step at a time . No matter how much she knew
about the future, there was no way that the position of a
daughter of a prostitute, who had sought to raise her status,
would suddenly rise . For that reason, Aria decided to take
the smallest thing at first .
“Teacher, I have something that I want to learn from you . ”
“What would that be?”

“I want to learn about embroidery . ”
Embroidery was something very trivial .
Sarah was very famous for creating very beautiful

embroidery that looked almost as if it were a real thing . No,
it was something that she would become famous for in the
future . The reason why she had garnered the interest of
Marquis Vincent had been precisely her beautiful
embroidered handkerchief .
Aria herself was inherently beautiful, so it wasn’t like she

was trying to capture the heart of a man like how Sarah did
with her embroidery . It was because she thought of gifting
the count something she had made once he returned from a
trip . The act might look trivial, but it held a deeper meaning
. So much that it would cause Mielle to fume with anger and
squeeze tears out of her eyes .

possible .


Turns The Hourglass, Part VI
Chapter 6 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
There was an unknown superstition that if a man always

carried the handkerchief gifted from a daughter or wife for
the first time, he would be able to live long without a
disease . The count had yet to receive a handkerchief as a
gift from Mielle, so if Aria were to gift him one, he would
have to carry it for his lifetime . Although Aria was not the
count’s biological daughter, the truth was that she was still
a daughter .
From what she remembered, it was by the time she was

fifteen that Mielle gifted the count a handkerchief that she
embroidered . It took her a long time to learn embroidery
because her hands were unexpectedly slow, and since
Mielle was a perfectionist, it took longer for her to achieve a
level of embroidery to her satisfaction .
‘Therefore, even if she started now, it would still take a long

time . ’
Not only that, Aria had a dependable teacher named Sarah
by her side . If things didn’t work out, she would resort to
requesting Sarah to make one in her stead .
Since her embroidery skills were not yet known to the world,
it would be excellent to give it first . If she were to give such
a significant handkerchief, it could be that Mielle would be
unable to gift one to the count for the rest of her life since it
would always be compared to .
Whenever he used the handkerchief that Aria embroidered,

Mielle would be helpless but laugh and smile on the outside,
but would be fuming with rage on the inside . That was the
new future that Aria would make .
***
Aria did not tell anyone of the fact that she was learning
embroidery from Sarah .
She had also requested that her teacher, Sarah, keep that a
secret . If anyone were to find out, it would naturally go to
Mielle’s ear, and she, in turn, would start learning
embroidery .
No matter how disastrous Mielle’s embroidery might be, it

wouldn’t be ideal if they both started learning at the same
time . Not only that, if the count knew that Mielle had
started to learn embroidery, there was also the possibility
that he would not accept Aria’s handkerchief . It was natural
that a father would prefer to receive the handkerchief of his
biological daughter over one from a daughter who had
suddenly appeared one night .
Fortunately, the only person that frequented Aria’s room

was Jessie, and since there was nothing much for which Aria
needed to call her maids, there was a low chance that she
would be found out . Mielle would only assign her maid to
Aria when she turned fifteen, so Aria had a bit of time left on
her own .
From then on, Aria began to practice her embroidery in her

spare time . Whether that was also a gift given to her by
God, along with her reincarnation, she was soon able to
create beautiful embroidery, though not at Sarah’s level .
She even admired herself for being able to do that much
with those cute, little hands .
In just a few days, Aria was able to make a handkerchief

embroidered with a cute rabbit, and she presented it to
Sarah as a present . Sarah, holding the handkerchief, was so
moved that she even blushed .
“Now, you should have no trouble embroidering the family

crest . ”
“Really? Then, would it be possible for you to help me,

teacher? I want to watch and follow along . ”
“Of course . Then, should we postpone the lecture and do

some embroidery?”
Aria took out the high-quality silk she had received from the
countess . She had kept it a secret from everyone, but she
had secretly informed it to her mother . Hearing this
surprising plan from a fourteen-year-old girl, the countess’
eyes shone as she smiled in support .
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“Of course! Do as much as you like . That’s a great idea!”
She was satisfied with her current position, but even then,
she continued to work hard to guide Aria . Her mother
wasn’t actively supporting her since she didn’t ask for
much, but the countess helped her when she needed it .
There was at least one soothing point about her .
“That’s very good silk . ”
“This is for a handkerchief that I will be making for my

father . ”
How cute! Sarah was besieged by the urge to stroke Aria’s

head when she saw Aria blushing as she answered . When
Aria realized that Sarah’s hand had seemingly halted in
midair, she smiled, saying, “Teacher, please stroke my head
and praise me,” and that loveliness moved Sarah to
carefully pat her head .
Sarah’s face implied that she was being very disrespectful,

but Aria became fond of her since Sarah was more
affectionate and caring for her . Being thankful that she was
still a child, she continued to rub her head under Sarah’s
hands . She hoped that Sarah would continue to love her
like a child for a long time .
***
It didn’t take too long before she was able to sew a small
family crest on the corner of the handkerchief, and that was
due to the fact that she had a good teacher . Sarah helped
adjust and amend the awkward parts of the process .
The black handkerchief embroidered with a silver lily, which

symbolized the family crest, was so well made that it
would’ve been sold for a high price at a market . Aria folded
the finished handkerchief, stored it in a drawer, and asked
Sarah for help, saying that she would embroider another
one .
“What shape?”
Sponsored Content
“A rose . ”
“A… rose?”
A rose was the seal of the Duke of Frederick . With golden

petals, it was also the symbol of direct lineage to the royal
family .
Aria took out a red cloth and golden thread . Slightly worried
after seeing Aria smile brightly as she handed them to her,
Sarah asked, “Do you know the meaning of the golden
roses?”
“Yes . They are the crest of the Duke of Frederick . ”
And that heir would also be Mielle’s unrequited love in the

future .
In the past, those two had connected . Aria retraced her

memories, but she couldn’t come up with the answer . She
remembered that they had become engaged, but she
couldn’t remember if they had married . Aria’s purpose was
to give the handkerchief to the current duke’s successor
before Mielle, a handkerchief with his family crest .
If he would not accept it, there would be no reason to ask
why . That was because the goal wasn’t whether he
accepted it or not, but rather, the act of giving it to him . It
was what Mielle had done in the past .
She knew very well that he wouldn’t suddenly come to like

her because of one handkerchief . The handkerchief merely
acted as a gauge . It might seem like an insignificant act,
but it would definitely open the door for dialogue . Overall,
Aria had greater skills than her embroidery, so that was a
roundabout method of creating an opportunity for herself .
Sarah hesitated to answer the cheerful and light reply from

Aria . Though Frederick’s rose itself was often used because
of its beauty and as an act of respect for its authority, the
situation would change for an unmarried aristocratic young
lady .
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That wasn’t just because of the handkerchief . In addition,

Aria’s younger sister, Mielle, might have ties to the
successor . She had to be more wary of Aria’s behavior than
anyone else; she had to quickly knot it up if things didn’t
unfold well .
Of course, it would be given that Aria would be caught up in

gossip even if it was unintended . Aria was already someone
currently being subject of groundless bad rumors . If Aria
were to give the successor the handkerchief embroidered
with a rose, she would surely become overwhelmed by the
gossip, to the point that she would not be able to go out .
‘She’s too pretty and kind of a child for that…’
Sarah thought that she would be heartbroken and have

sleepless nights if she were to see such a bright and pretty
child be subject to such suffering .
When she had first met her, Sarah had thought that Aria
would grow into a great young lady that would sweep
through society with great influence, but now, things were
different . She couldn’t imagine that such an innocent and
kind girl would survive in such a scary, dreadful den .
Sarah grabbed Aria’s hands, and those glittering, pure eyes

of hers looked up toward Sarah . It was very surreal to think
that such pure eyes might go through great hardship at the
hands of the dirty, ugly, mud-soiled society .

possible .

Chapter 7: The Villainess Turns The
Hourglass, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Sarah contemplated her words multiple times to ensure that

she would not hurt Aria before carefully opening her mouth
to ask, . . . Do you intend to give it to the duke?
No .
Then… Sir Oscar?
Aria felt Sarah's hand tremble faintly within her grasp .
She could guess that Sarah was probably afraid that Aria,
who was pretending to be kind and pure, would be caught
up in a struggle with a large number of competitors .
'You don't know that I'm the worst of them all . '
Though she was exploiting her knowledge of the past, it was

true that she had committed a lot of misdeeds . If she had
really been a kind girl, she would have refused or been
discouraged from taking such actions .
Not only that, she had thought of only exacting revenge on

Mielle, but had never once considered living a kind life .
That was why Aria had no choice but to mask her insidious
inner thoughts and smile brightly to not foolishly reveal her
hidden reasons or be caught in a trap like she had been
before .
Aria shook her head and said, No . That family's crest is so

pretty that I really wanted to make it . I don't even know
who you're talking about .
It was a lie .
In fact, she knew very well . At one point, she had tried to
seduce Oscar . Though she had given up from fear after
making eye contact with his cold, chilly eyes, it was true
that they had met often but without any expectations .
Aria's firm reply helped relieve Sarah, and her face

lightened into a gentle, benevolent smile . It was true that
the seal of the Duke of Frederick was beautiful, so Sarah
convinced herself that that was the reason .
Sarah no longer doubted Aria's pure heart, so she began to

explain the details of the seal of the Duke of Frederick . She
also began to carefully point out the places that needed
extra attention during the embroidery process, as if she
were used making it herself .
For the shape of a rose, you need advanced techniques .

Even if the axis is slightly distorted, the shape will twist . So,
you need to hold on to the central axis and inflate the petals
as if they were surrounding it .
Like Sarah said, embedding a rose onto the handkerchief

was a very exhausting and difficult procedure . If she were
to take one stitch in the wrong direction, the rose would
become very ugly . Since she had already spent more than
half a day embroidering the crest of the Roscent Family, the
rose seal would be continued in the following class .
***
That evening, the count returned to the mansion ahead of

schedule, so the whole family was able to gather for dinner
for the first time in a long time . Mielle chirped a skylark,
babbling that she had studied so hard that she had to look
exhausted, while Cain told them that he would be returning
to the academy's dormitory since his vacation had ended .
Has it already come to an end?
I am scheduled to leave on the weekend .
That was quite a good thing . Aria smiled, but she wasn't
caught doing so since no one paid attention to her .
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Aria quietly watched over the harmonious family .
They had a good time without her, laughing and chuckling,

and her mother was there, albeit a bit awkward . Mielle led
the conversations by picking topics that Aria would not be
aware of to personally exclude her .
'You're only thirteen . '
Seeing how well Mielle knew about her father's business

made Aria so grateful that she could cry .
Father, why don't you invest in refined leather? Many
fashionable noble ladies are already beginning to use
leather in their dresses . It's refreshing to wear a corset with
leather around the waist area .
The leather trend was predicted last year . Though we are a

bit late, as you say, I think it's good that we acquire quality
leather now, Count Roscent responded Mielle with a pleased
expression .
It was cute to see such a little girl give her opinion .

However, contrary to Mielle's and the count's expectations,
that trend would be completely absent from fashion for the
next few years; no, for eternity .
It was difficult to refine such heavy and stiff leather, and the
material was starting to be gradually avoided by those who
would wear it since it felt uncomfortable . Moreover, the
shapes and colors weren't as varied, and the unique smell of
leather was contradictory to the preferences of fashionable
noble ladies .
Aria, after listening to the friendly conversation between

father and daughter, wiped her mouth with a napkin and
slowly opened her mouth . It was time for her to speak
about the future she knew .
Father, can I say something to you?
Aria, you? OK, let me hear what you want to say .
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Everyone's gazes focused on Aria, who joined the
conversation after being quiet in her seat that whole time .
Looks of ridicule, surprise and worry filled the gazes of the
audience .
But, amidst that atmosphere, Aria remained unintimidated

and said confidently, It is certain that leather has been
trending amongst young noble ladies, and the material has
been used by young noblemen over the years, so I agree
with the thought that we need a continuous supply of it .
However, do you really think we should invest so heavily on
it?
Aria used to grumble and scream, so when she suddenly so

spoke politely, the interest of the count was raised . It hadn't
been long since she had started her education, but that
mature, articulate tone and confident expression were
enough to attract the attention of the count .
Certainly, leather was trending among a few aristocratic

ladies, but aside from that minority, there hadn't been any
widespread interest . The count had known about the
shortcomings of leather, so he had not secured the material
and had no intention of doing so . He had just agreed
enthusiastically with his cute daughter's words while
thinking she had a limited view of things due to her young
age .
But Aria seemed a little different . She was filled with some
unknown confidence . As a pure businessman, the count
began to anticipate the words that were to follow, setting
Aria's birth and background aside .
There are limitations to leather . Even if you dye it, the color
drains from it easily, and it is difficult to dye leather to begin
with . Therefore, for the last few years, the exchange of
leather has been slow . Among nobles, trends spread easily
and disappear easily as well .
Hmm, that certainly is true, the count agreed as he rubbed

his chin .
And from what I have heard…
Aria turned her gaze away from the count and stared at
Mielle, smiling brightly . Aria had not even addressed her
main point, but Mielle, whose opinion had already been
denied, bit her lip .
In the past, what Aria had personally experienced was that,

after leather, another material had trended and become the
leader in fashion . A person had started that trend, and
everything she wore trended since she was a fashion icon .
She knew that everything she put on became a trend, so
she was cautious to make sure that nothing would be leaked
out before she could wear it properly .
On the other hand, Aria, who had experienced the future

once already, was different . She already knew everything .
If the person had worn leather, it might've become popular,
but thankfully, it wasn't leather that she would wear .
Sponsored Content
I heard recently that the princess went to the North to buy a

large quantity of fur .
. . . Fur?
Yes . There are rumors that several carriages carrying fur
have entered the palace . Unlike leather, there is a variety
of different colors that can be chosen from and dyed to . Fur
is soft and doesn't smell like anything if one employs the
proper washing method .
In fact, no one had seen those carriages, so there were no

rumors, but it was the truth . The princess had really
returned from the North after purchasing a large supply of
fur, and she would wear a different type of fur every time a
party was held; it would increase rapidly as a trend .
Fur was difficult to process and supply so it would be no use

if someone acquired it late, when the trend was already
ongoing . Since good-quality fur was limited, it was clear
that if the person was diligent, he would monopolize the
industry .
If the princess were to wear fur, the trend would surely

spread throughout the empire . If Aria's words were true, he
had to quickly acquire high-quality fur, and even if her
words were false, he still had to check .

possible .
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Turns The Hourglass, Part VIII
Chapter 8 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The count thought that her opinion was logical and called
for a servant to check on whether those rumors were true or
not . If the princess had truly purchased a large quantity of
fur, he had to move immediately . He was a great merchant,
but he still believed a low-born child like her .
Aria smiled brightly, content .
“Where did you hear that?”
“Hmm… Well? Who was it…? Uh? Where did I hear it from? I
really did hear about it… I can’t remember it well…”
She thought of naming Sarah as the source, but if she did,

the count might ask her directly, so she refrained from
doing so . She decided to smile and act like a girl her age,
saying “I can’t remember very well . ”
The count asked for the source of the rumors repeatedly,

but Aria continued to cock her head as if she was trying to
remember .
She didn’t care about what he might think of her at that

moment . If he followed her words and purchased the fur, he
would reap a great profit, and if he didn’t, he would pound
the ground in regret .
Which one he would choose? Aria would not lose anything

either way, and would earn the trust of the count all the
same . Therefore, to ensure that the count would regret ever
dismissing her opinion, she put on an innocent face .
At that moment, the count realized what kind of child Aria

was and hardened his expression .
Not long ago, she was a trifling girl that would only scream if
she was not satisfied with something . So, it was somewhat
embarrassing that he had listened attentively to a girl that
didn’t even reach his waist . However, in case the rumors
about the princess were true, he decided to check her tip . It
wouldn’t take long, and if he was lucky, he would hit the
jackpot .
After some silence, the conversation resumed once more,

leaving no room for Aria to join in . No, Aria had no thought
of joining the conversation when Mielle’s stupid answers
reminded her of her own childhood memories, alienating
even the countess . However, Aria put the last piece of
cleanly cut meat into her mouth, completely unbothered by
the situation .
In the end, it would be she who would have the last laugh .
***
The count, who had originally stated that he would stay in
the capital for a few days, immediately prepared to go on a
business trip as early as lunchtime the following day . Aria
had a hunch of what had happened when she saw the
servants packing several bags of thick clothes . She thought
that he had believed what she had said .
As she had expected, the count had received the

information that the princess had purchased fur . If he had
asked “What did you buy in the North?,” it would have taken
him a while to get the right answer, but it hadn’t been
difficult to get a reply since he had simply started with
“What did you buy?”
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Unable even to have lunch, the count hurriedly prepared to

depart, apologizing as he kissed the countess’ cheek .
Sequentially, he stroked the heads of his son and daughter
one by one, saying that he would come back safely, and
finally, he looked at Aria . The gaze was a mixture of joy,
satisfaction, and pride, establishing itself as a great favor .
Before the count stroke Aria’s hair, she reached out and
grabbed his hand . The count was a bit surprised, but after
hearing Aria’s bright voice saying goodbye and telling him
to return safely, he smiled affectionately . It was a real
father’s smile, which Aria was receiving for the first time .
Aria then took out a handkerchief she had hidden in her

inner pocket . When she reached out with it, the count
asked what it was .
“It’s a handkerchief . Although the embroidery is a bit
sloppy, I thought that you’d need it since you’ll be heading
to a faraway place . Have a healthy, safe trip . ”
Mielle’s eyes, opposite of her, became so big that they

couldn’t grow any bigger .
‘Tell her you won’t receive it . ’ That was what her

expression was saying . But contrary to her wish, the count
happily accepted the handkerchief . There was no mistake
that Aria must have seemed like an angel to the count at
the present time .
In addition, the embroidery was very beautiful, so he would

have accepted it even if he hadn’t been in a good mood .
The embroidery was so great that it was unthinkable that it
had come from a fourteen-year-old girl .
“Well, I bought her the fabric because she would start

learning embroidery, but I never imagined that it would be
so beautifully finished . ”
The countess, who hid the whole affair, also showed Aria’s
embroidery to Mielle and Cain . No one could dispute that
the embroidery of the lily was really beautiful, and not
because Aria was her own daughter .
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Mielle stared blankly at the smooth handkerchief laid upon

her hands . A beautiful lily, which looked as if it would give
off the flower’s fragrance, was vividly displayed . It was
more elegant and beautiful than any embroidery that she
had ever seen .
‘Could I truly embroider something more beautiful and

elegant than that?’
She felt like she would burst into tears .
Noticing Mielle in such a state, Aria with a very pure face,

asked Mielle brightly . “I can make you a handkerchief like
that, Mielle, if you need it . If my brother Cain asks for it, I
will make one for you as well…”
“No, I don’t need it . ”
Cain declined before Aria could finish uttering her question .

Aria, who had expected that reaction, shrugged without
losing her smile . “I see . Then, it seems that I only need to
make one for Mielle . ”
Mielle gave no answer as she was half out of her mind from
the shock . Her father was going on a business trip to a
faraway place, but she didn’t even wave her hand once,
staring blankly at everything .
Aria didn’t think that Mielle would act viciously like she had
done in the past, but she didn’t expect her to receive such a
shock .
Well, it was very satisfying .
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***
Aria, who had returned to her room, giggled . She was going
to give Mielle the best embroidered gift . Because she had
never said that she would be the one making it for her, Aria
would get Sarah to do it .
Certainly, Mielle would despair every day looking at it .

Since she was young, that would be even more noticeable .
Once she came to her senses, she would learn to embroider
with her own hands to somehow overcome Aria, and when
she realized that she was quite bad at it, it would definitely
come as a great shock to her .
‘It could be that you’ll never be able to embroider anything

for the rest of your life, like me in the past . ’
In the past, Aria had always suffered from an inferiority

complex, falling behind Mielle in every way . She had not
been as elegant, not as logical . She had been unsociable,
self-absorbed, guilty of not being loved, all of which had
contributed to her fall into the temptation of the maids, and
led her to express those frustrations through evil deeds .
It had been a wall that she had never been able to

overcome then . Therefore, she had become even more
obsessed with taking care of her beauty . Thinking back, if
she had stopped and thought for a bit, she would’ve realized
that she would’ve been able to cross that wall with effort
and time, but she had not been able to realize that because
she had thought from the beginning that it was impossible .
‘So now, it will be OK if Mielle becomes the opposite . ’
Before Mielle could try anything, Aria would take the first
step and ensure that she wouldn’t be able to do it . By
continuing to repeat that procedure, it was certain that
Mielle would become a mess, like she had been in the past .
Just thinking about it, a thrilling sense of euphoria spread
throughout her whole body .
On the following day, Mielle did not attend lunch or dinner,

staying in her room instead . Some ladies that Aria was
seeing for the first time visited Mielle in her room, but all of
them went back with puzzled faces . Although all of them
were very good at embroidery, they all fell short of Mielle’s
standards, so there was no future for them teaching her .


Chapter 9: Chapter 9 . A New
Meeting, Part I
Chapter 9 . A New Meeting, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
In the meantime, Sarah’s embroidered handkerchief was

handed over to Mielle . She didn’t respond to the
embroidery of the lily, which was so beautiful that it seemed
as if a butterfly would fly out of it at any moment . This led
to an increase in the number of visitors to her room . For
days, Aria laughed silently as she watched all of those
unfamiliar guests visit Mielle .
‘No matter how hard you try, there’s no use . It’s time for
you to experience it . ’
In the past, Mielle might have been superior to her since she
had learned everything ahead of time, but now, it was
different . Since God had gifted Aria the memories of her
past and a new future, Aria was now able to present Miele
the pain that she had suffered in the past .
***
Aria, who had now learned how to walk gracefully, was now
so elegant that she would immediately be able to assimilate
to high society if she were to go out . Considering her age,
she would be quite well received . Compared to her peers of
the same age, she deserved the praise of her growth .
It was the countess, Aria’s mother, who was most proud .

She was very proud of her little daughter, who had
previously been a mess, for her growth and change .
She didn’t wonder why she had suddenly changed because

it would feel hypocritical and insecure of her to have such
thoughts in her current position . She just wished that Aria
would learn more than her and be married into a household
that was better than hers, becoming a marquess or a
duchess, perhaps .
“What do you think?”
“If you’re referring to Marquis Vicent, he has a potential

suitor . ”
That was precisely her teacher . Enjoying lunch in the

garden for the first time in a long time, mother and
daughter chatted over green tea served with dessert . The
countess asked Aria repeatedly about potential husbands,
but Aria would recall each time the women that they would
later marry . Though it wasn’t like she couldn’t take them
away, she had not thought of wanting them in the first
place, so she rejected all of them .
The countess, unsatisfied with her response, admonished

her . “There’s no such thing as the best partner . It’s all up
to those who try . Look at your mother . ”
She was the product of her efforts . However beautiful she
was, it was not easy to melt the icy heart of the count . It
was safe to say that there was no one who had worked
harder than her . Aria laughed faintly and said, “I’m still
young . I’m only fourteen . ”
“About to be fifteen . A woman’s youth goes by very quickly

.”
Although the countess was merely thirty-two years of age,

she stared into the air as if she were reflecting on her youth
.
She had been abandoned on the street as a baby, and had

grown up doing all kinds of dirty work . She had taken to the
brothel before her monthly period had started and worked
her way up, receiving countless customers .
There had only been one way to escape that hell, and that
had been to catch a rich and powerful man . Other than
that, there had been no other way for her to be rescued .
She had realized that at the mere age of fifteen . Afterward,
she had used all means and methods possible, and played
the coquette toward those with power, some of which
promised ardent love for her but never returned after a
single meeting . When she was seventeen years old, she
met a man who wanted to take her out of the brothel . It
was a baron who managed a very small plot of land, but to
her, who had nothing, he was like a god .
Unfortunately, before she was rescued, the baron found out

that she was pregnant, and since she didn’t know who the
father was, she was unable to escape that hell .
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“If it hadn’t been for you…” that was what the despairing
countess had said to Aria every time .
“Thinking back now, it may have been lucky to have you . ”
“… How come?”
“Don’t you think it’s better to be a countess of a great

estate and territory than a baroness in the countryside?”
There was not a single grain of falsehood in the countess’

face . If she had missed her opportunity, even Aria could
have become a prostitute, but there seemed to be no trace
of the consideration of such a possibility . Aria smiled lightly
. Despite the misfortune, her mother had not abandoned
her, but raised her, so Aria wasn’t dissatisfied with her . If
her mother had abandoned Aria and lived life ignorantly of
her, she would have soon met a good man and might have
eventually had her status promoted .
However, her mother hadn’t done that . She had given birth
to Aria and brought her to live with the count . That could’ve
ended up becoming a lifelong burden for her, so it was
definitely not an easy feat . It was the greatest expression of
maternal love and the heavenly difference between her
mother and herself, who had failed to prevent her mother’s
death .
The countess, after instructing a maid to exchange the tea

for a new, hot one, pondered about something and looked
around . After confirming that no one was in the vicinity, she
questioned Aria quietly, “It seems that you are interested in
the eldest son of the Duke of Frederick . ”
“You mean Oscar?”
“Yes . He’s the same age as Cain . I saw Mielle begging Cain
to bring him here . ”
Soon after Aria’s fifteenth birthday party, a few days after,

Cain would visit this mansion with Oscar while they were on
vacation .
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In that place, Mielle would accidentally spill her tea on Oscar

and ask if he needed a handkerchief . Then, she would take
out the handkerchief that was embroidered with the seal of
his family and give it to Oscar, lying that it had been she
who had made it .
‘That’s right, that is the precise scene that I’ll witness . ’
Aria as well aware of what the countess wanted to tell her,

since there was no need to talk about someone in whom
Mielle was interested .
There was yet to be an official fianceé for the heir of the

Duke of Frederick . Although Mielle was the most likely
candidate due to the combination of power and money
associated with her, Oscar, who was not captivated by
feminine charms yet, did not seem to have frequent
meetings or stay in contact with Mielle . If Mielle were to
grow a bit older and share a conversation with him, the
outcome might be unknown, but they didn’t have a special
relationship now . Therefore even if she was of lower birth,
the Lady of the Roscent Family, Aria, had sufficient
opportunity as well .
The maid who brought the new tea showed her polite
respect and stood by in the distance . The countess raised
her cup and had a sip of the tea .
“Your mother wants you to be happy, Aria . ”
“Don’t worry, Mother . ”
‘Though I can’t guarantee that I will be well, I’m sufficiently

prepared to ruin Mielle . So, do not worry . When that one is
unhappy, I can be happy, relatively . ’
The mother and daughter smiled happily in the gentle early

autumn wind .
———————
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2 . A New Meeting
A few days after the count departed, Cain returned to the

academy . He was very worried about Mielle, who would
remain alone with Aria and her mother, but he left
eventually, after lingering for a while due to Mielle’s
quietness . Although Cain was not too fond of Aria and the
new countess, he wasn’t filled with malice like Mielle .
In addition, the heir of the family needed to study for his

classes in the academy, as well as be educated as the
successor of the title, so as long as no harm came to his
sister, he had no intention of interfering .
Once Cain had left, Mielle, who had barely managed to hire
a teacher who would teach her embroidery, stayed in her
room all day to devote herself to that matter .
Seeing her cancel all of her other classes and focus entirely
on embroidery, Aria could only imagine what it could be like
in that closed room .
Unlike the past, Mielle had been quiet, and her keen, sharp
eyes had disappeared . A sense of inferiority was already
creeping up on Mielle .
‘Could there be a situation any better than this?’
Aria, with a faint smile, sipped her tea, causing Sarah to ask
her with a friendly expression, “Did something good
happen?”
“Yes . Recently, everything that’s happened has been really

good . Of them all, the best one is that I met Sarah .

possible .


Chapter 10: Chapter 10 . A New
Meeting, Part II
Chapter 10 . A New Meeting, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘It was thanks to you that I was able to see Mielle’s distorted
face . ’
The little girl’s joyful smile was enough to make Sarah blush
.
If Aria had just been a cute child in the past, she was now a
little girl of elegance and grace . She had become very
dignified, and all of that had happened within a few months
.
Sarah, who stared briefly at Aria drinking tea gracefully,

asked again about a subject she had mentioned previously,
“I’m planning to host a tea party in a few days . It’ll be a
very small tea party where only my acquaintances will be
invited . ”
“I see . ”
“My father received a valuable tea set as a present and
gave it to me . ” Sarah smiled softly as she continued, “So,
if Miss Aria were to be free, why don’t you come and
participate?”
Aria pretended to be surprised and opened her eyes wide .
“How could I?” Aria covered her mouth with both hands and
shook her head, causing Sarah to try and persuade the little,
poor Aria by saying that she was more than qualified .
“I want to boast about the lovely Miss Aria to my

acquaintances . ”
Aria knew why Sarah was so insistent on having her come to

the tea party . It was probably due to all of the baseless
rumors that had spread, which she knew very well since
they were rumors that had accompanied her in the past and
up to now .
The whore’s daughter was so jealous of the count’s

daughter, and she was behaving evilly every day . She
smelled bad and had the bad temper of her mother . That
thief-like bitch was trying to ruin the family of Count Roscent
. Due to those reasons, poor Mielle would spend her nights
in tears .
Those were the rumors . In fact, they had been close to

reality since that had been her condition before she had
returned to the past .
Except for the part about Mielle, Aria couldn’t deny any of
the other rumors . Since all of those were acts that only the
witch who had pushed Mielle down the stairs and put poison
in her tea could do .
Now, she had no intention of committing such acts of first-
degree evil, not unless she were to pretend to be noble and
honorable on the outside while using underhanded methods
like Mielle . No, she meant to do it, but it was necessary that
she put those rumors to rest at this point, before the evil
woman wearing the saint’s mask could inflate the rumors
any further .
“Well… It’s a bit embarrassing, but can I join?”
Sarah rejoiced at Aria’s shy reply, and her cheeks blushed .

In fact, it wasn’t necessary for her to participate in Sarah’s
tea party to quell the rumors since Sarah’s personal
connections weren’t much to look at, nor did her
acquaintances have much influence to begin with .
However, it was better to make a lot of good memories with

Sarah before she became the marquise since she needed to
be much closer to her . She was also curious about how
young noble ladies played .
“Of course! I’m certain that everyone will sincerely welcome

the pretty Lady Aria . ”
“Thank you, Lady Sarah . ”
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Sarah, thinking that she should start introducing her new

friend to the other young ladies, went back flushed with
excitement .
‘How could she be so kind and naive? There is a degree to
what one could believe . “There is no smoke without fire . ”‘
Sarah was completely denying the rumors and entirely

believing Aria herself .
‘It is questionable whether Sarah will be able to retain the

seat of the Marquise in the future . Of course, she has
become very easy prey for me . ’
Aria had to purchase a new dress in order to attend Sarah’s

tea party . She had plenty of dresses, but they were all
colorful and childish . The colorful dresses with huge ribbons
looked more like a doll’s clothes than proper dresses . She
started to have cold sweats as she confronted her past
preferences .
“… Why on Earth did they make such dresses?”
If they hadn’t made them, she would not have bought them
. They were so childish that she wanted to burn them all .
It wasn’t just the dresses, but all of her clothes . She hadn’t
realized it since her dressing gowns weren’t very adorned,
but she noticed that she had picked out some very strange
clothes after recollecting her memories . Of course, she still
understood why she had chosen those clothes with so many
colors and strange decorations on them . The more colors
and decorations that they had had, the more satisfaction
she had felt .
When she had lived as a commoner, she had had to wear

the same clothes for months or even years since she had
had no money . Therefore, all of the colors faded, and the
patterns were unthinkably dull . So, when she was able, she
ended up choosing clothes that were so dazzling that they
would hurt her eyes .
‘I can’t wait to get these out of my sight . I’m having a
headache just looking at them . ’
Aria called for her maid, Jessie, and ordered her to throw all
of those clothes away . Jessie also seemed to think that they
should be thrown out, so she took all of the clothes out of
the dressing room without a word .
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Since the pile of clothes was too large for her to move it all
by herself, she brought a large cart and took it all out that
way . Jessie emptied the dressing room and reported that
she had completed Aria’s previous orders before leaving the
room .
“Really?! Do you mean to say that the hourglass has been

fixed whole?”
“Yes, shall I go and bring it over?”
It was the broken hourglass that she had found beside her
bed on the first day of her return .
Aria had picked up all the pieces of the hourglass and

ordered Jessie to fix it . Fortunately, it hadn’t broken into too
many pieces, so she had received word that it would take
some time, but that it was definitely possible to fix it, and at
last, it seemed to have been fixed .
It was definitely not an ordinary hourglass . It could be that

all of its power was spent on reverting Aria’s time, but it was
a precious hourglass that had allowed her to start her life
anew, so she wanted to keep it intact .
“No, I want to go out and buy a dress anyway, so I’ll go and

see it myself . Get ready . ”
Besides, she had to deal with it carefully since she was

unaware of what might happen if it were to break again . For
that reason, she felt more comfortable getting it herself .
When Aria urged her to hurry and prepare to go out, Jessie
bowed her head somewhat regretfully .
“Miss . Well, I…”
But Aria sent her a gaze asking why she was still lingering
by the door and not acting on her instruction . Aria was
different now, but not long ago, it was Jessie who had
suffered and been humiliated the most by Aria’s
wickedness, and that was the reason why Jessie was
hesitant and still afraid to speak up .
With this, Aria smiled and reassured her not to be afraid, so

Jessie reminded that the lady she served had recently
changed and said cautiously, “If you throw all of those
clothes out, you won’t have any outdoor clothes… and the
one-piece dress worn indoors is not suitable for going out…”
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For commoners, those indoor clothes might all be grand,

valuable ones, but for the nobility, things were different . It
was strictly taught that she needed to wear different clothes
for indoors and outdoors, and if she were to head out in the
middle of a day while accidentally wearing an indoor dress,
it would cause rumors of her shamelessness to spread
quickly . As she clicked her tongue, Aria thought that it was
a really annoying world .
‘What shall I do?’ Aria realized that the dresses that she had
were no longer beautiful, and she had no confidence
walking around downtown with those clothes .
After pondering for a minute, she looked for a way to not

wear those dresses or be humiliated . And then suddenly, an
idea came to mind .
‘Ah, yes! There’s that!’
There was a way . In the mansion, there were plenty of

beautiful and luxurious clothes suitable for going out
without her having to buy new ones . Not only that, it was
obvious that the sizes would fit perfectly .
“Those clothes, put them back in the closet . ”
“Everything?”
“Yes, all of them . ”

possible .

Chapter 11: Chapter 11 . A New Meeting, Part III
Chapter 11 . A New Meeting, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Despite the labor that Aria put her through, Jessie did not
retort and began to carefully organize the clothes back into
the closet . It wasn’t anything new because she had been
subjected to Aria’s capricious nature in the past, so she did
not complain about it at all .
It took a long time, but Aria watched Jessie act on her

instructions without any complaints . As soon as Jessie
finished her job, Aria immediately told Jesse to stay outside
for a while . Jessie wondered about Aria’s strange command,
but she did as she was told and waited outside the room .
‘There must be a match somewhere . ’
There was a match used to light the scented candle . She

had bought it to replicate the elegant noble ladies that used
them, but she remembered that she had locked it in a
drawer without using it . Due to the fact that it had
happened over a decade ago for her, her memory of it was
dim . Of course, only a few months had passed in reality
since she had bought it, but it had been a long time ago for
her mind to remember correctly .
“I found it!”
The match was rolling around the corner of the drawer along
with the scented candle . It was so deep in there that even
the maids couldn’t clean it up . Aria, who lit the match that
she had just found, threw it into the closet . A lot of her time
had been exhausted searching for the match, so a while had
passed since Jessie had left the room .
Aria, who briefly monitored the situation, screamed several

times with a very composed face .
Jessie, who was standing outside the door, heard the

screams and entered the room surprisingly quick, facing the
terrible situation that Aria had created .
“Ah, Miss!? What is this…?”
The surprised Jessie hurriedly tried to put out the fire, but
the fire, which had been set on flammable fabric, began to
grow quickly and become so huge that she could not go
near it . The fire burgeoned beyond the clothes and the
closet, looking as if it would swallow Aria’s room at any
moment .
Fortunately, those who heard Jessie’s screams followed by

Aria’s came to the scene before the fire grew bigger and
became dangerous, and the fire that had burned all the
clothes and consumed half of the closet soon disappeared .
It was done for the time being, and Aria, who was in tears,
sat down among the matches scattered on the floor and
spoke in a pitiful voice, “I made a mistake while trying to
light the scented candle… It had been a long time since I
had handled the match… What do I do?”
Aria’s face as she said that looked very pitiful, and the look
on Jessie’s face was distorted in a way that was difficult to
tell whether she was smiling or crying .
Of course, Aria did not hear any offensive words from

anyone . It would’ve been the obvious result, but she was
not scolded or reprimanded at all . The only person who
could admonish her had already departed for the North, and
Cain had already returned to the academy . As for the
countess, she had no reason to scold Aria, and Mielle
couldn’t scold her since nobody had been by her side .
“It’s something that anyone could’ve done at your age . It’s

a relief that the fire didn’t spread . ”
“All of my clothes were burned down in the fire . What am I

supposed to do about this? I was about to go out, but…”
“You can’t go out in your indoor clothes… You should borrow

clothes from someone with a similar build . ”
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The countess quickly recognized the intentions of her cute

daughter, giving her a clear answer .
‘Do you want to buy new clothes?’ she thought .

Of all the things in the room, only the clothes had caught
fire and burned down . It couldn’t be a coincidence .
Mielle, realizing that the countess was referring to her,

narrowed her eyes . Since the servants and maids could not
glare at their little master openly, they could only give her a
covert glance .
Since all of her clothes had been burned, Aria had to go out
and buy new ones, and in order to do so, she needed some
clothes .
Like Mielle, all of the maids that had followed her hardened
their faces and began to appear uncomfortable . That was
due to the fact that though Aria seemed to be well behaved
recently, she had again caused trouble for their master .
Since they could not gaze at the face of a noble without
permission, they had to keep their eyes down, but even that
couldn’t hide the fierce glare in their eyes .
‘How dare you?!’ Noticing this, Aria quietly gritted her teeth
. ‘In the past, did I receive such glares?’
She had been so jealous of Mielle at the time that she

hadn’t been able to look around and feel those gazes .
There had always been people around encouraging and
praising her for her misdeeds .
Regardless of whether they were Mielle’s maids, since they

had been hired by the family, they were also Aria’s maids .
‘But, how can they express such hostile attitudes?’
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If possible, she wanted to grab them by the hair and rip it
out, but knowing that that would only increase the number
of bad rumors about her, she changed her mind, thinking
about the past instead . She had realized that there was a
more effective way to achieve what she aimed for than
expressing frustration or anger after her return to childhood
.
The person before her eyes would use that method long
before, but Aria had realized it only after her head was cut
after acting like an idiot .
Aria’s eyes turned red . Along with that, transparent tears

began to fall and reflect the green light . Those tears went
down from her eyelashes pitifully and soaked her beautiful
pink lips, entering her mouth . Fiddling with her fingers, she
became a figure that seemed as if she was shivering in the
rain, like a baby cat .
That little creature, who looked as if she was about to break,

opened her mouth and said, “Mielle, I’m truly sorry…
Because I had matured, I didn’t want to burden you
anymore, but things have gone awry . Of course, you don’t
want to lend me your clothes . They are your precious
things… Even though it will be a bit embarrassing, I’ll just go
out in my indoor clothes . If I go and quickly return, no one
will notice . There are not a lot who’ll notice my face either .
”
‘What a pity!’ it was the common thought in the minds of

some of the people who had witnessed the Aria at that
moment . It was a pitiful scene that could make them
completely forget about the rumors about her and her
previous actions . Human beings were sight-dependent
animals, so the sad look of a small, pretty child made them
sympathize with her .
In addition, she was Aria . She had only shown her the bad
side of herself so far, so they couldn’t help but feel pity
when they saw her weak appearance . At most, she was
only a small child, but her thoughtfulness of Mielle was
deeper than the sea .
Normally, she didn’t have that kind of personality . If there

had been anything Aria had wanted, she used to be the type
to secretly take it for herself . The maids of the mansion had
clearly seen and heard about it for the past year .
‘After she was assigned a teacher of etiquette… Could it be

that she really changed after being educated?’
That was the only conclusion that they could think of . Her
origin was quite low, and it could be that she might have
realized how stupid and shallow she was being through her
education . It was a bit pitiful thinking like that . Their eyes,
which had always been full of hostility against Aria, now
looked at her with pity, sympathy, and regret .
In the meantime, only the countess watched joyfully as her

daughter played her tricks .
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‘How could you resemble me so well?’
The countess was very proud of Aria, who had realized that
it would be foolish to fly into a tantrum .
“It’s truly OK, Mielle . Don’t worry about this . I’m originally
a commoner… So, indoors and outdoors clothes are not that
big of a deal . ”
Since Aria continued to act pitifully, Mielle was now unable

to decline lending her clothes . If she were to decline here,
she would’ve been labeled a cold-hearted girl who had
ignored a poor little girl who had nothing to wear .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 12: Chapter 12 . A New Meeting, Part IV
Chapter 12 . A New Meeting, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Mielle’s long, luxurious eyelashes trembled . It was

interesting to see her in that state . She seemed like a baby
bird struggling to learn how to flap its wings .
‘For all of your life, just flap your wings and fall . ’
Tears once again fell from Aria’s eyes . Seeing this, Mielle
truly felt that she wanted sincerely to get rid of Aria, like her
clothes which had been burned down and were gone, and
the slight crease of a frown appeared in the middle of her
forehead . However, she didn’t show her inner thoughts,
smiling smoothly instead .
She did it so naturally that no one was able to guess at the

dark, dirty inner thoughts that swirled within her mind .
Mielle’s specialty was hiding her thoughts and acting unlike
them .
“What are you saying, sister? Of course, I’ll lend you some
clothes . The clothes are nothing! It’s a relief that our sizes
are similar . ”
“Are you sure it’s OK?”
“Certainly . Borrow as many as you like . ”
“Thank you! Thank you, Mielle! You’re truly an angel!”
Aria grabbed Mielle’s hands . Aria, who was smiling brightly,

really looked happy . Mielle, who hadn’t anticipated that Aria
would dare grab her hands, almost pulled them back out of
surprise, but realizing the situation, she smiled awkwardly
as she barely held hands with her .
This stirred the hearts of the audience watching the scene

since it was beautiful to see two pretty children taking care
of each other .
Since some of Mielle’s maids were children as well, they

thought if Aria was educated, she would learn and
understand . They had hated her too much using the excuse
of her humble birth, but seeing her be polite to their master,
Mielle, their thoughts started to change increasingly .
“Choose whatever you like, sister . ”
Since the situation was such, Mielle talked to her kindly and
told her immediately choose the clothes she wanted .
Accepting Mielle’s kindness, Aria went to choose an outdoor
dress from her dressing room . Bypassing all of the
countless clothes at the very front, she held a box that had
been stashed in the corner .
It had been hidden in the corner of the closet where others

would have difficulty finding it . The box was very clean,
without a speck of dust on it, as if it had been prepared for a
special event .
Opening the box, she saw a beautiful white dress folded up .

The white dress had a very soft texture and didn’t have
many adornments, except for the red ruby that had been
crafted in the shape of a rose on the chest .
This was the dress that Mielle had received from Oscar, the
heir to the Dukedom of Frederick, for her birthday . It was
trimmed very finely and looked a bit smaller than normal,
portraying that it hadn’t been worn at all . It seemed that
she hadn’t worn it because it was for a smaller size, so it
was better for Aria to wear it instead .
Mielle’s face instantly paled as soon as she saw Aria came

out with the dress . Her hand stopped midair like a
conductor of an orchestra .
Aria asked with a very innocent smile, “Uh? Why?”
“This, this is a little…”
‘How could you find such a cherished dress of mine, which I

had hidden so carefully?’
Seeing Mielle’s disapproval, Aria hurriedly apologized and

quickly put down the dress with exaggerated flourish .
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“Even if you told me to pick anything, it’s a little too pretty,

right? I should have picked a suitable one instead… I chose
this because it didn’t have many patterns, but since I’m still
not accustomed to seeing what’s good or not, it seems that
I chose an expensive dress . What do I do…? Then, what
should I choose…? Mielle, I’m sorry for being slow-witted . ”
“Ah… That is…”
Mielle, unable to say anything, bit her lip . If she had grown
a little older, she wouldn’t have fallen for such a trick, but
since she was only thirteen years old, she was simply at a
loss .
On the inside, she despised and hated Aria, but on the

outside, she was the only benevolent daughter of the count
. Although Aria was not the count’s biological daughter, and
she was of low birth, she was still a daughter of the count .
Mielle wasn’t the only one like everyone else thought .
Therefore, even if Aria had to indulge in vulgar actions,

people would overlook them since that would be
understandable because of her low origins, but Mielle was
different . Everyone should know that she was always
benevolent and kind . That was the image that she had built
of herself .
‘Funny enough, it seems that I am unable to part with that

very image . ’
Silence permeated the dressing room . The longer Mielle

went without saying anything, the more questions arose in
people’s minds .
‘You said that you would lend anything, so why aren’t you
permitting it?’
The white dress was folded so that it didn’t look like it was a
present from Oscar, which Aria was doing on purpose .
In the end, Mielle was unable to refuse directly and had no

choice but to allow Aria to borrow the dress .
“Thank you so much . I’ll make sure to wear it clean and

return it to you . ”
“… Yes,” Mielle replied, a dark expression on her face .
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She looked like a young lily that would wilt at any moment .
‘How could you resemble our family’s seal so well?’ Aria
exclaimed in her thoughts .
If she was a lily, Aria was willing to be a poison-spraying

flower . She would be a flower that would kill with just a
small quantity of her strong poison; a flower as beautiful as
a rose . But, she would be a flower that never forgave those
that dared touch it .
The lovely image of the two girls hiding their venom with
pretense was sufficient enough to keep the hearts of the
audience warm .
***
Aria wore the dress that she had borrowed from Mielle,
which was simple but extremely luxurious, and went
downtown in a carriage with two guard knights and her
maid, Jessie .
It was unusual for an aristocratic child to go out without her

parents, but Aria was different . She had wandered the
streets alone when she was younger than Mielle, and the
countess hadn’t felt that there had been much danger to a
small child acting independently .
That had been because there were few stupid kidnappers

who would kidnap a slum girl . It was hard to identify a dirty,
mangled girl’s face and sell her to the brothel, and there
were little incentives for selling and buying slaves, so there
had been no reason to kidnap her .
Moreover, now that her status had risen, she had two
knights guarding her, so the countess was even less worried
. If one knight were to die, the other would still be able to
protect Aria .
On the other hand, Mielle never went out alone . She always
went out with the count and, in the past, her mother, so
unless an unlikely event, she would surely refrain from going
out . At times, Cain and Mielle would go out together, but
that was when their destination was clear . For example, a
possible destination would be a residence of another
nobleman or a gathering of a small number of
acquaintances . She would never visit places where an
unspecified number of people attended . Concern and
worries about her surroundings also played a major part in
that .
Aria recalled the scene and laughed that Mielle was the
lovely child of the count and too precious to move alone,
unlike her .
Jessie became anxious and restless when she heard her

giggles leak out and raised her eyes . Aria, pretending that
she did not see her, looked outside the window .
The fresh grass, trees, flowers and the busy movement of

the people…
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The scenery outside the window of the carriage passing fast

was no different from before, so it was a bit annoying .
There were days when she spent nights screaming from the
nightmares of her head being severed, but the world was
very peaceful in comparison .
Aria touched her soft, clean neck . The thought of death

coiled with dread around her slender neck, but her neck
stretched cleanly and unmarred . Yet, she even had
hallucinations where her head would fall down just like that
and roll in the dirt .
‘… It’s OK . Nothing will happen . ’
Her faintly trembling hand continued to feel her neck . The

scene of a yellow leaf falling to the ground after reaching
the end of its life came into view . It looked like her neck
rolling miserably along the ground in front of the onlookers .
‘I will never let it go . The experience of my head being cut, I

will make my brother and sister experience the same
outcome . ’
possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 13 . A New Meeting, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The miracle of the hourglass would never happen again, so

eternal death would meet them . Aria, desperately
imagining the end of the brother and sister pair of the
Roscent family, calmed her stirred mind and body .
Moments later, the carriage arrived at a boutique that

commoners visited often . It was an old and lonely place,
where those who could afford the wares would visit
frequently .
When Aria had announced her destination, the carriage

driver and Jessie had stared at her, blinking as if they had
misheard her . But, there was no mistake that this was the
destination she wanted to go to . It was a boutique that
dealt with middling clothes .
In order to part with the image of the cruel bitch, she

couldn’t be extravagant . On the contrary, it was better to
show humility and frugality for the time being . It was clear
that the rumors would spiral uncontrollably if she were to
walk around in luxury . After all, her clothes had been
burned .
The aim was to erase the rumors . From time to time, a

noble needed to wear shabby clothes and stand before the
public to shut the mouths of the people and make them
reconsider their assessments of her personality and
behavior .
“Oh, my! Contrary to rumors, it isn’t Mielle, but rather, Aria

who is poor . Look at that shabby outfit . ”
“She’s finally realized her position . It looks great on her . ”
“Count Roscent must have been tired . Things have resolved

well . ”
Even though Aria had risen in status, if people were to see

Aria wear such clothes, it would help those who had
criticized her to realize that the rumors were wrong . Of
course, new rumors might arise about how she was
neglected by the count, but all of that was done in order to
remove her image as a wicked woman . It was clear that
acting to that extreme would be effective to quell the
rumors . She was only considering doing it for a short while,
so she would be able to wear fancy clothes later on .
‘For instance, I am supposed to appear in a very elegant

and gracious dress at a debutante ball . Then, wouldn’t
everyone be surprised?’
In order for her to enjoy her distant future, she needed to

bear the present with some patience .
It was also good to show those actions to the count . Thanks
to her, the count would make a handsome profit, so he
would be infuriated to see the poor attire of his benefactor .
If she offered a confession of regret, saying that she was
sorry for playing such a dangerous game, with tears in her
eyes, he could sympathetically cry alongside his benefactor
.
Since she was very excited with anticipation, her lips dried
up . After Aria moistened her pink lips with her red tongue,
she passed through the somewhat shabby entrance of the
boutique .
“Wel…come . ”
The owner, who was about to greet his valuable customer,

dropped the bread he was eating . Seeing the three people
appear with a young girl in the middle made him realize that
she was definitely a noblewoman .
After quickly wiping away the oil from the bread off his own
clothes, he hurriedly greeted Aria with an affectionate face .
If he were to make a mistake against a noblewoman, he
would live a life full of pain for the rest of his life .
“These… May be insignificant, trifling items, but please look

around slowly . ”
“…”
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Aria didn’t care about the owner’s greeting, but looked
around the store . The store was filled with a wide variety of
items, from shabby and ugly clothes to decent dresses .
After choosing a few clothes that were at least acceptable,

she requested that all of them be wrapped . Before she
entered into the family of the count, even if she had starved
for three months and saved all the money in the meantime,
she wouldn’t have been able to buy the cheapest item in
that place…
‘Everyday, I walked across the storefront, admiring the

clothes on the display window . ’
But now, even if she bought that whole boutique, she would
still have some pocket money left . Although it felt like a
distant past, that all had happened only a year ago if she
considered her real age . Her mother’s life had turned
upside-down after her wedding . Of course, although that
had come at a great price, Aria still felt somewhat bitter for
some reason .
On the table in the corner of the boutique, there was a tray

with a steaming tea pot and cheap snacks prepared . The
owner guided her to that spot and cautiously asked, “There
are more high-quality clothes upstairs . Will it be alright if
you don’t look there?”
“It’s fine . Let me just pay for what I have chosen . ”
“Yes, yes . It’ll be ready right away . Then, please enjoy the
refreshments and wait a moment . ”
Seeing the owner’s back quickly disappear, Aria took a

snack and bit it . Tasting that cheap, buttery taste, rather
than hating it, she missed it . She thought it might have
been better when she had been hungry, but she didn’t know
anything about that now, when she was being extravagant
and doing whatever she wanted to do . Still, it caused her to
reminisce about her past self .
The owner of the boutique did everything in his power not to

make Aria wait too long, and he soon appeared with all ten
items wrapped up . A knight received the packages, and
Jessie paid for them .
The next stop was the general store where the hourglass
was . The day’s work would be done once she retrieved the
completed hourglass from there and returned to the
mansion .
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‘For some reason, I feel a bit sad . ’
Looking back, she had no memory of a time when she had

gone out like this in the past . All she could remember was
that she had been lost in the thought of buying things .
Before getting up on the carriage with a knight’s help, she
began to look at the people passing in front of the boutique
.
Since the shop was located in a place frequently visited by

ordinary people, she could see children shouting, running
around in shabby, tacky outfits, and merchant stands loaded
with goods from where merchants were shouting to be
noticed, and several onlookers, who showed interest, were
peering at the merchandise .
In the past, she used to also run and play there . She had
been told not to go too far by herself, so she played in the
vicinity . She had many memories of fighting with the other
children, who would insult her prostitute mother, but even
then, there were also fond memories of playing there .
‘But how am I now?’
She was in the middle of a constant battle with those who

pretended to be gracious and elegant on the outside, and
who took their lives as collateral to hide their ugly selves on
the battlefield . The battlefield was so horrible and painful
that she wondered if there was ever a time when she felt
happy .
When Aria didn’t move, watching the people for a long time,
one of the knights escorting her carefully asked, “Do you
have another place you want to visit?”
“No, it’s not that . ”
It was useless to look back on her old past when she could
never return to it .
As she turned her head and attempted to get back on the

carriage, she heard a very familiar voice, “Newspaper rent!
Five shillings for ten minutes! It contains very important
information, so be sure to check it out! Only five shillings!”
Sponsored Content
Aria stopped in her place and looked in the direction of the

voice . There, she saw a boy holding a newspaper in his
hand, shouting for customers in the streets . It was a child
whom Aria knew very well; a child with whom she
sometimes hung out .
Hans was the one renting the newspaper . The boy was able
to feed his family with that single newspaper . He would
purchase a newspaper on the first day of the month and
rent it out from dawn until midnight every day after to earn
a small sum of money .
Busy walking around, he always had blisters on his feet, and

she later heard rumors that he ended up being run over by
a carriage while working in spite of his illness .
‘A newspaper . ’ Come to think of it, she needed some

information .
Although newspapers were delivered count’s household

daily, the information was aimed toward the nobility, which
was different from the information in newspapers targeted
at commoners .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 14: Chapter 14 . A New Meeting, Part VI
Chapter 14 . A New Meeting, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Newspapers viewed by the nobility were simple lists of

information, whereas the ones read by the commoners
contained all kinds of rumors . More than half of the
newspaper was filled with false rumors, but there were the
occasional rumors that ended up true, so there would be no
loss if she saw got her hands on one . In any case, since she
knew the future, she would not be swayed by rumors .
“Jessie, get me a newspaper . Tell him to sell it to you

because I’ll pay for the full month’s returns . And every time
the newspaper comes out, make sure that you go and buy it
.”
“Yes? Oh, yes, Miss . ”

After hearing that Aria would buy that piece of trash-like
paper, all the attendants that followed her began to think
negatively of her, ‘She would buy such a dirty, smelly
newspaper . ’ They began to think that her humble birth
could not be changed .
Whether they thought like that or not, Aria didn’t care . She
began to slowly read the purchased newspaper . Since the
general store was not too far from the boutique, she
couldn’t read all of it in detail, but she was able to confirm
roughly one big incident .
[Where Are All the Missing People?]
As soon as she saw the title in large cursive letters, she

instantly realized what was happening .
There were rumors of human trafficking happening in the

empire, where slavery was outlawed . Terrible things had
occurred in the deep, covert places of fancy casinos .
Becoming a slaver within the empire was such a foolish and
stupid thing to do .
In the basement of an underground casino in the city,

kidnapped people were locked behind bars, unable to
escape from being drugged . Women were sold as sex
slaves, while the men were sold to foreign countries to work
to their deaths .
The reason why she could remember this so vividly was that
the Crown Prince had uncovered the criminals, and so, they
had made massive public announcements about it for a
while .
‘The case that the Crown Prince uncovered…’

She looked through the newspaper and tried to find a
connection, but nothing came to her mind . In the first
place, she had been young, so she hadn’t had any interest .
At the time, she had thought that the people were just being
noisy .
Things were like that . No matter how much she knew about
the future, it would be impossible for her to befriend the
Crown Prince . In the past, even when she had charmed
many men in the empire with the fascinating beauty, she
hadn’t even been able to see the Crown Prince’s shadow . To
begin with, he lived a different world from hers, so she had
no chance of encountering him .
It was sufficient to have befriended Sarah, who would

become the marquise, to ensure a safe future . Not to
mention Oscar, whom she was about to meet . Though an
opportunity might present itself in the future, now wasn’t
the time .
With that small, young body, there was nothing she could do
. If she were to loiter around the casino, security might
come out to question her, so Aria erased the casino slavery
case from her head .
“Miss, we have arrived . ”
After relishing the memories of her past after looking at the

newspaper, she noticed that the carriage had already
arrived at the general store and stopped moving . Other
than the slave case, there wasn’t much to the information
that helped her, so she laid the newspaper down and
headed into the general store .
In the old, narrow store, there were two men who appeared
to be customers and an elderly man, the owner . The air
quickly became stuffy once she and her party entered the
space . There was little room to move in the first place, but
she didn’t frown .
“Wel… come . ”
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The owner opened his eyes wide as if he recognized Aria .

That was due to them living in the same neighborhood when
she was poor, so they had met face-to-face a few times, and
only Aria and her mother had risen in status from within the
territory .
Unlike in the boutique, even before her rise in status, she

had visited this place to buy things . However, since the
owner was of low birth and could not dare to speak to Aria
as a noble, he gave her the completed hourglass quietly .
When she saw his hands trembling, she realized that he

must have heard the rumors about her . She was only a
fourteen-year-old child, but it was comical and strange that
she had become the subject of fear just because her status
had risen .
“Please… Take a look . ”
Like the elderly man said, Aria began to scan the finished
hourglass for cracks, to see if the sand was falling properly
and to see if the glass was slanted or not . After checking
everything, she confirmed that it had been restored to its
complete state .
“It’s great to see the hourglass that was in pieces be fixed
so neatly . Truly amazing . ”
She was also satisfied with how the hourglass was stored in
a box with a soft cloth . If she were to keep it in her own
deep, private compartment, no one would be able to touch
it .
Aria told Jessie to pay double the price that was originally
agreed . That itself spoke more than words of praise,
causing the old man to humbly bow his head .
“Miss, are we returning to the mansion?”
“No, let’s take a look around for a bit . ”
It was a long and leisurely outing, so she felt something

lacking just leaving like that and decided to look around at
the general store instead . From forged dolls to large items
of which their purposes were unknown, there were all sorts
of strange items lying around .
Sponsored Content
‘In the past, I used to admire all those useless things . ’
They were full of dust, and their colors had even changed .
A strange decoration dangled as she swiped it with her hand
. ‘What a shabby item!’ However, it also made her feel
pleased .
Aria was walking slowly through the inside of the store when
she found the two men looking intently at the exact same
item for some time . They were the same two men who had
been there before she even entered the general store .
While they were distracted, she approached them, getting

very close . Though their capes hid them well so that she
couldn’t see them clearly, they were definitely male by their
heights .
No breath was heard from the two men who stared at the
items on a cabinet without moving . As such, even Aria held
her breath . Though they were preoccupied with the items
enough not to notice her, she somehow felt that they were
dangerous .
“…Miss, we should return . ”
Her escort knights probably felt the same way, as one of the
knights stood between the two men and Aria with a restless
face .
The knights’ hands were placed on the scabbards by their

waists . Aria gulped and nodded . She had started her life
anew, so she never thought of putting herself in danger .
Aria turned around and headed toward the door . Only then,
did the tension ease, and the guards who followed her
opened the door with a reassuring face .
As soon as she was about to walk through the door, Aria,

who finally looked at the old man, stopped in surprise . She
had done so clearly because of a small piece of paper
placed on the counter in front of the old man .
‘That is…’
Aria knew that piece of paper, and it was certain that it

would bring misfortune to the deftly skilled old man .
Sponsored Content
After pondering over it for a while, she soon turned around

to give the elderly man a piece of advice . Originally, she
wouldn’t have been concerned about it, but after he had
satisfyingly fixed the hourglass, she wanted to express her
gratitude .
“That auction participation pass, I suggest you resell it . You

won’t be able to use it . ”
“What, what are you saying…?”
“… I’ve delivered my message . The choice is up to you, old

man . ”
In the basement of the casino, they bought and sold people

in secret, but publicly, they handled various items and
auctions as well .
Those participation passes cost too much for ordinary

commoners, but since a few days ago, long lines of people
would form from those seeking entry rights before the start
of the auction . That was because there were rumors going
around that rare items would be sold for cheap . In addition,
rumors had been circulating that if anyone sold the goods
that were bought there, they would make a good profit .
That was probably why the old man had gotten the pass to
participate in the auction .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 15: Chapter 15 . A New Meeting, Part VII
Chapter 15 . A New Meeting, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The other quickly pulled out his sword and fended off the
two guards . Their movements were as fast as light . They
happened so instantaneously that Aria’s party was deprived
of their freedom by the two men .
Flop!
Jessie, surprised, screamed as she fell down . If she were to

move even a little, her head would be cut off . Having
already experienced that once, Aria trembled visibly .
“… Why did you say that?” the man who had grabbed Aria’s
wrist asked . Within the cape, was a man with a slightly
younger face than that of an adult with black hair and blue
eyes . At best, he was a man of similar age to Cain .
Those pure blue eyes gave her goosebumps, but after
seeing the young man’s face, she became a little less
nervous . Then, Aria frowned, feeling as if she had seen his
face somewhere, which caused his grasp to become
stronger .
“I’m asking why you said such a thing to the owner . ”
“I-I don’t know what you are talking about?!”
She didn’t understand what he was talking about . She

looked around, but there was no one that could come to her
aid .
The man said once more, “I asked why that auction pass
would become useless . ”
‘Why is he asking why that’ll happen?’
It was then that Aria understood the man’s question .
‘Should he be asking that so suddenly?’
She looked at him to see if he was a member of the auction

. Most of his body was covered by the black cloak, so she
could not see within it enough to obtain the information she
wanted . Even the narrow gaps between his clothes showed
black fabric underneath . However, there was one thing she
knew . Ordinary people could not have such fine skin as his .
They worked too hard for that .
‘… Is he a noble?’
He had to be a noble of no significance since he was an

unfamiliar face for Aria, who remembered almost all of the
nobles’ faces from having participated in numerous parties .
He must have come up from the countryside to participate
in the auction .
Thinking that, the pieces of the puzzle fit together . He

would have bought this expensive auction pass and would
have come up to the capital, but after hearing that it would
be useless, he must have been surprised . Strangely, his
quick movements and informal tone were bothering her, but
she couldn’t think beyond that .
“… You’re hurting my wrist . Let go . ”
“Answer me . ”
“If you let go of my wrist . ”
“…”
He didn’t let go of her wrist, staring at Aria incredulously .

Only then, did Aria find her pace . On the surface, the man
might be older, but in reality, she was beyond him .
Although she had lived a life of base pleasure, that had also
given her experience, so it wasn’t difficult for her to grasp
the situation and to identify the man . If he was to have
been a few years older, he wouldn’t have been so clumsy in
the way he was seeking his answers .
With a smile, Aria whispered to the man threatening her,

“You seem to have better skills than my knights, so don’t
tell me you’re not letting go of my wrist because you are
afraid that you might lose to such a young girl? And it hurts
a lot . What will you do if I can’t use my hand?”
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It was then that the man looked down on the wrist he

grabbed . A bluish, bruised color perched over her pale skin
. Realizing that he didn’t have to overexert himself to that
extent, he signaled his colleague with his eyes before slowly
releasing her wrist .
Her escort knights were still unable to move, but Aria’s wrist
was free from his grasp . However, she was blocked by the
man and could not escape the store .
Aria brushed the hand of the previously gripped wrist

several times to shake off the hot tingling sensations that
were rising through her arm . The wrist had been held so
strongly that it was numb . She found him to be extremely
rude .
“Now, answer me,” the man pressed on with a sharp stare .

He was looking at her like he wouldn’t let her go if she didn’t
answer properly .
It was then that Aria answered calmly, “I heard a rumor . ”
“What rumor?”
“That the casino is about to go bankrupt,” Aria lied casually

because she had not promised to tell the truth, nor was she
obliged to do it .
His face hardened . It seemed that her conjecture that the

man had bought the auction ticket had been correct .
Aria added a lie to the lie, “There’s a rumor that Viscount

Lupre has acquired a huge debt from expanding his
business recklessly . It’s also rumored that he’s prepared to
dispose of the casino, relinquish his title, and run away at
night . ”
Viscount Lupre was the owner of the casino . He was the

aristocrat destined to be executed after being caught
trafficking humans . He was also the man who would cause
the collapse of his family by passing these crimes onto his
children .
“This is the end of my answer, so step aside so that I can

leave . ”
“… If your reply is a lie, I won’t let you be . ”
The man’s blue eyes met Aria’s . He had a face set with
murderous intent . Goosebumps crept up Aria’s back, and
she felt cold sweat slide down it . She knew that he was
bluffing, but she couldn’t stay aloof in front of such a fierce
threat .
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Aria laughed awkwardly, unable to control her trembling

mouth, and said, “… How do you judge the truth of a
rumor?”
“It’s a matter of consideration . ”
The answer was convincing, but his actions were not . He

took a complete picture of Aria into his eyes, determined to
definitely find her if necessary . Her whole body was burned
in his mind .
His eyes stayed a specially long time on the rose-shaped
ruby located on her chest . He seemed to know where she
was from, so Aria’s face turned pale . Her calm, lying self
vanished .
‘I need to run away…! I need to avoid him!’
She wanted to leave that place immediately . She never

wanted to entangle herself with that man again . She felt a
sense of danger . A threat that she had not met in the past
would become a sword that would definitely cut her neck .
She was sure that she would regret that meeting .
“… My answer is just this, so let my knights go,” Aria said

with a complexion that indicated that she was about to
collapse, and the man beckoned his colleague with his
finger . His comrade gently released her knights . Despite
their freedom of movement, her knights did not move at all,
wary of the man who had overpowered them .
However, the casino would be closed down soon since a

group led by the Crown Prince would interfere with it; the
high-priced auction ticket would become a flimsy piece of
paper, and the old man would have to suffer a massive loss
.
The old man looked puzzled by Aria’s advice . It seemed

that he had no intention of reselling the pass to the auction
just because of the words from little young Aria .
‘It’s unfortunate since he has great dexterous hands, but I

can’t help him any more than that . ’
Since she had no intention of repeating her warning, she

made to leave the general store after finishing her advice .
It was then that one of the men, who hadn’t moved from the
corner until just then, grabbed her slender arm .
‘How come you’re so incompetent!’
Aria rushed out of the general store with her useless guards
and Jessie .
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***
“What do you want me to do?” while checking the quickly

disappearing carriage, the man who had overpowered Aria’s
knights immediately asked the other man .
“… Is that a carriage of the Roscents?”
“Yes . ”
“I heard that they have a first-born son… Did the count have
a daughter of that age?”
“There’s a young lady named Mielle . I heard that another

girl was adopted after he remarried, but they say she’s a
scapegrace without any proper etiquette . Therefore, I think
that was Lady Mielle . ”
“Mielle…”
‘Does her name mean honey?’ It wasn’t a name suited for

someone with such a coy face . ‘Even after such an
unexpected occurrence, didn’t she maintain her composure
and play with me?’ It was an unthinkable audacity for a girl
in her early teens .
The man looked down at his hand, which had held Aria by
the wrist . It had been a very thin and delicate wrist . Those
of other young ladies of her age might be like that, but hers
was especially more so .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 16 . A New Meeting, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘What is this feeling…?”
There was also a strange feeling from his warm palms . It

was a familiar yet unfamiliar sensation . It was very faint,
but it was something that he had felt before somewhere .
‘Where the hell did I…?’
He couldn’t understand that feeling since he had no relation

with Count Roscent’s family .
As he looked absentmindedly at his hand, his comrade

asked him, “What do you want to do? Should I put a man on
her?”
“No, I already know what family she’s from . First, we’ll raid
the casino . If that rumor truly spreads, the viscount will run
away, and we must quickly subdue him . ”
“However, we are still lacking information, and our plan is
also not perfect . ”
“An incomplete plan would be better than Viscount Lupre

disappearing into the night . ”
It would be quite a hassle if Viscount Lupre were to run

away to a foreign country . It would be much better to miss
him in the country, if they were to miss him .
“This could also be a mischievous prank from an ignorant

young lady . ”
“Even so, we have to account for it just in case . ”
Even if the rumors were a lie and he made his surprise

attack on the casino with insufficient information and
planning, there was no risk aside for the fact that things
would be a bit cumbersome .
However, if what Aria had said had been the truth, and while
they were formulating a plan, the viscount ran away? Then,
they would need to request aid from the neighboring
countries . It would be an annoying, cumbersome and even
shameful endeavor . Therefore it was much better to finish
matters within the country .
All because of a girl who was certain that the casino would
be destroyed . On the surface, the casino was breaking
record sales every day, but the girl knew otherwise, that the
casino would fall . That was a fact that no one knew but
himself and those of his man who would participate in the
casino’s ruination .
Though she had said that she had heard the rumor about
Viscount Lupre, from the full details she had given, she had
to have known the inside story . He had to hurry .
“Then, for when shall we set the date?”
“Today . ”
“Today… Do you mean today?!”
“Yes . In one hour, gather and deploy all we have . We will

attack immediately since we don’t know when he’ll escape .
”
‘Today’s a bit difficult…’ his comrade said to himself, but

after seeing the man’s determined expression, he bowed his
head . “… I understand . I will prepare for it right away . ”
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His comrade moved quickly after being given the order and
soon disappeared from his sight . The man looked at his
hand and checked the remaining warmth . Though it had
mostly disappeared, Aria’s expression of when she turned
around was still vivid in his mind . Her cat-like figure made
him feel strangely excited .
‘This is not the time . ’
But this was not the time for him to immerse in such
sentiments . He needed to catch the culprit and solidify his
position as quickly as possible . After erasing Aria’s face
from his mind, and her warmth from her hand, the man
quickly disappeared into the darkness .
***
Aria returned home and thought to request the countess fire

the two knights that had escorted her immediately, but
decided against it since she thought it might be a good
opportunity .
They had not only failed to protect their master, but also
had not even tried to . They had to be ashamed of their
cowardly and disgraceful actions, for abandoning their duty
as a knight of loyalty at the cost of their lives .
If this was known, not only would they lose their titles as
knights, but they might also end up spending their entire
lives under the disgraceful label of having abandoned their
master in the face of danger, certainly a weakness and an
embarrassment that they would not want to be exposed .
That was why there was no better chance of controlling
them than now . It was the chance to bite and suck their
blood like a leech . She vowed to drain their blood until only
their dead shells remained .
A slave with a weakness worth ten million times more than

a knight who had sworn his life . Aria smiled at the escort
knights, who looked as if the world would collapse on them .
Waiting for the cruel disposal of the Grim Reaper, their
bodies hardened from that unexpectedly friendly smile .
With the help of one of the knights, Aria dismounted from

the carriage and opened her mouth, speaking clearly and
calmly, “It had been a long time since I had gone outside, so
I ended up in that rough state . This is why commoners are
no good . They’re too violent and unable to measure their
strength . ”
Entering the mansion, the knights followed Aria, swallowing

hard . It was inevitable that she would consider the
punishment that would follow if she was speaking of the
unsavory incident that had just happened . The knights
nervously followed her to her room since the order to
disband had not yet been given .
Aria’s room was located on the third floor, since she had
wanted a room with the best view . While they climbed up
the stairs, the servants and maids bowed to Aria and the
knights .
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Aria, who had not replied to them before, carefully

responded to each and every one of their greetings,
delaying the time to their destination . As the number of
times she stopped walking increased, the lips of the knights
waiting for their life or death sentence dried up, and their
hands trembled . Soon, they arrived at Aria’s room, and as
soon as Jessie finally walked in and closed the door, Aria
opened her mouth slowly . It was only for a moment, but it
was like time had stopped for the knights .
“In addition, my guards could not keep their bodies, let

alone me, protected,” Aria said as she sat on her soft sofa .
The knights’ faces fell with pale expressions . The

management of the knights was in the hands of the count,
but if there was a valid reason, a representative could
temporarily take over the position .
Now that the successor, Cain, was absent, the person next
in line was Aria’s mother, the countess . If it was her, she
would certainly kick them out . No . No matter who it was,
they would not let them be . ‘Who would want to keep
knights that failed to protect their master?’
The two knights resolved themselves to the punishment

that was to come . If that day’s mistakes were revealed to
the world, they determined themselves to hide away for the
rest of their lives . The answer was pretty much set, but the
final sentence was yet to be given, so the two knights
silently waited for Aria’s next words while keeping their eyes
on the floor .
“Well, you couldn’t help it because the opponent was

extremely skilled . ”
Aria beckoned Jessie to pour her some water . Jessie, who

put the box with the hourglass on the floor, hesitated a little
before pouring the water into a cup .
Aria, who held that cup in her hand, said, “So, I’m thinking
of overlooking this, just this one time . It was unavoidable . ”
“…!”
“…!”
It was harder to determine who was faster, as both of them

raised their heads at the same time . They blinked as if what
they had just heard was a hallucination . They thought that
they had to have heard wrong . Even the merciful Mielle
would certainly fire them, so there was no way that Aria
would show mercy .
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“By the way,” Aria raised the cup to her mouth and when
she slanted the cup, the water from the cup ran down her
throat . Gulp! After taking a sip and putting the cup down on
the table, she resumed, “The water is a little lukewarm . Is
there anyone who could bring me some cool water?”
“…!”
“…!”
Both knights rushed out of the room before she finished

speaking . Jessie’s hand, which missed the timing, hovered
in the air . Not knowing what to do, Jessie looked alternately
at the door the knights had gone through and at Aria .
When Aria saw that, she leaned back on the sofa and
laughed, saying, “Jessie, you should go out for a moment as
well . ”
“Yes? Oh, yes…” Embarrassed, Jessie moved the hourglass

box she had put down on the floor to the table before
leaving Aria’s room .
As soon as she had left, Aria pushed the landscape painting

on one corner of the room aside, and pushed the wall with
no pattern once more . Then, a handle made of iron popped
out with a snap, like a lock being unlocked, from what once
had looked like a simple wall under the frame .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 17: Chapter 17 . Changed Future, Part I
Chapter 17 . Changed Future, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
When she pulled the handle, a space large enough for one
person appeared . Each room had a secret room set up, a
secret of which only the owner of the room was aware . This
was also to be her hideout, prepared in case of an
unfortunate event .
Usually, the explanation of the hideout would be written in a

secret note by the head of the family, and only the owner of
the room would read it . Aria, who had never been
recognized as a member of the count’s family in her
previous life, only figured out that such a secret space
existed a month before her death .
And she had come across it by chance when she had been
going crazy with jealousy of the triumphant Mielle and the
unyielding reality she was living . Aria, who had been out of
her mind at that time, had destroyed everything in the
frames and on the walls of her room . Dozens of objects had
been scattered over the floor, and one of the vases that she
had thrown had accidentally hit the switch on the wall,
revealing the secret location to her .
‘Despite all that, I couldn’t use it when it really mattered . ’
Since she hadn’t hidden in the situation where she should

have hidden, when her death had neared, Aria decided to
use the secret space that she had never, which she had
never used in her previous life, for the hourglass that had
given her life back .
Knock!
As soon as she hid the hourglass, there was a rough knock

on the door . It seemed that the faithful dogs had arrived .
As soon as she beckoned them, the knights hurriedly
entered the room, each with a glass of water for Aria . They
bent to one knee as if they were bearing gifts to a god, and
Aria smiled brightly as she accepted each of their cups .
“Look after me from now on . ”
‘My cute puppies!’
———————-
3 . Changed Future
Aria soon returned Mielle’s dress . She didn’t even wash it

because she wanted to get the dress out of her hands as
soon as possible .
Mielle’s face looked strange when she looked at Aria
returning the dress without a tear . She had probably
thought that Aria would return her dress in a terrible state .
Of course, Aria had had plenty of desire to do so, but after

learning that committing such misdeeds would only make
her feel a little better at the moment while causing her
situation to become aggravated later on, she didn’t do that .
Moreover, countless people had watched her borrow the

dress from Mielle, so she couldn’t return it in a mess . First
of all, the man with that hideous stare might come to look
for the owner of the dress, so the dress had to be kept safe
right in Mielle’s dressing room .
“Now that I’ve purchased some clothes, there won’t be a

situation where I will need to borrow them from you . ”
“You can borrow more, but I’m glad for now . ”
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Mielle, who had no idea of what Aria was thinking to herself,

felt relieved . Then, Aria smiled gently as she faced Mielle .
It seemed vaguely clear to Arian what Mielle had thought in

the past when she had cleverly harassed her . The practice
was more fun and amusing than she had thought . That was
why Mielle had harassed her for so long .
‘Dumb bitch! I hope that man mistakes me for Mielle . ’

It wouldn’t have happened if it had been in the future .
Mielle had a very different appearance, tone, airy
atmosphere from Aria then, but apart from that, all other
external features were the same: bright blond hair,
porcelain skin, average height and similar age . Lastly, they
were both young ladies of the Roscents . Mielle and Aria had
many characteristics in common .
In Aria’s case, she wasn’t able to eat properly in her young

age, so she was a bit shorter than Mielle, but because of
that, both of them were around the same height even
though Mielle was a year younger than her . Therefore, if
they were both together, someone from afar wouldn’t be
able to distinguish between the two .
Of course, people would be able to distinguish Mielle’s

elegance from Aria’s just by posture alone, but ever since
Aria had started working to refine her elegance, that gap
had started to close slowly .
People would think that Mielle was the only one when
considering the daughter of Count Roscent, so if the man
were to search based on her family’s name and external
features, it was highly probable that Aria’s name would not
come up . Not only that, the dress that Mielle had received
from Oscar was itself a trap .
That dress was not Aria’s, but Mielle’s . Mielle, who had
received the gift, had boasted to everyone with whom she
was acquainted in the neighborhood, saying that the dress,
which was decorated with a red ruby crafted with the seal of
the family of the Duke of Frederick, was beautiful .
Therefore, that man would never be able to find her .

Thinking that way, Aria felt relieved . As long as she did not
head out to where commoners usually gathered, she might
be totally safe from danger, but it was better to be ready for
anything .
Due to her vast knowledge of the future, her fear of an

unpredictable future was many times greater than that of
ordinary people, especially since she had already lost her
life once and was determined not to lose it again this time .
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The current situation was different from what had happened

. If it was good that had bumped into her, it might be worth
considering, but if it was bad, she needed to avoid it at all
costs . Hoping that Mielle might take all of the risks and
dangers onto herself, Aria continued to build the solid walls
around her .
“That dress, everyone I met praised it saying that it was

pretty despite me not being the owner . ”
‘Please, wear that dress and walk around in it . Boast to

everyone that the dress is yours . ’
When Aria told her the story, Mielle’s face hardened . The
dress was so precious that even Mielle wasn’t able to wear
it, but she didn’t want someone else to wear it either . Aria
saw that Mielle was unable to maintain her amicable
expression, which meant she must have been very angry,
which was exactly what Aria had hoped for .
Imagining Mielle wearing the dress gifted by Oscar and

walking around amidst the crowds several times, Aria
headed for her room . That day everything had worked out
so well that she was humming subconsciously .
***
Fortunately or not, the man that she had met at the general
store did not come after Mielle or Aria . In the meantime,
Aria asked how many participants would attend Sarah’s tea
party before going .
“Including Lady Aria and myself, there will be a total of six

people . ”
The reason she asked was to prepare embroidered

handkerchiefs for the guests in advance . Among female
aristocrats, presenting embroidered items to one another
was used as a method of forging bonds .
Aria, who had received beautiful, brilliant jewels from men in

the past, found it hard to comprehend what good was to
exchange embroidered gifts, but when Sarah told her about
the other options, she had to nod .
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Other than embroidered items, the women would also gift

hand-drawn paintings, antique poems, and simple essays,
which were shown first to their mothers or sisters for
approval before being given as gifts to others .
Aria, thinking that she would have to perform such acts with
Mielle, felt so sick that she was about to vomit in disgust,
but barely held it in . If she were to use paint and ink made
from poison, it would be OK, but the thought of doing such
acts with Mielle was repugnant . Not to mention, there was a
question of whether she would actually be able to exchange
things like that with the other young ladies . She could not
write them because, in the first place, she had seldom read
books .
“… Lady Aria? Your complexion…”
“Ah, I’m sorry… I feel a little…”
Sarah, who confirmed that Aria’s complexion turned more

pale the more she explained things, recommended the
handkerchief among the several options . That was because
that would allow for Aria’s blossoming talents without
making her feel rejected .
“Since embroidering each family’s emblem is very complex,

it is sufficient to put the seal of the empire on them . ”

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 18 . Changed Future, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The emblem of the empire was a tulip . It was not a complex

shape, so it only took her two days to complete all six
handkerchiefs . Aria didn’t need one herself, so she could
have made five, but there was another person to whom she
wanted to give it . That person was Mielle .
Aria gifted a handkerchief embroidered with the empire’s

emblem to the girl who was entirely focused on learning
embroidery .
“I can’t wait to see your handkerchief! Our father is

definitely anxious with anticipation for it, so if he were to
receive one, he would definitely show it off to everyone . ”
Aria laughed innocently . The embroidery, neatly woven

with fine thread, was beautiful . The red tulip was so vivid
and beautiful that it looked like it was going to come out of
the fabric at any moment . One of the maids leered at them
from a distance, but she couldn’t hide her surprised face
when Mielle bit her lip . It seemed that Mielle’s skills still
hadn’t improved .
“If you’ve completed anything, may I take a look?”
“No! No, not yet…”
Mielle’s hand, which was clasping the handkerchief tightly,

turned pale . With that much pressure, it was certain that
she would be stumbling, lost in disappointment for a while .
Lest Mielle regain her confidence and become determined, it
was necessary to pressure her once in a while . But, if Aria
were to pester her too much, it might cause Mielle to flip the
table, like she had done in the past, so Aria had to adjust
how far she pushed .
It would be great if she were to remain a fool until she died,

but Mielle would soon mature and become wise . She was
still young and, because there was no one who had shown
hostility against her, she couldn’t handle this situation well,
but if she were to get a good grasp of it, she would attack
Aria with her sharp thorns .
Aria knew very well that that time was not far off . If it had
been in the past, Mielle would have already assigned a maid
to Aria, and the stupid Aria would have fallen into the trap
where she was supposed to throw a water jug at Mielle .
‘You were a young but wicked girl! Of course, I was a worse

bitch to have thrown that jug at you . ’
Recalling that day, sweat coalesced on her hands and back .
That had been the beginning of her dark past . From that
day forward, Aria’s life began to rot and ruin, and Mielle’s
light, which was very bright, erased Aria’s existence .
That was why she needed to build a thorough foundation . It

wasn’t a matter of simply pestering Mielle for some time .
Though she had a great power in knowing the future, she
needed more background knowledge and connections on
top of that . She shouldn’t be content with just Sarah by her
side .
Aria returned to her room, leaving a message to Mielle that

it was a warm and pleasant day to go out, with the wish that
Mielle would go out dressed in Oscar’s present .
Then, Jessie’s, she prepared to attend the tea party . Jessie’s

face darkened when Aria picked the simplest clothes from
the pile that she had bought the other day . Of course,
choosing any other wasn’t really an improvement because
the quality of the clothes was nearly the same, but Jessie’s
face expressed that those weren’t it .
“Jessie, how is it?”
“… The clothes are a bit simple, but they are neat and go
well with you,” Jessie replied, fixing Aria’s collar .
The light pink dress with only a simple frill on the chest,
sleeves, and bottom, was plain enough to make her look like
a commoner . If not for the fancy, handmade shoes, the
wrinkled ribbon on the neck, and the flower-shaped
accessories on her head, she would have .
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Nevertheless, Aria was very fond of her dress . ‘How pitiful
do I look!’ No one would think her a count’s daughter if they
saw her that way . Perhaps as soon as she got off the
wagon, looks of pity would shower over her .
“Simple things look good on me… Does that mean my

humble origins make these a good match?”
“No, no, of course not! Your face is so pretty that you look
good in whatever you wear . That’s what I meant…”
Aria said she had just been joking, but Jessie waved her
hand in desperation while she came up with an excuse for
her words . It was so funny that Aria giggled, causing Jessie
to blush . Jessie, not knowing what to do, cautiously
assessed the situation . Aria let her be since she had no
malice or hostility towards Jessie, in addition to being
apologetic for her actions toward her in the past .
“It’s a joke . ”
“… A joke?”
‘Does that Aria make jokes?’ No matter how recent the

change to Aria’s personality, where she had become more
docile, the change seemed so drastic that it was strange .
Lately, Aria hadn’t been doing any mischievous or evil
deeds, but that was somewhat odd . There was some
mystery that Jessie could not answer, even if she were to be
asked what was wrong with Aria . Jessie knew Aria better
than anyone else because she had been watching Aria
closely .
Unable to question or retort, Jessie could only laugh

awkwardly at Aria’s dangerous and critical joke . Things
were much more comfortable and less suffocating for Jessie
now, so she preferred the present situation even if it was
strange .
Aria, who had finished preparing, was escorted by two

knights, one named John, who had become her lapdog,
while the other was a first-timer .
It was his first time escorting Aria since the incident at the
general store, so John was restless like a dog who needed to
pee all the time, causing the other knight to look strangely
at him . At that rate, there would be a misunderstanding, so
Aria tried to change the mood by talking about the weather
.
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“I’m glad the day has been pleasant . I feel refreshed . It’s a
garden party, so I almost felt sad when it rained . ”
Fortunately, the young lady’s chatter was as clear and

bright as the morning birds’ chirping, and the strange air
quickly abated .
Even though she was still young, there was no one who
would not see her as lovable with her gentle smile . It was a
social skill that she had learned in the past, something she
learned from only being able to use her beauty . That way of
gaining favor by stimulating others’ vision worked on
everyone, regardless of age or gender .
——————
That was also a weapon of Aria that the quiet, noble Mielle
could never acquire . Some scoffed, saying that she had
inherited her weapon from her mother, a prostitute .
Whenever that happened, of course, Aria said yes as

positively as she could . It was a blessing to inherit her
beautiful appearance and eye-catching smile from her
mother . The more tools she could use, the better .
And now that she had returned to the past, she didn’t
change her opinion on using it . She had been able to
survive long after adulthood because there had been a few
people who had loved her appearance .
——————
It didn’t take long to get to Sarah’s mansion because all of

the aristocratic mansions in the capital were located in the
very expensive land near the Imperial Palace . Since they
had heard from Sarah, there was kindness in the faces of
the butler and the servants and maids who greeted Aria .
The butler greeted Aria politely and told her that all the
other young ladies had already gathered in the garden . Aria
had arrived late on purpose .
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The main character should be the last one to arrive .

Perception was essential to keep everyone’s attention .
However, she couldn’t walk leisurely to the garden since she
was late, so she decided to speed up a bit . Aria asked the
butler, who was guiding her a step away, where the garden
was located .
“You’ll see it if you go down the hall a little… Ah, Miss Aria?”
As soon as Aria got the location of the garden, she headed

off in a quick pace, nearly running . With Aria’s sudden rise
in the speed, the knights and her maid also accelerated .
The size of the mansion was rather small, so she arrived at
the garden quickly .
At the garden, where she arrived breathlessly, five young

noble ladies had already gathered . Each of them looked at
Aria with astonishment and bewilderment for she was still
panting .
Aria, who brushed her disheveled hair and clothes, held her
skirt and bent her knees to be courteous .
“I’m sorry I’m late . I’m Aria, daughter of Count Roscent . I

didn’t know what to wear…

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 19 . Changed Future, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘Look at my clothes . I had to wear these dirty, shabby

clothes . ’
The young ladies’ eyes were directed at Aria’s clothes

because she had created a situation that had attracted
attention with her purposefully late arrival . Everyone was
shocked by her humble dress, which was no different from
those of the common people .
It was not without sense . Even though it was a shabby

dress, she had adorned it with various decorations to
distract the eyes . Though, it was hard to say if the
decorations were classy .
Her appearance was so different from the rumor that all the
young ladies in the garden were speechless . Sarah, who
had come to her senses at last, greeted Aria and urged the
other young ladies to be courteous . Only then, did the
young ladies, realizing how rude they had been, hastened to
greet Aria .
Aria greeted them with a shy smile that blushed her cheeks
. She looked like a young lily, the seal of the Roscents,
leaving a lovely impression in everyone’s heart .
“Now that we’re all here, shall we start?”
It was late, but a full-fledged tea party began as Aria took

her place . Rose tea, which was a product from a faraway
foreign land, was prepared, and sweet cookies and cakes
filled the table .
Aria, who had never participated in alcohol-free gatherings

since she was young, observed everything with interest .
Her presence was interpreted in a slightly different way to
that of the other young ladies . Her simple dress also played
a part in that .
‘Why is it so simple, like a commoner’s? Is this her first time

seeing cookies and cakes?’
It couldn’t be, but Aria’s attire and demeanor made them

think so . In the end, a young lady, unable to bear her
curiosity, asked Aria . “Lady Roscent, is this your first tea
party?”
“Yes, it’s my first time . Cookies and cakes are really pretty .
”
“Oh, my God . ”
There was a sigh of admiration from someone’s mouth . It

represented both surprise and pity . It had been a year since
she had joined the family of the count, so they wondered
how she had never attended a tea party .
Young girls from noble families normally enjoyed tea parties

in their own mansions . Those were also events aimed at
preparing them for their advancement into society . In
families with sisters, they held a small gathering together,
and in families with none, they invited a close friend .
Sarah had no sisters, so she had often invited someone

close to her and held her tea party that, much like she was
doing that day . The tea party fell silent thought they were
supposed to be talking to one another .
At that point, a common question came into the minds of

the young ladies . It was the small question of whether the
rumors that had caused a stir in the public were false .
Aria’s behavior, her attitude, her manner of speaking, and
her bright laughter seemed to say so .
The same was true of Sarah’s words . Before Aria arrived,

Sarah had requested mercy, for Aria was nothing like the
rumors . Not everyone had believed her because Sarah was
kind and friendly by nature, but actually, she seemed right .
‘Because people believe in what they see . ’
Sponsored Content
Aria smiled brightly as they looked at one another with stiff

expressions . The tea party was only beginning .
***
The tea party was ripe, and the young ladies showed great
interest in Aria, asking her the usual questions . For
example: How did she usually live in the mansion of the
family of count? How did she feel about having been a
commoner and about what she was wearing that day?
It was very rude to ask about someone’s privacy, but there

was no big problem thanks to Aria’s soft-spoken attitude,
which did not disapprove of any of the questions . She
answered them all to the possible extent .
“Oh, my God! By the way, since all your clothes were

burned, is the dress you are wearing today one that you
bought recently?”
“Yes… I was very sorry to buy something so expensive, but I

still bought it from the boutique that I admired when I was a
commoner . I knew nothing except for that place… But, it
was my first time going in, so I was very touched . ”
The young ladies were pleased to hear that she had bought
as many as ten dresses . They would not be worth a single
piece of their simple hair decorations because they had
come from a commoner’s boutique, but the young ladies’
hearts became warm from seeing her cheeks flushed and
listening to her words that were spoken with a happy
demeanor .
“Didn’t anyone introduce you to another boutique? For

example… Lady Mielle?” asked a young lady, who combed
her hair finely to one side . Before she spoke Mielle’s name,
she looked around, opening her mouth very carefully .
Aria was filled with a great deal of satisfaction because she

could finally comment on Mielle, but she expressed a very
sad look . She looked like a wounded bird that had fallen
from its nest, so the young lady covered her mouth with her
hand, feeling that she had made a mistake .
‘Let’s make a very small fire, a little starting ember . Even if

the fire is as small as a grain of sand, it will soon grow in
size to swallow a huge mountain . ’
Sponsored Content
“I couldn’t bother her . I think… Mielle is a little different

from me…”
Aria, with her head slightly, paused and took a sip of the
rose tea . Her expression, where she narrowed the middle of
her forehead a little, made her look very lonely .
“Though I’m in the count’s family now… I come from a

different background . Mielle is smart, pretty, and lovely, so
I’m sure it’ll be a problem if she hangs out with me . I’m
afraid I’m going to bring her down . ”
Aria finished her speech while fiddling with the cookies . No

one was able to open their mouths because everyone there
had thought Aria would bring Mielle down at one point .
Rumors had already been spread to that effect, and the

young ladies there had not doubted them until they saw
Aria . Moreover, the rumors had become vicious, as
everyone who had encountered Aria several times had
given her a harsh evaluation . Even if those people were to
meet her again, it was clear that they would start doubting
Aria rather than accept she changed .
‘So, you guys have to work hard . ’
After the tea party, they had to go back to their own

mansions and tell the others the experience they had had
that day . Simply the fact that she was nice and innocent
was not enough . They had to have some other evidence .
‘Why does the loving and holy Mielle not reach out to poor
Aria first? Aria is so lovely, nice and naive, unlike the gossip
surrounding her . ’
Although Mielle was still young, it was strange for her to

leave her new sister, who had a calm and affectionate
personality, alone, unlike her peers . Of course, they needed
tangible proof because the young women’s family members
wouldn’t easily believe them otherwise .
“Let’s stop talking about this . It’s my first time meeting

people the same age as me, so I just want to tell you happy
tales . ”
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Aria, who tried to smile to change the mood, told Jessie to

hand out the handkerchiefs . Jessie handed out a case with
her embroidered handkerchief to each of the young ladies .
When they opened the cases that were as simple as Aria’s
dress, they each found a handkerchief embroidered with a
beautiful tulip .
“I learned how to make them from Teacher Sarah . I don’t

know if you’ll like them . ”
Sarah blushed at the word teacher . The handkerchief,
which was embroidered with a red, vivid tulip, was enough
to instantly make the dull mood in the garden friendly . Aria
was still young and had only been in the count’s family for a
year, so it seemed unbelievable that she had made such
great embroidery gifts .
The faces of the young ladies, who were staring intently at

the tulip embroidery, brimmed with admiration, and smiles
bloomed as fresh as tulips . At that point, Aria felt that all of
her work for the day was done, so her heart also lightened .
Truth was that those little efforts took a toll on her . They
took a while and were boring, so she didn’t really want to do
them, but she was a bit more motivated when she thought
that Mielle had gone through the same bothersome process
.
Mielle had actively attended women’s social gatherings, and

afterward, she had gained great support and become
famous in society .
‘Who was that?’

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 20 . Changed Future, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
If Aria could, it was better for her to do it first . That way,

she could keep Mielle from climbing the social ladder . Aria,
running through her memory in search of those who had
backed Mielle, suddenly came to her senses at the sound of
someone calling her .
“… Yeah?”
“You’re so lost in thought . I asked how long it’s been since

you learned embroidery . ”
“Oh, it’s still about a month . ”
“Oh, my God! Then, you were able to master it within just a

month?”
“I’ll correct that . It’s only been about two weeks . ”

Sarah, who put her handkerchief back in the case, stepped
in . She looked very proud because the girl she loved was
being praised . It was heartwarming to see a kind and cute
girl, who had been misunderstood by everyone, now
properly evaluated .
“If you’d like, I’ll prepare another embroidery for all of you
next time . ”
“Don’t you think it’s bothersome?”
“No! Not at all . It’s my only hobby . On the contrary, I’m

rather glad”
The adorable words added a hot fire to the hearts of the

young ladies . The protective instincts of the young ladies,
which were fueled by Aria’s small and young appearance,
played a major role in that, even though they were not
much older .
Girls in their mid-teens were apt to be swept away by one

word or another, and at the same time, they were stubborn
and unswerving once they were sure . This time, their belief
in Aria would be that certainty .
“May I ask you for another next time, then?”
“Of course!”
“Oh, and come with me if you want to buy a dress in the

future . I know a designer who makes very elegant dresses .
I’m sure there are many dresses that will suit Lady Aria . ”
“Can I come with you too? I also have a boutique that I know
well . ”
Her title as Lady Roscent had turned into Lady Aria without
them noticing, and all of the young ladies in attendance
wanted to do something for poor Aria, which she thought
was ridiculous .
“I think it’s a good idea to have our next meeting outside .

There’s a dessert shop I go to often, and their sweet
macarons that melt gently in the mouth are famous . ”
“I think I know them . I got one as a present before, so I

tried it, and it was really good . ”
Laughter bloomed in the garden as the girls recounted their

favorite desserts . They asked one another’s schedule to set
a date for the next meeting as soon as possible, and Aria
joined in joyfully .
By the time they had roughly agreed on a date for the next
party, a young lady who had been listening carefully to the
conversation stepped in and said, “Wouldn’t it be a little
dangerous to meet outside? There have been some bad
incidents lately . ”
“Bad incidents?”
“Didn’t you hear? The case of Viscount Lupre . ”
Attention was drawn to the young lady, who brought up a

breaking story on a topic that nobody had known . It was
about Viscount Lupre, a large man who managed the casino
and was making huge profits .
“He was using the basement of the casino for human

trafficking a few days ago . The case was being investigated
by the Crown Prince himself . ”
“Oh, my God! But, why didn’t we know that?”

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“So? What happened?”
Aria’s ears pricked up too . Looking back on the past, the

Crown Prince had captured Viscount Lupre, and his
achievements had been immediately known throughout the
world . So, it was a little strange that the public was quiet
even a few days later . The young lady who brought up the
story looked around and held her hand to her mouth, telling
them to keep the news secret .
“We don’t know why, but the Crown Prince missed Viscount
Lupre! I heard that the Crown Prince was in a strange hurry
at that time, very unlike him, who is meticulous and serious
about everything . ”
“So, they still haven’t caught the viscount?”
“I guess not . ”
“Oh, my God! So, you’re saying that a human trafficker is

out there?!”
Everyone was appalled by the idea of a terrible criminal

being free, and Aria was the most astounded of them .
‘Why has the past changed? Why? Why couldn’t he arrest

Viscount Lupre?’
In the past, Viscount Lupre had been clearly arrested on the

spot and punished for three generations . She had heard
that he had planned to run away in advance in the case, but
he had been helpless to the Crown Prince’s meticulous and
covert plans . The public had been outspoken in its praises
of the prince . They had said that His Highness, the noble
Crown Prince, had saved his people .
‘What on earth happened, and why did Crown Prince’s plans

go wrong?’
Sarah, looking at Aria, who was frightened by the fear that

the past had changed and was shaking visibly, hugged her,
saying that she would be fine . Aria’s lips turned pale before
she realized it .
‘It won’t be all right . Everything I know about the future will
be wrong if a big event like this has changed, even if it has
nothing to do with me . ’
Aria’s head was as tangled as a loose thread with how

unexpectedly the events were unfolding .
‘It’s OK . It’s going to be OK . ’ She desperately told herself

that a minor incident with the Crown Prince would not affect
her revenge .
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With the advent of that spooky topic, the tea party came to
an end . Aria returned to the count’s mansion, requesting
that the next meeting be put on hold for the time being,
until Viscount Lupre was captured .
Aria, after arriving at the mansion, called for John and

ordered him to find out more information about the Crown
Prince’s case . She thought she’d get rid of her anxiety once
she found out the reason for the change .
***
John visited his former colleague to find out about the case
of Viscount Lupre .
Lowell had been like that for a long time . John was sure that
Lowell had been promoted to with great speed because his
higher-ranked superiors liked him due to his easy-going and
affable personality .
The two men, who left the Imperial Palace and settled in a
nearby tavern, talked about their old days: the memory of
swinging a sword until the sun rise in the training hall, or the
story about a stupid nobleman who had lost his pet near the
Imperial Palace . Those were the main topics of their
conversation .
“When I found the pet in the stable with the princess’ horse,
I was so surprised!”
“If it touched the princess’ horse wrong, the noble would

have lost his head!”
“But there was nothing to do . We were just knights! I did

my duty faithfully to save the wicked cat!”
As the story came to an end, so passed the day . John, who

lightly emptied the beer cup in his hand, measured the
timing . Although he was doubtful that Lowell would speak
about the incident because he valued his honor and pride as
a knight, he decided to push when he saw it was becoming
hard to understand what Lowell was saying because of his
drunk and dull pronunciation .
“So, what happened to him? Our lady can’t sleep at night
because she is scared . ”
“Who is he?”
“Oh, I am talking about that human trafficker who recently

ran away . ”
Lowell cocked his head and rolled his eyes . It seemed hard
to think with his brain paralyzed by alcohol . He rolled his
eyes from place to place for a long time without saying
anything, and then answered with a pound on the table, as
if he had remembered the man, “Are you talking about
Viscount Lupre?”
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“Yes! That’s him!”
“Well, I don’t know because I was not involved in that

operation, but I’m sure we’ll be able to catch him any
minute? The Crown Prince is searching for him!”
“Is that so?”
John chuckled and smiled awkwardly, touching the beer cup

he held in his hand . Since Lowell had not been deployed in
the operation, there was no way for him to know the details
. However, it was not possible for John to go back with just
that . If he didn’t take even a little bit of information back,
Aria might reveal every single one of his wrongdoings of
that day . The little girl of humble origins seemed likely to
do it at any time .
“But, why on earth did the Crown Prince miss Viscount
Lupre? I can’t believe it . ”
“I don’t know that . ”
“His Highness is quite organized and meticulous, even if

he’s still young . ”
“… Well, that’s true . ”
“If he missed Viscount Lupre, and it wasn’t a very difficult

task, there has to be a reason for it . ”
“… Hmm, isn’t it?”

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 21: Chapter 21 . Changed Future, Part V
Chapter 21 . Changed Future, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The more questions John asked, the more succinct and

ambiguous Lowell’s answers became . The pupils of his
eyes, which had just been glazed over, were now alive, and
his crooked posture was improving . Only the faint red
cheeks could make John guess at the amount of alcohol
Lowell had drunk .
John didn’t notice any of those changes because he wanted

to get information, and when his questioning came to an
end, Lowell announced the end of their meeting .
“It’s almost time for my shift . I’m sorry . I’ll see you again .
”
“That’s a shame . I hadn’t seen you in a long time . ”

“I think so too . It’d been a while and I’m sorry it ended this
way . ”
The two men, who had risen from their seats, said good-bye
in front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace .
As John, with his shoulders drooping, was about to turn and

leave, Lowell took his shoulder and advised him in a hushed
voice, “I recommend you not inquire about His Highness
anymore . ”
“… I see . ”
Lowell’s advice was appreciated, but John couldn’t follow it .

That was because he thought Aria, who held his future in
her hand, was more frightening than the Crown Prince,
whom he had never seen before .
Unable to go back, John headed for the casino just in case .

He was thinking the people there might have seen
something . The casino was located near the commoners’
quarter, a little far from the Imperial Palace . That was
because the main source of income for the casino was the
money from the poor commoners .
The building that had started out as a small gambling house

had grown in size as money gradually poured in, and now, it
was a large building with lights that were clearly visible from
very far away .
Of course, that had been before the incident with Viscount

Lupre . Now, that massive building was dyed black . The
streets got darker and darker as he headed toward the
building, so unable to see anything without a lamp, John
took a portable lamp from his coat and lit it .
He looked everywhere and did so meticulously, wondering if
there was any spec of information he could gleam . There
were rare pieces of broken glass or crumbled boxes, but no
sign of the Crown Prince was found .
It had been a long time since he had bent down to look for
traces like that, but when he looked around, he saw a
familiar shop .
‘It’s the general store . ’
It was the general store that they had gone into to get back
the hourglass . Seeing that the lights were off, he thought it
might be closed . John recalled what Aria had said last time .
‘She said that the owner couldn’t use the auction ticket .
How did Miss Aria know that?’
She had said that rumors about Viscount Lupre had been
circulating, but there had been no such rumors in the
empire . He had asked around about them just in case . He
had wondered where she had heard those rumors, which
nobody had known .
John, just in case, moved toward the general store . It

seemed closed, but the old man might be inside . Some
commoners used to build small rooms behind their stores
and use those rooms as lodging to settle down . John
counted on that . He didn’t know whether the old man
would tell him anything, but the old man already knew him .
Since the general store was close to the casino, the old man
would have seen something .
“Is anybody here?”
He knocked on the door of the closed general store several

times, but there was no sign of movement .
‘Were my efforts in vain?’
Still, he felt sorry about it . After he knocked on the door a

few more times, he heard a squeak inside followed by
footsteps .
“We are not open!”
“I’m here to ask you something . I’ll give you fifty shillings if
you answer . ”
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Rattle!
The door was unlocked, and the dark-looking face of the old
man peeked through the open door . The old man had
opened the door only enough to make half of his face visible
and reached out through the opening . John took fifty
shillings out of his pocket and held it in his hand . The old
man asked what he was curious about after checking if the
amount was right .
“Don’t be too wary . Last time, I visited you as a guest . ”
“You’ve come to see me before?”
The old man looked at John from head to toe, but he cocked
his head if John was not memorable . Suddenly, the old
man’s eyes widened when John said he had been with the
party retrieving the hourglass .
“The auction ticket!”

“Do you remember it? I one of the knights that accompanied
our lady at the time . ”
“Ah, I see . Please, come in . ”
The old man gladly opened the door and let John in . He
made some room for John and gave him a cup of tea . John
accepted that hospitality .
“I listened to the lady and sold my auction ticket . So,

fortunately, I was able to keep my store . I had to pay the
earnings back because I had purchased the ticket with
borrowed money . ”
“That’s good . ”
“You didn’t come with the lady?”
“Oh, it’s personal,” John answered with a yawn .
He had been drained of energy from escorting Aria from

morning to the afternoon . After that, he had met Lowell and
drunk with him, and later, continued his search for traces of
the Crown Prince .
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It might be because it was a hard day, but John was very

sleepy . He tried to drive the rush of sleep away by gulping
the rest of the tea, but somehow, his eyes felt heavier and
heavier . John tried to ask the old man, who had continued
to talk, for some cold water, but soon he couldn’t even do
the little things .
“Are you sleeping? Hello?”
“…”
The old man slapped John on the cheek a few times to make
sure that he was really asleep and turned all the lights of
the general store on . A little time later, the door opened
with a squeak, and a few men came inside .
“You asked me to let you know if someone suspicious

showed up by turning all of the lights, so I did, but… he
won’t wake up for a while,” said the old man, rubbing his
fingers .
A black-haired man nodded to him . They were near to

where Viscount Lupre had disappeared, so the merchants
around the casino had been summoned and told to let the
man know immediately if any suspicious person appeared .
It turned out that John had nothing to do with Viscount

Lupre, but whoever made the report was given a reward .
The truth was that the old man hadn’t listened to Aria and
hadn’t sold his auction ticket, so he silently charged John
with making up for the damages he had incurred .
“Check his face . ”
Someone in the crowd identified John’s sleeping face at the

man’s instruction . The man who checked shook his head to
reveal that it was not Viscount Lupre . Instead, another
name popped out of his mouth .
“This is John . He once worked with me as a knight . I knew

him as he worked with us for years, but recently he’s been
hired by the Roscents . ”
“Count Roscent’s family…”

There was a figure in the mind of the black-haired man . It
was the figure of a little girl with blond hair . That day, he
remembered her going out of the general store and riding in
a carriage with that family’s seal on it .
‘I’d forgotten her because I was unable to arrest Viscount

Lupre . Did they say her name was Mielle?’
She had given the old man advice as if she knew what
would happen to him . And for that reason and because she
had said that the rumors had already spread, the black-
haired man had hurried to attack the casino, unfortunately
missing Viscount Lupre due to his incomplete plan .
Sponsored Content
He had not thought of finding the girl after his unexpected

failure, but when he ran into the Roscents’ knight again, he
thought he should .
“Investigate Count Roscent and if he had anything to do

with Viscount Lupre . ”
Count Roscent might have been involved in the matter, as it

would be difficult for a little girl to come about the
information on her own .
“What do you want me to do with this guy?”
“Leave him alone . The more traces they leave, the easier it
will be to catch them . ”
The man stared at John’s face for a very long time, trying to
engrave his face in his mind . Then, he turned at the sound
of a far off cry, disappearing to pursue the whereabouts of
the viscount . He had to figure out what had caused that
mess .
***

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 22 . Changed Future, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“Uh… uh? When did I fall asleep…?”
“Oh, I was surprised that you did and so suddenly . ”
John woke up and, rubbing his half-closed eyes, rose up from

the seat .
“How could I not notice? It was already so late . ”
“It was as expected… I see . ”
It was unfortunate, but there was no way for him to find out
more, so John left the general store and headed for the
mansion .
It was a difficult time in the morning to call for a carriage, so

it was not until about sunrise that he arrived at the mansion
of the count’s family, and as soon as morning came, he was
scolded severely by the leader of the guard . It was only half
a day’s investigation, but it did not yield any results, and it
was not until noon that he reported that to Aria .
Waiting for the punishment to fall like a bolt of lightning on

his head, it never came . Rather, she urged him to stop
looking into it .
“You don’t have to show up until I call you . You didn’t forget
what I asked you to do, did you?”
“Yes, yes! Of course . ”
Aria asked John never to reveal her name . If there was ever
a situation where he had to name someone, she ordered
him to mention only Lady Roscent .
“But you didn’t hear anything last night?”
“No… I was been waiting all night for news in the general
store, but nothing…”
“… OK . From now on, don’t show up in front of me .

However, stay as close to Mielle as you can . ”
“Do you mean Miss Mielle?”
“Yes, Mielle . ”
“… OK . ”
Aria handed him some gold coins with words of thanks, and
John bowed his empty, tin-like head several times .
As he left the room, Aria frowned, crumpling the fresh

flowers that decorated the vases .
‘How could he not know that Viscount Lupre was caught last
night in a shabby inn near the casino?’ How very stupid of
him .
It had not been announced to the public, but when John did
not return at night, Aria had sent another knight, Paul, to
find out what had happened . He had said that at around
midnight, the royal knights had arrested Viscount Lupre,
who had been hiding in an inn closet and had intentionally
dragged him out noisily .
Aria thought he was a little bit foolish, but she had no choice
but to doubt him because he was being much too stupid .
‘Did he lie to me?’ Maybe he didn’t know because he was
blind and deaf .
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Anyway, even if she had found his weakness, keeping him

close wasn’t good . It would be better for her to have the
stupid dog show his talent around Mielle . In the meantime,
if he found something about Mielle, that would be good too .
‘If need be, I will throw him away . ’
There was an unknown event somewhere, but since

Viscount Lupre had been arrested, the past was back and
things wouldn’t go awry .
Mielle was still suffering with the embroidery, but Aria

herself was free . As the orbit came back on track, Aria went
back to reestablishing her position and making sure that she
would live .
Aria visited her mother after a long time . Her mother’s
appearance resembled a jewel, and she was completely
adorned in jewels . Her mother was like a ceramic doll and
dressed as such, unaware of when her life might run out .
Of course, it would be natural for her not to know the future

. Her beautiful appearance had brought her such a great rise
in status .
Perhaps content with bringing Aria into the count’s family

and keeping her alive, her mother hardly called for her . She
went out and spent her time passionately buying dresses
and jewelry, except for when she really had nothing to do,
or when she was having tea in her free time .
But that didn’t mean that Aria didn’t like her mother or
found her odd . Her mother had taken advantage of her best
qualities and found her own happiness .
In addition, she was a craftsman who was able to constantly

sharpen her weapon despite her achievements . It was not
like ordinary people would get tired and fall apart when they
achieved their goals .
Her mother was a craftsman, a master craftsman who

lavishly polished her appearance, her greatest merit .
‘In addition, I owe my life to you, so you deserve to be

praised . ’
As for her mother’s immature behavior, it would be enough

if her daughter did things right . It would be a small gift for
her mother, who had wasted all the money she had earned
with decorations but helped her get out of the hellish slums
.
Sponsored Content
The countess, who was looking in the mirror and checking

on which pair of earrings to wear, asked Aria without looking
back, “What brings you here? I’m going out a little later, so I
don’t have much time . ”
“It’s no big deal . I’d like you to acquire some private tutors
for me as well . ”
“Private tutor? But, you said no before . Well, you’ve

changed lately . ”
When she had first come into the count’s family, she turned
down the idea of having private tutors . She remembered
rolling on the floor, saying, “I hate studying!”
Still, some private teachers had taught Aria, saying,

“Etiquette is essential,” but whenever she had bragged
about what she had learned, Mielle had repeatedly robbed
her of the initiative and humiliated her . Having come to
realize shame sooner than etiquette, she had been unable
to keep up with her learning .
But now, things were different . It was necessary to build

connections to prevent the evil girl, Mielle, from playing solo
. Because she was still young, she was praised for her
embroidery and was able to join the group, but she knew
things would be different from now on .
The Aria of the past had been thoroughly ignored by other

groups, other than the crowd that had praised her looks . If
people wanted a pretty face, they could find a lot of that in
brothels . Among the nobles, she was nothing but the
shameful daughter of a prostitute who dragged Mielle down
.
Even though they had invited her to a party, she had just for
an ornament for them to glance at, not to talk or get
acquainted . That was done as an intentional form of
humiliation, normally reserved for the outcasts in gatherings
.
If she had had pure blood, it might’ve been different, but a

dumb little girl who suddenly rose in rank was treated less
than the commoners by the nobles . Even the slightest
amount of networking she had done so far would surely
disappear if she stayed stupid .
‘For now, culture, history and literature will be good . There

is something I really want to learn, but it is impossible now…
Well, I can learn it slowly, so I’ll put my priority on building
my personal network first . ’
——————–
Aria hadn’t known it before, but now that she thought of it,
Mielle had had a group of people around her who would
become her supporters since she was very young . She had
hired them primarily as private tutors to build her personal
network . The relationship between a teacher and a student
was a wonderful one that would continue for a lifetime .
Sponsored Content

Of course, she had not done so by her own power, but by
the count’s help . Nevertheless, it was true that they were of
great help .
——————–
However, Aria, who was mostly neglected, had to prepare

her own supporters by herself . At first, she had thought to
take over Mielle’s tutors, but that had been a very foolish
idea .
——————–
Mielle’s tutors were all of high nobility and well-known in

many ways . Like Mielle, blessed by birth, they would be
afraid of even a speck of dust from a dirty, wicked woman,
so they would not even make eye contact with Aria . The
group, consisting mostly of countesses and their children,
treated Aria in a way even lower than dirt .
Aria, who didn’t know how to greet them properly, couldn’t

say a word to them . Among them, there were none who
treated Aria, who had been born of humble status, properly .
——————–
Furthermore, no matter how much she knew the future,

there was only a small amount of information that she could
give those with already vested interests and opinions .
‘Maybe I could take information out of them, but there’s no

way to approach them at all . I don’t want to be mocked . ’

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 23 . Changed Future, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Rather, it was better to recruit those who were not lucky

enough to receive help, and who had a desire for power and
ambition, but had failed to make them flourish . Aria wanted
to be the queen of those who had been pushed aside . She
had to choose people who could survive on their own if she
put them on the right track, just like Sarah .
‘Of course, Sarah will be marquise on her own . Still, I need

people like her . ’
——————
And Aria knew those people well . In general, they were

those who had money but no personal connections . There
were quite a few of those whom she had met later at that
same party . That was probably why they had stuck to her,
who had only her beauty .
Among them, Aria could recall a few men who had loved her
almost to the end . They had fallen for her pretty face and
given everything to her .
Although they had been forced to marry noble ladies

because they were heirs to their families, their expressions
of regret and sadness were still vivid .
——————–
Right now there was little to notice about them, but with
some land and the proper investments, wealth would rain
on them . Compared to the cards that Mielle had, they were
not so good, but they were the ones whom she could reach
out to right now .
‘Let’s test them first . If I’m lucky, I may be able to get

others through them, the greater ones that will help me get
rid of Mielle . ’
Aria handed a note to her mother, listing the names of the

three people whom she could remember . Her mother
looked alternately at the names in the note and at Aria’s
face . She seemed to wonder if she should actually hire
them as private tutors .
“Not to mention Lady Sarah of Viscount Lauren’s family, but

you have a poor eye . They will not be at all helpful . ”
“But, I can’t share tutors with Mielle, can I?”
“I think none of the three is knowledgeable enough to teach

you . ”
Like her mother had said, they were not very knowledgeable
. They were just ordinary aristocrats . Among them, there
were just two viscountesses and one baroness . But Aria had
not chosen them in hopes of great knowledge either . She
had only chosen them as a test .
The countess shrugged at Aria’s repeated attitude and said,

“I can’t help it if you like them . ”
‘In truth, you just think it’s annoying to have them

investigated . ’
The countess handed Aria’s note to her maid . It meant that

the maid should hand it over to the butler, and he would be
the one to write the letters with the family’s seal instead .
She always handled countess’ affairs that way . It was not

that difficult, but she limited herself to buying clothes and
jewelry . Because that was nothing new, the maid left the
room after getting her orders .
Thanks to the sincere and clever butler, Aria was soon able
to meet the three wives . The first one she met was
Viscountess White .
“Nice to meet you . ”
No matter what the rumors were, Aria was a lady of the

family of the count, and her mother reigned in power above
them . That meant that Aria was a good target for
Viscountess White, who was looking for a lady to marry her
son off to .
Aria curtsied .
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There was no sign of the rumors in that graceful manner of
greeting . Even though Aria was lowborn in spite of her high
status, she was an elegant bride-to-be, whom the
viscountess . The viscountess, who had a hard face, smiled
gently while Aria responded with a very regular expression,
as it was standard .
“I ask you to favor me well, Viscountess White . ”
‘Are you ready to play in my hands?’
There was no shade on Aria’s brightly smiling face to Mrs .

White .
***
The liberal arts to be taught by Mrs . White were simple

arithmetic subjects, including addition, subtraction,
multiplication, as well as basic grammar and speech .
Everything necessary to live gracefully as an aristocratic
lady was included . No matter how high the status of a noble
lady, women were not taught too deeply, so their studies
were basic enough that anybody could teach them .
Of course, some women with high status learned more and

about more varied subjects, but most aristocratic ladies only
learned the basics so that they would not be humiliated
when they went somewhere .
Therefore, education was something more akin to a simple

tea party, with tea and dessert . Contrary to etiquette, there
was no need to learn anything else quickly, so it was normal
to maintain a private tutor until the day a lady made her
social debut .
Warm tea, sweet cookies, and fruit were put on the table,
and Mrs . White, with an eased expression on her face,
asked how much Aria had been intending to learn .
“If you could tell me what you’ve learned before, I’ll refer to
it . ”
“Nothing at all,” Aria answered with a stiff upper lip while

placing a cube of sugar in her teacup .
Mrs . White was lost in thought for a moment due to her

reply .
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‘Why hasn’t she been educated yet?’
Although noblewomen didn’t study at academies or other

academic institutions like noblemen because they had to be
careful about their manners, basic education was still
essential to keeping the family and helping their husband’s
work . Basic education began around the age of eight .
Progress was slow, but they made advances by being
tutored by an adult woman .
Prestigious families began to educate their girls when they

started to speak . Because of that, Mielle had been receiving
her education since even before she could run properly . So,
why hadn’t Aria been educated when she was already
approaching fifteen?
Mrs . White seemed to be wondering that, but Aria did not

bother to tell her . However, she added some lies about her
situation because she should not look pitiful like she did with
Sarah .
“As you know, I joined the count’s family suddenly, so I

needed time to adjust . I had a lot to learn, from handling
tableware to walking, sitting, and so on . I’ve just managed
to acquire a little bit of a lady’s decent character . ”
It was only then that Mrs . White realized that Aria’s

behavior was impeccably elegant and natural .
Despite having a very small body, her gentle movements

that resembled flowing water made her look like a fairy .
Aria was much more elegant and dignified than other
aristocratic girls of her age . In particular, the way she
raised the teacup to her mouth seemed almost like a
butterfly flapping in the wind .
It was not until Mrs . White was convinced of why her

education was delayed that her expression eased, and she
smiled again .
The viscountess thought that being able to be that graceful

at an early age and in just a year showed quite a passion for
her education, even though Aria had lived as a commoner
previously . Viscountess White understood that the family of
the count seemed to have taught Aria etiquette first so that
others would not find fault with her, and after that, they
decided to move on to other subjects .
The viscountess was playing right into Aria’s plans by

convincing herself of that .
“I see . ”
“There’s been a lot of gossip about me because of all the

trouble I had while I was learning . Mrs . White, you’ve heard
them too, haven’t you?”
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“Ho-ho, all that gossip will quickly disappear . Nevermind

that . ”
Mrs . White had also had numerous misgivings about Aria,

but as soon as she met Aria for the first time, she was able
to see that all those vicious rumors were lies . She was sure
that others would think so too .
It was a great opportunity for the viscountess, a good

chance to get acquainted with that little girl and introduce
Aria to her son . At the same time, she was thinking that
Aria should be able to handle due to her commoner
background and that, because she had not learned anything
yet, she was probably ignorant .
Aria batted her lashes and smiled while looking at Mrs .

White, who was playing right into her hand .
“You’ll have to help me a lot with that, teacher,” she said .
“Teacher? I’m not worth that title . Just call me Celine . ”
“No, I’m a student, so Mrs . White is my teacher . ”
She didn’t have to pretend to be pitiful to gain sympathy

like she had done with Sarah . Just being a little bit nice was
enough .
possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 24 . Oscar Frederick, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
If she acted like she didn’t know anything with a smile on

her face and showered Mrs . White with flattery, the
viscountess would dance like an unbridled foal . That way,
the woman who thought to take advantage of Aria’s power,
would actually take the bait . When she was called a
teacher, Mrs . White could not hide her joy, appearing very
happy .
The first class taught was on very simple addition . Aria

already knew it, but she nodded as if she’d never heard of it
before because explaining that she did would shorten the
meeting with the viscountess .
“Three and one make four . Look, three cookies and one
cookie are four cookies if you put them together, right?”
It was not necessary to learn addition and subtraction of

single digits from a teacher, but Mrs . White worked very
hard to make sure Aria understood . Aria, who swallowed
the laughter that was about to burst out, smiled and agreed
enthusiastically .
‘How stupid do I appear to be? You are teaching me the

most basic, which can even be taught to infants . ’
Mrs . White, who had never taught anyone before, left

satisfied after about two hours of class .
The viscountess would probably go back and brag about her

meeting with the family of the count . She might make a
plan for her son to meet Aria . She might think that it would
be easy to manipulate a stupid little girl like her .
‘Please, do so quickly . ’
Viscountess Block and Baroness Sirby, whom she met after

that, were not much different from Mrs . White . They had
the joy of creating a connection with the family of the count,
the curiosity of seeing a dumb, little lowborn girl, and the
ambition of somehow coaxing Aria into connecting with their
sons . Their miscalculation was thinking that it would be
easy to control her because Aria was not the count’s own
daughter .
In particular, Baroness Sirby, who belonged to the lowest

rank of the bunch, rubbed her palms as she stared at Aria .
The smile on her face had been so awkward that Aria had
struggled to keep herself together to the point of sweating .
‘Even though Oscar is the one I’m really after, I don’t intend
on becoming his fiancee or marrying him . I’m just doing my
best to be a thorn on Mielle’s side . Isn’t that the nature of a
wicked woman? Not in Mielle’s clumsy way, but as a real
villain…’
Aria kept smiling throughout because of the women’s very
desirable attitudes and responses . However, due to that,
the shape of her embroidery was distorted, so Sarah asked,
“What good news have you received?”
“I’ve been assigned new teachers . I didn’t know that

learning subjects were so fun . ”
“That must be a lot of fun . What kind of people are they?”
“They are very honest and cheerful . ”
“I’m sure that’s all because Lady Aria is intelligent and

friendly . ”
Sarah’s smile, which Aria invariably scored it as a 120 out of

100 points, made Aria feel a little more relaxed . That was
her charm, which was probably how she captured that blunt
marquis . The embroidered handkerchief could only serve as
an instrument and a chance for a meeting .
“But, I like Teacher Sarah best . ”
“Oh, my dear miss, I like you too . ”
As she hugged Sarah’s waist and rubbed her face against

her, Sarah stroked Aria’s hair as if she couldn’t help it . Even
if Aria was learning etiquette, the adorable girl’s cute action
was acceptable .
Since her debut into society was just around the corner,
Sarah would soon meet the marquis . Even if there was an
age difference, she was also a noblewoman, so it was
natural to be attracted to a man of high rank . By instilling
Sarah with a little courage and stirring her up with some
hope in the process, Aria would be able to solidify their
relationship .
“I hope Teacher Sarah will meet someone nice and be happy
.”
Sponsored Content
It was also the future Sarah dreamed of . Sarah, who was

sweeping away Aria’s hair, felt affection for Aria at her
insidious remark . It could have been seen as a declaration
that Aria would take advantage of her if Sarah did well, but
the poor little lamb couldn’t have known the meaning .
——————
4 . Oscar Frederik
Aria was relieved to have a smooth start, with a total of four

people who would protect her future . In addition, Mielle was
still quiet . Perhaps she was concerned that first-time
visitors were coming and going from Aria’s room, so during
their most recent dinner, Mielle did not eat properly .
Mielle seemed a little bit emaciated by her seldom-

increasing embroidery skill . It was nothing compared to
what Aria had gone through, but when she saw her getting
weaker and emaciated in front of her, it was…
… It was so funny that she burst out laughing .
‘Yes, live your life as you read my countenance, just like me,
whom you tricked for all my life . ’
Perhaps there was nowhere else for her to express her

worries, so Mielle sent more letters to her brother Cain, and
Aria’s laughter increased . It was stupid and foolish of her to
rely on her brother, who was confined to a dorm and could
only console her in writing .
While Mielle was whining to her brother, Aria slowly formed

friendships with the three wives and built up knowledge .
The culture class, where Mrs . White still hadn’t been able to
progress in arithmetic, had not been very helpful, but
history and literature had been helpful on their own since
Aria had had no knowledge at all in those fields . All she
wanted was for things to go on as planned, to build her own
power by building up knowledge, to pressure Mielle, and to
leak information little by little so that no one could get away
from her .
And she would make Mielle’s engagement with Oscar,

something Mielle had longed for, into nothing and would
completely isolate her . In the end, she would imitate
Mielle’s crime by putting poison in her teacup and killing her
.
Looking out of the window, she noticed a gardener sweating

while pruning the already neatly well-groomed garden . The
gardeners, of whom there were close to ten, were paired up
to give form to the garden and clean up right after .
Aria, leaning against the window frame for a while, sent

Jessie down again . She told Jessie to mingle with the
cleaning maids to find out who was coming .
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Because it was the weekend, her tutors wouldn’t come, and
since she was tired of embroidering, she slept on her bed,
waiting for the news to come . After a very short time, her
eyes suddenly opened due to hunger .
When she checked the time, lunchtime had already passed .

Because the household kept regular mealtimes, her body
was more accurate than the clock when it came to
announcing the time to eat .
Aria, who had risen from her bed, stretched to the fullest
extent she could and called Jessie a few times, but once she
remembered she had given Jessie other orders, she stepped
out of the room .
‘I think I’ll need another maid for petty purposes . ’
In the quiet mansion, only Aria’s quiet footsteps could be

heard .
‘Is there a guest here already? What on earth has Jessie

been doing?’
There was no report at all . When she faced the hall on the
first floor and stretched her feet toward the final step, she
ran into Jessie, who came rushing up from below .
“Jessie?”
“Miss!”
She was panting, perhaps in a great hurry, but it seemed to

be bad news, so Aria’s heart throbbed .
‘Who the hell is here?’

There was no need to ask Jessie the answer to that . Two
men appeared at the front door of the mansion before Aria
even urged her to answer .
Sponsored Content
“Cain, Young Master Cain! To the mansion with Mr .

Frederik!”
Oscar Frederik appeared with the cold autumn wind . At the

age of sixteen, he was still a little young, but as if scattering
the night sky, his very dark hair and golden eyes clearly
showed how many women he would touch in the future . He
shifted his brilliant eyes to the shy girl who greeted him .
“Welcome, Mr . Oscar . Was it hard for you to come that long

way?”
“No, it’s OK . ”
The white dress with the rose-shaped red ruby on its chest
showed just how much Mielle had waited for that day . A
sweet, tender smile, like honey, the meaning of her name,
was directed at to Oscar .

possible .
between chapters .

Chapter 25 . Oscar Frederick, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Mielle should not be meeting Oscar yet, but her grief-

stricken letter to her brother seemed to have shortened the
period . Cain must have returned to the mansion, hurrying
his horse through the night’s dew, because of the sorrowful
letters from his only lovely sister .
Cain had never returned to the mansion during the

semester, but apparently, when Aria saw that he had come
with Oscar, she realized he seemed to have been worried
about his sister .
Of the weekend, the two days of the week when he could

barely rest, he would have to spend a whole day
overworking the horses pulling the carriage to and fro the
academy, and the rest comforting his beautiful sister .
Mielle, who was unusually lively, greeted him with sparkling

eyes . Aria thought she looked despicable, smiling at Oscar,
who took his coat off and gave it to his servant . Aria’s hand,
which was gripping the handrail, tightened .
Oscar handed Mielle a bouquet of white lilies that his

servant had given him . There was no way to know whether
he had been the one to actually prepare them in advance .
“Oh, my God! I’ve never seen such a beautiful and fresh

flower . ”
“Thank you . ”
Those must have been words of vain and empty formality,

but Mielle’s cheeks blushed with that ridiculous overture .
‘Yeah, let’s do that . If her last moments come, I will rub

those lively cheeks in the mud . It’ll be worth seeing her
face covered in bloody grains of sand . ’
“Go quickly and decorate my room with these flowers . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
Mielle asked her maid several times to handle the flowers

she had received with great care .
Aria would have to go back to her room first . Unlike Mielle,

who was neatly dressed from head to toe, she was in very
simple house clothes and with slightly disheveled hair .
It was obvious that no one had spoken a word to her about

the visit, and they had done so deliberately . They had to
have told others to clean the mansion and groom the
garden, but Aria had known nothing about it . Thinking of
that, she overflowing with anger .
It was at that moment, when Aria, who was biting her lower
lip because she couldn’t overcome her anxiety due to their
warm greeting, tried to turn around . Suddenly, Oscar’s eyes
met hers .
“…!”
She didn’t want to face him in those tacky clothes . She had
wished to always be beautiful and elegant for him because
he was the best means to drive Mielle into hell .
Aria, who had forgotten the blink out of surprise, slowly

stepped back . Oscar’s eyes narrowed due to the
unexpected encounter, and he frowned .
Her heart throbbed . A figure who didn’t seem to have

noticed her in the past was looking directly at her . She
would take the seat next to him this time .
Aria couldn’t even wipe the sweat off her hands to receive

his gaze . It was Mielle, who followed Oscar’s gaze to her,
who broke the tension that seemed to have stopped Aria’s
heart .
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Faced with Mielle’s frightened eyes, Aria’s frozen heart

quickly turned to lava . Her whole body was infused with hot
blood to make her aware of the reality .
‘Yes, it was only a little bit faster than how it was supposed
to have been done, but what I have to do is clear . ’
Only then, did Aria find her true self to greet him extremely
politely . Although the distance between them was
significant, her elegant gesture, like that of a butterfly, was
visible to everyone in the room .
Oscar, too, greeted her as if he had just realized his

rudeness . He had some wariness and curiosity about the
stranger he was seeing for the first time .
Perhaps, he might be aware of the rumors about Aria, so he

glanced deeply at her again, his face showing many feelings
.
“When I got the call from you, I prepared some appetizing

food . There are plenty of vegetables that brother likes, so
you can look forward to them . ”
Mielle, who watched Oscar and Aria greeting each other,

changed the subject and took her brother’s arm while
announcing that there was food . Cain urged Oscar to move
by tapping a few times on his shoulder, appearing
displeased with the attention Oscar was giving Aria .
“Mielle, that’s too much! When did I like vegetables? Come

to think of it, lunchtime is long gone . ”
Only then, did Oscar and Aria looked away from each other .
Aria snorted at Mielle as she moved away, treating her as a
nonexistent person . Mielle would be the one damaged by
acting like that .
At times like this, she should take care of her sister, but
Mielle was showing her twisted heart . It was an attitude
that Aria appreciated very much .
“Jessie, prepare my clothes and get my hair done . ”

Sponsored Content
Aria went straight up to her room, straightened her hair and

changed her clothes . Compared to Mielle, who shone
brightly, she emphasized neatness and quietness even
though it would not be much of a show .
It was Oscar’s taste to dress neatly rather than to dress

openly and lavishly . She wasn’t sure where she had heard
that, but according to what Aria remembered, it was so . So,
the first time Mielle had met him, she had dressed
modestly, without any special decorations, and refrained
from jewelry as much as she had been able to .
Aria, after making a few requests of Jessie and with a

refreshing soap-scented perfume on her hair, headed
straight for the dining hall . The meal had already started,
and they were savoring the main dish .
Since the countess was absent, Mielle didn’t apparently

expect Aria to come down to the dining hall, so when she
saw Aria, her face stiffened, and she held the fork frozen in
front of her mouth . It was the same with Cain, who frowned
in open discomfort .
“… Did I interrupt you? It’s been a long time since

lunchtime, but nobody called me, so I came down…” Aria
asked, twiddling her fingers with her brow cast down .
Silence fell on the dining hall when she said that no one had
cared for her lunch, even though she was a lady of the
family of the count . But, it was all true .
Nevertheless, when Aria made that sorrowful, Mielle
dropped the fork to the floor without realizing it .
Clank-!
Aria trembled once with the shrill metal sound that

reverberated in the wide dining hall . It wasn’t intentional .
She was just truly surprised, but then, Oscar answered
instead of the hardened brother-and-sister pair, “Oh, my
God! I think everyone forgot you because of my sudden visit
. I apologize instead . Come on . What were you doing not
preparing her meal?”
There was no way to know if he had felt pity for her then,
but Oscar rebuked a maid, who had been watching the
situation, with a cold face .
The maid quickly set the table for Aria, and Aria, who
immediately thanked Oscar, sat next to Mielle . On the other
side of the table, Oscar and Cain sat side by side, and Aria
laughed to herself when she saw the contrast in the gazes
directed at the sudden intruder .
Sponsored Content
A salad sprinkled with sour dressing was placed on the

table, and Oscar introduced himself first before she had
even picked up her fork, “Nice to meet you . I’m Oscar, son
for the Duke of Frederik . ”
Aria’s heart throbbed from his polite greeting and pleasant

way of speaking . It was a totally different development
from their first meeting in the past . It was nothing like in
the past, when Mielle had handed Oscar a handkerchief
under pretense even if it had not been made by her, and
Aria had said words of reproach full of jealousy and malice
to her .
‘Oh, really? This is my new chance . ’
Aria’s jubilant look was like a deep, dark swamp, enough to

draw Oscar’s attention without him even noticing .
Aria smiled the most beautiful of all smiles, using all the
knowledge and skills she had ever acquired to face Oscar . It
was the type of smile that made people’s eyes glisten while
they cursed her as shallow .
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr . Oscar . I’m Aria . ”
The contrast between her young face and her sensuous

smile created a strange atmosphere . She was wearing a
look that a young girl should not make, and he thought it
was wrong, but he couldn’t tell why .
‘Sadly… I’m sorry, Mielle . I didn’t mean charm your brother,

but by the time I realized, he was already running in without
knowing there was a fire . I don’t think you’ll have any man
left on your side . ’

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 26: Chapter 26 . Oscar
Frederick, Part III
Chapter 26 . Oscar Frederick, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Cain’s cheeks were slightly red as he resumed his meal with

a stiff expression, as if he had been charmed . It was very
natural that he’d be like his father, who had no idea of what
was important and was fascinated by a prostitute .
‘Because, since the very beginning, your family has always

been dirty and ugly . ’
The wicked woman who had killed the wicked woman was
not a saint, but a simple victor who has been given the
opportunity to carry out her evil deeds . It was not right for
someone of the same filth to pretend to be more holy .
So, the mask had to be removed . That way, they could

show their ugly faces once and for all, fairly and openly . In
the past, Aria had done so, now Mielle . They would take
turns to reveal themselves .
It was a short time, but Cain’s hands when they cut the
meat did so roughly, as if he were thinking that looking at
Aria had been disgraceful . Aria felt sorry for him, who had
already lost his strength even though there would be a lot to
do in the future .
Once the dining hall had fallen silent again, Aria neatly
emptied the green tea ice cream topped with mint leaves
and, appearing very curious, asked Oscar a question just
before the meal had ended .
“How did you take such a long trip when you must be busy
during the semester?”
That was a question to prevent them from having their own

time .
To answer the question, he would have to keep telling the

story even after the meal had ended, and if he were to leave
the table, Aria would have to accompany him . Either way, it
was a good chance for Aria to see Mielle’s distorted face .
Mielle’s poisonous face would certainly have a negative
impact on Oscar .
Oscar raised his hand to order the maid to bring some warm
tea and answered Aria’s question, “I was becoming
frustrated with being confined to my dorm, so I was glad to
say yes when Cain asked me if I wanted to go out . ”
“That’s a long way out . ”
“That’s right . I didn’t expect it to be this far out . ”
He seemed to criticize Cain, who had brought him to such a

faraway place . Cain, seated next to him, shrugged .
Aria thought he wouldn’t involve himself in the

conversation, but she guessed he wouldn’t sit still if Oscar
kept mentioning him . Cain kept a stiff look on his face and
read his sister’s demeanor .
“Did you accompany him without even knowing the

destination?”
“Yes, I can say that . ”
“I see . You must be very close to my brother since you

accompanied him without asking . ”
‘Oh, yes . He didn’t come to see you, Mielle . ’
Aria gave Mielle a bright smile . Mielle also smiled brightly,

but it was heartbreaking to see her hiding her trembling
hands under the table, apparently unable to restrain herself
except for her face .
While sitting next to her, Mielle’s trembling hands were

completely visible to Aria . Unable to hide them anywhere,
Mielle closed her eyes tightly and bit her lip .
‘If I bother you more than this, you’ll go wrong . ’
Aria stopped when she made Mielle feel uneasy by stabbing

at just the right place .
“I hope you’ll get a good rest . If there’s anything I can do to

help, just tell me . ”
Aria, who wiped away her bewildering smile, recreated a

bright, regular face that was likely to be made by a young
girl of her age . Oscar, who had been distracted by Aria’s
strange atmosphere, finally came to his senses and nodded
.
Sponsored Content
The tea for four was ready, so the time Aria would part,
which Mielle longed for, became a little more distant . After
taking a sip of the warm green tea, she thanked Oscar
sweetly, apparently because she thought she had little time
left so she should look as pleasant as possible to him .
“Thank you very much for the dress you sent me . It’s so
pretty that it’s my first time wearing it . ”
“You look good . ”
“I’d like to give you a dress in return, but I don’t know which
one you’d like . ”
Mielle blushed shyly and said, “With me… No . ” She

couldn’t bring herself to say the last words she wanted to
say . Oscar, unable to grasp her intention, cocked his head .
Cain, who noticed this, asked her sister, “Why don’t you go
shopping together? There’s plenty of time . The time has
come for me to buy clothes too . ”
In fact, it was Aria who needed clothes the most . That was
because she was the only one wearing simple clothes made
of cheap fabric among them, who were dressed in fancy and
luxurious clothes .
It was hard to think that she was a noble lady since she
looked like the daughter of a commoner at best . However,
as if he hadn’t noticed her outfit, Cain urged Oscar to go
shopping for new clothes, but Oscar looked down at his fine
clothes and shook his head .
“No, I’ve got someone to take care of my clothes . In the

academy, I don’t even need plain clothes . If you really need
them, you, brother and sister, had better go quickly . ”
Mielle blinked quickly and brought a cup of tea to her

mouth, apparently not realizing she would be rejected . She
did that to conceal her trembling lips .
Aria smiled pleasantly as she watched Mielle’s plan be

destroyed even though Aria had not done anything .
“… No, I’ll have to decline then . I can’t leave my guest

alone . ”
“I’m not alone . Lady Aria is here . ”
Sponsored Content
Clatter!
The cup of tea held by Mielle fell loudly on the saucer .
‘Why do you mention Aria?’
Her widened pupils looked at him with astonishment, almost

as if in resentment .
Of all occasions, whether it was unfortunate or fortunate, he

couldn’t see her ugly face because he was looking at Aria,
not Mielle, and because of that, Cain, who came to face his
sister’s devilish appearance, could not hide his astonished
face .
“I don’t have the talent to entertain you, but I’ll do my best

not to inconvenience you . ”
“Don’t worry . I’m tired from riding in a carriage all night, so

I can take a nap . ”
It was time for Mielle to say she would not go out . She had
offered to go out to buy clothes with Oscar, but since he
wasn’t going, she had no reason to go . And her brother,
Cain, had to help her by saying, “I have a lot of decent
clothes, come to think of it . ” Otherwise, Aria and Oscar
would be left alone in the mansion .
Numerous maids and servants were guarding the mansion,

but their eyes and ears were nothing but an illusion that
they could not see and could not hear . Of course, the
allowances were different depending on their master, but
the moment they opened their mouths even slightly to say
something, in the worst case, their life would disappear .
“You’d better get some rest then . It’ll be tough if you are
going back again tomorrow . ”
“Thank you, lady . ”
Aria said before her half brother and sister had even
mentioned that they would stay in the mansion . Oscar, who
accepted the offer, stood up first, saying, “Excuse me . ”
Aria, too, got up from her seat because she did not want to
get caught between her half brother and sister without him .
Mielle and Cain, who had missed the timing to decline their
outing, got up late . After finishing all of that work, Aria said
goodbye to him elegantly like a butterfly and went back to
her room without regret .
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As soon as the door closed, she grasped the hem of her skirt
with her fingertips and expressed that day’s joy by dancing
lightly .
‘I can’t help but dance on a happy day . ’
Aria, who was humming and moving like a butterfly, soon

fell down on her bed, and Jessie, who was waiting
awkwardly in front of the door, opened her mouth carefully
and asked, “What do you want me to do with the
handkerchief that you mentioned?”
“Give me that . ”
It was the handkerchief she had prepared just in case . It

was the handkerchief beautifully embroidered with a golden
rose . It had been made just in case Mielle, as stupid as she
had been in the past, tricked him by giving him a
handkerchief embroidered by another .
So, Aria, like her, decided to put the handkerchief in her

sleeve to prepare for the event . It was easier for her to
keep it in her sleeve because Jessie wouldn’t be able to be
with her at every important moment .

possible .
between chapters .


Frederick, Part IV
Chapter 27 . Oscar Frederick, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
She was looking forward to seeing how that would change

the future . Mielle should’ve looked good to Oscar, but her
opportunity had passed, and Aria had already heard that he
had been deceived into coming to the count’s mansion .
Maybe the bouquet of lilies he had given her had been
prepared by Cain .
All the attention Mielle wanted to monopolize had been

taken by Aria . Aria had even taken her brother’s gaze .
‘Would he be more fascinated by his step-sister than his

lovely sister?’
Aria’s throat was filled with disgust .
“Jessie, give me some water . Very cold . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
Drinking the ice-cold water that Jessie had prepared, a

happy thought crossed her mind, ‘How much has Mielle
seethed by now?’
Mielle might be throwing a pillow as she prepared to go out .
It was something that Aria had often done in the past .
Nothing would be more interesting than if Oscar were ready

to return to his mansion while her step-brother and sister
were out . The Frederik mansion was nearby, so he didn’t
have to stay at the Roscents’ .
There was a possibility that she could quit the outing at the
risk of embarrassment .
‘You have barely managed to get this opportunity, so how

could you leave a vulgar, wicked woman like me alone in
the mansion with him?’
Aria, who gave Jessie the empty cup, ordered her to find out
what Mielle was doing .
“Just find out if she’s going out or not . ”
Jessie slipped out of the room after receiving that simple

order, but Aria didn’t even have to hear the answer from her
because the cries of the horses rang out from the window .
They were the cries of horses being tied to a carriage . She
could hear them stamping their feet noisily as if they were
warming themselves up before running in earnest .
A moment later, thanks to Jessie, who was breathing hard

and told her that Mielle was going out, Aria’s mouth
reshaped itself to one similar to a bewitching figure .
‘You act as expected, Mielle . You wouldn’t risk a bit of

shame for your noble birth . It’s easy to counter your moves
. In order to achieve your goal, you must throw away your
shabby self-esteem and use every means and methods you
have . ’
She had learned that from the countess, who had already
achieved her purpose, and the determination she had
gained after returning to life .
“Jessie, leave the room . I need to rest . You can rest

properly, too . ”
If she carefully read the books she studied with the wives
and waited for Mielle to return, she would be able to end her
day with the best mood .
After Jessie quietly closed the door and went out, Aria dove
into her books for a while . The progress was so slow that
she didn’t need to review them, so she read in advance of
the lessons she would have .
The culture lesson taught by Mrs . White was so simple and

easy that she finished the book quickly, so she grabbed the
history book that she needed to memorize .
Aria quietly laughed as she turned the pages of the thick

book with the history of the ancestors of those she had met
at the banquet hall . That was because those who could only
mock and speak ill of others couldn’t be the right ones, yet
their ancestors had been recorded in a book .
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They had been drawn as great and incredible as the gods of

mythology even though it was clear that they had killed and
plundered from others to accumulate their wealth . Those
actions were praised as a small means of wisely controlling
foolish and stupid people .
‘They don’t know how many people have suffered through
hunger and cold since then . ’
After that, they were busy filling their bellies, neglecting the
common people, who crossed the road between life and
death every day .
Looking back, the same had been true of Aria in the past .
Because of her sudden rise in status, she had had enough
money to burn it away and spend it as she liked .
‘I was not different…’
As she faced her rotten past, her mood suddenly

deteriorated . She felt so uncomfortable that she decided to
get some fresh air to change her mood . She recalled a
handmade indoor garden, where the countess had
cultivated as a noble hobby . After taking care of it for about
a week, she had left it alone, and now, the maids took care
of the upkeep .
She remembered that everyone in the mansion had been

troubled because the countess had planted only expensive,
precious flowers . She had made a big fuss that she would
like to have a tea party in the garden, but now, she didn’t
even know it existed .
Aria headed for the place right next to the hall on the
second floor . The garden had been built on the second
floor, not on the first floor, because the guest room was on
the second floor, so it was easier to show it off that way .
As soon as she entered the garden, she was hit by a damp

and hot air, which made her feel worse . She was there to
refresh herself, but the atmosphere only increased her bad
mood .
‘There must be a watering can somewhere . ’
So, she looked around for some water to diminish the heat
by a bit . She thought the garden would cool down if she
watered the flowers .
Fortunately, the watering can was near the entrance, and

Aria found it easily .
Sponsored Content
She immediately picked it up and sprinkled water on all

kinds of colorful flowers . The water droplets at low
temperature, though not cold, managed to break down a
little bit of the heat .
Once she had used all of the water in the can, she filled it up
again in hopes that she might be able to lower the
temperature even more . The flowers on the floor had all
been watered once, so only the plants that weaved across
the walls or plants that had been hung from the ceiling were
left, making it difficult for little Aria to water them .
Still, she did not give up her desire to water the plants . She
would feel very awkward and uncomfortable if she were to
put the can down again just because the plants were a little
high when she had just refilled it and was already holding it
.
‘One of the servants must be short . ’
When she looked around, she saw a chair near the entrance
that was knee high . Aria stepped on it and began to
sprinkle water just as the leaves surrounding the entrance
brushed against her face .
She knew sprinkling the leaves didn’t help much, but if she
didn’t pour all the water out of the watering can, she would
feel like she was wearing one sock but not the other, so she
tried hard to justify her actions .
‘I’m so lost in futile thought that…’
She had just wasted her time by thinking about something

that would end if she had been satisfied with what she had
already done and given up . It was then that Aria turned the
can upside down, thinking of emptying all the water left and
going back to her room .
Squeak .
“…!”
She thought the garden was supposed to be neglected, and

that nobody would come to visit it, but entered at just the
right time . Because of that, the water drenched the person
underneath the plants, and Aria rushed down from the chair
.
“Why didn’t you just indicate that…?”
Sponsored Content
If he was a servant, he should have announced his entrance

. If he had knocked on the door, she could have stopped .
Aria, who was about to criticize the person who had come
in, was appalled when she found out that the person who
had been drenched was not a regular of the house .
“… Mr . Oscar!?”
The same Oscar who Mielle fawned over now had water
dripping down his black hair .
‘Why are you in this garden? Moreover, you entered right as

I sprayed you with water!’
Aria had made a big mistake, so she said, stuttering at the

end and hurriedly apologizing, “Oh, are you OK? I didn’t
know someone was coming… I’m-I’m sorry!”
She was so embarrassed that she didn’t even notice her

clothes were wet as she tried to wipe Oscar’s hair and
clothes . That was so soaked that she thought she had to do
something about it even though there was nothing she
could do .
Oscar, who observed the scene for a moment, stepped back

and disengaged from Aria . Suddenly, the wall supporting
her disappeared, and she stumbled, but he held her by the
wrist to keep her from falling .

possible .
between chapters .


Frederick, Part V
Chapter 28 . Oscar Frederick, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“It’s OK . I can change clothes . If you keep at it, you’ll get

wet too . ”
“I’m fine!”
“And it won’t do any good to clean things up like this . ”
Only then, did Aria realized her poor state, and as she
looked at his horrid state, her face turned pale .
‘Oh, my God! Oh, no!’
She had thought that day to be a good day, but she had
ruined it all with just one go at watering the garden . If she
had just gone back to her room, everything would have
been fine . However, everything had been ruined by her
need to cool off from the heat .
“Well, I’m so sorry…”
‘Will this little mistake make him angry and make him reject
me as he did in the past? Will he save Mielle? Wouldn’t it be
useless to go through that horrible experience to have my
head cut off again? Am I the one who’s going to roll back
into the mud again? I thought that if everything else failed
but I still got my hands on Oscar, I’d see Mielle in despair,
but how could I have made such a ridiculous and stupid
mistake?!’
The unexpected accident paralyzed her mind and heart .

She couldn’t hide her trembling hands, simply uttering an
apology .
‘Why would you come in now?’
She was so frustrated that the heat gathered on her eyes .
‘Why did you come in when I was spraying water in the

garden that no one ever enters?’
Of course, the garden had been designed to allow guests to

come and go freely, but basically, it was polite to be
escorted by a servant when someone moved through
another’s mansion .
“It’s all right . It’s my fault for running around without notice
.”
Oscar also readily accepted Aria’s apology by realizing his

mistake . Only then, did Aria exhale a relieved breath that
had been stifling her heart . She had been so nervous that
she hadn’t blinked at all, so when relief washed over her,
she touched her eyes .
Then, he asked her with surprise, “Are you crying?”
“… Yes?”
‘Am I crying? Me? Have I ever cried before?’
No, she hadn’t . When her mother had died, she had
resented her since she had been left alone in the world, and
she had spit out blood just before her tongue was cut and
her head was chopped off, but she hadn’t shed any tears
throughout . Rather, she had hated and cursed the world in
the face of evil .
Aria’s eyes were red as she lowered her hands while asking
herself why . The reason for her tears was because her eyes
were burning from the heat .
Oscar, who looked at her wide-eyed even though his hair

was dripping with water, seemed worried .
‘Oh, this is Oscar’s true personality . ’
He always maintained a stiff expression, but now, he looked

worried . She hadn’t known that because she hadn’t talked
to him properly .
Come to think of it, whenever Aria had been mean to Mielle,

he had thrust a sharp stare her way . He hadn’t seemed to
have any affection for Mielle, but he had been very cold to
Aria before . That day, he had been the opposite…
‘That was why he offered me a seat himself even when I

showed up late at lunch . ’
Aria’s heart beat fast with excitement, feeling as if she had

caught hold of his weakness somehow .
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Aria, whose mouth was about to rise into a smile, managed
to suppress her emotions and shook her head in denial .
“No, no, no! I know that I made a mistake… Take my

handkerchief . ”
‘How lucky I am!’ She was able to hand her handkerchief

over to Oscar just because she had decided to carry it
around .
Once he took that handkerchief, he wouldn’t be able to give

it back, much in the same way he had been tricked by
Mielle’s shallow trick in the past .
Oscar looked at Aria’s handkerchief with embarrassment . It

was, of all things, a handkerchief . Though he hesitated,
there was no other way, so he received Aria’s handkerchief
and wiped his hair and shirt, which was wet enough to
attach itself to his skin, with it .
He squeezed the water out of the wet handkerchief a few

times and unfolded it . The embroidery, which was small,
had been placed in a corner of the handkerchief, but the
golden rose stood out to his eyes because there were no
other patterns .
“It’s…”
… The seal of the Frederik family! It was clearly the seal of

the duke’s family, different from an ordinary rose .
‘How did this come to be in her possession?’
Aria blushed, hesitated, and answered the silent question .

“I made it because it’s a beautiful seal . You are the first
guest I’ve received in the mansion, so I made it just to keep
it to myself… Does that displease you?”
“I don’t think so…”
It was very meaningful to receive an embroidered

handkerchief with a family seal from a woman . A small one
was given to the gentleman escorting a lady to a banquet,
and a large one to a lover or husband .
In addition, because the seal of each noble family was a

flower, men began courtship by giving flowers that matched
the seal of the woman’s family, and received a handkerchief
embroidered with the seal of the man’s family from the
women in return .
Handing over a handkerchief without any pattern was also

an act of interest in the other person, and an ordinary
aristocratic woman was careful to do so with caution .
Sponsored Content
‘How will he react?’
Even if it had a deep meaning, there would nothing more

shameful than him handing the handkerchief back after
receiving it . It was more polite and common sense not to
return the handkerchief, even if it was to be confined deep
in a drawer .
And he had to return a favor for a handkerchief .
‘How will Mielle react if she sees it?’

Her heart beat fast . The thumping against her chest and
her shaking body overcame her as she waited for Oscar’s
decision .
He looked down at Aria’s embroidery for a long time, a

handkerchief embroidered with the seal of his family, which
had been given by a lady he had met for the first time, and
the lady was right before his eyes .
Aria did not make any foolish expressions to entice him or

pay attention to him . She merely expressed being shy
about the man of the very family of the embroidered rose
having seen the handkerchief . That way, he would be less
burdened by his choice .
He clasped the wet handkerchief in his hand without a word

. Whether he didn’t want to escape common sense and
courtesy, he asked, “May I take it with me?”
More and more of Mielle’s past became hers, and her own
past was becoming Mielle’s .
Aria smiled brightly and replied, “Of course!”
***
Oscar walked right out of the indoor garden with the wet
handkerchief . He had wiped the water off his face and body
roughly, but he needed to take a proper bath and change
clothes . Aria accompanied him and ordered a servant that
she had run into to help him .
“Wouldn’t you rather go back to the duke’s mansion?”
She hoped so . Unfortunately, Oscar didn’t want to .

Sponsored Content
“No, my father doesn’t know I’m in the capital, so I’ll be

scolded if I go back there . ”
Because it was the academy’s ideology to devote oneself to

learning far from the world, unless something special
happened, it was normal for most students not to return
home during the semester .
Sometimes there were students who sneaked back due to

homesickness, but most were scolded severely and returned
to the academy . If they could not bear that much, they
were asked how they would carry on their families’ legacies
.
A smile crept on Oscar’s mouth when Aria smiled softly at

the words that he would be scolded .
“I’m afraid your clothes will be uncomfortable . ”
He had come to the mansion empty-handed, without a

single private servant . The clothes he was wearing were
wet, so he had to wear clothes prepared for the guests of
the mansion . It had to be uncomfortable for him to have
turned down Mielle’s request of going shopping with him .
“I sent a servant out earlier because I didn’t bring any extra

clothes . ”
“Oh, that’s why you came to the garden alone . ”

It had been strange that there had been no one in the house
to follow him .

possible .
between chapters .


Frederick, Part VI
Chapter 29 . Oscar Frederick, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Oscar had sent a servant to the designer in charge of his

clothes, and in the meantime, he had intended to look
around the mansion to relieve his boredom because he
couldn’t relax in his uniform .
His attitude toward Aria had softened due to various

misunderstandings .
She could’ve kept talking until the servant had come back,
but at that point, she had to pull herself out . It was better
to leave a little bit of regret than to spend time with useless
chatter .
“Then please, rest in peace . ”
“Yes, you too . ”
Oscar’s eyes were glued to Aria’s back, which headed to the

third floor . In many ways, it was natural to pay attention to
her, who was unlike the rumors . Even if his interest was not
borne out of her being of the opposite sex, she was enough
to attract his interest as a person .
Oscar thought of Aria’s enthralling smile, which he had seen
in the dining hall . It certainly wasn’t a look she should’ve
been able to make at her age . Then, he seemed to have
lost his words for a while due to her beautiful face, which
had attracted him instantly .
On the other hand, the fact that no one had called her even
though lunchtime had already passed, or that she had been
watering the garden by herself, or that her eyes had welled
with tears even though she had only made a small mistake
confused him .
‘What in the world is she really like? No, are both versions
real?’
He could see her turn around when he approached the stairs

. He didn’t know if it was by coincidence, but somehow his
eyes seemed to have run into Aria’s, so she looked at him
questioningly .
The fragile look he had just seen was gone, but she had a
strange look about her, the one he had seen at the dining
hall .
Oscar shook his head, thinking, ‘What would I do with such a

thought?’
It was a useless conjecture that didn’t help at all . Their

relationship would end as soon as he sent someone to
return the handkerchief . At least, he thought so .
***
Mielle and Cain returned to the mansion shortly after going

out . Because they had wanted to go out with Oscar in the
first place, his absence had been like a gift box with no
content, which was of no use for anything . Even in that
short period of time, Mielle had bought several items,
including something to present to Oscar .
However, for fear that Oscar would reject her gift, Cain
acted in her stead . Oscar had just finished a bath, so his
hair was slightly wet . When Cain saw him, he cocked his
head questioningly .
“I was uncomfortable . ”
“You washed up at this time of the day because you were

uncomfortable?”
Cain’s gaze went out of the sunny window . It was only three
in the afternoon, so he couldn’t understand how he had
been so uncomfortable that he had needed to wash .
“I even had new clothes brought in . ”
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“Oh, that’s right . Your clothes are different . ”
Oscar was dressed in his favorite style of garment, so Cain

shrugged, thinking that he had ordered a servant to bring
him new clothes since there was no such design among the
guest garments prepared by the family of the count .
“Take this . ”
“What is it?”
“Didn’t you say you lost the nib of your pen? I bought this
when I remembered it . ”
When Oscar opened the fancy box that Cain had given him,
he saw at a glance that the finely-made nib was of higher
quality than the old one he had lost, and it should’ve cost
double the price .
“… Did you buy this yourself?”
Usually, it was Cain who said that the nib and the ink were
consumables, so he could use any kind . Oscar did not sign
important documents with his pen since it was an object
that was supposed to only be used at the academy .
Perhaps, Cain understood the meaning behind Oscar’s

question, so Cain fake coughed . He had told Mielle about it,
thinking the item to be extremely necessary for Oscar, but
now that Cain thought about it, after having given it to
Oscar, it was somewhat strange .
“You can think of it as a birthday present . ”
“That was a while back . ”
Sponsored Content
Oscar’s birthday was only three months ago, so Cain

stormed out of his room in anger, saying that Oscar was too
talkative . Whatever it was, it was a nib that he had already
received . There was no immediate inconvenience to having
extra ones, but only one was enough, so he felt uneasy .
He thought it wouldn’t be too bad to accept it since it had
been a long time since Cain had bought him anything . Cain
usually just brought him presents, so even though the act
had been a little ambiguous just now, it had not been
strange .
Most of the gifts he received were sent by his sister, Mielle,

but Cain often told him the truth after he gave them to him,
so he could not return them, using them instead . It was a
shameful insult to return goods received from a lady .
‘That may be the case this time as well…’
The nib might be a present from Mielle . It was a small gift,

though he felt it burdensome when he thought of returning
it as the act could hurt Mielle’s feelings . Any fool would
understand the kindness she was showing him .
Oscar was in agony for a moment . But, as always, he put

the present on the table without returning it since it was
clear it was a gift from her .
Anyway, there had been a lot of marital talks between them,

so suddenly refusing her was not desirable for him . As the
successor of the duke, he considered his family’s benefit a
priority and so chose to act without discrediting their honor .
It was the same this time .
Mielle was an elegant and graceful woman, who had also

been welcomed by the family of the duke . He didn’t have to
go out and try to be friendly, but causing trouble by
returning the gift was not necessary . Thinking that way,
Oscar looked at the nib on the table .
***
That evening at the dinner table, Mielle made sure to ask
about the nib . Oscar answered her casually, having already
guessed that she had bought it, “I got it just in time . I was
having a hard time since losing my old one . ”
“I thought it would be necessary since you learn at the

academy . I’m so glad to hear that . ”
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“Thank you for your concern . ”
Aria looked at the warmth between them and put the salad
in her plate in her mouth . She thought Mielle’s gift was
certainly one sided, but he had to have accepted it to some
extent . Well, she guessed that that was why he had
responded to begin with .
Obviously, when she had talked to him in the garden, there

had seemed to be a lot of room for intervention, but not now
. Although they did not seem to be close to each other, she
felt a sense of stability between them, without a hint of
awkwardness .
‘Is it trust?
That was all she could see . Perhaps, it was the trust in each
other’s families, in their origins and nobility, and finally, in
their statuses and temperaments that would not clash with
or damage each other . It was all that Aria couldn’t have .
She had the same last name as Mielle, Roscent, but it

wasn’t originally hers . At the same time, she came from
humble origins, and the rumors surrounding her were
terrible . She became irritated when she saw them
conversing in that harmonious manner, as if from the
beginning there’d been no room for the humble to intervene
.
‘If I bring up the handkerchief story here… How would Mielle

react? Would she keep that pretty face? Or would she look
like a demon? Oscar would be embarrassed by her . The
same would be true of Cain . The warm atmosphere would
end immediately . That would be worth seeing . ’
Aria’s hand holding the fork was energized . The back of her
hand and fingers turned white . But such a foolish act for a
moment of change in the mood was nothing for the Aria that
had died in the past . If she talked about her handkerchief
for no reason, Oscar might figure out she’d given it to him
because she had indecent desires for him . Anyhow, it
wouldn’t be long before she got it back . She could see
Mielle’s broken face then .

possible .
between chapters .


Frederick, Part VII
Chapter 30 . Oscar Frederick, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria devoted herself to the meal without expecting the

conversation to turn in her direction . It was different from
the day before, when she had drawn their attention . She
didn’t know what kind of conversation had gone on between
her step-brother and step-sister, but they were completely
rejecting Aria .
Aria cut the meat halfway through, making sure there were
no particulars in their conversation . Unfortunately, she
couldn’t get much information . She was just able to
understand that Mielle and Oscar were not very close .
When Cain urged Oscar to answer Mielle’s one-sided

questions, Oscar did so briefly .
‘How should I get between those two?’
Rather, that was the problem . They didn’t seem particularly

close, but their relationship had continued . Accepting that
as if it were natural, like air, the conclusion of their courtship
would be engagement and marriage .
If they had had a close relationship, she might’ve been able
to break through the gap, but she didn’t know what would
be needed to break a relationship like that . Even if Oscar
became interested in and liked Aria, she felt like he would
still become engaged to and marry Mielle .
“Is he the type of man who would fall for a honey trap? Or
do I have to pretend to be miserable?’
She thought both might work . The whole thing was very
ambiguous .
‘I’ll have to try both of them . ’
First, he had to pay her back for the handkerchief . Only

then, would she be able to start . So for now, she had to
stand still, making sure not to blame the pair of anything .
She needed time .
As she was lost in thought, the speed with which she ate her
meal slowed down, so Oscar asked her, “Is something
bothering you? Are you OK?” He looked worried . “Are you
sick?”
“No, I’m fine . ”
‘Oh, I got it . Pretending to be miserable works . ’
When she tried to put the meat in her mouth with an

awkward smile, his worries further increased . If Mielle had
not dropped the fork frivolously, he would have brought Aria
some water .
Aria swallowed a bright smile into her mind .
***
Oscar and Cain returned to the academy early the next
morning .
The countess, who had not returned to the mansion for

days, having apparently become interested in something
recently, felt sorry about her absence after learning of it .
She called Aria in secret and asked about how Oscar had
been in the mansion .
“Well, nothing in particular stood out . ”
“It was a good chance, so I feel sorry I wasn’t here . ”
Whose chance was it? Was it for Mielle, who could see him
more often than her? Or for Aria, the one who had seen him
for the first time? The countess’s dark red lips drew a
crescent-shaped, sad line .
But her mouth soon recovered liveliness . Not long after

they returned to the academy, Oscar’s repayment for the
handkerchief arrived at the mansion .
Two gift boxes were delivered under the name of the family
of the Duke of Frederik . The butler, who identified the
messenger from the family of the duke, informed Mielle
about this .
Aria, who was just preparing to go out for a meeting with

the young ladies, was unexpectedly able to find Mielle at the
front door of the mansion, sweeping the gift boxes with her
palm . Around her, were the butler and several maids, all of
whom poured their blessings on the gifts she had received
from Oscar .
“I guess it’s in return for the nib I gave him last . ”

Sponsored Content
“I think Mr . Oscar has a deeper heart than the sea . ”
The errand man pulled out a paper and spread it out . It

seemed to explain the contents of the boxes .
From a little distance, Aria watched with great excitement to

see if one would be hers .
“These are gifts from Mr . Oscar . Of the two gifts in total,

the box with the red ribbon is to Ms . Mielle, and the box
with the blue ribbon to Ms . Aria… Hmm, hmm… He asked
me to give it to Lady Aria . ”
The gift-giver stammered while he referred to Aria’s name .

He had simply been told to take gifts to the Roscent
mansion, so he hadn’t known to whom the gifts were .
Aria’s unexpected name made him rearrange his monocle

once and blink . He seemed quite embarrassed . The same
was true of those present . As soon as Aria’s name was
mentioned, questions and surprises appeared on their faces
.
‘Why?’ Everyone knew that Mielle was constantly Oscar’s

favor and had sent him gifts . Her gifts were unique, but
they were also rewarded, so they had thought it was the
same thing again this time .
In addition, the two people might end up married later .

They were welcomed by each other’s family, and Mielle
liked him to the extreme . Oscar didn’t refuse her either .
However, Aria was somehow included in the rewards this
time . ‘Why did she get the same number of gifts as Mielle
when she had no contact with Oscar?’
Behind the astonishment and the questioning, was a great

curiosity . He couldn’t have sent the gift for no reason, so
there must be something .
“Why are you all gathered so?”
The countess, who looked as if she was about to go out,

appeared with her servant and some knights . All the people
in the hall bowed to her and showed her courtesy . The
same was true of the messenger from the duke’s family .
“Oh, isn’t this the seal of the duke’s family?”
The rose on the top of the gift boxes denoted their sender .
The seal on the large boxes indicated that the contents
within it were not ordinary .
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Aria answered the countess’s question, “These are gifts

from Mr . Oscar, and he sent me and Mielle one each . ”
“Aria, to you?”
Her eyes widened with astonishment, and Aria replied the

expression with a cute look, as if she didn’t know anything .
“Yes… He just took my handkerchief a while ago, so it must

be something in return for it . ”
“He took your handkerchief?”
By the end of the countess’ question, the hall was filled with
silence .
‘What did she say now? Oscar took Aria’s handkerchief?’
All eyes were on Mielle . They did not look directly at her,
but glanced at her behavior, questioning why he had taken
Aria’s handkerchief and not hers .
Mielle, who had never dreamed of that, could not answer

anything, but clenched her fists until her knuckles were
white .
“Would you give me the letter?” The countess reached out

to the messenger from the duke’s family .
A letter was attached to the gift to show its purpose and

reason . It was polite to enclose a letter with a gift, as they
had to know for sure who had sent it .
Then, the messenger took out the letters he had kept in his
arms . He had not understood why the duke’s family had
given him two letters, but now, he knew it was because he
had to give them to both of the girls .
He had thought they had all been addressed to Mielle, but

then, he looked closely and saw that the receiver’s name
was different on each envelope . The countess identified the
names on the envelopes and gave them to Aria and Mielle .
Everyone was curious about the contents of the letter,

which were firmly sealed by the rose-shaped wax . Although
Aria did not have to share them with others, the countess
gently suggested reading the letters to appease her
curiosity .
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“I think there is nothing great in my letter, so why don’t you

read Mielle’s letter?”
No one was curious about the contents of Mielle’s letter .
It was Aria’s letter that everyone wanted to know . She

didn’t seem to have had any particular relationship with him
in their last meeting, so they were all wondering when their
relationship had begun and how it had progressed to her
giving him a handkerchief and receiving a gift in return .
But no one could bring their real intentions out of their

mouths . It was a great disrespect to be curious about their
master’s personal life . They just read each other’s
countenance, all except for one person, Mielle .
She was nearly insane with curiosity about the contents of

Aria’s letter . She wanted to find out the contents somehow,
even if the contents of her letter were disclosed .
“Then, I’ll read it first, so sister Aria can follow me . ”
‘Ah, poor Oscar! Does he know that his letter is about to be

made public? If it has a beautiful poem, it will be to his
credit . ’

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 31: Chapter 31 . Revenge,
Part I
Chapter 31 . Revenge, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria’s eyes grew round . Mielle’s mind had become

impatient, and that’s when Aria hesitated to answer, asking
herself if she was about to advise Mielle of her rude
behavior .
“… I can’t because it would be rude to Oscar . Besides, I

have to go out . Can I open the box?” Aria, who checked the
time, asked impatiently, and the messenger nodded .
She had been late for her last meeting to make a show of
her simple dress, but she no longer intended to be late .
Aria called out several maids and ordered them to open her
box .
Among them, was a maid who always stood next to Mielle

and maintained a bad expression when looking at Aria . Her
pale complexion and slow hands seemed to worry about her
master .
“What a beautiful thing it is!”

Inside the box, were a dress, shoes and hair ornaments .
The countess was impressed by the light pink dress .

Although it seems modest, it was of the highest-quality
material, and a small star-like diamond was embedded
along the neckline . The rose-shaped waist decoration
brightened the slightly dull-looking design .
“It has been a while since you’ve gone now, so wouldn’t it

be better to change?”
Even dainty pink shoes and hair ornaments… Those would

make her stand out in that day’s meeting .
But Aria shook her head, checking the time . She had not
yet planned to go to a meeting decorated to the fullest .
“I’m going to have to wear just a hair decoration . I think I’ll

be late for the meeting if I don’t leave quickly . I’m going
now, Mom and Mielle . ”
Aria, who took the golden rose pin, ordered all the gifts to
be brought to her room and left the mansion .
When she gave one last glance sideways at Mielle, she saw
the girl was nearly leaning on her maid after having lost all
her liveliness . The look of the maid looking down at her was
not very different .
On the wagon, Aria confirmed Oscar’s letter .
There wasn’t much to it . He had been very grateful for the

loan of her handkerchief in the garden, and he sincerely
hoped she would accept it back .
‘It was a good thing that I didn’t read it . ’

If she had read it, it would not have created any
unnecessary misunderstandings .
It would have made her efforts futile . Of course, there had

been an accident in the garden, but he had given her an
excessive gift for the handkerchief .
‘Is it because it was a handkerchief he took?’
She had heard that there were many men who would send
clothes and accessories because they wanted the girls to
wear them in their next meeting . Of course, Aria had
received plenty of gifts in the past without having to give
anything first .
But it was too much to expect the same from Oscar .
‘My clothes must have looked shabby and pitiful, as

expected . ’
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent a dress . She hadn’t

meant to go that far, but his reaction had been grand, so
she was very thankful for that .
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‘What shall I do in return?’
He would not want something in return, but she had to send

something to continue the relationship . He should feel
burdened by it and contact her again . It should be
something very expensive and precious, for example . It
would be very burdensome if a young lady who dressed in
simple clothes sent a luxurious gift .
“A ring or a necklace? Either wouldn’t work… What about a

brooch? What do you think?”
When Aria asked them all of a sudden, the two knights

escorting her looked puzzled .
She didn’t ask for an answer . Rings were interchangeable

between lovers, so that was impossible, and so were the
necklaces . Brooches were the best fit for a student, so the
answer was already decided .
Aria, recalling that the color of the academy’s uniform was

black, smiled a furtive smile .
Any colorful brooch would suit him well . It would be perfect

if he could wear the brooch that he would receive as a
present . Even if he were to give it back, saying, “I feel
burdened by it,” she would have an excuse to meet him .
‘Let’s give him a brooch as expensive, colorful and luxurious

as possible . ’
“Jessie, how much money do you have in hand? I think I’ll

have to buy something a little more expensive . ”
“I didn’t bring much today, but you’ll be fine because you

have an ID . ”
That meant that she could put it under the name of the
Roscent family . That was because Count Roscent’s business
was so big that his family was given great credit since they
could afford everything but the Imperial Palace .
“Tell the wagon driver to stop by the jewelry shop when we
come back . I want to visit the largest and most expensive
jewelry shop in the capital . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
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Silence sank in the carriage . It was not just quiet . They felt
like she had finally shown her true colors .
That was what Aria felt since she had been seeing those
people for quite a long time and was able to grasp their
feelings with her very being . Besides, she hadn’t shaken
her image as a bad girl yet .
“He sent me such a pretty present . I have to pay Oscar

back somehow . ”
“Ah… Yes, miss . I’ll tell the driver to go to the best place in
the capital . ”
That was why Aria added that excuse . When she did, the
atmosphere that had become heavy, eased a little . All of
them had confirmed in the foyer that Aria had received a
great gift .
Suddenly, Aria sympathized with Mielle . Mielle must have

tried hard to hide the rottenness in her heart and the smell
of gutter burning within her . Aria couldn’t know, but she
was sure that Mielle had continued to make all sorts of
useless excuses like she had done now, to avoid having her
inner feelings caught .
‘Poor life . ’
‘So don’t you think I should end it? What would you do if you
lived a more miserable life? If your head was chopped off
and rolled across the ground, you would no longer have to
make unnecessary excuses by hiding your true self . I think
I’m a savior of your life, which is filled with only lies . ’
Aria looked out of the window and smiled slightly .
Revenge
The main topic at the meeting was Aria’s new hair ornament
. The hairpin Oscar had presented her was luxurious and
beautiful enough to be talked about .
There were some who questioned the fact that the

ornament was of a golden rose, but they did not bother to
point it out . This was because the seal of a great family was
often used for various decorations . The rose of the family of
the Duke of Frederik, in particular, was very widely and
commonly used .
Aria blushed shyly at their praises and presented each one

with a handkerchief she had prepared . Unlike the last ones,
those handkerchiefs embroidered with the seals of the
families of each of the young ladies was enough to raise her
stature .
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A young lady who had shown great interest in Aria at the
last meeting had told her family about that meeting and
Aria, and very surprised, they desired to invite Aria to their
mansion at once .
‘What did she say?’
Seeing that the young lady had spoken so excitedly about

her, it seemed to be a good sign . Thankfully, one by one,
they were swayed by the show that Aria was putting, and
she could see that they thought of her differently now .
Aria smiled brightly and thought, ‘There’s nothing to be

gained from this meeting . ’
There was no big impact because this was a gathering of

ordinary people, all except for Sarah . It was a gathering of
nobles who had had no power in the past, had no power in
the present, and would have no power in the future . It was
a waste of time that would gain her nothing .
If she distanced herself, her thoughts would become

anxious because of Sarah, but she was finding it annoying
to keep coming to these gatherings . Thinking back to
Mielle’s relationships, there seemed to be no such useless
connections . She had always dealt with men of power .
‘What shall I do? I can meet Sarah in class, so shall I just

skip this next meeting?’
However, because she was already somewhat part of the

group, it would be strange for her to quit the gatherings
suddenly . If she did, she was sure to put Sarah in an
uncomfortable situation as well . So, Aria tried to swallow
her irritation . She couldn’t show a frown .
possible .
between chapters .


Part II
Chapter 32 . Revenge, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The meeting took as long as five hours because of a small

boat ride by the lake . Nevertheless, Aria, who had kept her
soft expression the whole time, suddenly felt a strange
feeling as she climbed onto the carriage, receiving an escort
after the meeting had barely ended .
“… Who are you?”
“Yes?”
“That’s not the same coachman . Why has the driver

changed?”
It was not the driver who had accompanied her when she
had left the mansion . It wasn’t the face she had seen at a
glance during the day . Perhaps not aware of the fact,
Jessie’s eyes widened .
Aria pulled her feet off the stairs to carriage and headed

around to the driver’s seat . With his back bent beside the
horse, he did not raise his face, so she stared unspokenly at
him .
He was shivering slightly . The escort knights also looked
perplexed, as if they had not noticed him .
As the eyes of the three turned to him, the driver flinched

once and replied as if he was going to wither away, “Su-
suddenly, he said he had a stomach ache, so I’m here to
replace him…”
“He had a stomach ache? Suddenly?”
“Yes, yes…”
“The man who had a stomach ache went back to the

mansion and traded places with you?”
When she pointed that out sharply, he waved his hand and
strongly denied that, “Oh, no! I heard it happened after he
went home for lunch!”
“… So, you’re saying that he went home without my

permission . I’m sure he should’ve eaten the lunch provided
by the mansion . ”
“Well, well, that’s… I’m not sure either . I’m just here to pick
you up on his behalf because his wife informed the mansion
in a hurry…”
The driver’s back became damp, and the color of his clothes
became darker . The new driver didn’t seem to be ill, but he
was sweating too much, so she wondered if he was . It was
weird . The situation was weird, and the excuses were
strange . She couldn’t help but wonder .
Aria ordered the two escort knights and Jessie to check the
face of the driver . “Make sure he is a driver from the
mansion . ”
“He is . His name is Elect . He’s been working in the
mansion for over thirty years . He’s worked long enough to
reach retirement . ”
“Really?”
When she heard Jessie’s words, she slowly revived her

memories of the past, and she felt like she had seen him
once or twice when she had passed by the stable, although
she had never met him in person . Her feeling that
something was odd was clouding her memories, so she
couldn’t remember him .
This ensured his status, so she knew he was not suspicious,

but…
“Why didn’t either of you report to me first?”
‘By the way, why didn’t they report it to me?’
Aria was their master now, no matter how urgent or

important their affairs . They should have asked her to be
excused . Furthermore, even if they had traded places due
to unavoidable circumstances, they should have reported it
to Aria before doing it .
If she hadn’t had a good eye, she wouldn’t have known that
the driver had changed and would have entered the
carriage . If it hadn’t been a driver that had worked in the
mansion for thirty years, and it had been an assassin… Aria
shook her head faintly at the supposition that she hated to
imagine .
‘What on earth is the purpose and intention of this man?

Was it simply a trick to deceive his master?’
It was an incomprehensible act no matter how she thought
about it .
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Aria’s expression lost in thought grew colder and colder, and

the driver’s voice grew more panicked .
“It-it was very urgent…”
“Oh, really? That means that if something urgent happens,

you can throw away your master and run away . ”
“Would you guys do that?” When Aria asked the knights and
Jessie, they desperately denied it, saying they would never
do that .
Aria’s mouth twisted .
“They say they wouldn’t do that, so the drivers must be

very unusual . ”
‘How could the two drivers behave the same way?’
She handed a handkerchief to the driver, who was dripping

with sweat as if he had been soaked in sweat or caught in
the rain . Aria smiled so sweetly that his vision blurred, as if
he had been charmed .
“When you go back, tell the countess of your sins clearly .

You as well,” Aria added after turning to the guards .
Because both her speech and expression were soft, they

belatedly realized that they were being reprimanded .
Those who watched her party from afar would think that
they were talking warmly to each other, though the content
of their conversation was unknown .
“Why didn’t you know that the driver had changed? Who the
hell are you escorting? Do you think you’re on a picnic?”
They had not known that the driver had changed thought
they should always be on alert, watching the surroundings
to help keep Aria out of danger . The knights, who had
nothing to say and could not answer, kept their eyes on the
ground .
‘Why are the knights we employ so useless?’
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She wanted to be angry in her own personality, but she

could not, so she got on the carriage, suppressing her
irritation . There were enough slaves to make fools of two
knights . After her, they followed, and Jessie climbed into
the carriage as well .
‘… Miss, shall I take you to the jewelry store?’ Jessie asked

her carefully in that harsh atmosphere .
Aria nodded silently, looking out the window . The carriage

began to move slowly after Jessie’s delivery of the
destination .
Somehow, its movements were rough, which was unusual .

It also seemed to be creaking . They had sent a fool who
didn’t even know how to drive a carriage! A sigh of
frustration escaped her chest and rang in the quiet carriage
.
Once the count returned, she would ask him to change the
knights immediately .
‘Why was every one of her escorts incompetent?’
When there was danger, the rug was pulled from

underneath them, and they weren’t even able to detect
changes in their surroundings . She thought it would be
safer to have a private escort .
‘I don’t think anyone sent this driver on purpose . ’
At the moment, such a thought came into her mind, and

Aria’s eyes opened a little wider .
‘… Don’t tell me . It wasn’t intentional, or was it? Why didn’t

I think about that? So far, Mielle has eaten her heart out
with anxiety, but it would be strange and out of character
for her to remain that way . ’
Although the methods were slightly different, it wouldn’t be

strange at all for that to be her doing, even if she moved
things up by a few months .
No matter how much Aria had changed, they would not hold
good feelings toward her . They were not just servants in
charge of cleaning and managing the mansion . They were
servants directly under Mielle’s control .
They knew exactly who had caused their master to sigh .

Even if they hadn’t known, Mielle would certainly create a
reason for their animosity with a single drop of one of her
tears .
They who supported Mielle were the most capable and
influential figures of the mansion, and it would not be
difficult for them to win the butler over to their side to make
sure he picked stupid escorts for Aria if they wanted to .
Sponsored Content
Aria went through the guards sitting opposite her . They had
straight postures and firm mouths, and their intelligent eyes
proved that they were valiant knights .
Sometimes, however, the way their eyes shook made her

wonder if they were emotionally unstable .
‘Have I really been playing in Mielle’s hands without even

realizing it?’
Mielle was playing dangerously, not like the carefree

bullying of the past .
Not everyone would be intelligent and able enough to be a

knight . Some of them might be excellent, but some might
be emotionally unstable, and others might be distracted by
their surroundings . Some might even perform poorly .
‘What if my escorts are those types of people?’
If she didn’t face any particular danger, it would not matter,

so she would end up just letting it pass, but if she did, she
might lose her life . They might throw her away like two
knights who had done that after being threatened not too
long ago .
Her whole body was horrified when her thoughts got that far
.
‘… Mielle, what a bitch you are!’
If her prediction was correct, Mielle was the worst among

the bad bitches . Aria had thought Mielle had been filled
with anxiety from her silence, but she had slowly planned
putting Aria’s life in jeopardy, little by little .

possible .
between chapters .


Part III
Chapter 33 . Revenge, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘Yeah, you wouldn’t . You couldn’t have been made unstable

by me so easily because you were the one who put me to
death . I underestimated you too much . Of course, you did
say you wanted to kill me from the first time you saw me . ’
No matter how innocent Aria pretended to be, there was a

big difference between her and Mielle, who had been their
master since birth . It would be a piece of cake for her to
dominate the servants and maids in the Roscent mansion .
Perhaps, she might have even shed angelic tears and urged
the maids to get revenge on Aria in secret . Aria had
enslaved two stupid knights while thinking it to be an
opportunity since she hadn’t known that .
‘How could this happen?’
“Miss, we’re here . ”
When she was shocked to reach that conclusion, the

carriage stopped, and Jessie announced that they had
arrived at the jewelry shop .
Aria got out of the carriage with the help of one distracted
knight . Aria’s handkerchief, sweat-soaked and wet, jutted
out of the pocket of the stupid driver’s pants as he waited in
front of the carriage .
‘I can’t believe I’ve not thought of anything while carrying

these guys around . ’ Aria showed a self-mocking smile,
thinking that she could not deceive her humble birth .
“You go back first . I’ll find my own way back . ”
At that, the driver opened his eyes wide, and his chin
trembled, as if he was embarrassed by the sudden order .
Although his status was confirmed, the sudden change in

driver was unreliable . It was strange that the former driver
had had a stomach ache all of a sudden, and that he hadn’t
reported it .
And the strangest thing of all was the demeanor of the

driver, who had become very agitated by the words “go
back . ”
‘Isn’t it strange that you’re more uncomfortable with being

told to go back than when I rebuked your mistakes?’
It was clear that something was up, and the creaking of the
carriage made that more evident .
‘Don’t tell me… I’d rather go back in a rented carriage . ’
“Will you get me another carriage?” Aria asked one of her

escort knights .
Preparing the carriage was a servant’s job, not a knight’s,

but his master had ordered him to do so, so he couldn’t
protest .
In addition, there already was some reticence about their

capabilities since the knights hadn’t noticed the change in
driver . Aria was more than qualified to instruct the knight to
find a new and safer carriage .
The driver tried to say something, as if he was trying to

excuse himself, but soon, he bowed and said goodbye . Aria
responded to it with a friendly smile, passing him on the
way to the jewelry store .
***
Perhaps because it was a jewelry shop favored by the

nobles, the interior was colorful, and it was filled with jewels
of sizes and sheen that could not be easily found .
The glass of the cabinet was very clean and transparent,

without a speck of dust . Even at closer inspection, they
could not see one blemish . The jewels on display
exemplified their worth .
“Come in, please . ”
Two staff dressed in neat suits greeted Aria politely as soon

as she opened the door, without a single distraction . It was
an undisturbed and moderated greeting .
They did not raise their heads until Aria gave them their
instruction Their conduct was impeccably perfect since they
were accustomed to dealing with mostly high-ranking
nobles .
“I’m looking for a brooch . ”

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“Yes, I see . ”
The employee who guided Aria to a private room on the

second floor immediately served her a portion of snacks
such as cookies and chocolates with warm tea .
He bowed a step away from Aria, who was sitting on the

sofa savoring the tea, to indicate a request for her
requirements .
“It’s a brooch for a man in his late teens . Show me

everything, from flashy designs to neat ones . ”
Although Aria was still young and dressed in simple

garments, the man did not relinquish his politeness . He
wasn’t unconditional in how polite he was to a customer,
but no matter how simply she dressed herself, he could tell
the ranking of her family by the maid accompanying her .
Of course, he could also tell a customer’s ranking by their

family seal, but no such seal adorned either Aria or her
attendants currently .
A golden rose pin stood out on her head, but there was no
girl in the Frederik family who was in her early teens, so he
concluded that the pin was being worn simply for its
beautiful shape .
Nobles were originally full of bravado, so even if the store

showed them expensive jewelry that they couldn’t afford,
they would not lose their composure . But the servants and
maids were different . If they found their master could not
afford something, there were slightly noticeable changes to
their demeanor .
Most of the nobles accompanied by servants did not carry

money themselves, so the servants took that job . For that
reason, they had a good idea of how much money their
master had .
Her maid, Jessie, did not move at all when Aria told him to
show them all the brooches without specifying the amount .
The maid just nodded from behind Aria as if it were quite
natural .
He didn’t know her face, but she wasn’t a normal

noblewoman . Even if he brought her the most expensive
brooch, she would buy it if she liked it .
The staffer, who took only the most precious and expensive
things out of the cabinet and put them side by side on a silk
tray, went back to Aria’s room without hurrying .
“I’ve picked only the most expensive and precious things in

the store . ”
Aria glanced over the brooches that were presented to her .

As the employee had said, she saw a row of precious things,
none of them ordinary .
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Thanks to all the fancy jewelry and accessories that she had
seen in her days as part of society, she had no difficulty
telling their worth .
Since the staffer’s suit was black, she picked up the

brooches one by one and put them on his clothes . All the
brooches looked good, but after comparing various items,
she chose the blue diamond, which was set in the middle of
a brooch . The deep, dark blue color somehow caught her
heart .
Although the design was not fancy, it was obvious even at a

glance that the size and shine of the design were not usual .
‘Will he like this brooch? I hope he burdened by it . ’
The blue diamond was so rare that it was worth the sum of
all the dresses and ornaments he had sent so far . She
thought that jewel would be good .
“Wrap it up for me . Oh, and I’d like to have some small

brooches made too . ”
“How small would you like them?”
“Hmm… About the size of a thumbnail?”
Because there were some writing instruments on the table,

Aria explained her idea in detail . She wanted a golden
brooch the size of a thumbnail carved with the seal of the
Roscents, where every petal was a small ruby .
Only then, did the staffer realize she was from the Roscent
family and gulped . He did so because he knew Mielle’s face
well, so she could not be her . In fact, he thought she might
be the daughter of the rumored prostitute .
He was told that she looked like an evil spirit, but he hadn’t
received a detailed description of her appearance . Looking
at her now, he thought she was a charming girl, far from an
evil one .
In addition, unlike the rumors, she did not make any trouble,
but was elegant enough to compare her to any other
aristocratic lady .
She had a good eye, one that appraised differently from

other aristocrats, who would try to find fault while
pretending to know about the craft . The staffer treated her
even more politely then .
“How many would you like to order?”
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“Let’s start with five . ”
“It’ll take about a day . ”
“That’s quick . Then, bring them tomorrow with the brooch I

bought today . ”
“Yes . ”
The jeweler had a close relationship with the craftsmen in

the capital, so he was able to respond directly to customers’
custom orders .
After the order was finished and payment had been settled,
a receipt for a huge amount of money was held in Jessie’s
hand .
“I’d like to enclose a letter . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Part IV
Chapter 34 . Revenge, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“I was going to ask you about that, and thank you . I’ll bring
all your items to the mansion sometime tomorrow morning .
This is a gift for you, Ms . Aria Roscent . ”
The employee took a case from his sleeve . It contained a

sapphire necklace . Judging by the size of it, it was likely to
cost quite a bit . Aria immediately understood his intention
and accepted his insidious thought .
“Jessie, will you hang it around my neck?”
“Yes, miss . ”
It was probably a necklace unsuitable for her young age, but

when she put it on, strangely, it melded naturally with her
beauty, as if the necklace had met its master .
The eyes of the man who had given her the necklace shone
. He was thinking the girl would be making her social debut
in the future, and that she would be a trendsetter . There
would be nothing wrong if he favored her somewhat .
“Not bad . Thank you . ”
Aria smiled sweetly . The store had a colorful interior, but it

brightened suddenly with Aria’s flowery smile . The staffer
couldn’t hide his red ears while giving her a slight nod .
“I’d ask you favor us in the future as well . ”
The necklace around Aria’s neck returned to the man’s hand

by Jessie’s hand . That meant that it should be sent with
everything else in the morning .
She couldn’t afford to go around with luxurious items yet . In

any case, that man hadn’t given her the necklace so that
Aria would wear it around immediately . It had been a gift to
build a strong relationship .
“Oh, are you the owner here?”
“Yes, miss . ”
“I’ll stop by often . ”
“Thank you . ”
The one whom she had thought to be an employee was in

fact the owner . Seeing that he was even tending to a
customer by himself, he seemed to run his store with a lot
of affection . The store also needed thorough management,
as it was the largest and most luxurious jewelry shop in the
capital .
It was an unexpected harvest . There was nothing wrong

with being close to a boutique or a jewelry shop . She would
be the first to hear from him when something precious came
in, and he might let her know what the latest fashion would
be .
She would accept the help because not all of her memories
were detailed . Of course, the help wouldn’t be tremendous
since she had been able to make a name for herself in the
future and lived as part of high society .
While she waited for one of her stupid knights to find a

carriage, she had a brief cup of tea . But the stupid knight
hadn’t come back even after the tea had been brewed .
Aria, who had already exchanged the tea twice after it had
gotten cold, was so impatient that she ordered the other
knight to find the whereabouts of the first one .
Jessie, who realized that Aria did not feel well from
experience even if she did not express it, rushed out of the
room while saying that she would bring her a new
refreshment .
Toward her extremely agile retreating figure, Aria added,

“You don’t have to come back until you’re ready . ”
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‘You are sharp . ’
Aria didn’t mean to make any trouble with her statement,

but she didn’t want to see Jessie fretting and squirming . In
addition, Aria couldn’t be herself, who was in a bad mood
due to a number of reasons, with others around . While
waiting for Jessie, there was nothing to do, so she opened
the window and opened the curtain located in the center of
the room .
The window that started near Aria’s chest and stretched out
to the high ceiling was huge enough for her entire body to
fall through .
Aria sat on a one-man sofa by the window and watched the

view out of it, taking care not to let herself fall .
Outside the window, the poor and shabby-looking people

were busy moving about, unlike those within the painfully
colorful jewelry shop .
The nobles did not walk, so those who were walking up and
down the street were mostly commoners, except for the
occasional colorful carriage .
Some had tanned, sunburned skin and wore tattered

clothes, and there were those whose clothes were all
patchworked . Those were the commoners . Some even left
holes unrepaired because they could not afford to fix them .
Customs offices were present to either side of the jewelry

store, like dust against the fancy jewels .
‘I used to wear those clothes too . ’
Her mother had always busied herself with dressing herself

up, so she had had to constantly wear old clothes that didn’t
fit her .
Her mother wouldn’t have lived such a miserable life if she

had paid a little attention to other things, but had never
dreamed of such a thing . She had also been desperate to
live every day .
Aria faced the pieces of her past that passed out the window
blankly .
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Then, she thanked her mother for removing her from that
shambling life . She did not want to return to that time and
refused to have Mielle push her off a cliff again .
‘I’ll take everything you have and end you horribly . If I can,
it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hang that pretty face of yours
on the wall for treason . ’
Of course, if someone in the family was found to be

planning a rebellion, the whole family would be
exterminated, but the mere thought of it made her feel
better, just the image of the Roscent family, all of whom had
their heads hanging from the wall, in her mind .
Enjoying the cool autumn breeze, she still thought about

how to get rid of Mielle, but suddenly, something foreign, an
unusual sight, walked up .
‘… The man in the black cloak!’
She had met him at the general store . Although the hood
only revealed his face a little, the subtle contour of his face
and the soft-looking hairstyle made her assume that he had
an unusual look . Still, even for a nobleman, he had a
beautiful face .
With that face that was still short of reaching adulthood, he

had taken away Aria’s freedom and urged her to answer him
. He must have noticed Aria’s gaze when he came out of the
nearby customs building and looked up to her .
Aria, who had been frightened by the past and who had not
encountered him all this time, was about to stand up
immediately, but the expression on the man’s face held her
down .
‘Did he smile?’
He was smiling charmingly at her, his mouth in an arc

underneath the hood covering his face, as if he had never
threatened Aria .
Frightened, Aria stepped back a few steps . She was

appalled by the way he put his hands near his chest and
greeted her politely, as if he would do her no harm .
‘… What’s your intention?’
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He was a man of unknown intention . When he stood at the

door and refused to exit fully, the man who was following
the cloaked man’s footsteps looked troubled, unable to exit
as well . Still, the man stood there, facing Aria .
Surprised, Aria hurriedly closed the window and drew the

curtains to block the view, quickly returning to the sofa
located in the center of the room . Even though he was no
longer visible, she still recalled his unexpected smile and
gaze, which made her feel uneasy . She calmed her mind by
wetting her throat with a bit of cold tea .
She thought she would not see again . ‘How could there be
such a coincidence?’
Aria, who had once hugged her body while trembling like
dried leaves sobbing in the autumn wind, changed her mind
.
‘Let’s not pay attention to that . He can’t be a powerful man

if he was coming out of a customs office . ’
Ordinary, nobles were bound to let their servants do such

chores . Therefore, the nobles did not have to go in and out
of government offices in person . If necessary, they could
announce themselves through letters or their servants .
So, she didn’t have to worry about it anymore . She could

ignore him . He wouldn’t have as much access as he had
had and he wouldn’t be able to get close to her .
In the past and in the future, the distance between them

had to have been great enough that they had been barely
able to identify each other’s faces . Once that stupid knight
brought the new carriage, she would take it back to the
mansion .
In the meantime, Jessie would bring her a new refreshment,

so she would enjoy a sweet cookie to freshen her mood .

possible .
between chapters .


Part V
Chapter 35 . Revenge, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria calmly grasped reality and shook off her anxiety by

thinking about the various things that were to come .
Soon, she became more relaxed and felt the sweet tea on
her tongue . As she leaned back on the sofa, enjoying it in a
comfortable position, Jessie suddenly entered the room with
a servant from the jewelry shop .
“I’m sorry I’m late . ”
She bowed immediately to apologize to Aria . The

accompanying servant did the same .
Aria forgave their sins with a very generous smile . Aria

thought it was cute that Jessie had come back when she felt
more relieved, and she had also noticed that Jessie had had
a bit of luck .
“We prepared some jasmine tea and a tart . ” Jessie and the
servant hurriedly arranged the table and set the
refreshments .
Aria warmed her body with the new tea, which had been
chilled slightly by an unexpected encounter with the chilly
autumn wind . The sweet-and-sour tart with strawberries
and blueberries melted gently in her mouth . It was not a
common tart seen on the market .
‘I think she went to a famous bakery to buy it . ’
It wasn’t bad . She felt better and better as she ate the
delicious dessert .
Around the time two slices of the tart had been eaten, the
knights who had gone out to find a carriage returned . They
seemed to have crawled around like tortoises worn out by
old age .
No matter how delicious the refreshments were, she did not

have to stay at the jewelry store anymore, so she rose from
her seat without regret .
Aria was escorted by her knights, leaving the jewelry shop

behind . The carriage was waiting right in front of the
entrance, and that made her feel at ease .
Nevertheless, Aria looked carefully around and stuck close

to the knights . It would take her only a few steps, but she
had to be careful because he had overpowered her knights
once .
Of course, he would not be waiting for her since he had

nothing to do with her, unlike before, but Aria had already
died once, so she was careful of unknown dangers .
“Please, get on the carriage . ”

Nothing happened until she opened the carriage door and
took the knight’s hand . She felt like she could laugh at her
concerns .
Aria, standing before the carriage, breathed a small sigh of

relief . One more step and she would be able to hide herself
in the carriage .
But as she was about to take that last step, something

suddenly fell on her side .
“!”
“Miss!”
The knight who saw it quickly knocked it over with his hand .
Then, that thing that had suddenly appeared near Aria’s
face fell to the ground with a crunching sound . When she
lowered her gaze and looked at it, she saw it was a bouquet
of tulips beautifully wrapped in fine paper and decorative
ribbons .
Surprised, Aria’s body froze, firmly attached to the carriage,

and the two escorting knights quickly clung to her earth and
drew their swords . The sharp swords were directed at a
man who, with an awkward expression, picked up the
bouquet that had fallen to the ground .
“Oh, my God! It was just a gift for the lady who protected
my precious fortune… It must have been too sudden . ”
He smiled as if nothing had happened to him as he dusted

off the flowers . His casual appearance stunned Aria into
silence . Whether it was the same for her knights, they also
became mute . The man dusted off the bouquet for a while
and handed it back to Aria in a polite manner .
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She shrank back once more . When the knights tried to stop
him from handing her the bouquet of flowers, filling the gap
between Aria and the man, he acted preemptively,
preventing them from doing so .
“You rude…!”
“It’s a small token of appreciation for that last favor . I didn’t

waste any of my money because of your advice . ”
Aria could not understand most of what he was saying .

They were shallow words that seemed more like blackmail .
‘What advice did I give him, and is he thanking me?’
Aria, who had briefly gazed at the bouquet of flowers

hanging next to her, shook her head and refused his favor,
“No, I don’t think we had a thank-you-type of conversation .
”
At that moment, his face showed great surprise . It seemed

like she was saying something bewildering to him, and
looking at his burdened expression, Aria frowned .
“That’s not true . Not buying the auction tickets kept us

from losing money . ”
Only then, was Aria able to understand what the man was
saying . It seemed right to assume that he was a
countryside aristocrat who had come to the capital for the
auction .
‘How did you dare hold my wrist and threaten me so that I
couldn’t leave?’
The rudeness of his actions in the past made her feel angry .
Moreover, she was annoyed that she had to pay attention to
him even though he was a very powerless man . She
couldn’t even ask Mielle to go out dressed in her dress now
to confound the man .
The man kept a light smile on his face as Aria frowned and
gave no particular answer . He didn’t care at all . Even
though the two knights could stop him at anytime, his
posture was completely relaxed and composed .
“So, I’d like Lady Roscent to accept these tulips, which are
protected by the kingdom . Little lady, I hope you will be
lucky in the future . ”
It was very natural for people to think she was acquainted

with him, who was persistently presenting her the bouquet
through a gap between her knights .
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Sure enough, the knights, who had prevented him from

nearing Aria, thought that he had a close relationship with
her . Because of that, though their swords were still directed
at the man, their nervous bodies were a little relaxed, unlike
when he first popped up .
Despite the suspicious black cloak and the fact that he

didn’t take off his hood, they didn’t feel any pressure or
danger at all . They couldn’t believe that he was the same
person they had seen at the general store .
He didn’t seem he would back down until Aria received the

bouquet . If that was really the case, there was nothing they
could do .
“… OK, I see . ”
Aria reached out for the bouquet of flowers that had been
pushed between the guards . It meant that she would
receive it . He had a smile on his face, which could be
glimpsed from under the hood .
The sight of the two, a young man and a woman offering

each other favors, even softened the minds of those
watching .
The escort knights slid aside to make room . It was only then
that the man was able to give Aria the bouquet .
Aria accepted it and asked the name of the man who had
given her those fragrant and beautiful flowers . Meanwhile,
he tried to bow and kneel to her .
“I can’t accept them without knowing your name . ”
“I see . I’m sorry . Call me Asterope . ”
“No last name?”
“I am sorry, but I can’t give you my last name due to some

unavoidable circumstances . ”
“Hmm…” Aria sighed briefly, looking up and down at

Asterope’s demeanor .
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It seemed as if he was more powerless than she had

thought since he wasn’t even able to give her his last name
. Maybe someone with a pretty face like her mother married
a countryside nobleman and gave birth to him .
Aria no longer asked Asterope anything, simply taking the

bouquet from his hand and placing it in front of one of her
escort’s face . Just in case, the knight smelled the flowers
and confirmed they were safe . Fortunately, he hadn’t
played any tricks on the flowers, so the escort knight
indicated that it was OK .
“They are ordinary tulips . ”
Aria shook her head when the knight, tough-spirited, took

off a few petals and tried to eat them . Asterope wouldn’t
have done such a meticulous thing in such a short time .
Only then, did Aria smell the tulips . Their scent and dark
color seemed to indicate that they were quite high-priced .
As if to reciprocate Asterope’s favor, Aria gave him a small
curtsy and thanked him .
“Is this the end of your business? I have to go back to the

mansion . ”
“Oh, I see . ”
She was telling him to leave . Since he had approached her

without warning, she didn’t have to show him any more
favor .
He took a step closer to Aria when he finished answering .
The distance that had already been close for someone who
had no acquaintance with her became even closer . It was
also a distance short enough to enable him to reach out to
her . It was the same last time, and he was agile and
unpredictable .

possible .
between chapters .


Part VI
Chapter 36 . Revenge, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Before Aria, startled, took any action, Asterope, on bended

knee, reached out for her hand . Aria’s face stiffened at the
sight of the action she had seen so much elsewhere .
No way!
“May I say goodbye to the back of your hand?”
“… No . ”
‘What nonsense are you saying? You have kept your hood on
this entire time, not even showing me yourself . ’
Despite her calm and resolute refusal, Asterope laughed

lightly . It seemed that he hadn’t wanted her to say yes
from the beginning . He rose without regret .
“Oh, you are a pretty cold woman . ”
“You are too hot, aren’t you? It’s quite different from last
time . ”
She had lived a life longer than her years, but it was her first
time seeing a rude person like that man, aside from those
who had approached her drunk and without measure .
Last time, she had been scared to death, but today, she felt
like he was acting crazy . Even after Aria’s sharp words, he
maintained a sudden smile about him .
“I apologize for what happened the other day . It was very

important to me, which is why I’m giving you this kind of
reward . ”
“Ah… OK . Then, can I go now?”
Aria did not listen to Asterope . She had no words to speak

to him nor business with him, so she turned around without
regret . He wasn’t polite, and she didn’t want to talk to him
anymore .
He didn’t have to, nor need to, but he was about to see Aria
off .
Asterope’s eyes moved across Aria’s body, but his own body
did not move a muscle . The deep, blue eyes were full of
pure hospitality, without any kind of malice .
‘He is foolish . ’
Aria, trying to get on the carriage while being gazed at by

him, suddenly stumbled and dropped the bouquet at her
feet .
Surprised by this, Aria, her eyes widened, stumbled to pick

up the bouquet . She didn’t even realize her movements
were counterproductive, crushing the flowers
“Oh, my goodness!”
“…!”
No, that was exactly what Aria was after . It was also a sign
that she would not receive the flowers from Asterope .
Tulips, which normally had a good smell, quickly soaked up
the nasty waste fluid underneath the carriage due to Aria’s
very natural movements .
What a coincidence! Because he had only chosen petals, the

way she had crushed them made it impossible to recognize
the original . Aria, who determined that she could not pick
them up, raised her body with a sad look on her face .
On her behalf, one of the knights picked up the pitiful

bouquet . The tulips, which had just boasted superlative
beauty, had now turned into a messy heap that would sour
the mood of those who looked at them .
“What shall I do with this?”
“…”
Asterope stared at Aria with a firm face . She faced his eyes
for a while as if to say she was very sorry, and he smiled as
if he remained cheerful .
It was obvious that he should be in a bad mood, but he

looked very well, like he had been waiting for that .
“I don’t think such an ugly bouquet suits you, so I think it’s

better to throw it away . ”
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Even though he had been offended, he looked very happy .

He looked like a beast that had found its prey .
‘How dare you?!’
It was Aria who was offended by this . She had expected a

contorted face, but like she had imagined, the man’s
thoughts were a mystery to her .
“Well, can I ask you to do it?”
“Yes . ”
The ugly bouquet went back to Asterope . The crushed

flowers and his beastly eyes somehow strangely matched
and made her shudder .
Aria hurried into the carriage . At the urging of her

immediate departure, the carriage rushed to her
destination, and Asterope’s expression turned cold again
while he stared at the carriage for a while, still without
taking off his hood .
***
The carriage the knight had borrowed was luckily as good as

the time she had had to wait . Misfortune did not seem to
continue, and she was able to get back to the mansion
without discomfort in that pleasant and comfortable
carriage .
Nevertheless, Aria couldn’t afford to appreciate the trip .

She was confused by her thoughts on Asterope .
‘… What the hell is he doing?’
There was silence in the carriage ride back to the mansion .

Aria, looking roughly at the scenery passing through the
window, recalled the look that had bothered her .
‘I’m sure he has some intention . ’
Otherwise, it didn’t make sense to suddenly change and

pretend to be close to her .
‘Why on earth? What made him change? And what did he

see in me that makes him want to be close to me?’
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The unexpected man kept dominating her mind, so she was

confused .
‘… Let’s stop . It’s not this trivial thing that I have to think
about now . ’
Aria shook her head to shake off her thoughts .
On her way home to the mansion, she immediately caught

the driver who had driven the rattling carriage and ordered
a servant to bring the driver who had returned first because
of a stomach ache to her . She did so to confirm whether the
story was true or false . She thought it was probably a lie .
Unfortunately, however, the answer was not what she
expected .
“He is in the hospital?”

“Yes, he looks very ill . He kept complaining of a stomach
ache and nausea . ”
‘Did that happen because he really was sick?’
No, there couldn’t be such a coincidence . Even he was

really ill, someone must have made him sick . It was not a
chance . When she thought of the driver sweating profusely,
she did not think it was a coincidence . It was clearly a
situation intended by someone .
“Go get his status, whether he really is sick and where he is

interned . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
At Aria’s order, John went straight to check on the driver’s

condition . Fortunately, he was hospitalized at a nearby
hospital, which gave her quick access to the news .
The doctor diagnosed the driver’s disease as food poisoning

. He had a hasty lunch waiting for Aria, so the doctor
guessed that the seafood from that lunch had gone bad .
“By the way, the driver’s wife, who ate the same lunch as
him, is fine?”
“Yes, she must have eaten first, then the driver arrived at
the mansion late and ate what was left of hers . ”
“Is that so? That’s a pity . ”
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There was no way the food would go bad that quickly with
the cool autumn wind blowing . Aria’s lips twisted when she
heard John’s report . She concluded that this had been the
situation intended by a specific person . The person was a
very small, clever, and terrible little girl .
‘Is it because of the gift I received from Oscar?’
If that was the real reason, it was very childish and funny . If
a lover showed favor to others, she should not afflict others,
but instead, try to win his heart . The only thing she gained
by bullying someone was a momentary joy . It was what Aria
had experienced and realized in the past .
‘You’re going to go mad, smoothly . ’
It was only a matter of time before she would be ruined

because Aria’s goal was not to do purposeless evil, but to
affect her feelings, unlike in the past . Even if she had
suffered unpleasantness in the past, Aria’s thoughts were
not wrong .
‘Do I have to get out of here now?’ There was only

emotional evidence that Mielle would be behind this .
Moreover, no matter how much Mielle plotted, Aria could not
easily accuse her because the absolute goodwill of all was
still directed at Mielle .
‘There are many ways . ’
Of course, she would punish those who had participated in

this matter . It was necessary to make them admit their
crimes and drive them away . She was going to kick them
out, pretending she didn’t notice it as much as she could
while looking pitiful .
Aria gave a lot of praise to John, who had learned that the
carriage that had rattled badly had been broken . Some
parts had been missing, and with that information, she
headed to the countess’ room . The countess had just
returned home .
The count had been absent for a long time, and all the
power of the mansion had fallen on her . To ask for help
from the countess, who was entirely on Aria’s side, was as
easy as ordering Jessie to bring her tea .

possible .
between chapters .


Part VII
Chapter 37 . Revenge, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Slightly disheveled and with a sweet smell of alcohol

permeating about her, the countess was being served by
her maids, who were removing her clothes and ornaments
from her body . Then, she stretched out on her bed with
nothing on . She was not asleep, so she had plenty of room
for conversation .
“I have something to talk to my mother about, so everyone,

get out . ”
Aria, making all the servants who were massaging her body
and face leave the room, sat by the countess’ head and
fiddled with her shiny hair .
The countess, who knew she was affectionate only when

she had a request, slowly blinked her drunken eyes and
asked her reason, “… What’s the matter?”
“It’s not a big deal, but I think I should tell you because it
happened under the Roscent name . I almost had a big
accident earlier . ”
“A big accident?”
“A carriage accident . I was almost hurt . ”
The drunkenness on her mother’s face suddenly lifted, when

she heard that her only daughter had nearly been into a
major accident . There was still a flush on both of her
cheeks, but the clear look in her eyes made Aria feel her
mother’s affection, which had a mixture of anxiety and
worry .
Aria smiled a little at this, and her mother frowned .
“Explain to me what you are saying . You almost had an

accident?”
“I almost had a big accident . My stupid driver came home

without his master’s permission and got food poisoning
while eating lunch, and the driver who replaced the stupid
one brought a broken carriage . It was as if he had done it
on purpose . ”
Thanks to that broken carriage, her hips and back were still
tingling a little . The countess’ face showed a horrified
expression when Aria said that they had been very rude and
had not admitted their guilt .
“If that’s true, I can’t forgive them . ”
“Nothing of it was reported to me . But, forget me . Mother,

who is the master of the mansion, also did not receive any
reports of the events . ”
“…”
“Maybe the mansion still considers my mother and me to be
useless beings . I’m terribly sad . ”
Though needless to remind her of that, it was true enough

to provoke the anger of the countess .
The countess dressed straight away and called for all the
servants and maids of the mansion . Not long after her call,
they gathered in the hall on the first floor . Unlike the usual
languid looks that were directed at them, those who first
saw the countess’ sharp and resolute eyes looked puzzled .
Of course, some of them were even terrified, shaking
uncontrollably, like the driver that had teased Aria earlier .
The countess’ mood was ominous, and all the servants and
maids closed their mouths and looked down at the floor
when they saw her . Breaking that silence, the countess
began to tell everyone about what had happened that day
and asked them whether it was true or not .
“… So, is it true that the driver named Yagi left his station
without asking Aria for permission, and that another driver
headed for the mansion on his behalf, but also made no
report, even taking the broken carriage and nearly causing a
major accident?”
The countess’ gaze reached Elect, and dozens of eyes fell

on him because he was the only one to question .
Elect slowly began to make an excuse, as if he had prepared

himself to handle all these questions and eyes alone .
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“It-it happened so suddenly that I think I took the wrong
carriage…”
“You took the wrong carriage… Then, the transportation

manager who made you take the wrong one must have
neglected his job . ”
When the countess tried to pass the guilt onto the

transportation manager, he jumped up and countered that it
would’ve never happened that way . His face turned red,
and he looked distraught by the false accusations .
“It couldn’t be! In the first place, we keep broken carriages

in a different storage area! The carriage taken by Elect was
stored away from the main building!”
“Is that true?”
“Yes! That’s been a rule since the inception of the family,

and everyone on staff knows about it!”
With his impassioned response, those who supported his

statement nodded, affirming that he was right . Everyone
had known of it without even asking, so there would’ve
been no need for it to be repeated .
The countess was driving the driver into a corner quite

smoothly . Aria, who watched the situation quietly next to
her, mentioned a man who was not involved in the matter
to drive the driver into a swamp the driver would be unable
to get out of .
“Mother, isn’t it the butler’s job to direct the servants to

work, so wouldn’t he be the one who ordered it? Otherwise,
the driver wouldn’t have taken the broken carriage . ”
‘Did the butler really do that?’

Frank, the butler, was a man who had worked in the
mansion for years and had devoted himself in body and
mind to the family . Everyone thought Aria’s statement was
ridiculous, but it wasn’t impossible, so they waited anxiously
for his excuse .
“…”
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Unfortunately, however, he soon failed to assert his

innocence . ‘Is the butler involved?’ Based on her past
experience, Aria had thought him to be a neutral party .
Now, she was not sure he was not involved in this .
He was an unexpected participant . Even Aria looked at him

with doubt, and in that instant, he spoke of his
incompetence with a dark, dead face, “I’m ashamed to tell
you, but I didn’t know of this until just a moment ago… even
though it’s my job to know and manage everything that’s
going on in the mansion . I just thought Yagi came here for
lunch because Miss Aria gave him permission, and that Elect
traded places with him in a fine carriage . Of course, I
thought they hadn’t forgotten to make their reports . I didn’t
doubt the events because it was the natural thing to do . I’m
so sorry . ”
After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply and admitted

his faults, remaining bent over even as time passed .
“Did you have any idea about this? What should we do?” A
lament came from someone’s mouth . It was not just one or
two who were surprised by his mistakes, he who had always
managed the mansion wisely .
Aria glared at him for some time . That was because she
was worried about whether to let him go or save him, along
with the drivers .
He was not a friendly man to Aria and her mother, but he

was not neglectful of his work or partial to anyone . She
thought that if he was at least neutral, he wouldn’t disturb
her .
‘Shall I save him?’
Moreover, on the outside, it would be good if most people in

the mansion to followed the butler and trusted him .
“He’s always been neat about his work, so there’s no

question there . I can’t help but think that they purposely
orchestrated this to avoid his eyes . I’m sure they did it
because they don’t trust me . I’m so sad . ”
When Aria finally uttered a word of defense for him, the

butler trembled once . He didn’t seem to have thought that
she would help himself .
The butler, who had been saved by Aria, was removed from
this matter, and all the blame was placed on the drivers .
Aria looked over at Mielle, who was standing hard faced in a
corner a little away from the countess .
‘Now, Mielle, how are you going to respond to this?’
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“I’d better call the Capital Guards . ”
Inevitably, the countess asked back, surprised by Aria’s

words, “The Capital Guards?”
“If the driver intentionally picked the broken carriage…

There had to be a scheme to harm me . I returned safely to
the mansion, but if things had gone wrong, the carriage
could have collapsed, and I might have died . Besides…”
Aria continued, looking around at the crowd in the hall, “If
the butler didn’t know of it, that means they had planned to
harm me on purpose . ”
Everyone’s face looked shocked by the terrible conclusion .

In fact, that was the most plausible conclusion . They didn’t
like Aria, so it had all been planned .
Of course, there were only a few parts missing from the

wagon and not enough to cause a major accident, but only a
few people knew about that . In addition, there was an
assumption that it had happened that way, so no one could
plead for the driver, except for Mielle, who she assumed had
orchestrated that situation .

possible .
between chapters .


Part VIII
Chapter 38 . Revenge, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Mielle, who had been watching the events unfold quietly

and at a distance, sided with the driver, saying, “Isn’t that
too much? Well, mother and sister . Isn’t calling the Capital
Guards a little too much? He might have forgotten what to
do because he is near retirement . No one’s hurt… It’s a
little sad to think like that . ”
Surely, the driver was about to retire at the age of sixty . He

was old enough to be believed that his memory oscillated
due to some illness . So, it made sense that he might have
confused the place where the wagon was stored .
No one was seriously injured, like Mielle had said, and the
carriage returned safely . There was nothing to blame,
except that the ride was uncomfortable because it rattled so
much and that things had not been reported .
There were only a few parts missing in the first place, and
that wasn’t enough to cause an accident . Therefore, it was
a matter requiring a minimum of disciplinary action, such as
a pay cut, if given a little mercy .
Mielle might have thought she could end it like that . Maybe
it had been a little prank on a wicked woman who had been
favored by her lover . But, Aria had no intention of doing so .
Why? Because if they ever joined Mielle, Aria was going to
show her willingness to retaliate beyond Mielle’s control .
That way, no one would be willing to stick to that stupid girl
in the future .
“… Mielle . I’m sorry . Did you forget I might’ve died in a

scary accident?”
“Death? It wasn’t enough for that, was it? The carriage

came back safely . ”
From Mielle’s way of speaking, Aria asked back in surprise,

barely tolerating internal cheering within her at that
moment, “Mielle, how do you know that?”
‘How do you know it wasn’t bad?’
All she said was that there were a few parts missing . If
major parts were missing, not tiny ones, they could naturally
lead to a large-scale accident . She hadn’t explained
anything about it, so how did Mielle know?
‘The stupidity to tell them what you did wrong!’
Noticing that she had said too much, Mielle’s complexion

darkened immediately . It was sad to see Mielle holding
tightly to Emma’s hand . Aria wanted to twist her hand .
“Hmm? Where did you hear that?”
“…”
When Aria urged her, Mielle, who could not answer, bit her
lip . Emma whispered in a low voice, so as not to be heard
away from the ears of her master, who was trembling like a
pathetic baby bird . She seemed to be suggesting a way to
avoid the situation . Emma looked very serious .
Aria observed the exchange closely . Sure enough, Mielle

soon gave an excuse for what Aria had said, “I-I was talking
about the result, sister . It’s not that bad because you
weren’t hurt . ”
“Yes, Mielle . What you say makes sense . ”
Suddenly, Aria took a step back, and her daughter’s words

made the countess’ eyes turn to her . They seem to ask
what Aria’s intention was .
Aria looked a little gloomy, but then answered the reason

why she agreed with Mielle, “But you should bear in mind
that I could have been badly hurt . Maybe I was lucky that I
wasn’t . ”
“That’s… That’s right . ”
Mielle gave a reluctant affirmation . If she denied Aria here,

she would seem to be strangely defending the offenders,
and that wasn’t possible anymore .
“Still, it’s a good thing I’m the one who rode that carriage .
Imagine if you had ridden in it with a few parts missing…
Just imagining it makes me feel like I’m about to faint . ”
‘So, it’s very strange if you stick by the driver here . Do you
understand? You have to take my side, the side of your only
elder sister . Punish the driver you control with your own
hand . ’
That was the conclusion that Aria wanted for the incident .
“…”
Aria’s trap kept Mielle from answering . If she answered

positively, she would be kicking the driver out, and if she
answered negatively, all of their suspicions would fall on her
.
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‘Now, what do you want to do?’
The driver’s face turned pale, as if he were a living corpse .

He waited for the punishment because he dared not make
an excuse .
Aria hid her face in her mother’s clothes, pretending to wipe

away the tears that had not flowed . She was also trying to
hide her smile, which was about to burst forth . Silence fell
on the hall, but Mielle still said nothing .
The countess had noticed her daughter, who had been

cleverly scheming something for some time, so she quietly
watched everything unfold . She didn’t know what it was
that Aria was planning, but it was obvious that she bringing
everything to an interesting conclusion .
Aria, who hid her joy away in the countess’ hem, asked
Mielle with a gloomy face, “Of course, you do as well, right,
Mielle?”
“… Of course . ”
“Then, let’s ask our loving mother to make a fair and wise
judgment, as it seems that the situation is now settled . ”
There was no way for her to make a fair and wise judgment .
Aria was her only biological daughter . Things were very
advantageous for Aria, so it was clear that she would make
the judgement Aria wanted .
When Mielle refused to answer, with her eyelashes

trembling and her lips serrated, Aria asked for consent,
saying, “What do you think?”
‘Come on, kick the driver out by yourself! Fire him, who has
been working for you!’
Aria’s sad-looking eyes flashed . They were like the eyes of

the snake that had handed the apple to the man at the
beginning of human history .
The distraught face hastened Mielle’s response . She had no

choice . She just had to bite the apple that the snake was
given her .
“… That’s a good idea . ”
The driver, whose legs loosened, sank to the floor . Emma,

her maid, held Mielle by the arm and shoulder firmly and
quickly disappeared into the corner .
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Aria wanted to give a round of applause to those who had

kept their composure until the very end, but she bore her
desire and smiled faintly with a slightly wistful face,
expectant of her mother’s just judgment .
***
The sentence was postponed to the next day .
That was because the exchange had happened late at night

. It was not necessary to delay it, but to appear to be
making a prudent ruling, and the countess declared that she
would decide the sentence for him after breakfast in the
morning . Perhaps, she had already settled on a result .
The next day, Aria, who entered the dining hall for
breakfast, saw the empty chairs and asked a servant, “What
about Mielle?
“She said she was eating in her room because she was not
feeling well . ”
“Hmm… Really?”
Mielle had eaten most of her meals in her room, but for
today, Aria seemed to be able to understand why she had
confined herself to her room for breakfast .
‘You’re going to feel like you have a stomach ache . ’
Just looking at Aria’s face would make her sick because it

had always been like that for her .
‘Sadly, why did you play such a foolish trick on me and

instill distrust within your people? If you want to scheme
against me, you should be clever . ’
Of course, Mielle would think she was smart at the moment,

and it was clear that she considered Aria to be relatively
stupid, but things were actually different . No matter how
smart she was, she couldn’t have beaten Aria, who had
lived for more than twenty years .
Aria finished a neat, clean breakfast with the countess, who

showed up a little after mealtime . Perhaps, the menu would
have felt bitter for Mielle, but it was a very satisfying one for
Aria .
After enjoying the leisurely breakfast, the butler took hold of

her as she left the dining hall and headed, along with the
countess, to sentence the driver .
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“Miss, there’s someone from the jewelry store here . He’s

waiting at the front door . ”
The butler had a softer-than-usual look, unlike his usual stiff,

rigid face when he dealt with Aria . When she saw his face
changed, she immediately realized how hard and foolishly
she had lived previously .
“Really? Thank you . ”
That was why she added words that were not usually
necessary . The butler’s eyes were still tender .
“I think the gift I prepared in return for the dress Mr . Oscar

gave me has arrived . ”
“Oh, my! Go quickly and get it . ”

“It won’t take long . ”
Aria turned her steps towards the hall and moved to the
front door .
The face of the jewelry shop’s servant brightened as soon as

he saw her . He had apparently been waiting for Aria to
finish her meal .

possible .
between chapters .


Part IX
Chapter 39 . Revenge, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria was thrilled to see the brooch he had brought . “…

Perfect . ”
“Thank you, miss . My master has left me with a message

that he wants you to favor us in the future for your needs . ”
“Please, tell him I’ll do that . ”
It seemed normal to finish the exchange with flattery . The

strange lily-shaped craftsmanship brought the red ruby
together in perfect harmony .
He hadn’t had to make it as great as it was for her, which

made her feel even better about it .
‘How could everything be so smooth?!’
He bowed deeply at the waist, and leaving behind the

servant of the jewelry shop who had given her his courtesy,
she walked alone to the hall to decide the fate of the driver .
Jessie, who had in her hands the package containing the
brooches and the necklace, followed her .
Aria smiled brightly while imagining Mielle’s crumpled face .
***
As per Aria’s wish, the driver was fired .
He had to be kicked out without receiving any severance

pay . That was the judgment of the benevolent countess .
He could not resist leaving the capital since he was guilty of
trying to harm his master .
“I fire Elect, the driver, from the employ of the family of

Count Roscent . ”
The countess’ clear voice filled the wide hall . The driver fell
to the floor, apparently unable to sleep all night . Mielle’s
complexion was also pale .
“Also, Yagi, who deserted his place of work, will be

reassigned to work at the stables . His duty will be cleaning
them . ”
Because of the food poisoning, Yagi had been absent

without leave from the workplace, so now, he was
reassigned . He was in charge of cleaning the stables, like
the young servants who had just entered the mansion .
‘Maybe, he’ll quit . He won’t get promoted for the rest of his
life because he’s out of favor with his master . ’
It was a very satisfactory result . If there were followers that

were not slaves to Mielle, those around her would think a
little about the treatment they might incur with this incident
.
“… I’m not feeling well, so I’ll have to go up,” Mielle said
meekly .
The pale complexion of Mielle, who seemed about to faint at

any moment, made everyone in the mansion worry about
her health with a single heart . They seemed to think that
she was shocked by her sister’s terrible circumstances .
Aria did not forget to say words of thanks with a moved

expression at Mielle’s warm heart, for she had come forward
worried about Aria’s well being and livelihood .
“Yes! That’s what you’ll do . You haven’t looked so well since

last night, so… I think you should get some rest . Thank you
so much for taking care of me . ”
“… No, sister . It’s natural that I worry . ”
She would never have worried about Aria, but Mielle had to
nod as if she had . Before she left, Aria reached out to
Jessie, who was waiting behind her .
“Wait a minute, Mielle! Jessie, can you give me the necklace

that arrived from the jewelry store today?”
“… Yes? Yes, miss!”
“It’s kind of weird to give it to you in a situation like this,

but… Mielle, I think it would look good on you . ”
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Aria delivered it to her maid, who accepted on behalf of
Mielle, who was about to collapse . The maid, who had lots
of freckles on her nose, had wronged and envied her both in
the past and even now by Mielle’s side .
Aria was familiar with her, so she handed the necklace over
to the maid on purpose . At Aria’s instruction, the maid
opened the case she had received from Aria and showed its
content .
“… Oh, my God!”
Inside, was the sapphire necklace given by the owner of the

jewelry shop . Mielle’s maid expressed her admiration
without even realizing her shame .
The eyes of all who saw it were wide open by its size and
shine . Of course, it wasn’t as great as the jewels and
clothing that Mielle had, but it wasn’t negligible .
‘Why did Aria give that necklace to Mielle?’
Everyone had that question in mind . Jessie, Aria’s maid, felt

the same way, ‘Why would she give the necklace she
received as a gift to Mielle?’
Aria approached Mielle with a very sorry expression and

said, “I borrowed your clothes last time and couldn’t even
pay you back . I’m sorry . ”
It was too much for a single use of a dress . Of course, for

Mielle, who knew the value of the garment, it wouldn’t have
been enough even if Aria had brought a carriage full of
jewels, but it was enough for those who didn’t know the
truth .
“Don’t you like it?”

“No, no . Thank you, sister . ”
Mielle couldn’t help but accept it . Mielle had lent her a

dress only once and received a great jewel in return . She
didn’t need a necklace and didn’t have a mind to wear it,
but Aria was able to portray the friendly sister that way .
But now, Mielle’s heart was possibly turned upside down .

She had lent the dress, which Oscar had given her as a gift,
to someone whom she hated the most and wanted to kill,
but she had to forgive that with just a jewel . She felt like
she was burning to death by an ember, so she wasn’t well at
all .
“Would you like to wear it immediately?”
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“… Shall I?”
Aria picked up the necklace by hand and approached Mielle

.
Her slender neck, stiffened and with golden brilliant hair on

top, looked so weak that it made Aria laugh . It seemed like
it would easily break if she applied a little more strength,
and that impulse overwhelmed Aria .
But, without even hinting at her desire, she simply hung the
necklace around her neck softly . It would not be fun if
Meille lost her life without reason . She deserved to die after
she was thoroughly exposed and disgraced .
Unfortunately or fortunately, Mielle and the necklace
matched very well, and the majority of those there blessed
the friendly sisters . Mielle still smiled awkwardly, pale as if
about to faint, and hurriedly left, saying that she felt ill .
“I think everything is settled then, so I’ll have to go up . I

have to go out in the afternoon . ”
“You’ve had a hard time, mother Thank you for making the
right decision . ”
“Now that your father’s gone out, of course, it’s my job . ”
‘How can she be so casual when she has neglected her

duties so far?’
Aria, swallowing a smile, followed her up to her room .
Aria, who decided to take a break while Jessie was preparing

a servant to send to Oscar, enjoyed that day’s victory while
drinking the herbal tea prepared by Jessie .
‘How grieved must the driver be now that his master has
driven him into the abyss? It would be nice if he could grind
the sword of revenge and cut off that slander neck . ’
But, that wouldn’t happen . Mielle, or perhaps even her

slaves, would join forces to make the driver’s life
convenient, and he would spend his later years content with
her crude care .
‘Cause this isn’t the only chance . ’
Sponsored Content

Aria couldn’t destroy that wicked girl at the very start . It
wasn’t a great thing to do such a thing in the first place, and
if Mielle rejected the matter altogether, she would get out of
any association with it .
Besides, there was something that was bothering her .

Mielle had always clung to a maid in particular, and that
reminded Aria of whom Mielle had had in the past .
‘Emma . ’
Mielle, who had lost her mother, had been attached to the
maid as if she were her mother . Emma also seemed to
regard Mielle as special . Aria thought that day’s incident
might not be Mielle’s own evil deed when she observed
Emma giving Mielle advice . Mielle, currently, was like a very
small, young deer .
‘If so… I’ll have to look into that maid, Emma . I’ll use that
freckled maid first . ’
Aria had a hunch that Emma would also be involved in her

death . She felt it as though it wasn’t mere conjecture . So,
she couldn’t let her go . If that hunch was true, she would
separate her bones from her flesh and throw them into the
feed of a beast .
When she recalled that Emma had always cast an

unpleasant glance at her by Mielle’s side in the past, it
made her feel goosebumps across her neck . That was
because the anxiety of her death seemed not to have
disappeared .
Aria, who had touched her neck for a while, rose up and
approached the landscape painting on the wall . When she
pushed against the blank wall behind it, a handle appeared
that led to a secret space .

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 40: Chapter 40 . The Secret
Of The Hourglass, Part I
Chapter 40 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria, who opened the door and took out the well-hidden box
inside, put the box on the table .
‘My benefactor, savior of my life . ’
When she opened the lid and touched the hourglass, she
felt a little relieved .
‘It’s all right . ’
That stupid woman who’d been decapitated in the past was

no more . There was only a pioneer, who would kill the
demons that would later kill her .
While she comforted herself for a moment, she heard

Jessie’s voice, followed by a careful knock on the door .
“Miss, I have someone ready to deliver the goods . ”
“Really? Come in . You prepared everything earlier than I

thought . ”
The letter was not ready, so she took out the paper the
owner of the jewelry shop enclosed with the brooches .
There were as many as five sheets of paper in the case .
Fortunately, without making any mistakes, Aria only used
one of them . She briefly expressed her gratitude without
writing anything profound .
[Oscar Frederik,
I don’t know what to say for your gift of thanks for my

handkerchief .
This is a small token of sincerity, so please accept it .
Aria Roscent . 』
She wrote it all down briefly . The brooch was being sent by
a poor young lady in plain clothes, so he would surely
respond without accepting it .
“How’s the handwriting?”
“You wrote it in a kind and beautiful style . ”
‘When did she even practice handwriting like that?’ Jessie’s

eyes widened because she hadn’t seen Aria writing anything
down before or practicing .
Her handwriting had become naturally calibrated as she had

grown older, and it eventually became quite worthy to see .
Of course, that meant that her handwriting was better than
those of the young ladies of her age . It was still clumsy and
sloppy when compared to adults, and that was when she
remembered that she had always had someone to help her
or to write for her as a ghostwriter
‘It’ll be weird if my calligraphy is too good . ’
Aria contentedly ordered the envelope to be sealed .
“Please, deliver it with the gift . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
Jessie organized what was on the table and sealed the

written letter in an envelope . She carefully packed the box
with the gift so as to prevent it from being twisted or
broken, and stamped the seal of the Roscents on the lid to
announce the sender .
It was not a fancy package, so it would be seen as a simple

and neat gift . Unlike the present he had sent, it was also
small in size . No one would expect a very expensive brooch
to be inside that package .
“Tell him to deliver it as soon as possible . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
That way, she would be able to see Mielle’s distorted face as

soon as possible .
Jessie left the room, and Aria pulled the hourglass out of the
box . The thing was the size of her palm, and she wanted to
see if it was OK .
It was perfect, without a grain of dust on it, thanks to the

fact that she completely hid it in a box that no one could
touch . Aria turned the hourglass over and put it on the
table to make sure the sand was falling through well .
Then, the grains of sand, glistening as finely as snow, fell

gently down . When she found out that the hourglass was
operating safely, Aria was a little relieved and leaned
against the back of the chair, breathing out a small sigh .
It was then that… “Shall I bring more tea?”
“… Huh?!”
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It had just been a moment of relief, but when she turned her
head, startled by the sudden voice, she found Jessie
standing at the threshold of her room .
‘Why? Why is she back inside when she just stepped out of
the room? I never asked her to come in . I can’t understand
why she’s back in here . ’
“I didn’t call you . What’s going on? Did you forget

something?”
Aria thought Jessie might have forgotten something . She

could not have gone down to the first floor so quickly to
have come back after delivering the package . When asked
about it, Jessie looked puzzled .
“Yes? I was just waiting for you to write the letter . ”
“What are you talking about? You just took the letter . ”
“…”
Jessie didn’t answer anything, just blinking instead . ‘Are

you out of your mind?’
Aria, who shook her head and looked away, suddenly
realized that she had something in her hand .
‘… A quill? Why?’
And the letterhead was on the table . There was a piece of

paper with [Dear Oscar Frederik] written on it .
The Secret Of The Hourglass
“This… What is it?”
‘Why is this in my hand? And why is the letter paper on the

table again? Didn’t she just take it? Rather, why am I writing
the same letter again?’
Aria looked at Jessie questioningly, but Jessie couldn’t

answer anything . Jessie was just looking at her master’s
sudden expression, unable to understand why Aria was
saying that .
Pow!
Aria, who nervously slammed the quill down onto the table,
waved Jessie out .
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“Just deliver the goods as soon as possible . ”
“… . But-but, I need a letter from you . ”

“You took the letter, didn’t you?”
“… No . No, I didn’t take it,” Jessie answered with a flinch at

Aria’s biting reaction . It seemed that Jessie was
remembering that Aria would find fault with everything in
the past, making a lot of trouble for her .
“… Jessie . ”
Aria’s eyes grew sharper . If Jessie talked back once more,

Aria would start throwing things at her . Of course, the
present Aria had no intention of doing that, but she was
thinking that she should act as Jessie expected of her .
But, Jessie couldn’t just go out . So, she gathered great

courage to open her mouth to speak again, “I’m sorry . I’m
sorry, miss… but you have to give me a letter so that I can
send the gift . ”
‘Even though she was young, was she already going senile?’
Aria sighed and took the quill back into her hand . Jessie,
like she had been in the past, was very stubborn . So, even
when she had been shaking with fear, Jessie had sometimes
scolded Aria, who had truly been a wicked child .
“Hoo… OK . ”
Aria would like to enjoy that day’s victory, and she didn’t
want to upset herself with such a trifle, so she wrote the
letter again, thinking that Jessie must have gone mad all of
a sudden .
Soon, Jessie, who sealed the envelope with a pale face and
pocketed it with the gift, hurriedly left Aria’s room . After she
went out, Aria watched the hourglass drop its last grain of
sand . As expected, there seemed to be nothing unusual .
She didn’t like the messy things on the table, so she sorted
them aside and suddenly she noticed something strange .
‘By the way, why are there four pieces of letter paper left?’
Because Jessie had insisted that she had not taken the first
letter, Aria had used up two pieces of letter paper . So, there
should’ve been three pieces of letter paper left, as she had
written on two of them . But no matter how many times she
counted the letter paper pieces, there were four .
‘Why? Why?’
She thought about it for a long time, but she couldn’t find
an answer . Then, she came to a conclusion: She might’ve
counted the number of sheets wrong at first .
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‘… That’s the only answer . ’
But there was another strange thing . Obviously, Jessie, who

had taken the brooch before, took it out of the drawer,
where she had temporarily stored it, again .
That was extremely weird . ‘Did she put it back in the

drawer without me seeing it?’
Aria had only had one box prepared for the gift, but she saw
it with her own eyes that Jessie had taken the brooch out
again, even though she didn’t see her put it back in the
drawer .
‘… What the hell is going on?’
She was so confused by things that she thought a ghost

might be playing tricks on her, or something that she
couldn’t understand was happening .
‘Maybe… Is it me, and not Jessie, who’s crazy?’
It was strange, but she soon dismissed it as a mistake

because she was tired . Sure enough, her mind went blank,
her eyes closed, and there came a yawn .
‘I guess it’s because I’m tired . I need a little rest . ’
There was nothing in a particular set for later . There would

be no visits from her tutors, and there was quite a bit of
time left before dinner .
‘It would be OK if I got up after a short nap . ’ Aria lay

herself on her soft bed without changing her clothes .
Aria, who closed her eyes to the beckoning of sleep, soon

fell victim to it soundly .
***

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part II
Chapter 41 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The next day . It was around when the Sun was in the
middle of the sky that Aria opened her eyes . Jessie had
been unable to wake her up for breakfast, but she was able
to come to her senses by lunchtime .
“You’re not sick, are you? Shall I call a doctor?”
“No, it’s OK . It’s not like that . ”
Jessie became very worried by Aria’s words . She had

skipped breakfast and decided to have lunch in her room .
Despite her worries, however, Aria had just slept too long,
so she didn’t have an appetite . Drinking cool juice made
her sober up a little .
“How could I sleep for so long?”
“I’ve been calling you since yesterday, but you didn’t

answer . I didn’t ask for permission to come in because I
thought you were ill, but even when I shook your body, you
didn’t get up, remaining sound asleep . ”
“Why was I so tired though? I didn’t do much . ”
“Do you want me to call a doctor now?” asked Jessie with a

worried look .
But Aria didn’t feel the need for that, so she shook her head
and refused it . She didn’t feel sick anywhere, and because
she felt as good as usual, she didn’t think that illness was
the issue .
When the last drop of juice had been emptied, Jessie urged
her to have some dessert, “Would you like dessert?”
“No, it’s fine . ”
“Yes, miss . Then, I’ll clean it up . ”
Jessie left the room after taking the empty bowl .
As she followed Jessie with her eyes, Aria suddenly found

the hourglass on the corner of the table . She had forgotten
to put it away after checking to see if it was alright, and had
fallen asleep with it out, leaving it unattended .
After her late meal, she was so sleepy that she lifted up the
hourglass without thinking about it and turned it over .
Chareureuk! After that faint noise, she put her hand on her
chin to watch the falling grains of sand .
That’s when she heard Jessie’s voice suddenly, “I’ve been

calling you since yesterday, but you didn’t answer . I didn’t
ask for permission to come in because I thought you were
ill, but even when I shook your body, you didn’t get up,
remaining sound asleep . ”
“… What?”
As Aria stared at her, who was repeating what she had said
just a little while ago, Jessie asked with a worried face, “Do
you want me to call a doctor now?”
“No…”
‘Why are you here again?’
Aria didn’t understand why Jessie was in her room . She was
sure that she had taken the dishes and left the room . The
dishes were all scattered on the table and had returned to
their former locations .
“Didn’t you say you were going to clean up the bowls?”
“Yes? No . You haven’t finished the juice yet . Shall I clean it

up still?” Jessie asked with a very perplexed look .
‘I didn’t finish the juice? I’m sure I finished my drinks and I

heard Jessie asking about dessert!’
As she lowered her gaze, she found that the glass that had
had its contents emptied just now still had juice in it .
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There was no way Jessie could have refilled it in that short

time . Aria hadn’t seen her line up the dishes again, so she
wouldn’t have been able to .
‘What the hell is this?… Maybe!’
It was a very short time, but she was back in the past .
It wasn’t an illusion . There was no doubt that if the glass
had still had juice in it, she would not have realized it .
However, since it had been empty and it was now full
again…
‘Did this happen yesterday too? When I finished writing the

letter and handed it to Jessie, did it return to the state with
only Oscar’s name written?’
She knew it was a ridiculous hypothesis, but she couldn’t

stop thinking like that .
‘What the hell is the cause…?’
She searched her memory of the previous day and of that

day . There had to be some reason for it to happen .
‘What in the world did I do before things got strange?’
The middle of her forehead narrowed by itself, but she had

no memory of doing anything special .
“Well, miss?”
“…”
Aria, in agony and with a serious expression, remained

without answering Jessie’s question of: “Can I clean up the
dishes?”
Desperate for what to do, Jessie wandered around for a

while, but soon, decided to clean up the room until Aria
finished wondering . It was a little messy since she hadn’t
been able to clean up the day before, because Aria had
fallen asleep early .
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Her master had almost finished the meal, but there was no
word yet to clean it up, so she sorted out the papers and
took the quill and ink . Finally, she tried to pick up the
hourglass with the intention of putting it back in the box .
At that moment, Aria, whose eyes were following Jessie,

suddenly jumped up, pointed at Jessie and screamed,
“Hourglass!”
“Yes?!”
Not exactly at Jessie, but at the hourglass she was trying to

pick up .
Jessie, who was surprised, fell back on her butt . Luckily, she
was the only one who got hurt since she had not grabbed
the hourglass yet .
Aria, who did not care about this, raised her voice as if she
had found the answer, “It was the hourglass!”
Something special had happened . Yesterday, she had

pulled the frame out, revealing the secret space, and
touched the hourglass . And as soon as she had turned it
over, Jessie, who had left the room, had come back in and
asked for a letter again, despite the fact that she had
already given it to her .
Today, she had also turned the hourglass over on the table .
Then, Jessie had immediately appeared and repeated what
she had said, and the juice that had been cleanly emptied
was filling the glass again .
Aria’s gaze was naturally thrust at the hourglass . The quiet

grains of sand that sat there as if nothing had happened
seemed a little different . It was very mysterious and
beautiful to see the light shining through them .
“How can this be?!” Aria screamed suddenly, and Jessie

looked at her with embarrassment . Aria had her hands
clasped while smiling this time .
‘Is she OK? Do I have to call a doctor?’ Those were the

questions going through Jessie’s mind .
As if to add a question to her questions, Aria said suddenly

and nonsensically . “Jessie, God seems to love me!”
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been likely for God to have sent

such a great thing to her, even though He had revived her .
No, it might be that He had given her His grace in the name
of punishing the wicked woman .
Whatever it was, it was a blessing and a miracle to Aria .
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“So, I have to fulfill that expectation, don’t I?”
Chareureuk! After checking all of the sand had settled at the

bottom, she overturned the hourglass again . Nothing
happened this time . Nevertheless, facing Jessie’s worried
expression, Aria did not remove her very bright smile .
Somehow, she seemed to have figured out how the
hourglass worked .
Once a day, if she overturned the hourglass, she would go

back by a very short time .
The time was approximately five minutes . She was able to

go back for as long as it took for all of the sand to reach the
bottom . Fortunately, no one other than Aria could use it .
She had figured that out after running a test on Jessie .
Aria had ordered Jessie to sit quietly in her room for about
five minutes . Then, she had left the room and had told
Jessie to turn the hourglass over before telling Aria to come
back . If the hourglass had worked for Jessie like it had for
her, she would’ve been unable to remember Jessie sitting
quietly .
After several similar experiments, not once did things go

back . It was God’s blessing for Aria only . The hour of the
day was irrelevant . The five-minute restriction cleared
every day . The only side effect was that when she used the
hourglass, she became very tired .
‘Don’t tell me… Is it eating my life?’ she thought suddenly .

‘What kind of dream would that be to run back time for
nothing!’
But, her assumption wasn’t absurd when she took her

extreme fatigue into account . It felt as if she was making up
that time with sleep, but it might also be that her overall
lifespan was shortening .

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part III
Chapter 42 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘Even if it takes half of my life, I can’t afford to miss this

opportunity . I will use the hourglass over and over to
destroy Mielle thoroughly . If you are insulted daily, you will
not be able to live in your right mind . And taking away your
precious things would be very easy . I will turn the hourglass
over, and take away your father, your loved one, and those
who follow you . In the end, as you made me poison your
tea in the past, I will make you do it yourself, and then, it’ll
be off with your head . ’
“… Haha . ”
The mere imagination alone made her burst with laughter .

When she did so in the middle of class, Mrs . White smiled
softly and asked why she was laughing, “Did something
good happen for you?”
“Yes, something very good has happened . ”
Aria glanced at the hourglass, which was within reach of her

. Since she hadn’t used to it yet, she thought it wouldn’t be
too bad to use it on Mrs . White .
“What good things have happened to you? I’m curious . ”
“Do you want to know?”
“Yes, they say that sharing good things makes your joy
doubled . I want to share in what good thing has happened
to Lady Aria . ”
She was quite a nuisance . Since her teaching skills were

poor, her classes were useless . In addition, she normally
bothered Aria by expressing her intentions as she urged Aria
to meet her son, Aphon, displaying her insidious, innermost
thoughts .
‘In the past, you took him, who was pretty hung up to me,
away heartlessly . ’
Aria still remembered Mrs . White, who had turned up very

chilly for her son, who had gotten drunk, after judging that
Aria had outer beauty, but that there was nothing to be
gained from her . She had left with her son while leaving
these words behind: “Do not hang out with such a vulgar girl
.”
“I met an old fox . ”
“An old fox?”
“Yes . A very old and ugly fox . ”
“Is that a good thing?” the very old fox, the viscountess,
asked, cocking her head .
“Sure . The fox is very cute . She doesn’t know who she is
and looks around for anything to gain . It’s worth watching
her . I’m going to play with her until all of her bones are
crushed . ”
The viscountess’s face hardened immediately . It seemed

difficult to answer to that statement . That was because the
story had been a little horrible and cruel to have come out
of the mouth of such a young girl .
“… You must have a cute pet . I really want to see it too . ”
Nevertheless, she had to agree with Aria because she

wanted something .
A fox was not a pet, and she wondered why Aria was raising
an old fox, but she did not say such a negative thing .
Aria responded with a smile as fresh as a flower and said to

Mrs . White, “You can meet her without even trying . ”
After her gaze went through the viscountess, it headed to

the mirror near the dressing room . It meant that the
viscountess could meet her if looked in the mirror .
However, it was inevitable that she would have to explain it
in a slightly more straightforward manner, as the
viscountess didn’t understand what she was saying .
“Sometimes, I get irritated . She keeps asking me to see her

boy, who has nothing to see . She seems to want to raise
her status somehow . She doesn’t even know who she is . ”
Aria wanted Mrs . White not to bother her anymore . She

would meet her son eventually and make full use of him .
‘Don’t you know this makes me want to throw you away?’
It was only then that Mrs . White realized that the old fox
was not a pet, and her face froze . That was because Aria,
who had always been nice and gentle, had changed . Still,
she did not realize that the old fox was herself . She had
never thought Aria to be mean to her, so she wasn’t seeing
what was suddenly in front of her face since they had gotten
along well so far .
“Well, who is it? … How did she offend such a kind and
loving lady?”
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“That’s right . I am very sorry to see her trying to please me

without knowing it’s her,” Aria replied, smiling softly and
taking a sip of the cold tea .
At last, she realized that the old fox was her, so she dropped
the book she held in her hand . Her hands shook, as if she
were deeply embarrassed, and she was unable to say
anything back .
Aria watched her ugly appearance for a moment . She

imagined Mrs . White might try to do something wrong, but
she didn’t think she would . No, she seemed shocked
enough not to think of it .
‘How naive did you think me to be? … Shall I stop now?’
Aria hadn’t found it funny, and she shouldn’t use the

hourglass for such a trifle .
She guessed that it had been about five minutes, so she

reached out and grabbed the hourglass .
Aria, who turned it over without regret, said to the
viscountess, who was back to her old self with her
pretentiously soft expression, “Your class is always fun and
enjoyable!”
The friendly class continued .
***
It was a week before her servant was able to give Oscar the
gift in return for the dress . As it happened, the servant
could not visit the academy on weekdays, and Oscar was
busy on weekends, perhaps because the semester was
nearly over . Therefore, Oscar received it without checking
its contents . He didn’t know what would be in it and he was
stupid .
The servant bowed apologetically, saying that he hadn’t

received any messages from Oscar .
“I’m so sorry, miss… I tried to get a message from him, but

he turned around coldly…”
“It’s OK . You did a good job . Go back and rest now . Take
the rest of the day off . ”
“… Yeah?”
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The servant, who had been expecting her to scold him, had
no choice but to raise his head and look at Aria at her
sudden declaration that he take a day break .
Her expression was full of mercy and composure, contrary
to his expectation of her being vile . She looked like a little
angel, so he was mesmerized by her .
Even as he gazed at her rudely, Aria smiled at him without

punishing him .
“Is there anything else you need to say?”
“Oh, no! Thank you!”
“If you’re done with your work, leave the room . ”
When the servant realized his fault, he hurried out of Aria’s

room . Jessie, who had been watching from the back,
measured Aria’s complexion and temper, but she still looked
well .
‘I thought he might turn it down right away, on the spot, but

I’m glad he didn’t . ’
The fact that he had taken the gift would make Oscar have
to do something after later confirming how expensive the
brooch was . He could not send back a gift he had already
accepted through her servant, so he would either come to
her himself or send something as a thanks again .
If fate was willing to make them connect, then so it would

be . A completely unrelated man and woman would never
exchange gifts and letters again .
She wondered if she could take his heart someday if she

built up a friendship this way . Of course, if things became
complicated, she was confident she could make use of the
hourglass .
‘Look forward to it, Mielle . I’ll make you pay for taking my
life . ’
***
It was about two weeks before Oscar’s reply arrived .
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She was so nervous that she couldn’t sleep properly . She

couldn’t help but scream as soon as the letter from him
arrived .
Aria opened the letter with trembling hands . The neat and
elegant handwriting added heat to her heart .
[Dear Aria Roscent,
Thank you for your gift . I’d like to meet you in person, so I’d
appreciate it if you would send me a date and time when
you can .
Oscar Frederik . ]
She was a little disappointed because the length of the

letter was shorter than she had expected . Just like Aria’s
letter, it was not too long, but it was filled with important
points . The letter seemed to give her no space for a close
relationship, and it left her with no room to carry on the
exchange .
But, it was enough to get his reply letter . It was a little early
to be disappointed because her plan was to start building
that relationship from scratch anyway . With the mysterious
hourglass, she could turn time back at any moment and
somehow manage to steal his heart .

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part IV
Chapter 43 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
He also mentioned that he had received the gift, so that

meant that he would not return it .
‘What does he want to talk about in person?’
Again, Aria hurriedly and excitedly called for Jessie .
“Jessie!”
“Yes! Miss!”
“Get the letter paper and a pen! I need to write my reply

letter!”
Facing her visible urgency, Jessie hurried to bring the paper

and pen . As soon as she put them down, Jessie felt
complicated feelings as she looked at Aria, who wrote the
letter in a careful manner .
It was a great pleasure for her to regain her beautiful, bright

demeanor, since she had been a little nervous lately, but
the problem was that it was Oscar who had given her joy .
Of all people…
Before she announced the sender to the public, she came to

Aria, so only Jessie knew the secret that it was Oscar’s letter
. However, it was only a matter of time before that
information would catch Mielle’s ears through their constant
exchange . She didn’t think there would be any big trouble
because Mielle was friendly and benevolent . On the other
hand, she was somewhat anxious . Jessie hoped nothing
would happen .
Aria, who wrote an answer in a clumsy but neat style,

ordered Jessie to seal it .
“So, send it back to Oscar . ”
Jessie was so flushed that she sealed the letter tightly with
wax as red as her cheeks, which resembled fresh peaches .
Although she could not see what was written inside, with
Aria’s urging words, Jessie sensed intuitively that the
contents would have a bad effect on the mansion .
***
Aria either played with the hourglass or immersed herself in

reading, unmoved as her birthday neared .
The most enjoyable of all the things she did was to order a
good selection of tarts and macarons and then devour them
in five minutes . She smiled at Jessie, who was speechless
and astonished, then turned the hourglass over and brought
time back to before she had eaten everything and repeated
the process .
‘What could make me happier than eating a lot of delicious
food than turning back time to when I hadn’t yet eaten?’
In addition, she would sometimes fill up a bottle of water

and go into Mielle’s room and pour the contents on her head
.
Mielle’s face, wide-eyed with embarrassment, was

extremely eye-catching . It was somehow pleasant to have
Emma’s fierce hostility behind her .
‘You treat me like a wicked woman, so I’ll do something

really bad and show you just how bad I am . ’
At first, Aria grabbed her by the head, asking her to confess

the truth, but she was almost taken into custody as Mielle
shouted, “You are insane!” It was not easy to get a full
confession out of someone when there was no confession to
make yet .
Wouldn’t it matter if she poured water on Mielle since she

had encouraged her maid to do so in the past? No, it would
be OK if she turned the hourglass over .
Of course, if anyone found out about it, they would probably

say it was a worthless action, but it was a small pleasure for
Aria’s dull daily life . She wanted to resolve the sorrows of
the past .
So, as usual, she played a small mischief on Mielle with the

hourglass and tried to savor the tea afterward . At that
moment, Jessie, who had gone to the bookstore to check if
the book Aria had ordered had come in, returned with a
bright face .
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“Miss! I’ve got the new book!”
“Really? It came in sooner than I thought . ”
Aria’s face brightened as she accepted the new economics

book . There were numerous books on economics in the
mansion, but they didn’t match Aria’s standards .
She had tried to understand them somehow in the

meantime, but it was impossible for her to comprehend
even one page . So, through Jessie, she ordered the
bookstore to find a new, easier book, and fortunately, she
was able to order a basic economics book that was ready by
very young noblemen .
“Miss, would you like some tea?”
“Please . ”
Since it had been a while since a new book had arrived for
her, Aria soon became absorbed in her reading . The reason
why she had gotten hold of the economics book was very
simple . She needed background knowledge to talk to the
count about his business in the future .
There would be a limit to her simply releasing information

without any knowledge . He might doubt the source of the
information, and her credibility would also drop .
Knowledge of economics and politics was essential because

she intended to build her own business in addition to
releasing information . That was because there was a limit
to sticking to someone’s sweet honey . If she were to be
discarded, she would lose her head again .
‘If they compare a woman to a flower, they treat her like an
ornament, but if she has the power to impose herself like
any other male aristocrat, she will be treated differently . ’
She had heard of such a female aristocrat in the past . She

remembered sneering at one, saying, “She doesn’t know
herself,” but it was Aria who hadn’t known herself .
‘So, now, I have to figure out who I am and build up

knowledge . ’
Aria was preoccupied herself with reading the new book for
a while . No matter how basic the book was, it took her tens
of minutes or even hours to turn a page in the absence of a
teacher .
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Aria, however, did not give up, reading the same page for
several days as she tried to understand the contents .
‘I wish I had changed my gender when I returned to the past

.’
If that had happened, she would have gone to the academy

like her half-brother and received education on various
topics because it was essential for a male aristocrat to
complete his studies there .
Having been born as a pretty woman, she thought there

would be nothing to be envious of, but now, she thought
that having a pretty face was poison . She hadn’t gotten a
proper grasp of reality thanks to those who had praised her
beauty . She hadn’t known that the praise was fleeting, like
petals falling off a flower .
She had been looking at what she didn’t know for a long
time, so Aria, who had started getting a headache, touched
her head . Jessie, who brought her a new cup of tea and
some dried fruit, waited in the corner and glanced at her .
When Aria noticed that she had something to say and

looked at her, Jessie asked what she had been thinking
lately .
“Well… miss . I’m sorry to bother your reading, but can I ask
you a question?”
“Tell me . ”
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a quick chat to cool off her

head . Aria lifted her cup and answered after taking a sip of
the warm green tea .
“Do we really need to simplify your birthday party? I think

we can make it a little bigger…”
On her first birthday after her entry into Count Roscent’s

family, they had invited musicians and entertainers from
various fields and had a splendid day .
In particular, when Jessie recalled the screaming and

cheering from her master during the magic show when the
magician took pigeons out of a hat, she asked again, “Why
don’t you invite a magician?”
She seemed worried that she might be scolded after making

that simple suggestion .
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“No . Just invite a few acquaintances as scheduled, and I’ll

have a quiet lunch . ”
Birthday parties were also a showcase of wealth, power and

personal connections, so most aristocrats prepared colorful
and splendid parties, but the present Aria did not feel the
need for that .
It was clear that she, who was a Roscent only in name,

would be a laughing stock if she held a big party that was
not within her means . Even if it was a place to show off
wealth, an excessive display that did not match her level
would be laughed at .
“Just be careful about the food . Prepare sweets that would

be loved by young ladies of my age . ”
“Yes…”
She remembered having parties that were grander and

more colorful than Mielle’s in the past . Even though she
had known that she had been criticized from behind for
being the blood-sucking parasite on the Roscents, she had
had no choice but to do so because she had had nothing .
In those days, she couldn’t have borne her jealousy if she

hadn’t dressed herself up and shown herself that everything
was all right . Unlike Mielle, who had grouped herself with
great people, there had been nothing for Aria to put forth .
possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part V
Chapter 44 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
But not now . She was different from the past, when she had
lived in a constant struggle . She couldn’t do the same now
that she was aware of her position and of herself and had
realized what the consequences of her every move would be
. No, she wouldn’t do the same . Besides, she couldn’t afford
to devote her time to such a small birthday party .
‘If I use what I know to build wealth and power, I’ll have to
have a big party someday, even if I don’t want to . ’
It was a future that would be achieved if she went forward

like this .
Jessie’s expression darkened at Aria’s determined answer .

She seemed to think that she should keep up her master’s
public appearance because Aria was her master . The acts
were not far away because she had already contacted the
band and entertainers, so if she just called them on the day,
they would come right away .
Jessie added at last, “If you change your mind, please let me
know . We’ll get ready quickly . ”
It was just in case . Recently, Aria had been quiet and
changed, but more than anything, she had always been
fickle . It wouldn’t be strange if she were to shout out that
she wanted Jessie to call the magician and the entertainers
on her birthday .
Soon after Aria’s birthday, Mielle’s birthday would come . As

always, Mielle had invited a number of reputable
acquaintances and would have a decent and grand party, so
if she prepared a simple party for Aria, a thunderbolt would
fall on her later .
“It won’t happen, but well, thank you . You sent them the
invitations, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I sent them to all of the people you mentioned and I

received answers right away . ”
They were just the few young ladies who she had met
through Sarah, but she invited them because she had to do
something .
Fortunately, after receiving the birthday invitation from their

new friend, they all happily sent a positive reply .
“Is this the end of what you wanted to say?”
“Yes, miss . ”
“OK, then leave . ”
The vanity and pretense that Aria had devoted herself to

had been pushed out of her life because it hadn’t helped at
all in saving her life .
Jessie left, and Aria focused on reading again .

***
A gift arrived for Aria when her birthday was just around the
corner . Aria was puzzled by it and asked the sender about it
because she was still young, so she hadn’t met anyone who
could’ve sent her a gift .
The butler answered, maintaining his soft demeanor toward

her, “The count sent it . ”
“My father sent it to me?!”
“Yes . Shall I get it?”
“Please!”
The count had to be busy preparing for his business in the

North, so why would he send a gift?
Some time later, after the sound of a knock on the door,

Aria gave them permission to enter, and a servant with a
huge body came into her room with the butler . The servant
was carrying the count’s gift, which the butler had referred
to . It was a box large enough to reach her waist . Aria was
surprised to see the box placed down in the middle of the
room .
“… My father sent this?”
“Yes, that’s right . ”
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Inside, there were some fur-lined coats, a few luxurious
dresses, cute ornaments that girls of her age could use, and
a plushy decorated with jewelry .
The teddy bear with a large jewel in its eyes, nose and ears
was not a regular item even at a glance . The handwritten
letter contained a message saying that he was sorry since
he could not be with her, that he congratulated her for her
birthday, and that he would be back soon .
‘I guess things have worked out a lot better than I thought .

I can’t believe that he even wrote a letter himself and sent
me a gift . ’
In the past, that had never been the case . He had just
given her money for a birthday party . Therefore, she wasn’t
expecting much, but his business seemed to be going well
now .
Not many places produced fur . It was produced only in the

North . It would be easy to monopolize once he got the right
accounts through . It would be difficult to break a deal
halfway against a noble, so now, the count would
accumulate massive wealth from the monopolized fur .
‘You changed your mind this much with just one piece of
information . Isn’t that too easy, Father?’
Well, that was why he had fallen for her beautiful mother .
She wished she could take away Mielle’s seat as easily .
Aria, smiling from the tens of thousands of thoughts of

harming Mielle, appeared to others to be just a little girl who
was delighted to receive her father’s gift .
***
She had a class with Sarah in the afternoon . It was the last
class before her birthday, which would be soon .
Aria was going to ask Sarah for a favor in that day’s class,
which would bond the close connection between them .
While waiting for her, she absorbed herself in reading . Time

passed, and she heard the sound of the carriage outside the
window . It might be someone visiting, so when she looked
out, she saw that the carriage had come to a stop near the
mansion .
When Aria opened the window and stuck her head out, she
could see Sarah was in a benevolent mood that day . Aria
waved her hand and welcomed her loudly and
enthusiastically . As it had always been, Sarah raised her
head and turned to Aria’s room, and the two shared the joy
of their reunion with smiles .
“Sarah!”
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“Lady Aria . ”
At first, she had pretended to be an innocent girl with the

idea of showing herself that way, but recently, she was
attending class showing half of her true self .
Sarah was the only one who could certainly help her at this
time, and she was somehow at ease with her .
In the past, she had been scolded thousands of times not to
run in the mansion, but not after her return to the past . The
only response she got now was, “How happy you are to act
like that!”
That was because everyone knew she had changed . It was

because they knew she acted gracefully like a butterfly
every day . Although she was acting the same way as in the
past, their reactions varied widely depending on her regular
behavior . Furthermore, it was already clear that Aria was
particularly fond of Sarah .
There was no one to help her, and Sarah was just a humble,
etiquette teacher, but Aria followed her meticulously . That
made her look like an innocent girl, one who did not ask
anything, looking simply at people for who they were .
However, none of them knew how calculating she was .
“Teacher!”
When she reached the first floor, Aria ran to her and hugged
her waist .
“You should have stayed in your room since I’m going up

anyway . ”
Though she answered coldly, her arms gently hugged Aria .

Aria felt affection from the hands that swept across her back
.
“I saw you, and without even realizing…”
“Well, what did I say about the greeting? I’ll have to train
you from the start again . ”
As Sarah warned her with a face that did not look harsh at
all, Aria released her hands from her waist, grabbed her own
skirt and curtsied to greet her gracefully . Sarah also
greeted Aria politely .
“You’re cold, aren’t you? Let’s not dally here and go up

instead . ”
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“Let’s do that . ”
The two went up to the third floor, hand in hand . They had
a friendly chat with each other before they started the class,
drinking warm rosemary tea to warm their chilled bodies .
Aria’s upcoming birthday was the main topic of the
conversation, and that was the topic Aria had hoped for .
“So, it’s Aria’s birthday soon . ”
“That’s right . ”
“Do you have anything special you want?”
Sarah would have already prepared a gift because the party

was in a few days, but she looked ready to offer Aria
anything she wanted .
‘How can I not respond to her when she came into the snare
with her own feet?’
Contrary to what she had in mind, Aria mumbled and did not
answer easily . When her reply was delayed, Sarah said
either some jewelry or a dress would be good .
“No, I’ve already got dresses and ornaments . Those are
enough . I’m more of a…”
Aria blushed and twisted her body . She looked ashamed to

continue .
‘What the hell does she want?’

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part VI
Chapter 45 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria, who had been taking a short pause, replied with a shy
smile, “… I want to get a handkerchief embroidered by my
teacher . ”
“Oh, my God…”
‘How could she be so pure?’
It was just a handkerchief, and she could always give it as a

gift . If she said, “Let’s stop today’s class and embroider,”
she would’ve been able to make some .
Aria’s eyes glistened as if she were being sincere . Sarah

was moved and unknowingly stroked Aria’s head .
“Do you really think that’s enough? It’s just a handkerchief .

I can make ten or a hundred and give them to you at
anytime . ”
“Yes! I don’t know if it’s a little too much to ask, but… I hope
you’ll do a lot of embroideries that are a little different from
what we’ve been doing . There should be many different
patterns . ”
“It’s not too much . I’ll give you a handkerchief full of

embroideries that you can be sure will have all my
enthusiasm and passion, so look forward to it . ”
Much like Aria’s, Sarah’s eyes also sparkled . Seeing her

pumping her fist was a very reliable sight .
Sarah would be busy later because she would make her

debut in society with the changing of the year . She would
meet Marquis Vincent soon . Now was the right time to
receive a sincere gift from her . It was going to happen
anyway, but Aria added a small piece of advice to make her
look better later .
“And why don’t you make another for yourself just like the
one for me? It will look like we have a deep bond, and like
we are close… Oh! I’m sorry if I thought so on my own . I
just love you so much . I just hope you think so too . ”
Because of the beautiful embroidery in the handkerchief,

Marquis Vincent would take an interest in Sarah, so it would
be perfect if she caught the eye of the marquis with the
handkerchief that matched Aria’s .
Maybe Sarah would think that it was thanks to Aria that the
marquis would fall in love with her, and she might express
her gratitude to her in some way . Sarah might consider her
a lifelong benefactor, saying, “Thanks to your request for
the handkerchief, the marquis showed interest in me . ”
It was predestined, but it was not bad to add a little flavor .

“… I also love Aria very much . I want us to be lifelong
friends . ”
Sarah’s voice was filled with her feelings . She appeared as

if she’d cry if Aria threw in a few more words . She also had
an expression on her face that told Aria that she would
make a great handkerchief in a few days and nights .
Sure enough, Sarah’s eyes were filled with tears . She was
still young and seemed to be sensitive .
Ah, Sarah had liked kids in the past .
Aria’s age was not very different from hers, but she looked
like a child because she was smaller than those her age,
even though a huge viper coiled inside her body .
“I’m looking forward to your social debut more than to my

birthday . It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event!”
‘A once-in-a-lifetime social debut! There, women prove their

worth and show off to gain a foothold . The social world is
the place where rumors circulate most quickly, so influential
women naturally hold power there . Of course, the center of
that power is wealth . ’
Therefore, no matter how important a social debut might be,

it was not something that had much to do with Sarah
currently . It was no use trying drawing attention to herself,
who was a lady of an average viscount family .
Sarah was far from important, although she might draw

attention for a moment if she looked gorgeous . Maybe that
was why she had a bit of a bitter smile on her face at the
mention of it .
“Well, I don’t really expect much . ”

“Why?”
“I don’t think anything special is going to happen . ”
From her inflection, she seemed to have given up . Perhaps,

that wasn’t the case only for her, but her acquaintances and
family members might not be expecting much either, except
Aria, who knew the events of the future .
So, Aria took Sarah’s hands and said, “Don’t say that . It
can’t be! I’m sure I feel like something good is waiting for
you . ”
I would all come down to meeting a man, like with her

mother, the countess . Sarah had a good life, but it was
certainly a good thing that her life would get a little better .
“I’m glad you said that . Thank you . ”
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Sarah might think it was a childish talk from someone who

didn’t know the world yet, so Aria thought it would be better
to stop at this point . It wouldn’t work even if she
exaggerated her statements anyway .
Aria turned the subject around then .
“So, what do you want to do first when you grow up?”
At Aria’s question, Sarah stared at her and smiled softly,

saying, “Teach children . ”
“Sara wants to be a teacher? Like now?”

“Yes, that’s right . Thanks to Aria . ”
“Thanks to me?”
Aria cocked her head at the mysterious answer .
“Yes, these classes with Aria have been a dream . When I

become an adult, I want to be a teacher who teaches cute
and lovely children like Aria . ”
Sarah blushed as she answered, and Aria was so surprised

that she couldn’t keep her mouth shut . She hadn’t
expected that to happen . Sarah seemed to like her more
than she had thought . It was all Aria could think of when
she heard Sarah’s plans for the future
‘How can I not use Sarah like this? Isn’t that an insult to
God?’
Without a way to avoid it, Sarah pleaded for the serpent to

open its mouth and bite into her .
“Then, I want to help you! Let’s teach kids together later .

I’ll study hard and become the best teacher!”
“That’s good . ”
Despite the cold weather, the two, who had stuck to the
warm atmosphere, began the class after several more
inconsequential conversations . As always, she reviewed
what she had already learned and was showered with
praises from Sarah, but the class was much more
informative and enjoyable than learning new things .
“In fact, it’s a secret, but… I’m looking forward to Lady

Aria’s debut, not my own . ”
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“Why?”
“You are so lovely and beautiful that when you make your
debut in society, you’ll soon mesmerize everyone . ”
At Sarah’s sincere words, Aria smiled innocently and held

her hand .
“Would I really?”
“Of course, I am sure that . ”
“I’m so excited just thinking about it . Are you going to stay

with me?”
“Of course . ”
Aside for the duke’s family, who had inherited the blood of
the royal family, if the marquise, who was the pinnacle of
power, would help her debut in society, no one would be
able to ignore her as before .
Aria, who hid her insidious, innermost thoughts, remained a

lovely girl to Sarah .
***
‘Why doesn’t Oscar come? I had told him to visit me today

in the letter . Is it possible that I wrote the date incorrectly?’
Aria was worried that he wouldn’t come even though a lot of

the day was still left . There was the possibility that he
couldn’t come because he was busy during the semester .
No, if so, she would’ve likely received a reply, but seeing

that there was no news, that meant that he was coming .
‘When is he coming?’
A lady, who was visiting to celebrate Aria’s birthday, said

hello carefully, as it seemed her anxiety was starting to
show on her face .
“Are you sick, Lady Aria?”
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“No . ”
When the young lady said that, the eyes of other young
ladies sitting around the table, which wasn’t very big, were
drawn to Aria . Now, the worries were coming from Aria, but
from the other ladies who had come to congratulate her .
Aria pretended not to be unwell and smiled brightly, denying
it again .
“I’m really OK . I just couldn’t sleep because I was so excited

about today . It was my first time inviting people over . ”
“Oh, I see . ”
“I understand that . ”
Only then, did the mood return . The young ladies in the
indoor garden smiled softly to the quiet tune . Everyone
celebrated Aria’s birthday with a glass of non-alcoholic
champagne .
‘I’m glad there’s a band . ’
Aria had been reluctant to accept Jessie’s request for a band

just before her birthday . Without it, however, it would have
been a small, miserable birthday party . So, Aria decided to
give Jessie something as a gift .
“Let’s open the presents first . ”
Aria unwrapped the packages with an excited expression

even though she was not expecting much of the gifts that
came in small sizes .
“Wow! That’s a cute hairpin!”

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part VII
Chapter 46 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Not surprisingly, all of their gifts were small jewelry or a

music box . Aria smiled brightly, putting the hairpin on her
head .
“Thank you all so much . I need to find a place for the music
box in my room right away . ”
Actually, it was too simple and tacky, so Aria thought she

should give it to Jessie .
The last one she opened was Sarah’s gift . The surface of
the box was sprinkled with fine gold powder, so she was a
little excited . Perhaps, it might be the best of them all .
“It’s…”
“Do you like it?”
There were a handkerchief and gloves in the box, all

beautifully embroidered . Needless to say, the combination
of beautiful flowers and fine embroidery surrounding the
trim was fantastic .
‘Was this really made by a human?’
She was speechless for a moment and couldn’t react .
“I had a hard time adjusting the patterns . ”
Sarah took a handkerchief of the same pattern from her

sleeve and smiled . Not one, but two . Indeed, it deserved to
catch the eyes of the blunt, serious marquis .
“… It’s more beautiful than I thought it would be . I don’t

know how to thank you . ”
“No, I’m sorry I couldn’t prepare something better . ”
Aria responded with a distinctly different response, and the

ladies became curious to see the handkerchief . Sarah
showed them the handkerchief on behalf of Aria, who was
still stunned .
The young ladies who saw the beautifully embroidered

handkerchief reacted similarly to Aria . They didn’t seem to
know that Sarah could make such great embroidery .
“Isn’t it God’s work?”
“That’s all I can think about . ”
“That’s amazing . ”
Sarah replied shyly to their praise, “That’s too much . ”
“That’s not too much! This is such a treasure that you have
to hand down from generation to generation!”
“Sure!”
“I hope many people will see it somewhere with an
exhibition on embroidery . ”
“That makes sense! It’s a work of art!”
Aria was a little offended when they said they would have
an exhibition later on . If so, Sarah’s skill, which only she
had known of, would be shared with others .
Although she did not express her feelings, the number

replies she gave diminished . After extensive praise for
Sarah’s embroidery, they soon changed subjects . Quite
rightly, the dress Aria was wearing was the next target .
“By the way, Lady Aria’s dress is very beautiful . ”
“That’s right . It’s a very nice color, and it’s very stylish . ”
“Yes, the fur coat you were wearing was also luxurious and
even looked soft . Where did you get it?”
Aria looked shy at their questions . That way, she would

seem humble .
“I didn’t buy it . I don’t have that type of sense . ”
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“Then, did you get it as a gift?”
“Yes . It was sent by my father, who went up to the North . ”
The young ladies nodded in agreement because there were

not many fathers who sent gifts like those to their daughters
. They also praised her for being pretty and looking good in
them .
Having met a few times, the girls now considered Aria as

perfectly saintly . She was not a wicked woman to them, as
she had been called before, and she was able to show them
how well she was doing with the count .
Aria hit the last wedge .
“In fact, I liked the other gift better than this dress and fur .
Unlike clothes, which I can’t wear every day, I can hug it and
sleep with it . ”
‘What was the gift that is better than this beautiful dress?’
The young ladies’ curiosity grew . “What is it?”
Aria answered, her cheeks blushing shyly, “… A bear doll . ”
Since she was not a little girl, Aria was old enough to have
relinquished her toys . However, because Aria was the
youngest among them and she was rather small in size, her
answer of the doll was very naturally accepted by everyone
. In addition, she would validate her cute and innocent
image .
“Oh, my! A Teddy bear doll!”
“I remember once sleeping with a very cute doll in my arms

.”
At least two or three years before her age, but they smiled
and talked to Aria as if she were a very young sister .
Perhaps because of her image in that moment, Sarah also

couldn’t hide her expression of adoration and had an
appropriate response to Aria’s fancy doll, “Can I see the
cute doll if it doesn’t bother you? I wonder what cute doll
stole Lady Aria’s heart . ”
Though she was going to relinquish her hobby of showing of

her things, she couldn’t help bragging when they kept
asking her questions . So, Aria ordered Jessie to bring the
doll .
“I wonder how cute it is to hug and sleep with . ”
“I also wonder . ”
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A clear laugh sounded in the garden, like small birds

announcing the morning . Apparently, the cute teddy bear
had too much jewelry to be described as cute, but they
didn’t seem to have any idea .
‘Can they really keep those soft face even after the doll they
want appears?’
It was not long before she could see how they would look .
Aria hugged the doll with the large jeweled eyes, nose and
ears, and rubbed her face against it innocently .
“It’s cute, isn’t it? I have a more special feeling toward it

because it’s a gift from my father . ”
All of them had stunned postures . That was because the

families of the young ladies who had gathered there had no
power and were poor by comparison . It seemed that they
had not expected that a teddy bear with such expensive
gems would appear because they had treated Aria, who
hang out with them, as someone from their same station .
They might have seen a toy with small jewels on its eyes or
nose, or even ears, but even that was rare . The young
ladies realized then that Aria was a daughter of the family of
Count Roscent, who had a great fortune in business, and
that she was loved by the count much more than they had
thought .
The indoor garden was enveloped in silence . That was

because they suddenly realized the difference between Aria
and themselves . They had thought Aria to be like a
younger, cute sister, but the mood turned strangely just by
the presence of that small doll .
Aria cocked her head as if she could not understand why .
Still, Sarah, who was changing her estimation of Aria, spoke

up because Aria became sullen, as if she had done
something wrong because no one had said anything, “What
a cute doll! It’s rare to see a doll with jewels even in its ears,
but the count wanted to present a good doll to Lady Aria,
right?”
“… Well, I think so too . ”
“It is a much cuter doll than I thought it would be, so I was

speechless for a moment . ”
Only then, did Aria regain her innocent smile . The

atmosphere did not go back completely to how it was, but at
any rate, on the surface, it did become cheerful and giggly .
From the main dish to the sweet, three-tiered cake, the

dishes made by the cooks Jessie had invited from outside
boosted the party’s excitement .
Although there were few invited people, and no eye-
catching event, the party was also an opportunity for Aria to
show how much she was loved and pure .
Of course, it was a very simple but satisfying party for Aria,

except for the fact that the invited young ladies were very
insignificant . It was also satisfying because she never
thought of getting anything in the first place .
‘Should I just finish this here?’
Sponsored Content
She was nervous that Oscar hadn’t come, but her goal had
already been achieved . She had gotten Sarah’s
handkerchief . To begin with, it was usual to end a minor’s
birthday party in a short and concise manner . They couldn’t
stay up all night drinking like adults .
Moreover, they were not young men, but young ladies, so

they didn’t know what kind of danger might befall them at
night . They had to go back before sunset, so Aria
announced the end of the party .
“Well, thank you all for coming today . ”
The time wasted seemed to have been enough . She didn’t

want to exchange any more pretentious laughter with the
humble young ladies . It was more beneficial for her to go
back and read a book and wait for Oscar .
“Time has already passed, just like that . ”

“That’s right . I had so much fun that I didn’t know the time
was passing so fast . ”
Satisfied with the simple but hearty party, the ladies also
accepted Aria’s wishes . That was how Aria’s birthday party
was supposed to end, if an unexpected guest hadn’t come
by .
“Sister, I’ve been looking for you for a long time . ”
“… Mielle?”
‘How come Mielle is at my birthday party?’

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part VIII
Chapter 47 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Without giving Aria any time to doubt her intentions, Mielle

entered the indoor garden . A large bouquet of flowers was
being held by Emma, who followed her, as if to celebrate
Aria’s birthday .
“Why didn’t you invite me? It was a little sad . ”
“…”
“I came here because I thought you’d forgotten . Happy

birthday, sister . ”
‘Are you here to humiliate me?’
Otherwise, she would not have gone there on purpose . She

had never visited Aria before . Mielle could not give up her
wicked nature, so she attacked Aria at just the right time,
and Aria couldn’t laugh at all .
Aria had shown a lukewarm response to Mielle’s story, so

the ladies naturally thought that Mielle didn’t attend her
birthday party because Mielle and Aria didn’t have a good
relationship .
At that moment, Aria responded with an exaggerated look of

surprise, “That can’t be? I’ve tried to invite you several
times, but I just couldn’t tell you about the party because
you were sick . You’ve been eating in your room for months .
”
“Oh, you did . But, when I was feeling better, I went down a
few times and had a meal… I thought you’d left me out on
purpose again . I guess I must have been mistaken . ”
Without giving Aria a moment to answer, Emma presented

the bouquet to her in response to Mielle’s regretful reply .
“I thought you liked flowers, so I prepared these . Don’t you

like them?”
“… No, they’re pretty . ”
“I’m just here to make an appearance, so I’ll go now . Don’t

forget to invite me on your next birthday . Have a nice
party, then . ”
It was the same when Mielle handed her the flowers, of

course . Mielle seemed to think Aria would retort, so she
turned around right away without giving Aria time to do so .
Aria, embarrassed by Mielle, who was turning around with

her perfectly happy face, looked around frantically for the
hourglass . That’s when she realized that the hourglass was
not there . She hadn’t brought it because she hadn’t
thought she’d need the hourglass for that little party of all
occasions!
‘What shall I do? If I go to my room right now and get it, will
I get back within five minutes?’
Aria was left there looking anxious, measuring the time that
had passed while Mielle had already left . To change the
strange atmosphere, the young ladies awkwardly praised
Mielle’s bouquet of flowers .
“… Those are pretty flowers . ”
“… That’s right . ”
Realizing that it was too late to get the hourglass, Aria

sighed inaudibly and changed her expression into a good
one . There was no point in regretting what had already
been done .
Moreover, she couldn’t hastily use the hourglass for such a

trifle when Oscar might show up . She gave the bouquet of
flowers to Jessie and returned to her place with a very bright
and pleasant expression on her face . Aria couldn’t let the
awkward atmosphere that Mielle had created continue .
“She couldn’t come down to the dining hall because she was
sick for some time . I think she’s feeling better! I was
worried about her, but I’m really glad . ”
At Aria’s expression of genuine joy, the awkwardness of her

demeanor to the slightest provocation disappeared at once .
It seemed that they had really accepted what she had said,
that she hadn’t been able to invite Mielle because she had
been sick . It was true that she had pretended to be sick, so
Aria was able to carry on the conversation without difficulty
.
“I see . I hadn’t heard anything about Lady Mielle lately . ”

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“I think she’s been sick since my father went to the northern

province . ”
“That’s a pity . It’s a disease instigated for her longing for

her father . ”
The young ladies quickly understood the situation because

it could happen at Mielle’s age, even though her illness
spawned more from her anger against Aria, who didn’t act
as she had expected . Aria was able to regain the initiative .
“It could be . Her brother, Cain, isn’t here since he went to

the academy, and somehow…”
Aria took a sip of tea and paused for a moment before she
continued to speak . It was a sign that the words were
difficult to say . She opened her mouth again, with a pitiful
look, pulling down her eyebrows .
“It’s been a while since her father remarried my mother,

and she is not happy with us . She feels like she was left
alone . ”
Of course, it was Aria who had been left alone, but she had
a lonely expression as she said that . Sarah, who noticed
this, consoled her .
“Don’t look like that, Aria . You can’t help it because Lady
Mielle is still young . Family isn’t so easily formed . It’ll be all
right in a little while . ”
“Thank you, Sarah . ”
With that, Mielle’s attack passed as happenstance, like a

failed bullet .
Mielle’s plan to make her only sister into a bad sister who
hadn’t invited her to her birthday party had gone wrong,
and that was all because of Mielle herself, who was
displeased with meeting strangers . Fortunately, the image
Aria had built over several meetings was not destroyed by
Mielle’s one-time mischief . On the contrary, Mielle had
given her an excuse that had solidified Aria’s image .
Aria said good-bye to the young ladies again as they were

putting on their coats and gloves .
“It’s time to say goodbye . I look forward to seeing you next

time . ”
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“It was fun . See you again soon at the meeting . ”
“I hope the blessings will always be upon Lady Aria, who has
come closer to adulthood . ”
The young ladies, who had appeared like the wind,

disappeared in the same manner . Only Sarah, who had
been the last to leave the mansion, had left a light kiss on
Aria’s lovely cheek .
Aria, who returned to her room, opened and closed the

music box she had received as a gift and fell into deep
thought . She thought of herself, who had been
embarrassed just because the hourglass hadn’t been there .
She was able to cope with the situation with flexibility and
without having to turn time five minutes back, but when she
had the hourglass with her, she was ruled by it, even to the
point of letting herself be embarrassed for a moment . Even
though she hadn’t used it many times, she felt like she was
already being swayed by the power of the hourglass .
‘But, I can’t help but use the hourglass . ’
The hourglass next to the music box shone with the

reflection of the light . It seemed as if it were doing so to
express with its whole make that it was not guilty of
anything, and that confused Aria .
‘Cause there’s nothing as stupid as not using what I have

available . ’
So, she thought that if she didn’t want to panic like earlier,
she should carry it around all the time, instead of trying not
to rely on the hourglass . If it was used at the right moment,
she wouldn’t be dragged around . And it was better to take
it with her than to be uncomfortable without it .
‘Yes, it’s important to get rid of anxiety . ’
So, Aria crushed a bouquet of flowers that Mielle had given

her and put it in the brazier . The bouquet had been the
source of her bad mood which had accompanied her anxiety
.
It was quite worth seeing it lose its shape and contort in the
brazier . She stared at it as it lost its shape and turned into a
handful of ashes . Behind her, she could hear someone call
for her .
“Miss, you have a visitor . ”
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Thud! Her heart sank . ‘Is he really here? Oscar Frederik…’
Turning back with somewhat trembling eyes, she saw Jessie,

who, like her master, recited the visitor’s name with a
quivering mouth, “… Oscar Frederik has come to visit you . ”
***
The news of Oscar’s visit went straight to Mielle’s ear . As

Aria began to change clothes again to suit his preference for
plain garments, Mielle was able to get to the lounge where
Oscar was before her .
‘Why did he come to see Aria? What’s going on with that

cheap, dirty prostitute’s daughter?’
No matter how hard she thought, she found no answer to

that question . That was because she couldn’t think of any
reason why he should meet Aria . She didn’t want to
imagine the worst possibility that he might be visiting her
because of Aria’s birthday .
While she was wondering what kind of excuse to give to

enter the room, she found two maids coming into the lounge
with trays of refreshments . So, Miele called them up with
her unique, sweet smile .

possible .
between chapters .


Of The Hourglass, Part IX
Chapter 48 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“… Yeah?”
“The cups look heavy . ”
Obviously, two sets of tea cups could not be heavy . And

even if they were heavy, how could they get help from their
master? Mielle’s maid appeared behind the two bewildered
maids .
“Give them to me . I will bring them . ”
“Eh, Mrs . Emma?”
The maids with the refreshments turned pale because she

was not the kind to do such a thing . Nevertheless, they
were unable to refuse their master’s and Emma’s
instructions, and the refreshments soon fell into their hands
.
“Miss, shall we go in?”

“… Yes . ”
Mielle, who swallowed hard, entered the lounge with her

maid . There was a man sitting there, for whom she longed
constantly .
“Mr . Oscar . ”
“… Lady Mielle?”
He looked quite surprised at Mielle, who showed up with tea

tray herself .
‘What kind of aristocratic lady does that, foregoing her

maids and servants?’
Mielle, who claimed she did chores, seemed to say that she
didn’t care about such things . In truth, she was just
wondering why he had come to see Aria .
“It’s been a long time, Mr . Oscar . How have you been?”
“How have you been?”
“I have been busy learning embroidery . ”
“I see . ”
His eyes followed Mielle’s little hands, which laid the tea
cups on the table clumsily . There was a touch of uneasiness
to her, so her maid, Emma, set the teacups right and poured
the tea .
Mielle smiled like a flower and said, “Can I talk to you until
my sister comes?”
Oscar couldn’t refuse Mielle’s presence, so he nodded
silently and said, “Sure . ”
Mielle sat elegantly opposite of him and drank the tea

Emma had prepared, even though the tea had been
prepared for Aria’s share .
“I think you’re a little thin . ”
“I was busy . ”
“Oh, you are having exams soon, aren’t you? Come to think
of it, it’s a busy time for the academy . ”
“Yes . ”
“But, I guess you’ve got some important business since you

are visiting the Roscent mansion not on a weekend, but on a
weekday . ”
“… I could say so . ”
There was a small tremor in the cup held by Mielle . After

halting her speech for a moment and drinking some tea,
Mielle noticed something in the hands of the servant waiting
behind him .
It was a bouquet of lilies . They had to be for Aria since he

had not handed them over to her .
‘Is it a birthday present? Why?’
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Pure lilies didn’t match such a dirty person . She was the
only one who could really receive lilies .
Mielle closed her eyes once and then opened them . Having
been taught to be noble since birth, she knew how to keep
her elegance under any circumstance . Even if this was a
situation where someone she loved had prepared a bouquet
for someone else .
“You’re very sweet . I guess you’re here because it’s my

sister’s birthday . Unfortunately, the party is already over . I
was not invited, so I just gave her a present . ”
So, Mielle reproached Aria with great aloofness . She didn’t

feign injury, simply emphasizing Aria’s fault .
“Of course, she didn’t invite me because she thought I

wasn’t feeling well . Actually, it wasn’t like that . It’s my fault
that I didn’t properly inform her, but I do feel sorry . ”
Oscar’s eyes were briefly shaken by Mielle’s words .
Mielle noticed Oscar take a moment to think and smiled .

Aria was already rumored to be a wicked woman, so she
seemed to think he would acknowledge that Aria had not
invited her .
Excessive criticism was venomous, so Mielle, who aptly

faked Aria’s story, changed the subject . She kept talking
like a little lark at him, who returned half-thoughtless, brief
answers to her .
“Your vacation will start soon, right? I hope Mr . Oscar will

graduate soon as well . ”
‘That way, we’ll be able to see each other often,’ Mielle

added with a deafening voice in her mind . Though
inaudible, he nodded quietly and affirmatively .
“… Yes . ”
“So, I think the academy’s vacation is always about the

same time as my birthday . My brother, Cain, always brings
me a present . ”
Mielle laughed like a fresh flower, perhaps even thinking of

his brother .
“Well, Mr . Oscar, if you have time… Would you like to come

to my birthday party?” Mielle, appearing nervous as if the
question was difficult to say, asked in a very low voice .
So far, he hadn’t attended her parties because he had been

busy, so he had simply sent a gift . Since he was visiting
Aria on her birthday, he had to visit Mielle on hers . And
secondly, though there had been no contact so far, the
engagement of the two was being discussed within their
families .
Thinking that way, Oscar nodded quietly .
“All right, let’s set a date . ”
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“Wow, I’m glad! Then, I’ll send you an invitation!”
Mielle, smiling, expressed her joy while wondering what to

do . She had come down angry at the fact that he had come
to visit Aria, but she had gained an unexpected boon .
Of course, she still didn’t know why he had come to visit
Aria, but since he said he would also attend her birthday
party, which he had not attended, she thought it was not
because he was fond of Aria that he was visiting her .
There must have been something really important to be

done . But, that was a matter to be found out later .
“It always snows on my birthday, and I hope it snows again

this time . ”
“Oh, it’s midwinter, so it’ll be very pretty . ”
Mielle, who enjoyed a bit more of the chat with Oscar before
Aria arrived, left the lounge with a soft smile as Aria entered
while looking embarrassed .
Mielle had the demeanor of a victor . Still, Aria, who could

not express her disdain, asked Oscar with an expression
that meant she didn’t know anything, “Did… did I interrupt?
Shall I come back in a little while?”
“No, please sit down . ”
Oscar beckoned her to sit on the chair opposite of him, the

spot where Mielle had been sitting until just now .
‘What did they talk about?’
Mielle must have had a very satisfying conversation since

she saw her smiling away even though Mielle knew he had
come to visit Aria .
‘Shouldn’t I have changed clothes?’ It was too late, but she

regretted it . Aria sat down, and soon, a new teacup was
placed in front of her .
When she became thirsty and took a sip of the tea, she felt
a sweet and soft taste of honey and milk tea .
He greeted Aria first in a very gentlemanly manner, “How

have you been? Since it’s getting cold, it’s probably not
easy to walk around . ”
“Yes, I’ve been well . How have you been, Mr . Oscar?”
He stopped short of holding his teacup when he saw Aria’s

smiling face . That was because she had put on her most
seductive and charming smile .
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It looked unbecoming, even though she had turned fifteen

and was closer to adulthood after her birthday .
Nevertheless, it was a very natural and fascinating smile,
one he had lost himself to in the dining hall before . The
atmosphere changed dramatically, as if it was not the same
place where he had chatted with Mielle .
Oscar, who looked at Aria for a moment, hurriedly lowered

his eyes and stared at the teacup .
His answer became short and slow, “… Yeah . ”
“I’m wearing the hairpin sent by Mr . Oscar . How about it?

Does it look good?”
He couldn’t help but look up at her question . It the exact

hairpin he had presented her, so he had to check it out and
say a word of praise .
He had no choice but to lift his eyes fixed to the teacup and
look at Aria .
“… You look very good . ”
“Thank you for giving me this precious gift . It’s so pretty

that I want to wear it every day . ”
Oscar’s heart throbbed again as she smiled sweetly with her

eyes . Her seductive smile, which was not easily found
among the nobles, and her young age played a part in that .
Even though he was not interested in beauty and

appearance, he couldn’t stand in the face of absolute,
experienced temptation and beauty stoically . He averted
his gaze again, and the initiative of the conversation fell to
Aria in a flash .
“Did you not like the brooch I sent you? I thought it would
match you well…”
“No, I loved it very much . It’s just too much, so it’s a little
burdensome . ”
“Oh, I see . You are the first person I’ve given a gift to, so
unknowingly…”
Although that was the first gift she had given to someone
not in the Roscent family since joining the Roscents, Aria did
not have to add such a useless explanation .

possible .
between chapters .

Of The Hourglass, Part X
Chapter 49 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part X
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“The first gift… Is that really what you mean?”
“Yes, I guess that’s why I prepared a gift a little too

extravagant . ”
He had come to say that they should stop exchanging gifts,

but he was speechless and unable to reply as she answered,
blushing .
“Please don’t be burdened . Think of it as a gift from the

heart and know that I prepared it because I was very happy
to receive yours . ”
“…”
In the conversation with her, which was mixed with

temptation and pity, Oscar could not say anything, nothing
but a positive answer to her simple question .
“I wanted to see Mr . Oscar wearing a brooch, but… You

didn’t bring it, did you?”
“… No, I brought it . ”
He hadn’t known she was going to tell a story like that, so

he thought he might have had a chance to give it back to
Aria . But, instead of giving it back to her and contrary to his
intentions, he ended up putting it on in front of her .
“Can I pin it to your clothes?”
“Yes, please . ”
The brooch the servant who was accompanying him was

holding fell in Aria’s hands . She slowly narrowed the
distance between them . Even though she could put it on
without getting too close, she narrowed the space so tightly
that he could smell her . As a pretext, she said, “Mr . Oscar
is tall, so I can’t help it . ”
Despite their significant difference in height, Oscar held his

breath and looked away since her scent seemed to be able
to reach him when she approached . It took her a long time
to attach the brooch to him due to her clumsiness, but
Oscar waited for her to put the brooch on him without any
complaints or exasperated sighs .
“You look great . ”
Aria, who checked on the brooch to see if it was hung right,

stepped away from him as if she were satisfied . The blue
diamond blended well with his dark suit and shone
beautifully .
He hadn’t come to the mansion for that, but because of

Aria, who smiled brightly in front of his eyes, Oscar was
unaware of her words and expressed his thanks .
“… Thank you . ”
“No, I’m glad it looks good on you . ”
The two, who sat down and faced each other again, had
nothing more to say, so they drank tea quietly . Unlike Aria,
who had a pleasant expression on her face and drank her
tea leisurely, Oscar somehow couldn’t hide his anxiety .
After agonizing for a while because he felt like he had to say

something to Aria, he recalled the conversation he had had
with Mielle a little while ago . Today was Aria’s birthday . So,
he had been contemplating the reason she had called him
that day, but as soon as he caught sight of her charming
figure, the idea vanished from his mind like the wind .
“I heard today is your birthday . ”
“Yes, it is . I had a small party with other young ladies, with

whom I made friends with for the first time . It would have
been good if Mr . Oscar had come as well . That was a
shame . ”
“Oh, I’m sorry I’m late . ”
He had not been invited to the party, but he felt like he had
to apologize when facing her honest regrets . If he had
known it was her birthday, he would have prepared a
present .
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He went there to talk about not exchanging gifts anymore,
so he had a formal bouquet of flowers prepared . It took him
a while to bring up her birthday, and he had simply handed
over a bouquet of flowers after receiving that luxurious
brooch, so the whole exchange made him feel a bit
shameless .
Nevertheless, he gave the bouquet of lilies to Aria because

he had not prepared anything else for her . Quite rightly,
Aria received it happily .
“Thank you very much! What a beautiful bouquet! It’s too

bad it’ll wither eventually . ”
“I’m sorry for preparing just a bouquet of lilies . If I’d

known…”
“Just? No, it’s a very precious bouquet for me . ”
Aria held the bouquet of flowers in her arms and took in its
scent as if it were really precious . Oscar, who still couldn’t
hide his apologetic demeanor, added he would prepare
something if there were any other gifts she wanted .
Then, Aria, who was enjoying the fragrance of the flower, an

innocent, girlish expression on her face, raised her head and
faced Oscar, who was staring at her .
“Then, I’m sorry, but can I ask you for a favor?”
“Yes, as much as you like . ”
“I don’t need a gift, so could you be my penpal?”
“Penpal… You mean?”

“Yes, I’m always alone because I don’t have any friends . I
guess it’s because I’m not originally from nobility . On top of
that, I have a lot to learn . But right now, I’m a little
lonely…”
The request was made as if it were simple . It was only an

exchange of letters . However, the words about the
engagement with her younger sister had come and gone, so
that forced him to be cautious . If he did something wrong,
he could be misunderstood . As if she sensed Oscar’s
troubles, she immediately changed her words, saying, “If
you feel pressured by that, you don’t have to do it . ”
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‘Yeah, let’s turn it down . It’s a tiny, little thing, but I don’t
know what the repercussions will be after that . ’ But as
soon as he thought about his answer and tried to say it, he
saw Aria touching her eyes from the other side of the table .
“Oh, I’m sorry to bother you . It’s just that I feel everything
has been strange and a little bit lonely since my mother
remarried . It’s been a long time since I had such a good
conversation . In fact, it hasn’t been long since I started
talking to the young ladies, so I felt a little uncomfortable at
today’s party . ”
Hearing her words, Oscar could not utter a firm refusal .

‘Who can give a cold refusal to a small, tender young lady
with teary eyes?’
“I’m sure Mielle would be upset because she has a good

relationship with you, right?”
Oscar could not answer that simple question . ‘Why? Is it
because I really get along with Mielle?’
No, Aria was not asking if “a good relationship” was a close

relationship . Oscar looked at Aria’s face in silence again this
time, having difficulty answering her, and she opened her
mouth again, a vigorless expression on her face .
“I must have brought up something I shouldn’t have…

Please, forget what I just said . ”
“No . ”
No man would be able to refuse her when she looked like

that . He was about to say no, but that answer melted away
in the spring breeze . Instead, what struck him in his mind
was that it would be OK if he occasionally sent her letters .
“It’s fine because they’ll be letters between friends . Lady

Mielle has a big heart, so I think she’ll understand . ”
If it became known, it could become an issue even between

the two families and not just for Mielle, but in this moment,
it didn’t feel like it would be that much trouble . That was
because they would be just letters between friends .
“… Thank you, Mr . Oscar . ”
Aria’s reddened eyes blinked finely, creating a smooth

silhouette that made his mind even more firm .
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***
The hourglass was not almighty .
There was a limit to its power . It was very useful when it

came to getting information or doing bad things, but it
simply didn’t do much to convince others . It was just one
more option .
Recalling that the idea of exchanging letters with Oscar had

almost gone wrong, Aria wrote her first letter to Oscar as a
“friend . ”
When he had first refused, she had turned the hourglass

over and rewound that moment, acting like a pitiful lady in
her next try . However, if she had done it wrong the second
time, it would have been all for nothing .
“Jessie, seal the letter and deliver it to Oscar . ”
Aria, who gave Jessie a trifling letter about the lilies he had
given and the weather, was again lost in thought .
There was another problem with the hourglass . It was

difficult to guess the time precisely . It certainly rewound
time by five minutes, and it was very convenient if she
measured the time correctly, but if she forgot the time when
things went awry or had to use the hourglass in the absence
of a clock, she could make a mistake because she couldn’t
measure the time exactly .

possible .
between chapters .

Of The Hourglass, Part XI
Chapter 50 . The Secret Of The Hourglass, Part XI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘I think I should order a watch that returns the hands to the

exact same place every five minutes, unlike the usual
clocks, where the hour hand and the minute hand meet at
the top after twelve hours . ’
She thought it would be good if the hands were to start

moving when she pressed a button and stopped at the top
in five minutes .
She felt a need for it when she missed the timing while
testing the hourglass on Jessie . She mistook the time,
delaying the activation, and the conversation went awry .
Even though she turned the hourglass over, Jessie asked,

“What do you mean, miss?” She remembered that her heart
sank when that happened, so it was fortunate that she
didn’t say anything important .
As a result, Jessie advised her several times to call a doctor

to see if there was something to be concerned about . There
were also the words that Aria had said, from which she
could not run away, “I feel like I’m losing my life by using it,
but I can’t help it . Let’s get started . ”
“Miss… I’m getting worried because you say you’re losing

your life . You sleep too long . It’s presumptuous, but I think
it’s better to call a doctor,” Jessie, who had already given
the letter to the servant and come back, said while pouring
the warm tea .
Aria waved dismissively again at her today .
“I’m OK . ”
“But… I think you are losing weight . ”
“What are you talking about? I’m taller and I’ve put on
weight . ”
“Not as far as I can see . ”
Jessie was stubborn even though she looked a little scared .

It was her character, so Aria couldn’t help it .
Aria was not as angry like she had been before, and Jessie’s
stubbornness, which would’ve ended almost immediately,
increased by two- or three-fold, and that annoyed Aria .
She’d rather be examined by a doctor than listen to any
more nagging .
“All right . Bring him in . ”
In order to prevent Jessie’s nagging and because Aria was a

little worried about her body, she decided it was better to
see a doctor after all .
Fortunately, her examination with the family doctor yielded
nothing wrong . She was told to be careful because she was
rather physically weak, but after the examination, Aria
rebuked Jessie in high spirits .
“Don’t tell me to call a doctor anymore . ”
“Yes, miss . ” Still, Jessie looked very happy because she

had confirmed that Aria was healthy .
Aria was also relieved of her mental burden . Even though

the doctor did not have all of the information, she was
relieved since he had said she was in good condition at the
moment .
Aria had refused to see the family doctor many times, but in
the end, it seemed right to do as Jessie said .
If Aria had listened to Jessie like this in the past, she

wouldn’t have died .
No matter how hard she protested, the Jessie in the past

had not been able to read the situation . She had been that
way . She had not been able to distinguish the time and
place to bring attention to her master, insisting only on what
she thought was right for her ghost-like master, and that
had not worked . Rather, it had only proked Aria’s anger .
But now, things were different . Jessie was just as stubborn

as in the past, but this time, Aria didn’t know why, but Jessie
had become so quick-witted that she could measure the
timing of her protests . So, Aria was satisfied with her in
many ways, and she wanted to give Jessie a reward .
‘So, I haven’t given her a brooch yet because I’ve been busy
with a lot of things pertaining to the hourglass and my
birthday . ’
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Aria was going to present one of the brooches from the

jewelry store to Jessie . She didn’t mean to overly thank her
. It was just a bait to bring in new people to her side . It was
meant to show that riches would come to those who tended
to her .
The gold brooch was worth it . Moreover, everyone wearing

ornaments of the same shape helped form a sense of unity
and belonging between the wearers . Depending on the
number of brooches, she could have them feel a difference
in bonding, and that was convenient . In society, where
infighting was prevalent, things like that were often used to
build factions . Aria had the brooches made to be used that
way .
‘I’ve figured out the power of the hourglass . Let’s move

now . ’
Aria, who took a brooch from the drawer, slowly approached

Jessie . After closing the window that had been opened for
ventilation and arranging the drapes, Jessie was suddenly
surprised by Aria’s approach and clung to the drapes .
Aria laughed out loud when she saw Jessie’s reaction .
“What are you so surprised about?”

“Oh, no . You suddenly showed up and…”
“Do you think I’m going to eat you?”
“Well, it’s not like that…”
The little bird, anxious to be eaten by its little beast, was at

a loss for where to look .
‘I wish you could stop shivering now . ’
It was clear that no matter how much she imitated Mielle,

her actions would be misunderstood as harassing her maid
behind the scenes .
‘I don’t mean to bother you, but sometimes I want to . ’
Aria felt like she was a carnivorous animal chasing her prey .
That was why she wanted to bother her .
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If Jessie kept making Aria excited, the hidden wicked woman

might be able to emerge from her . If the wicked woman
came out, everything would go wrong .
“Jessie, I like you more than you think . ”
“… Yeah?”
Jessie’s body became more and more rigid by the sudden

confession . It would’ve been better if Aria had said no .
Jessie’s eyes were as wobbly as reeds fluttering in the wind
as the words she had never thought of hearing struck her .
“Do you think I could keep you by my side for so long if I
didn’t like you?”
“…”
“And why are you so stiff? Did I bother you too much?”
Contrary to Aria’s intentions, Jessie was unfortunately able

to recall the tens of thousands of acts that Aria had inflicted
on her . Aria burst into laughter when she realized that .
“Oh, of course . I wouldn’t deny what I did in the past . I was

immature . But, I recently realized that those actions were
wrong . You know that, don’t you?”
Jessie nodded as she moved her stiff neck . It was true that
Aria’s behavior had changed drastically from the summer . It
had suddenly become too different to just be maturity, but
she was different .
“I think that everyone can change like that . We repent for

our past mistakes, and we move onto the right path,” Aria
said, recalling what had been written in the book she had
just read .
Of course, there were people like Mielle, who lived their

whole lives like garbage without repentance for their pasts
and presents . Aria also pretended to be a good girl
outwardly, but within, she still thought about ruining
someone else’s life, so she couldn’t say that she was on the
right path .
Anyway, the public would do that for her . When someone

said and did something morally wrong, eventually, they
knelt down in front of an idol of God and admitted their sins
and repented . Aria didn’t know whether they truly repented
or reflected on themselves, but on the surface anyway,
most of the people did so .
“So, there’s nothing to be afraid of . I know I was wrong in

the past . ”
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‘I was very wrong because I was stupid enough to show my

true colors and act simple . ’
“And as I said again and again… I like you,” said Aria,

pinning a brooch to Jessie’s chest . The gold, which reflected
the light and shone brilliantly, matched Jessie’s garment
very well .
“Oh, miss . This is…?”
“It’s a gift for you . It also means sorry and remorse for what
I’ve done so far . ”
As a mere gift to a maid, it was too much . Jessie’s face

contorted strangely, and there was no way to tell if she was
laughing or crying . It seemed that she didn’t know how to
deal with the situation at that moment .
“Don’t feel burdened . It’s something you can take . I really

want you to wear this brooch . ”
So that everyone can see and be envious of it…
Aria, who patted her on the shoulder a couple of times,

returned to the sofa and drank some tea gracefully .
possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 51: Chapter 51 . Poor Little
Lamb Falls Into The Hands Of A
Wicked Woman, Part I
Chapter 51 . Poor Little Lamb Falls Into The Hands Of A

Wicked Woman, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
After a while of hearing no sound, she glanced up to confirm

that Jessie was there, while Jessie was just looking down at
the beautiful, shiny brooch on her chest . As if she could not
even think about touching it, her hands were hovering
poorly above it .
Aria called out for Jessie to break her from that state .
“Jessie, please go to the jewelry store . ”
“The jewelry store?”
“Yes, I’m thinking of ordering a watch . ”
She was going to order the five-minute stopwatch that she

had thought of earlier . It was a custom watch, so even
though any engineer could make it, she decided to let them
make it as a pretty watch so that she could carry it with her
always and anywhere .
Jewelers sold all kinds of high-end items adorned in all kinds
of jewels . They also dealt with designers and other types of
engineers . So, the only place that could satisfy her wishes
was the jewelry shop .
“Tell the owner that I want a watch that runs for five
minutes when I press a button . And that I’ll carry it on me
at all times . ”
“Should I just say that?”
“Yes . Please ask him to bring the designs to the mansion

later . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
Jessie, who had something to do, hurried out to the busy

street . Sarah’s class was scheduled for later, so she had to
come back quickly .
Aria sat on the sofa again, holding a book and thinking while
seeing the wagon her attendant was using getting smaller
and smaller .
‘It was my birthday a while ago, so I could say I bought it as

a souvenir . ’
She had spent quite a bit of money in the Roscent’s name to

produce Oscar’s gift and the golden brooches . She didn’t
want to be seen as extravagant, so she decided to make an
excuse for the stopwatch .
Well, she had made a big contribution to her father’s

business in fur, which hadn’t existed in his previous life, so
he would give her such a birthday present with a smile .
‘Should I put the hourglass in a box and carry it around?’
It would be easier to put it in a box because it was a little

too bulky to carry freely . In addition, there was the risk of
breaking if she just carried it around and dropped it, so she
needed a hard case .
Anyway, the box made by the owner of the general store

was perfect . The shape was sufficient . There was no need
to make a new case because it was clear that Jessie would
carry it as she did now .
‘I can get the hourglass from Jessie within five minutes to

rewind time, which will erase her memory anyway, so I
won’t have to pay much attention to that . ’
While she was lost in thought, time went by, and suddenly,
she could hear the sound of a carriage outside the window .
Because the carriage had stopped in front of the mansion, it
seemed to be from a visitor .
When Aria opened the window and stuck her head out, she
saw Sarah in all her benevolence . Aria waved her hand
eagerly and welcomed her enthusiastically . Like always,
Sarah also raised her head and turned to Aria’s room, and
the two shared the joy of their reunion with smiles .
“Sarah!”
“Lady Aria . ”
Today, again, Aria went down to the first floor in a hurry to

greet her . While showing off her friendship in the hall for a
moment, she recalled that Jessie was out because no maid
had followed her as usual .
“Oh, what do I do? My only maid is out . ”

There was no one to serve tea for Sarah and herself .
Because of this, she had to request another maid to take
Jessie’s place . Aria looked through all the maids around the
hall . They were all bowing at her .
‘Who’s good?’
It didn’t matter much who served the tea anyway, but she
thought it would be better to take this opportunity to choose
a maid who she could bring to her side . If she kept things
like in the past, Mielle would send her maids to her .
‘What about that freckled maid?’
She was Aria’s first target . She was the maid who seemed
to have a strong appetite for things . She was envious of
even the gifts her master received, so she thought she
would be able to enslave her easily .
But Aria looked around the hall again and again, and
unfortunately, the maid was not there . It didn’t seem like
an opportunity . Aria pointed to a maid who appeared to be
one of Mielle’s after looking around for a bit .
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“My only maid is out, so can you get me tea?”
“… Yes, miss . ”
As if unwilling, the maid replied with a very stiff expression .

‘Even if you feel that way, what can you do?’ No matter how
much she hated it, the maid couldn’t refuse her master’s
order . She just had to shut up and do as she was told .
While Sarah and Aria went upstairs to talk about their lives,
the maid brought tea and snacks . She was impeccably well
educated, and it was a perfect serving .
“The tea smells good . What kind of tea is it?”
“It’s lavender tea . ”
“Really? It’s a little different from the lavender tea Jessie

made for me . If you’re not busy, would you standby and
serve me a little until my maid returns?”
It was a maid’s job to change the tea when it went cold or if

the refreshments ran out . Besides, Aria didn’t know when
and what kind of help she might need . Had she been alone,
she might not have needed the help of a maid . However, it
was a bit shameful to not call for a maid when she had a
guest .
Mielle’s maid spoke of her situation with a very sad face,

“I’m actually in the middle of what Miss Mielle asked me to
do, so may I send another maid for you?”
Aria shrugged . It didn’t matter much . She couldn’t stop the

maid from doing her job like a witch or yell at the maid to
serve her instead . So, as she was about to answer, the
hourglass popped into her mind .
Originally, she had had no plans to use it that day, but she
would use it now .
‘What time is it now?’

Aria, who measured the time roughly, drank the tea silently
until Sarah, who was on the other side of the table between
them, expressed concern . Aria, after taking that little time,
nodded .
“OK . Well, you have to do it . By the way, I have a few

questions . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
“Do you know of a maid with a lot of freckles on her face

among Mielle’s maids?”
“Oh, yes . ”
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“What’s her name?”
“Her name is Annie . ”
“How old is she?”
“She’s fifteen years old . ”
“When did she come to the mansion?”
“As far as I know it’s been five years . ”
“That’s more than I thought . She came in when she was

pretty young . ”
“…”
The maid’s face became more and more stiff as Aria
continued with her useless questions .
“Then, she is the youngest among Mielle’s maids?”
“Yes, Annie is the youngest of the maids in the mansion . ”
“Really? Is Annie free now?”
“… I don’t know about that . ”
“Hmm . OK, thanks . Can you bring me the hourglass in the

cabinet? You can go out after that . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
The maid wanted to get out of there as soon as possible, so

she brought the hourglass over very quickly . Then, she
immediately said goodbye to Aria and left her room .
Aria turned the hourglass over after she checked the clock
and thought it was about time . Then, the maid, who had
just gone out, appeared before the door of the room,
standing politely with her hands together . Aria smiled softly
.
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“Are you busy?”
“… Yes . ”
“You go, then . I’m sorry, but could you send me a maid to
replace you? There’s not much to do, so I would gladly take
the youngest maid in the mansion . ”
‘Bring the overly-freckled Annie . ’
Poor Little Lamb Falls Into The Hands Of A Wicked Woman
“It’s getting very cold, teacher . ”
“That’s right . It looks like it’s going to snow soon . ”
“If it snows, I’ll go see the lake . The lakeside where snow
piles up is quite the sight . ”
“Shall we go together?”
“It would be perfect . ”
Aria and Sarah grinned at each other as they talked about

trivial things .

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part II

Wicked Woman, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“You look pretty cold too . ”
Annie shook her head, surprised by Aria’s sudden statement

. “Oh, no . I’m fine . ”
“Really? You must be strong in the cold . ”
“Well, that’s right…”
“Regardless, I’m afraid you’ll catch a cold if you don’t put

anything on . ”
“It’s all right…”
The maid looked very uncomfortable in the position she was

in now . She had not expected to serve Aria, and Aria had
also never imagined that such an opportunity would come .
It would not have happened without the hourglass .
Sarah smiled softly while looking at Aria, who was taking
care of even her maid .
“Do you mind if I do something different today, teacher?”
“Something new?”
“Yes . I’m looking forward to your social debut at the year’s

end, so I think we should rehearse . ”
‘That way, Annie will start to envy me . Greedy… She seems

very interested in that . ’
“That’s a good idea . ”
With Sarah’s consent, Aria learned how to walk gracefully in

her pointed shoes, how to gently fan herself, and how to
respond to her escort .
Annie watched it from start to finish . Her eyes glistened

with envy . It was a world unknown to her, which she would
never experience in her life .
‘So, if you give up early, your life will be smooth, but you
can’t hide your greed, so this wicked bitch will extend her
hands to you . ’
Finally, when checking the dance steps, Sarah’s eyes

widened, and she said, “Oh, I think you’re better than me . ”
“Your compliment is too much . I guess it’s thanks to the

fact that I’ve been practicing alone . ”
The moves that Sarah and she practiced were very easy and
simple for Aria, who had used to party all the time . In those
days, she had only thought about making herself attractive
to others .
Of course, all of the moves were meant to accentuate

beauty, not to express grace, so they had to be
accompanied by the etiquette that she had learned and
practiced from Sarah . Fortunately, it wasn’t that difficult .
All she had to do was stop any indecent laughs, which
naturally came out of her .
By the time they were about to start the dancing practice,

with either one taking the role of man or woman at a time,
Jessie returned from her errand . She hurriedly replaced
Annie, her face flushed as she seemed to have run out of
breath on her way to the third floor .
Annie left Aria’s room with a look of regret because she

couldn’t watch the dance that was about to start now in
earnest . At last, Aria saw that Annie’s eyes went to the
golden brooch on Jessie’s chest .
‘I’m sure you’re wondering . Let’s give her a little time to

imagine all kinds of things . ’
Aria burst into childish laughter and gave Jessie a cup of

water .
“Mi-miss!”
“You didn’t have to be in such a hurry… I felt sorry to see

your face so flushed and poured the water without realizing
it . Take it . ”
“Th-thank you!”
“There’s nothing to do, so you can rest . Right, teacher?”

Sponsored Content
“Yes, I’m afraid she’s going to faint like that . ”
Jessie’s face was glistening so much that it would be strange

for her to collapse right there .
After taking the glass of water, Jessie watched the class

quietly drinking it in the corner . Annie’s return eliminated
the need to continue that tedious dance practice, so the
class ended quickly . Aria, who was watching Sarah’s
carriage leave for a moment, asked Jessie if she had done
well in what she had asked Jessie to do .
“Yes, miss . He decided to bring a design and samples in a

few days . ”
A few days had passed, as she had said, and a drawing and
six samples of the watch Aria had asked for from the jeweler
arrived . The owner of the jewelry brought it in person . The
watch, which was composed of colorful jewels and
craftsmanship, seemed suitable to be used as a pendant for
a long necklace . Aria was agonizing over the six samples in
front of her .
“I’m worried because everything’s beautiful . Jessie, which

one do you think is best?”
“M-me?”
Jessie, who had been called by name, hesitated to answer in
surprise .
‘Why is she not brave with that?’ Well, she had been
subservient her entire life, but Aria still didn’t like Jessie to
be surprised by everything even though Aria had already
warned her about that .
“I’ll take the first sample because it’s more refined . ”
“That’s an excellent choice . ”
It was a pocket watch with opal, rainbow lily set on it . The

diamond that decorated the inside of the watch looked
alright, but the craftwork on the rim was exquisite and much
more valuable than jewels . Of course, that was only an
unfinished sample, so the real one would be a little different,
but she had the impression that it might be a lot better than
this .
Like she had expected, the finished work she received about
a week later was much more luxurious and beautiful than
the sample . It was a beautiful pocket clock that could also
act as a pendant to hand from a necklace .
‘When would be a good time to start?’
Sponsored Content
The ability of the hourglass and the tool to make proper use
of it were ready to drive Mielle into the depths of despair .
‘Would her birthday be good, or should I steal her maid
first?’
Either way, it was certain that Mielle’s future would not be

smooth .
***
Aria did not have to agonize over the first use of her pocket
watch . Much to her regret, Mielle recommended some of
her maids to Aria .
It seemed a little early, it was still before the end of the

year, but perhaps Oscar’s visit had been the trigger . That
must’ve been why she had shown up at the dining hall when
she hadn’t even shown her face since his visit and eaten
with her ears pricked up .
‘How stupid you are!’
Mielle had probably sent her maid because she hadn’t

gotten any information . Aria did not miss this opportunity
and took in Mielle’s maid . Mielle had recommended Annie
because Aria didn’t need a lot of maids yet, but at the very
least, she needed a maid to do all the chores .
It wasn’t as if Mielle had decided on Annie at first . Only

after Aria had used the hourglass to return to the past and
posited that it would be good for the young maid to serve
her had the maid been assigned to her . So, without having
to choose, she used the pocket watch for the first time to
bring any into her service .
Unlike Jessie, who took a short break when Aria was

absorbed in a book, Annie followed Aria wherever she went,
from morning to night, in the name of “an immediate, quick
response . ”
Aria assumed that Mielle had instructed her to do that . She
was certain that Mielle couldn’t even sleep because of
wondering what Aria and Oscar had talked about . And so,
Annie’s actions were to drive Aria, the thorn in her eyes, into
an abyss .
“Annie, will you change the tea?”
“Yes, miss . ”
When she gave the order without taking her eyes off the
book, Annie brought some new tea right away . It seemed to
have been prepared in advance .
‘No matter how young you are, you’re Mielle’s maid . ’
Sponsored Content
Annie was more capable than she had thought . Even

though she was young, she had worked as a maid for a long
time . In addition, everyone in the mansion was a close
associate of the beloved Mielle . There was no way that she
would not be competent .
Aria, who observed her pouring the tea politely nearby,

spoke to her with a face that Annie found something very
strange .
“How nice your skin is!”
“… Yes?”
“You have freckles, so I didn’t notice from afar, but your skin
is very white and fine . ”
Annie’s face turned red when Aria suddenly praised her skin
.
Driven by hunger, Aria’s praise continued . “You have big

eyes, a sharp nose, and fair skin . ”
“…”
“If you dress well, you’ll be called a noblewoman . ”
Annie didn’t respond to that series of compliments . She just

blushed and looked at the floor . That was because Aria and
she did not have a good relationship yet .
In addition, Aria had been abusive to her master, Mielle .

She had been born the daughter of a prostitute, who was
worse than a commoner, and had been lucky enough to
become a noblewoman, so Annie had been busy cursing her
birth, thinking Aria was different from the real nobles .
Surprisingly, Aria began to extol her, so it was only natural
that she didn’t know what to say .

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part III

Wicked Woman, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Then, Aria rose from her seat and stroked Annie’s cheek as
she lowered her head . She wasn’t speaking lies . Rather,
Annie’s skin was well maintained for a commoner . It felt like
she might have invested all of the money she had earned
working as a maid on it . She seemed more interested in
dressing herself than Aria had thought .
And that was a great opportunity .
“I don’t have any other classes today, so why don’t we play

for a while?”
Annie opened her round eyes to see if Aria was speaking to

her . Of course, she was . Aria grabbed her hand, asking
why she was dawdling, and sat her down in front of the
dressing table .
“M-miss?”
“I feel bad because you have good skin, but it’s covered in
freckles . ”
Aria took out the cosmetics that had never been used and
had been placed deep in the drawer . She had never used
those products after she had returned to the past on
purpose . However, they had helped her dress up every day
in the past, so she knew how to use them very well .
‘There are only a few now, but for Annie, it’ll look amazing
enough to turn others’ eyes toward her, just like they turned
to me in the past . ’
Since Aria was still young, she had received only cosmetics
for formal occasions, and she did not have many types of
cosmetics, but they were enough to make Annie look good .
“Yip, it’s cold!”
Annie raised her voice when Aria meticulously applied the

sticky, plant-extract lotion to her face . Soon, however, she
was stunned into silence when she saw her face glossy
through the mirror before her eyes .
After tidying up the skin, Aria applied the ground pearl

powder to her face and trimmed her eyebrows . Finally, after
breathing life into both cheeks, Aria applied red pigment to
her lips to finish her makeup .
“How do you like it?”
“This… is it really me?”
“That’s what I thought . If you cover your freckles, your

figure will come to life . ”
Annie looked at herself in the mirror without blinking her
eyes . She seemed unable to take her eyes off of her
distinctly different appearance .
Aria whispered, gently combing Annie’s hair, “I don’t use

them, so you can use them if you want . ”
“… What?”
“These cosmetics . I’m still young and have no freckles, so I

don’t have to use them . So, you can use them . ”
The cosmetics Aria had used on Annie were things common

people would never have . The high price was one of the
reasons, but their sales were limited to the nobility from the
start .
The quality of cosmetics was different from those used by

ordinary people . Unlike the ones that contained lead, which
decayed the skin the more they were used, they did not ruin
the user’s skin since they mixed natural extracts and fine
soils into them .
Annie, who had secretly stolen Mielle’s cosmetics a few

times, had experienced that . However, Aria had said that it
was OK for her to use such high-quality products .
‘Am I dreaming?’
“It’s not very expensive for me, and I can get them again if I
ask . And if I have such a pretty maid of whom I can be
proud . ”
Sponsored Content

Annie still looked dazed . She hadn’t had a sudden rise in
status like Aria, so she hadn’t expected to ever be able to
acquire them, but the cosmetics had suddenly fallen on her
lap .
Aria, who even brushed Annie’s hair, took a little hairpin out
of the dressing room and put it on her hair . There was no
special gem on it, but the red-ribbon hairpin was cute . Only
then, did Aria, who had a satisfied expression, stroke Annie
on the cheek .
“It’s late, but this hairpin is a gift for being my maid . I

should give you a golden brooch, like Jessie’s, but…”
“…!”
Annie’s eyes widened at the words “a golden brooch . ”

Even though she had purposely avoided looking at it
recently, the image of it remained in her mind . She had
heard that Aria had given it to Jessie, but she had never
thought that Aria would give it to her, so she pricked up her
ears and waited for the words to come .
“I can’t do that because you haven’t done anything yet .

Jessie’s been waiting on me for quite some time, so she was
worth it, but you…” Aria’s eyes, as she maintained her
gentle smiled, turned sharp at once . “You haven’t done
anything yet, have you?”
“Ah…”
Somehow Annie’s eyes were shaken by the prickly speech .
“Oh, don’t misunderstand . I’m not asking you to do

anything . In other words, trust should be built up . I don’t
know you yet . Everything is the same, isn’t it?”
‘It certainly meant I’ve done nothing, but why did it sound
so different?’
Annie didn’t know why, but she couldn’t help nodding . Aria,
content with how docile Annie was, took her hand, showing
Annie the face of pure joy of an innocent girl her age .
“Well, then, since it’s been a long time since you’ve

decorated yourself like a noble lady, why don’t you practice
having a tea party? You’ll be following me to a meeting soon
.”
After spending that time on Annie’s makeup, Aria lent her

some of her own clothes . The garment was one of the ones
that had been bought from a boutique used by the common
people, but it was better than the maid’s gray uniform .
Sponsored Content
It was a modest dress Annie herself could’ve bought, but

Annie failed to erase Aria’s touch from her skin, as if she
was already plenty satisfied with what she had gotten . Both
were of humble birth, but one was a noblewoman now,
though ostensibly so . Annie couldn’t believe that she was
drinking tea with Aria like that . She felt like she had
everything she ever wanted while savoring Jessie’s tea .
“It’s a little awkward, but you’re pretty good at it!”
“Th-thank you, miss . ”
In fact, Annie performed her natural moves in such a way

that showed she might have practiced alone . Aria’s praise
brought a shy smile to Annie’s face .
“Of course, it’s a little insufficient to really attend a young

lady’s tea party, especially the use of your wrist . It’s stiff .
Now, imitate me . ”
“Ah…”
Annie bit her lip, looking down at Aria’s graceful hand

movements and then at her own stiff wrist . She couldn’t
hide her little clumsiness because she hadn’t learned it from
anyone . All she had known was what she had seen when
she had followed Mielle .
“But, if you keep practicing with me like this, it’ll be pretty

good . It’s all about experience, isn’t it?”
“… Y-yes! Miss!”
“Go and take the rest of the day off . There’s nothing else to
do, and Jessie’s enough for serving tea . Don’t forget what
you learned today and try to practice . ” Aria added in a
hushed voice, “You never know when there might be
another case like my mother’s . ”‘
“…!”
When practice ended, the table was cleaned up right away .

Annie disappeared from Aria’s room with a puffed out chest
and a dream . Aria mocked Annie as she recalled her
expression, which had been unlike usual .
‘It was a little annoying making sure she’d be the one

assigned to me, but like I imagined, she’s a very easy kid,
so I didn’t have to use my hourglass at all . Will Miele learn
of this in a dream, that the maid she sent is falling for my
shallow tricks and flashing her eyes? Foolish… Annie won’t
even be able to sleep with that bloated dream of hers that’ll
never come true . ’
Sponsored Content
Of course, according to Annie’s behavior, it wouldn’t be

difficult to introduce her to a poor noble . If making her his
wife was hard, she could always become his concubine .
‘Anyway, Annie’s a good prey to roast and swing around . ’
Aria becoming victim to the traps Mielle’s maids had created

in the past had been decisive for the events that brought
about her death . Having removed that possibility, she
foresaw that whatever she did in the future would not hurt
her at all .
***
Aria was willing to play the noblewoman game with Annie

for a few days . She helped the maid dress up, had
pretended tea parties with her in the garden, and took her
along to the classes with the noble wives . Of course, all she
had been able to do was pour tea and listen, but Annie had
listened seriously, as if her whole world had been that .
“Did you learn a lot in class today?”
“Yes! Oh, my God, I’d never known that there were so many
manners to abide by in society,” Annie answered with her
cheeks flushed .
possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part IV

Wicked Woman, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
The tea was still warm, but Annie frequently poured some
new tea without giving it a chance to cool down . She was
probably anxious to gain another favor from Aria, who
smiled a little and picked up the tart Baroness Sirby had
brought as a gift and handed it to her .
“Miss…?”
“Eat . ”
“Bu-but…!”
‘How dare I eat the precious cake brought as a gift?’
Even Aria had not yet eaten a bite of it yet . If she had been
dealing with what was left, it could’ve been done . However,
the master who she served was right in front of her, and it
was hard for her to imagine herself eating with her master .
“If you’re going to attend parties or meetings, you will have
to eat something with me . What’s your concern?”
Unlike Annie, who was stumped, Aria seemed not to care

about it at all . Annie had heard that she was going to a
party with Aria several times, but that had never crossed
her mind .
‘Isn’t that what a noble-born, playmate maid does?’
Nevertheless, Annie picked up the tart and took it into her

mouth . The sweetness that spread through her mouth
almost made her cry, but she recalled being warned by Aria
of it, so she hid her expression as much as she could and
swallowed the tart .
“You’re really good now . It’s enough to take you to a

meeting . ”
“Thank you, miss…”
‘Will Aria really take me to a meeting?’
That was Annie’s biggest concern . Obviously, when she

thought about it, there was no possible way, but she had
lost her soul to the sweet things that Aria had given her .
She shouldn’t do this . She knew it, but she couldn’t help it .
There was no way she could think of anything else while
Aria was dangling those jewels right in front of her eyes .
However, she couldn’t get away from the mansion’s de facto
leader, Mielle, and her head was swirling with what kind of
false report to make that day .
“So, it will soon be Mielle’s birthday . ”

“Yes…”
Annie came to her senses when Mielle’s name came out of

Aria’s mouth since she was having a satisfying day by Aria’s
side, contrary to Mielle’s instructions to help the wicked
woman destroy herself .
“Are her preparations going well?”
“Well… Well, I don’t know…”
“Really? It’s been a long time, so I thought I’d take you…

Don’t you think it’s more comfortable to be around people
you are acquainted with than around those you’ve never
seen before?”
Annie’s eyes widened at her statement .
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‘Does Aria really mean to take me with her?’
Her heart was pounding, and she couldn’t say anything .
“I can’t help it if you don’t know . I have to put it off for

another time . ”
At the moment, Annie almost said that the arrangements for

Mielle’s birthday party were progressing very smoothly, but
she managed to put up with it and swallow to keep the
words from spilling out .
‘My master is Miss Mielle, not Aria, a humble bitch,’ she said
to herself .
Aria waved Annie off when she saw her dull expression,
realizing that she wasn’t ready to confide in her yet . “You
should go now . Call Jessie . ”
Jessie had been resting for days out of Aria’s consideration .

Indeed, Jessie had been cleared up since Aria was molding
Annie, but Jessie’s days had been uneasy . She had not
known what to do with her extended time off .
Annie’s back became drenched with cold sweat when she

was asked to call Jessie . She had to step back now, but she
had become impatient because she was afraid that
everything she had just enjoyed would go to others .
Aria, looking back at Annie, who was biting her lips without
an answer, ordered Jessie to be called back again .
In the end, Annie’s choice was Mielle . Instead of creating

unnecessary misunderstandings, Annie chose to nip the
events in the bud . She could come up with an excuse for
her presence elsewhere, but she couldn’t do it on Mielle’s
birthday, which was unlike anything else .
Aria also swallowed a bitter smile as she watched Annie

step back quietly . Not yet . She wasn’t ready yet .
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***
A few days later, Mielle’s birthday came around . The
mansion was in an uproar as they were busily preparing for
guests since dawn . So, Aria, whose eyes were open early in
the morning, sat by the window, drank some warm tea and
looked outside .
‘The gifts are really colorful . ’
It was an image she had often seen before, but it was new
every time she saw it . Aria had never had such an
experience . While watching the colorful boxes coming off
the wagon, she was still wondering about was in them .
Jessie wriggled her fingers behind Aria’s back, expressing

uneasiness . These days, Aria was definitely different, but
she didn’t know when Aria would become anxious and angry
again .
Fortunately, Aria did not do anything mischievous . She just

silently observed what Mielle was receiving . The thought of
taking all those things away one day made her apply
strength to the hand that held the tea cup .
Now was the time to persevere . Everything was supposed

to come back to her anyway . Unlike in that stupid past, she
not only knew the future but she had the hourglass .
‘It wouldn’t be bad if I humiliated her with the hourglass . ’
She had not received an invitation, but when thinking of

Mielle’s personality and because she was family, it wouldn’t
be a problem for her to attend the party unexpectedly . Of
course, she had to endure the ungrateful gazes of those
who loved Mielle, but the way they looked at her caused her
no problems .
‘I’m more concerned with… a reply not coming from Oscar .
’
It didn’t take too long to get back and forth from the
academy, but Aria, who had sent her first letter as a friend,
hadn’t received a reply yet . There was no way he wouldn’t
keep his promise, and since she had so bewitched him, he
would send it eventually . However, she was worried that he
might have come to his senses .
‘If so, I’ll have to lure him again . This time, he won’t get
away from me . ’
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Imaging this and that, Aria adorned herself beautifully . She

decorated herself moderately so as not to bring too much
attention to herself, but as not to be overlooked either .
Even though she was still young, she had a wonderful
appearance, so she would be able to catch everyone’s
attention even if she didn’t decorate herself gorgeously .
That was one of her specialties .
There was a spontaneous outpouring of admiration from

Jessie, who combed Aria’s hair . Aria was enjoying the
benefits of being a member of the Roscent family and
having a comfortable life . As a result, she had grown very
beautiful since she was growing taller and more mature .
Jessie didn’t notice it much because she saw Aria every day,
but she was so fascinating that others’ eyes naturally turned
toward her . Of course, that was to be expected for a girl of
her age, but it was a significant growth for her, who had
been small enough to look the same age as Mielle . Now
that Aria had started to grow, Jessie was sure that Aria
would join the adults soon .
Everyone was so busy that she simply finished her breakfast

and went to read a book in her room, waiting for Mielle’s
birthday party to begin . It would be better to be as abrupt
as Mielle had been in her party . If she showed up clumsily
and pathetically, even those in Mielle’s camp would be filled
with sympathy for her .
With such a pleasant image in her mind, she closed the

book and looked out the window . She could see a familiar
carriage from afar . It was the carriage of the Roscent
family, lillies etched all over it . It was a strong, large
carriage that was a little different from the daily carriage .
This one was fit for both luggage and people, for bulk
loading, and for long trips
‘The only one who can ride that carriage is… the count . ’
It was a perfect winter, and it was about time he came back,

but she never dreamed he’d come back on Mielle’s birthday
. If the count had indeed returned on Mielle’s birthday, Aria
became a bit miserable even though she was only his step-
daughter .
Aria stared at the count, who got off the carriage and held
his own daughter in his arms . She knew that she had a long
way to go and that she was discriminated against, but
somehow, the loneliness that she had felt in the past hit her
all over . ‘Why?’

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part V

Wicked Woman, Part V
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
‘… What a tearful paternal love . ’
It was a love Aria had never felt . Mielle had the only being
who loved and cared for her! Aria believed that such a thing
could not exist . Even the countess, who was her biological
mother, was busy living her life, so she could not afford to
take care of Aria .
All the men of the past were so bewitched by Aria’s

appearance that they had seemed to give her all their
fortunes, but later, they had left in search of their station .
In the end, there had been no man who had devoted himself
to her and had dedicated everything to her from beginning
to end .
‘If their lives are in danger, it’s useless . ’
Aria had not believed in love, even in the love between

mother and daughter . So, she had made use of it . She had
been confident to using it . There had been nothing easier
for her than knowing that love had no substance .
***
The count had not returned alone . He was with a handsome

young man in his early- to mid-twenties . Aria had just
reached the first floor when she saw him greeting Mielle . He
introduced himself with a cheerful laugh as a common noble
from a far-away province .
“I’m Pino Lane . Please, feel free to call me Lane . ”
With a surname she had never heard of before, he was

paying excessive attention to Mielle . Aria didn’t know if he
was looking for a rise in status or background, but he clearly
wanted something . Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought
such a huge gift .
Lane presented a variety of jewels and rare ornaments to

Mielle . They looked very expensive to have been prepared
by a common noble from a far-away province . When
Mielle’s eyes widened by the weight of it all, he said, “Don’t
mind them because I didn’t prepare them . They were
prepared by my master . ”
Nor did the count show any signs of discomfort or stop him
as he paid great attention to Mielle . He just patted Lane’s
back, saying he had helped his business in many ways .
Lane grinned, saying, “They were just my master’s orders . ”
Aria felt uncomfortable and reluctant when meeting

someone she had never seen before for the first time, even
when it was a hyena looking for scraps, unlike in the past .
“You have a daughter as beautiful as the stories . ”

“I don’t know about anything else, but the rumors about
Mielle are no exaggeration . ”
“Those compliments are too much . ”
Aria had to watch the scene as they repeatedly praised

Mielle, who was in between them .
‘Wait a minute . I’ve seen that dress before…’
Aria was able to realize the origin of Mielle’s dress after

taking some time to think .
‘It’s similar to the dress Oscar gave me . Don’t tell me… Did
he give similar clothes to a girl, whom he would be marrying
later, and her elder sister?’
Aria swallowed a sneer, thinking he was really insensitive .
Meanwhile, Lane, who had been complimenting Mielle to the

extent his mouth had gone dry, finally turned to meet Aria .
With his attention concentrated on Mielle, he seemed not to
have noticed Aria’s arrival, so there was wonder on his face
.
When the count introduced Aria to him as his other

daughter, a slightly perplexed expression and form of
speech came from him, unlike just a moment ago when he
had made use of his leech-like mouth .
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“Oh, really… You have a beautiful daughter . ”

Aria read the truth from the man’s speech and expression .
They were different from what he had shown Mielle .
If Mielle was a likely beauty among nobles, Aria was a

beauty that had started as a commoner and was not easily
found among nobles . She was a real beauty, who would
seduce men and women, regardless of their sexes, if she
had a mind to do it .
She knew it was useless, but Aria couldn’t resist showing

her unique, charming smile . ‘Is it because the count is
here? Or is it a gallant spirit?’ At any rate, she smiled at
Lane, throwing her erotic scent with a highly competitive
spirit that she didn’t know from where it had come .
“…”
Aria saw clearly that his eyes shook, though it was only for a
moment . After that instant, Lane gazed back at Mielle .
It was Aria who was embarrassed by him . ‘Why?’ That was

totally unexpected . Of course, she had thought he would
neglect Mielle after being charmed by her smile, but Lane
did not give her a finger of his attention .
Realizing that she could no longer intervene between them,

Aria bit her lower lip and decided not to waste any more
meaningless time . When she tried to leave, saying that she
would go upstairs, the count gave her a present .
It was a jewelry box with tightly packed jewels that the

count had only given to Mielle in the past . There were a few
cute little ornaments inside .
‘Yes, that’s enough for now . ’

It was quite a step forward from the past, when she had
received nothing . Wasn’t she simply getting paid for a piece
of information? Moreover, the attitude of the count, who had
always been cold in the past, had changed, and the
occasional warm glare was directed to Aria from time to
time . Aria, who left with a graceful smile, unlike the one
before, escaped from their world .
She hurried back to the room and changed her clothes .

That was because she saw the dress Mielle was wearing
before the party started, so it would be very easy to bring
her despair since she had waited until that day to wear the
dress Oscar had given her .
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‘How would you react if I showed up at the party in a similar

dress?’
At the very least, it wouldn’t be a good response . Those

who would gather to celebrate Mielle would also express
wonder . The mere thought of it made her feel good, as if
she were flying across the sky .
It wasn’t until about lunchtime that Mielle’s birthday party

began . As usual, they used the entire first floor to greet the
guests . The count’s business partners and close nobles
gathered one after another . Many of the young ladies who
had a close friendship with Mielle also attended and filled
their seats .
Aria observed it quietly through the window of her room,

and it was not until the party was ripe that she appeared .
As she went down to the first floor with a bouquet of
flowers, which was not readily available, in her arms, the
eyes of those who were enjoying the party were naturally
drawn to her .
It was natural to pay attention to a beautiful girl with a

bouquet of colorful flowers in her arms, even more so as
most had never seen Aria, and the rumors about her were
plentiful . The guests watched excitedly as Aria approached
Mielle .
“Mielle! Happy birthday!”
“… Sister . ”
Mielle looked around, unable to hide her anxiety and

awkwardness . She seemed worried that Aria might make an
irreverent remark, just as she had done during Aria’s
birthday .
Immediately afterwards, her maid, Emma, came to her .

Standing behind Mielle, she kept her guard up against Aria,
stiff faced .
‘Do you know who you are?’ It was too funny . Aria, of
course, had intended to insult Mielle . She wanted to create
an event that would bring a lifetime of humiliation at a party
that she felt she deserved to celebrate so that she wouldn’t
be able to sleep well until her head was chopped off, like it
had happened to Aria herself .
“Don’t you like the bouquet? I prepared it with care . ”
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“No… Thank you, sister . ”
Once Mielle said the word sister again and again, the people
in the hall realized that the beautiful girl was Aria .
There were those who accepted that she was as enchanting

as the daughter of the prostitute who had lured the count,
and who were shocked to see such a difference between the
rumors about her evilness and the real person .
Aria enjoyed the looks and controlled the situation to

indicate that Mielle and she were good sisters . She hoped
they’d misunderstand the relationship between Mielle and
her as much as they liked . That way, no one would suspect
that her own scheme was what humiliated Mielle .
When Mielle accepted the bouquet, Aria’s dress, which had

been hidden, was revealed . Mielle, who first saw it, stopped
breathing, and the room fell silent around her . Aria smiled
softly, like a fluffy snowflake that had just dropped, and set
hall ablaze .

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part VI

Wicked Woman, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
“… Whoa, that dress… It’s like my dress, isn’t it? Did you get
it as a present from Oscar last time?”
“…”
“I didn’t know . I only checked my dress and went out, but it

suits you very much . ”
Mielle staggered like a flame that was about to go out . Aria

hadn’t said much, but from now on, Mielle would have to
suffer from tens of thousands of speculations and questions
.
‘Why does the wicked woman have a similar dress to the

one Mr . Oscar gave Mielle?’
Aria covered her mouth with a fan, and after a glance

through the hall, took a place right next to a group that had
a good relationship with Mielle . Most of them would later
become members of a group led by Mielle, and they used to
say and do things that made Aria feel humiliated whenever
they met her .
While Aria was watching their behavior, she came across

the eyes of a lady . Laughing as bright as a rose, the lady
hurriedly turned her eyes, which had grown like the eyes of
a frightened rabbit, away
‘Oh, yes . It’s you . Not by name, but I remember your face
very well . ’
There was still innocence in her young face, but later, that
face would turn into a devil’s shell .
‘And you stood against me in the past . ’
Aria recalled the curse she had heard from her before,
‘She’s a woman who shakes her hips cheaply . She is
suitable for a dark, shady brothel . ’ The lady had smiled
and disappeared with a triumphant expression, thinking that
she had touched Aria’s core, whether she had known the
words coming out of her mouth were inferior to those of a
prostitute rolling in the gutter or not .
“Well… she looks more vulgar than I thought . ”
“I don’t think she’s very bright . ”
“Maybe she’s going to help destroy the atmosphere . ”
“Does she really think she’s a noblewoman?”
“Then, how shameless and ridiculous she is!”
“What about the dress? Maybe she was just jealous and
bought it after Mielle?”
“Maybe . ”
It was very clear to whom that conversation seemed to be

referring . Only the name was left out, and the sound of it
was not reduced, as if they were trying to be heard on
purpose .
They didn’t hesitate to talk about the countess, who had

greeted the visitors with the count, either . There was also a
lady who wiped her eyes with a handkerchief while saying
that Mielle was pitiful . Jessie watched nervously to see if
Aria would make a fuss .
But, Aria didn’t care at all . She just kept her place in an
aloof and detached manner, listening to the music playing
while the rancid words and smells flowed out of their
mouths . It was Mielle who would be hurt if they talked
about the dress and other things that day .
Aria quietly showed off her beauty by eating the

refreshments that Jessie brought her . The etiquette she had
practiced with Sarah was impeccable .
Those who criticized her for being too vulgar gradually

stopped talking, as the rumors and Aria’s appearance did
not match, and those who were watching her mockingly
hardened their expressions as they watched Aria . Mielle’s
smile as she greeted the visitors from afar was pitiful .
‘Is this enough?’
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This was enough to bring a question to the rumors about the
daughter of the prostitute who always acted mischievously .
‘She’s always doing mischievous and unmannered things’
was a phrase that would disappear . As for being called the
daughter of a prostitute, Aria had no intention of correcting
that since it was true, and there was no way to erase that .
‘Now, let’s place one final curse on Mielle and leave . ’
She glanced back and checked the box with the hourglass
that Jessie was holding . Touching the beautiful pocket
watch hanging from her neck, she wondered how to insult
Mielle . Mielle foolishly still had an angelic smile, not
knowing that the wicked woman was agonizing over her evil
trick .
It was then that Mielle’s face suddenly brightened beyond

description by a late arrival . ‘Who the hell is here?’ Aria
looked away, following her eyes, and found a handsome, tall
man there . The familiar figure was Cain, the count’s eldest
son .
‘Why is she so happy to see him when she can see him for
the rest of her life?’
Aria, unable to understand Mielle’s delight, leaned her head

to the side and realized why Mielle became so excited .
There was another behind Cain .
‘Oscar! Why?!’
He had always said he was too busy at the academy, so he

had never attended one of Mielle’s parties! He had not even
replied to her letter, but he had come to this party .
‘Why does he take care of Mielle even though we are better

acquainted than we were in the past?’
“Oh, he’s the heir to the Frederik family . ”
“He has a good relationship with Lady Mielle, doesn’t he?”
“I think they’re talking about the engagement . Even during

the school year, it’s definitely worth attending her party . ”
Her fist clenched by itself . Watching Oscar and Mielle

talking so affectionately made her cheeks twist . She bit her
lip while paying attention to the conversation that did not
sound distant .
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It was not just Aria, but everyone in the hall was looking at
them . Not just because the image of the two together
looked good, but because Oscar was the eldest son of the
Frederik family, which was second in power only to the
imperial family .
In addition, Mielle was the daughter of Count Roscent,

famous for his tremendous wealth . They deserved the
attention because the combination of the two houses was
expected to cause a great impact . The eldest daughter of
the Frederik family also drew great attention due to rumors
of her engagement with the Crown Prince .
If they all got engaged and married smoothly, the empire’s

power and wealth would gather in one place . It was
important to get acquainted with any one of them
somehow, and the most accessible one was Mielle .
“Don’t you think they really look good?”

“I’m sure they are really beautiful couple . ”
As Mielle paid attention to Oscar, flattering words poured

out of Mielle, who never looked at the others . Aria, who
didn’t think Oscar would show up, became one of the
onlookers, simply watching that day’s center of attention .
‘Why does he give his heart, which he had never given to

anyone before, to Mielle now? What did I do wrong?’
She thought about it, but she couldn’t figure out what she
had done wrong . She thought she had been doing very
well, but she had no idea where and how things had gone
wrong . While looking back into her past now that it had
become difficult to act hastily, her eyes met Cain’s . Cain
had ended his reunion with Mielle and was looking around
the hall .
“…!”
He glanced up and down at Aria with a look of

astonishment, questioning if she was the same girl he knew
. He seemed quite surprised to see the change to her height
and weight while he was away .
Facing those eyes, Aria smiled softly, as if by habit, her long

eyelashes batting like a butterfly’s wings . Cain was not her
target, so she had no intention of seducing him, but like he
had done before, he showed his weakness to her beauty,
something he had in common with his father, and fixed his
eyes on Aria unblinkingly .
“… Cain?”
They should have started moving once the conversation

ended, but Cain, who was next to Oscar seemed stunned in
place even after Oscar called his name a few times . Cain
did not move, whether he couldn’t hear his friend or was
ignoring him .
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Mielle, who wondered about what was happening, also

called his name . Oscar turned to the spot where Cain’s eyes
were directed to see on what his attention was so heavily
focused .
“…!”
Then, Oscar, like Cain, looked upon Aria . Her more mature
appearance, even though they had met only a month ago,
was enough to win over the mind of the immature Oscar .
Aria smiled at the two while enjoying their eyes on her .
‘As expected, I did nothing wrong . ’
They were familiar looks . They were familiar eyes . That

was a familiar situation . That was the only reason she had
been able to survive in society . In that familiar, natural
situation, Aria regained the confidence she had lost
momentarily and shook off her uneasiness .
‘Yes, every time he ran into me, even though it was for a
short time, he was bewitched by me . I clearly remember his
gaze, so it couldn’t have been wrong . ’

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part VII

Wicked Woman, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Aria, who was not embarrassed by the glare of the several

eyes around her, laughed leisurely and got up from her seat
to approach them, who were all still young .
“It’s been a long time, Cain, my brother, and… Mr . Oscar . ”
Her curtsy was so gentle and graceful that once again the
words were blocked out of the men’s minds . When she saw
Mielle’s face turning pale next to them, Aria struggled to
resist the impulse to ridicule her .
“Well, did I make a mistake…?”
When Aria asked that out of those who had not answered
even though she had said hello, Oscar, who came to his
senses, finally replied . Cain still seemed unable to adapt to
Aria’s change in appearance .
“Forgive me for my rudeness . I haven’t seen you in a long

time . ”
“Forgiveness? Don’t say such a word . ”
Oscar turned his eyes straight after he said hello . Noticing

that his vision was slowly creeping back to her, Aria realized
it wasn’t because he didn’t want to see her or because he
hated her that he hadn’t responded .
He couldn’t help it because people’s eyes fell upon her

naturally . Aria expressed her feelings with a fresh smile
when she felt she had ruined Mielle’s birthday even though
she hadn’t acted as planned .
“Are you sick, brother?”
Cain was still gazing silently at the changed Aria . Even after
she pointed him out twice, he did not think of correcting his
behavior, only staring at Aria more intently .
“… Brother?”
It was only then that Cain responded with a quick blink . But
instead of greeting his stepsister, with whom he was being
reunited after a long time, he turned to face the other way
and replied shortly, “No . ”
Aria smiled awkwardly at this .
‘Isn’t he like a child? When it comes to a woman’s age, he is

an adult now, so why does he turn his face, too scared to
give a proper answer?’
In the past, she had been afraid of him . She had

surrendered and let him take her life… Thinking of it even
now, it was not funny .
Only the melody coming from the string instruments filled
the quiet hall, so Aria lowered her gaze . She lowered his
eyebrows sadly and bit into her pink lips . Now was not the
time to insult Mielle . There was a man there who would give
her greater torment than a mere insult .
“Oh, I don’t think this place is for me… So, I’ll go up . ”
Aria, with her wretched expression and shoulders hunched

over, looked very pitiful .
Oscar, who forgot when and where he was, reached out to

her . However, his hand quickly returned to its place after
she hurriedly bowed and disappeared . In the hall Aria had
left, Cain, Oscar, and Mielle remained silent, different
emotions swirling within them .
***
Aria didn’t go back to her room . Her destination was the

indoor garden on the second floor . The place was open to
guests, so it was fully decorated, but no one was there
because the center of today’s party, Mielle, did not leave
the first floor .
Aria enjoyed the refreshments that Jessie brought with the

hourglass on the table, wondering whether Oscar would
appear there or not . Judging from her long experience of
having played with men in the palms of her hands, Oscar’s
eyes and disposition evidenced his good feelings toward her
.
He didn’t even know what his heart was due to his brusque
character, but she could tell because his eyes and attitude
were different . Perhaps, he was tormented by his constant
swaying in Mielle’s presence .
‘So, that’s why he came to the birthday party?’ Did he want
to ease his guilty mind a little? He’s cute . ’
The green tea was still sweet without a cube of sugar . Aria,
who enjoyed the sweetness with her red tongue, eased her
posture and leaned back on the sofa . The process of turning
someone she didn’t like into hers was very enjoyable and
exciting .
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‘Does he think of my face every night?’ That was why he

couldn’t reply to her letter . He might have suffered from a
guilty conscience . What Oscar had just shown of himself
made Aria think so .
Whatever the reason, it was good . The relationship

between Oscar and Mielle would go wrong if it continued like
this . It was enough to create a rumor about their broken
relationship yet, but she would be a hindrance . That way,
Mielle would taste despair bite by bite, until her life was
forfeit .
Jessie, who was attending to her, also smiled cheerfully

when Aria burst into laughter . That was because her master
had looked very unhappy at the party, but she had
managed to regain her smile . Of course, Jessie was
confused by the sudden change in mood, but anything good
was good . She was only happy when her master was happy
.
Aria waited for Oscar in the garden alone for a long time .
She waited until the tea had been changed three times and
the refreshments had become damp . Because she was
bored, she even asked Jessie to bring her a book . And
luckily, Oscar appeared around the time Aria had turned a
few pages .
“… Am I disturbing you?”
“Not at all . It’s a garden open to all . ”
His expression was complicated . He seemed to be

regretting something, but that didn’t change anything . He
was in the garden where Aria was enjoying herself . Oscar,
sitting opposite of her, pulled something out of his sleeve .
“What is this?”
“It’s a reply letter . I brought it because I thought we’d meet

today anyway . ”
It was the long-awaited reply letter from Oscar . She didn’t

think he would bring it in person, so Aria accepted the letter
without being able to hide her expression . It was warm
because it had been put inside his sleeve .
It shouldn’t have been possible, but she had been worried

because he had not replied . So, receiving the warm letter
made her feel strange .
It might just be about everyday occurrences, but the fact

that he had gone there to deliver it in person made her feel
strange . Aria, who blinked a few times to shake off her
strange feelings, reapplied her mask .
“Did you enjoy the party?”

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“Well, I didn’t like it very much . ”
“Oh, I understand . ”
The party was not a pleasant place . It was more like a place
to test and speak ill of others .
In the past she had enjoyed and attended many parties, but
rather than the parties itself, she had enjoyed the people
there who had loved her . Of course, all they had loved had
been Aria’s appearance .
“Without acquaintances, it’s even more difficult . ”
“I agree . I don’t have any acquaintances with whom to

attend the party . ”
“Would the party be a fun place to make an acquaintance?”
“Well, personally, I find it better to meet new friends at

other places . ”
Because of the consensus between them, the two were able

to talk without any sense of disapproval . Oscar’s expression
of regret loosened a little .
“That’s right . It’s more convenient to talk now, in the

garden, than when we met on the first floor, right?”
“… You can say so,” Oscar answered Aria’s question after

pausing a little .
It wasn’t just the place that made it easier to talk to her . It
was because Mielle wasn’t there . He felt guilty talking to
Aria in front of Mielle .
‘Why, why?’
A brief surge of agony passed through Oscar .
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If Aria was a simple acquaintance, a letter exchange with

her as a friend would not be a problem for him, whether
Mielle was present or not . However, why couldn’t he be
honest when Mielle was around? He couldn’t even tell Mielle
that he was exchanging letters with Aria .
He didn’t hate the exchange of letters . On the contrary, he

was a little pleased by Aria’s letter, which had conveyed her
simple, daily routine . Before falling asleep, he even thought
of Aria’s face as she wrote her letter earnestly, even though
he had never thought about Mielle that way .
“When are you going back?”
“I’ll head back around evening . ”
“Are you going back after dinner?”
He wasn’t planning to . Unlike last time, he had let the

duke’s mansion know of his whereabouts this time, so he
would go to his house and have dinner there .
Besides, he was there for a minor’s birthday party, so it
would all be over before sunset . Therefore, there was no
need to waste time late into the night in that inconvenient
mansion . He hadn’t planned to do that .
“… Yeah . ”
“That’s great! It’d been a long time since I’d met my friend,
so I wanted to talk to you a little bit more . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part VIII

Wicked Woman, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
But, he couldn’t answer that way .
‘Why? Why?’
Maybe it was because he had looked into Aria’s eyes, which

had been expecting a little bit more . He didn’t want to
disappoint her despite the inconvenience . In addition, Oscar
also wanted to have a little time to converse with Aria .
“I’ve been lonely lately because I’ve been eating alone in

the dining hall . My father was not here, my mother was
busy, and Mielle… didn’t come down because she was sick .
I’m happy because I think it’s going to be quite noisy today .
”
Aria was smiling with joy, and he was clearly enraptured by

her eyes . The extent that she had grown up from a child to
a mature girl while he had not seen her was enough to
make Oscar’s heart tremble .
Seeing how much she had liked his answer made him want
to return only in the morning, but he couldn’t . He had to
attend an early-morning class, so he couldn’t delay .
As he agonized over what to say about the cut-off

conversation, Oscar’s eyes fell on Aria’s dress . It was the
dress he had given her .
He wished he had sent her a more luxurious dress . It wasn’t

a cheap dress, but it wasn’t even the dress he had picked as
his favorite . It was just a modest dress as a thank you .
Somehow, he regretted that . Nevertheless, the dress
seemed as if it was the only beautiful and noble thing in the
world, benefiting from Aria’s colorful appearance . It was
truly amazing .
“You look great in the dress . ”
Even though he was not the type to say this, he could not
help but praise Aria for her beauty . He was worried that she
might think him strange, but she just seemed glad to be
praised .
“I’m just glad you said that . ”
Aria’s eyelids, slowly blinking, were like the wings of a

butterfly, and the drawing of her lips looked very sexy . He
felt something indescribable . He was often speechless
because she looked more beautiful than when he thought
about her alone .
Oscar swallowed loudly . He drank tea several times to

relieve his thirst, but his mouth was dry . What he was doing
felt special even though the conversation didn’t drift off
from topics like the weather getting cold or if his classes
were difficult or not . Time went by in a flash .
“I’ll see you again at dinner time . ”
Oscar nodded silently . The reason he wasn’t rude, though,

was that his expression was completely at ease, and his
eyes only pursued Aria .
Aria, smiling like the Sun, left him, leaving a gentle air
lingering behind her . It was like a mirage . He tried to reach
out and hold it, but Aria had already disappeared .
‘What the hell is this feeling…?’
His heart throbbed . The flow of time was strange, and his
brain, which had always been praised for its brilliance, did
not function properly . Oscar stared down at his empty
hands for a while in the quiet indoor garden empty of people
.
***
Of course, the focus of the dinner was Mielle .
It had been the same originally, but it was all the more so
because of the man named Lane who had come with the
count . He paid a great deal of attention to Mielle and asked
her many questions .
“I’ve heard that you’ve given advice to the count several

times . You’re still young, so how did you acquire that vast
amount of knowledge?”
“That vast amount of knowledge? I just picked it up here

and there,” Mielle responded shyly as her cheeks turned
slightly red .
Aria swallowed a snort and ate the soup . ‘Did Mielle ever
help the count?’ She had suggested some lame ideas, but
they hadn’t really helped .
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The count had never used them in his business . Although

he had praised her whenever she had given him her
opinion, he used to say, “My daughter’s idea is
extraordinary . ”
Who had really helped him was she, so Aria wondered why
Mielle took all the credit .
“It all depends on you using even the tiniest bit of

knowledge . No matter how much information and
knowledge you have, it’s useless if you can’t use it . In that
regard, it is safe to say that Lady Mielle, who has always
given advice to the count, has an outstanding ability . ”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, my master was very surprised to hear of Lady Mielle .

He says that you are amazing at your young age, even
though he is very meticulous . ”
“I don’t know who your master is, but… I’m glad he gives
me a favor . ”
The count, who was watching Lane kindly compliment

Mielle, said, “I haven’t met him yet, but he’s done a very
easy job of solving the troubles of this business, so I think
he’s a great man . ”
“Oh, my God! Is that so?”

“Yes . I’d like to meet him . ”
“My master’s schedule is tight now, so it will take a little

time, but I have come to visit you on his behalf . ”
“Haha, I see . I suppose I can’t easily meet a busy man . ”
“I’ll schedule a meeting in the near future . ”
“I’ll be in your care . ”
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Lane seemed somewhat snarky in the way he poured out

praises to Mielle and the count, and was eager to appeal to
his master’s merits .
Aria, watching the scene, was quietly lost in thought, ‘What

on earth does he want? Does he want to connect Mielle with
his master? Or is he himself looking for Mielle’s favor?’
Whatever it was, there was no hope . There was no way

Mielle would give her heart to anyone other than Oscar . No
matter how great Lane’s master was, would he be greater
than the heir to the family of the Duke of Frederik, who had
power second only to the imperial family? Without him
being the Crown Prince, Mielle would not be interested in
him .
Aria laughed inwardly at his continuing efforts and went on

eating . She didn’t say a word at dinner that evening . No
one spoke to her, and there was nothing else to say .
Besides, she didn’t feel the need to talk about this or that
because she was with Oscar . Pretending to be pathetic
would work better for him .
Sure enough, Oscar looked sideways at Aria throughout the

meal . He could not speak to Aria as all the people of the
family of Count Roscent, including Mielle, were there, but he
could not stop being conscious of her .
Aria enjoyed the gaze and smiled at him from time to time .
It was a smile that implied, “This is how they ignore me, but
I’m OK . ”
When she first met him, she sat down facing him and ate
like this . She was completely ignored by Cain and Mielle,
but his reaction was a little different from then . At that
time, if it had been like seeing a poor girl . Now, he was in a
terrible mood for Aria’s sake and didn’t know what to do .
Oscar’s face grew colder .
“Mr . Oscar and my brother, are you going back to the

academy after finishing your meal?”
“That’s what we’re thinking . We just took the time off to

come here . ”
When Aria looked at Cain, who answered, their eyes met .

Like Oscar, he glanced at her throughout the meal . She had
not responded to him even a bit, but he seemed rather
satisfied with that .
“Thank you for coming on purpose, though you’re busy . I

love your gift so much,” Mielle said, pointing to her neck .
A bright, shiny necklace hung from her long, slender neck .

There was nothing but the necklace, but it looked like a gift
from a lover .
The present made Aria feel strange .
Sponsored Content
‘It must be quite hard for him to walk the tightrope between
the elder sister and the younger sister . ’
It wasn’t a bad feeling . Rather, there was a little excitement

. How painful it must be for him to pay attention to both
sides! Aria was sure Mielle would be sick and tired of
watching Oscar, who kept staring at the wicked girl, by now
. Aria alone felt pleasant .
“Mr . Oscar?”
“Ah, yeah . It’s nothing . I’m also glad you like it . ”
Oscar, who was distracted by something, was not able to

give a proper answer until Mielle called his name twice .
Mielle’s expression grew more and more awkward .
It was Lane, not Oscar, that soothed Mielle, so Aria

swallowed a laugh as she watched Mielle’s birthday be
spoiled .
“… By the way, I made something while my father was away

.”
Mielle tried to freshen up the mood, so she changed the

subject brightly . At that moment all eyes fell on her, even
Aria’s .
possible .
between chapters .


Wicked Woman, Part IX

Wicked Woman, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Mielle’s struggle during the count’s absence was to learn

embroidery, but there was no way to brag about her hack
embroidery work, so Aria was curious about what the hell
she was going to do .
“It’s a little late, but I’ve tried to embroider a handkerchief .

”
Mielle took out the handkerchief, and Emma, who had been
waiting behind her, took it to the count . He was seated
quite far away, so the handkerchief was not visible to Aria,
but considering Mielle’s age, the embroidered handkerchief
she had made was excellent . The count’s satisfied laugh
filled the dining hall .
“What great work!”
“Do you like it? I was worried because I’m young . ”

“I can’t believe you are young! It’s a lily more beautiful than
any other in the world!”
‘Is it because the handkerchief was embroidered by his

biological daughter?’ The count praised Mielle’s
handkerchief as if it had erased the one Aria had given him
last time .
The countess helped, pretending to be surprised, and Lane

and Cain also expounded lavish praise on her handkerchief .
Aria stared at the handkerchief that came to her through
everyone .
‘How could you do this?’
Unlike in the past, the embroidery on the handkerchief was

pretty good . Mielle had only been able to reach that level
before after a few years of practice .
‘Don’t tell me… Isn’t she lying? Wasn’t this made by

someone else?’
But there was something awkward about the embroidered

work, so Aria was sure that it was Mielle who had made the
embroidery .
“… Great, Mielle . ”
‘What the hell is going on? How did she suddenly grow that
much in skill?’
Mielle was not very good at embroidery, but she was much
better at it than in the past . Even if she had spent more
time learning it now, shouldn’t her fundamental skill level
remain unchanged?
Aria couldn’t guess why she had suddenly grown .
“Really? I’m so happy… I finally feel what it is to be

recognized by you,” Mielle said, wrapping her cheeks in her
palms .
Aria had become the wicked woman again because Mielle

spoke as if Aria had never praised her .
‘A bitch like a fox . ’
Aria chewed her gums and tried hard to keep her face from
shuddering .
Mielle had to know that everyone would praise her even

though she was lacking in comparison . Unlike Aria, who was
perfect but underrated, Mielle was the daughter of the count
.
‘So, you were able to put it forth without hesitation, even

though it’s far inferior to the one I made the other day . ’
Unlike the daughter of a vulgar prostitute, Mielle was a

noble girl who was loved for whatever she did .
“I’m just glad you gave me that compliment . I’ve made a

few more . It’s not much, but I’d like to give them as a gift to
celebrate today . ”
‘You showcase your handkerchief in a cowardly manner just

like in the past! You must have been desperate to hand
Oscar a handkerchief . The count, who would always be
happy with it and accept it, is an exception . Who would
refuse to receive a handkerchief that was given as a
souvenir?’
Oscar would have to keep it or carry it with him because it
would be a handkerchief received from the girl supposedly
engaged to him . There’s no doubt about that . Did Mielle
know Oscar was coming? Or did she make him come? Either
way, it was clear that she had been looking for a chance to
hand him a handkerchief all day .
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Emma handed out her handkerchiefs to the count, the

countesses, Cain, Oscar and Lane after waiting for Mielle to
finish her sentence . Aria’s turn was the last, but instead of
handing over the handkerchief like she had done to the
others, Emma looked embarrassed and bowed .
“… I’m sorry, but I’m short of a handkerchief . ”
It wasn’t surprising . She pretended it was not there . If

Mielle had made a wonderful handkerchief, she would give it
to Aria, but Mielle would not give her one because Mielle’s
embroidery skill was beneath hers . Mielle, who had so
woefully prepared for that situation, wondered what to do
with her eyes open wide .
“Don’t tell me… Does that mean you don’t have a

handkerchief for my elder sister?”
“Yes…”
“What shall I do?”
‘It’s childish . Is that because you are still young? Do you

want me to get hurt by such a small thing? That won’t
happen . ’
Aria was a terribly wicked woman, so she could not get hurt
for not receiving a handkerchief . Besides, there was no
need for it . She was used to Sarah’s handkerchief, so
Mielle’s was not even as good as a rag in comparison .
“It’s all right, Mielle . We see each other every day, so I can
get one next time . ”
Mielle, who did not answer Aria’s reponse with a gentle

smile, suddenly smiled awkwardly .
“I’m so sorry . I really wanted to give one to you…”
“No, it’s fine . Now that you’ve made such great embroidery
in such a short period of time, I can’t wait to see how
excellent your embroidery will be next time . ”
“… Is that so?”
Mielle’s reaction was bitter . She seemed disappointed that

the response was not what she had thought it would be .
However, she blinked a few times to fix her expression and
soon projected a face that was moved .
Sponsored Content
“I’ll try hard to meet your expectations . ”
“Don’t worry . You’ve always been good, even without trying

.”
‘Regardless of your skills, you’ve always been like that . And
you won’t have to worry anymore because the idiots around
you are going to cheer you up . ’
The evil sisters of the Roscent family kept their smiles until
the meal was over .
***
After Mielle’s birthday, the year changed .
In the meantime, Aria sent a letter to Oscar and kept a close

relationship with the wives through classes . She also built a
close relationship with the count, who had no business trips
schedule for the time being . She did not give him any
information yet because the timing was not good, but she
was able to maintain a smooth relationship just by staying
out of trouble .
And she didn’t get a handkerchief from Mielle . She didn’t

expect to get one, but she realized again how foolish Mielle
was from such a natural consequence .
‘Why was I so jealous of her in the past?’
Mielle wasn’t as great as she remembered after her return

to the past . Since she had received all kinds of education
since she was very young, it was natural that she had more
knowledge than the daughter of a dumb prostitute, and that
she had perfect manners . In the past when Aria had known
nothing, Mielle had looked great, and Aria had felt like there
was a big wall between them, unlike now . It would take a
while, but Aria thought she could jump as high as possible
over any wall .
‘Maybe I’ve already jumped over her . ’

Through that birthday, Aria realized that Mielle had a
childish disposition, like an immature child . So, Aria needed
to build power first before Mielle could grow up and take
control of the mansion .
A debutante ceremony would soon be held that year,

bringing together the grown-up aristocrats . After that, there
would be a meeting for Sarah, who was coming of age in
that same year . So, Aria called Annie, whom she had not
called all this time .
“Miss…”
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She had a very shabby expression . ‘Is it because she was

neglected for a while, or because she misses the colorful life
she enjoyed for a while?’ Maybe both, but Aria overlooked
the reason for it and defined it as a longing for herself .
“I haven’t been able to call you because I’ve been busy . '”
Unlike Jessie, who stood by the door, Annie was sitting on

the sofa . Annie was always special . Aria treated her in a
way to make her feel special, and she hoped she felt it .
That way, it would be easy for Annie to compare Aria to
Mielle and weigh both of them .
Patting Annie’s roughened skin, Aria whispered as if she felt

sorry for Annie, “Why did you lose so much weight? Where
did your soft skin go? How pitiful you are!”
“Miss…”
Annie looked very moved by Aria’s sudden worry .
“But there was nothing I could do about it, wasn’t there? I

didn’t feel the need to carry two maids . ”
Aria didn’t have to take Annie because what she wanted

from Annie was not her servitude . Annie was also very
aware of that .
“There’ll be a meeting soon . I’m definitely thinking of

taking you with me . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 60: Chapter 60 . Testing And
Trial, Part I
Chapter 60 . Testing And Trial, Part I
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
She would be meeting with Sarah, who would soon have a

huge rise in status . Sarah would tell her the story of
meeting Marquis Vincent at the coming-of-age ceremony .
Sarah had been born a noblewoman, but her family was not
powerful, so to Annie, she would seem more like the
countess, her mother .
Annie would be envious and jealous of her after facing that

reality . Then, the only one Annie would be able to hang on
to would be Aria, the only person who would take her away
from the gruesome life of a maid and make her wear fancy
jewelry .
“To do that, you’ll have to take good care of yourself from

now on . ”
Aria ordered Jessie to bring some perfume water from the

melted herbs concoction . It was water used mostly by
aristocratic ladies when their skin was damaged, a valuable
item that would give them a distinctly glossy skin if used
only two or three times .
Annie, who was still young and ignorant, was easy prey for
Aria . In the past, Aria had frequently used those products
since her skin had deteriorated from drinking every night .
“Your skin must be the kind that works well with the
product,” Aria said, simply impressed by how Annie’s rough
skin had cleared with one application of the product .
Come to think of it, this was worth it . Given that Annie

would only have been able to see someone about her skin
as a last resort, when would she have ever received such
high-quality skin care? The sudden supply of nutrients in
deficiency must have had a great effect .
Annie fell into ecstasy, touching her lotioned face again and
again .
“Oh, come to think of it, I have a question . ”
Aria was giving Annie a second chance . This was also an

opportunity for her to repay the grace that she had just
received and the wealth that she would enjoy in the future .
Staring coldly at Annie as if she would not give her a second

chance if she did not answer correctly that time, Aria asked,
“Mielle’s embroidery skills have improved significantly . Do
you know why?”
It wasn’t very important information . Annie could tell her

that as if she were telling her a light tale . Nevertheless,
that was the information Aria wanted to know most of all .
No wonder that Annie, who had been graced by Aria several

times, did not hesitate . “Ah, well… Miss Mielle had a hard
time at first, but she suddenly improved her skills after
changing her teachers . I watched the lessons a couple of
times, and the teacher’s explanations were very simple, so I
understood it quickly . ”
“She changed teachers?”
‘That was it? Mielle’s changed teachers a lot . What kind of

teacher is she?’
“Yes, the new teacher was someone Miss Mielle nearly never
saw . She was going to go out of the country to marry, but
Miss Mielle managed to find her before that and bring her
here . Miss Mielle said that if she had been a few months
late, she wouldn’t even have known her name . ”
That meant that, in the past, since she had started her
embroidery lessons a bit later, she would not have known of
the teacher . But, she was able to meet the teacher this
time around .
Yes, because the timing had advanced, she had gained a

variable . Regardless, all that work didn’t matter much
because there would be no more embroidery competition
between them . Anyway, Aria had already beaten her to a
draw .
“So, that’s what happened . That’s very fortunate . ”
Aria gently swept Annie’s hair . It was the price of betraying

her master and siding with the wicked woman against her
master . Then, Aria gave her a golden brooch . She seemed
to recognize her fault and become anxious, but the golden
brooch glowed brightly in contrast with the maid’s gray
uniform .
“It looks better than I thought it would . As expected, Annie,

you look great with jewels . The more you decorate yourself,
the more you’ll shine . ”
At that moment, Annie’s anxiety vanished in a flash . The
satisfaction of the gold far outweighed the betrayal of the
saint . For that reason, she would side against her master
again and again .
“Well… and when the teacher embroidered most of the

pattern first, Ms . Mielle finished up the parts that she had
left open . ”
“Oh, my God! So, that’s what happened!”
Sponsored Content
Siding against someone for the first time was difficult . The
second time and the third were easy . In addition, a person
who had once betrayed someone could never return to her
original place again . Mielle would not be able to use her
maid to do anything bad against Aria .
Aria smiled softly, expecting that chatty maid to cause a

disturbance in the mansion .
Trial and Error (I)
One day, with the meeting just around the corner, Lane
visited again with a wagon full of presents . There were men
who sometimes pushed for quantity rather than quality, but
most of the gifts he brought weren’t readily available even
at a high price .
“This is a gift from my master to Miss Mielle . ”

“Oh, my God!”
The countess was dumbfounded, and it was the same with

Mielle . That was because she had only been trying to marry
Oscar, so instead of accepting gifts, she had previously
devoted herself to offering them . Oscar had always given
something to her in return for her attention . Compared with
him, the difference between the gifts was like the difference
between Heaven and Earth .
‘What kind of man is his master?’
It was not something an ordinary nobleman could prepare .

If an ordinary nobleman sold his entire fortune, it might be
possible, but it was hard to understand that he would sell
his whole fortune to send periodic gifts when he hadn’t even
shown his face . Therefore, he had to be an extraordinary
figure .
‘Is he a foreign aristocrat?’
Otherwise, there was no way he could give all of that

attention to Mielle . It was like throwing money on the street
to shower a homeless woman . Maybe he didn’t know much
about Mielle or the Roscent family .
‘No matter what, he must be stupid . ’
If he had investigated them just a little, he’d have known

that she only had eyes for Oscar . ‘Or is he a big, powerful
man who doesn’t care about that?’ If that was the case, Aria
had to divert the attention that was being poured on Mielle .
It was just in case she changed her mind and found a new
love .
Sponsored Content

The countess, Mielle, and Aria had lunch with Lane because
the count, who was busy, was out . Aria, as she had done
last time, ate her meal slowly, watching Lane, who was
paying extreme attention to Mielle .
Unlike usual, the dining hall was noisy because the gifts he
had brought this time were enough to excite the countess,
who was speaking more loudly .
“I’m embarrassed that I haven’t treated you better when

you keep bringing Mielle so many gifts . ”
“Don’t mind that . It’s just what my master wants to do . ”
“What kind of person is your master? I wonder about that

since he’s so interested in Mielle . ”
Mielle’s eyes glistened at the countess’ question . She had

become interested since receiving the piles of gifts .
Aria, too, pricked up her ears and waited for Lane’s reply .
“Ah… I can’t reveal it yet . ”
But, the response was very disappointing . Lane’s face

turned dull, as if that was really hard for him to answer .
Nevertheless, the countess did not give up and urged Lane

on, asking for some information . Aria agreed with her .
Lane, with a troubled face, carefully opened his mouth as
the countess continued to urge him .
“Well… He is the heir to a larger family . He’s been carrying

a significant burden from a young age . He said that since
he liked smart people he had become interested in Miss
Mielle . ”
“How did he know that our Mielle was smart?”
“He said he’s met her face-to-face . And while he was using
me as a messenger, that’s what the count said as well . ”
Sponsored Content
“He met me face-to-face?” Mielle asked back, puzzled .
She looked oblivious to any memory of such an event .

When and where had she met Lane’s master when she
rarely went out? Aria also questioned that .
“Yes, I can’t give you details, but he said he’s met you . ”
“I don’t remember that…”
“It has been a while since you ran into him, so it’s possible
you don’t remember it . ”
Mielle still looked puzzled . Undoubtedly, she might have run

into Lane’s secretive master . After being silent for a long
time, she said only one word, “Maybe… Did I meet him the
day I was out with my brother?”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part II
Chapter 61 . Testing And Trial, Part II
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
She seemed to have thought of someone . She had a slight

frown on her face, as if the memory she recalled of the
person she was thinking of from that day was blurry . Lane
had a wide smile on his face .
“It’s hard to meet him because he’s a little busy right now,
but you’ll be able to meet him soon . And you’ll soon find
out if you see him again . ”
“Then, I have to wait . ”
“Yes, I’m sorry that I can’t reveal more . ”
“No, that’s fine,” Mielle answered with a honey-like smile,

just like her name .
However, unlike Mielle, who took his rudeness for affection,

a big question was still in Aria’s mind, ‘Is he in line for
something since you can’t even say his name? Who the hell
are you talking about?’
Aria glanced back at the maid-in-waiting . It was Annie, of
course, who was on standby, not Jessie . She hadn’t brought
the hourglass because Aria had felt there wouldn’t have
been a need for it .
She couldn’t help it . She didn’t know who he was, so she

had to ask her question without antagonizing the guest .
According to her own reasoning, at least, she could only
think that someone extraordinary was in the shadows .
“Oh, isn’t he a noble of another country?”
Lane, who hadn’t even looked at Aria, turned his head .

Unlike when he was dealing with Mielle, he had a hard, cold
demeanor . It had been a long time since she had seen a
stare like that . Lane just raised one side of his mouth and
asked why she thought so .
“Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t think of anyone else in the

empire who has this much wealth . Moreover, he doesn’t
know much about Mielle . ”
“What is it that he doesn’t know?”
He asked the same question again, as if provoking her .
‘Why do you look at me so coldly?’
It was as if he were telling her he was wasting his time

listening to her, and she was offended by that .
‘What makes you change your attitude like this?’
Nevertheless, she could to the core of the question, bringing

it up in a way that wouldn’t show her knowledge completely
.
“Mielle is soon to be engaged to someone, and everyone in
the empire knows that, but your master doesn’t seem to
know it . Or, he knows it, but doesn’t care about .
Considering the gift you brought today, both options are
possible . ”
Lane, who had turned just his head to Aria, turned his whole
body to face her this time . She guessed he had finally
become interested in her, but the way he raised his
eyebrows at her with his cold stare still offended her .
“Wow! What kind of being does the lady think he is, for
example?”
“… the former would be a great noble from a foreign

country, someone who is not familiar with the affairs of the
nobles of the empire, and the latter…”
“What if it’s the latter?”
The chance was close to zero, but there was only one
person in the empire whom she could choose for that .
Marquis Vincent was crazy about Sarah, so…
“I’m certain he has to be the Crown Prince . ”
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Immediately, Lane’s face became visibly frozen . It was for

just a moment, but Aria, who had been facing him, clearly
saw his expression .
Before the countess and Mielle noticed, his face changed,
and suddenly, he began to laugh wildly . Aria’s brow
furrowed at Lane’s incomprehensible behavior .
“That’s a cute idea . I almost got persuaded by that

plausible theory . ”
“So, you’re saying it’s neither?”
“Well, I can’t answer anything . If I say yes, you’ll figure out

who my master is, and if I say no, I will help the intelligent
young lady, you, narrow down your reasoning . ”
Lane eventually slipped out like a squirrel without answering

any questions . He was a real nuisance . Because of the age
difference, the honey trap that was her beauty seemed not
to work on him, and he had not given her any hints after
hearing her plausible reasoning . He wasn’t someone
ordinary to be able to keep his secrets like he wanted to or
otherwise shut his mouth when he couldn’t .
Based on her experience, Aria classified Lane as a cause for

alarm . She also had a hunch that if he and his master stuck
to Mielle, she would have difficulty attaining her goal .
‘… Now that I don’t have the hourglass, I have to stay calm .

’
She could no longer keep playing into Lane’s hands . Aria

gently eased her face to create a lovely smile that was more
appropriate for a girl her age . She had to aim for the next
time .
“I must have been rude . ”
“Not really . It was a pretty good conversation . ”

Lane’s gaze ran deep through Aria, as if he was telling the
truth . It was a little bit of an interesting look, but now that
Aria was not willing to talk anymore, she ignored the look in
his eyes and drank her tea . So, Lane’s gaze also
disappeared and went back to Mielle .
***
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A few days had passed since then, and the coming-of-age

ceremony had passed too . Aria hadn’t slept well for two
days, wondering if Sarah had had as good a relationship
with Marquis Vincent, as she had had in the past . She could
answer that question right away at tomorrow’s meeting, but
at the same time, she felt uneasy and overwhelmed, so she
stayed up all night, her eyes wide until dawn .
Aria, who had not slept for hours, was busy preparing to go
out . She massaged her swollen eyes with a cold towel and
took out the newly-ordered light yellow dress . Unlike the
simple one she had worn before, the fabric was luxurious,
and the woven laces on the sleeves and bottoms were tight
and beautiful . The dress added a sparkle to the rare
decorations she had adorned herself with . After combing
her hair finely, she stretched out a red ribbon for a while,
adding to the cuteness of a girl her age .
“Well… Miss, can I really go like this?” Annie, who had

makeup on her face and braided hair, asked . Her dusky
maid’s uniform remained the same .
Aria thought Annie seemed very happy . She noticed her
flushed ears, so she wondered, ‘Why would she say that?’
“Yes, it looks great . What’s wrong with you?”
“… I’ve never actually followed Miss Mielle to a meeting or

anything, so I was wondering if I could do this . ”
“The rules to a woman’s dress don’t matter, do they?

What’s more, yours is not dirty . It’s very prettily decorated,
so who wouldn’t like it?”
Besides, it was pretty spectacular to decorate Annie .

Everyone would prefer the decorated to the unadorned, but
Annie, who nobody paid attention to because of her
freckles, had made a great change . Her skin was smooth,
and her dead features had been brought to life in a way that
was worth seeing .
“I’m glad to hear that, but…”
It was not like her to blur her words, so Aria let out a little
airy laugh .
‘You don’t know what the world is like . ’
The maids who attended parties with their masters were

often dressed up . They did so to seek a rise in status . The
lower-class nobles, with whom other higher-class nobles did
not deal, were their targets . After being pushed out of
power anyway, lower-class nobles fell in love with people
regardless of status, as long as they were pretty .
There were also those foolish maids who said being a secret
lover would be good enough if becoming the wife was too
difficult . That was what those who trusted only their
appearance did . They were idiots who would be abandoned
when their youth was over .
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Maybe that was Aria in the past, and she smiled at that
thought . Aria left the mansion with her, hoping that Annie
would enchant an idiot .
“Oh, dear Lady Aria . You’ve grown so tall while we were

apart . ”
“That’s what I’m saying . Not long ago, she was so small!”
“It looks like she’s been through a growth spurt, doesn’t it? I
also grew taller all of a sudden . ”
“You look very good . You even filled out a little more than
before . ”
“You seem a little bit more mature than your age . ”
“You look so pretty today too . Did you buy a new dress?”
The young ladies, who hadn’t seen her in a while, talked like
birds chirping in the morning .
In the past, she had grown taller and gained weight at

around this time, so she would be changing constantly . ‘You
don’t mean to be this loud every time, right?’
Aria smiled brightly and responded to their praise, “I guess

it’s because I’ve had a lot of fun lately and I’ve had great
appetite . Meeting with all of you is one of those highlights .
You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for today . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 62: Chapter 62 . Testing and
Trial, Part III
Chapter 62 . Testing and Trial, Part III
Translator: Khan
Editor Group: Liber Reverie
“… It’s lovely for us too . ”
“Lady Aria takes all our hearts again . ”
Her appearance itself caught their attention, and she was

the youngest member of the group . The other young ladies
were at a loss after hearing Aria’s flattering words . None of
them knew what to do . Aria changed the subject by
giggling at their words of love .
“How was your coming-of-age ceremony? I’m so curious

because mine is still far away . ”
“There are so many things to talk about, in fact! A great

thing has happened!” a young lady, who had joined with
Sarah at the coming-of-age party, replied with glistening
eyes .
Needless to say, she was talking about Sarah . It was

natural, but it was reassuring to hear that events had flowed
as before .
“What happened? I’m so curious . ”
“I’m not the person directly involved in the incident, so it’s

hard to tell you . I hope Lady Sarah will come soon . ”
“Is this about Lady Sarah?”
“Yes, a wonderful thing happened, but I’m not sure if I can

tell you . ”
She looked hazy, as if she were dreaming . She seemed to

have witnessed the moment that Marquis Vincent and Sarah
met . In her life as a lower-class aristocrat, she had few
chances to meet and connect with a man as great as
Marquis Vincent, so it was natural to react like that .
The young ladies gathered there waited for Sarah to arrive

with their hearts in their hands . Sarah had always been on
time, but she was very late today . Aria simply waited for
her to come, wanting to know what else had happened
following the ceremony .
Sarah appeared around an hour after the meeting had

begun . In the meantime, the young ladies, who had been
bored of waiting, talked about useless stories, and Aria
introduced Annie to them, saying that she had brought her
new maid .
“What a beautiful maid she is!”
Annie blushed even though she knew it was an empty

compliment .
“I’m sorry I’m late . Did you wait long?”
“Lady Sarah! Did something happen to you?”

Sarah had never been late for a meeting, so they had no
doubt that something had happened to her . Sarah blushed
softly .
“Yes, something happened…”
Something had happened to her . Aria knew the future, but

her eyes shone with anticipation just like those of the other
young ladies in attendance . ‘What the hell happened?’
“Wouldn’t it have something to do with the coming-of-age

ceremony?”
The young ladies who had waited for a long time were
unrestrained . They were so curious because Sarah didn’t
explain it in detail . Sarah sincerely answered their
questions about whether she seemed not to hide anything .
“You can say that . ”
“What the hell happened to the coming-of-age party?”
“The Marquis of Vincent… picked up the handkerchief I

dropped . ”
“Oh, my God…”
“Really?”
The young ladies expressed surprise in their own way that

something unimaginable had happened . Aria, who knew the
future, also joined in by wrapping her cheeks in her palms .
As if she was shy, Sarah dyed her face red .
“So what? So what happened? Did he take it?”
“I’m ashamed, but he did . He said the embroidery on my

handkerchief is beautiful and asked for it . ”
“And then what? That’s not the end, is it?”
“He asked for a dance, and we danced together . He was

soft and caring unlike what they say in the rumors that he
was blunt . ”
Sponsored Content
He had become a family head at a young age in his late

teens, so he had devoted himself to his work and hadn’t had
a woman around him . He had not also attended any of the
parties except for the coming-of-age ceremonies . Because
of the celebration of the aristocracy who would be an adult,
the participation of the noblemen representing each family
was essential .
The only place to see the Marquis of Vincent had been the
coming-of-age party, but he had always been busy with his
work, so he was likely to leave after showing his face in a
brief time . He was about to go back to do so again this
time, but he had run into Sarah .
“Oh my God!”
“How did this happen…!”
“If the Marquis of Vincent asked you to dance…! He must

have been in love with you at first sight!”
He was young, capable, and handsome, so he was always

the target of unmarried young ladies . The fact that he had
a blunt personality, and they could not see him often was
playing a part .
‘Who can win the heart of that iron-clad man? Perhaps I can
be the one . ’ That was their psychology of expectation .
“So why is his servant here today?”
Although it was obvious that it would be a return or a

request for a date since they danced together, the young
ladies who wanted to confirm it with Sarah’s mouth
glistened their eyes and waited for her answer .
“He sent me a bouquet of flowers and a necklace as a gift .

And…”
“And then?”
“And… there was a letter asking me to take a walk with him

to the lake before the snow melts . ”
“Ahhh…!”
“How could he be so romantic…!”
It was only as much as others did, but because of the widely

spread rumors that the Marquis of Vincent was blunt, they
quickly lowered their standard of evaluation . Sarah glanced
at Aria with a troubled smile amongst the young ladies,
saying that it would be good to buy a dress to go for a walk
by the lake . ”
“Do you like the Marquis of Vincent, Lady Sarah?”
At a sudden question from Aria, everyone stopped talking

and doing and looked back at her .
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‘What are you talking about right now? He is the Marquis of
Vincent! Do you have anything to argue about?’
They were sure Sarah liked him because she had been given
his attention .
And Sarah also looked back at Aria .
“That’s…”
But Sarah certainly didn’t say yes . It was because before

she liked him, she thought about the fact that the Marquis of
Vincent had paid attention to her . She was just so happy
that such a great man had talked to her that she couldn’t
fathom what she had really felt .
Aria followed on behalf of Sarah who could not answer . “I

want Lady Sarah to hang out with a happy person . ”
Of course, the opponent must be the Marquis of Vincent .

Aria had heard rumors that Sarah was very happy with her
marriage . Aria recalled the expression of the Marquis of
Vincent, whom she had occasionally encountered at the
coming-of-age ceremony . Contrary to the current
widespread rumors, he had been gentle, and she guessed
that it must have been due to Sarah’s influence .
Nevertheless, asking her opinion was to give such

occasional advice in this way . Sarah blushed at what Aria
was trying to say . She was an easy woman that could be
moved easily, perhaps because of her good feelings toward
her .
“Thank you, Lady Aria . I didn’t really think of it that way . ”

“I’m sure the Marquis of Vincent is a good man, but… I hope
Lady Sarah will take the path of being truly happy . ”
“I’ll keep that in mind . It’s all thanks to Lady Aria . ”
‘Of course, you have to thank me . ’
The very large stem that would be responsible for Aria’s

future moved smoothly . Aria felt like she could get a good
night’s sleep today .
***
Annie’s condition was unusual for several days after the

meeting .
She looked as if she were dreaming . The countess was

assumed to have raised her status thanks to her excellent
looks but Sarah was not . It must have been a shock to her
as Sarah’s appearance had attracted the attention of the
most powerful man in the Empire .
“Annie, didn’t you clean that place earlier?”
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“Oh, I’m sorry, miss . ”
Annie was already cleaning the window frame for the third
time . Jessie had wiped it out in the morning, and it was so
clean .
“My room is clean, so you don’t have to clean it anymore .

Come here and sit down . ”
At Aria’s beckoning, Annie came running and sat in front of
her .
“How was the first meeting?”
“It was really great . It was too much for me . ”
“Really?”
“Yes! The ladies were all pretty, but I was very surprised
because you were the prettiest of them all . I didn’t know
that because I saw you every day, but I thought you were
really pretty . ”
Aria didn’t ask her to do that, but she buttered her up .

Annie, who gained confidence when she saw Aria smiling a
little, raised her voice .
“How come you’re so pretty when you do not decorate

yourself so fancy? Is that because you were born pretty,
isn’t it? The countess is so beautiful, and you must have
inherited it . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part IV
Chapter 63 . Testing and Trial, Part IV
Translator: Khan
After complimenting Aria, her lips curled up a little as she

realized she had not inherited such beauty .
Aria picked up a macaron . Its destination was in front of

Annie’s lips . Annie’s eyes were wide open .
“You were so pretty today, too . Do you have any idea how
cute you were today?”
“… really?”
“Well, if you were ugly, I wouldn’t take you there . Did you
forget the young ladies that complimented you?”
Annie’s face turned red .
‘Yeah, you have to yearn more and more . Be proud and

arrogant beyond self-confidence . Fill the mansion with
dumb people like you, so that Mielle can’t do anything . ’
“What if I take you to a meeting where young men are?”

The macaron rubbed on Annie’s lips and left a stain on it .
The purple powder left in place of the macaron dyed Annie’s
lips . Slowly lowering her eyes, Annie’s eyes blushed at the
murmur of Aria, ‘Wouldn’t they want to steal your cute lips?’
Annie was so cute when she moved her sweet butt .
“I think it’ll be as sweet as this macaron… . what do you

think?”
A little force at her fingertips pushed the macaron in, and

half of it went into Annie’s mouth . Her eyes dimmed with
the purple macaron, and she blushed .
Aria, who stroked her cheek once, held a dark temptation

like a wicked woman who had been decapitated and died .
“I trust you will do a good job until then, Annie . ”
As long as he moved as Aria wanted, her rise in status was

not a dream that could not be achieved . No, it might be
very easy because there was the hourglass that could give
her back her time .
Annie, who cut the macaron, nodded with a bewitching face

.
***
Sarah seemed to be in contact with the Marquis of Vincent

quite often .
‘Who said that she was busy with work?’
Aria could tell what was going on without looking at them .

The marquis fell in love with Sarah .
Sarah was also very fond of him, who was caring for her and
showed unleashing interest in her . So she asked Aria for
advice, including a recent report, whenever she had a class .
It was strange to ask for help from Aria who was four years
younger than her, but it was so helpful that her face
brightened with each passing day .
“… I don’t know if I can really do that . ”
“Of course you can . Sarah’s hands are so warm . When I

hold your hand like this, it feels like I’m holding my mom’s
hand . ”
After two walks by the lake, she said she was worried about
the cold hands of the Marquis of Vincent . Ordinary young
ladies would have given gloves as gifts, but Aria
recommended that she held his hand tightly and share her
warmth to him .
‘Who doesn’t like it when a man’s favorite woman is holding

his hand?’
It was even more so for a casual man such as the Marquis of

Vincent, who had stayed away from women . It was clear
that the heat from her hand would penetrate his heart and
paralyze his rational thinking .
“Everything Lady Aria said was right, so I’ll try it again . ”
“Thank you for believing, Sarah . ”
“Now winter is coming to an end, but… may I prepare

gloves for him, too?”
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“Yes, you’d rather give them to him as a gift when your date
is over . He would open it in a wagon on his way back and
think about Sarah all night . Sarah’s warm hands and
gloves, which held the hands of the marquis, would overlap .
He would be in a stew over you . ”
“Oh, my God…”
Sarah couldn’t hide her surprise . Sarah must be wondering

how young Aria was so good at dating . It was due to past
experience of having numerous men already, but it was
impossible to say so, so Aria smiled shyly and equivocated .
“I guess a lot of love stories I heard before I joined the

Roscent family helped . Among the common people,
someone’s love story is the most enjoyable entertainment .
Because it’s not easy to get books, it’s often passed on
through word of mouth . A five-year-old also used to give
advice . ”
“That must have been fun . ”
“Yes, it’s one of my most enjoyable memories . And I’m

happy to be able to help Sarah this way . ”
Now that it was time to finish the class, both of them went
down together to the first floor, so Aria could see Sarah off .
But the carriage waiting in front of the entrance door was
not Sarah’s .
‘Surely, I’ve given Annie an instruction in advance . ’
Looking back at Annie, her face became pale . It was a look

of injustice . Considering her usual behavior, it was hard to
say that she would make such a mistake . Perhaps someone
arrived before waiting for Sarah’s carriage, or it was
someone greater than Sarah .
“Isn’t that Lady Aria?”
“… Mr . Lane . ”
Sure enough, it was Lane who got off the wagon . Aria

thought his visit was rare recently, but he visited the
mansion of Count Roscent without fail . Her father and
mother were out, and he should have made an appointment
. Even after reading Aria’s troubled expression, Lane did not
care at all .
“I’m sorry I came here all of a sudden . I only have time now
.”
Maybe it was because Mielle was not there . He beckoned

his servant with a rather stiff face . It had been great last
time, but Aria thought he brought a bunch of eye-catching
gifts again . Aria hardened her face at the sight of the huge
gifts .
“My mother and father are out . ”
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“Did Lady Mielle go out, too?”
“No . ”
“That’s enough . I’m just here to have a cup of tea with her .
”
No, she couldn’t . She couldn’t leave Lane and Mielle alone .
She didn’t know who the man was or who his master was .
She couldn’t keep such a dangerous person close to Mielle .
“Why don’t you come back next time when my father is

here?”
“I don’t know when I’ll be free again . ”
“And wouldn’t the idea of having tea with a single young girl
without her parents’ consent be a little dangerous?”
“Don’t worry . Do you think I’m that bad?”
“I don’t think so… but I’m afraid there’s going to be a bad

rumor about Mielle . ”
The soft, fresh Aria that had just been around was nowhere
to be found now . As if to worry about her little sister with a
bit of a hard face and tone, Sarah was worried about her
and grabbed her hand .
‘Who is this man? Does Aria, who is kind to everyone, have

this attitude?’
However, there was dampness on the palm of her hand that

Sarah could never question . Sarah, therefore, realized that
Aria was very nervous and felt that she considered this
matter seriously . Before the man who was wearing an
annoying smile could say anything, Sarah hastened to cut in
between them .
“Well, why don’t you have tea together with us? I was just
about to get thirsty . ”
“… Sarah?”
Aria turned around and Sarah gave strength to her hand .

Only then did Aria realize that her hands were damp . She
was not also aware of her expression . She showed an ugly
look . Whenever unforeseen events and figures appeared,
she could not control her behavior and speech .
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Luckily, Lane readily accepted Sarah’s offer . “Good . As

Lady Aria said, there’s a considerable age gap, but the
combination of both a single man and a single woman does
not look good . ”
‘If Sarah wasn’t here…’
A cold sweat broke out on her back when she thought about
that… She might have crossed the line and shown an ugly
look . If she had had the hourglass, she would have turned
back the time, but unfortunately, she had come down to see
off and hadn’t brought it . She almost showed her true
colors to a person who she didn’t even know his true
identity .
It was a good thing . Aria, who felt some reassurance, made

a tender look again and smiled at Sarah . Sarah also smiled
back as if telling her not to worry . ‘Really, is Sarah a
guardian from heaven?’
“Oh, come to think of it . I also have something for Lady Aria

this time . ”
Before heading to the lounge to serve the guests, it was the
tulip bouquet that Lane gave her . He offered a wagonload
of presents to Mielle, and it was only a bouquet of flowers to
herself; it couldn’t even be compared!
‘It’s nearly nothing . ’
Even though he visited Mielle, it had been a long time since

someone had openly discriminated against her .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part V
Chapter 64 . Testing and Trial, Part V
Translator: Khan
If there were sisters, it was common to bring gifts that were

similar . But she received only a bouquet of flowers like this
. Nevertheless, Aria received the bouquet of flowers with a
happy face, not expressing what was really on her mind .
“Thank you . It’s a pretty tulip . ”
“It’s my master’s favorite flower . ”
“I see . Usually, people like the flowers of their family the

most, but he must be very patriotic . ”
“Well… I can say that . ”
Aria, who gave a fresh smile in return for the bouquet, took
her nose to the tulip bouquet and smelled it . Whether it
was not the flower she could easily smell on the streets, she
could smell the fresh, heavy fragrance from it .
“It smells so good . I don’t think it’s the usual smell of

flowers . Where did you buy it?”
Aria asked, slowly blinking her eyelids full of eyelashes . Her
beautiful face mingled with the flowers . Lane briefly looked
into Aria’s eyes with a faint frown in the middle of his
forehead .
“… I bought it near the mansion . ”
Then he quickly turned his head to avoid her as if he had

seen something wrong .
“If it’s still this fresh, I guess it’s from the capital, right? It’s
a lot closer than I thought . ”
“…”
Lane gave a look implying that he had made a mistake at

the moment . Aria, who had fixed her gaze on him all the
time, was able to catch that moment . Aria realized that his
master was not a foreign aristocrat . He seemed to serve his
master nearby, and it meant that his master was staying in
the capital .
However, from the beginning, putting a foreign aristocrat on

the list was simply a delusion . Lane’s speech tone was a
sample of the Imperial standard language . If he served a
foreign aristocrat or came from a foreign country, he would
not be able to speak such a clean standard language . It
would be different somewhere . According to Aria’s
experience, it was so .
‘Then who the hell is it? Don’t tell me he is the Crown Prince
.’
No way . He would marry Princess Frederick soon . There

was no way he would pay attention to Mielle when there
were already a lot of rumors about his engagement with
Princess Frederick . In addition, Mielle was nothing but a
person who was entangled with the family that his
engagement talk was coming and going . If this absurd idea
was true and not an imagination, it was clear that it would
bring bloody wind to the Empire . He wouldn’t do that if he
had an idea .
Aria shook her head, saying that this would never be the
case .
“I’m curious about other kinds of flowers, too . If you don’t

mind, could you tell me about the flower shop?”
“… I’ll let you know later . Right now, a little… I’m in trouble
.”
“Yes, and whenever you change your mind, let me know . ”
“… I will . ”
Little by little, Lane’s reply was becoming late, perhaps

because he realized that he had leaked information about
his master’s identity . He glanced at her face, worried that
Aria might have noticed the little information .
‘It’s a rare tulip, so if she looks it up, she’ll find out where it
was purchased . ’
So Aria smiled brightly as if she knew nothing . Lane

returned to his first expression once he realized that his
opponent was only fifteen years old .
“Annie, would you put it in my room? Please keep it well so

that it would not wither . And bring me the box I always
carried with me . ”
“Yes, miss . ”
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While a maid had gone to call for Mielle, Aria waited for
Mielle in the lounge with Sarah and Lane . It took quite some
time because she wasn’t prepared to greet anyone at all .
In the meantime, the three remained silent for a while as

there was no word to say . The room was silent, and the
only thing they could hear was the sound of their teacups
when they were putting them down . In the end, Sarah was
the first to speak as she could not bear the silence anymore
.
“So I’m late to say hello because I had no time to mind

others . It’s a great pleasure to meet you . I’m Sarah of the
family of Viscount Lauren . ”
“Oh, my… I’ve been rude to a lady . I’m Pino Lane . ”
Lane got up from his seat and bowed politely . The two
introduced each other with impeccably clean greetings .
“You must be busy at work . ”
“Yes, my master is very capricious . ”
“Well, because he has the ability, he seems to be capricious

.”
“I’m ashamed of you to say that . ”
Unlike when he was talking to Aria a while ago, gentle

energy flowed out of him . It was like a leisurely
conversation between nobles . In a subdued atmosphere,
Sarah and Lane sometimes held jasmine tea in their mouths
and enjoyed its relaxed flavor while continuing their
conversation .
“When I see you visit like this, you have been close enough
to Lady Mielle for so long . ”
“No, she was an acquaintance of my master, not me . I’m

just delivering gifts to her and asking how she gets along . ”
“I see . I am sorry I was rude . ”
“No, I’m not hiding it . You are not even rude . ”
Sponsored Content
They didn’t know his master’s identity, but he didn’t have

anything to hide .
While Sarah and Lane were talking, Annie brought a box of

the hourglass . Aria fiddled with a pocket watch on her neck
. Her hands were shaking because she hadn’t used it in the
meantime .
Click . She opened the pocket watch and pressed the button
. The first needle sped quickly into the future .
‘Can I get information from him who pretends to be relaxed

on the surface but is actually wary like a furry cat?’
Aria, who had a precious box next to her from Annie, turned
toward Lane . As long as the hourglass was around her, it
would be fine . No matter what she said, it was all over if
she turned the hourglass over .
“Mr . Lane, why is your master interested in Mielle?”
Lane answered without hesitation because it was a question

she had asked before .
“As I said before, she is intelligent and quickly gets

information . My master noticed that she has an excellent
ability, and my master would like to teach her how to make
the right use of it . ”
‘What kind of information did Mielle use?’ Above all, she

couldn’t agree on the fact that Mielle had got information
quickly .
‘Could Mielle have achieved any great feat without realizing

it?’ If she had done it, she must have been bragging it all
over town, and Aria couldn’t understand why she didn’t
know that .
“You’re saying she helped my father’s business?”
“I can say yes . The count said she always gave advice to
the business . ”
This was the story she had heard last time . ‘Indeed, did the
count make up his words by exaggeration?’ Mielle’s advice
had not been accepted by the count, so she could only think
of it like that . And at the thought of it, everything was
consistent .
‘Truly, a daughter and a father are so foolish . ’
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He might have said a few words to show off his daughter,

but if someone took it lightly, there would not be any
problems . But she couldn’t imagine doing so to someone
who paid all his attention to Mielle . She didn’t think he was
an ordinary aristocrat, but how could he handle it later?
Of course, if Oscar and Mielle married, the count would be

at the pinnacle of power and wealth, so no one would easily
confront him, but wouldn’t he be ashamed? Everyone in the
aristocracy was bluffing, but this time it was too much .
“Did you hear the details?”
Aria wondered what the count might have said . ‘How will
such an earnest person react when the facts turn out to be
false and exaggerated?’
“Yes, I was particularly impressed by the advice Miss Mielle

gave her father . This time she responded before the fashion
.”
“… did you say fashion?”
“The fur . I heard she noticed it before the princess led the
fashion . ”
‘Mielle?’ Aria’s fine hand that was holding the watch

trembled . That was not what Mielle had said . That was
what Aria had told the count . In return, Aria had even got a
birthday present and a jewelry box! She couldn’t understand
why it had come to Mielle’s accomplishment .
Aria was speechless for a moment . Even though she was

not his own daughter, it was a little bit too much to take
away her exploits by lying . Then, in wonder, Sarah, who
called her name, managed to come to her senses .
“Did my father… say that? Mielle gave him advice on fur?”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part VI
Chapter 65 . Testing and Trial, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Lane frowned faintly at Aria’s expression and speech tone .

He recalled whether he had made a mistake or not . He
briefly recalled the past to answer Aria’s questions and
asked her back in reverse as if nothing had gone wrong .
“Maybe? It came out naturally when I had the story of Lady

Mielle . Is there a problem?”
She didn’t believe it, but she thought he might admit

something to her if she tried… ‘Yes, I see . ’ Somehow her
eyes got hot . But she didn’t feel like she was going to cry .
The fever seemed to have gone up .
Aria’s gaze that was slowly blinking away headed for the
hourglass . When she found out that the needle was
approaching the top, she took out the hourglass from the
box .
“Yes, because I was the one who told my father about the
fur . ”
“… yeah?”
“I’m the one who helped him with the fur business . Mielle
always had a bunch of useless, crude garbage . I mean, it’s
like everybody can think about it . My father never used it
for business . ”
“What are you talking about …?”
“So it means Mielle is a stupid bitch, enough to take away

even the few exploits of a wicked bitch . ”
“… Aria!?”
Sarah, sitting next to her, spoke up at the shocking nature

of the wicked woman . Lane also said nothing with his eyes
wide open . Looking at them, Aria turned the hourglass over
without hesitation .
Then came Sarah and Lane, who pretended to be relaxed

and drank tea . This brought Aria’s exploits back to Mielle’s
side .
‘… I shouldn’t have turned the hourglass over . ’
She thought for a moment, but she couldn’t . No matter how

much the count gave his credit to his own daughter, he was
still the head of the Roscent family and an influential man .
She couldn’t make him an enemy with useless words .
But one question arose . It was whether helping the count’s

business in the future would be helpful to her life . She could
get his care a little, but she thought it wouldn’t help
because all the credit would go to Mielle as it was now .
‘Maybe it doesn’t matter if I just pretend to be decent . ’

It was clear that expectations on her would be low, anyway .
‘Doesn’t he think I would look pretty if I stayed still?’ Her
heart started to beat faster with an unexpected sense of
betrayal . The hand that returned the hourglass to the box
was full of force .
A moment later, Mielle, appearing in a quiet lounge as if

nothing had happened, was in a very fancy dress . When
she listened to their conversation, she realized that all the
clothes she wore were gifts from Lane’s master . After all
who would dress like that indoors .
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting a long time . ”
“No, it’s my fault that I just popped in . You look really good
in your outfit . ”
“Thank you . I’ve been thinking about what to wear for a

long time because there are so many beautiful things . ”
“You’re beautiful no matter what you wear . ”
“I’m embarrassed . ”
Mielle was shy and blushed . She pretended to be innocent

while she was totally different inside . She acted like that
even though they were words she heard all the time, and
Aria laughed at her .
The tea with plenty of honey was bitter . Aria took a bite of a
canape with cheese on it and removed the remnants of
bitter honey from her mouth .
“I don’t know what to do today because your master gave

me too many presents . ”
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“Never mind . It’s not a gift that my master overdid himself .

”
‘Does Mielle know that all the clothes and jewelry she’s
wearing aren’t hers? Can’t she twist that pretty face even
though she knows it?’
And one more thing . If Lane’s master found out that the
vulgar, wicked woman was the one who had helped the
count’s business, how would he react? Would he still treat
Mielle the same way? Aria was not sure if Lane’s master
would continue siding with Mielle, but she would be able to
expect the same reaction .
It was only after Mielle greeted Lane for a long time that she
gave Sarah a look . She opened her eyes and bowed her
head as if she had found someone who had not been there .
“Oh, are you my sister’s tutor?”
“Yes . I’m sorry for the late introduction . I’m Sarah of the
family of Viscount Lauren . ”
“Please, please give me a favor, Lady Lauren . ”
Mielle’s greeting was polite and neat, but her neglect for
Sarah implicitly came out . Most of all, she talked in a casual
way without revealing her name .
‘Is it because she’s a lady of the Viscount family of low-

class? Or does she not have a fancy look? Or she is a wicked
woman’s tutor?’ Aria didn’t know which one of those was
the reason, but everything listed earlier must have been the
reason .
“Yes, I also ask you to give me a favor . ” Sarah seemed a

little surprised by Mielle’s attitude, but she didn’t show any
signs of it . Instead, she paid more attention to her manners
and tried to avoid being blamed .
Mielle smiled softly . “… as expected, you’re the one who

coached Aria, who’s not yet used to the noble society . ”
“That’s too much . ”
‘Who wants to praise and acknowledge who? Mielle, do you

know that Sarah would become the Marquise soon after,
and unlike you, who forced Oscar to be engaged, she would
be loved by the Marquis of Vincent?’
Alas, maybe even if she found out, Mielle would stick to that
lofty attitude . She had a fancy imagination that she would
marry the successor of the Frederick family . However, a
vulgar wicked woman who knew the future would never let
that happen .
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And the curse of the wicked girl had been partly in progress
. Unlike the cold look he had sent to Mielle, Aria still couldn’t
forget the look Oscar had when looking at her .
‘Poor Mielle, so die miserably . I’ll get rid of all the people
around you . Let them share the pain of their heads cut . ’
Aria took a sip of her tea that had been sweetened again by
her laugh .
“What do you study at other times?”
“At other times? I enjoy reading a book from my father’s

study or having a discussion under the guidance of teachers
.”
Of course, there was a variable called Lane beside Mielle,

but Aria had a hunch that she would not have to worry
about him as she heard their conversation . Mielle was being
tested by Lane now .
“Oh, I see . I’m similar . Well, is there a topic you’ve been

interested in lately?”
“A topic of interest? Um… Let me see . ”
Mielle, who was cocking her head as if she was thinking,

could not answer easily . Aria guessed it was because Mielle
was trying hard to think even though she was not smart and
intelligent, anxious about how she could look good to the
unidentified man . It must be hard to squeeze out what was
not there .
“I have been thinking about my father’s new business . ”
“Oh, do you have any specific thoughts? What is it?”
Lane glared at Mielle’s words that she was thinking about

the count’s business with that smart brain .
“Yes, but I can’t let you know . I’m only going to let my
father know a little . ”
“Haha, my dear . I almost stole the important business
secrets . ”
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Lane gave a cool smile as if he was very cute .
‘But is it really a secret? I don’t think there’s anything in it .

Would that be of little help even if you had it? Why didn’t
you tell him, Mielle? Let Lane laugh at you as hard as he can
.’
“So what do you think about reopening the casino?”
“Casino?”
“Yes, the casino that’s been reopened for quite some time a
while back . ”
“Oh, you mean the casino where the human trafficking case
took place . ”
“Yes . ”
Lane put the story on the hot topic . What Mielle knew about
the casino incident was that she read a few lines of
newspapers . It was obvious that there would be little
nutritious talk . And fortunately, Lane struggled to ask Mielle
questions so that Aria wouldn’t be disappointed .
It might be ordered by his master . Lane told Mielle that his

master had met her, but it seemed to have been a very
short moment since Mielle could not remember, and the
only thing that the count had really boasted about his
daughter was the fur business .
‘That’s why he wants to decide whether she is authentic . ’
His master wanted to know whether she was really clever or

not . As the Crown Prince was involved, Mielle seemed to
know quite a bit about the casino incident, and she was
outspoken and clearly talked about her thoughts .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part VII
Chapter 66 . Testing And Trial, Part VII
Translator: Khan
“He’s eliminated the risk once, so it should be reopened .

Would the security be tight, wouldn’t it? Above all, the
Crown Prince said he would take care of it himself . ”
“As expected, you think so . ”
“Yes, this is what his Highness does . It might be a good idea

to boost his investment and expand the business in the
future . It should be enough to be known to other countries .
”
“I agree . Would it be nice to use it as a symbol of the

capital?”
“Right . How about building a statue of the Crown Prince?”
“I’ve heard rumors that he is a handsome man . That

sounds like a great idea . ”
Having heard Mielle’s very ordinary and simple proposal,

Lane responded with a loud response . She couldn’t hide her
joy since her thoughts were accepted and continued to
make a suggestion that everyone could think of, and Lane
replied, praising that it was an excellent idea . She seemed
to feel her thoughts and opinions were as great as ever as
always .
‘Was Mielle with no keen notice, like that?’
Mielle couldn’t even feel Lane’s disappointment . Although

he didn’t express his feelings, he didn’t go deep into her
thoughts and opinions and only responded appropriately . It
was almost as if the count was the one who heard the
foolish opinions of Mielle .
‘You asked him to set a statue of the Crown Prince! What a

foolish idea it was!’
It was so childish . The Crown Prince was not a hero who put
a flag on the conquest, but what kind of statue was she
going to build? She was so childish that Aria laughed at it .
“… sister?”
Then Mielle responded straight away . She seemed to have

been paying attention even if she had pretended not to do
so . It was worth it because Aria had taken the eyes of Oscar
and Cain . Aria was also bothered about what Mielle and
Lane were talking about while she was away .
Aria wiped her lips with a handkerchief and apologized

briefly as all the attention was paid to her because her
name was called .
“I’m sorry . I was drinking tea and…”
“Are you all right? There are such times . ”

Aria nodded calmly because Sarah asked with a worried
face . It was obvious that she was being mocked, but Sarah,
who only knew the lovely Aria, seemed to be just worried
about her .
“Do you have anything to say?”
But that wasn’t for Mielle and Lane . It was appropriate to

say that she was being mocked because it happened while
they were talking . He asked why Aria was being mocked
because he was bored and disappointed in his conversation
with Mielle .
“Well, I don’t know if I can join . ”
“Anyone in the House is free to make their own decisions . ”
‘Alas, how boring would you be when you talked to Mielle

and get an opinion from a wicked woman? You came here to
get her heart with a heap of wealth, but you couldn’t resist
boredom, so you talk to the daughter of a humble prostitute
first . Wouldn’t your master be angry and resentful if he
knew?’
“Well… it’s simple, but I’d like to show my thoughts . ”
“Yes, please . ”
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Lane replied with a tone of whether he expected something

or not . It was because of Aria’s reasoning that she had
shown him once in a while . Since she was a vulgar woman
of low birth and the rumors were not ordinary, he seemed to
wonder if her previous sharp reasoning was a coincidence .
Nevertheless, his eyes glowed with anticipation just in case .
“I think they’d better shut down the casino . ”
“… why?”
Lane frowned at the extreme opinions .
“I think a casino that can be used for people who dream of

making a fortune at one stroke, no matter how legal, will
devastate the spirit and soul of the people . ”
And it would soon become a reality . Unlike the days when

Viscount Lupre managed it, the casino that the Prince
himself was in charge of was very prosperous under the
hands of the Crown Prince . It was also because of the
reassurance and trust that the Empire would manage them .
Therefore, there were a number of people who had lost their
entire fortune to the casino, which was a legitimate gamble,
and the damage went to the nobility .
The countess, Aria’s mother, in the past, also caused minor

trouble to the count by throwing away enough money to
dispose of the jewels she had . Fortunately, the countess
had to read his countenance for a while although their
relationship recovered over time . Therefore, Aria intended
to give proper caution or accompany the casino to give
advice .
There were quite a few people who lost their fortune even
when Viscount Lupre was managing it, but she heard that
the business was not expanded or promoted properly, and
he touched the illegal business . However, if the Crown
Prince was involved, who would be able to embrace it all at
once…
“You mean they’re going to lose their money because of

gambling?”
“That’s what I think . If there’s a rumor that the Crown

Prince is in charge of it, unlike when Viscount Lupre was in
charge, they’d be relieved to invest their money . Because
of the nature of gambling, the majority of people will lose
money . ”
“You have a point . Then why not impose restrictions?”
“How are you going to impose restrictions?”
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“Well, if we decide how much they can spend according to

their own property…”
“Really? I wonder how you’ll study and set standards when

they have different assets . ”
Even if the number of aristocrats was small and the taxes

they paid were large, it would be easy to identify them .
However, how would they investigate a large number of
commoners? Even if one or two commoners went bankrupt,
it would not deal a serious blow to the entire Empire .
But what if the number went up? If they fell, who would pay
small but solid taxes and support the base of the Empire;
the noblemen who led elegant lives on them would also be
dealt a fatal blow .
“That’s…”
Lane blurred his words . There seemed to be no alternative .

It was the same with Aria . So she thought it would be better
to end the casino business because she did not think of an
alternative plan to prepare .
“The people who enter the casino with the dream of making
a big fortune first…”
Before the words were spoken, Aria looked at Mielle once

and smiled brightly .
“They’ll see the statue of the Crown Prince . And this is what
they’re going to think, ‘It’s a casino managed by the Crown
Prince, and I’m sure it will enrich my life . '”
Mielle’s shaking eyes fell on Aria . The saliva-sucking look

seemed to wait for the next word for Aria . Lane’s face
hardened if he had guessed what she would say .
“But what if they lose money? What do you think of the

thing they will face after losing all their property and being
kicked out of the casino?”
‘Even if I don’t tell you anymore, you will know that . ’
Aria picked up a cup of tea and kept some cold black tea in
her mouth . Lane clenched his fists as if she was a little bit
of a wicked woman who enjoyed tea gracefully with her
long, rich eyelashes down .
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As Mielle spoke with her short foolish thought, she did not
overcome the shame and could not answer any . So it was
lovely Sarah who answered Aria’s question .
“… it must be a statue of His Highness . ”
“That’s right . But if he faces people crying out at his

statue… His Highness must not be very pleased . ”
Mielle’s brow creased as it could be seen .
‘What a pleasant surprise!’ It looked very well suited to the

foolish woman . She should know how foolish she was .
Why did Mielle still think her ideas were great? Facing
Mielle’s face, Aria shook her head, making a surprised face .
“Mielle, you’re not offended, are you? It’s just a hypothesis

and I’m not ignoring your opinion . His Highness’s statue? in
fact, I really want to see it . I can’t wait to imagine how
beautiful it will be . ”
“… yes . I don’t know his face, so I’d like to see him as a

statue . ”
Sarah helped, but Mielle’s face was hardly loosened . ‘Is it

okay for a saint to narrow the middle of her forehead while a
wicked girl is smiling?’ Of course, it was a very pleasant and
enjoyable situation .
Lane’s eyes were fixed on Aria for a while . It seemed quite

shocking that a young girl of only fifteen came up with this
idea . She was the daughter of a prostitute who even had a
bad reputation . Lane must be aware of the rumor .
possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part VIII
Chapter 67 . Testing And Trial, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“… ha . ”
Lane, who had been stiff for a while, suddenly threw up his
vain smile . The eyes were still fixed on Aria . Mielle’s
shadow, which he had intended to get, had suddenly
disappeared . Instead, there was a new shadow on his face,
tired of a private conversation .
Lane, who had been looking at Aria as if he had been

deprived of his soul for some time, touched his face once
with his big palms, and then burst out laughing as if he had
lost his mind . Because of this, Mielle, wearing a mask,
straightened her face and called his name,
“… Mr . Lane?”
But the place where his answer was directed at was Aria,
not Mielle .
“Oh, my God, I’ve learned a lot . ”
“What do you mean?”

Lane’s laughter grew thick when Aria pretended not to know
.
“The idea of a Casino . I didn’t think we had to shut it down,

but I was impressed by the new view . ”
“Really? I think it’s a simple hypothesis that anyone can

think of . ”
Of course, Mielle wouldn’t have been able to think of it .

Lane burst out laughing again at her humble but never
humble way of speaking .
“If I don’t excuse you, please let me know . What kind of

study is Lady Aria doing every day, and how do you have
such deep thoughts?”
‘Isn’t that the question you asked Mielle? What if Mielle

cried?’
Swallowing a smile, Aria replied, “There’s nothing special . ”
“What is it, for example?”
“Well…”
‘Would you believe they are a newspaper that is mixed with

all kinds of gossip, the experience of being decapitated, the
hourglass? It’s true, but you’ll never believe it . You will
mock, saying that the wicked woman is finally out of her
mind . ’
“I’m similar to Mielle . I’m taught by the wives, I read books,

and sometimes I read newspapers . Oh, and…”
There was one more important source of information .

“It’s very helpful to listen to my father and Mielle’s
conversation . They tell me a lot of information that I don’t
know . That’s why I listen very carefully . ”
In particular, Mielle had given Aria a good idea of when and

how to release the information . It had been only once that
Aria had given information to the count, but it had been
helpful in many ways . ‘Isn’t that right now?’ Mielle had
given her a chance to shame her by gnawing at her own
flesh .
“Today’s conversation was also very informative . ”
“Was that so?”
At first glance, Aria seemed to praise Mielle, but in the end,

it meant that she often got the chance to show off her
knowledge based on Mielle’s clumsy knowledge . If it were
as naive and flat as Sarah, she wouldn’t know, Lane and
Mielle must have noticed it .
“… really? That’s a surprise . That’s what I do sometimes . ”
‘That’s why you make such a transparent attack now . Do

you want to argue that this shameful situation is not one-
sided? You’ve just had a look on your face that people can’t
think of as a noblewoman’s . Ah, yes, you might have been
all the way in the past . ’
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However, Aria had stolen everything that Mielle had always

shown off only a few months ago .
‘Did you hate the dumb, wicked bitch who boasted of simple
poetry at all?’
In retrospect, it was a time when she was always hidden in

the shadows like weeds withering in a noble light . The
feeling that had always dominated her in the past rose from
the depths of her stomach . ‘From now on, I’ll make you
taste such a bitter pain . ’
“You know what? I’m very grateful . If it wasn’t for you, I

wouldn’t be here either . ”
“Really? That’s a good thing . ”
It was no use pretending to be lofty now . It would have

been nice to see Mielle running out of the lounge, throwing
things at her like she had done in the past .
But Mielle was a noble noblewoman from the beginning . It

was easier to laugh than to get angry, and rather than
throwing things, she was used to covering her mouth with a
fan .
“Please give me a favor in the future, Miele . ”
“So do I, sister . ”
The smiling sisters, wearing a pretense on their faces,

looked friendly to anyone . Because it was Mielle’s specialty
to bully and afflict Aria beyond anyone else’s knowledge,
and now Aria was imitating it .
Sarah and Lane went back because the sun went down
during the conversation . The gaze, which had always been
on Mielle, sometimes headed to Aria and left some
remnants after saying good-bye .
‘Was he trying to fill his disappointment of Mielle? Or did he
realize that the count’s proud daughter was not Mielle?’
Whatever it was, it wasn’t a bad situation because the
attention towards Mielle had been reduced a little .
***
Aria, who went back to her room after using the hourglass in
a long time, slept all day and could not wake up until the
next evening . Jessie hurriedly brought her honey as she
rubbed her stiff eyes and got up .
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Jessie had called in a doctor to check her master’s health

and experienced the same thing several times, so she no
longer caused any more noise . She was just a little worried
.
“Well, miss . I found out where they sell the bouquet you
said . ”
“Oh, you mean the tulip? You got to know pretty quickly . ”
Aria remembered having her come to know just before she

had fallen asleep . Jessie had carried out with a bouquet of
flowers since Aria had not ordered her to do anything except
cleaning, and she seemed to have been bored and liked it .
“So, where do they sell it?”
“I think the flower shop near the Imperial Castle is the most
likely one . ”
“Near the Imperial Castle?”
“Yes, I’ve been to flower shops that deal with the finest
flowers, in the Empire, and they said in a voice that there is
the only place that deals with such fine flowers . And I went
there and found out that there were a lot of similar tulips . ”
Near the Imperial Castle . There were a lot of noblemen’s

mansions there, and it made sense . In particular, there
were many mansions of high-ranking nobles who worked at
the Imperial Castle . ‘Then, is it one of the nobles?’ She
thought she could quickly find out who he was if she
investigated the flower shops, but it seemed to be a
miscalculation .
“Good job . ”
“Oh, by the way, they said that the tulips they handle are
provided from the Imperial Castle . I heard that they can
handle the finest tulips in the Empire . It’s also a tulip that
doesn’t wither well using unique medicine . Look . It’s still
fresh, isn’t it? It also smells great . ”
Tulips really, as she said, were fresh and seemed to have

just picked them up . It was worth it because it was near the
Imperial Castle and a flower shop favored by aristocrats .
“I heard it’s fresh for a month even after it’s cut off . It’s
really amazing . ”
“If you like it so much, you can take it . ”
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“Miss . But it’s a flower you got as a present…”
Jessie’s face turned red even as she said so . ‘Does she like
flowers so much? As time passes, they wither and become
ugly . They can only be put on display and are not helpful in
life . ’
In the past, she had thought it would be better to look in the

mirror than to look at flowers, so she didn’t like them very
much . When she said, “I don’t need it,” Jessie held a
bouquet of flowers in her arms as if she was forced . It was a
very natural attitude because she knew Aria would no
longer be angry for nearly a year .
“Oh, I almost forgot! The letter from Oscar has arrived . ”
“That’s very good news . ”
Jessie took out a letter with no pattern . Oscar’s letter only

contained his initial, not his full name, so no one knew yet
that he and Aria were exchanging letters .
It was the same when they wrote each other’s names in the
text . He decided not to write their full names, Oscar or Aria,
but just their initials . They agreed with each other to avoid
any misunderstanding, but if she thought about it, there was
a risk of appearing as lovers who exchanged secret letters .
Rather, it would be easier to make excuses if they wrote

their full names when someone noticed each other’s names
. They were exchanging letters with initials… If they were
caught, any excuses would be hard to understand .
‘Well, I’m not even a lover yet, and it is Mielle’s unrequited

love, so I don’t have to say that it’s misconduct . ’
possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part IX
Chapter 68 . Testing And Trial, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Anyway, since the family was talking about their marriage, it

could be considered impure if it was impure . Aria needed
help exchanging letters with him . The only person she knew
was Jessie, but inevitably, Annie now knew it, and both of
them all .
‘The first time I sent him a letter, he didn’t reply for quite a
while . ’
As she was about to be disappointed, she was a little moved

by the man who visited her and handed her the letter . After
that, the reply was not too late . Sometimes it came back so
fast that she thought it had already arrived .
It was all about asking for her regards or devoting himself to

studying, but she couldn’t hide her excitement about the
achievement that she had taken away by the man Mielle
loved . It was enough to make her feel like she would be
running around the whole mansion and trying to talk out
loud about the fact that she was exchanging letters with
him .
‘But I can’t do that . ’
If she used the hourglass, it would be OK, but if she did it in

her sober mind, she would only repeat her mistake again .
Aria took out the letter papers she always used and wrote
back to Oscar . In the first part, she wrote in detail about the
weather and health stories, and how well his studies were
doing, as always .
After that, it was spring, and she wanted to go out to see

the flowers . As she was about to finish the letter, she
remembered what Mielle had been up to .
‘If I write down Lane’s story… how will Oscar react?’
He might be jealous . If he might not be jealous, he might be

nervous, if not jealousy . He might be curious about Lane’s
identity as it was related to the girl he was going to marry
later .
The most desirable reaction would be for him to pay no

attention, but thinking that he would, she added the story of
Lane and Mielle . She hoped he would reveal the identity of
the man she did not find, and she ended up wondering
about the man .
“Shall I deliver it to Mr . Oscar?”
“Yes . Keep it and send it in a few days . ”
He would be panicking if she spent a little time and sent it .

It was only when he couldn’t see and didn’t hear the news
that he would miss . Just like a few months ago, a late letter
moved her unthinkable .
***
There was no mention of Lane in the letter back from Oscar
. She didn’t know if he had avoided it on purpose or if he
hadn’t been interested, and she couldn’t mention it twice,
so Lane’s story naturally disappeared from the letter . She
hoped he would care .
Aria spent the winter with self-study, Sarah’s love

counseling, classes with the Viscountesses, and studies in
many fields . The count continued to work in the capital
because the fur business was so successful that he couldn’t
care about other businesses . Even though he was in the
capital, she couldn’t see his face often during dinner time,
but sometimes she asked her in a subtle way if she had any
other information when they had dinner together .
“Now there will be a full spring, so there will be more nobles

taking off their fur . ”
“That’s right . I hope spring will come soon . ”
Despite Mielle’s unnoticed reply, the count smiled without

showing any signs of displeasure . ‘Is your daughter
beautiful in any way she does or speaks?’ Aria, who had
never received unconditional love even from her mother,
was full of wonder .
“Are you thinking about the next thing in the fur business?”
Lane asked after coming to dinner after a long time . The

question was asked to the count, but his eyes were evenly
divided between Mielle and Aria . He seemed to be looking
forward to how they would respond .
“Yes, since the fur business is in a stable position . Now that

the trend in the capital has passed, I should expand into the
provinces and work on other businesses . ”
‘Why is it that you are expanding your business even if you
are the best in the Empire in terms of wealth? Do you want
to sweep all the Empire’s goods?’
At the count’s undiminished spirit, she naturally cocked her

head .
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“What do you think of that, Lady Mielle?” asked Lane, who

was still testing her .
It was amazing to not give up even though he had heard

disappointing answers several times so far . Of course, he
didn’t show as much interest as he had done for the first
time, but Mielle was always his priority to ask if there was
any hope left .
“In spring, thick outerwear becomes unnecessary, so why

don’t you look for light materials?”
“Light materials…You mean…?
“Yes . For example, silk that is good for color or velvet with a
soft touch might be good . ”
Aria swallowed the soft soup with a side dish, stiffening the
face of Lane . ‘It’s a soup with broccoli that I hate, but how
is it so sweet . Did she really think what she just said was a
good idea?’
“That’s a good idea . Silk and velvet have quite a few likes .
They are also used a lot as dress materials . ”
Personally, I think it would be nice to have a light silk . We
can also cover up the sun in the summer with it . ”
“That’s a very good idea . ”
‘Is it a good idea to suggest the already widely used fabrics

for a new business idea?’ Aria kept her mouth shut as she
continued to eat while trying to bear her mocking, and she
suddenly felt a gaze… As she looked up, she could see Lane
and the count looking this way .
“Do you have anything to say…?”
“Aria, I wonder what you think . ”
‘Alas, you’re in dire need of a new business item, aren’t

you? Well, father, what do you want me to say when all of
my exploits in the fur business has been lost to Mielle?’
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Besides, she didn’t want to get Lane’s attention anymore .

She was satisfied with what she had taken from Mielle . She
thought too much attention would only hinder her future
work .
“I agree with what Mielle said . I’d like velvet and silk . The
velvet dress is very beautiful . ”
The eyes of the two men showed disappointment . ‘I only

agreed with the lovely Mielle’s opinion, so why should one
side be praised and the other side faces disappointed eyes?
If that’s the case, I have no choice but to live up to your
expectations . ’
“Oh! Come to think of it…”
As she had a gesture as if something had come to mind, the

count, Lane, and the countess, Mielle’s gaze went to Aria .
Aria smiled softly and curled her eyes .
“I’d like to have a velvet dress . I think it’s perfect for the
change of seasons . ”
“You’ll look great, sister . ”
“Is that right?”
Mielle also smiled broadly at the wicked woman’s stupid

remarks .
Are you satisfied? Are you disappointed, two men? The

count no longer spoke to Aria . Still, he was a loving father
to Mielle, and it was the beginning of the nonsense .
After a quiet meal only for Aria, she went up to her room
and drank tea before bed . When she was reading a book
while drinking fragrant herb tea, Annie, who was waiting by
her side, was restless with her fingers crossed .
“What’s up? Do you have anything to say?”
“Ah, that’s what I…”
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Now that she was used to decorating her face with makeup,
she hid her freckles and acted as if her fair skin was her own
. Aria didn’t know what she had made an excuse for Mielle
or maybe she was giving her the information without
making an excuse, but now she seemed to be a close aide
of Aria, showing off her beauty to other maids .
“Don’t hesitate to speak . ”
“I want to go to the festival next week . Maybe a day or so…

No, I’d like half a day . Can I take a vacation?”
“Festival?”
It was time for the festival . A festival welcoming spring was

held over the weekend at a time when it changed from
winter to spring every year . It was a festival for the
common people, with many street vendors and
performances on the streets, but aristocrats often stopped
by because they had a lot to see .
Aria in her childhood was poor and it was too dangerous to

go alone, and she never stopped by because she didn’t
want to get involved in the lives of ordinary people even
after she became a noblewoman . Of course, she was still
not interested, but she readily accepted Annie’s request as
she knew it was one of the few entertainment attractions
that ordinary people were waiting for .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part X
Chapter 69 . Testing And Trial, Part X
Translator: Khan
“Do it . You can take two days off, so enjoy it . ”
“… is that true?”
“Yes . I’ll call Jessie, who’s been off for a long time . It looked
like she was bored . ”
It didn’t matter if Jessie wanted to participate in the festival

. It wouldn’t be too inconvenient if there would not be their
serving . Cleaning and washing water would be done by
other maids in the mansion, and drinking tea or changing
clothes could be done by herself .
It would not be nice to be seen doing what a maid was

supposed to do since she was the daughter of the family of
Count Roscent, but it would be better than a rumor that she
was persecuting and afflicting her maids . Annie looked
pathetic, and her cheeks were colored rosy .
“Thank you very much, miss!”

“No, it’s nothing . Talk to me when you want to rest from
now on . I have two maids, so even if one takes a break, I’m
not that uncomfortable . ”
“Miss…”
If she could express Annie’s face, she was deeply moved . It

might be because few owners, like Aria, easily gave their
maids a vacation .
Aria of the past had made some maids do useless things all
day long, and made a false accusation and got angry . It had
been excessive, but besides her, there were several
aristocrats who had used their own maids as emotional
garbage cans .
A position in the family of a noble was not easy to get, so

most of them put up with it, but if they had a chance to
move, they would quit without regret .
“Oh, and . ”
“Yes?”
“Or you can wear my clothes if you need to . I can’t lend the
clothes I got as a gift, but the clothes I bought are fine . And
the jewelry, too . ”
“… are, are you serious?”
Annie’s face turned into an embarrassment as if she had

never imagined it . At best, everything she had bought in a
boutique was all . They were all right to dispose of because
they were clothes she did not want to wear and would not
wear anymore .
There was no need to do this, but it was more like making
patronage with the clothes she would throw away because it
did not cost her any loss by being nice to the spy of Mielle .
As she wore makeup and a golden brooch, there were
already some maids who were envious of her . She was
young, but she dressed up beautifully and went to meetings
with her master .
In addition, unlike in the past, the wicked woman behaved in

a calm and quiet manner . It was a festival that many
masters would carry their maids around all day long, and if
she gave her a vacation and lend clothes, it must be
beneficial to her . Annie’s vacation was for promotional
purposes .
“I hope you’ll go with your close maids . ”
“Haha, yes . Is that right?”
Of course, there wouldn’t be a maid in the mansion of the

Roscent family, who could enjoy the festival with her . The
count and countess were stingy on the vacation for maids,
and Mielle would not arrange her maid to Annie, who was on
vacation from the wicked woman .
The festival day came and Aria spent the day with Jessie
after a long time .
Annie dressed herself up from the morning and left the

mansion . She picked out the cheapest clothes Aria had and
put them on . The more gorgeous she was for promotional
purposes, the more Aria’s position would rise .
“Don’t you want to go to the festival, Jessie?”
Aria, who had been reading books all day because she had
no schedule, asked . Jessie, who didn’t know she would be
asked such a question by Aria, shook her hand in
embarrassment .
“No! I’m fine, miss . ”
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“Really?”
“… yeah?”
“Are you saying it’s okay not to go or you don’t want to go?”
“Ah…”
She was willing to let her go if she wanted to . Even if she

didn’t use her vacation, if she went for a while, it didn’t
matter . As Jessie lingered and unable to answer, she asked
her intentions again, and Jessie confessed her real heart
carefully .
“I’d love to go, but… but I have to serve you . ”
“If you want to go, you can go . ”
“…!?”
“If you want to go, go . All I have to do from now on is to

read books anyway . ”
She drank a lot of tea and didn’t want to drink anymore until
she went to bed . So there was no need for Jessie’s serving
anymore . Fresh water was full in the water bottles, so if she
drank it, then it would be done .
“But I am worried about you… Annie’s out, too…”
“I would be only at home . What are you worried about?”
Strictly speaking, staying in a mansion would be the safest

and least to be worried about . Even at Aria’s facial
expression for her to go quickly, Jessie couldn’t answer
easily but then clapped her hands as if something had come
to mind .
“Well, why don’t you come with me?”
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“Where?”
“Festival! It’s not going to be dangerous because it’s still

early . There will be a lot of guards on the festival day . ”
‘Going to the festival? Me? I’ve never thought about it . ’
“Don’t you want to go?”
That was the question Aria had just asked . If she wanted to
go or not… she might have wanted to go when she had
been very young . But she couldn’t go at that time . It had
been similar even after she had joined the Roscent family .
Being a noblewoman, she didn’t go because she thought
she should avoid the play of the common people .
‘And now… may I go now?’
Her heart suddenly fluttered and pounded when she thought

about it . Whether her cheeks had been flushed, Jessie
began to get ready to go out before she could even hear the
answer . Aria stood up with the words “wait a minute” as
she stared at the out-of-the-way clothes and ornaments
Jessie had brought .
“… miss? Are you sure you’re not going out?”
Jesse’s face turned sour again . In the past, Aria had done
mischievous acts to her many times, and Jessie seemed to
be looking forward to going out with her owner .
‘In the past, how could I be so cruel to such a child?’
“No, these outwear clothes are so noticeable, and let’s go

out in plain clothes . It wouldn’t be a good idea to make a
rumor of it as a nobleman’s walk . ” Then, Jessie’s face
turned red .
“Miss!”
“Get ready quickly . I’ll be back before dark . ”
“Yes!”
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Wearing neatly braided hair and unmarked dress, Aria

touched her hair still . She felt strange as if she had gone
back for more than a decade .
‘If I’d lived this normal life before I came to the mansion of
the Roscent family…’
‘If so, would the future have changed a little?’ She shook her
head thinking . As long as the demonic Mielle had been
there, she would never have been able to live a decent life .
She had begun to hate her and the countess for a ridiculous
reason, and it seemed to have come to a similar end .
She stared out of the window, shaking her regret off that

had already been late . The view continued to move up and
down, perhaps because it was a carriage used by the
servants . She felt sick and her butts hurt . She thought it
was only yesterday when she had slept on the rock floor .
This was nothing to her .
As Aria stared out of the window without saying anything,

Jessie, who sat on the opposite side, spoke cautiously .
“You’re not comfortable, are you? You should have ridden in

a proper carriage…”
“No, it’s okay . I don’t have to try to stand out . ”
Young children or young women were more likely to be

exposed to danger in places with large crowds, so she had
to refrain from any noticeable action . Therefore, only one
knight had been brought in . It would be suspicious if two
strong men were attached .
Sitting in the carriage seat and now invisible, the knight who
first came with Aria had a very nervous face . No matter
how recent rumors about her have abated, the nickname
“evil woman” has not dropped .
However, as he sat in the driver’s seat and was not seen

right now, the knight who accompanied her for the first time
had a very tense face . No matter how the rumors of her
had softened recently, the title of a wicked woman was not
taken away .
“Miss, I think we’ve arrived . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XI
Chapter 70 . Testing And Trial, Part XI
Translator: Khan
It didn’t take much time to get from the mansion to the

center of the capital, so it was quick to get there . Aria, who
got off a little from the square, held Jessie’s hand tightly so
as not to fall over the crowd . If she fell alone, she didn’t
know what would happen .
Having confirmed that the knight was right behind her, she
stepped out into the street with reassurance . He was so
nervous, but fortunately, he seemed to have been in good
shape .
“Miss! Look at this!”
Who had hesitated when she had asked her to go? Jessie ran
around excitedly like a fish in the water . She was very cute,
shining her eyes on the coarse ornaments and dolls . There
were tens of thousands of times more precious and beautiful
things in the mansion, but why was she greedy for things
that were likely to be broken in no time?
“Do you like it?”

“Yes! What a cute hairpin . ”
“Really?”
Aria, who had been handed a hairpin in her hand, put it back
in Jessies’s head . When she saw only one, it was so crude,
but when she put it in her head, it was worth seeing . Maybe
it went well with her plain clothes without decoration .
“It looks better than I thought . I’ll buy this one . How much
is it?”
“Miss!”
Aria pulled the wallet out of Jessie’s inside pocket . Jessie

stopped her very hard, but she didn’t want to scuffle it with
her because of a hairpin that only cost ten shillings, so she
quickly paid it and walked away .
“It’s too much for me, miss…”
“Jessie, you have to say ‘thank you’ when someone gives

you a gift . ”
“But…”
“I can’t help it if you show such dissatisfaction in your look .

I have no choice but to throw away the hairpin . ”
Aria warned her lowly in imitation of the wicked woman who

had harassed her . But instead of being surprised, however,
Jessie smiled, giving a little bit of strength to the hand she
held against Aria .
“Then thank you, miss . I’m so glad . ”
“It would be nice if you said that at first . ”

Now she seemed perfectly unafraid of Aria . She had given
Annie, who had been Mielle’s maid not long ago, a festive
holiday, and had accompanied Jessie for a walk .
Moreover, the intention was impure, but there was a time

when she had given a brooch made of gold and given a
break when there had been nothing to do . Although she
might still be called a wicked woman in the public, for them
she was like a saint .
Presenting some of Jessie’s eye-catching ornaments and

dolls, she walked a little and came to the square . On the
stage set in front of the fountain, performances continued
from morning to evening .
Aria, who watched the old man sing for a gentle melody,
bought street food for sale in the corner . Because she
bought the two, they thought that those foods were for
Jessie and herself, but the destination of the food was for
the knight and Jessie .
“What about you, miss?”
“Do you think I will eat this kind of food?”
She couldn’t have eaten it because she hadn’t had money in

the past, but it wasn’t now .
“Are you not going to eat?”
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“Yes, I had too much tea earlier . ”

The knight looked puzzled as he did not know that she
would take care of his share . If he were a knight from the
nobility, it could be, but not many nobles cared about a
knight from the common people . He bowed his head and
apologized as she clicked her tongue because she was so
unhappy when he alternately looked at between the food
and herself .
“I’m sorry . I’ll be glad to eat . ”
Aria, who nodded to the knight’s reply, sat down and

watched the performance where the stage was clearly
visible . Spring came, and the gentle wind and warm sun
seemed to cover the cold weary heart . As she listened to
the sound of the song with her eyes closed, she
remembered the past when had been poor and lonely .
She had used to feel happy when she had heard a song
from afar on the festival day… Unlike now, she had been
totally lacking in everything, but her heart had not been in
any discomfort .
‘Can I be happy to live like this?’
Life couldn’t be happy to ruin someone . But there was no

other option . It was the greatest joy to live to ruin Mielle .
Aria shook her head . Yes, it was clear that God gave a
second life for revenge, not necessarily a second one for
happiness . Therefore, it was right to wish for the
destruction of the saint, not of her own happiness .
As she tried to turn away from the past by grasping her

broken heart, a shadow fell on her head . As she raised her
head to wonder who dared to block the view, there was a
little familiar face there now .
“I didn’t expect to see you here . ”
“You’re…!”
“I see you more often than I thought . ”
Asher smiled softly and replied . At first, he met her at the

general store, then at the jewelry shop . He had always
embarrassed and troubled Aria . Aria didn’t like Asher,
especially those blue eyes staring at her as if he knew
everything .
“Have you come for a walk?”
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“…”
‘Do I really have to answer back to him?’ Aria glanced

beside her at the waiting knight . He showed a stiffly
strained shoulder and his right arm ready to attack the
opponent at any time . Only then did Aria, who was a little
relieved, nod . She thought it would be better to have a cold
reply and send him away quickly .
“So did I . The festival of the common people is full of

energy . ”
“I understand what you mean . I thought so, too . But all of a

sudden, it didn’t . ”
The festival, which had been sentimental and quite

enjoyable until now, quickly turned out not to be so . The
knight who was eating was very nervous, and Jessie was
shaking in surprise when she recognized the man .
‘Isn’t it really the worst?’ Every time she met him, she felt
uneasy, and she only wanted him to understand and
disappear .
“Oh, I see . ”
Unlike Aria’s wishes, Asher smiled at her attitude as if he

felt a wall and it was funny . He was like a child holding the
candy he had been waiting for . He had a child’s expectant
face, knowing how much the content would please him .
“I can’t help it then . ”
‘Does he mean that he will step down?’ She looked up at

him with a heart that desired to escape quickly, but he did
not take his eyes away from Aria’s jeweled eyes for a while .
‘What the hell is he doing? What’s his intention?’
She couldn’t understand him paying much attention to her

as she had nothing he could use .
Of course, for Aria, the attention and goodwill of men were

the same as the air, so it was very natural for strangers to
talk, but this man in front of her was a little different .
‘I’m sure there’s something he wants…’
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It was not Aria’s love or interest . She couldn’t quite figure
out what made this man’s eyes shine .
Like the eyes of a prey-seeking beast, Aria faced him,

unable to avoid his eyes . By the time she felt that his blue
eyes were somehow getting darker and darker, a man who
seemed to be his party approached .
“Mr . Asher . ”
He was the one who had overpowered John and Paul the
other day . He had instantly incapacitated the two knights in
that narrow space . It would have been impossible for him to
do so without sufficient strength . Suddenly, the fear of the
moment was resurrected, and as soon as she was about to
get goosebumps, Jessie also grabbed Aria’s sleeve .
“Miss…”
‘It’s dangerous . ’ Jessie must be thinking so . And it was the

same with Aria . There had never been much harm, and she
didn’t think their status would be too high, but the
atmosphere was dangerous . Asher did not move at all even
though his name was called .
“… what should I do?”
When Asher did not take his eyes off Aria, the man who
arrived late drew his ears to Asher’s face . Then Asher
whispered in his ear as if he had waited, and the
companions who had come to him quickly disappeared back
into the crowd .
“I have become a loner because my party has a business to

do . ”
possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XII
Chapter 71 . Testing And Trial, Part XII
Translator: Khan
He shrugged his shoulders like the time when he had the

fierce eyes of a prey-seeking predator .
“… so?”
“Will you mind if I stay with you for a moment? In this crowd
being alone is dangerous, isn’t it?”
“… well, I don’t think it’s dangerous . ”
Rather, his presence seemed more dangerous . Despite

Aria’s reply, which was close to rejection, Asher sat in front
of her, regardless . Nothing was laid on the ground, but he
didn’t care if the dust was thick . Aria swallowed a false
smile because he acted at will without asking for permission
.
“No, it’s dangerous . ”
He answered as if there was danger ahead . If there wasn’t,

he would make it . Aria, who swept away her goosebumps
after a moment of horror, tried hard to ignore him . She
wished that his party would come back soon, and he would
disappear together with them .
“Come to think of it… your clothes are pretty simple . ”
His eyes swept through Aria’s body . It seemed that it was a

totally different outfit than before . It was no wonder that
she had been wearing a dress at the first meeting, which
Mielle had been given as a gift by Oscar .
Aria didn’t feel the value of answering back . If he had had

an idea, he wouldn’t have asked her that question . It was
ridiculous to dress up colorfully in such a crowded place .
“I’m sure you’ll get a lot of presents… I guess you didn’t get
a nice present that you like . ”
There was a meaning in the man’s words . It was hard to

figure out what he meant since they were thickly covered,
but it didn’t sound like a thoughtless, spontaneous
exhortation . Aria narrowed her eyes . It was a look of doubt
.
“… what are you talking about?”
“It doesn’t mean much . It simply means that you are

beautiful, and men around you won’t leave you . ”
‘Is it true? Why do I keep worrying?’ She should just ignore

it, but after a few words, she kept answering . Again this
time, as he was about to answer something, she soon
swallowed her words . A bit of silence followed .
In the meantime, the person who sang on the stage

changed from an old man to a young man, and the fast-
paced, upbeat song made a noise . The man, who turned
around and saw it, suddenly grabbed Aria by the hand,
muttering, ‘It’s faster than I thought . ’
“What’s this…?!”
Just as she was about to shout, firecrackers exploded all

over the place, and people who were surprised by the
flames that exploded here and there ran around to escape
from the square .
Aria, too, got up from her seat in surprise . Before realizing

that the sound of firecrackers was just loud but not hurtful,
her body was stiffened, feeling fear by the sudden situation
.
“Miss!”
She could hear a voice nearby as if it was calling her . ‘What

the hell am I supposed to do…!’
“This way!”
As she was in a panic, her hand was pulled by a very strong

force . In the midst of her hectic mind, Aria was forced to be
led by her captured hand . It felt as if it were the only touch
that would save her .
Out of the square, far away, past the waves of people, she
ran and ran until she was out of breath . She fled from
people passing by like a flash as if she had run so fast in her
life .
She thought that she was fortunate to have come in

comfortable shoes, not pointed ones . It was when she
entered a quiet alley that she had never been in before
when she had been a commoner . Then Aria realized that
the man who held her hand was not a knight, nor Jessie, but
a beast .
“Haah, hah…”
Unlike Aria, who was breathing heavily, Asher was calm as if

nothing had happened . He bent his upper body to support
Aria’s body, which was panting .
“Are you all right?”
“… haah, haah… No . ”
As if it weren’t okay for anyone to see, he asked Aria’s

condition and patted her on the back . He even wiped it with
his sleeve when he saw a drop of sweat coming from her
forehead past the side of her face to the end of her chin .
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“I don’t have a hand towel, so forgive me for my rudeness .

”
‘What’s new?’ He’d already done so many rude things . The

degree of the rudeness of wiping the sweat off with his
sleeve was nothing but a trifling matter that could not be
considered impolite . Only a long time later did Aria escape
from his arms and ask, looking around .
“Where the hell are we?”
“Well, somewhere in the capital . ”

“It’s a place I don’t remember… Ugh, isn’t that a pretty
good distance from the center?”
“I’m afraid so . ”
Not a carriage passed, let alone a shadow of a man . ‘I

didn’t move on something, but how did I get this far?’
Suddenly she felt dizzy, and her eyes went black . She
couldn’t figure out how to get back . Now all this was in an
unpredictable situation, something that she had never
experienced before .
Unlike the worried Aria, Asher did not respond much . She
asked him if he knew how to get back, but the answer was
no .
“What the hell happened?”
When she asked him while wrapping her head, all she could
hear was that he didn’t know . It was worth it because they
ran away in a hurry . Aria soon decided to stop asking him
something . It was nothing but a waste of energy .
“Let’s go back now . ”
“How?”
“Wouldn’t it come out of somewhere if we walked around

with no definite objective in view?”
“What if we go to a more remote place?”
“Then I can’t help it . ”
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It was only natural to walk until they found a road, but there
was one concern . It was to see if her weak legs could stand
. There was already a slight pain in her feet . Before long, it
was clear that something bad was going to happen to her
ankles .
‘Will they really be all right?’
As soon as he saw Aria’s gaze on her leg, he looked down

for a moment . He had a thought and asked her as if he had
found the answer .
“Do you have any pain in your legs?”
“…”
Though she had been a commoner in the past, she was now
a daughter of a noble, so shouldn’t it be natural? She only
took a short walk through the garden . Walking for a long
time gave her unbearable pain even though she might be
used to the high-heeled shoes that overworked her feet .
“Would you like me to carry you on my back?”
“… yeah?”
“If you have trouble walking, I can’t help it . ”
“No!”
‘How can I do such a disgraceful act?’ Aria tried hard to

pretend that she was okay and took the lead and stepped
out of the way . As she walked briskly without knowing
where she was going, Asher burst out laughing behind her .
“Let’s go together!”
“…”
‘Does he feel alright in this situation?’ Without knowing

where she was going right now, she had no idea what she
was going to do, and Asher came near her and adjusted his
speed to walk with her .
“Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you on my back?”
“Sure . ”
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“If your leg hurts, please let me know . It’s a street that no
one’s in anyway . ”
“It won’t happen . ”
Aria did not give her eyes to Asher, vowing that she would
never be carried on his back even if her leg was broken or
even if she died . Asher continued to smile at her
determined appearance .
“I never thought I’d walk alone with you . ”
“I’m surprised too because I don’t get to walk together with

you like this . ”
“Well, sometimes a new meeting is important, isn’t it?”
“I agree, but that’s only when I meet someone who can help
.”
“I think you are someone who can help me . ”
“You think the opposite of me . ”
Aria was treating Asher coldly because she had a long life as
a wicked woman . Still, he kept talking and expressing
favors, apparently not hurt at all .
‘Is he a man without a grain of self-respect?’
She was surprised at the image that was completely

different from the one she had met for the first time, but she
tried hard to keep herself calm . The image hidden inside
her would certainly be different from what it was now .
There was something he wanted, and he just stepped back
to get it . She stiffened her back, thinking that she should
not be easily deceived by what he would say .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XIII
Chapter 72 . Testing And Trial, Part XIII
Translator: Khan
“You don’t know much about me yet, I assure you . ”
“Isn’t that the same with you? We don’t know each other
very well, so we can’t decide whether we will help each
other or not . ”
‘Did we went the wrong way?’ The surroundings grew darker

and darker . ‘This is the capital, right? Is there such a quiet,
dark place in the capital?’ Their arrival in an unknown place
made her shiver . She was afraid that something was wrong
.
“Well . ”
His eyes turned dark blue as he stared at the side of Aria’s

face, who stretched out her legs as hard as she could .
“I think I know quite a bit about you…”
“Why do you think so?”
“It’s not just a thought, but it’s real . ”

‘Don’t tell me, do you think you knew me well because of
the rumors you heard about me?’ If so, he was a fool . He
would soon fall on the street and cry because he was so
easily swept away by rumors .
“I also know what you’re showing outside is different from

what’s inside . ”
Only the sound of their feet made the space full, and the
voice of Asher rang low . She couldn’t tell because she
didn’t see his face, but it even sounded gloomy .
‘You’ve met me a few times, and you know nothing about

me!’
She stopped taking steps forward at his remarks which

irritated her nerves . She didn’t like him as he kept showing
up without revealing his true identity .
‘If I show this hatred towards you, isn’t it natural you have
to step back?’ Even among the common people, such
courtesy and consideration were taken for granted even if
they were not nobles .
In an empty space that had no one else but them, she

wanted to avoid the man named Asher . Aria took out the
wicked face she was hiding and looked at Asher .
“What the hell…!”
She couldn’t keep up with the harsh criticism . His blue

eyes, which glowed horribly in the dark, took away all of her
thoughts .
‘That’s really… Is a human being really capable of having

such a light in their eyes?’
As if it were emitting light, Asher’s blue eyes shut Aria’s
words and stopped all of her movements at the same time .
Not even the stars in the night sky were that bright .
“You… what the hell are you? Who are you…?”
The shaking of her vocal cords shook the words which came
out between her red lips . The emotion she encountered
because of this unknown being, and the fear that she might
be with an animal in disguise welled up inside her . It was
hard to understand .
“Are you finally interested in me, Lady Roscent?”
As he moved one step closer, he narrowed the distance

even further though they were already quite close to each
other . Looking down at Aria from only a palm’s distance, he
reached out and wiped off her pale cheeks .
The warm palms of Asher remained on Aria’s cheeks for a

long time . Aria flinched which was an unavoidable reaction .
By the time the blue eyes facing Aria’s green eyes turned
dark blue, Asher broke his long, long silence and opened his
mouth .
“I’ll let you know if we’re getting a little closer . Personally,

I’d like to let you know . ”
She fixed her gaze in Asher’s eyes without answering

anything . As if possessed by his blue eyes, he bent his
straight upper body and kissed Aria’s forehead .
Aria’s eyelids sank gently, feeling as if the pouring starlight

had kissed her . Aria couldn’t open her eyes quickly to the
illusion that she was dreaming .
“… well, I look forward to seeing you again soon . ”

His lips fell off her forehead, and when she opened her eyes
to a voice that said good-bye, he was gone from the place
though she heard his voice a while ago . What was more,
the dark vacant lot, which had nothing except for Asher’s
eyes, had disappeared and turned into a crowded street .
‘What the hell is going on…?’
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The only thing that was left was the warmth on her forehead
where his lips had touched, so she raised her hand and
touched it . Her hands came in contact with a very fine but
moist liquid, and it was hard to tell whether it was a trace of
Asher’s kiss or her sweat from being nervous .
“Miss!”
As she turned her head to the distant voice, she saw two
people rushing urgently .
“… Jessie . ”
“You can’t imagine how surprised I am since you just

suddenly vanished!”
“… so was I . ”
Jessie wasn’t the only one who was surprised . Aria also
couldn’t calm her pounding heart .
“It looks dangerous, so we’d better get back to the mansion

as soon as possible . We’ve already enjoyed enough of the
festival . ”
With Jessie saying, “We’ve been looking for you for a long
time,” Aria couldn’t come to her senses for a while because
what had just happened made her mind messy .
***
The cause of the explosion of the firecrackers in the square

was unknown . The only explanation was that the
firecrackers that would be used on the stage were scattered
all over the square and that someone set it on fire and set
off an explosion simultaneously .
Fortunately, few people were hurt because it was only loud

and not a great firecracker . There were a few people who
fell and were injured by someone instead of the firecrackers,
and they said all of them were treated by the imperial court
.
“I was really surprised to see you disappear in the blink of

an eye . ”
It was because she ran while holding Asher’s hand .

Although she ran for quite a while, she arrived at a spot she
had never seen in her life, and she was able to go back near
the square in no time .
‘… what the hell happened?’
A few days later, she couldn’t understand it . The whole

situation was incomprehensible as if Asher had done magic .
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‘Let’s not think about it anymore . ’
If she tried to solve a problem that had no answer, she

would only get a headache . Aria shook her head . Due to
her action, Annie who was combing her hair dropped her
comb on the floor .
“Oops, miss . I’m sorry!”
Jessie helped her when she was pouring tea .
“Are you all right, miss?”
“…”
‘Even in the past, they seemed to talk a lot, but why am I

bothered by the two maids so much?’
When Aria closed the book with a loud noise without giving
any answer, the two maids made a fuss again like larks .
“Shall I change your tea?”
“Don’t you like the perfume on your hair?”
“Do you want a new refreshment?”
“Would you want to braid your hair?”
“Both…”
She tried to clench her teeth and shout, but she could not
bring out a word when she faced the two maids staring at
her with their eyes shining like a lamb .
“… whew . ”
Eventually, she loosened her face and swallowed the harsh
words that she wanted to say . She had done well to them a
few times, but when she saw them, she didn’t want to scold
them . ‘This is not what a wicked woman does . ’
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“… Take turns to go on a vacation . I’ll pay you . ”
“I don’t have a place to go to . I’ll get bored if I don’t work .

”
“So am I . I enjoy being with you . ”
Aria wasn’t very happy to spend the day with them . Of

course, it was much better than in the past when they had
been afraid and shivering, but it was annoying to tune in to
their non-nutritive chatter .
‘Nevertheless, the only reason I can’t kick them out easily…

is because they are on my side for the first time . ’
Apart from Jessie, she hadn’t captivated Annie’s heart yet,

but she liked it very much that she did cute things beside
her because it was fun for her to betray her master and wag
her tail to her .
“So miss, have you heard of it?”
“What?”
“Miss Mielle . ”
Aria showed a little interest and Annie released what she
had heard with a sneaky smile .
“She sent a letter to Princess Frederick . ”
Princess Frederick and a letter… Aria tried to guess Mielle’s

intention . Mielle might have told the princess that she
would want to marry Oscar .
The princess, whose engagement with the Crown Prince was

in progress, was an influential person in the family of the
duke and the head of aristocratic ladies . Aria remembered
that the princess had really married the Crown Prince and
ruled the Empire with his father and other aristocrats .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XIV
Chapter 73 . Testing And Trial, Part XIV
Translator: Khan
The family of Count Roscent had been her faithful dog, and
their relationship would become very close if the
engagement of Mielle and Oscar took place . So Cain and
Mielle, who had power on their backs, were able to cut
Aria’s head easily without much trial .
It was quite bad for Aria if they got acquainted . Even so,
because she couldn’t think of a way to stop it, she was just
sitting still .
“Really?”
Aria answered carelessly . Then, to regain attention from

Aria, Annie released the following information .
“Well, it was about Mr . Oscar!”
“Was that so?”
“Yes! I didn’t hear any more details, but… I’m sure it’s about
the engagement!”
She was pretty quick-witted . It was also good to give her
master the information she needed .
“That’s it…”
She had been so good at chattering so far, but she suddenly

closed her mouth . ‘Why? Did she do something dishonest?’
It was only then that Aria expressed her interest . She was
wondering where she had stolen Mielle’s information .
“The truth is… I’ve just read a letter from Miss Mielle to
Princess Frederick…”
As expected, she was full of wickedness to the bone . She

had been jealous and envious of her master’s wealth, and
Aria had seduced her, and Annie had betrayed her master in
an instant . When Aria’s eyes narrowed, Annie hurriedly
made an excuse .
“Of, of course, I’ve never read the contents of Miss Aria’s

letters! It was sealed tightly in the first place . ”
“You mean you’d read them if I hadn’t sealed them?”
“I wouldn’t have done that! Absolutely not!”
Annie even waved her hand and denied it . No, she must
have ripped open the sloppy letter . She didn’t mean to
scold her or kick her out because of her behavior . Annie
couldn’t betray her anyway .
Annie must have wondered about Mielle’s secret, who

pretended to be noble and lofty . Furthermore, it was
information that would help her . It was not a big matter for
Annie to read that letter . Aria smiled softly and sweetened
Annie .
“Well, of course . I believe you, Annie . ”
“… re-really?”
“You happened to see it, didn’t you? Letters were spread out
on the table, so you could easily see them when you
cleaned, or you would check them if you thought it was
garbage as they were on the floor . ”
Aria gave Annie a chance to tell a natural lie . Aria also

flashed Annie a smile as if she was telling her that she did a
job well done regardless of what answer she chose .
“That’s right…! I came across it while cleaning!”
“I knew that was the case . ”
“Miss…! Thank you very much for believing . ”
‘So, what’s the content?’ At Aria’s eye expression, Annie

said what she had seen .
“How far have I told you? Oh! The letter she was going to
send to the princess said that she was sorry that she didn’t
have a chance to meet him because he was busy and that
she wanted to be an adult soon and be with him . ”
‘Isn’t it quite clever to look into the real influential person of

the family of the Duke of Frederick and even send a letter in
person?’
Maybe it wasn’t the end yet, but Annie kept on talking, “The
last thing she wrote was that she needs the princess’s help .
Most of the contents of the long letter were about Oscar .
She only had one line of greeting for the princess who was
going to receive the letter . Even the common people don’t
write it that way . ” Said Annie, who spoke ill of Mielle .
‘How have you put up with it in the meantime?’
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“Really? I hope the princess won’t be disappointed if she

receives Mielle’s letter… Oh, Jessie . Can you give me a new
tea? I’d like some green tea to clear my head . ”
“Yes, miss . Just a moment, please . ”
As soon as Jessie left the room, Aria beckoned Annie to

lower her head . Then she bent her knees and lowered her
posture like a dog that was listening well, and Aria swept
her hair with praise since Annie did a good job .
“Your hair looks empty today . Do you like purple or green?”
“… . pu-purple . ”
“Yes, do it . ”
Aria had to give a prize to a dog who had listened well . It

was not just for a prize that Aria stroked her hair . Aria
would definitely give Annie something great if she stole
information again
She took out a purple hairpin from the jewelry box after she
noticed Aria’s intentions when she dismissed Jessie . It was
a violet crystal . The price was relatively cheap compared to
the real jewels since it was rare, but the nobles did not favor
it much . Therefore, it seemed to spread like a fairly high-
end fashion among the common people . It was because no
one recognized the woman though she wore the real jewel .
When Aria had first given her with colored crystals, she was
so happy when she had received the golden brooch, and
Aria had prepared some more . It was a very useful tool for
getting high-quality information at a low price .
Annie put the hairpin on her hair, and she seemed to think
that it looked good on her . Annie, who looked into the
mirror with her excited face, suddenly opened her mouth as
if she had thought about something .
“But you know what, miss . ”
Aria looked at her all of a sudden because of Annie’s serious

look and speech tone . ‘Is there anything else you need to
say?’
“Maybe… Mr . Oscar is interested in Miss Aria, not Miss

Mielle?”
Aria’s mouth crept up because of the careful question .

‘That’s what it looks like to your eyes . ’
“It’s… because he doesn’t even write to Miss Mielle, but she

exchanges letters with Miss Aria several times a month,
and…”
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“And?”
“In fact, there’s already a lot of gossip among maids . Mr .

Oscar visited you on your birthday, and Miss Mielle’s
birthday… I heard that there was someone who saw you and
Oscar talking alone in the garden . ”
She glanced at Aria with a puzzled look as if it were true .

‘Yeah, I can’t help it if rumors like that spread since I walked
around in public . ’ Aria struggled to hide her joyous mind .
‘Did Mielle hear that?’ She must have heard of it . Her maids
would love to babble as well as Annie . That was why she
had sent him letters .
Aria was wondering what kind of expression she would have

had on her face .
“And the dress is decisive . ”
“… Aha . ”
“How could he give both of you a similar dress as a gift?”
She spoke as if she could not understand the situation now .

Annie was not the only one . No one would understand what
was happening now . Even Aria, the person who was
involved in the case and who organized the project, could
hardly think of it as a dream because Oscar had been so
easily bewitched .
“Anyway, not just me, but all the maids in the mansion think
so . They are sure that the person Mr . Oscar likes is you . ”
She was truly convinced .
Aria hid her smile and pretended to be calm . “If the rumors
were true, I would be the wickedest woman of this age
because I stole the heart of my sister’s lover . ”
“No way! He’s not even officially engaged to Miss Mielle, so

he can change his lover at any time . ”
“Really?”
“Sure!”
‘Even if I’m taking this approach on purpose, is it true?’

Annie might say yes again in a loud voice . She had been
jealous of her master . She betrayed her and wanted to be
someone’s concubine and raise her status .
“Today’s conversation was very informative . I’ll look

forward to our next conversation, Annie . ”
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Annie felt instinctively that she would soon receive a prize

of more value than jewelry if she continued this pleasant
conversation .
***
Mielle was busy preparing to go out in the morning . She

applied perfume to her hair and combed it finely . She also
colored it to add life to her lips because she might meet
with Oscar after a long time . Choosing a bright outdoor suit
for spring, she recalled a reply from Princess Frederick .
‘Dear Lady Mielle, I hope you come to the mansion for the
weekend . Oscar will also be making a brief appearance . ’
‘Oh, my God… isn’t the princess an angel?’
When she sent a letter saying she had been a little

disappointed by the recent estrangement of her relationship
with Oscar, she had given her a place to meet him straight
away .
“We have to start, miss . ”
“Yes, Emma . ”
Beautifully, but not too much . Mielle, who dressed herself

to Oscar’s taste, put on her coat with the help of her maid
and left the mansion with Emma .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XV
Chapter 74 . Testing And Trial, Part XV
Translator: Khan
“What do you think? Isn’t that weird?”
“It’s not strange . You’re very beautiful . ”
“Thank you, Emma . If you say so, then that would be it . ”
In front of Emma, Mielle, who acted like the perfect child,

smiled shyly . Emma responded with a gentle smile after
seeing this . They looked much more like a mother and
daughter compared to Aria and her mother .
Emma was like a mother to Mielle . Emma, who had been

with Mielle since birth, had relentlessly removed anything
that blocked Mielle’s path .
Emma was originally a lower aristocrat . Unfortunately,

however, her husband had died leaving behind a huge
amount of debt and could not pay back all of her debts even
after disposing of her noble title . The trauma led her to
have a miscarriage, and she tried to give up her life in grief
over losing everything .
And it was the former countess who had happened to save
her . She had brought Emma to the mansion of the Roscent
family and allowed her to live a new life as her own maid .
But whether it was a trick of fate, Heaven took the former

countess from Emma . She had lost her life while giving
birth to Mielle . Therefore, it might have been inevitable that
she had begun to take care of Mielle on behalf of the former
countess .
The only thing she had was Mielle . She had vowed tens of
thousands of times to keep Mielle no matter what happened
. And that could have happened if it had not been for the
dirty mother and daughter who had crawled into the
Roscent family . Ever since the day they had come in the
mansion of the count, Emma had cursed the mother and
daughter every day for the happiness of her precious Mielle
.
Thinking that she could meet Oscar soon, Mielle was staring
out of the wagon’s window with a light humming sound, and
she turned around to Emma as if she had suddenly recalled
something .
“… So what happened to the wagon driver? What’s the

name of the driver who was kicked out of the mansion?”
“You mean Elect?”
He was a driver who was fired because of Aria the other day
.
“Oh, I guess that’s his name . It’s been a while since he got
kicked out, and I’m worried . How is he?”
“I’ve taken good care of him so that there would be no
complaints from him . ”
“What about the other driver?”
“I found another job for Yagi . I’m sure cleaning the stable
was a lot of trouble . ”
“Emma is a friendly person as expected . ”
Mielle laughed softly . It was a sweet, fragrant smile like her

name . “You are a lovely woman who gives your kindness to
even a mere wagon driver,” Mielle added .
“I’m a little scared of Aria these days . ”
“Are you scared of her?”
“Since last summer… she’s been acting like she’s changed,

but she kept breaking my heart . ”
“… miss . ”
Emma’s heart ached because of the dark cloud over Mielle’s

face, who should have a fresh smile like a flower . Since Aria
had suddenly got Oscar’s attention, Emma had meant to
scare her with the drivers, but the wicked, vulgar b*tch had
cajoled the prostitute and ruined her job .
She had even warned the employees of the mansion by

pretending to be on trial for a trivial matter . Even though
she thought of it again, she burst into anger and clenched
her fists . The noble and prestigious family of Count Roscent
was being messed up by the dirty prostitute mother and
daughter .
“I will make sure that such matters won’t bother you
anymore . ”
“Really?”
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“Yes . I even put Annie on her . ”
“Yes, Annie…”
Annie, who she had put next to Aria, had been a child who
admired, respected and envied Mielle . She had been always
busy praising Mielle because she had brainwashed her on
how noble Mielle was since she was just a child who had
come to the mansion of the Roscent family .
She had been also relatively easy to deal with because of

her vanity and desire for things . When she had promised to
take the position of a head maid, she had even announced
that she would gather information from Aria .
“Can the child really do well? She seems pretty close to Aria
these days . ”
“You don’t have to worry . She’s trying to keep a close

relationship and beguiles Aria now . ”
“… really?”
For that, but… Mielle blurred her words . In fact, even as

Emma looked at her, Annie seemed to be too close to Aria,
so she was a little worried . Emma tried to ease Mielle’s
worries, thinking that she needed to remind Annie of the
future that she could promise her .
“Yes . I even told her how awful young ladies who attended
the meeting are . I also told her that Aria is busy decorating
her face by staying in her room every day . Maybe it’s
because she looks like her mother . ”
“I hope so…”
“Don’t worry . When Annie gets a little more settled down,

I’ll add another maid . She’s much smarter than Annie, and
she’s going to drive that bitch into hell . ”
“Yes, that’s a good idea . Emma, you have the same mind as
me . ”
“That’s great!”
While talking about this and that, the carriage slowed down
and stopped smoothly .
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After arranging her outfits and waiting in the carriage for a

moment, there was a knock on the smart wagon outside .
When she got off the wagon, Princess Frederick smiled
brightly and welcomed Mielle .
“Mielle!”
“Miss Isis!”
Isis, who was different from Oscar but had a softer line than
him, always excited Mielle’s heart because she reminded
her of Oscar as a boy .
With her black hair in braids, she was as beautiful as the

goddess in the myth . In admiration of her beauty, Mielle
bent her knees and greeted her politely . In response, Isis
also welcomed her with a face-to-face greeting .
“How long has it been? I couldn’t attend the party on your

last birthday because I was busy . I’m so sorry . ”
“No! I was so happy that you sent me a present . The book

was so interesting and fun that I stayed up all night reading
it . ”
“Well, that’s a good thing! I thought you’d love it if you were

Lady Mielle . ” Isis took Mielle’s hand . “Come in! A new chef
has prepared some great food . It’s enough to make me eat
with a short mouth . ”
“Oh, how delicious is it? I’m really looking forward to it . ”
As they continued their conversation, the two ladies, who

held hands together, slowly headed for the dining hall with a
gentle and graceful gait . Perhaps Isis’s words were not
false, but all the prepared food was to Mielle’s taste, and it
made her hands always relaxed and leisurely, a little but
quick .
Nevertheless, because she couldn’t eat enough, Mielle left

the food in moderation and looked around her surroundings
. The quick-witted Isis noticed the reason for her action and
soon gave Mielle the answer that she wanted .
“I wanted to spend some time alone with Lady Mielle, so I

informed Oscar ahead of time . ”
“Then he must be on his way now . ”
“I’m sure he is . I’m sure he’ll be here before we know it

while we are having a cup of tea . ”
“I’m always having fun talking to Miss Isis, so he will come

any moment now . ”
Sponsored Content
The conversation Mielle had with Isis was not just empty
words; it was really fun . Most of their conversation was
about Oscar because after talking to Mielle, Oscar’s attitude
had changed a little .
Of course, Mielle hadn’t given too much kindness or care to

him, but small gifts had been sent in . He had said that he
was sorry that he couldn’t contact her properly because he
had been busy, and he had enclosed a letter .
And today… she was hoping for something a little bigger

than it had been before… For example, her engagement
with Oscar, which she had mentioned briefly in the previous
letter .
“Would he be busy with his graduation exam?”
“Maybe so . ”
Isis, who replied and recalled Oscar’s face, smiled softly with
a friendly sister’s face .
“He’s the type who’s struggling to put an end to it even
though he’s already perfect . So he looks so lonely . ”
“But… he’s always nice . ”
The pressure would be great as it would not be long before

he would get enormous power on his back . He didn’t want
to miss a little thing . That was why he tried to work day and
night . So even though he had been careless with himself,
Mielle still liked him .
“If so, that’s a good thing . If he could look good to Lady

Mielle, everything would be OK . He doesn’t have to look
good on women other than you . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XVI
Chapter 75 . Testing And Trial, Part XVI
Translator: Khan
Isis’s expression who said “that’s a good thing” was not a

reassuring face at all . On the contrary, it said, “If you have
something to say, you can say it . ” Mielle answered without
delay because she had intended to carry on the following
words even if Isis did not stick to her generous attitude .
“Nevertheless, I get lonely sometimes . ”
“… Oh, my God, I’ll have to scold him for making such a

lovely Mielle lonely . ”
“No! I just feel that way alone . Rather, I didn’t help Oscar
who has worked so hard . ”
Feeling like a real scolding, Mielle rushed to make an excuse

for Oscar . Of course, even though she knew Isis would
never do so, she deliberately shook her head, blushing her
face, as what Isis wanted from Mielle was such behavior and
speech tone .
Isis wanted the image that she was smart but would not
come forward, and sometimes complained but obedient . In
addition, she had to keep an infinitely low stance to the
really influential person of the family of Duke Frederick .
There was nothing she could do to get engaged to Oscar,
and Mielle did it very easily because Isis was the only one
who could connect her with Oscar .
Isis smiled contentedly . “Don’t worry, Mielle . Oscar will

surely be engaged with you . ”
“… will it really be?”
“Yes, of course, if I think so, it will be done . ”
Even if Oscar was the successor to the duke, he was just a

doll who listened to Isis, who had real power . Aside from the
royal family, she was the eldest daughter of the most
powerful family, and her unique cleverness and cunning
earned the enthusiastic support of the Aristocratic Party .
Therefore, no one could disobey her whose engagement

with the Crown Prince was in progress . Even more so, her
younger brother, Oscar, would be .
“The rumor is just a rumor . ”
‘Did she also hear the rumor about Aria?’ But it would have
been a useless rumor that would do no good . Anyways,
with one word from Isis, Oscar would go to Mielle .
“Finally, Oscar is here . Shall we talk about the back story

when he sits down?”
“… Yes!”
In Mielle’s eyes towards Isis, there was boundless trust .

Oscar, who discovered Isis, came by her side with a big step
.
“Have you had lunch, Oscar?”
“… Lady Mielle is with you . ”
“Didn’t I tell you?”
“…”
Oscar gave no answer to Isis, who had not said a word or

two about Mielle’s visit .
“Please sit down, Oscar . You’d better have some tea and
rest . ”
He sat next to Mielle without a word because he dared not

to sit next to her sister . Mielle blushed and glanced at
Oscar . She didn’t even get a proper greeting, but she
looked good whatever he did .
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, Mr . Oscar . ”
“Your face is very bad . ”
“I think it’s the last moment of the semester . ”
“I wish I could take care of you, besides… I’m sorry I

couldn’t do that . ”
“… it’s okay . You don’t have to do it . ”
Isis clicked her tongue to Oscar, who still talked bluntly

without knowing a woman’s heart .
“Oscar, aren’t you being too blunt on your fiancé whom
you’ve met in a long time?”
Oscar’s and Mielle’s reactions were very different when they

were told about the word “fiancé” .
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“Sister, not yet… we are not engaged . ”
“You’ll do it as soon as Lady Mielle becomes an adult . It’s a

matter of time, isn’t it?”
Mielle wrapped her palms around his cheeks . The hot

cheeks looked as hot as the sun . And Oscar was unable to
answer that question again this time . It wasn’t the
promised future, but it was true that it was becoming a fait
accompli to some extent .
“Lady Mielle, Oscar is blunt, but please understand him .

That’s the way he’s always been . I am his elder sister, but I
can’t help it . ”
“No! It’s okay . Never mind . ”
Mielle was happy just sitting side by side with Oscar . ‘Isn’t
this even the mansion of the Duke of Frederick now?’ It felt
as if time had passed, and she had married him and enjoyed
the tea time at the mansion of the duke .
She really hoped so . Perhaps with the help of Princess Isis,

the possibility grew big, but she was desperate because of
the slightest sense of anxiety, Aria .
“White color is matched well to you, so I’m sure your dress
is beautiful . ”
“Oh my God… would it be?
“Sure . I’ll have to prepare a golden rose wreath . ”
Still years away, Isis replaced her blunt brother . With her
active help, they could maintain a more sunny atmosphere
than the roses in the garden, even though Oscar otherwise
did not participate in the conversation .
Since then, Mielle, who had been smiling all the time, has
returned with her very satisfied face, and Isis, who has
returned to the garden after seeing her off, threw away her
smiling face and scolded Oscar, “Oscar, how many times do
I have to tell you to understand?”
“… sister . ”
“The Roscent family would be helpful in many ways, so I

used to say that you have to stay close . ”
The hands that touched her hair looked very rough .
“Once again, don’t neglect your relationship with Lady

Mielle . In the Empire, there is no family that has more
money than the Roscent family . I’m sure you know that
what our family needs most now is the money of the family
of Count Roscent . ”
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Oscar could not readily answer his sister Isis . He just
awkwardly touched the cup he held in his hand .
“Why don’t you answer?”
“It’s not like that . ”
“So?”
“That’s…”
His lost eyes swayed from side to side . Isis laughed at the
sight as if she was struck dumb in embarrassment in the
face of her brother’s poor appearance .
“Don’t tell me, is the rumor true?”
“… the rumor?”
“The rumor that you have been interested in the prostitute’s

daughter . ”
The prostitute’s daughter . She didn’t give her name, but

Oscar realized what she was referring to was Aria . Not
because he had treated Aria as the daughter of a prostitute
like Isis, but he just noticed it right away because he had
been continuously thinking about her in recent months .
“… I don’t know what you’re talking about . ”
“She got the last name of the Roscent family by remarriage,

but I could never allow the girl . How can you be interested
in such a dirty girl? You would rather have a declaration to
live alone . ”
“…”
“Oscar, the origin doesn’t go anywhere . What if she
resembles her mother and seduces a man with vulgar words
and acts? I’m sure she’ll betray you . ”
“…”
“And I don’t want the blood of a prostitute mixed into our

family . ”
It wasn’t wrong . No matter how much she washed her

identity, it was true that Aria was the daughter of a
prostitute, and it was also true that she bewitched a man
with that magnificent beauty .
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But why? Every time his sister uttered bad words about Aria,
he felt uncomfortable and heartbroken . It was as if the
dagger, which pierced Aria who was not here, was
penetrating his heart .
‘Why? Why on earth?’
Aria, who had always come to his mind, had teased him with
a bright smile or sometimes with a captivating look, she had
afflicted him .
His heart had ached at the time, but it had been a little
different now . If it had been the kind of pain that had made
him feel bearable, or sometimes his mood had been felt
somewhat better uncontrollably, now it was so painful as if
his heart were pierced by a dagger .
‘She’s not the girl who’s going to hear such insults…’
Contrary to rumors, Aria was very pure, beautiful, and

fascinating . Nor did she bother Mielle . Rather, drawing and
ostracizing lines because of her origin seemed like Cain and
Mielle .
‘Whatever she used to be, isn’t she now the lady of the
Roscent family?’
The aristocratic ladies also rose in status to their husbands

when married . What is the difference between Mielle who
would marry him and be a duchess, and Aria who became a
lady of the family of Count Roscent from the common
people, with her mother’s marriage?
‘If… if Lady Aria hadn’t come from the common people… No,
if she were an ordinary commoner…’
If she were, maybe… he wondered if Aria, not Mielle, could

be by his side . He came up with a face of Aria, assuming
that it could not be achieved . Her long, voluminous
eyelashes crept down, her eyes glancing at himself, and a
charming smile came to his mind . She’s such a beautiful
girl…

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XVII
Chapter 76 . Testing And Trial, Part XVII
Translator: Khan
“Oscar?”
Isis called Oscar who bit his lips without an answer and was
lost in thought . She looked at him like she didn’t know why
he looked like that . Then suddenly, she could recall where
she had seen that face . The look on Mielle’s face that she
had seen just before…
“Oscar, you… no way…!”
She couldn’t put her own hypothesis out of her mouth .
‘That rumor was real…!’
When she had first heard the rumor through her maid, she
had flattered but had not gotten angry . She and her brother
were noble-blooded people which a daughter of a prostitute
couldn’t even look up at . So she hadn’t even dreamed that
her brother would be interested in the prostitute’s daughter
.
Isis shook her hand and drank the tea in front of her . She
was thirsty enough to keep her thirst going . And she
fiercely looked against Oscar . She was so shocked and
distressed, but she still resented her brother who was totally
bewitched by that bitch .
After all, Isis, who couldn’t stand it, got up from her seat and
slapped Oscar on the cheek . After being slapped
defenseless, he looked up at Isis, unable to recover his
surprised face .
“You’re going to ruin our family!”
“Sister…”
“How could the rumor be true! You’ll still say you’re the heir
to the Frederic family!?”
“I’m…”
“You’ll have to watch your sister be humiliated! Uh? How,

you!”
As her sister let out her pent-up anger, Oscar was confused .
‘I… what the hell…!’
Then he realized the identity of his emotions he had just felt

as he had recalled Aria . ‘Why did I love Aria, not Mielle?’
And he had been thinking about her for so many nights, but
he couldn’t realize what it was like to him .
‘Why, why didn’t I notice it when this mind was a little bit
smaller?’ At her presence, which had grown so large that it
had become a part of his daily life, he was filled with regret .
Isis wrapped her head, looking at it because it was all
revealed on his face .
“… you’re a smart kid, so I trust you’ll end it with your heart

.”
She didn’t mean to believe it . It was more like a threat to do

so . If he didn’t… he realized that she would certainly not let
Aria go .
“Do you understand, Oscar?”
Isis hastened .
‘If I don’t answer right away, she will hurt Aria… why can’t I
say that I will do that?’
“Oscar…!”
Now Isis’s call was more of a cry . She even clenched her
fists, forgetting her prestige .
“If you keep coming out like that, you know what I’m going
to do!”
Isis, who could no longer control her anger at his hesitant

attitude, turned as if she would hurt Aria at any moment .
It was then . “Sister Isis!”
Oscar called Isis . Isis turned around, hoping that he would

make up his mind . He stared at his sister with a distorted
face from a distance, and he looked miserable and sad as if
he had lost half his soul .
“… I’ll do what you say . So please…”

Oscar wrapped his face, asking her not to hurt the poor girl
who was despised by everyone . She was a weak beast who
he had to bury as soon as he realized his great heart .
He, who sobbed faintly as if he were about to be broken, put

life back into Isis’s face . She approached Oscar slowly . A
white, shiny hand stroked his hair .
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“Yes, if you are bewitched by a wicked woman, you’ll suffer

this much . From now on, be sure to keep your mind tight .
This sister believes you . ”
Oscar’s sobbing grew . Isis, who touched it as if it were very

lovely, continued to speak,
“I’ll send a present to Lady Mielle, with her favorite bouquet

of flowers . All you have to do is be ready to succeed our
family as always . ”
The strength was given on her hand stroking his hair .

Oscar’s head was slightly nodded and Isis, satisfied,
disappeared into the mansion, leaving only his brother in
the garden where everyone had left .
Testing and Trial (II)
A few days after Mielle had visited the mansion of the Duke
of Frederick, Aria received a letter . It came from Oscar, who
had always exchanged letters .
‘It’s weird, Oscar’s letter had just arrived…’
Not even a reply had been made yet . ‘But why did I get
another letter?’ When she opened her letter in wonder,
there was a surprise inside .
[I won’t be able to exchange letters in the future, as I’m

about to graduate . Please take care of yourself . ]
‘… why? Haven’t you been so busy as ever? But why don’t

you even have time to exchange letters? How many
characters do you have to write for a letter, and are you too
busy not to even write those?’
She read the letter again and again because she couldn’t
believe it . However, reading it again did not change what
was written . His letter was all about the last letter .
“You haven’t even replied yet . What’s the matter?”
“He wanted to see you so much and he sent another letter…

Mr . Oscar is doing such an unexpected action!”
“Do you want me to get some letter paper?”
“…”
She could not show any reaction with her stiff face . If she
wrote back to the person who had said goodbye, she would
only hang on to him . If she didn’t write, her relationship
with him would end .
‘I thought I bewitched him, but… it’s going to end this

easily…’
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She didn’t know what to do in such an unexpected situation

. She couldn’t think of a way, so she put the letter on the
table and lay down on the bed . A sudden rush of tiredness
came over her . She didn’t know anything would come to
her mind after a short sleep .
“Miss?”
“Are you sick…?”
Feeling unusual, Jessie and Annie glanced at Aria, who was

lying in bed, then quietly went out of the room .
Aria thought with her eyes closed . If the hourglass could go

back a little further, she’d find out why, but she couldn’t
figure out anything by five minutes .
Aria, who closed her eyes in the quiet room, took a short
nap . It was because she felt so tired and wanted to put a
blind eye to the situation that was wrong with Oscar . Aria,
who fell asleep like that, could open her eyes by the time
the sun began to set and the room was dyed with scarlet .
Having a deep sleep, a dreamless dream, made her feel

better . In addition, she could decide not to stay still but
write a letter to Oscar asking him why .
[Why did you suddenly make that decision? By any chance,

do you have anything bad? I’m worried . If your reply is late,
it’ll be OK . please don’t tell me to stop writing a letter,
please . ]
The last word ‘please’ hurt her pride because she had never
hung on anyone in her life .
‘What else I can do?’ He was the best card that could hurt
Mielle . She couldn’t be taken him away from her like this .
‘So please…’
The letter was sealed in hopes that the long-awaited

relationship would not end . Then someone knocked on the
door when she was about to call one of her maids to deliver
the letter to Oscar . It was both Jessie and Annie who came
inside when she made a sound .
“Miss! Miss!”
“What’s up?”
Aria scolded Annie because of her loud voice as soon as she

came in . Still, she made a cry with making a grimace .
“What shall we do, miss?”
“What’s up?”
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It was Annie who couldn’t bother her with anything .

Instinctively she felt something was wrong and hastened her
.
“No, well… ugh, whew… Mr . Oscar…”
“Mr . Oscar?”
‘What about Oscar?’ He was the one who had said goodbye
to Aria to stop writing a letter .
‘What else happened to make Annie cry?’ Aria’s face turned
pale little by little .
“He sent a present to Miss Mielle…”
“… then?”
“Well, he mentioned engagement in the letter!”
‘… engagement?’
Aria’s face turned pale when she heard the news . This was
because it felt like a permanent farewell with the letter that
had arrived today, even though it certainly could happen .
“Now Miss Mielle is bragging about the engagement down

there! She’s reciting the contents of the letter like a song . I
couldn’t stand it when I opened my eyes!”
As Annie was huffing, Jessie with an embarrassing face was

seen behind Annie . Annie’s uproar was embarrassing, and
Jessie also seemed offended .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XVIII
Chapter 77 . Testing And Trial, Part XVIII
Translator: Khan
“… what exactly did he say?”
“It’s… ‘I can’t fall asleep thinking about Lady Mielle, who will
wear gold roses later on at our engagement ceremony .
’…!”
‘Is Oscar such a romantic person?’ He had never said such a

thing to herself . He had just written such a cliche that the
dress looked good . ‘But did he send that awkward letter to
Mielle?’
Aria’s expression became mysterious . As she rolled her

pupils, she could not believe that . Annie’s voice grew
louder if she agreed .
“That doesn’t make any sense! Why can’t that Oscar

suddenly be kind to Miss Mielle? In the meantime, a lot of
maids have seen Mr . Oscar being blunt to Miss Mielle!”
As she was speaking, Annie kept her face cool with her
hands as if she got angry .
“I’m sure she said something to her as she met the princess
last time! That’s how gifts used to be sent in Oscar’s name
after she met the princess . Either Oscar was forced by the
princess or the princess sent it in Oscar’s name . It’s either .
”
‘Ah, Annie, the day came when I thought I was lucky to have
you by my side . ’
Aria felt a little relieved thanks to her chatter . How good

would it be if her speculations were true?
That didn’t mean the breakup that had arrived from Oscar
would disappear, but at least she could find the cause
forced by the princess . In addition, this breakup might not
be his real intention .
“Annie, you always help me . I’ve never seen a maid who’s

as smart as you . ”
“Tha-thank you, miss . ”
“It’s a very interesting story, thank you . Please let me know

next time you have any interesting news . ”
“Yes! Don’t worry!”
Annie’s back appearance of leaving for information again

with a gallant heart seemed very reliable . ‘Is there another
maid in the mansion who is as talkative as she is?’ Aria
handed the letter to Jessie, thinking that it was really lucky
to have Annie on the same side .
“Give it to Mr . Oscar . ”
“Yes, miss . Shall we send it right away?”

“Yes . And…”
As Aria couldn’t easily talk, Jessie blinked and waited for the
next words .
“And if… if he doesn’t accept it, please tell the deliverer to

throw it at Oscar’s feet . ”
“… yeah?”
“I want him to do it by all means . ”
“Oh, … yeah . ” Jessie walked out of the room with her head
cocking .
A little time later, as dinner time came and Aria went

downstairs, she could face Mielle, who was visibly smiling .
‘I’d like to twist that little neck right now . ’
‘Shall I use a sandglass?’ Shall I twist her neck and kill her
and turn the hourglass right away?’
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In imagination, she had already killed thousands of times .

However, she stared at Mielle for a while, and turned her
eyes away, because she knew she couldn’t win her with
anything today .
She glanced at Mielle’s bright face as she waited for the

count who said he would be back at dinner time after a brief
business trip . Seeing the pin on her head, the necklace on
her neck, and a rose-shaped jewel, she realized that they
were Oscar’s gifts .
Moreover, Aria was very upset to see Emma’s expression

behind Mielle . Emma always looked at herself with an
arrogant, unlucky look . As if to curse, she did not hesitate
to look contemptuously .
‘I’ll get rid of you, too, ‘
‘I can’t help but do it if you stare at me with the look of

wanting it like that . I have no choice but to bring you to the
same end as your master . ’ When she imagined that she
would cut out the eyes at the end, the count returned from
going out . Obviously, he had gone out alone but somehow
came back in becoming two .
“I’m sorry I come late at night . ”
“I went out to see Lane, so I come with him . I thought it

would be better to have dinner together . ”
The count continued to talk, patting Lane on the shoulder .
“Because I’ve been bothered by the customs office . When I

called Lane, he solved the problem at once”
“I was glad my master had a personal network at the

customs office . ”
“I have quite a wide network, but I couldn’t handle the

officers in the customs office . They were hard-nosed, so
they didn’t listen to me as I wheedled them . The master of
Lane is a great man . ”
“Haha, I’ll deliver your words to my master . ”

Because of Mielle who was smiling broadly, the countess
who was fresh like a flower as usual, the count who was full
of excitement because things were going well, and Lane
who she couldn’t know his real intention, Aria had to smile
awkwardly after them, in spite of all the curses in her heart .
“Can I ask you why you went to the customs office?”
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“Oh, it was a small matter, but the speed to handle my case

was late, and I went there . Now that winter is over, I was
about to take the fur out that I had brought in, but the
customs office charged an exorbitant tax . Once the fur
came in the capital, it was registered in the capital, so they
told me to pay a tax when I go out with the fur again . ”
“Oh, my God… That’s too much . ”
“I thought so too . I applied it because they said that there is

a tax reduction on goods that have been brought in less
than half a year… but they haven’t contacted me for more
than a month, saying they have to take care of things in
order . It was a luxury of all things, so they charged too
much tax on it!”
“Just in time, Mr . Lane helped you!”
“That’s right . I was extremely fortunate . ”
Aria couldn’t believe it since he had the customs office

under his control… She had thought Lane’s master would be
great, but she swallowed her admiration because he was
greater than she thought .
“I have to host him with great devotion and care… but it’s a
normal dinner at the mansion at the very least, so I am
ashamed . ”
“No, I’m fully satisfied . ”
“Why don’t we set a day and have a formal dinner party?”
“It’s not bad . What do you think, Lane?”
“I’ll make sure to attend when the time is right . ”
The count smiled gladly as he alternately looked at between

Lane and Miele . If Oscar was not there, he wanted to tie
Lane and Mielle together . In addition, as Mielle offered to
set a day and hold a formal dinner party, he had a big smile
.
‘The count doesn’t even know who Lane is yet . What in the
world has broken the boundaries of that hard, profit-making
count?’
No matter how helpful someone was, he turned around

coldly when his business was done . But it was clear that
Lane and his master had given the count a great deal of
help if the count allowed his free access to the mansion and
agreed to hold a dinner party .
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Aria didn’t like the situation . She was told to part by the
man who she had worked hard for several months, but
others seemed happy . A hidden nature in the depths of her
mind twitched . She wanted to spoil this happy situation
that everyone except her was happy .
‘At least Mielle . ’
Aria wanted to make Mielle’s mouth shut and made her

frown because that damn necklace kept getting caught in
her eyes .
‘Oh, come to think of it…’
According to past memories, the count was going to be

quite troubled by similar luxuries besides fur . The tax issue
had been put on the back burner, since the summer of this
year, the top trading companies had gone bankrupt, and the
problem had not been solved until the end .
‘Is it Cain who solved it then?’
For this, Cain had been greatly appreciated by the count

and had had a life as the new count of the Roscent family .
But that was very later, so it was only Aria who knew the
solution right away .
‘I guess today wasn’t as wild as it was . ’
Now that she thought of it when she needed it like this . She
was not satisfied with doing the work, but it was the best
way to gain the count’s trust, and to show that she was
superior to Mielle, and the count no longer needed Lane’s
help .
‘In addition, I can take away the future of Cain, who ordered
to cut off my head . ’ At last, Aria’s lips drew a line .
possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XIX
Chapter 78 . Testing And Trial, Part XIX
Translator: Khan
The countess was the first to notice the change of Aria, who
had been eating silently with a stiff face all the time
because Mielle had a mate, she was thinking about
connecting Lane, or his master, with her daughter . That
was why she smiled brightly, hoping inwardly that Aria
would say something great .
“I hope we can come up with a solution soon, in case there’s

a similar problem ahead . ”
The count’s agony was originally a matter that would

happen later, but a new business item, called fur, shortened
the period . Now that there were no problems, if he thought
about it in a leisurely way, he might come up with a way .
‘I can’t let that happen . ’ When Aria hurried to advise the

count, Lane took the initiative .
“Lady Mielle, do you think there is a way to solve this

problem?”
“Ah…”
‘I can’t believe he asked Mielle . Does Lane still think she’s
smart?’ She might be smart if he looked at her in another
way . If he only evaluated her as a noble lady, she might
look good .
But it had nothing to do with business, and it was no use

asking because the previous glory was also the one that had
been stolen from Aria . Aria thought he’d noticed by now
because he was a quick-witted person, but he still had a
lingering attachment to her, and Aria snorted at him,
thinking he was stupid .
“I don’t know… I’ve never thought about it, so I can’t think

of it right away . ”
“I think so too . However, if this kind of meeting is repeated,

sometimes the best way comes out . I wonder if you have
any thoughts, since you have given various advice on the
count’s business . ”
Mielle blushed, not knowing that Lane had been driving her
to hell more and more . She was in agony for a moment
without losing her smile, then opened her mouth with her
eyes glistening as if she had a good idea .
“I think the best way is to get along closely with the

customs staff . Since my father has been struggling despite
all his hard work, so why don’t you introduce him to the
customs staff?”
“Introduction…?”
“Yes! Mr . Lane solved this matter right away . So I think it

would be better if you introduce someone you know to my
father . ”
‘Really… Mielle, how can you choose only those words that
suit my taste?’
Aria put the salad in her mouth, holding back the laughter
that was about to burst at Mielle’s thought, which was so
one-dimensional . The dressing was over, and the sweet and
sour taste burst in her mouth, distracting her mind .
No one could match her words to the noblewoman-like

answer . Only the countess, who grasped the mood, gave a
clumsy agreement, saying, “Our Mielle is very sociable . ”
“… You might see it like that . ” Lane’s complexion became

visibly dark .
Have you finally given up your lingering feelings about

Mielle? Mielle, who did not know the reason, opened her
eyes wide and read his countenance, and the count cut the
meat without a word .
The bad feeling which she had received because of Oscar’s

letter turned to a good one again . It would be now if she
wanted to step into the conversation . Aria, who wiped her
lips with a napkin, quietly opened her mouth .
“Mielle, I agree with you . I think it’s important to build

connections in many ways . But if you have to ask someone
for help whenever you have a problem, it would be a little
embarrassing to prove that you can’t do anything on your
own . ”
“Ah… that’s not what I mean . The customs issue is hard on

my father, so let’s get help for the matter . ”
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Mielle hurriedly made an excuse, apparently unaware that

she would be attacked . Aria apologized as if she did not
know Mielle’s thoughts .
“Ah, that’s what you mean . I must have misunderstood a

little! I’m sorry, Mielle . ”
“… No, sister . You’ve only been in the Roscent family for

two years, so you might not know . ”
‘So, in the end, I was so ignorant that I opened my mouth

hastily . Don’t you really know that the more you repeat
that, the more stupid you are?’
Aria even wondered if she had to say Cain’s idea in

response that was so unworthy of her to deal with .
“That could be so . I thought it would be better to open a

warehouse right near the capital in order not to pay taxes…
I’m sure I had this narrow-minded idea since I joined the
Roscent family not long ago . ”
The count and Lane’s eyes followed her, thanks to her brief
expression of thoughts . They didn’t hear the details, but
they looked like it was what she was talking about .
The count was interested because it was Aria who had

helped the fur business last time, and Lane also shone his
eyes because he had experienced her brilliance a few times
. Only a foolish Mielle was already preparing to laugh at
what a vulgar wicked woman would say .
“A warehouse right near the capital?… specifically what

does that mean?”
“Oops, it’s just a small idea that won’t help . Never mind,
Father . ”
Aria waved her hands as she straightened her face . Then

this time, Lane pressed for an answer .
“No . Every thought begins with a very small one . I’m

curious too, Lady Aria . ”
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“If you really want… Don’t laugh, just think it’s a little girl’s
simple idea . ”
“Aria, who’s laughing at you? Don’t worry . ”
‘Didn’t your own daughter just laugh at me?’ It would not be

an optionally deaf, but the count pretended not to know it .
“Well… it’s nothing special . I just thought that since the

capital’s tax is the highest, it would be better to build a
warehouse near the capital and bring things inside only
when there’s demand . It’s a very ordinary idea, isn’t it?”
It was quite ordinary, but the count had never thought of it

before .
Of course, such an idea was not necessary . It was because

he had never handled seasonal products like fur, so he
didn’t have to bring back out the items he had brought in .
Once brought in, it was usual to sell them until they ran out
of stock . Moreover, the count had been able to properly
control the quantity due to his many years of experience .
He would have never imagined this would happen .
‘If the count had a little more time, you would have come up
with the simple idea…’
But the winner was the one who preoccupied the object or
thought . Those who hadn’t thought of it were going to be
losers .
“It’s not a simple idea . That sounds like a great idea,

especially for the count who is planning to expand his
business in the future . ”
“That’s what I think . With the exception of the capital, it

costs little tax to move to other provinces . ”
“If you finish trading there in the first place, you won’t have
to pay any taxes . An individual can either wear it or bring it
in as a luggage . ”
Sponsored Content
“Ha! That’s so true! Even if it is the business group, I’ll take

care of everything that goes into the capital anyway, so I
can buy it outside the capital and take it straight to the
provinces!”
“You’re right . It’s like finding a way to save all the taxes and
reap huge profits with just one thought difference!”
As if they had found a gold mine, they chatted about the

advantages of the warehouse . The count laughed loudly,
saying, “Because all the supplies and development are
concentrated in the capital, the land price will be cheap . ”
Meanwhile, Aria glanced behind her . Jessie was seen

holding the box . She was cute . Maybe it was because she
had requested Jessie to pay close attention to it recently .
She kept the request of Aria, and she always carried it with
her, not knowing how the box was used .
‘I’m going to turn it over right now and have the initiative of
the words the count and Lane said . ’
She decided to steal his thoughts as the count had stolen

her accomplishments for Mielle, and turned the hourglass
over straight away after she received it from Jessie .
“Aria, who’s laughing at you? Don’t worry . ”
‘Ah, I’m back at the right time . ’ Aria grinned . The

opportunity came for her to take Cain’s idea, and the count
and Lane’s thoughts, and to enjoy the glory of her own .
“Well… I’ll give you my specific idea, though it’s narrow-

minded . That narrow-minded idea that you expect to save a
large amount of taxes . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XX
Chapter 79 . Testing And Trial, Part XX
Translator: Khan
‘And it’s your idea . ’ The count and Lane’s eyes grew bigger
and bigger at her slow-paced remarks . They, who had
thought it was a good idea since the first time she had
talked about the warehouse were amazed at the specifics of
the explanation .
“… what in the world did you think about that?”
“I just came up with the thinking to myself . It’s not such a

great idea . ”
“No… it’s a great idea . It’s a matter that your father needs
right now, and it’s a great idea to contribute a lot to his
profits in the long run . ”
“I’m just grateful if you see it like that . ”
At the smile of Aria who was pretending to be shy, Mielle,

who did not recognize the situation, gave advice,
“… but wouldn’t the cost of building a new warehouse, the

cost of hiring new workers, and the cost of maintenance, be
a hurdle?”
“It may be if you see it simply, but it’s a different story if

your father expands his business by adding more items . It’s
going to be less than the fur tax he brought in . ”
“Ah… was the fur tax so big?”
“Yes, it’s a luxury . Haha, I guess Lady Mielle only knew that
fur would be popular . That was great, too!”
As Lane said it like a joke, there was silence in the dining

hall .
‘Mielle, you could blow yourself up like that . ’
The reaction of Mielle and the count was expected .
‘You have been honored to say that you did what you didn’t
do, so you’ll pay the price . I couldn’t believe you stole it
when I was right in front of you . It would not be enough for
both of you to be executed and hung on the wall of the
castle . ’
Aria brightened her eyes and waited for Mielle to open her
mouth .
“The fashion of fur…?”
Stealing the glory was the count’s solo act, and Mielle
looked puzzled and cocked her head as if the count had not
spoken it to her . At her reaction, Lane was bewildered . He
seemed not to understand why the conversation didn’t work
.
“… let’s have a meal first . I’ve found a good way, and
suddenly I have a good appetite!”
It was the count who cut off their conversation . He

recommended them to eat in a loud voice, unlike him . Next
to him, the countess had an unhappy look on her face, and
Mielle continued to eat, according to her father’s words . It
was a maneuver to cover up the truth .
‘Do you know what you’re ashamed of?’
Aria did not regain her glory, but she did not intend to
retrieve Lane’s attention, so Aria followed the count’s words
and resumed her meal quietly . The people of the Roscent
family all closed their mouths and resumed their meal, so
Lane followed them with a dubious face . The count did not
look at Aria until the meal was over .
She was about to go up to her room after dinner, which had

suddenly become quiet . The countess’s wife smiled
awkwardly and agreed with the count’s remark that he
would not be able to serve tea because it was late at night .
Did the countess even notice that the count had deprived
her daughter of glory? It might have been her best as she
could never offend the count’s mood . Aria knew her
survival instinct so well that she left without any complaints,
saying, “I will dismiss you first . ”
‘Now Lane won’t come back . ’
A little thought would tell him the truth . He might feel

resentful when he knew the truth, and even his master
might be so . Aria’s steps upstairs were light . Jessie glanced
at her with a burst of laughter .
But that laughter didn’t last long . Because after a few days,
Mielle received a present . It was a gift from Oscar . Inside
were beautiful dresses, shoes, gloves, and even jewelry .
Sponsored Content
[Dear Lady Mielle,
It’s simple, but please, I’d like you to wear it to my sister,

Isis’s birthday party . ]
Oscar even accompanied a friendly letter as if he had really

intended to give her his heart . Besides, “please . ” ‘Isn’t
that what I wrote in my letter to Oscar?’ It was a letter that
she had barely sent after thinking so many times to rewrite
the letter .
‘I can’t believe he sent a letter with that “please” to Mielle .

’ Faced with Mielle’s wicked face on the first floor, Aria
rushed back to her room, feeling like she was about to fall
straight to the floor .
“Miss…!”
“Let me be alone . ”
When she dismissed Annie, who was stamping her feet and
was crying, she became lonely .
‘Oscar… did Oscar really decide to cut me off?’
Otherwise, he would not be so cruel like this . It was her who

had not even received an answer yet . She wrote a letter
with her sincere desire to continue to exchange letters, but
her hearty effort returned as a gift to Mielle .
She felt like crying, covering herself with a blanket . It would

be fine once there was no one here . So Aria covered herself
with a blanket and threw up her sorrows because the
opportunity, which she had had—turning over the hourglass
—was useless .
***
A few days later, Mielle wore a gift from Oscar and

participated in Princess Frederick’s birthday party . The
princess, who was an adult at the age of a woman, was still
unmarried and was on the verge of engagement, so she
held a party before sunset .
This was all the more so because it was the Crown Prince
that she had a proposal of marriage with . It meant that she
needed to be on her best behavior as she might become an
Empress in the future . And most people, including her
neighbors, thought it was natural . It was only natural for
Princess Isis to become an Empress to keep the Crown
Prince in check . It was also the result of having the support
of the Aristocratic Party .
After getting off the wagon, Mielle asked the servants of the

Frederick family to find out where Isis was . The reason was
that it was not easy to find her because the entire mansion
was used as a party hall .
Sponsored Content

Many people gathered to celebrate Isis’s birthday, so even
her servants did not know where she was . Mielle went
around the mansion and managed to reach Isis’s side after
half a turn .
“Princess Isis!”
“Lady Mielle! You’re here! Oh, my God…! You so beautiful

today . ”
Isis was surprised and praised Mielle . Miele’s face blushed .
“Really? Actually… these are clothes and ornaments from

Oscar! He told me to wear it today . ”
“Oscar? How did the blunt man ask such a thing? He seems
to really like Lady Mielle . ”
“I’d love that . ”
Mielle could not help but expect Oscar even though she
knew it was less likely . He had been consistent with his
blunt response, but it was how he was with everyone .
But recently, he had been a little different . She had been

wary of him because he put his eyes on a prostitute’s
daughter, but he had come back like this . No matter how
much the princess had warned him, if he really didn’t like
her, he wouldn’t have put his heart and soul this far . So she
had no choice but to expect it!
“There is not much time left for the princess’s engagement .

”
“I hope the Crown Prince will become an adult soon . It’s

quite inconvenient and cumbersome that men and women
have different adult standards . ”
The Crown Prince was eighteen years old, the same age as
the princess, but he was not yet an adult . A nobleman
generally admitted to being an adult only when he was two
years older than a woman since he graduated from the
academy and studied to take over his family .
“After you become an Empress, why don’t you lower the

adult standard for men to eighteen?”
“I should . I think it’s the first thing I need to fix . ”
Sponsored Content
Their conversation, assuming that she would be an

Empress, was natural without awkwardness .
“How is the count?”
“His business is always flourishing . ”
“That’s a good thing . ”
They had no regard for the countess . It was because she

was a trivial thing to argue about . If time passed and the
flower fell, he would throw her away . Mielle and Isis also
thought that the countess’s value to the count was just that
.
“Just wait for a while . Oscar will be here soon . He’s still
working on his clothes . He must have been nervous since
Lady Mielle’s coming . ”
“Really? Actually, I like Oscar’s clothes whatever they are… I
can’t wait to see him . ”
“You can expect it because he will appear to satisfy Lady

Mielle who he was waiting for . ”
At the words of Isis, Mielle’s cheeks and ears turned red .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XXI
Chapter 80 . Testing And Trial, Part XXI
Translator: Khan
“Please enjoy the party because I have prepared this party’s

food and drinks for a long time . I’ll let him know your table
when Oscar comes . ”
“Yes, princess…”
Mielle covered half of her face with a fan since she felt a
sudden heat and settled at an empty table nearby . Some of
the young ladies who recognized her hurried to fill the
vacancy, and her surroundings were filled with people
without a moment to feel empty .
“How can you be so beautiful today?!”
“I think you’re getting more spotlight today . ”
“On her birthday, Lady Isis is very beautiful, and it’s not long
before the two of you, even the best in the Empire, have the
same surname . ”
“Oh, what are you saying? Before that, Princess Isis will
have the noblest surname in the Empire, Franz . ”
“I made a mistake . I’m so sorry!”
There was one reason that she was the future hostess of the
Duke of Frederick . It was more like a fait accompli when
they saw that the princess was taking care of her .
As Isis had sent letters to all the nobles above a certain

level, they were invited to attend her birthday, but having
difficulty in getting acquainted with the princess, they
targeted Mielle, who was still young and seemingly easy to
handle .
“I can’t wait for that day to come . ”
As always, Mielle answered with a sweet smile . In fact, she

didn’t even know the names of those who surrounded her .
For those who were of no value, she could have a consistent
smile . She listened only to what she wanted to hear and
answered only to it . That was the social world that Mielle
had learned .
“Uh? Isn’t that Oscar over there?”
“That’s true!”
Turning to a spot where a young lady was pointing at

someone, she found Oscar dressed up in a suit that had his
family’s emblem embroidered on his chest . He turned over
all his hair back, and his matureness was outstanding .
‘How cool is he?’ Mielle admired him purely . He went

straight up to Isis . He exchanged words of silence and soon
turned to the table where Mielle was .
“Oh, it looks like he’s coming this way!”

A garrulous lady predicted Oscar’s behavior . As she said
that, Oscar’s footsteps headed for the table with Mielle . She
got up from her seat, unable to bear to wait for him
approaching . With his strolling gait, Oscar came just around
her .
“… I’ve been good! What about you Oscar?”
“Me too . ”
Oscar’s manner was very friendly . The stiffness of his

speech was a little subdued and so was his expression . He
asked an excuse for a lady who was taking the seat next to
Mielle and sat next to her .
‘Don’t tell me this isn’t a dream…?’
If it was a dream, she hoped she would not wake up . She

couldn’t even blink . She just stared at the friendly Oscar .
Whether he was really determined to love Mielle, he sought

her convenience all the time and spoke to her . Mielle was
half unconscious . She received his efforts, and around her,
they said that the two were very well matched .
“They’re a nice couple, isn’t it?”
Sponsored Content
“Dear princess…!” .
In response, Isis, the person who sought a close relationship
between the two, fanned out . Whether she had finished her
greetings to major guests or not, she also sat next to Oscar .
Real connections didn’t show off friendship at these trivial

parties anyway . Her real connections were the ones she
met and chatted in secret places, which were very few
people .
The birthday party was just a place of wealth, power, and

bravado, so there was no need to spend a long time talking
to useless people .
“I guess Oscar was quite lonely while he was away from

Lady Mielle . How sweet of him . I wish he could do that to
his sister . ”
“…”
Isis narrowed her eyes as if to observe how he would

behave . Oscar only had a quiet cup of tea without any
particular answer .
“So did I . I’d like him to graduate from the academy… I’ll
see him every day then . ”
‘Is there a girl whose red cheeks match so well?’ Mielle

smiled as if she had the whole world .
“The good news is that Oscar will graduate this time . He

won’t make Lady Mielle sad anymore . ”
The word “not sad” contained two meanings . It meant that

he wouldn’t make her lonely and that he would give his
heart .
Mielle figured out both of those meanings . Maybe that was
why it felt like her own birthday, not Isis’s . The two enjoyed
a leisurely conversation with Oscar in between, talking
about the events in the past, the present, and the future .
Most of their stories were about engagement and marriage,

starting with the dress to wear at the ceremony and the
room they would use in the mansion . It was not long after
that that someone who interfered with them appeared .
“Miss Isis…!”
Sponsored Content
The butler of the mansion ran to Isis, forgetting his dignity .

She didn’t know what was so urgent, and she clicked her
tongue . The butler, who came to her, did not hesitate to tell
her why .
“The, the Crown Prince is here!”
“… what?”
Perhaps he was quite surprised by the Crown Prince’s visit,

and the butler shouted in a loud voice that everyone could
hear . Surprised, Isis was frozen that she could not respond
at all . And so was Oscar . The Crown Prince and the
princess talked about their engagement on the surface, but
they didn’t really get along very well . ‘Why would the
Crown Prince be at Isis’s birthday party?’
“The Crown Prince must have come to celebrate the

princess’s birthday!”
Mielle, unaware of the fact, raised her voice, and only then,
Isis, who came to her senses, ordered him to guide the
Crown Prince inside . However, the butler, who was
instructed, did not have to carry out the task . The Crown
Prince, who already knew where she was, did not wait but
went to where they were by himself instead .
No matter how dominant the Aristocratic Party was, the

royal family was the royal family . In the appearance of the
Crown Prince who would be the next Emperor, beginning
with Isis, the guests greeted him politely with their backs
and heads down .
“I, I see His Highness the Crown Prince . ”
“It’s been a long time, Princess Isis . Happy birthday . ”
“Thank you, Your Highness . ”
The Crown Prince looked away, leaving only a very simple

greeting to the princess . The place where his gaze was
directed was toward Mielle, whose face couldn’t be seen,
with a deep bow . She was shivering faintly at the very
existence of the Crown Prince that she met for the first time
.
The Crown Prince smiled to see if she looked very pitiful .

“Are you Lady Roscent Mielle? …it’s weird . I think you
became a little smaller . ”
They didn’t know why he was interested in Mielle and not

Oscar . Her family had great wealth, but she was still only a
lady of the family of the count . ‘Is it because the rumors
say that she’s beautiful? Or because she is good at grace
even at a young age? Or does he have the intention of
upsetting the princess? Has he met her before?’
People in the garden spread all kinds of speculation . Isis
was the same . She bit her lip and guessed what had
happened between the two .
Sponsored Content
“I’ve heard a lot of your stories . I think you must have

wondered about me . ”
Mielle could not understand what the Crown Prince was

trying to say . It was partly because her body and heart
were hardened since she was the one who met the Crown
Prince first, and also because he kept talking to her and not
the princess .
“So now… I think it’s time for a face-to-face conversation,

what do you think, Lady Mielle?”
Mielle shook her head reflexively . She didn’t want to get

entangled with the Crown Prince . Oscar alone was enough
for her . If she got mixed up with him, the princess’s mate…
she was sure she would lose Oscar .
Ignoring this, however, the Crown Prince ordered her to

raise her head again . It was an imperial order . She couldn’t
refuse . She couldn’t help but lift her head, as not only her,
but everyone was forced to raise their heads .
‘What the hell is this…?’
As she raised her head, she could see the face of the Crown
Prince who was gradually hardening his expression .
Something was going wrong .
***
Lane, who left the mansion, went straight back to the

Imperial Palace . Today, his steps to the Crown Prince’s room
were heavy . He had always thought that Mielle was weird,
but she was definitely weird today . ‘Is Lady Roscent really
clever?’

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XXII
Translator: Khan
She had been always disappointing but even more so at the

dinner tonight . Considering her age, she was quite
knowledgeable, but not enough to help the count’s business
.
‘Rather…’
Rather, Aria, who was said to be from the common people,

was much smarter . Aria seemed to look like she was not
smart enough compared to Mielle, but she really seemed
smart although she didn’t seem to want to reveal the fact .
Aria, who sometimes made stunning remarks, would be

quiet again as if she had done nothing . It was as if she was
asking him to look at her that way on purpose .
But Lane was soon able to grasp her behavior . It was not
natural to hit and run, and somehow she seemed to be
swept away by emotion . As she was still young, she
seemed to have difficulty controlling her emotions .
‘And today’s reaction was weird too…’

When he brought up the story of the fur business, Mielle
looked puzzled . She looked like she had no idea . The
hardened face of the count, or the embarrassed countess,
and Aria, who was the last to remain calm…
‘Don’t tell me…’
No . Based on the facts laid out so far, it had been

concluded that the daughter, who had greatly helped the
count, seemed to be Aria, not Mielle .
It shouldn’t be . Lane tore off his head and let out a silent

outcry . If this was the case, it meant that he guessed wrong
so far . If the Crown Prince found out about this, he could
punish those who had called Mielle .
For example, he could order his retainers to count the

number of flowers in the capital by tomorrow or to find out
what the capital’s current population was .
If they somehow produced the results, he would question

them for more than five hours why and why . He had always
rolled his minions that way . Rather, they had wanted to be
hit .
‘Then there’s nothing I can do about it . I have no choice but

to get out by myself . ’
He had no choice but to report the truth as soon as possible,

so he himself could avoid hardships and adversity . Thinking
so, he wiped the clear and cold sweat on his forehead and
nose .
It was all right, it would be all right . In the first place, he

had only started his work after being ordered by the Crown
Prince to approach the count and his daughter, Mielle . He
had made friends with the count as he had been told, and
he had been well receiving good favors from Mielle . What
was more, he had even gotten the result that the girl the
Crown Prince had been looking for might be Aria, not Mielle .
He might have praised him for correcting the falsehoods
others had guessed wrong about .
Knock, knock! “Your Highness Asterope, this is Lane . ”
When he knocked on the door with a sense of confidence,

he heard a voice from the inside telling him to come in .
Lane went inside confidently to report his very plausible
conclusions . Asterope, who was reading a book on the sofa,
frowned at Lane who was coming in .
“What’s wrong with your face?”
“… yeah?”
“It’s a face that makes me feel bad . ”
‘What should I do with my face? Was I so excited as I found

a way to survive alone?’ Lane reported to Asterope while
touching his face .
“I haven’t found anything unusual today in Lady Mielle . I

think… Lady Mielle seems to be not the kind of woman Your
Highness will notice . ”
“Why?”
“I’ve tried to have in-depth conversations several times, but

each time her answers were very plain and easy . ”
“It’s a girl who escapes well like a cat . She dared to put me
through trouble twice . She has acted cleverly . ”
He smiled, small but pleasantly, as if he was thinking about
the girl who had made him puzzled and had leisurely
disappeared .
Then suddenly, he put his book down on the table nervously

and said, “So, persuade her well . ”
Sponsored Content
Lane shuddered at the sound . ‘Is he talking about that

Mielle? Does he want to know if she can escape from him
like a cat?’
Mielle, who Lane had gone through, was more like a bear
than a cat . She was a dusky bear with only a large natural
build and background but had no weapon . She had learned
how to speak well, but there had been nothing good in it .
And she also had no keen sense .
Aria, on the other hand, was really like a cat . The same was
the way she looked up as if she were observing with a
slightly raised eye, and so was the way she suddenly came
in the conversation and concealed herself in an instant .
So Lane really thought that the girl the Crown Prince was
talking about was Aria, not Mielle . The Crown Prince might
have mistaken Mielle for Aria or misunderstood her name .
Lane swallowed .
“Your Highness Asterope, I’m sorry, but in my personal

opinion, as I have visited the mansion of the Roscent
family… I don’t think the girl you’re talking about is Lady
Mielle . ”
Lane hurried on because he thought Asterope would be
nervous again .
“Maybe Lady Aria, his eldest daughter, is the girl you’re

looking for . ”
“Aria?”
“Yes, she’s from the common people, and about two years
ago, she came in as the eldest daughter of the Roscent
family with the re-marriage of the count . ”
“Ah, that’s the lady in the rumor . ”
The rumor about Aria was so widely and deeply spread that
Asterope could quickly recall her . Even he remembered the
rumor that the count who had married a prostitute with a
daughter was out of his mind . It was also information that
he had found while investigating Mielle .
“The rumor says that she’s possessed by an evil spirit .

However, the girl I’m looking for is a rare beauty in the
Empire as I said before . ”
“I heard that too, but a rumor is only a rumor . She was

more like the shape Your Highness described . ”
As Lane added, Asterope was lost in his thoughts .
Sponsored Content
“Did Your Highness… hear her name directly from the lady
you’re looking for?”
“No, it’s not like that . I just saw her disappear in the
carriage of the Roscent family . ”
“Then I’m sure the lady you’re looking for is Lady Aria . ”
“But I heard she is a commoner . ” It meant that she

wouldn’t have given advice to the count’s business or might
have fallen behind in getting information .
Lane thought so too at first, but it was different now . He felt

that way especially at the dinner today .
‘The count seemed to have turned the accomplishments of

Lady Aria to Lady Mielle for the sake of her external image .
’
And Aria had acted casually as if she had known it .
‘Come to think of it, when the count talked about the fur
business, he only said, ‘daughter,’ but he didn’t say an
exact name!’
Lane had vaguely assumed that it was the same person

because the count had bragged about Mielle subsequently,
but he could not hear the exact name from the count .
Because the Crown Prince had been looking for Mielle, of
course, he had thought it was Mielle .
“Lady Aria, whom I met, was as graceful and intelligent as a

noble since the beginning of time, and she was totally
different from the rumor . ”
Asterope was troubled by Lane’s repeated claims because

Lane couldn’t talk nonsense unless he suddenly went crazy .
“I think it’s better for you to meet her in person

“Yes, it will be worth checking her out if you say so . ”
No one had personally identified her name . The Crown

Prince and his knight, Sorke, had only known her face . And
the two had regarded her as Mielle simply under the
circumstances that she would be the lady of the Roscent
family without correctly identifying her face and name .
Sponsored Content
“How about this princess’s birthday party?”
“The princess’s birthday?”
“Yes . Lady Mielle has a relationship with Frederick’s eldest

son, so I’m sure she will participate . I know it’s
uncomfortable for you, but I think you should just show your
face for a moment and check her out . ”
The encounter with the princess was very awkward, but the
only chance to assess her was at that moment because he
could not visit the mansion of the Roscent family .
In any case, unlike the first time, he had been following the
demands of the Aristocratic Party recently, and his visit
would not cause any further suspicion . On the contrary, it
was possible to make aristocrats lower their guards as he
seemed to be seen to have succumbed to them already .
“All right, I’ll do that . ”
***
possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XXIII
Chapter 82 . Testing And Trial, Part XXIII
Translator: Khan
“You… who are you?”
“Yes…?”
It was a remark poured down on Mielle, who didn’t fully

raise her head . Asterope was staring at her with an eerie
stiff face .
“You’re Mielle?”
“…!”
Mielle was so surprised that she trembled without even

raising her head properly . She was appalled by the way he
spoke that seemed to deny herself . She couldn’t
understand why he was pushing her with such cold eyes and
accent .
“… ha . Really you’re Mielle?”
Asterope spat out a smile as if he had been embarrassed .

Feeling strange, Princess Isis spread her frowning face by
herself and asked carefully why . Now she was siding with
Mielle, not Asterope .
“Your Highness Asterope, did Lady Mielle make a mistake?”
“No . ”
Even though Isis asked, Asterope’s gaze was directed at

Mielle . He glanced over Mielle’s entire body, which was
trembling like a little bird losing its mother, and answered
with a self-help tone .
“I think I did the wrong thing . Now that I’ve said hello, I’ll go
. Have a good time, princess . ”
When he confirmed Mielle’s face, he turned around coldly as

if he had no more regrets . Only then did Mielle, who got out
of his blade-like gaze, collapsed to her seat, holding on to
her heart, which was running so fast . Oscar hastened to
support her .
“Lady Mielle, what the hell happened to His Highness?”
Isis grilled her after she had fallen . But Mielle, who had
never been linked to Asterope, had no way of knowing . She
shook her head with a paled face .
“I, I don’t know… I haven’t seen His Highness before . ”
Isis clicked her tongue since she had thought that he had
given in to the Aristocratic Party and showed up to celebrate
her birthday, but he had given only a word of greeting, and
after he had grilled Mielle, he disappeared .
‘What on earth was the purpose of the Crown Prince?’ Isis

and the others who had witnessed the scene in the garden
all thought so .
“You’ve never really seen him?”
“Of, of course . ”
“Then why did he look for Lady Mielle and check your
face…”
‘Why did he turn around as if she weren’t?’
Isis, who was going to ask that much, thought that Lady
Mielle might really have nothing to do with him . ‘Was that
the reason he had turned around after checking her face?
Because she was different from what he had thought?’
“Boo-hoo…”
At the Crown Prince’s harsh words and manner and Isis’s

urging, Mielle burst into tears . Although she had received
numerous education from an early age and had become a
model of aristocratic lady, Mielle was only fourteen years old
.
In addition, it was too much of an ordeal for her to endure,

who had grown out of love and goodwill so far . Some
strength was put on the hand of Oscar who embraced Mielle
. He didn’t know what had happened, but Mielle was too
young to be insulted in front of many people . Mielle, who
was wailing, looked very sad, whether he liked her or not .
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“I’m sorry, Lady Mielle . I was so nervous . Oscar! Take the
lady to the mansion . Help her relax . ”
“Yes, sister . ”
Oscar wrapped over Mielle’s shoulders and disappeared into

the mansion . Mielle was still a needed card now and in the
future, but she had driven her too much as she had been
nervous .
‘I hope the smart Oscar can soothe her well . ’
It was clear that he would somehow appease Mielle because

he could not let go of someone young, weak, or someone
who had poor existence .
Isis, who was watching them disappear for a while, ordered

the musicians to turn up the sound of the music . Then the
performers put great force to make it as loud as possible . It
was only then that Isis, satisfied with the melody of the
garden, made a benevolent look .
“Oh, the Crown Prince seemed to have a bad day today . ”
There was no one for the Crown Prince here anyway

because he was a single member of the royal family that
had been ostracized by the nobles . As the dominance of the
Empire was done by the nobles of power and wealth, he was
just a scarecrow, no matter how he pretended to have
power and prestige .
The participants burst into laughter at Isis’s sarcastic

remarks . She left the garden which became alive again and
quietly ordered the knight who immediately followed her .
“Find out what happened between Mielle and the Crown

Prince . Every single one . ”
The knight who heard the order disappeared at once . There
must have been something . It might have nothing to do
with Mielle, but from the Crown Prince’s point of view, there
might be something else .
‘He was so resentful . ’
She had a dangerous premonition . She had to find out what

had happened .
***
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Mielle, who had gone out with a big smile saying, “I’m going
to the princess’s birthday party,” returned to the mansion of
the Roscent family way passed the supposed time she
should return and even her bedtime . Aria was able to see
her return that night because of the loud hoofing of horses
of the carriage that entered the mansion .
‘What happened? Why in the world a lady, who has yet to

become an adult, return so late? Was she drunk? Then it
would be very interesting . ’ In anticipation, Aria wore a
simple robe over her Schumiz and went down . But the
scene at the entrance to the mansion was far from what
Aria had expected .
“I’m sorry… You don’t have to take me like this…”
“No, I was worried and did that, and please don’t mind it . ”
Oscar’s grip on her hand while escorting her was as sweet
as ever . And Mielle, smiling softly at his affectionate
behavior with swollen eyes, was a terrible thing in itself .
‘What the hell is this?… what’s this situation…?’
‘Why does Oscar, who hasn’t even replied to me yet, see

Mielle off so late at night?’ For Mielle, who had great knights
of the Roscent family guarding her, who would have given
up their lives for her . Aria could not understand why he
should have to see her off here at the expense of the hassle
.
“I’m sorry she is late . Something happened in the middle of

the party, so Lady Mielle fell asleep, but I couldn’t wake her
up, and she is already late . ”
“Oh, is that so? It’s all right since you came here to see my
daughter off like this . But be careful next time . She’s still
underage and single . ”
The count didn’t look too angry for a light scolding . He

might rather want her to get married like this . If one
thought about it, Mielle’s exposed hands were trembling
because of the cold evening wind .
“Well, it’s too late, so I’ll go back . ”
“How about sleeping here after a long time? I’m afraid you’ll
go back alone . ”
Why did the count worry about a healthy man going back
alone? Moreover, he would be fine if the count took him
back using the carriage of the Roscent family . If he was
really that worried, he could have just posted a knight .
There was no need to worry .
“We have a lot of rooms, so there’s no problem if you stay .
We’ve cleaned our guest room, and it is in good condition . ”
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The countess tactfully helped him . Mielle also grabbed

Oscar’s sleeve and gave him a silent rush . Oscar’s eyes
shook once as he stared at her .
“Well… could I stay here one night?”
“Yes, yes . Come on in . Why don’t you sleep with a cup of

warm tea?”
“Thank you . ”
The count hugged Oscar’s shoulders and disappeared with

an excited face . Then Mielle followed them, and the
countess, who was staring at Aria, who was hardened by
shock, moved her steps . Aria was the only one left in the
empty hall where no one was present .
‘Why? By any possibility, if something happened to Mielle

and he took care of her, it is understandable . But why? …
why haven’t you ever looked at me once…?’
When she faced his appearance of thoroughly ignoring her

as if no one was there, the reality that she had neglected
was pouring into her like a flash of light . The little bit of
expectation she had was shattered .
‘Oscar, do you really want to cut your connection with

me…? Why! Why wouldn’t the future change, even though I
turned over the hourglass, sacrificing my life? If God sent
me back to the past to show such a future, wouldn’t it be
too cruel?’
Not long ago, he abandoned Mielle and acted as if he would

come to her . It was a simple letter, but she was relieved
that every time his reply arrived, the future seemed to
change .

possible .
between chapters .


Trial, Part XXIV
Chapter 83 . Testing And Trial, Part XXIV
Translator: Khan
But no matter how hard she tried, if she would take the
same steps… If nothing would change… then she had no
more reason to live . Anyway, she was the last one to get a
cut on her head .
Aria clenched her fists . Her beautifully trimmed nails dug

into her palms and she seemed to feel nothing . So Aria was
shocked for a while and stood alone in the cold night wind
brought by Oscar because she could do nothing .
Then, after calming down, her whole body trembled so

much that she went back to her room . Her body that was
lying on the bed was as heavy as that of the dead .
‘If I fall asleep and wish to never wake up forever… If the

future doesn’t change anyway, I’ll die soon, and what’s the
reason for living now? Mielle will marry Oscar, and after
becoming the Frederick family’s mistress, she will use Isis’s
power and cut my head, the wicked woman’s neck . ’
She was afraid of the painful future that would come over
again, sneeringly . If such a future was waiting, it was better
to die as it was now . Tears poured down as she reached
that conclusion . She cried silently with her face on the
pillow, and then she fell asleep . In her dream, Aria was
decapitated several times over and over again regardless if
it was the future or the past . No matter how hard she
turned the hourglass over, no one moved according to her
will .
Everyone laughed at her as if they were all expecting this to

happen . She shouted for help to Oscar who turned around
several times, but her voice did not come out because her
head was cut off . She struggled through this hell and
poured blood out . “Please, please, somebody, help me . ”
She shouted a silent cry for help .
When Aria, who was suffering in so much pain, opened her

eyes again, the blue dawn had already filled her room . It
was a deep night near three in the morning when she
checked the time .
She was in a semiconscious state because she had only

slept for a few hours . She thought that maybe she was still
dreaming since her eyes were foggy, and she was distracted
. Hell was continuing .
Aria, who was sitting on her bed for a while, escaped from
her room . In the dark dawn in which no one moved, her
destination was the guest room on the second floor . When
she opened the door of the sixth room, she found what she
wanted .
“… Who?!”
Oscar, who was so surprised by someone’s unexpected

presence, suddenly rose . His upper body was stiff to a half-
upright position, and he didn’t even move at all . He wasn’t
moving at all as if time had stopped . It was because he was
faced with a very unexpected person .
It was Aria, and she was dressed in a light chemise dress

because she came there soon after she woke up .
Her arms, shoulders, and legs that were exposed without

protection shone mysteriously in the moonlight . As she
grew up from a girl to a woman, she stole Oscar’s attention
with the help of the moonlight .
“Mr . Oscar…?”
Aria, who found Oscar, took a slow step toward his bed . A
languid glance proved that she was less awake, but Oscar
couldn’t even think of stopping her from approaching him .
He was already asking himself why she came to visit him at
this hour .
He tried to neglect and avoid her gaze on purpose . He had

run away without telling her why . He thought his heart
would burst if he had eye contact with her . As if to destroy
his efforts, Aria came to him on her own .
Aria, who came up to the edge of the bed and put her hand
on a bright quilt, stopped moving . Her thin shoulders and
her sad face soon crumbled . Oscar’s heart was shaken
because of the look on her face, which could not be
compared to that of Mielle, who had cried bitterly after
being insulted .
“Please… please don’t abandon me…”
She had a hard time bringing out a very small voice and was
crying a little . As soon as he was about to answer, she fell
down on the bed .
Oscar hurriedly reached for her body . She had been
exposed to the night air, and as he touched her cold skin, he
felt like someone stabbed him in the heart with a dagger .
Because of the false rumor, she became sad, pathetic, and
pitiful that there was nothing to love anymore . Because of
the miserable reality, he couldn’t easily convey his mind .
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‘But if I disobey my sister’s words…’
It wouldn’t end just by grieving like this . It was clear that

she would suffer so thoroughly that it would be useless to
regret . So it was better now if he could hear the news about
her even if he was very sick .
Moreover, if he married Mielle, the connection of both

families would continue and he would never lose his
relationship . So he had to endure this pain now . Oscar
closed his eyes tightly .
Aria couldn’t open her eyes until daybreak .
***
The next morning, it was in her room where Aria opened her
eyes .
Oscar hugged Aria and took her to her room before she
came to her senses . As he had looked at her shadow
reflected on the third-floor window, it was easy to see where
her room was . Furthermore, the door was wide open, so
there was no need to find it .
Quite boldly, she had done something, but could not
remember what had happened last night . She thought she
had fallen asleep on the bed, and she wondered when she
would have slept covered with her blanket .
For a while Aria didn’t leave her room . It was because of

Mielle, who had been so excited and laughed for days . She
flamboyantly stirred up the mansion and told Oscar’s story,
even if she had invited her acquaintances to a party .
‘You’ve been stuck in your room and how long have you
been looking forward to this day?’
She did nothing without even getting out of the quilt under
the pretext of being sick . She actually felt a little sick .
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In the meantime, the count, who had expressed concern to

his new daughter for her way of solving the tax problem,
brought her valuable medicine, saying, “I hope you will
recover soon . ” And Lane also visited her several times . He
brought in a bunch of tulip flowers and quickly returned
when he heard about Aria’s stay indoors .
‘Oscar is not walking on a tightrope between me and Mielle,

he just turned around against me, and what can I do with
him who is in such a state…?’
As she lost her fighting spirit, she was like a stuffed doll in
the rain . She had been lying down for a while, so she felt
she was creaky and sick . Without getting out of bed, she
wiped herself with a wet towel and covered herself with the
quilt again, and Jessie asked Aria, stamping her feet .
“Miss… don’t you think you’d better have the sunlight

today?”
“No, it’s okay . Get out . ”
“Miss…”
Annie, who had been worried with Jessie, no longer showed

up . Aria said, “You don’t have to come because I don’t have
anything to ask for,” but it made her feel even more empty
when Annie turned against her so coldly .
“Miss!”
Annie, who had not been seen for days, reappeared with a
bright smile . Aria, buried in a blanket, told her to leave, but
she didn’t mind how many times she had told her to leave,
making a fuss that she had obtained good information .
“Then just listen! I’m sure you’ll soon be refreshed!”
Aria wondered what it meant when Annie said so .

Nevertheless, she didn’t express her feelings but pricked up
her ears and listened to Annie’s words .
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“On the last birthday party of the princess, Lady Mielle was
greatly insulted!”
“Oh, my God! That was why her eyes got swollen…”

Mielle’s swollen eyes went for two days so that everyone in
the mansion could confront her . If it hadn’t been for Oscar,
it would have been better for her to stay in the room until
she was healed, but because of Oscar, she had walked
around the mansion with her eyes swollen, like she had
bragged about it .
“That’s right, Jessie . That day, the Crown Prince attended

the party, and he pressed Lady Mielle with som reasons!”
‘His Highness? Mielle? Why…?’
Aria opened her eyes round and fell into thought . ‘Why did
he push her so hard, even if he wouldn’t even have seen her
before? Isn’t she called a model of aristocratic ladies? There
was no reason he was disrespectful…’

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 84: Chapter 84 . Asterope
Franz, Part I
Chapter 84 . Asterope Franz, Part I
Translator: Khan
Annie hurried on to answer Aria’s questions . “His Highness

checked Miss Mielle’s face and said, ‘You’re Mielle? Why do
you call yourself Mielle? No way!’ He must have meant that
she was not Mielle!”
Aria’s body was shaken once because Annie even mimicked

the speech tone she had never heard .
Annie could not see a single hair because Aria concealed

herself in the blanket, but she thought she was listening to
her, and continued, “So she was unable to answer any
questions, and came back to the mansion, weeping . ”
That was why her eyes were swollen . This solved the
reason why Mielle’s eyes were swollen .
‘But what difference does that make? Nothing changes . ’

Whether Mielle was insulted or her eyes were swollen, Oscar
had already left .
“And by the way, there’s another very important piece of

information! It’s about Miss Mielle again!”
Has she been working hard on Mielle’s information in the
meantime? Annie looked around once and said, locking the
windows and the door again .
“The gift which was sent to Miss Mielle was not bought by
Oscar, but it was by the servant of the princess . ”
Aria got a little interested this time . She plucked her face
out of the quilt and asked if it was real . Then Annie clapped
her hands and answered,
“Yes! Before you came to the mansion of the Roscent family,

there was a maid who had moved to the mansion of the
family of Duke Frederick, and she told me! So I’m sure! Oh,
this is a secret, miss . I think it was not from Oscar but from
the princess . You and Mr . Oscar are close enough to
exchange letters!”
Aria’s upper body was completely out .
If that had been true… If he had been kind to Mielle at the

request of the princess…! Of course, it was true that Oscar
had drawn a line for her, even though it was right that the
princess had sent a gift to Mielle, but at least it was a little
less hurtful . And…
‘I thought that no matter what I do, it’s not that the future
doesn’t change, but maybe…’
She thought that she might not have been able to change it
because it had not yet reached the great existence of the
princess .
‘If so, shouldn’t I change it again?’ The cleverness returned

to Aria’s eyes . With that, Jessie also had a smile on her face
. Annie was also very happy that her lifeline had returned to
normal .
“Miss, shall I bring you a meal?”
“Yes . I’ll have to wash before that . ”
“I’ll prepare water for bath!”
Annie hurried out of the room . Aria got out of bed and tried
to raise her body, but as she moved her stiff, sore body, her
body staggered because of a different view than before .
“Oh my! Miss?” Jessie hastily backed her up . “Are you all
right?”
“It’s okay . It’s just because of a sudden walk, isn’t it? Why
is it so awkward?”
‘Did my muscles degenerate while I was lying down?’ She

was walking around the room, hoping to get used to it
before the water for bath was prepared . However, Jessie
who was looking at her was horrified .
Aria asked in wonder, “Why?”
“Miss…! Your height…?!”
“My height?”
Aria turned her body and stood in front of the mirror .
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“How the hell…?”
There was a distinctly different look in the mirror . Her

height grew about seven inches, even though she still
looked young, but at first glance, she looked like an adult
because she had skipped meals for several days or lost a
little weight .
‘Even though I have eaten much nutrition recently, can I

grow that much in this short-term?’
Feeling back in her original form, Aria stared blankly into the
mirror and lost her words for a moment . And when she took
a bath and straightened her hair as Jessie prepared, she was
much more noticeable than before .
“Well… miss, you need to get a new dress . The clothes you
have are a little smaller . ”
The clothes she had were tailored to Aria’s body shape, so

she could wear them by force, but now that she had grown
up about seven inches, it was uncomfortable and the design
didn’t match .
“I guess so . Let’s go out after dinner . ”
“Yes! Miss!”
After eating a meal mixed with salad and vegetables, she

drank the medicine that the count had given . It didn’t feel
too strong and bitter, but she thought it wasn’t cheap
medicine because it was a reward for the warehouse . And
among the clothes I had for going out, she wore clothes that
fit her body and put on her outer clothes .
“What do you want to do with the clothes in the closet?”

“There are a lot of clothes I can’t even wear . Since I don’t
need them, will you take care of them?”
“Oh, my God…! Yes! Miss!”
It meant that she wanted them to be disposed of, or they

could wear them if they wanted to wear them . The clothes
she had bought before were cheap ones, but the ones she
had bought recently had been quite expensive and luxurious
.
Annie’s face was dyed red . Jessie also glistened her eyes .
Aria left her room, thinking that Jessie was also greedy .
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“Sister…? Are you going out?”
Alas, Aria thought Mielle might be walking around the

mansion again today . Aria couldn’t believe Mielle was
having a tea party in the garden with so many people . The
young ladies she had seen at Mielle’s birthday party looked
at her arrogantly, as usual . They seemed to be thinking
about how to insult the daughter of a vulgar prostitute .
“Yes, my height has suddenly grown tall that my clothes

don’t fit . I envy people who maintain small bodies like
children even when they get older . ”
Aria, however, had no intention of being attacked helplessly

. On the contrary, even though they were one or two years
older than herself, they were still small and childlike, and
she only laughed at them .
They might think that when they became adults they would
become like mature adults, but that was just an illusion . As
far as she could remember, Mielle’s stupid friends didn’t
grow much in adulthood .
Nevertheless, the women, who could not move a few steps

in their unsuitable dresses and high heels, had laughed at
Aria until she died, saying that she looked like her mother
and her body was vulgar . However, it was they who had
been laughed at .
“Then, I’ll excuse you . ”
Aria, who was disappearing with her hair fluttering, the fans
of the young ladies moved quickly . Mielle also opened her
eyes in a circle, as if embarrassed by Aria’s appearance .
She had been smaller than her age . And Mielle thought that
the reason she had stayed in her room was not that she had
been jealous or envious, but that her height had grown tall
like that .
There was a force in the hand of Mielle, which held the cup .
In many ways, she was a nuisance and irritating being .
Asterope Franz
“Wow, miss! That dress looks so good on you, too!”
“Really? Then let’s buy this, too . ”
‘How can she fit in every dress like that?’ Annie’s eyes

glistened . Her look to have ignored her as a prostitute’s
daughter in the meantime had disappeared somewhere .
Aria had been depressed for a while, but she was more
beautiful and graceful than any other young girls she had
ever encountered in a boutique . It was as if a noblewoman
should have a beauty that was different from a commoner
like that .
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Among the nobles, only the rich visited the boutique and it
was obvious that they were all noble of great families, but
no one was as enchanting as Aria . Afterward, if she also
raised her status and became a noblewoman, she might be
so beautiful like her; Annie was deluding herself .
Aria, who had chosen ten dresses, shoes and ornaments for
quite a long time, sat down on the sofa as if she were
satisfied with them .
“Is there anything else you’re looking for?”
The employee of the boutique asked politely . It was a

distinctly different attitude from when she had first named
herself Aria of the Roscent family . That power might be
feeble, but the rumor from Sarah’s meeting must have
played a part; another rumor that she was totally different
from the rumor .
Aria, who had soft black tea in her mouth, thought about it
for a while without saying anything and said she had
something else to buy .
“Please recommend some clothes for my maids . They

would accompany me to a party . ”
“Ah! Yes, I see . ”
Then some of the staff measured Annie and Jessie’s size and
quickly disappeared . Giving new clothes, not a maid
uniform of the family, to her own maids meant that she
would free them from cleaning and chores .

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part II
Chapter 85 . Asterope Franz, Part II
Translator: Khan
In Annie’s case, she had borrowed Aria’s clothes and

accompanied her to meetings a few times, but she hadn’t
escaped from doing chores since she had been a maid who
had helped her master’s going out . The intensity was only a
little weak, so she had to clean up in the morning and in the
evening . It was very easy and simple compared to other
maids and servants, but the difference between doing and
not doing it was huge . Such was the gaze and treatment of
the people around them .
But this time, it was different . They decorated themselves

gorgeously and their work was to do a role as a playmate or
a partner to talk with their master . It was also their job to
take care of their surroundings at all times so that clean
dresses would not get dirty .
And it was mostly the work of aristocratic ladies . In the

family of the count, commoners rarely became playmates .
No such maid had ever been found with Mielle, either .
Annie wrapped her cheeks with her hands . Jessie also
blinked incredulously .
“Annie, I need a maid to clean up for you and pour the tea .
Do you have a maid you can recommend?”
“Oh, yes! In fact, I haven’t said anything, but so many maids

have been envious of me when they saw me enjoy living in
clover by your side! If I speak out one word, ten maids will
be attached . ”
‘Yeah, I knew it . ’ Just by her words, Aria could guess how

envious the other maids and servants of the mansion must
have been .
Furthermore, it was assumed that their envy had pierced

the sky because Annie always wore jewelry and ornaments
she had received from her, except for some idiots who had
sworn allegiance to Mielle .
“That sounds good, then . Can you recommend a maid who

is decent and behave in a pleasant manner? You pick one . ”
“Yes…? Yes! I’ll find a very amiable girl as soon as I get

back!”
Annie, who was the youngest in the mansion, behaved as if

she were a head maid . In fact, what Aria asked her to do
was the job of a head maid, so it was not wrong . Next to
her, Jessie scratched her cheek and said softly,
“Well… you don’t have to do that to me, miss . ”
‘Oh my, did Jessie think that I only liked Annie?’ There was
only one woman, Jessie, whom Aria truly believed . In the
past, she had been the only one who had remained with her
to the end while suffering many miserable humiliations .
Because of that, she had been put to a miserable end by the
shallow, stupid Aria . If she had begged Mielle in the end,
she might not have met such an end .
There was no way she’d love Annie more than Jessie . She
just did so because she needed to coax Annie materially .
Annie was a maid who she could abandon in the middle, but
Jessie wasn’t . She was going to take her to the end and
take responsibility .
“What are you talking about, Jessie? Have you still not
realized that I like you best? You’ve been with me since I
was so stupid . I’m sure Annie will understand this . Isn’t
that right, Annie?”
“Yes! Jessie served you a year earlier than I did . Of course,

it is right that you like Jessie the most!”
Annie seemed to have no complaints because she received

more material support than Jessie . And her goal was to
raise her status, not to be favored by Aria . Jessie blushed .
“I don’t have a maid who I can rely on you . So don’t think in

vain . ”
“… yeah, miss . ”
Perhaps waiting for the conversation to end, as soon as

Aria’s words were over, the staff reappeared with some
clothes for the maids .
Although the quality and decorations were inferior to those

Aria had just tried, they were delighted to see that they did
not think of it . In particular, Annie made a fuss, saying, “I
don’t know if it’s a dream or not . ”
“Oh, my God… to wear such beautiful clothes!”

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The eyes of the staff were cold as they watched Annie raise
her voice . This was rare because it was a boutique favored
by aristocrats, and they seemed to be proud of themselves .
Even if a maid was making a noise, it was a private room, so

there was nothing to be seen . There were a lot of people
doing worse than her . Besides, it was she who had rented
this room, so whatever they did here, they were free .
It didn’t look very good . She would use it often, but she
didn’t want to be laughed at, and she didn’t like their eyes
because they evoked nostalgia from the past .
Aria who rose from the sofa looked at the clothes that the
staff had brought . It must have been very luxurious for
Annie and Jessie to wear, but she shook her head with a sigh
as if she were touching something trivial and cheap .
“I think their qualities are a little bit poor for my maids . Do

you think I am here just to buy these clothes of poor
qualities?”
“Ah, … yes, we’ll bring another clothes . ”
The staff rushed out with their clothes . Aria put two more
rejections on the clothes they had brought and nodded
when they brought in what was little different from the dress
she had bought .
“Miss, miss, can I really choose one of these clothes?”

“Yes . Don’t you have to wear that much if you want to go
with me in the future? That way, there won’t be anyone who
doesn’t know themselves and ignores you . ”
Aria looked angrily at the staff . Then an employee who was

helping to change clothes dropped the dress she was
holding in surprise . Aria clicked her tongue at her .
“Get rid of the dress you just dropped . And I don’t know
why there’s only one cup of tea . You have three guests here
.”
“… I am sorry, I’ll correct my mistake . ”
Sponsored Content
It was only then that the attitude of the staff became polite .
Then, not only Aria but Annie and Jessie, they had proper
courtesy too . The quick-witted Annie also showed the
elegance she had learned from Aria, and Jessie simply put
on and took off her dress quietly as usual .
Each of them was presented with three dresses . They were

high-priced dresses that Aria could wear right away . Annie,
wearing the most beautiful dress that Aria had bought her,
drank black tea, wary of getting scratched .
Jessie, who sat next to her, asked with a pale complexion,

“Are you sure you don’t mind buying us these dresses?”
“It’s all right . I’ve been saving a lot of pocket money . ”
“But…”
Unexpected spending had cost most of her pocket money,
but she had no regrets . And if it was money, it could be
refilled automatically . Even if she had exhausted everything
right now, she would not be without it . She would have it
again anyway .
After seeing Aria’s relaxed expression, Jessie seemed to

have reminded her of the fact and removed her anxiety
from her face . Her master had bought very expensive
jewelry just last year, and she did the golden brooch, too . It
was not enough for her to worry about the spending of an
aristocratic lady .
“It’s a shame to just go back, dressed up like this in a long

time . We’d better go to a cafe . ”
Now in the mansion, Mielle was playing some charade with

her friends, so she didn’t want to rush back . She thought it
would be better to sit on the outdoor terrace and think
about how to cope in the future .
“Miss… well…”
Then, unexpectedly, Annie twisted her body and said, “How

about ‘Flower Mountain’ cafe, if you don’t mind?”
“Flower Mountain?”
Sponsored Content
“Yes, actually, it’s a cafe I’ve always dreamed of… I’ve

always wanted to go there . I think it wouldn’t be difficult
with you . ”
‘Isn’t it a cafe where only aristocrats can go in and out of if
it’s Flower Mountain?’ It was even the most luxurious cafe in
the Empire . On the terrace there, it was popular because
they could look far down the Imperial Castle .
‘You are cute . ’ Aria originally planned to go there, but she

really liked her when she expressed her opinion . Aria smiled
softly .
“All right . Annie, according to your opinion, we’d better go

to the cafe of Flower Mountain, and talk to the driver . ”
“Yes! Miss!”
Annie hurried out to inform the driver, and as Aria was

preparing to leave the boutique, Jessie called her name .
“Can I buy a newspaper while we are out?”
“Oh, is it already time for the newspaper to come out? Then

let’s stop by there . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part III
Chapter 86 . Asterope Franz, Part III
Translator: Khan
It was time for an incident to happen to the count, and he

would suffer from it . Unlike the count, who would know it in
summer, rumors might have been circulating among the
commoners .
And this time, Aria thought it would be good for her to use
the information herself, instead of helping him . She couldn’t
do anything to deal with the princess, Mielle’s supporter,
while she was as broke as she was now .
“Miss! The carriage is ready . ”
“Well, shall we go, then?”
As if she had had no gloomy days, Aria was shining . She

had a light step to the foreboding that only good things
were likely to happen in the future .
But it was for a moment, and Aria, who had checked Jessie’s
purchase of the newspaper through the wagon window,
could not help frowning . The outfit of Hans who was renting
the newspaper was very ugly . ‘Why does he look so
fatigued though I paid the money enough for his attire to
live on?’
‘Don’t tell me, you bought another newspaper and have

been selling it on the street . ’
If he did, the end of him to lose his life would be waiting .

Even so, she didn’t mean to give him more money to stop it
. Despite her help, if it was the future he had chosen, she
had no right or obligation to stop him .
As soon as Jessie bought the newspaper, Aria headed to the

Flower Mountain cafe . The terrace was empty because it
was a favorite seat for only the nobility, and Aria, the eldest
daughter of the family of the count, did not encounter
difficulties to enjoy it .
The security of the cafe itself was so tight that the knight
decided to keep the carriage . Aria settled on a suitable
terrace to enjoy the spring breeze with Jessie and Annie .
“My God…! What a sight I can look down the Empire at a

glance! I never dreamed I’d come to this cafe!”
The sweet coffee Aria drank while watching the noisy Annie
was palatable . She thought it was worth it as if it was
expensive . As sweet coffee was full of cream, she could be
a target to be mocked at, if she didn’t pay attention to . Aria
had such experience in the past . So, she took heed of it,
and watched the scenery, wiping her lips with the tissue
provided .
Then, the memories that she had used to visit and enjoy in
the past came to her mind freshly, even the foolish nobles
who had recognized her from afar and frowned upon her
because of her outstanding look . They had sometimes
gossiped behind the terrace curtain . She had come here to
relax in a long time, but they had scolded the employees for
the scent of the gutter in the brothel .
The employees had apologized in unison for the scolding,

even though it had not been something they had to
apologize about . And the employees, who had repeatedly
said, “I’m sorry,” must have known it at the time .
Now because of her efforts in the meantime, there had been

many positive rumors . Since she had good manners and
she was young, there had been nearly no people who would
provoke her to a quarrel, but she must have been a very
pitiful being in the past because she had not been treated
as she was now .
“Miss! This coffee is really good, too!”
“I’ve never had such a sweet cup of coffee, either . ”
“I’m sure the aristocrats who enjoy these great things every
day are happy, right?”
‘Happiness . Have I ever felt that? I can’t remember that

feeling since I was a commoner when I was young, but I’m
sure the real nobles who have only been exposed to
precious things since birth would have no thoughts . They
may think it’s natural to breathe . ’
Aria, who answered Annie’s question to a smile, opened the

newspaper . Since she hadn’t had important information for
a while, she was wondering if there might be something
important in it . Not surprisingly, a small article came into
her eyes .
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[The business groups run by nobles are losing their accounts

one by one…]
The article said that the trade routes of nobles were being
cut off one after another by unidentified forces .
In this incident, some aristocrats had been damaged, who

had been later engaged in business with Count Roscent .
Therefore, the count had suffered from it . Of course, it had
been a problem that had taken a while but had been later
resolved . It was a little bit too much to call him a criminal,
but she remembered that somehow the prime mover had
been someone from the province of Pinonua .
She happened to remember that because she had enjoyed

drinking wine from that province in the past . Even if she
hadn’t drunk it, wine of the province of Pinonua had been
the most popular, so although Pinonua had been in the far
countryside, there had been rare for a person who hadn’t
known the province of Pinonua . The criminal had been a
lower-class aristocrat, contrary to the expectation that he
would be a higher-class aristocrat .
‘They said that he dropped the document while he was

moving . In any case, he was a fool . ’
She had heard that he had fled to a foreign country after

being exposed, as he had taken away the clientele and the
accounts of other nobles . He had only targeted the favorite
luxury items of the nobles and had monopolized and sold
them for a very expensive price . He must have
accumulated considerable wealth, to such an extent as to
consider as a small matter that he had fled to a foreign
country and lived with a false identity .
‘It’s impossible for me to make clients like that nobleman,
so I have no choice but to hoard in advance . It’s going to
cost a lot of money, but how can I get it?’
The answer to Aria’s thought was the casino . If she used

the hourglass, she could easily get a large sum of money .
Although she could use it only once a day, it was enough to

win just once a day in the big money game . And if it piled
up a few times, she could make a pretty big profit .
‘If I win alone, everyone’s going to lose money, even though

I don’t turn over the hourglass . ’
It was a wonder, but it was a good thing that she had grown
up . If she would wear a mask, she would look like an adult .
Sponsored Content
In addition, if the Crown Prince as foolish as in the past

would bring in a horse from another country, she could truly
make money in one shot . The horse’s leg had been broken
during the race due to the mismanagement . It had been
the sudden end of a horse that had always won . No one had
expected . It was clear that if she invested in time, she
could get a huge amount of money for a small amount of
money .
‘Now, what I need is someone to sell the goods behind the

hoarding . ’
There was a great risk of direct employment, so it was

necessary to hire someone to be trusted .
‘Someone I can trust… Is that kind of person around me
now?’
The only people she could find were Annie and Jessie, but
they had already been her maids and she could not turn
them to the other side . Then what about their family
members? Instructions would be easy to convey and easy to
be briefed . Nor could they betray or run away as long as
Annie and Jessie were around her .
If people tracked her down, they could find her, but she
would not be suspecting because they would think that the
stupid wicked woman would not dare to predict the future .
If she covered her tail, it would be over .
Aria asked Jessie and Annie, who pulled their heads out of
the terrace and looked at the scenery .
“Jessie, and Annie . What’s your family like?”
Suddenly, Aria asked an unexpected question, and Jessie

answered, cocking her head .
“I have two twin brothers . They’re still sixteen years old,

but they’re helping the work of parents . ”
“Really? What do they do?”
Sponsored Content
“They’re working on a farm . It’s the family business, so

they are ready to succeed it . ”
Farm work… Then, unfortunately, Jessie’s brothers did not fit
Aria’s plan .
“Oh, then your parents can’t do the work without your

brothers . What about Annie?”
“I have an elder brother . He’s twenty-three years old and

he works in an inn near the square . ”
“Inn?”
“Yes . I heard that he’s in charge of managing the books, but

I’m not sure . I came in the mansion of the Roscent family
before I even realized what he was doing . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part IV
Chapter 87 . Asterope Franz, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Aria smiled with satisfaction at her answer . Annie was really

lucky to meet her . If Annie behaved well, Aria was willing to
recommend her to a lower aristocrat, but her elder brother
met her requirements and she could make him have a
reputable occupation, and she might save Annie’s entire
family .
Aria hadn’t even thought about it, but as Annie had been
born with luck, she might save Annie’s entire family . Now
that her brother would be in her hands, Annie would never
be able to escape from her .
“Really? Hmm . I see . ”
The two maids cocked their heads, but did not ask why she
asked such questions . They thought that their master just
wondered .
‘Let’s think slowly about the items I will hoard, and let’s stop
by the casino first . ’
At that time, it would be better to take Annie alone out . It
would be better to show her as much as she could . Besides,
her brother was going to fall into her hands as well .
When she organized her thoughts, she was able to enjoy the
scenery with ease . The spring breeze warmed her up, and
her mood was great . If she accumulated wealth and built up
power to use people like slaves, she would be able to
confront the princess . Then she could take Oscar away
again and hurt Mielle . No, she could get rid of Mielle, even
though she would not take Oscar away from her . It was
hard to imagine like there was a fog because it was still a
distant future .
“Uh? Miss! Someone is staring at this side?”
Then, Annie said . Jessie, who sat next to her, also

expressed wonder, ‘Uh?’
“He is looking around this cafe, isn’t he?”
There were countless people, because the building was

beautiful, or because they were envious of the aristocrats
who enjoyed leisure . Aria had appreciated this building
countless times before she had become a noblewoman .
“No! He’s staring right over here . ”
When Annie said so, Jessie also said, “It’s weird . ” Then she
jumped up from her seat with a look of surprise as to
remember him who was looking at this side .
“Miss! That’s the man!”
“The man?”
“Yes! The man who we met in the general store and the
square!”
‘If the places are the general store and the square… Don’t
tell me, Asher?’
He was an unidentified man who had disappeared magically

. Aria looked up and checked out the terrace thoroughly .
But he, who Annie and Jessie had said, was not there
already .
“Uh? Where did he go?”
“He was there just before?”
Aria looked for his traces for a long time with them, who
stretched their bodies out of the terrace and looked around,
but there was no sign of him .
‘Why on earth does he keep appearing?’ At the very least,

the connection had been just tied with the right to
participate in the casino, and a slender string, which Asher
would not let go of, tied up Aria .
“That’s weird… He must have been looking this way . Was

he passing by?”
Annie snooped back to her seat . Somehow Aria didn’t feel

good . So, as she was about to stand up leaving the coffee,
a bunch of tulips popped out through the curtains on the
terrace .
“Jiminy!”
Surprised Jessie screamed, and Annie also held her chair,

then turned deadly pale . The uninvited guest behind the
curtains revealed himself so that Aria, including them, would
no longer be surprised .
“Oh my, I didn’t mean to scare you… I’m so sorry . I think

you’ve already seen me over the terrace, so I made a
mistake . ”
“… Asher?”
“It’s been a long time . Lady Aria Roscent…”
“…”
Sponsored Content
He really showed up! She couldn’t believe that he had even

checked her face from afar, and come here . She was afraid
of coincidences and his strange tenacity . When Aria refused
to answer, Asher urged her to receive a bouquet of flowers .
“My arms hurt . Please accept it because it is a bouquet

prepared for you . ”
“… what brings you here?”
“I’ll let you know if you receive this bouquet of flowers . ”
It was Aria who was confined on the terrace, so she was

obliged to receive his bouquet . The tulips received were
something Aria had seen . They were the tulips that Lane
had given to her last time and that they were sold at a
flower shop near the Imperial Castle .
She remembered the tulips had been different in shape of
any shops . When Aria smelled the scent and identified it,
Jessie cocked her head .
“That’s weird . I’m sure he didn’t have a bunch of flowers in

his hands until a while ago…”
“Uh? Come to think of it, I didn’t see it either . ”
When Annie said so, Aria’s heart began to pound as if it

were to burst out . He was a strange man, as expected .
What had happened at the square last time was so, and she
thought he was not an ordinary person .
‘What the hell is he?’
“It’s too dark, but can I come in?”
“No! You said you’d let me know when I receive a bouquet

of flowers, so please finish there . ”
“You’re cold-hearted . ”
He was rude before he could judge her cold heart . What

kind of education did he get and practice the rude act to the
people he met? Come to think of it, he had even kissed her
forehead last time . She had been embarrassed and he had
suddenly disappeared, and she couldn’t even slap his cheek
.
Even she who had been from the common people felt his
rudeness, but what would it be like in a noble society? She
thought he might have been ostracized . So Aria adamantly
refused again .
“I can’t because I was just about to go back . ”

Sponsored Content
“… even if I knew all your secrets?”
At that word, the throbbing heart sank with a thud .
“Well, what…?!”
‘What nonsense are you talking about?’
Aria, speechless, was dumbfounded . Then Asher behind the

curtains opened his mouth again to remove her hesitation .
“I said I know all your secrets . So why don’t we have a chat

for a while?”
“… what, what secret are you talking about?”
“Is it okay to make a statement here? I didn’t know it was

such an easy secret . ”
‘What the hell are you talking about? Don’t tell me, do you
know the secret of the hourglass…? How?!’
Aria’s gaze swept through Jessie and Annie . They looked

worried but curious about what secret their master was
being threatened with . Aria glanced at the hourglass .
‘Yeah, let him talk fast and then turn over the time with the
hourglass . ’
She didn’t know what secret he knew, and she couldn’t

ignore it .
“Annie, Jessie… will you excuse us for a moment?”
“Miss…!”
“But!”
“It’s all right . Please leave us for a while . It’ll be over in a

minute . Oh, by the way, leave the box there . ”
Sponsored Content
If he told the secret he knew as soon as he came in, she

could turn even this moment with the hourglass, in some
cases .
Aria gave a firm order, and Annie and Jessie could no longer
hold on and vacated their seats . Aria nodded when they
said they would put the knight on standby .
After that, as if he had waited, he entered the terrace .

Suddenly he showed up and interrupted her outing in a long
time, but he made a good line on his lips; she looked
suspiciously at him as he was mean and nasty, but he
laughed loudly .
“Do you hate me so much?”
“Wouldn’t it be good? I’ve been threatened on a holiday for

a long time . ”
“Oh, I apologize for that . If I didn’t do that, I felt like I was

going to be refused admittance . ”
At the sight of Aria, who still seemed angry, even though he
apologized, Asher stretched out his hand on the floor with
one knee down, still smiling . Surprised, Aria blinked .
“Please forgive me for my rudeness, lady . I’ll be careful not

to let this happen again . ”
He was not to be careful that this would happen again; it

was something that they should not see each other after
today .
‘If you say it like that, it’ll be over . Why?’ Aria couldn’t help
but reach out to Asher, who didn’t mind, though she had
sharpened her claws a few times .
Moreover, it was a fairly straight and upright attitude for a

lower aristocrat, though she didn’t know where he had
learned it . While Aria admired it, Asher kissed Aria on the
back of her hand in a clean manner .
She thought he dropped his lips after a while, but he kissed

the back of the white, soft hand of Aria politely . Aria’s face
glowed red from his careful handling of something very
precious .

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part V
Chapter 88 . Asterope Franz, Part V
Translator: Khan
‘Have I ever had a kiss like this before? That’s on the back
of my hand…?’
No, there had not been . Kissing had been only an

intermediate process . What most men wanted was
something other than a kiss, so they seemed to have
considered it of little value . Of course, it didn’t mean she
had allowed the next .
Kissing was not worth much for Aria anyway . She thought it
was so all the time .
The kiss on the back of her hand, not the other part, made
her heart beat fast! If it wasn’t on the outside, she was well
over twenty, and it was hard for her to believe that she was
simply swayed by the kiss on the back of her hand by Asher,
who was far younger than her .
He left a long aftertaste on the back of Aria’s hand . He took

off his lips and slowly stood up and stared at her . She didn’t
know what he was trying to do, but her heart was pounding
so hard that Aria avoided his gaze . She was ashamed of her
red-hot face .
“… more than that, you’ve surprised me every time . I didn’t

know how many times I rubbed my eyes after seeing you
beyond the terrace . ”
She remembered meeting him every time she had

experienced growth . Since she herself had been surprised
by her sudden growth, he must have been appalled . She
couldn’t even see his face when he said such words after
that kiss that had made her heart tremble .
Then Asher added, “There’s a pretty cute side to you . ”
“… what!”
As she turned her head to say, “What are you talking

about?”, she saw his ears which were slightly red . ‘Don’t
tell me, are you shy?’ His soft smile was so calm that she
couldn’t guess what he was really thinking, and she closed
her mouth .
The two silently greeted the wind on the terrace for a while .
Aria wanted to cool her hot face, but she could not know
Asher’s intention . It was Asher who broke the long silence
and opened his mouth first .
He looked at the box on the table and said, “So, it’s the box
I’ve seen in the general store before, isn’t it? I remember
you got your repaired hourglass back . ”
Surprised by the sudden mention of the hourglass, Aria

opened her eyes wide . ‘Don’t tell me you know something
about the hourglass . ’
She replied, pretending to be as casual as possible, thinking
it wouldn’t be . “Yes, it’s like my treasure . If it is not, I feel
empty . ”
“Hourglass . You have a unique hobby . ”
Aria did not answer back because it was clear that she
carried the hourglass that she could not otherwise boast
about . Whether Asher didn’t want an answer either, that
was the last time they talked about the hourglass .
‘As expected, you didn’t know about the hourglass . ’
‘Then what kind of secret do you know? Don’t people

become more secretive if we argue about the existence of a
secret?’
She didn’t know what had happened, but while she had
been wandering in a vacant lot with him, where she had
never seen before, her sight had been suddenly changed to
a square .
She hadn’t taken any drugs that had been popular in the
dark area, so it wouldn’t have been a kind of hallucination…
It was evident that he had done a strange trick . So it was
not Asher, but Aria herself who should question .
“That day, in the square . ”
Aria spoke first in the conversation that had been cut off

since his mention of the hourglass . Then, Asher smiled as if
he recalled the moment, saying “Ah,” and played innocent,
smiling .
“Unfortunately, we were wandering around for a long time

without knowing that we were so close to the square . It was
a rare experience . ”
“… are you saying it’s all about wandering around?”
“Well, what happened, otherwise?”
Sponsored Content
If he denied it perfectly in that way, she had nothing else to

say . Since he responded flexibly as if he had prepared in
advance, Aria wondered what she should do to question him
.
“Is there something to share than such a trivial thing?”
“Ah…”
It wasn’t a trivial conversation, but his skill to change the

subject was excellent .
Aria bit her lips . ‘Yeah, you said you knew my secret . If you
don’t ask too much about the hourglass, then I don’t think
the secret you know is about that, but what do you know?’
As if he had no intention of taking the time any longer, he

went to his main point . “It seemed that you didn’t like being
noticed . ”
“… what are you talking about?”
“Even though you were deprived of your glory, you didn’t

express anything . ”
Aria was able to understand the meaning of what Asher was

saying at once . It seemed to mean that Mielle had stolen
her exploit for the fur business . But how did Asher know
that? There were very few people who knew about that .
“You have to tell me exactly, so I can give you an answer . ”
“The fur business . ”
“…”
Where on earth did the story spread from? Mielle didn’t

seem to even notice it yet, so she wouldn’t have made it out
of her mouth, and he wouldn’t have disgraced his
daughter’s face unless the count had been out of his mind .
Then who the hell?
Then Aria stiffened her face . It was because Lane, the only
possible figure, came to her mind . He hadn’t looked like a
man who had a light mouth, but he seemed to have been
talking about it all over the place . If it was known, he would
be antagonized by the family of Count Roscent . How foolish
he was!
Sponsored Content
“Where did you hear that?”
“I guess it’s true . ”
At Aria’s question, Asher avoided the answer . He just

wanted to make sure of what he wanted to know . There
was nothing more to be gained from continuing the
conversation . If she kept the conversation going, she felt
like she would only make a loss .
“Is that all you are curious about?”
Aria, who was determined to turn over the hourglass,

reached out to the box and asked . If she deleted this
conversation now, She and Asher would end up having a
useless conversation, such as when Asher kissed her on the
back of her hand, or he had an illusion when his ears
blushed . But contrary to Aria’s expectation, Asher shook his
head and announced that the conversation would continue .
“No, I haven’t even started yet . There’s something else I’d

like to ask . ”
Aria’s hand stopped in the air when he said he had not even
started . It was only natural that the eyes of Asher followed
her . He looked at Aria’s hand with a very curious look .
‘I can’t let you pay attention to the hourglass . ’
He was still too interested in her . She couldn’t let him know
her secret anymore . Aria picked up the box . Then she sat
down so that she could get out of the terrace at any
moment . She made him think that she was reaching out to
the box to get her things back and go back home .
Fortunately, Asher showed the reaction Aria wanted to see .
“You may regret it if you don’t listen . ”
“All I regret is the fact that I allowed you to come into the
terrace . ”
“Even though I am going to make an offer, which you might

be interested in?”
‘An offer which I might be interested in? Are you saying

you’re going to kill Mielle?’
Aria didn’t need anything else, for all these acts were to
take revenge on Mielle . To Aria, who was deep in her
thoughts, Asher spoke with ease . His words were quite
unexpected .
Sponsored Content
“I heard you bought books from a bookstore with your maid

.”
“… how far have you been peeping into my private life? It’s
very unpleasant!”
“You bought books on economy and politics for beginners .

You seemed to be interested in the international situation as
well . They are still quite unique for a young lady to read .
There’s no other place to use them . ”
‘So what do you want to say?’ She didn’t care what he

would say afterward . Now was the time to end the
conversation . As much as the secret of the hourglass, she
didn’t want her private life to be exposed . She had to turn
back the time and have him close his mouth shut .
“So would you share that knowledge with others?”
This time she was going to do so, but instead of threatening

Aria, he made an unexpected offer .
“… what does that mean?”
“I’m suggesting to you to attend the meeting that I’m

hosting . ”
‘The meeting you’re hosting?’ Aria’s eyes trembled
momentarily . It was hard to believe that he, a man, made
such an offer to her .

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part VI
Chapter 89 . Asterope Franz, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Men did not incorporate women into their own society .

Women had separate jobs to do, and there was no one to
nurture them because they had no place to be used even if
they learned, except for political reasons .
Everyone who rarely intended to provide academic support

to women was all treated as a fool and ignored . The reason
was that they put their energy into those who couldn’t even
get into government posts, but Asher offered to do the
stupid thing .
“I already know that you are quite intelligent . You seem to

be keeping it a secret, but in the general store, you
foreshadowed the collapse of the casino . I was surprised, to
be honest, but I thought it was just a simple coincidence . I
thought a young lady, who didn’t know anything, found out
by chance . On the other hand, that’s what I thought . ”
“… thank you for saying that, but you are going to lose your
reputation quite a bit . ”
“I’m thrilled you’re worried about my reputation . But my
reputation is already low enough for you to not worry . ”
It was Asher who answered with a smile, but Aria could not
easily believe his words . ‘I can’t believe you’ve already lost
your reputation! Does that mean you are that influential?’
She couldn’t trust him because she couldn’t figure out his
identity even though he said such a thing . Besides…
“This conversation started because you threatened me that

you knew my secret, but I think it would be unreasonable for
you to ask me for a positive answer . ”
“I’m recognizing it . It would be perfect if you could give me

an answer quickly, but I’m sure you will consider it too . So
I’ll send my servant later, so I don’t mind if you give me an
answer then . ”
“…”
“And don’t worry, I don’t intend to reveal your secret . ”
He added an explanation before Aria could even say what

she was worried about . Due to that, she could not refute or
ask him any questions . After agonizing for such a while,
Aria realized that it was already too late to turn over the
hourglass, so she loosened her strength from her hands
which tightly held the box .
He said he wouldn’t reveal her secret, and if he did, he

would be a laughing stock . Presumably, no one would listen
to the words of Asher, a nobleman of a low-class .
‘… I wonder what kind of meeting it is . ’

In addition, she was interested in the meeting he proposed .
It was all the more so because she had never thought of
stepping into a man’s society . Unlike ordinary women, it
was a difficult opportunity for Aria who should build her own
force in the future .
“Well, I’ll look forward to hearing from you . ”
Asher, who rose from his seat first, looked down at Aria for a
moment, and then he immediately smiled and bent his
upper body toward her . Aria, who was surprised by his face
suddenly showing up in front of her, shook her hand, and he
briefly apologized, holding a petal in his hand .
“I didn’t mean to surprise you, but you had a petal on your

hair . A butterfly would misunderstand you for a flower if a
petal is attached to you since it is hard to distinguish you
from a flower now . ” After saying that, he put it in Aria’s
hand .
He left with such meaningless words . Aria was a woman,

who had played with countless men, but she stared at the
place where he had left, dazed by his unacceptable act .
***
His servant did not show up until a few days after meeting
with him .
How could he visit the mansion of the family of Count

Roscent as a low-ranking aristocrat? It was clear that he
would be refused admittance at the entrance .
‘Maybe I had such a useless expectation…’
Aria had almost given up on the meeting that Asher had

proposed . It couldn’t have been so easy to get into a group
of men in the first place . She didn’t know that and had
waited for his letter with such a useless expectation without
doing anything for a while .
‘I should have visited the casino . ’
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But nevertheless, she couldn’t stop waiting even though she

knew the letter wouldn’t come .
Then one day, Lane visited . He brought two bouquets of

flowers as a gift and handed a bouquet of lilies to Mielle and
a bouquet of tulips to Aria .
“Oh, my God! I’ve never seen such wonderful lilies! Where

on earth can I get it?”
“It’s a bouquet of flowers from my master’s garden . The

plants that grow there are all so beautiful . ”
“I really want to visit there, too!”
“I’m sure it will be done . ”
He gave Mielle the lily that represented the family . In

contrast, the tulips used for formal greetings fell into Aria’s
hands . Still seeing this discrimination, it seemed like he was
still fond of Mielle . Foolishly, he had no eye to classify
people .
“Ah, and… Maybe today will be my last visit . ”
“What’s the matter?”

At those sudden words from Lane, the count asked, unable
to hide his surprised face . Aria also put down the fork and
gave him a look .
“I’ve seen the end of what my master has been working on .

There was a misunderstanding in the middle, so it took a
long time . Now that things are going well, he said he’d like
to focus on it . ”
“Oh, that’s too bad for me . It would be a good thing for

your master . ”
The count ended up celebrating with an awkward face after

failing to control the thrashing of his emotions . He would
look dubious to anyone . Lane and his master had been so
helpful in the count’s business, and he didn’t want to lose
them .
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Lane resumed his meal without any further effort although

he confirmed the regret from his face . He also apparently
intended to put an end to his relationship with the count .
‘I’m sure you’re done trying to recognize Mielle . ’
Contrary to what she had just expected, there seemed to be

nothing more to be done to Mielle . So far, a mountain of
gifts and the help he had given to the count must have been
a bribe to dig up information .
So why did the count made such a mess of the situation by

lying just to be found? If he had been a man of a little more
thought, Lane and his master would not have left . They
might have not been interested in it in the first place, but it
would have been better . The count wouldn’t have had to
repeat his useless expectation and disappointment .
‘Well, it’s like the count has benefited because he was given
help with the tax matter . ’
Moreover, Mielle had gotten a mountain of presents .

Whatever it might be, Lane wouldn’t help the count
anymore . It was the price of hiding the truth in a dismal
manner .
“You don’t like what I proposed before, do you?”
“Yes? Haha, no . It’s not that it will be done even if I want to

do it . ”
“Hmm… so do you mean you can do that if Aria says yes?”
“… well . ”
Aria turned her eyes as her name was suddenly called .

‘What kind of deal did you make with him?’ They were
talking about her intention . Moreover, judging by Lane’s
increasingly cold look, it meant his clear refusal, no matter
what her reaction was .
The count talked to Aria, “I think Lane actually likes you

very much . I asked him to meet you before . I don’t think
it’s bad… I wonder what you think, Aria . ”
“… Honey!”
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At the count’s shocking remarks, the countess asked back,

dropping the fork she held in her hand . He seemed to
intend to sell his stepdaughter if it was something he could
sell as a competent merchant .
‘It’s just Lane and not even his master… Lane’s identity is
unclear, but there is no daughter to be introduced to his
master, who is sure to be a high-ranking nobleman, so will
the count give me to his servant, who is just a low-class
aristocrat but will be helpful to him? How disappointing he
is!’
She could see Mielle nodding with a smiling face from a

distance .
“It doesn’t look bad . Lane is a good person, so I’m sure he’ll
make you happy . ”
It was not a rise in status but a fall . If she married Lane, she
would become Mrs . Pino from the lady of the family of the
count . She didn’t know what kind of title would be attached
to her, but it was obvious it would be a lower class .
Aria replied, twisting her lips, “Really? I’m happy enough as

it is . Then why don’t you do that, Mielle?”

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part VII
Chapter 90 . Asterope Franz, Part VII
Translator: Khan
“… what are you talking about, sister? I have Oscar . ”
“Ah… I forgot about that since Mr . Oscar has visited this

mansion a few times . Sorry, Mielle . ”
“His visit has been rare, but he has sent me presents often .
You may not know well . ”
‘Why are you so satisfied with that love that was gained by
others’ hands? He is a man who has been seduced by your
sister and exchanged secret letters with . ’
Mielle, who proudly explained her relationship with Oscar,

was quite confident . Without Oscar, she couldn’t inflict
devastating pain on Mielle . She had to get him back at all
cost .
“I think you’re reluctant to do it, so I’ll have to do what

never happened . ”
“Oh, our Aria’s still young, so she doesn’t know well . Don’t
think it’s totally gone . ”
He seemed to want to somehow continue his relationship
with Lane’s master even if he had to sell his stepdaughter to
a lower aristocrat .
‘It is frustrating to have a life of a pudibund aristocratic

lady! It’s a life which is swayed by politics and the economy
without choice!’
In this regard, Mielle must have been a lucky girl . She had
come to like her politically entangled fiancé .
Since then, Lane and the count began to talk about the
trivial things of his business, and Aria quietly finished her
meal and went up to her room . She was in a bad mood
throughout the meal, but she was a little relieved by the
good news that Lane’s master had stopped paying attention
to Mielle . And as she tried to relax and read a book and get
ready to go to bed, someone knocked on the door .
“Who might that be? No one comes to visit the mansion at

this time…”
Jessie cocked her head in wonder . Then she covered her

mouth in surprise at the voice that followed, “It’s Lane . ”
“What brings you here?”
“My master gave me a letter with a bouquet of flowers, but I

forgot and didn’t give it to you . ”
‘A letter? What letter did the man send, who had had no
interest in her in the meantime?’
Aria asked Annie to pick it up, but Lane said he would not go
back until she finished reading and gave a reply .
“Reply… here now?”
“Yes . Please read it first . Then you’ll understand . ”
Aria opened the letter because it was a trivial thing . Then

she read the first paragraph, which began with a flowing
and elegant style, and she dropped it from her hand .
[Dear Aria Roscent,
How have you been? This is Asher . I sent my servant to

hear your answer .
Have you made up your mind?]
‘… Asher?’
Aria, who rose from her seat, hurried up to Lane, who was
waiting beyond the door . Lane’s face was calm as if he
knew it even when he faced Aria, who was surprised .
“Your master… is Asher?”
“Yes . ”
“How could…!”
She thought he was an ordinary lower-class aristocrat but he

wasn’t . Aria couldn’t speak because Asher was an
important figure that she had never thought of .
“Have you made up your mind?”
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“Of course…”
She was going to participate . She had tried to participate .

But she couldn’t answer that because he was more of a big
shot than she had thought .
‘Is it okay to be entangled with him that easily? Is he really a

man who will help me? And what does a man with a large
fortune want from me?’
She was afraid of the unknown future that would be

associated with Asher .
“Lady Aria, what’s worrying you? Is it because my master

has put his heart and soul into Lady Mielle in the
meantime?”
She had thought he would have noticed it through several

conversations, but she didn’t know she would be asked if it
was because of Mielle, so she closed her mouth tightly even
more .
“If so, don’t worry . It was just a misunderstanding . My

master has no interest in Lady Mielle at all . ”
“… it’s not because of that . I don’t care what he thinks of

Mielle . ”
He knew he had misunderstood her in the first place . Lane

was perplexed by Aria’s emphatic answer . He seemed not
to think of any other reason .
“If so, why are you worrying?”
“I don’t know who Asher is . ”

“Ah, um, I see . I understand, but I’m sure you’d soon be
willing to . ” Lane added, “But don’t worry . Mr . Asher has
no intention of harming you . And he’s not dangerous . He’s
very bright and normal . He’s kind to his men, too . ”
Lane added a strange explanation, but it didn’t help Aria’s

choice .
“It doesn’t matter either . All I care about is… I think Mr .

Asher is a much greater man than I thought . ”
In a reply with a sigh, Lane tilted his head to one side and
gave an incomprehensible look .
“Why does it matter if he is a much greater man? Is it

because the greater he is, the better?”
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“… I’m not sure about that . If his purpose or intention is not

clear, who would welcome such an important man, who
might have approached me with some kind of thought?
Especially for a girl who has a bad rumor like me . ”
Lane asked back with his eyes wide open as if he had just
noticed what Aria meant .
“I see what you’re thinking . But I think that Mr . Asher was

simply interested in your intelligence and had no other
intention . ”
“That’s not true . I’m not as intelligent as he thinks . I’ve just

heard a lot from somewhere . ”
Most of them had been accomplished by the magic of the
hourglass . Lane laughed at Aria’s humility .
“Ha-ha, you must be mistaken . Just because you have a lot

of information, I’m not saying you’re intelligent . ”
“… and what for?”
“You know how to use that information in the right place . I’d
like to say that it’s your nature . Most people, no matter how
much information or knowledge they have, don’t know how
to use it properly . Of course, the more information they
know, the better . ”
Aria opened her eyes wide . That was because she had
never thought about it like that . She had thought
everything she had achieved was thanks to the hourglass,
but when Lane said, ‘You’re naturally intelligent,’ she felt
that she was valued for what she was naturally born with .
“… said, Mr . Asher . That’s why he was interested in you,”

Lane, who found joy in Aria’s expression, added .
“… I see . ”
She was dumbfounded by the rare compliment that she had

received from someone other than her appearance . She
was praised for her brain, which had always been called
stupid and useless . It was difficult to control the overflowing
joy with her trembling mouth .
“For the reply… would it be better if I come back some other

time?”
He was implying that she could take her time to reply, and
he could just visit again, but he asked with a look saying
that she should quickly write a reply . Aria shook her head .
“No! I’ll write it now . Just a moment, please . ”
Aria hurried to write a reply to Asher . It was a short letter

with only a few words to say ‘I’ll participate,’ but it
contained the joy that she would never be able to have
again in her life .
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“I’ll deliver it well . ”
Lane smiled affectionately and disappeared with a goodbye

. Aria’s heart throbbed rapidly as she looked at his back
disappearing beneath the stairs .
***
While waiting for a reply from Asher, Aria heard the news
about Sarah, who she had not seen for a long time . It was
because Sarah’s meeting with Aria was lessened as she had
become close to the Marquis of Vincent . She felt a little bit
sad, but she was much more delighted than that, so Aria
could smile satisfactorily .
“So? How did you get along so quickly?”
“There was a lot of advice from Lady Aria . Among them, it

was great to take courage and hold his hand . The Marquis…
was quite surprised, but he held my hands together with his
cheeks slightly turning red . ”
“Oh, my God…! The Marquis?”

“Oh my… how lovely he is . ”
“Lady Aria is amazing . She’s the younger, but she’s so good

at dating . ”
“How the hell do you know so well? If you have a secret

recipe, let me know, Lady Aria . ”
At the success story of Sarah, who was the quietest and

least lustful in the crowd, the young ladies glistened their
eyes and urged Aria to speak . With this, Aria replied with an
awkward smile .
“There’s no particular secret . I’m just used to a love story

because I’m from a commoner family . Since the common
people lack entertainment, they have no qualms about
loving someone and expressing their feelings . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part VIII
Chapter 91 . Asterope Franz, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“Ah! You mean because you’ve heard and seen a lot?”
No, it was the product of Aria’s years of learning and

experience . It was the product of her who had put men
under her feet and made them act like her hands and feet .
But she couldn’t say that .
“… you can say that . ”
All the young ladies gathered, gazed at one another and

nodded .
“There is something to learn from the common people, too!”
“That’s amazing . I really want to hear their love story, too!”
‘You didn’t want a love story, but a method to succeed by

seducing a high-ranking aristocrat . ’
Aria answered them with a pure smile . “I’m here like this,
so whenever you ask me, I’ll answer you . I don’t know if it
will help . ”
“If it is the advice of Lady Aria, we must listen to and
follow!”
“Yes! Thank you very much, Lady Aria!”
Of course, no matter how many skills and much knowledge

Aria had in attracting men, it would be of no use to them . In
the first place, the way Aria used and the one they could do
were totally different .
In Sarah’s case, any action had been acceptable because

the Marquis had had a heart for her, but it would have no
effect on men who had no acquaintance at all or no good
feeling for them .
Nevertheless, Aria willingly offered to help them . The

person whose value on the rise was not Sarah whose status
would rise from now on, but Aria, since he instilled hope in
them .
“Come to think of it, until recently, there was a pretty messy

rumor?” said one young lady, glancing at Aria .
Other ladies also nodded as if they knew what she was

talking about .
“Ah, are you talking about the rumors about Lady Aria?”
“It’s really ugly . It’s a good thing it turned out not to be . ”
Aria, the very person of the rumor, asked, “What do you

mean by that?”
“Oh, my God…! Didn’t you know that? The crazy rumor that
was going on in the public?”
“Yes, I don’t know what you mean . ”
Indeed, there were so many rumors surrounding her that

she could not guess which one .
“It was a very funny rumor . It was rumored that you had
seduced Oscar and hurt Lady Mielle . ”
‘Oh, is that what you are talking about? It’s true if it is the
rumor . ’ Nevertheless, Aria swallowed her breath as if she
were very embarrassed .
“It’s, it’s ridiculous! How dare I…!”
“It’s nonsense . Lady Aria, who is so nice and lovely, can’t

do that . I kept saying no, but the people around me
couldn’t believe it . I was so angry…! Whew,”
“Fortunately, it turned out to be a lie because so many

people saw Mr . Oscar taking care of Lady Miele himself on
the princess’s birthday . If it weren’t for that, such an absurd
rumor would still be circulating . ”
Aria alone thought how good it would have been if it had

been true among the angry ladies . If so, she would have
hurt Mielle and brought her down to the abyss without going
back like this .
‘Come to think of it, what kind of person is Asher? How far

can he help me?’ Of course, it would be all she could do to
join the meeting, but he must have been a big shot anyway,
so she might get help if she built a close relationship with
him .
‘Can I get some help getting Oscar back? Does he have the
power to do that?’
‘Does he have the power comparable to the family of the
Duke of Frederick? I hope so . ’ She thought he might help
her with her revenge, very simply .
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“… Aria! Lady Aria?” A lady, who sat next to Aria, who was
in thought, thinking of Asher, called out her name quite
loudly .
Aria, surprised by this, stammered and replied, “Yes, yes?”
“Huh, what are you thinking? I asked Lady Aria if you had
anyone in mind . ”
“Anyone in mind?”
‘Is it because I thought of Asher for a while?’
The face of Asher came straight into her mind . It was even
a scene in which he had suddenly bent his upper body and
taken off the petal attached to her hair . Aria’s face was
burning in a flash . The flaming-hot pretty girl’s face was
enough to please the hearts of the ladies in the garden .
“Oh, my God, who in the world did you think of? Your face is
so red . ”
“It’s like a beautiful tulip . It’s so cute . ”
“Who is the one Lady Aria, who is so lovely, is interested?”
Sarah’s voice was heard among the young ladies who

laughed and teased Aria .
“Somehow I’m jealous . ”
‘Why on earth does not the face of Asher disappear?’ She

tried to think of someone else several times, but she
couldn’t think of, so the face of Asher stuck in her mind like
a picture . For a while, the fiery face of Aria did not return to
its original state, so the ladies’ teasing continued .
***
It was about fifteen days after Lane had taken the letter
when Aria received a reply from Asher . He sent only flowers
and a letter through another person, whether it was true
what Lane had said was the last visit . This time again, like
last time, a lily arrived for Mielle and a tulip for Aria .
When she hadn’t known that the sender was Asher, she had
thought he had been deliberately discriminating against her,
but not now . Rather, it was Mielle who was discriminated
against . She didn’t know what his situation was, but she
was sure that there was a reason for Asher to insist on tulips
all the time .
The letter he sent was concisely written of the date, time

and place of the meeting, and precautions . Aria kept it in a
drawer so that she wouldn’t lose it, and then heard a report
about what she had ordered Annie to do before .
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“To be funny, I was called in by Emma while I was screening

the maids . I guess she still thinks I’m listening to her! It’s
been a while since I haven’t reported to her!”
She began to speak ill of Emma, claiming her innocence .
“I’ll have to pick a maid to take on the chores as soon as

possible and change my clothes . That way, Emma won’t
call me anymore . ”
“So what did you say?”
“That’s…”
The reason Emma had called Annie was simple . She would
have said, “I will add a new maid, so you have to persuade
Aria well . ”
“Of course I answered I would! I was going to choose a new

maid anyway . It’s better than to be hated with refusal . ”
“Yes, that’s what I think . You handled it very well . ”
With the thought of turning the maid, who was on Mielle’s

side, to her side one after another, she was thrilled to the
roots of her hair . Annie praised; raised her voice with
excitement .
“Maybe many of the maids under Miss Mielle are envious of

me . Sometimes they asked about my hairpin or my skin . ”
“So what did you say?” Aria asked with a look of anticipation
.
“Of course, every time I said Lady Aria was generous with
her maids and I received gifts . Miss . Mielle is tender and
kind, but she doesn’t give anything . She is just a
noblewoman . ”
“Hmm . I guess you’re comfortable with me who comes from

a commoner . I’m not even aristocratic . ”
“No! What are you talking about, miss? Of course, it means
that Miss Mielle is stingy, and Lady Aria is generous!”
Aria burst out laughing at Annie’s desperate excuse as if

misunderstanding was not allowed .
“It’s a joke . ”
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“I thought so!”
At Aria’s dizzying joke, who had been now accustomed,

Annie also burst into laughter and made an appropriate
response .
It wasn’t long after Annie brought a new maid . She was the
maid who Aria remembered well .
‘She is the maid who ordered me to throw the bottle of

water, Isn’t she?’
It was the very maid of Mielle, who had ordered her to

commit evil things . She was also the maid who had
confessed Aria’s sins to the death of Aria . “The wicked
woman ordered me to put poison on the tea of Miss Mielle .
She had been mean to Miss Mielle! I just had to do it! It was
really… really painful, Mr . Cain!”
It had been the maid who had been yelling, even putting a
blood band on her neck . So Aria couldn’t forget her . At an
unexpected figure, Aria greeted her with a broad smile .
“Welcome . You’re my new maid, aren’t you? What’s your
name?”
“It’s, it’s Be, Berry, miss . ”
“Berry… Yeah, that’s right . Berry . That’s a name well

matched for you . ”
‘It fits very well on you! Like a berry of which fresh juices
burst when I bite a small grain, I want to bite and kill that
ugly body . ’
Aria welcomed her with all her heart . And she revised the
plan . She was going to take her side, but she was going to
let her fall into hell .
As the maid arrived to take on the chores, Annie and Jessie

were free from their work, changed their clothes and
became beautiful girls . Berry looked at Annie with strange
eyes, saying, “I think I’ve finally found my original shape . ”
Of course, more than half of her eyes were occupied with
envy .

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part IX
Chapter 92 . Asterope Franz, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“Now that you’ve got a maid under you, I should give you a
present . You think a brooch isn’t enough, don’t you?”
Aria presented Annie and Jessie one more golden brooch,

which she had kept so far .
“Oh, my God…! Thank you very much, miss!”
“I’m really fine…”
Then Annie, with two brooches on her chest, disappeared

with a very triumphant step, saying, “I’m going to go round
the mansion . ” Berry’s eyes, which chased Annie’s back,
were filled with envy .
As Jessie lift T-Pot with a look of sorry, Aria slapped her hand
on the back and warned her . “Jessie, this isn’t what you’re
going to do . Sit opposite to me . It’s Berry’s share to pour
the tea . I’m sure she’ll be sad if you take her job away .
Right, Berry?”
“Yes, yes . Miss . ”

Then T-Port came into Berry’s hand, and Jessie sat opposite
with an awkward smile . She might have done it hundreds
more times, but somehow Berry’s hand pouring the tea on
the teacup was trembling slightly .
‘Is it disgraceful to pour the tea to a new owner who is

vulgar, or is it frustrating to pour the tea to Jessie, who was
a maid like you?’ Aria clicked her tongue and pointed out
her behavior .
“Are you sick? What if you drop the tea pot while shaking
like that, what are you going to do?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry . Miss . ”
“I hope you don’t do anything you’re sorry about in the first

place . ”
It was pleasant and exciting to scold Berry as if she had

recovered her true self .
“Have you ever learned to pour tea?”
“Yes, yes . Miss, I’ll pour again…”
However, she could not pour the tea properly after being
scolded severely . Berry’s hand trembled again .
“Phew . I don’t think you really can . I don’t know why Mielle
sent you . Okay, make another tea and bring it again . Try to
change the refreshments too . I am sick of these things here
.”
Berry hurriedly bowed and left . As soon as she went out,

Jessie looked nervous watching Aria who had a big smile .
‘Oh, no . I can’t show my mean look to Jessie . ’
Only then did Aria give her an excuse . “I thought I knew

what Mielle was thinking about sending Berry . Berry is not a
newly hired maid, but she’s been waiting on Mielle all the
time . I’m sure it’s not a good intention . So I have to teach
her some manners . ”
Then Jessie nodded in acknowledgment, but her expression

remained uncomfortable .
“Moreover, I’m sure it’ll hurt if she despises you guys . Look
at what she just did . As I know, she has done a good job so
far, but isn’t it quite awkward her present behavior? I can’t
help it, for the time being, so you have to understand . ”
This time, Jessie’s expression was clearly loosened . When

Aria told Annie the same story, who had gone around the
mansion, she expressed her willingness to participate .
Aria was ready to thoroughly harass Berry, who had made

the situation to bring out the evil nature of Aria, and who
had falsely accused of her . Much to her gratitude, Berry
spent considerable time preparing for the new refreshment,
and the harassment began as soon as she returned .
“Oh, my God . I thought you went to grow tea leaves . ”
Annie expressed her discomfort in an exaggerated gesture .

Jessie briefly agreed, saying, “Yes, I thought so too . ”
“You’ve been preparing it for a long time, and would you

bring that much good refreshment? Pour the tea again . ”
At the order of Aria, Berry shuddered and poured the tea .

Then, Annie hit her hand lightly on the back as if she had
waited . Due to that, a few drops of tea dropped, which was
filled in the tea pot, on the table .
“Have you been away for so long to do this?”
“… I’m sorry, I’m sorry . ”
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“You spilled the tea! What are you doing without wiping it
out? Can’t you see the table’s in a mess?”
“Well, I’ll be cleaning it right away . ”
“When are you going to pour the tea?”
“… Ah, well…”
‘Did Annie ever hate Berry in the meantime?’
Aria pretended to wipe her lips with Sarah’s handkerchief,

as she was going to burst out laughing .
‘You should be treated like that by the youngest maid in the

mansion! Isn’t it pretty?’ Aria took a step back from the
battlefield with a smile of joy, because of Annie who was
bothering Berry well .
Berry would have a worse feeling to be scolded by Annie

rather than Aria, who had been a maid like her but had risen
in status . Aria was sure that Berry got angry . If it repeated
itself, hate would arise, and when it couldn’t be expressed,
it would be directed elsewhere . It might be directed to
Emma who had sent herself to a wicked woman or Mielle . If
it were the latter, it would double her pleasure .
But Berry couldn’t express her dissatisfaction with the real

masters, so Aria was sure Berry would pour it out on other
maids . But she wouldn’t get any appreciation from them .
Why?
‘I’m going to be very nice to all the maids and servants

except her . ’
It was clear that everyone would think Berry was wrong .

“Why are you speaking ill of Miss Aria who is so lovely and
kind?”
‘What should I do about her lastly? Should I make her put

poison into my tea? Then shall I make her head be cut off in
front of everyone? No, it wouldn’t be too bad for me to carry
her around all her life and let her work like a slave . As
Jessie who I had misjudged and kicked out, it would be good
to clean the dung of the stable . The choice is varied, so I
could bother her as much . Until all of Berry’s bones are
melted away . ’
Aria’s smile deepened .
***
Finally, it was the day of the meeting that Asher invited .
It was obvious that the men were central, so Aria wore plain
clothes . She didn’t have to draw attention . She thought
about wearing women’s pants made for traveling, but she
quit because it seemed to be overly concerned . She just
chose the most casual dress she had .
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“Why don’t you put a hairpin on, miss?”
Annie asked, bringing a golden rose-shaped hairpin . It was

the hairpin that Oscar had given her .
‘Of all occasion, why did you bring it…?’ Aria shook her head
.
“It’s okay . I don’t have to look pretty today . ”
“Whew, I feel some distress, though…”
Annie, who didn’t even know where her master was going,
was annoyed by the appearance, and Aria could see Jessie
pulling out a hat that fits her suit .
“How about a hat?”
When she tied the straps attached to the hat under the chin
in a ribbon-shape, she looked like a pretty well-mannered
modest woman . Aria, who saw it through the mirror, hurried
out with a smile that she liked it .
As Annie left the mansion, she ordered Berry . “Dust out

every nook and corner until Miss Aria gets home . Don’t
forget the ventilation . ”
Perhaps because of a few days of hard work, Berry hastened

to nod . The meeting was held a short distance from the
center . It was a quiet place, with the majority of houses .
Aria entered a small cafe there and ordered a latte with
macaron to the owner who was asking if she would like to
order . The eyes of the owner, who answered yes, went to
Annie and Jessie .
“What about the two of you who come together?”
“I’d like to have a coffee in Vienna, please . ”
After Annie, Jessie ordered .
“I’d like to have a latte with macaron like my master . ”
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Then the owner’s expression turned into trouble .
“I’m sorry, but the macarons ran out . I think you’ll need
another order . ”
“Ah… then I’ll have a Vienna coffee . ”
“Yes . Please wait for a moment . The lady who ordered the
macaron, this way . ”
When Aria, who had received the hourglass from Jessie,

tried to go somewhere alone, her maids, Jessie and Annie,
rushed to follow her in embarrassment . This was because
they didn’t know the details . Aria ordered them to wait,
shaking her head .
“I have business here . Please wait, and drink some coffee .

You can order something else and eat, so you have to be
quiet . ”
“Miss…”
As Aria turned around coldly, Annie and Jessie watched her

back with a worried look . As she followed the owner and
went outside through the back door of the cafe, she saw a
small door in the corner that could be barely passed by one
person . It was a door that looked like a warehouse .
The owner said, opening the door with the key, “Everyone is
waiting . I’ll lock the door outside, so you can go down . ”
Aria nodded and went inside . She thought it would be dark,

but it wasn’t inconvenient because there were bright lights
everywhere . As she took a step forward, she heard the door
slamming . Aria, who looked back in surprise for a moment,
recalled that he would lock the door from the outside, and
then stepped back down the stairs again .
‘It’s pretty dangerous…’

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part X
Chapter 93 . Asterope Franz, Part X
Translator: Khan
Step by step, she was very cautious . It was because the

stairs were narrow . It wasn’t deep, but if she took a wrong
step, she felt like she would roll down the stairs . It was like
a secret organization . She wondered why they needed to
hold a meeting in such a hiding place .
As she went down to the bottom of the stairs, there was

another small wooden door . The door opened with a
grotesque sound as she turned the door, whether it was not
locked .
She had been expecting a little that something special

might wait for her, but inside was a normal room with a
large table, a few chairs, and a few men who had already
gathered . There were glasses of water on the table in
numbers .
“You’re here . ”
Asher, who was located at the innermost side, stood up in

delight . Then all eyes fell on Aria . Aria could find two
familiar men in those eyes .
‘One is Lane, the other one is… the knight I saw in the
general store…’
They all were in plain clothes, whether it was a success for

her to choose plain clothes . Black was the most common
color, and although there were colors, most of them were
dark colors such as gray . Aria, who closed the door and
went inside, took off her hat, greeted them with full
attention .
“I’m Aria . It’s my first time participating and I don’t know

much about this meeting, so I look forward to have a favor
for all of you . ”
There was no need to let them know her surname . That was
one of the warnings that Asher had given her . Asher had
also added an explanation that there would be only
discussed knowledge here, without their family and status .
“Welcome . ”
“It’s always fun to welcome a new person . ”
They all welcomed Aria with happy faces, without

considering sex and age . As expected, those were the right
people chosen by Asher, who had told her to join the
gathering .
“It’s been a long time, Lady Aria . Please sit here . ”
The seat Lane pointed was next to him . It was also the
opposite side of Asher . When Aria sat down, the
participants revealed their names .
One of the men had a good acquaintance with her in the

past, and he had been in a leader group in the Aristocratic
Party . She remembered that she had often attended parties
and formed friendships with a lot of nobles . In addition, she
remembered that he had not been interested in her at all in
the past .
“Then, let’s start straight . ”
In reminiscing about the past, Asher announced the

beginning of the meeting . After the start of the meeting, he
did not use honorific language to anyone but Aria, even
though everyone but him used honorific language .
‘He can’t be a son of the family of the Duke of Frederick,

and he can’t be a man of the family of the Marquis of
Vincent . What the hell is Asher’s identity?’
“If they end up with a proper entertainment, they would

have no problem at all, but that doesn’t work, so closure is
the answer . ”
“We can’t shut it down unconditionally . Do you know how

much tax we can earn from the casino?”
“I agree . Moreover, rumors have spread that the Crown

Prince has direct management, and I know that other
countries are also interested in that . Maybe it’s a great
opportunity to attract aristocrats from other countries . ”
Unexpectedly, the topic was the casino . It was a topic that

she had talked about in the past with Mielle and Lane .
‘Asher might have chosen the topic on purpose because he

knew that I’m coming…?’
Aria looked around Lane sitting next to her while she was
listening to the conversation . He only took part in the
conversation and didn’t care about Aria .
“Closing a legal casino could lead to illegal gambling .
Stopping it unconditionally is not the solution . ”
He was right . In the future, casinos would be in the process

of shutting down after a horse was injured during a race,
and people who had been crazy about casinos would gather
and illegal gambling would take place everywhere . And
since it happened in the dark area, drugs would be traded
along with gambling, and all this would go to the Crown
Prince’s responsibility for failing to run the casino properly .
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“Do you have any other options, then?”
“… at this point, I can only think of putting a limit on the

amount they can bet . ”
That was what Mielle had said before .
“What restrictions would you put on everyone who has

different assets?”
Lane asked back . It was a question Aria had asked for the
stupid Mielle . Lane blinked his one eye at Aria . It seemed
to mean sorry for borrowing her thought .
“Why don’t we set a limit according to their income?”
“I think it’s a good idea, too . ”
No, it hadn’t been . Even so, illegal gambling had happened

anyway . That was because people who had been crazy in
the casino hadn’t been bound by the place . They had just
dreamed of earning a big fortune by risking their own
money .
The story of casinos was directed to put restrictions on their

income . It seemed foolish to suggest restrictions, even
citing detailed income . ‘Why are they so short-sighted even
if they must be intelligent people with high learning?’ They
seemed to be trying to save the casino somehow, even
though they were aware of the shortcomings .
‘Is it because I know the future…?’
It might be because she knew the worst future and that they
were all useless in that way . Aria, who had delivered a fine
glare, was watched by Asher . Aria also looked at Asher, who
was not participating in the debate after announcing the
start .
As their eyes met, he smiled raising his mouth up . The

figure seemed to laugh at her for not saying anything even
if she had an opinion . However, it couldn’t be possible, in
fact .
“I don’t think so . ” That was why . She felt as if she was

being rushed by Asher, so she opened her mouth . The
clear, transparent voice that sounded within the space drew
attention in a flash .
‘Yes, I can turn over the hourglass, if it is needed . ’
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So they would not happen if I would be put to shame . Aria
spoke her opinion, fiddling with the hourglass box on her lap
.
“No matter what method we devise, we will have a bad

name as the casino business has failed . And so does the
Crown Prince . ”
As she suddenly splashed cold water, their faces became

strange . A pause followed, and it was Lane who broke it and
asked a question, and who had had a similar conversation
with her .
“Do you mean, then, we have to shut it down?”
“That’s what I think . If we put restrictions, those who are

bounded with the restrictions will put a hand on illegal
gambling, and as those kinds of people increase, the dark
things will also be activated . ”
“That’s quite possible . There was such an opinion before .

But even if we shut it down right now, we’ll hear that the
Crown Prince didn’t manage the casino well . ”
‘Why do you have to pay attention to that? This is a

gathering of noble leaders, so why do you think of the
Crown Prince’s honor? Isn’t it as if the party of the Crown
Prince is devising a way not to give any damage to the
Crown Prince?’
There was only one way if they thought about the honor of
the Crown Prince .
“This is a matter we have to think about the honor of the

Crown Prince . Then we’ll have to hand over the bomb to the
enemy . It’s obvious it’s going to explode someday . ”
Even though she only said that, all the people gathered
understood what Aria was trying to say .
“… Do you mean to hand it over to the Aristocratic Party?”
“Yes, even if it’s legal, gambling is gambling . It destroys the

mind of the addicted and messes up their life . There’s
always a victim in the business of investing money and
extracting it . Then it’s best to hand it over to someone else
.”
“But if we do, there will be a scandal that the Crown Prince

did not manage it well . ”
“Wouldn’t it be better than a scandal that ruined the

country? And when the side effects occur in the future, we
can pass all responsibility to the Aristocratic Party . ”
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Aria replied, shrugging her shoulders . When she saw the

expressions of their faces, she didn’t have to use the
hourglass .
“… you mean that whatever we do, we’ll be blamed, so we

get blamed at the beginning for a short time, we have to
avoid any more blame, after passing all responsibility to
them . ”
Lane asked back with a blank face .
“Yes, I mean, it’s better to hand over the business with a

reason than to be suspicious of the Crown Prince’s ability
after it’s ruined . ”
The second option was better than the worst . It was better
for the Crown Prince . Of course, there were a lot of
counterarguments from some of them .
“I think it’s a little premature to make such a decision

without doing anything . ”
“That’s right . If we said so, then the Crown Prince…!”
“Stop . ”

possible .
between chapters .


Franz, Part XI
Chapter 94 . Asterope Franz, Part XI
Translator: Khan
Then Asher, who had kept his mouth shut, as though he had
been holding up something pleasant while Aria had been
speaking . It was a bit of a mess, unlike the first one, but he
had a fine smile . She didn’t know why, but it was a smile
that he seemed to feel good .
“We’ve got a lot of good ideas . ”
Everyone glistened their eyes, paying attention to Asher’s

remarks . It also seemed that they would carefully listen to
every word without missing a single one . And so did Lane,
who sometimes had a playful look on his face . She was
swayed by the atmosphere and the complexion of Aria
changed too .
“I think that the best opinion is… to pass it on to the

Aristocratic Party . ”
It was Aria’s opinion .
“Most of all, I liked the idea that we could reprimand the

Aristocratic Party later . ”
Her cheeks turned a little red when she was praised for not
using the hourglass . It was because it was the first time
that she had received such praise by someone in the past
and the present .
After confirming this, the smile of Asher became stronger .
“As you all know… that’s a rare opportunity . ”
The debate, which had lasted for quite a long time, ended
with Aria’s opinion . The opinion was that the Crown Prince
needed to sacrifice his small will for the greater one . Asher
seemed quite pleased with it .
‘But as I said so, but after all, it’s just a desk theory .
However, everyone’s got a lot of emotional input . ’
Moreover, there was also a nobleman here to the bone, but

everyone discussed it for the benefit of the Crown Prince .
Aria checked the condition of Vika, a member of the
Aristocratic Party . He had a very bright look on his face,
talking to the man sitting next to him .
As she cocked her head in wonder, he looked at her, feeling

her stare . Unexpectedly, he smiled and praised her for her
brilliance .
“Why didn’t I know such a wise woman as Aria until now?”
“I’m sure I wasn’t great enough to make a name for a man I

had no acquaintance with . ”
“Haha, you’re too modest . I’m glad to know you even now .
I hope to see you more often in the future . ”
‘What the hell is Vika thinking?’ She remembered that
during the debate, he had only put forward his opinions that
would not hurt the Crown Prince as much as possible . So no
progress had been made . Even though others had also
done that, but she knew he was a member of the
Aristocratic Party, she realized it was a very strange act .
She also had a hunch that he was very dangerous .
‘Let’s not pay any attention . ’
Aria shook her head . She only attended the meeting to

broaden her knowledge and give Mielle the worst possible
end . Further speculation and meddling were meaningless .
After the meeting broke up, the people gathered in the

basement left with the time difference . It was a very
attentive meeting, not to mention the place to gather .
In the order that Lane set them out, the rest were Aria,
Asher, and Lane . Asher asked Lane, who did not go out
when his turn came, with a chin gesture .
“What are you doing without going out?”
“… Yes? Do I have to go out, too?”
“Get out . ”
Lane went out in embarrassment, on Asher’s stern answer .

All the people went out, and Aria and Asher were left in the
empty space . It was Aria who opened her mouth first,
“Why didn’t you reveal your name?”
“It was to find out what kind of person you were . ”

As if he had waited, he answered very easily . Aria
continued to ask questions,
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“Why did you try to figure me out?”
“Because I’m interested in you . ”
Aria frowned . It was because of the word “interest . ”
Then Asher added an explanation, “It was the beginning

that you knew about the information of the casino, but the
story I heard later from the count was quite interesting . ”
“You mean the fur business?”
“Yes, I thought he must be a great man because he got the

help of a young lady and he was planning a new business . ”
“So that’s why you helped my father with his business?”
“You can say that . I wanted to build a friendship and find

out who you are . ”
‘You sent Mielle all that wealth just because of that? To build
a friendship and get to know the true nature of a lady, who
was little and insignificant? Was it worth it to myself?’ Aria’s
expression quite darkened .
“… so, did you find out who I was?”
The colors of the pupils of his eyes darkened more . It was

the same blue eyes that she had met at the square . Then
Aria trembled in astonishment, and he smiled and
answered, like a beast who attempted the life of a prey,
“I haven’t figured it out yet, but…”
The mood changed in a flash . As he blurred his words, and

Aria swallowed .
“I’d like to get to know that part slowly in the future for a
very long time . ”
Aria’s eyelids trembled at the added words . She heard more

provocative words than this, but her heart shook strangely
because she was distracted by the blue eyes of Asher .
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To calm her trembling heart, she picked up the glass on the

table and drank water . It was lukewarm because it had
been placed even before she arrived, but her heart calmed
down a little when she drank it .
“Do you have any more questions?”
“… Yes, I have . ” Aria answered with a deep breath . “What

kind of family are you in? Judging from the gifts you sent
Mielle, I don’t think you’re an ordinary person . ”
“Well, do you have any family you can guess?”
“In the Empire, no one else came to my mind, so I thought

you were a nobleman from a foreign country who I didn’t
know . ” However, with this fluency in the imperial
language, the possibility had disappeared .
For the first time, Asher, who ignored Aria’s question, asked
back with a serious face, “Is it important to you which family
I belong to?”
Of course, it was important that which family Asher

belonged to, in the past . It was important who the rich
person interested in Mielle was . The bigger the force on
Mielle, the harder it would be to counter . But not anymore .
Aria had heard that Asher was not interested in Mielle at all,
and he had cut off his attention as if it were true . The
relationship had started out from a misunderstanding, so it
was worth it .
And now Asher was just a person who had proposed a

meeting to broaden her knowledge . So his family didn’t
really matter .
“… no, it’s not important . ”
“You’ll find out in a while, even if you don’t want to know . ”
‘What does it mean that I will find out if I don’t want to?’ If
he said that, She couldn’t ask any more questions .
Furthermore, Aria kept her mouth shut because it was a
speech tone that he didn’t want to tell her about that .
After that, there was nothing else to say, and Aria got up
first . Then as if he ignored the words of leaving the time
difference, Asher followed her . And it was when she
reached the top stairs .
“Wait a minute . ”
She heard a voice behind her, and suddenly his hand fell
over her waist . It was Asher’s chest that touched her back
when she retreated away in surprise . She was about to be
angry about what the shamelessness act was, but the door
that blocked her opened with a click sound .
“Please go out . ”
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“…
There was a voice in the ears of Aria who stood in a daze,

and had a bewildered silence for a moment, saying, ‘Is there
anything left to do?’
Aria, embarrassed, hurried out the door . On the other hand,

Asher walked out casually and closed the open door tight . It
looked quite relaxing for him to even take a key out of his
pocket and lock it .
Aria bit her lips . It must have been done on purpose . Her
face turned red .
“I was able to have a useful conversation thanks to you . I

hope you’ll come to the next meeting, too . I’ll send you the
time and place through Lane . ”
“… I’ll think about it . ”
She intended to attend the next meeting, but she answered

vaguely . ‘Don’t I really look like a teenage girl?’
At the obvious lie, Asher smiled softly . “I’ll be waiting . ”
Asher disappeared to the other side of Aria, leaving a final

goodbye .
Aria, who glanced back at the voice that was getting

smaller, wrapped her cheeks in her palms . The weather
was in the middle of spring, but there was a summer there .
So she had to stand and cool down her face for a long time
before she went back to the cafe where Annie and Jessie
were waiting .
***

possible .
between chapters .


Chapter 95: Chapter 95 . The Future
Different From The Past, Part I
Chapter 95 . The Future Different From The Past, Part I
Translator: Khan
It was a week after a bouquet of flowers and a letter arrived

from Lane . As usual, he also sent a bouquet to Mielle . By
the time the evening was almost over, the conversation
naturally led to it .
“He said he was busy, but I am relieved that he sent you

bouquets of flowers regularly . ”
“It won’t be easy for him to let go of the bond with father . ”
“Haha . What are you talking about? It was you, Mielle, who
he’s showed interest from beginning to end . ”
Aria never thought of correcting the illusion of the count and

Mielle . She put the well-roasted meat in her mouth as a
side dish for the foolish father and daughter . The juicy meat
ran over her throat, and her discomfort was also swept
away .
‘He told me the next meeting would be a month away . ’

The place and time were the same as before . She went on
eating in anticipation of what kind of debate they’d have
next .
“But isn’t that what he wanted Aria to see? There was a

suggestion from father . ”
Aria was trying her best not to correct them, but as

expected, thanks to Mielle, who tried to find fault with Aria,
Aria’s hands were slow to chop .
The count assisted Mielle . “Oh, that may be . He seemed to

like Aria quite a bit . ”
“I think he’ll get along well with Aria because he’s friendly .
Isn’t that right, mother?”
Suddenly, Mielle asked for her opinion, and the countess

opened her eyes wide .
‘How can you say it to my mom, whose daughter would fit

for a lower-class noble? Until just last year, you asked me
about being a duchess . ’
“… I still have to look into him, but I don’t think his

impression is bad . ”
However, Aria could not express her opposition at the time

when the count actively agreed . Mielle seemed to want to
spoil Aria’s quiet enjoyment of the meal, just like her in the
past that had driven her into a mess .
‘I’ve let go of my exaltedness when I lost Oscar to you, and

there’s no end to it, Mielle . ’
Aria, however, had no intention of leaving Mielle alone . “Oh,
come to think of it, what’s going on with the warehouse I
told you about last time?” So Aria turned to a topic that
Mielle had no knowledge of .
The count had a good complexion because of how happy he

was . It seemed that it was going very well .
“It was for the best to do it that way when I took a closer
look at it! I figured it wouldn’t be bad if they were built not
only in the capital but in all the big cities . So now we’re on
our way to finding the right land . ”
“Oh, my God… it was just a little delusion of mine, and it’s

like a dream . ”
“Not a delusion! You have been good at fur business, too .

You’re such a great kid that I want you to be the successor
of my business group!”
Such an opportunity would not come to the prostitute’s

daughter, but she could see Mielle’s face turning pale even
if it were empty talk .
‘So why did you provoke me? There was nothing to gain
even if you provoked me . ’
“Please give me a favor to let me know when you come up

with a new idea . ”
“Yes, I will, father . ”
‘If Mielle is being presumptuous again…’
Because the tactless count was talking about the warehouse

business for some time, Mielle only repeated, ‘Yes, yes,’ like
a parrot, and Aria was able to have a good meal after a long
time .
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The Future Different From The Past
“Annie, I have to go out and get ready . ”
“Going out?”
Annie’s face glowed at the news of her going out in a long

time . Aria was planning to leave for the casino, so she
decorated her clothes and hairstyle with splendor . She
went downtown in a carriage with an identification card with
a fake age and nationality . She also had a fancy mask that
could be used in a ballroom .
Her destination was Flower Mountain . It was also the place

where she had met Asher while enjoying her leisure time on
the terrace . Annie confirmed it several times as if she was
not convinced that she was just going to the cafe with all
her colorful outfit .
“Are you going to the cafe after you decorate it like this?”
“You have already asked the same question five times,

Annie . ”
“But it’s such a waste! It’s been a long time since you
decorated it like this… Of course, Flower Mountain is a great
place, but I’m sorry I don’t have a chance to show such a
pretty girl to others . ”
Aria smiled and soothed her . “If you wait quietly, something
interesting will happen, so stay calm . ”
Only then did Annie close her mouth when Aria gave a hint
that the Flower Mountain was the end and that there was
something behind it . Maybe Annie was imagining
something interesting with her small head .
Aria, who changed into a new carriage at the cafe, headed

for her final destination, the casino . When Annie heard Aria
asked to go to the casino, she opened her eyes wide and
asked,
“… Are you going to the casino?”
“Yes . ”
“Oh, why? You’re too young to even enter…?”
“You will find out when we arrive, so be careful not to make

the mistake of calling my name in the casino . ”
“May I call you, miss?”
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“Yes, you can . ”
Annie didn’t know the details, but she had her eyes glazed
at the thought that going to the casino with a hidden
identity must be fun . Whenever she was around Mielle, she
was a bit envious of her . There were always interesting
things that were happening beside Aria, who was of humble
origin and was not like an aristocratic lady . Annie felt great
satisfaction beside Aria .
The carriage stopped in front of the casino . It was noisy

outside when it arrived . Aria handed Annie one of the
masks she had prepared . Annie, who was quick to
understand, did not ask any other questions and wore the
mask .
After wearing the mask and getting off the wagon, an

employee of the casino, who was waiting at the entrance,
took Aria’s hand and escorted her . It was not as much as
the family of Count Roscent’s carriage, but it was due to the
loan of a luxury carriage equivalent to it .
Behind her, Annie was seen receiving an escort from

another employee . The glistening eyes behind the mask
seemed to be quite satisfactory to the situation now . The
casino staff asked .
“Where do you want me to take you?”
“Take me to the main hall . And I need the chips for a

hundred gold . ”
“Do you want me to prepare a drink, too?”
“Two glasses of Pinonua red wine . ”
“All right . ”
Aria’s manner of answering the staff was quite natural . Of

course, it was because she had visited the casino several
times in the past . The staff didn’t check her ID card
because of her height, the way she spoke, and attitude,
which he couldn’t believe was from a girl, and led her to the
main hall . It was noisy at the entrance since it was the main
hall, not a private room, where hundreds or thousands of
people gathered .
‘It’s still in the middle of the day . ’
Day and night didn’t matter to those who were addicted to

gambling . Laughter mingled with occasional shouts and
again covered them with laughter . There was also a clang,
something breaking .
Aria sipped the wine and watched on the terrace on the

second floor, which overlooked the first floor . Aria
wondered which game would be the best . Then Annie asked
Aria with her fully excited face .
“Miss! Well… can I have another glass of this wine?”
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Aria raised her hand lightly beside her ear . Then the waiting
employee came straight up and fell on one knee .
“Do you need anything?”
“A bottle of wine . ”
The wine, which arrived a short while later, was brought by

a young male employee, and he stuck to Annie’s side all the
time to pour the wine and change the cup . It was a follow-
up service if someone ordered the whole bottle, but Annie
was distracted by the first service she had never received .
Aria clicked her tongue and warned Annie to not inhale the
wine without restraint .
“If you’re drunk, I’ll leave you behind so keep that in mind .
”
Annie nodded with a hot face as if she had already been a

little drunk . Aria turned her eyes back to the main hall .
‘Simple card games have so many variables that it’s

possible to lose even if I use the hourglass . The horse race
is perfect, but it’s not the right time yet . ’
Since the Crown Prince’s horse that was imported were

winning streaks, they were all betting on the horse and the
dividend was not big . The game of selecting the numbers
on the round roulette and turning the beads was not good
according to her experience . It was possible to manipulate
the roulette by the staff, who run the game .

possible .
between chapters .


Different From The Past, Part II
Chapter 96 . The Future Different From The Past, Part II
Translator: Khan
‘If it’s a game of 100% luck…’
As she was looking through the hall, she saw a card roulette
game . It was a game in which the cards were arranged in a
row, and only one card was taken to pay all the amount to
the same cardholder .
With this game, it was possible to win as much money as

possible by turning over the hourglass . Aria left Annie, who
was soaked in the wine, took her hourglass and moved to
the place where they played a card roulette game .
The card roulette game could not be manipulated because it

was a way for an employee to mix the cards and a player to
pick one out . So because of the people who didn’t trust the
employees, it was quite crowded .
“Which seat would you like to take?”
“I’ll finish it at once . ”

When she showed the staff a chip worth a hundred gold, he
guided Aria to a seat a little off the center . A hundred gold
was a huge amount that ordinary people could not dream
of, but it was not that big at a casino .
Several tables were placed in front of the card-mixing staff .

When she sat down in one of them, she could see some
good-looking people around her . She felt like they were
going to participate in the game together . There were
about ten or so people .
‘There are about ten participants in one round…’
It wasn’t bad . The minimum amount would be a hundred

gold, and it meant that she could get a thousand gold in just
one game .
When the staff lined up the cards, another employee waiting

next to Aria asked her . “Do you want to choose a card?”
“No, I’ll start with the next round . ”
‘I have to check which card will be picked up . In addition, I

have to check if there is no winner . ’ Aria watched the
game go on for a while, putting the hourglass on the table .
The staff checked the time with his pocket watch . It took
less than five minutes for the staff to line up the cards and
the participants to select their desired card and check it out
. The time was on point .
As most rounds did, even if it was a game of luck, there was

no winner . Watching the staff re-mixing the card of Heart
Queen, she turned over the hourglass .
“Do you want to choose a card?”

“Yes . ”
She then pushed the chips worth a hundred gold toward the
front of the table and said, “I’ll bet all the chips on the card
of Heart Queen . ”
Aria smiled leisurely, holding the Heart Queen handed by

the staff . The participants looked out for the hands of the
staff, who turned over the pre-picked card, with hopeful
eyes . The result was fixed . Aria was the only one who kept
a smile in the table full of sighs .
“Oh, my God! Isn’t this her first time?”
“She was lucky . But there’s no way for her to win the next
round, too . ”
The applause and whistles poured on her, who pocketed as

much as ten times the amount of money in just one game .
She shook her head at the employee’s question of whether
she would bet again, leaving without regret . The magic of
the hourglass was only once a day . It was time to go back .
“Will you take care of my companion?”
How much wine Annie drank? She laid on the sofa like a wet
sheaf . It looked so ugly that Aria thought to leave her for a
while . But she couldn’t, and as she asked a staff to carry
her, someone put Annie around his shoulders .
“What would you like to do with the chips?”
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“Leave them as they are . Take the calculation out of the
chips . ”
‘I’m going to come back tomorrow anyway . ’
Going back to the cafe, she transferred to the carriage of

the count, which had been waiting for her to return and
went back to the mansion . For the unconscious Annie, Aria
explained that Annie had been unconscious like that after
eating so much chocolate that contained alcohol because
there was little way for a minor to drink, and Aria could
easily cheat them .
The next day, Annie appeared with a hangover holding her

head, and Aria told her that she would go out again, and as
if she hadn’t done so, Annie dressed herself more colorful
than yesterday .
“If you do that again today, I’ll really leave you behind . ”
“… I was sorry yesterday, miss . I didn’t know I was that

weak to alcohol . I’ll be right next to you today . ”
Indeed, Annie followed Aria all the time, apparently

reflecting on herself yesterday . Of course, there was a
white wine of Pinonua in her hand . With the intention of
controlling it, she never emptied her glass like yesterday .
“Which seat would you like to take?”
The same employee as yesterday asked Aria . Aria said,

showing the chips worth of a thousand gold .
“I’ll finish it at once . ”
Then, unlike yesterday, he guided her to a seat in the

middle . The number of participants was about ten, similar
to yesterday’s, but there were so many onlookers that she
could not even count . Whether she was surprised by the
crowd, Annie asked, shrugging her shoulders .
“Miss . Miss, why are there so many people here? How many
chips did you show them?”
“A thousand gold . ”
“A, a thousand gold?”
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Annie shouted . Her face was red because all the eyes of the
crowd were directed to her, and she asked Aria again .
“Did you say “A thousand gold”? A thousand gold?! You

mean a thousand gold at a time?!”
“Annie, you don’t have to stress that much . A thousand

gold is right . ”
“Well, if you win, how much do you earn…?”
“It’s multiplied by the number of participants . ”
“There are about ten people, so… If you win, you get 10,000
gold?!”
It was equivalent to the amount spent in half a year at the

family of Count Roscent . The amount included spending by
the count and the countess, Aria and Mielle, Cain’s
allowance, and finally food and other administrative
expenses, including the salaries of the servants and maids .
Considering the wealth of the family of Count Roscent, it
must have been quite a large sum .
Annie said, wiping a cold sweat from her palm on the hem of
her skirt, “Miss, by all means, win . Win! Be sure!”
Annie seemed overexcited even if it wasn’t hers . “Cheer

up!”
It was a game of winning and losing according to luck . What

could Aria do with cheering herself up? Even Aria knew that;
she said that she got it with a smile because Annie was cute
when she was talking about nonsense . It all originated from
the relaxed mind of Aria who knew she would win .
Aria turned over the hourglass when she saw an employee

mixing Clover 4 into other cards . Then she said, betting all
the chips on it, as she had done yesterday, “I’ll put all the
chips on the Clover 4 . ”
And Aria, who, like yesterday, got 10,000 gold in less than
five minutes, played just one game and left the casino
without regret .
It was instantaneous that rumors about a mysterious

woman, who had earned 10,000 gold from 100 gold with a
game of two rounds, in just two days spread all over the
casino .
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***
“… Oh, my God, 10,000 gold! Miss, have you decided what
you’re going to do with it?”
Ten thousand gold would be a huge sum for most people but
not for Aria . Leaving Annie in the midst of a fuss behind,
Aria hurried to get ready to go out with Jessie’s help .
‘It’s far from enough to hoard . ’
Of all occasions, this was especially true because they were

luxury items such as pepper and sugar that the route were
blocked . The basic unit cost was expensive, and it took
quite a lot of money to buy more than half of what was
released on the market .
‘Even if I buy sugar, I need at least 50,000 gold . 50,000

gold will be far short . ’
A thousand gold was the best for the game in the hall . The
above was done in a private room . It was not desirable to
play games in a private room since she had been winning
consecutive games, and the maximum she could get by
using the hourglass was only a thousand gold per day .
‘It’s going to take longer than I thought . I’m tired, too . ’
After using the hourglass, she slept all day long to relieve
her fatigue . Recently, she had been forced to wake up,
covering her face with a towel soaked in cold water . So she
felt weak and tired, and she fell asleep at any time . It
happened only in two days; it was too much to last five days
.

possible .
between chapters .


Different From The Past, Part III
Chapter 97 . The Future Different From The Past, Part III
Translator: Khan
‘I’ll be fine if I take a day off tomorrow . ’
So she thought she would have to take a good rest for a day
or so . She still had time until summer anyway . It was okay
not to rush .
Aria, who was determined to stay just today, squeezed her

last remaining strength and headed for the casino . Annie,
who got used to it after only three tries, ordered the drink
herself . Unlike Annie, however, Aria just wanted to finish
the game quickly and go back as soon as possible . She was
about to fall down right away .
“I’ll be back soon, so don’t drink too much and wait . ”
“Uh, wait! Miss! I’m coming with you!”
“No, I’ll be back soon so wait . ”
So Aria left before her drink even came out . If she took
Annie, she would lose her time because of Annie’s useless
remarks . Aria hurriedly walked away, and Annie looked at
Aria’s back with a disappointed face .
Spectators flocked to the arrival of Aria, who had won for

two consecutive days . Although she covered half of her
face with a mask, her unique blonde hair and fascinating
lips made her special .
‘I’m going to take a rest for a while even if I’m not tired . ’
With this attention, there would be restrictions on her

behavior . Someone might suspect her identity and
investigate her .
“Diamond 8 . ”
She turned over the hourglass, and as she picked a card, the
voices of spectators and game players around her became
noisy .
“She’s not going to win three times in a row . ”
“Maybe! It’s been like that all this time . ”
“If she really wins three times in a row, we can choose her
card from now on!”
“That’s the way! You’re smart, aren’t you?”
Aria clicked her tongue at the remark . She hadn’t thought

so, but if so, everyone would win and her dividend would be
low . She put the hourglass back in the box, thinking she
might have to wear a wig next time .
“Diamond 8!”
No one had won three consecutive games in the entire
history of the casino . Unlike other card games in which
each round a winner would come out, it was hard to win
even once . Unlike bead roulette, it was impossible to
manipulate the game with employees .
“… nonsense!”
“What the hell happened?!”
“I’m sure she did some magic! For example, the magic of
clairvoyance!”
Aria, who confirmed her victory, got up from her seat .
“Is she leaving now again?”
“She’s not playing another game, is she?”
“Let’s follow her . ”
“Good idea! Let’s ask her to tell us how to do it!”
Unlike before, there were a bunch of people that followed

behind her . They were faster than she thought . It would be
best for her to leave the casino quickly, but she couldn’t
increase her distance between her pursuers even though
she was quick on her feet . In the first place, it was almost
impossible for Aria, who was in high-heeled shoes, to elude
men in soft leather shoes .
“Hey! Wait a minute!”
“Let’s have a conversation!”
“Hey!”
Whenever they felt that Aria was about to flee, their voices
would break out from the following crowd . It was bizarre to
see several men chasing a young woman even though she
had won the game .
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In addition, the growing voices of those who followed her

were enough to instill fear in Aria . They looked ferocious; it
was as if they found out the way of how she had won the
game, and they would shatter her body into pieces if they
caught her .
As she hurried to avoid them, she entered a strange place

and saw a dead end in the distance . The group that
followed also checked it and slowed down .
‘What do I do?’
It was then . A hand that popped out of nowhere snatched

Aria . She could see the door closing behind her before she
realized she had been dragged somewhere .
“…?!”
The person, who snatched Aria, closed her mouth to prevent

her from screaming . “If you don’t calm down, people will
come in . Will that be all right?”
Unlike Aria, who had half of her face covered, the man’s
voice buzzed because of the animal’s mask covering his
entire face and hair . Then Aria nodded when she realized
that he was actually trying to save her . His hand, which was
covering her mouth, slowly descended .
“Where am I…?”
“It’s a private room . I just rented it for a while . ”
When she rolled her eyes around, she saw a big table, a few
luxurious chairs, organized cards, etc . As he said, it was a
private room where VIPs could play games with high stakes .
“… I don’t know what your intention is, but thank you for
your help . ” Aria expressed her gratitude gently .
Then the man warned quietly . “You’ve been a little rash .

This is a dangerous place for a woman to walk around alone
. Except for your gender, this is a tough spot for anyone who
wins the game for three straight days . There are crazy
people who have lost their money . ”
She couldn’t answer back because his advice was

reasonable . She just nodded quietly . “Thank you . I’ll go
now . ”
“It’s still dangerous . They’ll be waiting outside . ” As if to

back up the man’s claim, someone banged on the door .
Surprised, Aria crouched and trembled, and he helped her
sit on the sofa .
“I think you’d better wait for a while even if it’s inconvenient

.”
“… I suppose so . ”
The man sat in front of Aria . She was so absent-minded,

and she thought that he was wearing an animal mask, but it
turned out to be a mask of a lion . The mask’s golden mane
shined whenever the light was reflected from it just like a
real lion .
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For a while, the eyes of the lion were on Aria . Unlike Aria,
whose mask clearly revealed her mouth and both of her
eyes, the man’s mask covered his whole face, and she was
not sure if he was really looking at her, but it was clear that
he was facing forward .
“You told me you rented this room, but others aren’t

coming?” It was Aria who broke the silence first, unable to
overcome the burden .
The man replied, “Yes . Luckily, I only rented a room, but I

haven’t decided on what to do yet . I opened the door to
deliver it, and I noticed you stood there . ”
“Oh, I see . ”
If the man’s words were true, then that was going to be

favorable for Aria . She thanked him again .
“I don’t know if I can ask this question to anyone who’s

been suffering until now, but… May I ask the secret of
winning consecutive games?”
“… that’s not hard to answer since you saved me . ”
And it was very simple because she wasn’t going to tell him
the truth . Perhaps, it might look like an unexpected answer
for him . He put his arms on the table and brought his upper
body close .
Aria, who regained her composure, smiled softly and replied,

“I just left it to luck . ”
“… Haha, oh my . I tried to get it too easily . ” He took his

arm off the table again and straightened himself as if he
understood what Aria meant .
This time, Aria asked, “Don’t you feel uncomfortable with a

mask covering your entire face?”
“It’s uncomfortable, but I can’t help it because I don’t want

to show my face . ”
It was a meaningless question with a fixed answer . Since

then, the two, who had nothing else to say, kept quiet . A
very long silence ensued .
The time felt longer because she didn’t know when to go out
. In addition, the eyes of the lion, which replaced the ones of
the man, were also burdensome . It was time to overcome
such a long silence that would never end .
Knock knock .
Someone knocked on the door outside . Aria, who had

barely recovered her composure, took another breath . The
man, who made a gesture of silence, brought an index
finger to the lion’s fierce mouth, quietly approached the
door, and asked someone outside .
“Who is it?”
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“I came to check because you haven’t spoken what to do

since you rented this room . ”
The man opened the door and checked another person who
had the voice and speech that appeared to be an employee
.
“What will you do?”
“I’ll think a little more and decide . ”
“All right . ” The staff bowed politely and disappeared .
He closed the door again and said, turning around, “It’s like
they’re all gone . ”
“Whew…”
Then Aria took a deep breath, as if relieved . They seemed

to have left, exhausted . So there was no reason for her to
stay here any longer .
“Thank you . I’ll go now . ”
Aria, who rose from her seat without regret, moved to the
door . Then the man, who was standing with his back facing
the door, opened it for Aria .
‘This man is so kind that he would suffer a loss . ’
He had saved her from danger and had laughed it away

even though she had not told him how to win consecutive
victories . Moreover, as soon as the threat disappeared, he
opened the door to see her off . He was a good-natured
person .
possible .
between chapters .


Different From The Past, Part IV
Chapter 98 . The Future Different From The Past, Part IV
Translator: Khan
“May I ask your name?” Her green and lovely eyes that
were visible through her mask, turned toward the lion’s eye
.
“No . ” Seeing Aria, who was escaping smoothly through the

open door, the man smiled, saying, “It’s just like her . ”
“Shall I follow?” It was the man, who had just imitated an

employee . He was also the knight that had overpowered
Aria’s knights in the general store .
Asher, who had taken off his lion mask, replied, “Yes . Help
her get out of here safely . ”
***
Asher heard the rumor of Aria when she visited the casino
for the second time . The card roulette game was a game in
which players hit only one card out of fifty-two cards, so the
dividend was not high, but she won for three consecutive
days .
She even won right away . The rumor reached Asher, the
casino’s manager . Interested about how she won in a game
that couldn’t be manipulated, Asher waited for the main
character with the winning streak to appear at the casino .
Of course, until then, he didn’t know that Aria was the main
character of the winning streak . But as soon as he faced a
face covered by a mask, he could see who it was . No
matter how much her face was covered by a mask, her
green eyes, shiny blonde hair, and bewitching lips that did
not match her age, were not so common .
“Diamond 8 . ”
He was ludicrously distracted by Aria’s face, who was mixed

with the crowd and was betting the shiny chips . Her
makeup and clothes that made her look like a grown-up
matched so well that he forgot her real age and made a
feigned smile .
So, in a moment of being distracted, he was unaware that

Aria had already left and put her in danger . He hurried to
help, but she almost got caught by the gamblers and got
into trouble .
‘I don’t know why a lady of the Roscent family shovels up

money from the casino, but she’s definitely scheming
something . ’
He wanted to have someone follow her, but he didn’t want

to get misunderstood by doing so . A moment later, Sorke,
the knight, who had followed Aria, returned .
“I checked the carriage to leave . ”
“All right . What about Vika?”

“I think he has embraced one of the loyal dogs of the
Aristocratic Party . I heard he’d like to come over for an
inspection sometime today . He’ll probably arrive soon . By
the way, do you really intend to dispose of the casino?”
“Yes . ”
As Aria had said, Asher had decided to dispose of the casino

. He had tried to take off the disadvantages of the casino
and keep it, but he had thought it would be better to
dispose of it now .
In the first place, it was a contradiction for the government

to manage gambling and other entertainment facilities . The
main agent that needed to regulate and eliminate it had
been encouraging the people to do it and had tried to
manage the casino . It would be better for him to endure a
light stoning than struggle to avoid the violent aftermath
because he was constantly being tested for his qualities by
the Aristocratic Party, who persecuted the imperial power .
Soon after, Vika, who hid himself in the Aristocratic Party,

brought someone and guided him through the casino, as
Sorke had reported . It was Viscount Vigue, a close aide of
the princess . He was known for his good business skills and
for supporting a large sum of money to the princesses . It
would cost a considerable sum of money to take over the
casino, but seeing that he came straight to the casino
without hesitation, the information seemed not to be false .
Viscount Vigue, who had seen the casino for a very long
time, disappeared with a satisfied smile, and Vika also
brought an answer that lived up to the expectation of Asher
. Vika’s face was bright, as he handed the report .
“He indicated his intention that he would buy the casino in

the near future . No matter how much Viscount Vigue has,
he will need a route to raise money . ”
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“You told him to keep it a secret to the princess, didn’t

you?”
“Yes . It’s obvious that the princess will object it . I

requested it repeatedly . ”
“All right . Don’t forget to deliver it well, so that we can

attack their backs later . ”
Asher intended to make Viscount Vigue take the same steps

as Viscount Lupre, who had had human trafficking in the
basement of the casino in the past . Viscount Vigue would
not be engaged in human trafficking but would be in a way
of those illegal ways to maximize profits, as they would tell
him .
If the information was true, she would be damaged by a

severe blow if they cut off Viscount Vigue from the princess .
Count Roscent was supporting her, but as they were also
working on the count’s business, it was clear that the cash
cow would be cracked .
“Ah… As it turns out, the count’s warehouse was legal . That

would be a bit of a headache . ”
“Why?”
“It’s a very legal tax evasion scheme without any illegal

things . ”
“I think you explained it to me last time . ”
“That’s right… If the count uses this method well, he could

still import goods even if we block the trade route . It means
that it can be solved, even if it may take a while . ”
“Really?”
The papers in the hands of Asher were crumpled in a messy

shape . Vika’s face and body crumpled . He read the
countenance of Asher and shifted the blame to the wrong
place .
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“Who in the world gave the count such an idea? There’s no

way for the count, who would have been busy with a new
business, to come up with . ”
It was Aria who had told the count about the warehouse .
When Asher had first heard the story from Lane, he
remembered that he had been so dumb that he had only
laughed out . ‘What kind of study had Aria done? How could
she come up with that idea even when she was young?’
When Asher raised his mouth by recalling Aria, who had

haughtily disappeared saying that she would not give him
her name, Vika, who misunderstood that Asher was feeling
better for some reason, went overboard .
“Lane knows who he is, doesn’t he? I think I’ll feel better if I
bring him in and beat him so that he’ll never say a word
next to the count again . ”
“… Now, who are you going to beat?”
As Asher got irritated by the words, Vika began to notice

Asher’s countenance again . It was regrettable that he
would rather sew his mouth shut to make it difficult to give
an appropriate response .
“Any other reports?”
“Oh, no . ”
“Get out of here . Take care of your duties . ”
As Vika went out, Asher turned over the crumpled report in

the silent office . Unfortunately, however, Vika’s report was
not even noticeable . Only the image of Aria, who he had
remembered, was only hanging around his eyes .
‘What the hell is she? Until two years ago, I heard that she
was a commoner, so how is she smarter than adult
aristocrats?’
The more he knew her, the more questions he had . No

matter how much she had been educated in a short period
of time, it was strange for her to use formal etiquette . So
was the tone that seemed to have lasted for a very long
time in the social world .
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And the strangest thing was how to guess it so simply as if

to read a card in the card roulette game . It was impossible
without real magic .
‘Does she really have that kind of ability?’
He thought about it but soon shook his head to deny it . The

reason was that if she had the ability to see through things,
the card roulette game could be explained, but other things
except that could not be .
‘Even she stood buff at the unidentified man she had never
seen . ’
She had behaved the same way at the first meeting and so
was today . There had been times when she was tempted to
play with a man, and she was ashamed as if it was the exact
opposite, like someone else .
Vika’s report was crumpled again and rolled over the desk .
A deep-seated Asher on the sofa closed his eyes . It was the
first time in his life that he had ever had such a complex
and unsolved person . And it was also the first time for
someone to stay in his head and to not leave .
‘Shall I rather put her next to me?’
It wasn’t a bad idea . He might find out something if he put

her next to him and observe her often . She had a good
influence on himself, even now when he met her once in a
while . As for this casino case, most of the exploits were
Aria’s .

possible .
between chapters .


Different From The Past, Part V
Chapter 99 . The Future Different From The Past, Part V
Translator: Khan
The question was how to take her next to him for what
reason, or to which position .
Giving a job to a woman was unusual and more likely to

have a counterattack later . Aria, moreover, had no
particular accomplishments or learning . There was no
reason to hire her .
The only way left, then, was to keep her as a woman beside
him . However, if he thought about her origin, he was sure
that they would be quite noisy . If she had some support,
she could stand it, but could she survive with nothing?
‘What am I thinking?’
Then he suddenly realized that he was thinking nonsense .

He couldn’t believe that he would try to put Aria beside
himself when he was too busy getting engaged to the
princess . And he was shocked that he liked it very much .
‘I thought I am the type of man who is not bewitched by a

face… but I keep coming up with her face . ’
Come to think of it, it was . Her face came up to his mind at
any time . It was not a situation where her face would come
to his mind, but it had come up, like, right before bed, or
wake up in the morning . Sometimes it even popped out in
his dreams .
‘The mere sight of the princess annoyed me; it’s amazing . ’
Then, when his thoughts reached Princess Isis, he judged

that all of her thoughts and minds were useless . When he
thought about it, the reality was that he played a tug-of-war
with the Aristocratic Party led by the princess . It was
impossible to even put Aria in the selection list in the first
place .
Asher shook his head to come out of his thoughts . And he

lifted Vika’s report again in his hand . This was not the time
to think like that .
***
Since she had turned over the hourglass three times in a

row and did not sleep properly, Aria had to rest for three
days . Even though she woke up after a whole day’s sleep, it
was hard to move her body . Anyway, if there was such a
consequence after using the hourglass, it would be better to
take a rest the next day .
When she visited the casino again, two casino employees

followed her . This was because the amount of chips that
she had was large . Fortunately, no one recognized her by
wearing a wig and thickening her make-up, but there was an
occasional look at her because two employees followed her .
Nevertheless, she never suffered from mishaps thanks to
her casual behavior .
“Oh, my God… Miss! 50,000 Gold is collected! I can’t believe
it!”
On the wagon back to the mansion, Annie raised her voice

without even touching a 50,000-gold check . Although the
amount was still far short, she exchanged all the chips with
a check, judging that it was hard to make any more money
at the casino .
“Aren’t you going to the casino anymore?”
“Yes, it’s not a bad start . ”
It would not be possible to buy the whole amount, but she

could buy it enough . Sugar, which would become a luxury
and necessity for aristocrats after the trade route was
blocked, prices would soar . At that time, she was planning
to make a profit by releasing supplies .
“So, did you say your brother was working in an inn?”
“Yes? Yes, miss . ”
“Can I hire your brother? I’ll give him enough money . Of

course, I’ll pay you an honorarium for helping . ”
Annie nodded with a look of anticipation at the word

“honorarium . ”
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“Of course! He used to say that the job at the inn was
boring! When do you want me to call him?”
“Bring him right away . There’s so much to do . ”
“Yes! Miss!”
It was the very next day that Annie, who had answered
courageously, brought her brother .
His name was Andrew . He looked similar to Annie, but he

was tall with clean skin without freckles . It was a good
appearance to deal with people . Aria offered him to double
the salary he had received at the inn . Andrew’s face turned
red as well, whether he seemed to have been treated fairly
well at the inn .
Of course, keeping a secret was a prerequisite . When Aria

said that if he didn’t keep it a secret, his sister would be in
trouble, Andrew’s face was briefly lost in the dark, but as
she said if he kept it well in secret, she would guarantee his
future that he didn’t regret, his face returned to the original
state .
“Do you want me to buy sugar?”
“Yes . Buy as much sugar as you can . The more you get at a
lower price, the better, but you don’t have to bargain if you
can’t afford it . ”
“If that’s the case, I’m the expert! Don’t worry . ”
It was not otherwise difficult that he was able to complete

the mission shortly . It seemed that the word “expert” in the
field was true, and he contracted for a large amount of
sugar at a lower price than the market price, which had
been on the verge of being delivered directly to the store by
the wholesaler .
It was because he had coaxed an employee secretly without
the owner’s recognition . Andrew said that he had been able
to buy most of the sugar in the warehouse, as he had
advised the employee to take the difference and quickly
smuggle it in . Maybe Andrew had done the same work at
the inn .
‘Maybe the employee thought he could bring it in soon . Can

he really do that?’
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So Aria gave Andrew a very small amount of grace . She

only gave him a present for one of her jewels, but he was
delighted as if he had the whole world like Annie . He
seemed as easy to handle as his sister .
After storing the collected sugar in a rented warehouse, she

waited for the right time, that day when everyone would be
thirsty for sugar . Aria put a cake with sweet syrup in her
mouth, recalling the past when the import had been blocked
and it had soon become a reality . It was dessert after
dinner . There would have been a huge amount of sugar in
it, too .
From time to time, the merchants had to supply it to the

aristocrats who consumed a lot of sugar every day, but
sooner or later, it would all run out soon . Since she had
bought it from a wholesaler, if the store ran out of
everything they were selling, there wouldn’t be any more
supply .
And the count was very kind enough to tell her the
beginning himself .
“And it turns out… we’ve had quite a headache lately . ”
“What’s going on, honey?”
“There’s a rumor going around that foreign business groups

have not contacted us one by one . ”
“Oh, my God . What do you mean?”
The countess asked back with an exaggerated look of

surprise . Despite not knowing the details, she was giving an
appropriate response . As expected, she looked like a
woman who had risen from prostitute to the countess .
Mielle, who had hidden her true nature and hoovered his
love up alone, also showed her concern . She had always
inspired the count into opening his mouth .
“So it’s a big deal, isn’t it? How can they do such a rude
thing?”
“That’s why I’m so worried . I guess some of the aristocrats

who have been doing business with me have also been in
the situation . ”
‘Alas, you should have been good to me earlier . Why did

you lie to me? You have been hated by me who has the
most information . ’
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Aria thought, licking the syrup on her lips .
‘No matter how much sugar they put in, can this syrup be so
sweet? Perhaps the count’s anguish is added in it and is it
sweeter? So, can I enjoy this sweet dessert every day if I
make him always painful?’
Aria asked, with a somber look on her face . “Well, what

happens now? If it were imported from a foreign country, it
would have been almost in a monopoly… Do you think that
there will be a mishap like a loss of supply?”
The count smiled affectionately at her, as it was pessimistic

but she pointed out the future fairly well .
“Maybe . I think it’s likely to be the case . If it were simply a

change of account, the worst would not happen . ”
“I hope you can find a solution soon and get out of the crisis
even if the worst happens . ”
“If you help me, I might be able to solve it soon . ”
The count seemed to be quite trusting and counting on Aria

. He even said, “Please help me . ” But Aria had no intention
of helping him at all . She wanted to see his face that would
be distorted by her interference .
“So, not long ago, Mr . Oscar sent me another present . ”

possible .
between chapters .
the Hourglass - Chapter
100

Chapter 100: Chapter 100 . The
Future Different From The Past, Part
VI
Chapter 100 . The Future Different From The Past, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Because she had nothing else to say about the count’s

business, Mielle quickly turned the topic . The talk of Oscar
was enough to soothe the count’s anxious mind, so the
depressed mood returned to an atmosphere of harmony .
“Oh, I see! It seems like he has some relaxed time since his
graduation is approaching . So, what did he send?”
“He sent me a beautiful bouquet and brooch . ”
Mielle’s gaze went down to her chest . She had a brooch on

her chest that looked like a blue diamond . Aria frowned at it
. ‘That’s…’
“Haha! Oh, my gosh, the brooch you’re wearing on your

chest is a gift! What a beautiful brooch it is! I now
acknowledge it and I am sorry about it!”
“Oh, my God… it’s so pretty . ”

Her brooch was really clear and transparent blue, and draw
even the countess’s admiration .
‘But why? Why is the Blue Diamond’s brooch? It’s similar to

what I gave Oscar…?’
In addition, it was a similar design as if it had been matched

like it had been made referring to Oscar’s brooch .
‘Is it really like that? It must have been . ’
“Right? And the princess said she’d like to visit our mansion
sooner or later”
“Really? I’ll have to make sure the servants and maids don’t
neglect the preparation . ”
Mielle’s bragging continued . And it spoiled Aria’s mood, as

Mielle hoped . But Aria didn’t express it outside, as Mielle
would be hoping for that . Aria tried to pass it over lightly,
thinking that it must have been made by the princess who
had referred to Oscar’s brooch .
***
The blocking of foreign trade routes made the nobles

uneasy . The damage was most severe among the nobles,
who simply did a small trade with foreign countries because
they had little or no land . The complexion of the wives, who
were tutors of Aria, looked gloomy, and the young ladies
who attended the meeting after a long time were very
intimidated .
“What if my father’s business is damaged…?” said one

young lady in tears .
‘What’s her name?’
Aria asked her, who could not even remember her name
because she had no attention except for Sarah . “Excuse
me, what kind of business did your father do?”
“He’s been importing perfume . It’s not expensive, but it’s

just an ordinary one that is diluted with water . ”
‘Oh, that’s why I have always smelled good from you .

Regardless of your worries, such a trifle item would have no
problem . ’
“Don’t worry . My father told me that most of the items that

are currently being cut off are luxuries . Those are only
luxury goods used by the nobles . ”
“Really? If it’s the case, that’s a good thing! …Oops, I’d be

rude to say this . I’m sorry . ”
As Aria was a daughter of Count Roscent, the information

she had received from her father was like timely rain to
them . However, since there was a rumor that the family of
Count Roscent would be severely damaged and suffer, and
it was spreading secretly, they could not express their joy .
‘Oh my… who cares about who?’
Even if the count’s business was ruined, the family of Count

Roscent had a great deal of land . Unless the Empire was
destroyed, the family of the count would never lose its
power and wealth .
Aria smiled and shook her head . “It’s okay . I’m sure he’ll
do well this time as he’s always managed to get through it .
”
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The hearts of the young ladies were moved by the friendly

way of speaking . The family that would be most damaged
must be the Roscent family, but she did care for other ladies
. Even she really thought of it a little .
There would be no damage to the families of the young

ladies here because they did not have enough money to
touch the luxuries of the nobility . Moreover, the luxury of
the nobility was monopolized by the Aristocratic Party . As
much as it was profitable, those who held power naturally
had a monopoly .
In other words, it was the Aristocratic Party that would suffer

from this incident . It was a story of little relevance to their
families, far from power .
‘Wait, only the nobles of the Aristocratic Party are damaged?

Then, the main driver of this incident must be the Crown
Prince’s Party… Is it a power struggle, not just an
intervention aimed at making a difference?’
Aria felt that if she would step in deeply, she might see
blood, so she vowed again that she would never be caught
with her identity .
“Let’s refrain from meeting for the time being . The

atmosphere is really bad . And you’re busy as you become
adults, aren’t you?”
Everyone looked at Sarah with a smile . The smile was a

mixture of envy and jealousy . The meeting had been
delayed because Sarah had been busy .
Sarah apologized in a sorry way . “I’m sorry . It’s because of

me…”
“No, not just because of Lady Sarah . You’re all a little busy,
aren’t you?”
As Aria said, the grown-ups were busy interacting with each

other’s level of young men . It was great news for Aria, who
no longer needed to build a friendship with them .
Sarah called Aria when the party was finished and she was
about to go back . With slightly red cheeks, Sarah said she
had something to say and asked for some time . Something
must be good news . There was no reason to refuse .
“Actually… the Marquis recently requested an engagement .

”
“… Oh, my God . ”
Aria made a look of surprise even though she had guessed it

. Sarah’s smile deepened when Aria blinked her eyes
covering her mouth with both hands .
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“The family of the marquis would have done the ceremony

of engagement and wedding in spring from generation to
generation, and the ceremony will be in the next year . I’ve
received a formal request and I’ve given him a reply . ”
Much to annoyance, if a family was more prestigious, they
could get married after the engagement . It was to show off
their power and wealth . If she got engaged next spring, her
marriage would be around the next year .
“Congratulations! However, since I can’t express my heart

with my words, I am sad . What should I say to deliver my
heart to you? I’m so happy, but I can only say
congratulations . ”
Aria celebrated Sarah with an overstatement that she would

not have for her lifetime . Her excessive hand gestures and
expression made Sarah dance .
“Thank you . It’s already been passed on . It’s all thanks to

Lady Aria . It’s like the handkerchief that I made with you
together created a connection with the marquis . ”
As Aria had thought and planned this, great joy overflowed

within her . Now Sarah was perfectly on her side .
“And I think the marquis would like to meet Lady Aria . He

asked me to tell you that he wanted to take some time to
invite you to dinner . ”
‘And the Marquis is a bonus! There would be no greater joy

than this in the world . ’
The bad feeling from Mielle’s brooch quickly disappeared .

Aria smiled brightly .
“Really? It’s a great honor . I’m always welcome, so the

marquis can decide any convenient day for him!”
“How could you be so sweet? Oh, by the way, I… I’m sorry,

but I haven’t told other ladies about it yet, so I’d like you to
keep it to yourself . ”
“Sure!”
The more secrets there were, the stronger their connection

would be . Aria opened the gates of hell wide open, holding
Sarah’s hand as Sarah plunged herself into an ant hole .
***
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A few days later, the second meeting proposed by Asher

was held, and the topic was, quite rightly, blocked trade
routes . What was a bit unusual was not just how the route
had been blocked and how to deal with it, but they rather
discussed who would be damaged by the incident .
“I think at least five people will go bankrupt in half a year . ”
“I think it’s the end for someone who’s been keeping his
trading monopoly . It’s wrong that he has been trying to
carry on his family with one business in the first place . ”
“It will be OK if he has land… It’s because he has believed in

the back support without a foundation . ”
“It seems that Count Roscent has been running very hard to
get a solution, but I don’t think that he will go bankrupt in a
half-year . Nevertheless, the count will also suffer a lot . ”
“It’s going faster than I thought, and maybe it’s going to be

easier to coax Viscount Vigue . ”
Amid countless conversations, Vika said with a satisfied
smile . A story came out that she didn’t know at all, and Aria
cocked her head . She thought that reading books and
newspapers steadily increased her knowledge and
information, but the story about Viscount Vigue was new .
So Aria asked, “Viscount Vigue? What did he do?”
“Oh, it’s nothing . He recently bought the casino . ”

possible .
between chapters .

101

VII
Chapter 101 . The Future Different From The Past, Part VII
Translator: Khan
“… Did he take over the casino?”
“Yes, the Crown Prince has sold the casino . It’s going to be
announced . ”
‘Why? Wasn’t the casino still managed by the Crown

Prince?’ She couldn’t understand why it was suddenly sold
off .
“Why? His Highness would not have intended to sell the

casino…”
She tried to ask him if the Crown Prince had no intention to

sell the casino, but she hurriedly closed her mouth . Then
eyes poured on her, who did not keep her speech . In
particular, the eyes of Asher were persistent . She was
horrified that his blue eyes would pierce her heart . He
glared his eyes as if to hasten the following words of Aria .
“… I thought so . ”
So she hurriedly changed her words as if she had been
thinking . Fortunately, it continued naturally . But the
content wasn’t .
Asher, who had been watching the debate all along, asked,
“Why did you think so?”
‘That’s because he didn’t sell it in the past . ’ The Crown

Prince had run the casino until a big accident had happened
. Everyone had accused him of being incapable and had
cursed him for ruining the Empire . Aria also remembered
that she had helped with the voice .
“That’s… it’s not long since he started managing it on

behalf of Viscount Lupre . If he were going to dispose of it so
quickly, wouldn’t it be normal not to take it in the first
place?”
On a plausible excuse, most seemed convinced that she had

thought so . But it wasn’t Asher .
He asked tenaciously again as if to interrogate her, “There is

a possibility that he managed the casino for a while to
investigate it in detail . Since then, isn’t it natural to say
that he’s sold it to the right person?”
“It can’t be . Viscount Vigue is a core person among the

Aristocratic Party, but how could he be the right man for the
Crown Prince?”
“Well…”
Instead of answering Aria’s question, he put his mouth up

and laughed . At the smile, Aria realized that she was
thinking something wrong .
‘What the hell did I miss?’ After a moment of thought, she
found the answer in the words used by Asher .
“… the meaning of the words ‘the right person’ was a trap!”
“It means that he is not suitable for good management for

the casino . Perhaps… it can be interpreted that he is the
right person for the Crown Prince to play on . ”
The one who didn’t know the truth seemed to be Aria alone .
The attention and interest poured on her, who grasped the
meaning faster than they thought and more accurately .
“… because the financial crisis for the Aristocratic Party is at

stake, Viscount Vigue who took over the casino has to put
himself on steam . If he makes a contribution this time, he’ll
be in a different position . ”
She grasped the flow, but there was one strange thing . In
the past, Viscount Vigue had not been included in the casino
case, but why did he enter this time?
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Unlike in the past, who persuaded the Crown Prince? Had it

been done after the last meeting she had insisted on doing
so? An outcome would change if there was a cause, but no
matter how many times she thought, the only reason that
came to her mind was the remarks she had made in this
meeting .
‘… that can’t be . ’
At the very least, what the fifteen-year-old girl’s suggestion

could not have been in the ear of the Crown Prince . It was
strange that the Crown Prince had suddenly changed his
mind, but the same thing had happened before, so she
thought it might be just a butterfly effect .
Besides, it was a gathering attended by Vika, the leader of

the Aristocratic Party . If this meeting was related to the
Crown Prince, it would change into a very complicated and
dangerous one .
And there was a big reason to lower that possibility very

much . In the past, the Crown Prince had succumbed to the
Aristocratic Party . If Vika had really been a member of the
Crown Prince’s Party who had infiltrated as a spy to the
Aristocratic Party, he would have somehow tried to dig up
information and helped the Crown Prince .
“You are very intelligent . ” There was admiration on Asher’s

face . He seemed genuinely surprised at Aria’s reasoning
here alone . Therefore, after the meeting was over, and
after everyone had gone back, the praise for Aria was not
over . The face of Aria, who had the impudence, was so full
of embarrassment .
“You don’t have to exaggerate and praise me . I was the

only one who didn’t know the fact . ”
“We didn’t share the information with you, so it was natural

that you didn’t know . But you inferred a conclusion by
yourself . I don’t think anyone can do it easily . ”
“Anyone can do it if they have a little time . ”

“… No, it was possible because you were special . So I keep
coming up with your face . ”
Aria’s hands, which were packing the hourglass, stiffened by

the casual remark . Looking at him in surprise, his blue,
dark, serious eyes were staring at her .
“What, what did you say…?”
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When Aria stopped and asked, Asher, who realized what he

had said, clicked his tongue briefly and said, “It’s true, so I
won’t give you any other excuses . ”
Thud! She was shocked as if someone had hit her heart .

She had heard this so many times in the past, but she
couldn’t answer or act . All she could do was try to calm her
heart which was pumping fast enough .
“I didn’t mean to approach you with that thought, but… you

keep shaking me . ”
Shaking produced no difference between them . ‘Why do

you keep putting me in trouble when I was reborn with
revenge?’ Aria’s hand, which had stretched out to take the
box, moved again . This useless feeling was unnecessary for
her now .
“… I’m not sure what you’re trying to say . ”
It had no more voice for Aria, who turned around coldly,

whether it had been the same for Asher, either .
***
The confusion was brought about earlier than expected . In

the past, it had been not until midsummer that they had
started feeling a little uncomfortable, but this time it started
earlier in the summer .
Of course, the sugar Aria had bought was the first . The loss
of inventory, which should have been in stock, caused great
pains earlier than in the past . The missing sugar definitely
changed the taste of the food . Even Mielle, who did not eat
only what she wanted, hesitated to eat . It was because she
had already gotten used to the sweet taste .
“… I wish the customs would handle it quickly . ” The

count’s low voice rang out at the dining hall, where they had
not even heard of any sound of a dish . It was a very angry
voice .
‘So who told you to monopolize sugar?’
After the sugar trade route had been blocked, the aristocrat
who had monopolized it might have rushed to import sugar
in search of another client, but it had been too late . It
seemed that he had found another supplier, but the
customs office had not given him permission .
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“I think that the customs office has a hard and fast rule
without flexibility . No matter how important the order and
procedures are, there are a lot of people who are suffering
from this kind of inconvenience…” Mielle complained .
Aria was sick and tired of the dual personality of Mielle who
was pretending to be the kindest and most benevolent
person in the world, but only when it came to her own
business, she felt uncomfortable and distressed .
Then the count helped Mielle, adding his opinion, “The

customs says it’s been a long time since all its work was
transferred to his jurisdiction of the Crown Prince, but I’m
suspicious of his abilities . I’m worried about how he’ll
succeed His Majesty because he doesn’t grasp what the
priority is . ”
Although he seemed concerned about the future of the

Empire, the count’s concern was the future of the Empire in
which they would be happy . There were more people who
did not belong to it than those who did .
At the words of the count, Aria was convinced that this had
been led by the Crown Prince . ‘Then, was he a man of the
Crown Prince who was arrested as the main culprit in the
past?’ If there was no mention of any other character, he
seemed to have escaped well .
It took a little longer to wait for the price of sugar to soar .

At first, they tried to put up with their anger without
expressing it . It took a little time to realize that it was all
useless . That was the right time .
So Aria enjoyed reading while waiting for the right time .

Books that had been difficult to turn a page at first became
easy to turn now . It seemed to be, thanks to a steady
reading . It might be due to the fact that she had
participated in Asher’s meeting and broadened her
knowledge . Their conversation level had been pretty high .

possible .
between chapters .

102

VIII
Chapter 102 . The Future Different From The Past, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
After a light breakfast, she sat quietly and immersed herself

in the book, but today there was an unusually noisy mess
inside and outside the mansion .
“What’s going on?”
Aria, who had been quiet all the time, suddenly spoke to
herself . Then Berry, who was wiping the clean floor with a
dry mop, lowered her body in surprise .
‘I haven’t even bothered you for a long time, but you’ve

already been afraid of me . ’
When she opened the window with her tongue clicked and
checked out, she could see the servants and maids moving
around busily .
‘Because of a series of incidents, the count has vacated the

mansion often, so there would be no guests…’
However, they were eager to put their efforts to receive
such a great guest . When she called Annie out of curiosity
and asked why Annie immediately spewed out the
information .
“Oh my! I forgot to tell you . Princess Frederick is coming

today . I heard she’s having a tea party with Miss Mielle . ”
Aria hadn’t even known that this mishap had happened

because she had not called Annie who had been taken a
rest because she had enjoyed reading quietly . It seemed to
have heard a similar story directly from Mielle’s mouth, but
she must have forgotten it .
“Princess Frederick…”
She was the one Aria didn’t want to encounter yet . It was
clear that Aria would be in bad shape if she encountered the
princess with her present self, who had nothing else to show
. It was more so since the rumor with Oscar had spread . So
she had tried to avoid meeting the princess, but
unfortunately, Princess Frederick had no intention of doing
so .
“Well, miss, the princess is waiting downstairs…”
The princess had wanted to say hello and sent a maid to her
. How could she avoid it? Aria was just a daughter of a
vulgar prostitute . If she avoided the princess, an absurd
rumor might spread . Of course, it was unclear if a good
rumor would spread with her meeting, but it was better to
give no room .
“… tell her I understand . ” It was a poor pronunciation since

she bit her lips, but it was best to answer that .
“Yes, miss . ”
Aria took a sigh, looking at the maid who was going down
and saw her in front of the mirror . It was very annoying but
she never had to make anything to be blamed .
***
It was only a short while after the acquisition had been

completed that the news of the acquisition of the casino by
Viscount Vigue entered the ear of the princess . It was
because Vika had forced Viscount Vigue not to tell anyone
until the acquisition had been completed .
Vika had emphasized the secret, saying that he had

persuaded the Crown Prince to sell it at a low price by
cheating him, and had added a warning that if someone
would find out, it would certainly be difficult to acquire .
Viscount Vigue, who had only inherited the successful

business of his predecessor, had believed the words without
doubt, and due to it, the takeover of the casino had ended,
not unknown to the outside world, except for a handful of
people who had been involved in .
Therefore, the princess and her close aides who had

belatedly learned of this fact had been forced to vent their
anger at the stupidity Viscount Vigue had done . He had
been so desperate for immediate profits that he had
abandoned the great weapon that they could strangle the
Crown Prince .
‘… how lucky the Crown Prince is!’
The princess wanted to buy the luck of the Crown Prince,

who had avoided the misfortune of strangling his neck . She
could see the end of this breathtaking tug-of-war, but when
she had felt that she had won as she had pulled the rope as
hard as she could, and she had loosened it, he had pulled it
back again .
‘It must have been the Crown Prince who had blocked the
trade route by selecting luxuries that were safe for the
common people . ’
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She didn’t know if he was going to cut off the cash cow, but
it wouldn’t be that simple and easy with the family of Count
Roscent .
“Princess Isis! You’ve had a hard time coming all the way!”
“Good to see you, Mielle . ”
Arriving at the mansion of the family of Count Roscent, Isis

was able to regain stability by watching Mielle greet her
with a bright smile . Recently a series of bad things had
caused her to lose her appetite, but when she looked at
Mielle who was shaking her tail, she breathed easy again .
Not long ago, the princess had doubted the Crown Prince
and Mielle because of the unsavory things that had
happened on her birthday, but after careful examination,
she had been able to find no other contact between Mielle
and the Crown Prince, so that she could again have a favor
with Mielle .
“I’m sorry I’m late . ”

“No . Never mind . ”
It was only a remark, but it was none of her business to

worry about as Mielle answered . It might have been a
problem if someone had made the princess wait, but if she
had someone waiting for herself was quite within the normal
range .
“It’s small, but a gift . It’s black tea from the Kranberg
region, and they say they drink it a lot to survive the
summer . ”
“Gift…! Thank you very much . ”
As they moved into the garden where the refreshments

were ready, the princess asked Mielle, “How are all other
young ladies? I am so busy that I don’t have time to meet . ”
“Yes, everyone is looking forward to seeing you . But at the

same time, they wish that the work you are doing is done
well . ”
It was up to Mielle to manage those who supported the

princess . It was because she was favored most by the
princess . Rumors that she would become the next hostess
of the family of Duke Frederick also played a part . So even
though she had done nothing, Mielle became the next one
after the princess in power .
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Fortunately, however, there was no need to take care of

them otherwise . Most of the ladies wanted to keep a close
relationship with the princess and Mielle for a long time . It
was for their bright and brilliant future .
“It’s a pleasure, then . Maybe it’s because they’re broad-

minded and friendly . ”
“I think it’s because of the grace and virtue you sowed .

Everyone likes and respects the princess . ”
Indeed, Mielle was the faithful dog of Princess Isis . No

matter what questions the princess asked or said, her
answer ended in the praise of the princess . Isis sat on a
prepared chair, smiling contentedly .
Aside from the financial resources, Mielle was fit for Oscar’s

wife . Isis chose a topic Mielle would be pleased to hear,
who was making every effort to please her .
“The brooch goes very well together . ”
“Mr . Oscar sent it to me . It’s so pretty that I wear it every

day . ”
“I thought so . Oscar has a similar brooch . ”
“Is that true?”
“Yes, it is . He bought it because it was a beautiful diamond,

but he said that when he saw it, he thought of Lady Mielle .
”
“Oh, my God…! Did he say that…? So I had a brooch similar

to Mr . Oscar’s!”
“It’s Oscar’s favorite brooch . ”
Isis’s eyes were warm as she saw Mielle, who was moved to
tears . Maybe Mielle would have known that the brooch that
she had received as a gift had not come from Oscar .
Nevertheless, she must keep her pride by pretending not to
know . It was a very desirable attitude of an aristocratic lady
.
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Oscar had never bought brooches or jewelry . But that Oscar

had been carrying a brooch . And the princess had
questioned him in doubt, the daughter of the vulgar
prostitute had come forward . She had been going to throw
it away in the gutter, but she had changed her mind and put
it back in Oscar’s hand . And she had made a similar brooch
and sent it to Mielle as a gift .
“From now on, this brooch isn’t from the daughter of a dirty
prostitute, but it’s for you and Mielle . Do you understand?’
Isis, who had clenched the hand of Oscar who had rather
tried to destroy it, had warned in a low voice, “Let’s help the
daughter of a prostitute, who has barely stepped into the
aristocratic society, live in peace . ” Then he had listened to
her without any resistance, and he had been looked so cute
to her .
“By the way, I haven’t seen the new person who has come
to the family of the count yet . ”
“Ah… You’re talking about that person . ”
Mielle lowered her voice, conscious of her surroundings .

She must have thought of her image .
“Yes, I’m talking about that person . No matter how humble
she is, I don’t know which country’s manner has it if she
does not come down to say hello . Is that the manner of that
person who lived in the place we don’t even want to talk
about?”

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103

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Chapter 103 . The Future Different From The Past, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“Maybe… I think so . ”
Because they didn’t even want to call her name, Aria

became known as ‘that person’ in no time . Nevertheless,
the princess wanted to see her face once . She wondered
what face the fox-like girl had, who had bewitched her blunt
brother .
Isis ordered one of her servants to call Aria . Then Mielle

suggested with an awkward smile, “Why don’t you think
about it?”
“Why? I’m just trying to call her because she doesn’t say
hello . ”
“It’s not the kind of person the princess is going to meet .

I’m sure you’ll just feel bad . ”
“Really? Then I’ll have to meet her even more . That person
will be poisonous to Lady Mielle . ”
Mielle bit her lips with a very awkward face . It seemed that
Mielle did not want Isis to meet Aria . Isis’s mind was full of
questions because it was the first time Mielle was so hyper-
contradictory .
And the question was settled neatly after a while when Aria
appeared .
“I’m sorry I’m late, Princess Frederick . I’m Aria . ”
The graceful bending gesture of her knees showed no fault .

Based on the rumors, Aria had been doing the mischievous
acts the princess was about to find fault with and scold her
harshly as soon as she had come to the mansion, but when
she personally met Aria, she could not think of anything to
scold her about .
‘Besides, isn’t that face pretty?’ She was the daughter of a

prostitute, who had lured the count and made herself the
countess . The new maid, who brought out Aria’s teacup,
stopped Isis, who was looking at Aria from head to toe .
Isis was awakened by the slight noise the new maid made .
She then said in a calm manner,
“… I’m pleased . I guess you weren’t feeling well, were

you?”
Aria nodded to the inevitable rebuke .
“Not really, but I decided that it’s difficult to visit the

princess first with a humble body . ”
As the daughter of the prostitute, she was quite adept at

coping with the situation . Isis’s mouth went up .
“I see . It’s my fault . I should have called you first . Sit down
.”
Aria sat down, putting down a box that made Isis curious
since she didn’t know why Aria had brought it . Despite the
addition of unnecessary movements, Aria showed graceful,
clean movements, and Isis narrowed her eyes and observed
her carefully .
‘When did she learn that? She’s learned such a good

etiquette in just two years? She’s just the daughter of a
vulgar prostitute, right?’
It was hard to believe . At the sight of Isis, who was

watching Aria thoroughly, Mielle’s complexion gradually
turned pale . Mielle seemed to think that the evaluation of
Aria that was mimicking the nobles might have increased .
But Isis had no intention of doing so . It might seem

plausible on the surface, but it was empty inside . Being
from a humble and dirty background, even though the way
she dressed and ate changed, her origin could not be
changed .
“Have you adapted yourself to the family of Count

Roscent?”
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“I’m trying . ”
“It’s been two years, and it’s not enough to just try . You
shouldn’t bring dishonor to the family of the count . ”
“I’ll keep that in mind . ”
“There are a lot of people who already feel bad about the
family of the count because of the rumors that are going on
in public, so you’ll have to hurry . ”
Of course, most of the rumors that were known to the public

were brought to Isis’ attention . Half of what she knew was
from Mielle, and the other half was from her imagination .
She hadn’t met her, but she had thought Aria wouldn’t be
much different from the rumor .
The princess was furious when she heard from Mielle that
the count was likely to remarry . She could not accept a
prostitute in the family that was going to become in-laws
with the family of the duke later! She wouldn’t even accept
a mere commoner, but she was about to become worse
than that…!
It was Isis, who had urged Mielle not to let the count marry
again at all cost . Isis had told Mielle that it would be a
shame on her family and that it would ruin her name; in
addition, even Mielle might be insulted . So Isis had wanted
Mielle to get rid of the prostitute and her daughter .
However, the count had not stopped taking in the prostitute,

even as he had read the countenances of the public, and
eventually, the dirty stone had rolled in and firmly rooted in
the family of Count Roscent .
Without knowing who she was, the dirty stone, named Aria,
even answered questions and replied to her reproving
words,
“I’ll do my best . ”
Even this time, Aria answered with a clear voice without
changing her face, and it made Isis uncomfortable .
Aria picked up the teacup and took a sip from it . It was the
black tea of Kranberg province that Isis brought .
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‘Do you know how precious that tea is, which you are
drinking now?’ Isis thought . It was clear that Aria couldn’t
tell the difference between the black tea and other teas .
“How’s the tea?” Various emotions were in the eyes of Isis,

who asked . The biggest of them was the look that was
searching Aria of something she could abuse her with .
Aria, who took one more sip of tea, answered slowly . “I can
feel the bitterness in my mouth . It’s also sour… is this the
black tea of Kranberg province?”
Isis’s eyes stiffened at the unexpected answer . So did

Mielle . ‘How can a daughter of a prostitute know what it is
after taking a few sips?’
“… Yes, you know that well . ”
Aria’s reply followed Isis’s quivering answer, “I heard it is a

famous tea that was usually served in summer . It would
have been better if the maid had put half a spoonful of
sugar… drinking without it is one way to do it . It’s an honor
to drink such a precious tea just as it is about to get hot . ”
Silence followed after her impeccable answer . Isis was
going to accuse Aria of not knowing a cup of tea properly,
but she couldn’t do that anymore . Aria was determined,
and she did not show any weak points .
After that, Isis asked a few more questions with the aim of
abusing Aria, but only calm answers came back . In the end,
Isis told Aria to leave the room without any reprimand or
criticism .
“Thank you for calling, Princess . ”
Aria, who took care of the hourglass on the table, bowed

politely and disappeared . Isis didn’t know when Aria had
taken out the hourglass, but Isis narrowed her brow,
thinking of Aria, who had been natural and elegant enough
to not even notice Aria’s action .
***
Aria, who returned to her room, sighed deeply and sat down
on the sofa . The hourglass on her lap was very heavy . ‘If it
hadn’t been for the hourglass, the last words I would have
heard before leaving the garden would have been ridicule
from the princess . ’
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Isis, which had been criticizing her for not knowing about
teas because she was from the common people, rang out in
her head . Mielle, who had helped Isis, next to her, had
looked very excited . Aria had turned over the hourglass and
repeated what they had said, and her cold hand was
trembling and was hidden under the table .
Because she had used the hourglass, Aria felt tired and
ordered her maid to bring tea, touching her eyes . It was
clear that if she fell asleep in a rigid state, she would suffer
the next day . Soon after she drank the jasmine tea that
Berry brought her, she felt a little relaxed .
‘Princess Frederick…’
‘Was it because of the rumors with Oscar?’ It was the first

time that she had met such a look filled with purely evil
intentions, so Aria was nervous . She laid in bed and was
reassured that she did everything, so she wouldn’t be
scolded . When she closed her eyes, her eyes were blacked
out by the sudden eagerness to sleep .
***
Some time later, as expected, all the sugar had run out, and
there were people who were suffering . Aria showed mercy
to them . The first place she laid her hands on was Flower
Mountain, a cafe frequented by the nobility . It was also the
place where Aria had gone with Annie and Jessie .
And it was the place that had been damaged the most
because there were lots of drinks made with a variety of
stylish and flavored ingredients . Aria sent Andrew there to
talk to the owner secretly that she could supply sugar .
‘The owner of Flower Mountain has shown interest, and the

price is going to become ten times more than what it was . ’

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104

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Chapter 104 . The Future Different From The Past, Part X
Translator: Khan
Aria smiled contentedly as she checked the letter she had

received through Annie .
It started tenfold . Flower Mountain was a favorite place for

most aristocrats, and soon rumors started to spread . Then
there would be a flood of questions about where the sugar
came from as if they had found a ray of light in the dark,
and somehow they would try their best to get the sugar .
Even if it would cost more than twenty times the price of
established sugar .
As Aria expected, the rumor quickly spread throughout the

capital as she supplied sugar to the Flower Mountain . The
Flower Mountain, where they had focussed enjoying leisure,
was filled with aristocrats in the capital, and the sugar she
had supplied quickly ran out, and it delighted Aria .
“Where the hell did you get it?”
“If you have any spares, sell it to me, too!”

As all carriages and people entering the capital were
investigated, unauthorized sugar except in very small
quantities was not allowed to be brought in . In the first
place, it was a precious material that nobody could seek
except for the nobility, and the aristocrats had prevented its
cultivation, so they could monopolize it . Had it not been for
that, it would not have been so chaotic .
The owner of the Flower Mountain answered with an

embarrassing face to the noblemen who were shouting
without dignity .
“I’m sorry, but I can’t answer it because I just happened to

get it . ”
He was a low-class aristocrat, who had succeeded with a

cafe but was a merchant before then . Even though they
were nobles, who he was dealing with, she couldn’t just say
where the sugar came from
Moreover, there was still a little time left until the day
Andrew had said he would visit again . It was stupid of him
to share sugar hastily when he didn’t know how much more
sugar Andrew would supply . He bowed several times,
saying, “I’m sorry” to those who came in every day and
urged him to sell sugar .
Andrew, who visited the Flower Mountain again and sold

sugar, took a look around the cafe, which was overflowing
with nobles that he couldn’t enter anymore . Then he said
he would not sell the sugar to anyone unless they paid
double, as he had been ordered .
“It’s too expensive, isn’t it? That’s twenty times the original
price…”
The owner’s face turned pale when Andrew said he would
sell the sugar, which was already expensive since the
beginning, at a price that was twenty times more expensive
.
“I’d like to make a suggestion then . I’ll give you a large

supply of sugar as much as I raise the price, so you can use
it any way you like . ”
That meant that he wouldn’t mind that buying it at twenty

times the price and selling it back at several times the price
. However, the restriction was that he should not reveal
where he obtained the sugar from . But while the owner,
burdened with the price of twenty times, was agonizing for a
while, Andrew got up from his seat, without a regret .
“I can’t help it if you don’t like it . I have to sell it to others .

”
“Please, please, wait a minute!”
If he offered to sell sugar on the same terms, Andrew would

have more than enough people to fill the square . The owner
of the Flower Mountain might also have to line up at the
square if he missed this opportunity now . And obviously,
since Andrew said he wouldn’t care about where he used it
afterward, it was clear that he would rake in huge sums of
money if he did well .
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Andrew sat down again because the owner stretched out

and grabbed his sleeve . Andrew was dressed neatly with
Aria’s support, but his clothes were wrinkled . But when he
brushed it off with the back of his hand, it proved worth it to
be back in place as if nothing had happened .
“… Well, I don’t know how much you have, but it takes a

while to get that kind of money . ”
“I’ll supply it to you in two then . I’ll also split the price and
receive it in two . Why don’t you get a reservation in
between and raise funds?”
It was as expected, and he answered as he had been told by

Aria, and the owner nodded hard, thinking if this was such a
golden piece of cake .
“It’s a small amount, so you’ll be fine if you charge a few

more times from the nobles . ”
Andrew’s words were true . Since there was a sugar famine,

there were plenty of people who would like to buy it, no
matter how much it would cost . Using Andrew’s words as a
reference, the owner of the Flower Mountain told customers,
who were looking for sugar that he could sell it in small
quantities, and he ran out of sugar in an instant because of
a direct reservation .
There was, of course, a voice of condemnation . “Isn’t it too

expensive? It’s almost thirty times the original price!”
“I’m sorry . I’d like to give you a discount, but that’s the way
the price was brought in . Sugar is so precious that I can’t
help it . ”
In fact, people lined up to buy, even if he sold it at thirty

times the price . The nobles saved money to buy other
luxuries and invested in buying sugar . A day without sugar
was like hell for aristocrats, who became accustomed to
sweetness .
Aria burst into laughter when she saw the warehouse

running out and her bank balance becoming thick . Berry,
who was pouring tea, trembled at that high tone with
astonishment, and Jessie cocked her head, and only Annie,
who knew the situation, smiled facing Aria .
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“What are you going to do with that money, miss? Are you
going to keep saving?”
“No, I don’t intend to save it . ”
Aria was planning to invest again as much as she earned .

She had to continue to invest and expand her power by
attracting people around her . She had to do so if she
wanted to deal with Mielle that had the support of the
princess . Otherwise, she was sure that she would be
decapitated again .
In the past, Aria was not interested in the public because

she was still young and was getting smeared a bit by the
playfulness of the maids Mielle had sent . Aria only
remembered a fraction of what people were talking about .
Instead, it was so stimulating and all the people of the
Empire were interested in it . For example, it was about the
Crown Prince’s performance, the rise of the status of a
daughter of the ordinary viscount, or the ingredients of the
food that had gone into the mouth immediately .
And there was another thing she remembered . It was
perfumed hair-oil that had long emerged as a substitute
after the chaos of luxury goods led to the disappearance of
sugar and honey . Perfumed hair-oil with sweet scents
collected from flowers had become popular for some time .
Eating hadn’t made the sweet taste strong, but it had

smelled nice . So the trend of smelling until the sugar was
supplied again had been spreading, and it had gone quite
long
‘The man who sold it… who was it? Maybe he was Baron
Burboom . ’
He had been a nobleman but without presence . He had said

it had been a family business, but due to lack of funds, he
could not supply the perfume on time, and he had lost all of
his share of the perfume in the market, by a new
businessman . Aria remembered going straight to buy when
the fashion had first begun .
‘I should invest in him . ’
She didn’t have enough experience and manpower to start a

new business now . Therefore, it was better to invest and
share profits . In addition, it was not too bad to continue
feeding and taming him, giving information .
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‘That’s all I have to do if I’m going to increase my power

since I have nothing . Let’s approach Baron Burboom for
now . I’ll see if he’s worth it . ’
Aria sent a letter straight to Andrew . It was about meeting
Baron Burboom . She enclosed a letter that she had a great
interest in the perfume business and would like to invest .
Some time later, a reply to the letter said, “Thank you for
the proposal, and I will gladly accept it . ”
So the contract was made in a short period of time and

without a hitch . With the drastic requirement to pay thirty
percent of the revenue to Aria, Baron Burboom, who needed
funding for a smooth supply, could not turn down her
proposal because the trend of the perfume had already
started .

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105

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Chapter 105 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XI
Translator: Khan
Baron Burboom, who had received the investment,

expanded his business by hiring more staff and hurriedly
created the perfume with Aria’s advice . This made it
possible to prepare enough perfumes before the trend
started properly, and he enclosed a gift with a thank-you
letter to Aria .
[Thank you very much . With Mr . A’s foresight, I was able to

make the most profit . It’s a small gift, but it’s a token of
gratitude, so please accept it . ]
Aria’s lips drew a good line after reading the letter Annie
had brought . When she unpacked the present that he
enclosed, it contained cravat . The embroidery between the
waves of fine silk was very beautiful .
‘I thought so, but he thought I was a man . ’
The cravat worn to make the fine look on the neck was for
men . It might have been quite expensive, but it was of little
use to the recipient . Aria, who put it back in the box, called
Annie .
“I’m going to have to go out . ”
“Really? You haven’t been out in a long time! Actually, I

wanted to go out, too . ”
The place where she arrived with Annie, who was so excited,
was the perfume store of Baron Burboom . The store had
expanded to a considerable size with investments and
profits for the time being .
Aria, who had two knights outside because of their

annoyance, went inside . Annie’s eyes glistened when she
was told to pick a favorite perfume and looked through the
store and went away .
Then Aria, who became alone, looked through the interior

and appreciated it . Along with the luxurious interior, the
height of the stand with perfume was appropriate . They
were all well placed in a relaxed reach for smaller women
compared to men .
So did the color arrangement . Sometimes colors would be

placed on an unknown basis for the unthinking, but this
place was not . Starting with a bright color, the color
gradually added to the darkest color at the end . The
combination of colors was different, but her eyes were
pleasant as if they were looking at a galaxy .
‘Maybe he’s better than I thought . ’
Aria headed to the counter after she had finished her

appreciation . The waitress who was waiting greeted her in a
polite manner .
“Can I help you?”
“I’d like to see Baron Burboom . ”
“… Sir Baron?”
The staff opened her eyes big . She looked puzzled when
Aria said she would come to meet the baron . The clerk
looked very carefully at Aria’s dress and disappeared after
saying, “Please wait for a moment . ” As she saw Aria, she
seemed to be quite a wealthy aristocrat .
Moments later, Baron Burboom, who appeared with the

staff, was quite a young man . He only looked twenty-five to
twenty-six at best . Still, his neatly dressed clothes and hair
made him look quite a plausible businessman .
Coming down from the second floor while talking to the

employee, he found Aria waiting in front of the counter with
the request of the staff and could not speak for a moment
with a stunned look on his face .
“Baron Burboom, I’ve come here with a message to tell and

deliver you something . ”
He pointed to the second floor with a stiff face and hand

gestures without even confirming who Aria was . Aria folded
her eyes and smiled at this, and the baron’s cheeks turned
red .
“Do you mind if I go upstairs?”
“… Yeah? Oh, yeah…”
He nodded to her question like a broken buggy doll . He was

hard and awkward, but he did his best to escort Aria and
ordered a staff to prepare the best refreshments for her .
The sugar in the market had run out, but he got some from
somewhere else, and Aria asked, drinking tea that was
delicately sweet with sugar,
“Who do you think I am to treat me like this?”
It wasn’t even a sharp question, but Baron Burboom

stammered . “Well, I don’t know . May I ask your name?”
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“I’m Roscent Aria . ”
At the words that she was the wicked woman of the rumor
stopped Burboom’s hand that was trying to hold the teacup
.
Aria asked calmly because she expected his reaction . “Are

you disappointed?”
“No… If you are Lady Aria from the Roscent family, are you
only fifteen years old?”
Aria’s eyes widened at the unexpected question . “So?”
“Ha! Oh, my God! You’re fifteen . How could you…!”
Burboom hid his face in his palms and uttered a grotesque

exclamation . Aria stared at him because of his
incomprehensible response . From time to time, he stole a
glance at Aria through his fingers and repeatedly sighed .
He soon removed his hands and faced her properly .
“… I’m sorry! I don’t know why I’ve shown a shameful
conduct to a little lady . ”
“A shameful conduct?”
A shameful conduct? She couldn’t understand why he

reacted like that as he hadn’t done anything . What the hell
was he thinking? What a strange and funny person he was
to have such a reaction just by thinking about it .
‘I didn’t think I’d do anything with my face because I’ve

come here as an investor today… You’re running around all
by yourself, so I want to bother you . ’
And it seemed rather easy for her to control him than to

make unnecessary words . Aria held her tea and drank it .
“I’m so sorry, but what business do you have with me?”
“Oh, no big deal . I’m here to return what I received . ”
Sponsored Content
“What you received?”
If his store had been insignificant, she might have just gone
back, but she confirmed that it wasn’t . He looked like she
could make use of him . Aria put the box on the table .
“This…?”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to wear . ”

Burboom opened a familiar box that he had seen
somewhere . What was inside was a cravat made of high-
quality silk . It was like a gift to an unnamed investor, calling
himself “A . ” After looking at it for a long time, he asked
Aria with a stupid face .
“Why are you showing me this…?”
He was still unable to grasp the situation . Aria thought he

would have a good intuition, but he didn’t seem to have any
keen sense .
Aria, who took out the cravat herself from the box,
approached Burboom, who sat on the other side . His eyes
were fixed around his neck . At the sudden arrival of Aria, he
swallowed a tense, dry saliva .
“It’s not me, but Baron Burboom, who fits in . ”
Aria reached out to Burboom’s neck . As Aria’s fine, white

hand approached, the baron’s body hardened . What was
unavoidable, however, was his sheer fascination in Aria’s
gaze . Her appearance, which he could not believe was only
fifteen, made it all the more so .
“Lady, lady…?”
“Wait a minute…”
Aria moved her hands a few times and the cravat was
detached from Burboom’s neck . It was a very familiar
gesture as if it had been done many times .
Whenever Aria’s hands brushed against the tip of his chin,

he could not control himself as if he had been struck by
lightning . Nevertheless, he held his breath to see if his nose
could reach Aria’s fine hands .
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‘That’s a refreshing response . It doesn’t suit your age . ’
It was a lot of fun to recall that she had been swayed by

Asher recently . So she thought she could play a little while
pretending to be naive as she had done to Oscar, but she
decided not to do so . Unlike Oscar, Burboom seemed to be
obeying himself like a slave even if she didn’t do anything .
‘I don’t have to feed too much to the man who would give
his life to me . ’
Anyway, these kinds of people made their own food even

though she did not do anything .
Aria, who hung a new cravat around his neck, returned to

her seat without regret . Burboom, who was like he was
possessed by something, fidgeted about his neck without
saying a word . It also seemed to find the warmth of Aria
that could not remain .
“Baron, do you have your next move in mind?”
“… Yeah?” A sudden question broke his silence, and he

asked back with a broken face .
“I think the trend of perfume is going to last quite a while,

but you should be prepared for the next one . Unlike
essential consumer goods, it’s goods that they would not
have any problems with even if it’s not there . Of course, if
you’re satisfied with this, there’s nothing more to say . ”
Aria spoke based on what she had studied and experienced
for the time being . Burboom answered quickly at her testy
tone of voice .
“Ah… well, there’s something else I’ve wanted to do from

before . It’s about lowering prices by lightening the
concentration of the perfume . Its effect as a perfume is
insignificant, and it only has a very light fragrance, but I’m
sure there will be a demand for the common people . ”

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Chapter 106 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XII
Translator: Khan
“It could be used as an alternative to perfume . ”
“There’s a small problem with the scent flying away in an

instant, but… I think so, too . ”
It was a pretty good answer . With no backpacks, it was

better for him to gather more money than doing business
with some nobility .
“Do you think you’ll succeed?”
“Yes, I’m sure I will . Ordinary people are always envious of

the lives of the nobility . The content is different, but I think
it will create the illusion that they are using the perfume
used by the nobility . ”
Besides, she liked that confidence . When she talked about

business, his stupid eyes had disappeared . He was a person
with good talent . One thing, if she pointed to the
drawbacks…
“That’s a good idea . But when someone asks you, if you
say it in detail, you’d be bankrupt . ”
His weakness was that he was making all the fuss about his
business items, No matter how much he liked someone . It
might have been an attempt to win favors, but it was very
dangerous .
Then, he hurriedly made an excuse, saying, “Never, I’ve

never done this as usual!”
“Really? Then why do you now…?”
Burboom’s face turned red again when she asked the

question as if she knew nothing . With his reaction, Aria had
a smile on her face . She deliberately flickered her long, rich
eyelashes and smiled, and the pupils of Burboom were
shaking blankly .
“Then I’ll try to believe that . ”
Aria got up from her seat because she was done with her
business . There was no way to check out if he did not
behave like that at other times, and there was no need to
talk more about it .
Burboom rose from his seat in a hurry, following Aria . It was

refreshing for him to repeat his stupid behavior as if the
adolescent boy had fallen in love for the first time . It felt
like she became a normal girl . Unfortunately, it would never
happen in the past or even now .
Before leaving the lounge, Aria added a word for the baron,
who still did not realize her identity, without a keen notice .
“And for the next gift, it would be good if it’s a perfume, not
a cravat . I’m an investor, but I haven’t used the product yet
. I’d like to have the perfume that Baron Burboom would
personally pick and give me . ”
While looking foolishly at the traces of Aria, who had left

behind a rich scent of her seductive perfume, he recalled
the meaning of the words Aria had left .
‘I’m an investor, but I haven’t used the product yet…?

Investor… Investor…?!’
Only then did Burboom, who realized that investor A was

referring to Aria’s A, hastened to chase the remnants of Aria
. Since for a long time, he had stood stupidly, and Aria was
about to leave the store with Annie, who had joined without
his knowledge .
“Wait, wait a moment, please!”
Burboom called Aria up in a hurry . Everyone looked back at

him except Aria, who had deliberately ignored it, because it
was a very loud voice . Burboom hurried to chase the
unstoppable Aria, and fortunately, he was able to catch up
to her before she was completely out of the shop .
“I didn’t know about you and I made an excuse . Please

forgive me . ”
Burboom apologized to Aria without no reason . The reason

was that he had misunderstood Aria for a man at will and
that he had been so bewildered by her appearance that he
couldn’t understand her words . Aria, with a generous heart,
nodded a little, and Burboom’s expression brightened even
more .
“Can you wait a minute? I’d like to give you the perfume I
made as a gift . ”
“Oh my, I’m sorry, but I’ve already bought some perfume . ”
Annie stepped into the conversation without keen notice

and lifted the wrapped package close to her chest . It was
the perfume purchased with Aria’s permission . There were
four bottles in total, two of them for Jessie, and the other
two for her .
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“I’m sorry . It’s my carelessness!”
Surprised by the purchase of the perfume, Burboom called a

staff and ordered her to refund the purchased perfume and
to bring the top-of-the-line perfumes wrapped by types .
The perfume taken by the employee was soon returned to

dozens of bottles of luxury packaging . Annie couldn’t lift
them alone, so they were divided and the two knights held it
up .
Burboom also gave a small bouquet of flowers to Aria and

Annie . It seemed to be a bouquet of flowers prepared for
the VIP . Not one kind, but all sorts of flowers exhaled their
own fragrance, pleasing to the sense of smell .
“Miss, miss, who the hell is this gentleman…?”
Aria was asked a question, but Annie’s eyes were on

Burboom . The stars were twinkling in the eyes of Annie that
had never been treated like this before .
Aria replied with a smile on her face since Annie seemed to

look like she had met a prince, “Oh, he’s a businessman
with a promising future . He’s Baron Burboom . ”
“That’s, that’s too much compliment . ”
Next to the surprised Annie was the startled Burboom .

Although they were surprised, they were too responsive to
small things, and the pair matched very well .
Burboom asked Annie, “What’s your name, lady?”
“La-lady?”
Annie was surprised and blushed even though he asked her

a question out of courtesy . She seemed to be pondering on
how to introduce herself . It seemed whether she should
correct his words as a maid, or she could just answer as she
was .
So Aria made the decision in person . “It’s Annie . She’s my

precious child . ”
“Oh, I see . Your eyes are very beautiful . ”
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“Me, me?! Are you sure…?”
“Yes . You are very beautiful . ”

Despite the fact that those words were obviously empty,
Annie swept away her already neat hair over and over again
. Since then, Burboom brought up useless topics such as
books and colors since he didn’t want Aria to leave, but the
meeting ended with Aria’s cold farewells .
***
“In this world… how could there be such a wonderful,

gentleman?”
In the carriage back to the mansion, Annie’s eyes were still

twinkling as if she was dreaming . She let out the praises for
Baron Burboom as if she were a small bird that lit the
morning . Aria gave her an appropriate response . Annie
became enthusiastic, referring to his hair and skin color .
“Did you like him that much?”
“Of course! I’ve never seen such a great man!”
Baron Burboom and Annie… It wasn’t a bad combination .

Annie was a child, who needed to elevate her status, and
Baron Burboom was a man she could raise and support . It
was clear that if Annie and Baron Burboom were to be
linked, Aria and Baron Burboom would be in a very close
relationship that couldn’t be cut off easily . It would also be
a good example for others .
But that was only possible if Baron Burboom was interested

in Annie . Aria would try to connect them together as much
as possible, but it might be difficult if Baron Burboom’s
reaction was not good enough .
If Annie didn’t mind, of course, Aria would connect Annie to

him even if he didn’t like Annie . It seemed like she could
convince and persuade him with a little bit of coaxing words
. Aria hoped Annie would play very well .
When they arrived at the mansion, the two knights with

dozens of perfumes asked Aria, “Miss, shall we move them
all to your room?”
“No, leave them all on the first floor’s hall . And will you call
all the maids in the mansion?”
Annie, who was still grinning, stiffened herself . She seemed

to have expected what Aria would do, thanks to her quick
wits .
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“Miss…! You’re not going to give them to everyone, are

you?”
“That’s what I’m going to do . ”
Aria’s answer, which betrayed Annie’s expectation, was firm

. Then Annie shook her hands like a fallen leaf that was
about to rustle . Annie burst into tears and said,
“You know how expensive these are… but are you going to
hand these out…?”
“Annie, you know one thing, but you don’t know the other . ”
Aria said, glancing at Annie . It was like the look of a little
devil trying to tell a child what was evil .
“What’s the advantage of having a lot of perfume?”

“That’s… I can decorate myself . ”
“Then what are you going to do with your decoration?”
“Yes? Uh… um… that’s…”
If anyone enjoyed the satisfaction of decorating and

grooming themselves, Annie found it enjoyable, so she
could show herself to someone else . It was her habit to go
around the mansion and boast herself to everyone every
time she got something from Aria .
But today was different . Seeing her face flushed, unlike

before, when she had run excitedly, she might have thought
of Baron Burnoom this time .

possible .
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107

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Chapter 107 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XIII
Translator: Khan
Aria asked again, “Then if you share all the perfume with
other maids in the mansion and you have nothing, what
should you do?”
“If I don’t have… I should buy it again, right?”
“Where?”
“Of course, from Baron Burboom’s shop… Huh?”
Only then did Annie’s eyes glisten again since she found an
answer .
“Wouldn’t it better for you without the perfume, because if

you have a lot of perfume, you won’t have to go again?”
Of course, with that, it was Annie who would be happy the

most . She would be able to meet the great Baron Burboom
that she had been praising so much just now .
“Yes, yes!”
Annie nodded, shining her eyes .
“And now I don’t want to go there because I’m bothered .

Try to buy the perfume in person, whenever you need it .
You can buy it and credit it in my name . ”
“Are, are you sure?”
“When did you see me flip over?”
“No! No!”
This would be the happiest moment of Annie’s life . He was

a wonderful man, and she could raise her status if she did
well . Furthermore, Aria’s support also played a part . And
when Annie looked back on Aria’s behavior, she didn’t doubt
that Aria would actively help her . Was there any better
condition?
“Miss! I’ll gather the maids!”
Annie’s voice was brighter and clearer than ever .
“Yes, do it . ”
“Do you want me to hand them out because it’s a hassle for
you?”
Annie was ready to destroy all the perfume if she could .

Aria smiled and said yes, and Annie hurriedly disappeared
into the mansion .
Annie, who called in the maids of the mansion, handed the

maids the perfume in a condescending manner . Even
though Annie was arrogant and handed out the perfume,
the maids were laughing at the precious gifts, and Aria’s
reputation for her kindness soared high into the sky .
After a few days, Annie, who had borrowed Aria’s cosmetics

and decorated herself to the fullest, asked Aria . “Miss, I
don’t have any perfume left . Shall I go buy it?”
Aria answered with an airy smile, “Yes, do it . ”
“How many bottles shall I buy?”
“Do whatever you want . I won’t get involved . Would you

just care so that my perfume won’t run out?”
At Aria’s words of leaving everything for her, Annie hurried

to the busy street, excited . She had a sweet cake in her
arms that she had just found throughout the capital . When
she thought of eating it with Baron Burboom, she felt like
she was already flying above the sky .
Arriving at Burboom’s shop, Annie headed straight to the

counter . It was to find Burboom . She snooped at the
counter, recalling that he had come down from the second
floor last time . Fortunately, no one was there, so she went
over the counter and climbed the stairs that were behind it .
‘Where is he? I should’ve just asked a staff to show me

around . ’ It would have been easier if she had used Aria’s
name .
Annie was forced to walk upstairs and open a few doors

before she could find Burboom’s office . Annie, who found
Burboom, who was looking at the papers with concentration,
hurried to apologize to him as if she had mistakenly come to
the wrong place .
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“Oh my, I’m sorry! I got lost…”
All the perfumes were displayed on the first floor, so there

was no reason to get lost on the second floor . But Burboom
welcomed her visit with open arms because he remembered
Annie had been a companion to Aria .
“I see . I’ve made a lady lose her way… I may have to

change the structure . ”
Annie’s cheeks glowed with affection . Burboom led her to a

sofa on the right side of the office and prepared tea to calm
her lost and frightened mind .
It was a simpler treatment than Aria’s visit, but Annie was

satisfied enough with it . In the first place, even though she
was a commoner, he called her a lady and treated her
politely .
Burboom, of course, just called the title “lady” because it

didn’t matter whether she was a noblewoman or not .
“I was about to buy a cake, and it’s great . ”
Annie handed the cake, and Burboom waved his hand with a
surprised face .
“How can I get this precious thing? Why don’t you have it
with Lady Aria later?”
“Of, of course, I’ve set aside Miss Aria’s share . I bought this
for extra money, so don’t worry about it . ”
The cake Annie gave him was put on the table when she
said she had Aria’s share . In fact, Annie was uncomfortable
with one side of her heart since she had not prepared it
separately, but she was able to erase it quickly because she
had more joy than that . So she wanted to enjoy her tea for
a while and enjoy the time with Burboom .
However, he had just taken a sip of the tea without waiting

for her to do it and asked her, “But why did you stop by here
today?”
“Ah… I’d like to buy some perfume . ”
“Are you talking about perfume?”
Burboom cocked his head . Just recently, he had given her

the perfume by types, but he was asking why she would buy
them again . It was more than enough for her to use for
years .
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“Yes . Lady Aria gave them to the maids of the mansion .

Miss always gives out what she has . ”
When Annie spoke proudly, Burboom’s expression was eerie

. It seemed a bit awkward and annoyed that Aria had given
someone the gifts he had given . At the same time,
however, he was admiring Aria’s character, which was
different from rumors .
“And…”
“… yeah?”
“And if I don’t have any perfume, I can see Baron Burboom

again . ”
Annie blushed her cheeks . Her makeup was thick and

slightly pinkish, but the color of the spring flowers matched
well with the shy girl’s face . It was enough to make the
hearts of boys of her age cry .
Annie wriggled her fingers and waited for Burboom’s answer

. Unable to look at the baron, her gaze was fixed on the cake
on the table . It was quite a courageous remark for her .
“… I see . ”
After a moment of silence, he answered slowly . His voice

was quivering fine . That alone made Annie feel how happy
he was . So she looked up with a hopeful face, and,
strangely, it was not Annie’s place where his eyes touched .
He looked as if he were looking somewhere far away . It was
a look as if to see someone not here .
“I didn’t know that Lady Aria thought so . She must have

been very kind . What’s more, she wanted to come back to
see me again…”
Burboom was very deluded . It was Annie, not Aria, who had
wanted to see him . He didn’t seem to have any interest in
Annie, so he didn’t seem to have thought of that possibility
at all .
“So, when did she say she’d visit again?”

At the same time that Burboom’s face turned red, Annie’s
face cooled down . Spring flowers withered and became
frosty snowflakes in winter, and the stars that twinkled in
her eyes suddenly disappeared, leaving only thick darkness
.
Annie didn’t think he’d pay attention to herself from the

beginning, but she didn’t think he’d pay attention to Aria .
‘Doesn’t he know what position Miss Aria has?’
Aria and Burboom did not match . Although she was of

humble origin, Aria was the daughter of Count Roscent . She
wasn’t a lady who he dared to covet . Therefore, Annie
thought he would match her, a commoner . So she forced
herself to smile .
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“I think it’ll take a while . I think I’ll be visiting for a while . ”
“Really? Is it worth it? She’s a busy lady . ”
Burboom, who was in a delusion, was still genuinely pleased

. If she said Miss Aria was not interested in him, would his
expression be able to remain? She was sure it would not .
Somehow, she went back to the mansion with a chill in her

heart . Her hands were filled with the perfume he had given
her . They were even a few bottles, but why were they so
heavy? Her feet were so heavy that she wondered if they
were going to go under the ground .
Annie’s steps stopped in front of Aria’s room . She had to
report because she had gone out . Annie, who had agonized
in front of Aria’s room for a long time, eventually failed to
overcome her duty and knocked on the door and raised her
voice . Unlike when she had left, Annie returned with a dull
face, and Aria welcomed her with a mother’s heart .
“What happened that it makes you look so sad?”
“Miss…”
Annie swallowed her words she wanted to tell, “The man I

showed interest in for the first time seems to like you,”
since Aria was the only one who could make her happy, both
now and in the future .

possible .
between chapters .

108

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Chapter 108 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XIV
Translator: Khan
“Berry, bring us warm tea . ”
Thanks to Aria’s care, Annie was able to hold the tea to melt
her cold heart . Even though it didn’t really melt her heart,
she felt much better about being able to get a hold of
something .
Aria, with a strange smile, looked at Annie for a moment .

Aria looked like she knew everything . As Annie shrank in
that glance, Aria said, holding her hand, “Annie, you can’t
be mistaken . You’re not that stupid, are you?”
“… yeah?”
“You don’t like Baron Burboom, but you like his background .
You won’t be happy if you try to have his heart . ”
Annie’s eyes were dazzled because she could not grasp

Aria’s intention . So Aria changed the question .
“If he had been a humble commoner, would you have been
interested?”
“Oh, no…”
“So you have to set aside Baron Burboom and his

background . He just has a background that will make you
happy . There are so many friendly and kind men in the
world . But few men are going to make you rich and happy .
”
Aria seemed to be already seeing what had happened

between Burboom and Annie . It was more like sending
Annie to him with anticipation . Still, Aria hoped Annie would
overcome it, like the past, present, and future Aria herself;
by blocking her mind before she got hurt, you would choose
any means and a way for her purpose .
“So you should try so that I can help you . ”
“Miss…” Clever Annie seemed to understand Arya .
Afterward, for the first few days, Annie seemed a little

depressed, but she soon regained her vigor . Then she
began to visit the Burboom’s shop again, which she had not
been there for a while . She seemed to have an ulterior
motive to show her face often .
“Today, he even served snacks himself . Of course, it didn’t

taste good because there was no sugar in it, but… I was so
happy about it, though!”
“Good for you, Annie . Baron Burboom seems to be a

brusque man, so I think it’s quite advanced . ”
Aria added a little caution so that she would not suffer the
same grief as in the past, and Annie no longer showed a sad
face . She was a smart girl, as her goal was firm .
‘It was just because of my face that he was interested in

anyway . ’
So Aria hoped Annie would win the heart of Burboom with

more sincerity than this . In the past, the face alone hadn’t
lasted very long .
Besides, they really looked quite close as they often saw

each other as Annie’s wish . Even though Aria didn’t know
the details because she didn’t see Baron Burboom anymore,
but according to Annie, it was so .
Anyway, it was smooth . There were some people who could

be called allies compared to the past, and she dealt with
Mielle’s mischievous acts with determination . She also
began making a new investment in Baron Burboom and was
introduced to other businessmen by the baron at his youth
business group meeting .
And what she liked most about this moment was that the
servants and maids of the mansion only treated her with
special treatment . It was during dinner time with everyone
when she realized that .
‘… why did the dressing suddenly taste so good?’
As Aria cocked her head at the taste of the sweet sauce, she
saw Mielle sitting opposite her putting the salad plate aside
.
“I can’t eat the salad until the sugar is supplied back . The
dressings don’t fit too much . ”
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“I got a little sugar and put it in, but it still tastes like this…
It must have been lacking . I thought I got it right . As
expected, there is a limit to what people can get with
someone else’s hands . We’re pressuring His Highness now,
so we’ll get an answer sooner or later . ”
Aria could feel that their food and hers tasted different
because even the count removed the salad .
Aria smiled secretly with that . They were very cute . They
changed their attitudes just because she had given them a
few bottles of perfume . It might be because they had never
received a gift from the Roscent family before . There had
been no need to give gifts to them who were paid the fair
salaries in the first place . The family might have done it if
they were the people, and they had to look good . However,
the nobles didn’t have to be seen good to mere servants
and maids .
After emptying the salad, which had been edible for a long
time, Aria glanced behind . Some good smell seemed to
come from the servants and maids, who were waiting
without expression . She couldn’t conceal her joy as if they
were on her side .
***
Aria felt like summer was passing by, just like in the past . In
a little more time, the supply of luxury goods would begin,
and the taste of the food would return . The nobles who
wanted to get back to their original lives would pay huge
sums of money for them .
It was when Aria, who imagined this and sent letters and
perfume as gifts to the young ladies and Sarah who she
could not meet for the whole summer, was indulging in
reading, enjoying refreshments in leisure . As she looked out
of the window, the mansion seemed to be a bit cluttered,
and she saw Lane, who had unexpectedly said that he would
never visit again .
‘Why the hell…?’
‘Why did he visit when he didn’t have to come?’ She went to

the first floor because she had wondered that even a letter
about the meeting had not come for the time being . The
first thing that came into her eyes was Mielle and her maids,
who laughed in a big smile .
Lane, who confirmed Aria, said delightedly,
“There was Lady Aria, too . I just had a gift for you . ”
“… a gift?”
As he beckoned, a very tall servant appeared with a large

box . She didn’t understand why the servant covered his
face with a hood, but she ignored it and asked Lane about
the contents of the gift .
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“What is this?”
“It’s no big deal . It’s a small gift from my master to Lady
Aria . Summer is coming to an end soon . ”
It was a pretty big box for a small gift . It was too big for a
woman to lift alone . ‘What on earth did he send, though it
would be Asher as if he were his master?’ While Aria was
agonizing, one of Mielle’s maids bragged about Mielle’s gift,
even though she was not asked .
“Miss, where on earth did he get all this sugar and honey? It
must have been quite expensive . ”
The present that Asher sent to Mielle seemed to be sugar .

As Mielle had left the box open, Aria found quite a bit of
sugar to be seen from afar . It must have been hard to get,
as the maid said . ‘Why on earth did he send so much sugar
to Mielle?’
‘Is Mielle still worthwhile for him to make use of?’
Aria felt a little upset and tried to go up to the room without

showing it off as much as she could, but Lane ordered the
tall servant to move the gift .
“I’ll take it to your room . It’s pretty heavy . ”
“… do it . I don’t know what it is, but thank you . ”
Aria checked his face to see how Asher was doing, why the
meeting was not held, and whether there was anything else
to do, but Lane only smiled as he checked Mielle’s regards .
Mielle also smiled sweetly at Lane who came in a long time .

“Since it’s been a long time, why don’t you have tea?”
“Thank you . ”
Aria went up to her room without regret after seeing the two
disappearing into the lounge . The servant with a large box
followed . When she saw him climbing up the stairs with a
large box, he seemed unusual .
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He put down the box in one of Aria’s room when he arrived

and headed for the door without saying goodbye, without
permission . She was about to click her tongue in his ill
manner, and the servant closed the open door, rather than
going out .
“… what, what?”
As it was unexpected, Aria stood back and asked . Her

tongue twisted in embarrassment . The servant turned
toward her before Aria added anything .
‘What an awful thing this is!’
When she was about to get angry, Aria could do nothing

when she saw his face exposed through the slowly peeling
hood . That was because it was a familiar face she knew .
“… Mr . Asher?”
“It’s been a long time . ”
The identity of the servant was surprisingly Asher . ‘Why did

he come up the stairs with a box, leaving a proper way?’
Aria, relieved that he wasn’t a complete stranger, swept her
heart away .
“… what brings you here?”

possible .
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109

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Chapter 109 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XV
Translator: Khan
It was a subtly sharp tone . This was why there were so

many emotions mixed up . There was also a feeling of blame
. In an unfriendly response, Asher smiled and approached
Aria .
“I don’t know, actually . I haven’t seen you in a long time . I

thought I’d have to meet you… Also, I couldn’t hold a
meeting for some reason . ”
“… what?”
Surprised by his overly straightforward way of talking, Aria

stepped back . However, the wall touched her back because
she had already reached its limit . Asher, approaching her
stride, stopped at a distance . It was only because it was
Aria’s room .
Aria could not help but blush as she pondered what he had
said during the course of the stillness . ‘Is there a woman
who won’t be blushed at the man’s remark that he came to
see her?’ Any cold-blooded woman would blush for a
moment .
“I was also worried that you would have no trouble eating . ”
But a moment later, the words from Asher’s mouth were

enough to make Aria’s hot face cold in a flash . ‘Trouble
eating? Do you mean the thing you gave to Mielle as a
present?’ She wondered if he visited her while he gave that
sugar as a gift to Mielle .
“… is it not Mielle, who you are worried?”
‘Isn’t it Mielle who received the gift?’ When she asked him
why he said that to her, Asher asked with a puzzled look,
“No way, don’t misunderstand . ”
“Misunderstanding?”
“The sugar I gave Lady Mielle was just to meet you . That
way, I can buy time, like this . ”
Perhaps because of the embarrassment of

misunderstanding, Aria’s face turned red again, and Asher’s
mouth was going up slowly .
“Did it bother you? Because I sent the sugar to Lady Mielle?”
“That’s…”
It would be a lie to say that it didn’t bother her . His

connection with Mielle had started from misunderstanding,
but Aria was still concerned about why he still sent Mielle a
gift . It was all the more so to think that it was Asher .
“… yeah . ”
Aria answered frankly . ‘It seems to be jealous if I deny it,
isn’t it?’ But it was also strange to say that it was nerve-
wracking . It was over if she thought that there was a reason
or that he was no longer interested in Mielle .
But she was nervous . In addition, there was even a slight

irritation about Asher . It was like Mielle watching her who
had received Oscar’s gift .
‘Why on earth?’ She had met him only a few times . He had
made her experience something as strange as today
whenever he had met him . ‘But why?’ Unlike Aria, whose
shyness reached the limit of her incomprehensible
emotions, the corners of Asher’s mouth were drawn good all
the time .
“… Ha-ha, I see . ”
The tone of Asher’s speech was very soft . He also looked

more friendly than any other expression she had ever seen .
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He kept his face for a moment and examined Aria’s

complexion . It was as if she was new to his eyes because
he had not seen her for a long time . So, as they spent a
quiet time, Lane’s voice came from outside the door . It was
an urging voice .
“… it seems that time is up . The next meeting will take

some time . Unfortunately, I have a little bit of a problem .
It’s hard to get out like this . I’ll contact you as soon as I
have a schedule . ”
“… I see . ”
After finishing his speech, he examined Aria’s face for a

while, but when Lane said there was no time, he left his
regret behind and finally disappeared . ‘Did you really miss
me? Why did you want to see me? Is it just because you
haven’t seen me for a long time?’
While agonizing alone for a long time, Jessie knocked on the

door . When she made an indication, Jessie came in with a
teapot in her hand . It was not her job anymore .
Nevertheless, Jessie put it on the table with a very bright
face .
“I brought it because I heard sugar came in . You like sweet

tea . They are making a cake now, and I’ll bring it as soon as
it’s finished . ”
She had to feel bad because Mielle had been given the gift,
but it made her feel better, thinking that it had been
actually a way to meet her . She wondered if she could feel
better so easily .
“Oh my, miss! What’s this big box?”
When Jessie noticed the box in the corner, she asked in

surprise .
“Uh? Ah . I got a present . ”
Come to think of it, she had been embarrassed, so she

didn’t even open the gift yet . Jessie unpacked the box, to
her discretion .
“Oh, my God…! What are all these?”

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When Aria checked inside beside Jessie, who was so

frightened that she couldn’t shut up, there were colorful
dresses and ornaments that she had never seen before .
‘Where the hell am I going to wear this fancy dress?’ She
would surely attract the attention of people at once,
everywhere she went .
‘And at the same time, I’ll be a target with such envy and
jealousy . ’
Unless she was a member of the imperial family or was at

the pinnacle of power, such a colorful and conspicuous dress
would be poisonous .
Nevertheless, laughter came out . She thought it might be

an atonement for discriminating against Mielle . A soft smile
hung on Aria’s lips .
The gift from Asher was kept in the dressing room as a box .
She didn’t think she’d be able to wear it anywhere else, and
she was afraid that it would be ruined when she took it out
and kept it exposed . His luxurious gifts were kept so quietly
like that .
The evil Mielle baked cakes and cookies with the sugar she
had received and handed them out to Aria, as if it was
mercy, and said at every meal, “I’m glad the food tastes so
good . ” The count and the countess were delighted to hear
her words and answered with an appropriate response,
“By the way, who in the world is Mr . Lane’s master? I can’t
believe he got this much sugar . ”
“Well… I don’t know, either . At least I don’t think there’s

anyone among the people I know . ”
If the count had known him, this sugar would have been first
handed down to the family of the Duke of Frederick, not to
the family of the Count of Roscent . For them, the first
priority was the dukes . Although she did not participate in
the conversation, Aria also imagined the identity of Asher
with them .
“Well, if that’s the case… Is he a close aide of the Crown

Prince?”
It was a pretty sharp guess . If he had this much money and

connections, he would not be a normal figure, but if the
count of the Aristocratic Party did not know, he was more
likely to be a close aide of the Crown Prince .
Of course, even so, the broad-footed count would know all

the Crown Prince’s close aides, but it was fair to think that
he was not a member of a group with close ties to the count
anyway . The count replied in agreement with that,
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“I think it’s most likely, but… Maybe not . ”
However, because the Roscent family belongs to the

Aristocratic Party, there was no way that a close aide to the
Crown Prince would continue to send gifts to Mielle .
“Is it so, aren’t I? I guess I’ve had too much speculation . ”
In the end, measuring the identity of Asher, as Aria had

done, failed . Had it been easy to see, it was clear that Aria
who had encountered him several times would have noticed
it first .
‘I must ask who he is the next time I meet him . ’
Asher had known her identity in advance and sent a man,

but until several times she had met him, she only didn’t
know his identity . Apart from her good feeling to him, she
should have grasped his identity . That was what she once
thought of as the most, who had experienced the past once
. She made herself a promise that the next time she met
him, she would find out who he was, even if she turned over
the hourglass or follow him .
***
Time passed quickly, summer ended, and autumn was in full

swing . In a little more time, severe winter would come . In
the meantime, luxuries dispensed by the lower aristocrat in
Pinonua province were supplied to the market . Other
aristocrats were still waiting for customs procedures, so he
went on to monopolize .
Because Aria had unleashed sugar only in the Flower

Mountain, there was panic buying, on the fear that the
goods that had come in might disappear at any time .
Thanks to this, a large number of luxury goods, including
sugar, began to be accumulated in the mansions of the
majority of the nobility . It was a little different from the past
.

possible .
between chapters .

110

XVI
Chapter 110 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XVI
Translator: Khan
Aria clicked her tongue by the window of her room to watch

the luxuries carried by the servants . Plenty of spices began
to pile up in the mansion of Count Roscent . The warehouse
was filled with a few bags of sugar and was most commonly
used, followed by honey or pepper .
‘Does the count think we need that much amount? Will he

be in trouble if a large quantity of supplies is released?’
It was quite possible because he was walking on a different

path from the past . The lower aristocrat must have
accumulated a great deal of wealth already, so he might
think it would be better to pull out his feet .
Of course, pulling out of his feet at this point would cause a

huge spike in luxury goods, but he wouldn’t mind since he
had already wrecked the market .
“Miss, I’ll bring some letters to you . ”

Aria was still imagining how the future would change, and
she heard a knock on the door . When she answered to
come in, Annie showed up with a few letters in her hand,
with a still bright face, today .
“Those are from Baron Burboom! He said they were the

ones he mentioned last time . And there are so many other
letters, too . ”
As he had promised, he had introduced promising young

businessmen to her from summer . Aria, who still didn’t
know much about business, chose a businessman to invest
in, thinking about what things and businesses were going to
be like in the future .
Most of the things she remembered, who had had little

interest in business in the past, were very unlikely to fail
because most of the items that would be fashionable were
in the social world . Even if some of the projects that were
accidentally invested in were destroyed, it would be clear
that the others would be revived and she would not lose
much .
Moreover, some businesses had been already gaining

momentum as soon as she had started to invest . Young
businessmen were quick in action . As soon as they had
received the investment, they had started or expanded their
businesses and began to gain recognition a little faster than
in the past .
Ignorant of the future, they expressed infinite gratitude to

Aria for investing in their unsteady businesses, and would
occasionally send long letters that were hard for her to read
.
Furthermore, some people had misunderstood that thing
had begun to work out thanks to Aria’s investment . They
were businesses that would work well someday, although
they might take some time even if they did not receive
investment .
‘They are supposed to be like that . ’
It was the privilege of the person who had turned over the
hourglass .
Aria relied upon a letter to invest, after selecting some of

the most impressive businessmen like Baron Burboom was
introduced to herself . ‘What better way to sit back and
make money and gain power?’
Moreover, the anonymous investor, who would invest large

sums of money on the basis of possibility, had already been
the subject of respect, envy, and attention to young
aristocrats . Perhaps, in a little more time, it might be
rumored that those who had been selected by Aria would
have a great success .
‘Who knows? If it works out that way, I’ll create a force

comparable to the Aristocratic Party . ’
People would gather to a person with plenty of money . And

there would be a loyal one to the person who would give
mercy and support them… Even if it turned out that it was
all the work of a wicked woman, she would be honored as a
saint, not as a wicked woman anymore . If that happened,
the one who was known to have been bullied by a wicked
woman so far might become a wicked woman . They would
say that she made false rumors to defame the saint .
—
So Aria fired all her tutors . They were the women hired for a
trial tasting anyway, and because she was creating larger
connections than those, and they were no longer useful .
‘And in order to take advantage of the three wives, I must

have ties to their sons…’
Somehow she felt a strange sense of guilt . It wasn’t a guilty

mind for wives and their sons . The target for the guilty
mind was none other than Asher . Without knowing why,
whenever she met the wives, and her tutors, she felt bad
because the face of Asher came up to her mind continuously
. That allowed her to fire the wives without regret .
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“Did, did I do something wrong? Do you think I was going

against you? Then please, forgive me…!”
When Aria said she would fire her, Viscountess Sirby

pleaded with tears . It was a natural result because the fish
she had thought she had almost caught declared that it
would run away to the sea .
Aria shook her head coldly and reminded Viscountess Sirby

of her incompetence . “No, I just want to learn more . I think
your knowledge is limited . I don’t have to waste my time . ”
“…!”
The wives pleaded with Aria several more times, but at last,
they felt their own incompetence and had to shed tears and
leave the mansion . It used to be a tearful scene, but now it
was the past . It would be better for her to clear up the
useless so quickly .
‘It won’t be long before a wicked woman becomes a saint,

and a saint becomes a wicked woman . ’
Her heart leaped as she imagined the glorious future . The

characters were crushed with force in the hand that wrote a
reply letter . But they became rather a strong handwriting
and filled the letter . It was clear that it would leave a strong
impression on the minds of young businessmen who would
receive letters .
***
[I’m sorry I’m late, Lady Aria . I really want to meet you
because I haven’t seen you for a long time . The Marquis,
too . ]
It was not long before Aria’s sixteenth birthday that she got
a letter from Sarah .
Sarah talked about the meeting after two seasons as if she

had been busy in preparation for next year’s engagement
and the education to be the marquise . There was no reason
to refuse her, so Aria replied right away that she knew it,
and the schedule was quickly set . It was a very close day if
it was left out in advance .
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Aria, not too much stylish, headed for the mansion of the
marquis . Aria had remained up all night wondering how the
marquis who had earnestly wooed to Sarah would greet her
.
“Miss, we have arrived . Please get off . ”
Aria arranged her dress as the voice was heard from outside
the carriage . She checked and checked with Jessie who sat
on the other side many times if she was okay . Then a
relieved Aria nodded . The carriage door slowly opened . It
was time to check the results of the long work .
“Welcome to the mansion of the marquis, Lady Roscent . ”
Aria, who was walking to get off the wagon, stopped moving

. As usual, she had thought the butler of the mansion, or
Sarah would have come out to meet her because the person
who greeted her was a very unexpected one .
“Oh, I’m okay . ”
The Marquis of Vincent with a very worried face laid his

hand on Aria . It seemed to mean holding his hand and
slowly getting off . The knight who had been trying to escort
her took a step back, and Aria’s hand, which trembled a
little, held the hand of the Marquis of Vincent .
Contrary to rumors of being blunt and cold, he was

embarrassingly polite and kind . It was Sarah who welcomed
Aria off the wagon after the marquis, and who would
guarantee her future .
“Lady Aria, you had a hard time coming . ”

“Lady Sarah…!”
Sarah seemed to have been really busy, and she had lost a
little weight . Due to the thinness of her face, Aria could find
the maturity from Sarah, which had been lacking .
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Sarah and the Marquis of Vincent seemed to have worked

quite hard to welcome Aria . It was like they had come out
to meet Aria in person and waited, having split their busy
time, and so did the servants and maids who treated her
politely . It was also the case with a parade of luncheon
meetings set up with rare materials that were not easily
seen .
Before the main menu came out, the Marquis of Vincent

asked Aria, “I don’t know if you love this food . ”
“Of course, I love it . ”
“I’m so glad you love it . ”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for preparing such

good food . ”
All food was fit for her mouth as if they had prepared it after
grasping her taste . Sarah was laughing when she saw Aria
and the Marquis exchanging conversations . The friendly
conversation between the person she loved the most and
the girl she cherished with each other was unparalleled
happiness for her .
possible .
between chapters .

111

XVII
Chapter 111 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XVII
Translator: Khan
“As I told you before, the handkerchief you have is one of

the pair which Lady Aria has . They were handkerchiefs
made to celebrate Lady Aria’s birthday . ”
“Ah, you mean the handkerchief that connected me to Lady

Sarah . ”
The eyes of the Marquis of Vincent answering Sarah was

very friendly . He really fell in love with Sarah . The eyes of
the Marquis of Vincent, who returned to Aria were also filled
with kindness . He seemed not to care about Aria’s rumors,
which were circulating in the public .
“I really thank you very much,” said the marquis, smiling

softly .
Facing the face from the front, Aria stiffened herself .
‘Have I ever been treated so warmly by someone I met for

the first time?’ This friendly, tender look was strange to Aria,
who had lived in anxiety as she had always walked on thin
ice .
She had always imagined and drawn such a response, but

when she faced it, she found that a stunned feeling, rather
than joy, stormed her . She had vowed to laugh as hard as
she could . However, the never-experienced moment
confused her .
“Aria…?”
When Aria’s face, which had always smiled brightly, became

dark, Sarah, who was embarrassed, asked her, “What’s the
matter?” The marquis also alternately looked at Aria and
Sarah with a look of concern that he might have made some
mistakes .
Aria raised her head and faced two pairs of eyes that sent a
worried light toward her . She had just thought of them as a
platform to use . The situation was more difficult than she
had thought, as the unfamiliar feelings that she had never
experienced before rushed into her .
However, she could not continue to cry . Aria, who had

straightened her face soon, raised her mouth to create a
smiling face . Unlike her usual seductive smile, it was a little
awkward today .
“I really want you two to be happy . ”
It was awkward, but her smile, which was so pure and clean,
was a heartfelt smile that Aria had never been able to
express .
***
The Marquis of Vincent treated Aria as kindly and
affectionately as Sarah as if to share the thoughts and
feelings of Sarah . Even if she was close to Sarah, she was
the only foreign object of the family of Count Roscent . They
tried their best not to let Aria suffer any inconvenience in
their mansion, so Aria had to accidentally feel a great deal
of emotion, like, feelings of an unnecessary guilty mind .
But those feelings had been forgotten in just a week .

Compared to the pain and unhappiness of Aria, and the path
she had to walk to survive in the future, the slightest
emotion was smaller than the dust that flew in the air . So
she could get rid of it .
‘Those little things won’t help me in my life anyway . ’
Aria spent her birthday with that kind of heart . After fifteen,
she became sixteen before she was aware . It was the
second sixteenth birthday that was different from the past .
On her birthday, Sarah was so busy that she just showed
her face and returned . Therefore, Aria spent her birthday
with the young ladies, who she couldn’t even remember
their names . Just in case, she had sent a letter to Oscar, but
naturally, he didn’t show up . It was heartless to say that
there was no reply .
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And an anonymous and colorful gift arrived before Aria, and

the contents contained a tulip flower that did not wither well
so that it could be easily measured that who sent it .
Especially, unlike last year’s birthday when there had been
a band, it was so simple that Mielle, who had shown up with
a bouquet of flowers and ruined the atmosphere, didn’t care
. Aria was behind the scenes when the princess revealed her
intention to attend the birthday party of Mielle, which would
be just after Aria’s birthday .
Of course, it was simple but full of passion because Aria had

got favors from the servants and maids . Although the size
of the visitors and the party was so simple that it was not up
to anyone’s mouth .
Aria, however, did not think much, because it was still time
to stay quiet . She was just a wicked woman, who could not
reveal her true identity on the surface, although she might
have the enthusiastic support of young aristocrats and
businessmen behind her . It was an animal hiding in the
grass with its sharp teeth hidden .
“Are you sure you want to go down, miss?” Annie asked with
a worried look . She was asking if Aria would really like to
attend Mielle’s birthday party, which was about to begin .
Aria nodded . “I’ve received a formal invitation, so I’ll have

to attend . ”
“Even so… I don’t think you should go, miss . ”
“No, I can’t . ”
Aria had a premonition that something very bad was about

to happen, but she couldn’t avoid it . It was better to know
than not to know . That way, she could prepare for it . And…
Oscar might attend . Since he had participated last time and
even the princess had said that she would attend this event,
it was highly likely . Aria wanted to meet him face to face
once again and have a conversation . She wanted to ask
why he had broken up with her so simply .
In order to keep up with Mielle, she even used cosmetics

that she had never used before . The addition of color to her
lips and bringing life to her cheeks reminded her of the past,
the day she had always tried to make herself gorgeous and
to get some attention . But the end had been the evil
woman of misfortune all along . Even the only pretty face,
which had been better than Mielle, had been poison to her .
There had been countless curses for a pretty woman of
humble origin .
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“Oh, my God . The prostitute’s daughter is attending now?”
Yeah, the prostitute’s daughter had been a nickname that

had been called more than a name .
“Come to think of it, she attended last year, didn’t she?”
“She is stupid and even had no keen sense to read the

situation . ”
“Oh, poor Lady Mielle . ”
“Sometimes there is such a foolish girl . It’s something

that’s not worth being born . ”
Those who gathered in the hall were ready to curse Aria for
Mielle . No, they were already spewing curses at Aria in a
plausible manner .
Annie, who was at the back, whispered to Aria in a very low
voice . “Oh, my God… their mouths are no different than a
trash can . Miss, don’t mind . ”
“Don’t worry . I don’t care at all . ” Aria snorted and took a

sip of her drink . The alcohol-free champagne tickled down
the roof of her mouth and throat .
The eyes of everyone in the hall swept through her body .

There was a mixture of complex and subtle feelings in those
eyes .
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However, her absolute beauty attracted people’s attention .

Aria kept her chin up even though she heard voices that
were insulting her . However, there was no need to shout or
use an arrogant figure like in the past to give them any
chance to blame her . Aria, who drew everyone’s attention
in the hall where the main character was away, took the
place of Mielle .
And she certainly thought so . Until Mielle appeared with

Oscar . The moment Aria saw Mielle’s bright smile that she
had never seen before, Aria’s blood became cold .
It was a very bright smile, unlike her last birthday . No

matter how pleasant Oscar’s visit was, it was strange to
laugh so gladly . It was as if she had everything in the world
. Unfortunately, Aria’s anxiety was right . As Oscar and
Mielle arrived at the center of the hall, the count and the
countess moved to the center . In addition, there was
Princess Isis whom Aria had not seen in a long time . And
with them was a woman that Aria was seeing for the first
time .
‘Who…?’
It was a young lady that had just laughed at her but cleared
Aria’s curiosity . She put the woman’s identity in her mouth
with a very surprised look . “Oh, my God, she’s the duchess
. What is she doing here?”
The woman with a flamboyant fan seemed to be the

Duchess of Frederick . It was only too a big shot to attend
the birthday of the daughter of the family of Count Roscent
at best . This added to Aria’s anxiety . That was why Oscar
and Mielle stood together in the center of the hall, and the
representatives of each family gathered . They would not do
so for no reason .
Soon, on behalf of everyone, Isis opened her mouth . “It’s a

little early, but I’d like to let all of you know first, who are
here . ”

possible .
between chapters .

112

XVIII
Chapter 112 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XVIII
Translator: Khan
At the words, Aria’s face hardened . No way . Aria gave a

desperate look to her mother, who was the only one there
on her side . But on purpose, her mother didn’t make eye
contact with Aria . The elegantly smiling face served only to
bless the noble future of Mielle from the beginning of time .
She didn’t seem to care about Aria’s desperate look .
Isis continued her words, “It’s a little early, but we can’t help
it because they love so much . ”
At Isis’s words, Mielle laughed with a happy face . Aria’s

heart fell down .
‘Why?’ Aria could predict what Isis was going to say without
having to listen to what she was about to say . Aria’s gaze
suddenly turned to Oscar, who stood next to Mielle . Oscar
fixed his eyes on his sister without making any facial
expressions .
‘… really, you’ve turned away . ’

Aria tried to find it over and over again, but she had been
constantly searching for other reasons for their sudden loss
of contact because of her lingering attachment . She was
assuming that it was because of Princess Isis .
‘But… that’s really what Oscar wanted . ’
If not, he would not be able to accept it, nodding through .

Now she really needed to throw away the card of Oscar .
What would she do if she held on to someone who had
never looked at her in the past or even now? Nevertheless,
she kept looking at Oscar’s expression because he was the
best card to hurt Mielle .
“When Lady Mielle becomes an adult, we are going to hold

an engagement ceremony right away . I’m going to give her
the ring of promise that is passed down to our family from
generation to generation . ”
Oscar moved at Isis’s hand gesture . He took a small ring

out of his arms . It was a diamond ring in the shape of a rose
. It was also owned by the wife of the Duke of Frederick for
generations . Mielle reached out her hand with a shy, red
face . It was time for the duchess of the future to receive the
ring .
Aria couldn’t bear to see it, so she got up from her seat . No
one paid attention to a wicked woman’s departure . No,
except for one . Oscar’s gaze followed Aria, who was
climbing up the stairs . After he had arrived here, he had put
her in his eyes .
And when Mielle noticed this, she spoke to Oscar, who had
stopped moving, “What a pretty ring . I never dreamed I’d
be wearing a promise ring . ”
Oscar’s hand, which had stopped, moved again . It was to
put the ring of promise on Mielle’s finger . There was
nothing he could do about a future that was already set .
***
“Miss Aria!”
It was in the garden on the second floor that Aria moved her
steps in defiance of Annie calling her name from behind, a
garden created by the countess with lofty tastes . And it was
also a place where Oscar and Aria had memories of .
‘Why did I come here…? What on earth did he come here

for?’
Well, it was time for her to let Oscar go perfectly . He would

no longer return to Aria . He even announced his
engagement to everyone . Oscar showed no interest in her,
though she would be willing to be a foreign object if he
showed her a wobbly look .
Annie barely gasped for breath and said to Aria, who was
entering the garden . “Miss… why don’t you go back to your
room?” She blurted her words with concern because she
was one of the few who knew Aria had exchanged letters
with Oscar .
Instead of going back, however, Aria sat on a chair in the

garden . “I’m sorry… can you get me some tea?”
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“Yes, miss . ”
It wasn’t her job to do that now, but Annie left the garden to
prepare the tea without saying anything . Aria, who was
alone, buried her face in her palms and hid her distorted
face . She thought it would be terribly horrible for her face
that she had decorated to show Oscar well .
It was time to let him go perfectly . No, maybe that time had
come a long time ago . It had been the right time when he
had asked to cut off their contact . She had been in agony
again because she had had regrets .
‘There are a lot of other things, but only for Oscar…’
Now, there were many other cards besides Oscar . Of

course, he was the best card to inflict the crushing pain on
Mielle, but there was nothing more foolish than to keep
chasing a card that she could not get .
For a while, she cleared her mind by drinking the tea Annie
had brought her . No one was looking for Aria for a long time
even after Annie left as well .
Aria rose from her seat as she stared at the scarlet sunset
window . There was a loud noise through the stairs on the
first floor, whether there were many people who had not yet
returned, though it was late .
After looking at it for a long time, she moved to the third

floor where her room was . Her steps were as heavy as a
stone, but every effort was made to quench the lingering
mind . Then as she passed the last stairway and passed the
hallway leading to her room, she could see something
detached in front of her room .
‘… What is that?’
She noticed that it was a small box when she got close and
checked . It was even packed as if it were a gift . ‘Why is
there a present in front of my room when it is Mielle’s
birthday?’ Aria picked up the box and tore the package . It
was hers, as it was in front of her room .
‘This…!’
Sponsored Content
Aria’s eyes opened wide when she saw the content . It was a
rose-shaped brooch made of red diamonds; it was a very
similar design to the brooch that Aria had previously given
to Oscar .
The color and the shape of the diamond were different, so

she would not know when she set them apart, but if she put
them side by side, she would definitely feel like they were
matched .
‘Why on earth and who did send this?’
The answer was fixed . It was obvious that Oscar had sent it
. ‘But why on earth would he do this?’ He hadn’t even had
eye contact with her . No one else would know about the
brooch, so there was no way anyone else would have sent it
. ‘Why did he send such a brooch?’
Aria tumbled over the bed, agonizingly . The brooch in her

hand sparkled in the glow of the sunset . She didn’t know
what he meant, but it was clear that he still had regret for
her . Otherwise, he would not have sent her a brooch that
needed to be crafted with such care .
‘Yes, it makes no sense to stop ties so suddenly . ’
It was clear that there had been a reason . The laughter that
leaked out filled the empty room . Oscar and Mielle
announced their engagement, but she felt as if she were
flying .
However, as time went by, her excited feelings came back

gradually . ‘Why did he just leave the gift behind, not
looking at my face, not even a letter?’ It was better to reply
to the letter than to leave the gift behind . ‘Doesn’t he know
how nervous I was?’ He had made her so anxious, but he
had only given her a gift like this .
She just wanted to let him go today, who was the most
useful card to use to cut off Mielle’s head, but all of a
sudden, he gave a gift .
‘What the hell am I supposed to do? Are you trying to put

your head in so that I can use it?’
Then she had to use it . Aria, holding the brooch in her hand,
hurried downstairs . It was to check the face of Oscar, who
had possibly sent it .
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Still, the first floor was noisy with the party celebrating
Mielle’s birthday . Everyone seemed to be talking about
Mielle and Oscar’s future when Aria heard the words
‘engagement’ or ‘adult’ from time to time .
‘Foolishly, he secretly sent a gift to another woman on his
fiance’s birthday . ’
As expected, the woman he had in mind was herself .

Otherwise, that Oscar would not have sent a gift to another
woman for his fiance’s birthday .
Aria, standing at the foot of the stairs leading down to the

first floor, looked for the trail of Oscar . Luckily, Oscar was
sitting near the stairs . He was with Princess Isis, staring at
the front with a stiff face that didn’t go well with the
birthday party .
So Aria stopped trying to approach straight to Oscar and

watched them for a while . No word was heard, but the
princess was constantly talking to Oscar . As the
conversation continued, Oscar’s expression grew harder .
‘What are they talking about?’

possible .
between chapters .

113

XIX
Chapter 113 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XIX
Translator: Khan
Aria, who watched the two talk for a while, met eyes with
Isis, who happened to turn her head . Hiding a look of
surprise, Aria greeted Isis politely, and Isis replaced her
answer with a cold look . It was a rude response, no matter
how unnoticed it was, even the eldest daughter of the
family of the Duke of Frederick .
‘That’s going to be her true self . ’
Aria was not offended because she had already had that
kind of reaction hundreds or thousands of times . On the
contrary, she seemed to know her true self, so there came
no laughter . And now she wanted to talk to Oscar more
than that .
In return, Oscar, who noticed his sister’s cold face, turned

his head to see where his sister’s eyes were going . At the
unexpected sight of Aria, Oscar solidified himself with a
surprised face .
Again, Aria greeted Oscar without losing her elegance . She
added an alluring smile that had always thrown him into
confusion and trials . It was also a reward for the birthday
gift . It was a moment of wonder how he would react . The
princess, who faced Aria’s smile with Oscar, narrowed the
middle of her brow to a point that it could not be seen .
‘Should he blush? Or would he get out of his seat right now

and come this way?’
The princess tapped Oscar’s arm with a fan as Aria was

expecting him to smile at least because he had left a gift
behind in front of her room . Then Oscar, who bit his lower
lip, turned his head coldly from Aria, without showing any
answer .
The princess wiped her brother’s cheek with a very

benevolent and gentle smile, like a compliment . It
happened very quickly .
‘… Why the hell?’
Aria couldn’t do anything for a while because she had never

dreamed of being ignored by Oscar at the time when she
had even received a gift . It was cruel of him not to give her
a small smile, no matter how close the princess was .
After all, it was Oscar and the princess who left the seat first
. He appeared to be leaving the mansion . Aria had been
hardened on the stairs for a long time, but he had not given
a single glance . It was the end of the loser . Aria bit her lips
as soon as they left and returned to her room .
‘How many times does he have to disappoint me?

Finally, after returning to her room feeling miserable, Aria
stared at the brooch in her hand .
‘If he was going to ignore this, why did he send me this

brooch?’
Because she felt as if she had been fooled by him many

times, she was so angry that she raised her hand to throw it
in her hand, and at the end of her gaze, her eyes reached
the bright-colored flower . It was a tulip sent by Asher, the
flower that had not been in the past . It had been quite a
while since she had received it, but its freshness remained
unchanged .
When it caught her sight, she was now able to realize her
own reality . Unlike in the past, she had been accomplishing
many things . The tulip was one of them . When she thought
so, she felt her anger chilled .
‘Foolishly… I tried to use him, but was it me who was

eventually used?’
Aria had only given Mielle great happiness . The

engagement was only a matter of time, as Mielle had even
got the ring, though three years were left until her coming
of age . Mielle might marry him with an engagement at the
same time .
With her hatred of Oscar came the ugly face of Mielle, the
main culprit of all this . Aria put strength to her hand which
grabbed the brooch .
‘The devilish bitch . ’
If Mielle had left her alone, Aria would have grown up to be

a satisfied girl with a fancy dress with ribbons and jewels .
She would have lived a modestly complacent life and
stupidly without wishing for any further rise in status .
But what about the results? The past tidal waves came, and
her vengeance against Mielle made her heart throb again .
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‘If I show Mielle this brooch… how will she take it?’
Yeah . That was a very good idea . It was clear that Mielle
would recognize the identity of the brooch . She had been
bragging about getting a brooch from Oscar, so she would
be going to be upset . In addition, her faith in Oscar would
also be cracked . Of course, the cracks would not easily
destroy Mielle’s one-sided love, but they would be placed
deep in her heart, in the sense of doubt .
Aria decided to put it into practice straight away . It was a

very childish move, but for now, that was the only way to
hurt Mielle . Such a trivial move would become a fatal
dagger and settle in her heart as a pain . It was a precious
and desperate experience that Aria had experienced in
person in the past .
And the date was very close . Aria decided to do it a few

days later because it would only add to the image of the
wicked girl if she did it now on Mielle’s birthday .
Aria, with a brooch on her chest, sat down at the table . As

always, no one paid attention to her . Still, she did not
shrink and sought the right time . Recently, the main topic
of conversation was Mielle’s engagement, so she listened
quietly .
“… So I thought it would be appropriate after Miss Isis

marries . ”
“It may be nice . The Crown Prince needs to make a decision

quickly . ”
“Oh, my God… then Isis, the Crown Prince’s wife, will attend
Mielle’s engagement, right? And His Highness, too . ”
The countess spoke in superlatives with great surprise .

Realizing that Aria no longer had a chance, she put all her
heart into the future of Mielle .
The engagement ceremony, blessed by the royal family,

was significant . It would also help to build to save their face
. In the first place, it meant that the marriage of the Crown
Prince and the Princess, the Crown Prince’s Party
succumbed to the Aristocratic Party at the point of marriage
. And Mielle was to enter into such a family’s hostess .
“Somehow, he will attend, right?”
“There must be many things to care about . You’ll have to

be the most beautiful bride in the world . Which designer
should we call for your dress?”
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“It was decided that we’d be going to fix the dress the

duchesses have worn for generations . It’s been a while
since you came to the family of Count Roscent, so I’m sure
you don’t know well… The duke family’s engagement and
wedding ceremonies have been held like that for
generations . ”
Mielle’s reply was so cold that the countess was

embarrassed, who tried to pretend to know and prepare for
the engagement . Mielle’s face was full of smiles, but her
tone reproached the ignorance of the countess .
So the countess struggled to keep her smile on her face and

asked again . “… Have you already decided to do that?”
“Yes, the princess cares about it in many ways . ”
Aria wanted to throw hot soup on Mielle’s face, smiling

brightly . But there was something to ruin her face much
more effectively than hot soup . It was the brooch . Aria
straightened her back and broke into the conversation with
her heart wide open .
“I really envy you, Mielle . You’ll definitely be the most

beautiful bride in the Empire . ”
“… Thank you, sister . ”
To Aria’s sudden celebration, Mielle answered with an

awkward face . It seemed that she didn’t know Aria was
going to get involved in this conversation .
It was Aria who had been eating quietly for days without
interrupting the conversation . And Mielle had also
deliberately brought up topics that Aria could not step into .
But it wasn’t Aria who was still there . “So you said that
Oscar had given you a brooch before? Actually, not long
ago, I also got a brooch as a present . ”
She naturally changed the subject to Oscar’s story . Since
Mielle also had a precious brooch on her chest today, the
conversation was very plausible . Everyone’s eyes turned to
Aria’s chest .
“Rose… shape? The design is…!” Mielle’s eyes trembled

after checking the brooch .
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“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I think it’s a red diamond . ”
Her words of beauty were true, so the count and the

countess expressed some interest . Each family’s emblems,
which embellished flowers, were often used as decorations,
so they did not seem to think strangely . That was because
they had announced Mielle’s engagement just a few days
ago .
The countess, who was always interested in jewelry, asked,

“It looks pretty expensive . Who did you get it from?”
“I don’t know . It was in front of my room while I was away

to attend Mielle’s birthday party . ”
Mielle’s face turned pale when Aria hinted that she had
received it from someone who had been also anonymous on
Mielle’s birthday .

possible .
between chapters .

114

XX
Chapter 114 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XX
Translator: Khan
“Oh my God, is that one of the attendees?”
“Maybe so?”
“I guess he was here to deliver the gift he hadn’t delivered

on your birthday . ”
“I wished he would have revealed his name even though it

was late…”
But wouldn’t Mielle know the name of the man who had
given this brooch? The mere look of her pale face revealed it
. It had such a similar atmosphere to Mielle’s brooch, which
she was carrying on her chest every day .
“… It’s pretty . ” The bright energy faded from her face

when Mielle checked the brooch . Her subsequent meal
seemed to be going wrong smoothly . Mielle, who left more
than half of her food, got up from her seat first, making an
excuse that she was not feeling well .
The countess asked with a worried look, “Do you want me to
call a doctor?”
“No, I think I’ll be fine with a little rest . I guess it’s because
I’m tired . ”
“Emma, I hope you take good care of Mielle just in case . ”
“Yes, I see . ”
As soon as the count’s permission fell, Mielle, who hurried to

her room, said to Emma, who was about to follow her into
the room,
“Just leave me alone for a second . ”
Since that was Mielle’s first order after a long time, Emma
hurriedly looked around to see if anyone was present . A
moment later, with the sound of something breaking in the
room, Mielle’s screams came and Emma closed her eyes .
“Miss…”
Worried about Mielle in such a panicky mood, Emma entered

the room with caution as soon as the room became quiet .
Then, she hurriedly checked Mielle’s condition . As usual,
there was not a scratch on Mielle’s skin and silky hair . So
she began to put away the broken pieces first after being
reassured .
“Emma…” By the time she was almost done, Mielle, who

was quietly sitting on the sofa called Emma’s name .
Emma, who gathered the pieces together, approached
Mielle . “Yes, miss . ”
“What do I have to do? I’m in a very bad mood . ”
It had been obviously an upsetting affair . It would have

caused great anger for an ordinary woman, but what was
from Mielle’s mouth was that she was in a very bad mood .
Mielle was a child who had to hide herself and had to blow
off her anger .
Emma consoled her with her painful heart . “You’re about to

be the duchess, so let your anger go . I’ll take care of the
wicked prostitute’s daughter . ”
“Emma…” Despite Emma’s consolation, however, Mielle

could not ease her anger . It had been two years since the
filthy girl had come into the family of Count Roscent, and
Aria still carried her head up .
And somehow, it seemed that Aria had stolen Oscar’s heart .

It had been unusual from the first meeting, but as the days
and years had passed, something that had been worth
worrying about had happened . For example, Oscar had
taken the girl’s handkerchief first, or he had visited Aria on
her birthday . Most of all, from time to time he had paid his
attention to the wicked girl with a dumbfounded look .
‘And the brooch…’
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No one would have been able to make such a brooch if it
hadn’t been for Oscar . The design and atmosphere
resembled that of her brooch . The brooch seemed to fit in
much more naturally than the brooch she had .
She got help from Princess Isis, but she couldn’t calm down
because she felt Oscar and Aria were getting involved . Born
a noble from the beginning of her life, she was not such a
violent person who expressed her feelings, but after Aria’s
appearance, she had often let out an ugly side of her . She
didn’t like it either .
“What happened to the new maid attached to Aria?”
“Ah… she seems to be working hard, but I don’t think that

bitch can easily open her heart . ”
Berry had been such a clever girl that Emma had believed
she would do much better than Annie, who had been
charmed by Aria, but it hadn’t been as easy as Emma had
thought . Berry had not been able to escape from her chores
until the dark night before sunrise .
Berry said that she would have to clean the same place all
day long without any time to report . Berry also said that
Aria would find fault with her job, even though she had
wiped the same spot again and again, and it was not only
Aria that she needed to worry about . Annie and Jessie were
also harassing her . Emma, who was embarrassed when she
recalled Berry, who was crying, blurred her words .
“I need to write a letter to the princess . ”
Mielle asked Emma to bring the letter, but Emma stopped

her .
“Miss, you’ve been writing to her for a long time about your
engagement . Now that you’ve received the promise ring,
why don’t you trust Oscar and wait?”
Mielle must have been very important to the princess, but it

would not be good to write to the princess every time like
this . Moreover, the Crown Prince’s recent movements made
the princess look uncomfortable .
Some of the Aristocratic Party had been told that their

business had gone bankrupt . Emma had heard that they
were even considering leaving the capital, saying that there
was no possibility of their business being revived . But they
would perish like that because the princess was the person
to reach out to those who had already gone bankrupt .
While the bankrupt aristocrats were not the main figures of

the Aristocratic Party, an increase in the number of their
downfall would surely create anxiety within the Aristocratic
Party . No, there was already a bit of talk . If they would go
bad so slowly like that, they would explode someday .
Of course, the rumors Emma had heard through her old

connections and what she had seen over Mielle’s shoulder
were all, but she thought Mielle shouldn’t bother the
princess anyway with such a little thing . What was more, it
was a matter of relationship between man and woman .
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“I believe Mr . Oscar, of course, but I have to get rid of the

bad pest that sticks around him . ”
“Miss, I’ll do something about the pest . So you only think
about being a good duchess . ”
Mielle blinked her eyes at Emma’s soothing tone and asked,

“… How would you do that?”
“Would I add seasoning to her tea?”
“Seasoning?”
Mielle’s eyes glistened upon hearing the word ‘seasoning’,

even though she knew it was not just a condiment to make
a drink taste good .
“But who is going to put it in?”
Unless someone was hired from the outside, it was

impossible to do so . One person had to sacrifice herself to
finish it from the inside . They would not be able to easily
get a person to do it because of last year’s wagon incident .
“I’ll get the person, miss . So, miss, just relax and savor your
future of being a duchess . ”
They were just words to calm Mielle down anyway . Mielle

would forgive her even if she wouldn’t finish it properly .
Emma was no different from her mother, who had taken
care of her since she had been very young .
And if Aria would really interfere with Mielle, Emma would

step in herself . It would be meaningful if she sacrificed
herself to promote Mielle’s well-being . However, she just
didn’t feel the need to do so yet .
“More than that, there was a faction that was created lately
. Why don’t you try to get acquainted with them?”
Emma recommended having Mielle contact young
aristocrats, recalling the recent creation of a new faction
around them . Until now, the new faction had not been an
important force, but suddenly they had begun to make a
name for themselves at a certain point . They were still
young and inexperienced, but even though the reason had
not been known to the public, they had made a huge
success in every business they had done, and everyone had
had a great interest in most of their projects .
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They did not have a great man to lead them, but somehow
they had clung together as if they had been centered on
someone . They were even close enough to hold meetings
among themselves often .
Mielle nodded, saying it was a good idea because she had

also known them .
“Good idea, Emma . I’m sure the princess would like it, too .
”
“Sure . Since our cash cow is in danger, we should attract a

new force and build a friendship . They are in the middle
ground now, but don’t you think they want to belong to a
party?”
“I think so, too . ”
“Moreover, our side has you and the princess, and they may
be anxious to come in . ”
“Why didn’t I think of that? I’m sure the princess will like
that . I’ll have a meal with their wives . ”
“Yes! I think if you ask them to have lunch together, they’ll

welcome you with open arms . ”

possible .
between chapters .

115

XXI
Chapter 115 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XXI
Translator: Khan
“Then would you contact them?”
“Don’t worry, miss!”
At last Emma swept her chest down on Mielle’s brightened

face . Bringing young aristocrats to the Aristocratic Party
would earn the trust of the princess more than it was now,
and the value of Mielle would rise .
No matter how successful the business was, a lower

aristocrat would always be a lower aristocrat . For the
future, they would need a network of people to support
themselves . And for that personal connection, Mielle was
very appropriate .
***
Not long after the year had changed, the mansion had been
in a state of uproar . Some wives Aria had never seen had
visited the mansion of Count Roscent . It had been because
of the tea party hosted by Mielle . It was hard for Aria to
understand because Mielle had always invited high-ranking
nobles who would be profitable to her .
It was the same for Annie, too, and she went downstairs,
secretly glanced at the meeting, and returned to Aria’s room
with a puzzled face .
“I don’t understand . How can Ms . Mielle hang out with the

baronesses? There is even a commoner!”
She looked quite disappointed in her anger . Although she

had been so fascinated by the gold and silver treasures that
she had sided with Aria, she seemed shocked by the sudden
change in Mielle, whom she had long admired .
The brooch on Annie’s chest, sitting on the other side,

sparkled in the light . It was a rose brooch from Oscar . The
brooch, which had played Mielle dozens enough, ended up
in Annie’s hands .
The card had to be thrown away with certainty . Aria wasn’t

going to hold Oscar anymore . Aria, who had risked her
future on him when she had first returned, was no longer
applicable .
Now she had achieved quite a lot, and she would have
better cards in the future . Arranging them one by one had
convinced her that Oscar alone meant nothing . The brooch
now had no value left but as a present, it will have, as Aria
had given it to Annie . If she would meet him, she would not
feel anything . After glancing at it, Aria asked, “What were
they talking about?”
“It sounded like a business story… I don’t know well . It was

a kind of business story, and they were talking about their
husbands’ business?”
“Really?”
Aria was also curious at the meetings, which had been held
nearly everyday . ‘What could have changed her like this,
even though it was Mielle, who had never been associated
with a lower aristocrat, let alone a commoner?’
Unable to resist the curiosity, Aria went downstairs

pretending to take a walk . Because of the winter, they had
a meeting in the garden on the second floor . The door to
the garden was open, so Aria went into it as if she were
taking a walk .
Inside, there were fifteen young women and Mielle drinking

tea and talking about something . She walked slowly
through the garden and heard it at first, but the main story
was about business . In between, there was a laugh of a girl
.
“Oh, miss…!”
While listening carefully, one of the attendants noticed

Aria’s visit . It was also because Aria approached their table
. Dozens of eyes were intrigued by the newly featured
figure, and to clear up their curiosity, Mielle called Aria’s
name,
“Aria . ”
“Mielle . ”
Mielle seemed to have forgotten all about the brooch . She

was smiling in harmony with the assembled women . Aria
couldn’t tell if it was pretentious or not, but the fact that
Mielle was smiling in itself made Aria feel bad .
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‘What in the world has made her so happy?’ Aria tried to

take a look at one by one, but they had not been in her
memory, and they were only small fries .
“This is my elder sister . ”
Mielle introduced Aria to the women who gathered . It was a

very simple introduction with no modifiers, but everyone
greeted with a different look as if they had recognized Aria .
It was a familiar situation . Aria received a gaze of various
emotions in one body and stood up .
“You look happy . Can I come with you?”
The uninvited lady was going to join . Besides, it was she

who had bad rumors . If they were ordinary ladies, they
would scoff at her so as to shake their eyelashes, fanning
themselves to the point of shaking .
But all the women gathered here were the wives of

emerging businessmen . Most of them were low-class nobles
and there were even commoners . For them, the
appearance of Aria was more interesting than unpleasant .
“Don’t you think she can do that? The more people get to
gather, the more interesting the story will be,” said a
woman sitting in the middle of the table . Seeing her eyes
shine, her feelings for Aria seemed to be a curiosity that
was close to favor .
‘You must be wondering who the wicked woman of the
rumor is . ’
Moreover, she might be curious because it was time for the

rumors about the wicked woman were divided into several
parts . Fortunately, other wives nodded, saying that it would
be good since she was quite influential in this group .
At this point, the opinion of Mielle, who was the most

identifiable and had the highest standing, was not reflected
at all . It was different from the other ladies who had always
looked into Mielle’s feelings and only agreed .
‘They said that there is a commoner, and that’s why . ’
Aria, blinking slowly unexpectedly, staring at the woman,

smiled charmingly . It seemed like a very fun meeting .
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Aria’s seat was just opposite Mielle, close to the center of

the table . It was a very good place to see Mielle’s face .
Aria was able to find a feature in the women who presented
themselves in order as soon as she was seated .
‘Aren’t they the wives of the family I have invested in?’
They were the wives of the successful entrepreneurs who

she had invested in .
All the entrepreneurs had been introduced to her and she

had invested in, so the solidarity between them was quite
strong . According to Andrew, who was in contact with them,
the people who had received the investment from Aria also
had regular meetings .
Of course, it was not a voluntary meeting, but it had been

started when Aria had suggested it would be better to do so
. It was a relationship that started with the hope that the
young entrepreneurs who had been invested by an
anonymous investor A would like to have a strong
relationship .
‘But those wives are all gathered together . ’
It was as if Aria knew what Mielle was up to . They were the

emerging forces based on capital, so Mielle intended to
attract them to her group . There would now be bankrupt
aristocrats in the Aristocratic Party, and they would have a
great interest in those who accumulated wealth . Although
most of them were inferior nobles and commoners, they
would not fit their level, but they would need funds .
‘But will it be? It’s me, the anonymous investor A, who they
are loyal to . ’
At one point it was Aria who had made them the rising star
of the empire . They expressed their loyalty by sending
letters to Aria, whom they had never seen before . If they
could meet, they would kneel down and kiss her feet .
‘But are they going to enter the Aristocratic Party that they
would be used as consumables and discarded? Apart from
status, they are businessmen . They are smart so they’ll
never do it . ’
After each introduction, the interrupted conversation began

again, so Aria drank tea and listened to their conversation .
“But every time we meet, I feel like we’re talking about the
investor, because the grace we receive is great . He or she
is the only one in the world who invests in a business plan
with no conditions attached . ”
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“That’s right . If the investor didn’t invest, our business

would be ruined . There was someone who wanted to buy
technology . My husband’s been thinking for a long time . ”
“So am I . I’m sure I’d have to sell my mansion if I hadn’t

been invested . Thank God . ”
“Oh, so did I . I was going to sell all the jewelry I had and
add to my husband’s business . ”
They were constantly praising the investor . Most of them

said that they received timely investments to prevent
devastation . Aria felt strange about the wives she saw for
the first time today . She had heard a lot of abuse in public,
rather than compliment . It was difficult to control her facial
expression because she felt itchy and daunting somewhere
in her stomach .
So she lowered her raised mouth by pretending to wipe her

mouth with a handkerchief . Maybe it was because she
encountered the feelings that she always had in writing .
Mielle, who had been smiling and listening to the

conversation all the time, asked, “I’d love to see that
investor once, too . By the way, what happened to those
jewels now? Did you get it back?”
possible .
between chapters .

116

XXII
Chapter 116 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XXII
Translator: Khan
“No, I didn’t get them back . I didn’t have to get those

cheap gems back, to be . ”
The baroness replied in a confident voice . It meant that she

didn’t have to pay attention to a few pennies of old jewelry,
as she recovered her wealth in just a few months .
“That’s very fortunate . ”
“And now is not the time to pay attention to those little

things . I’m going to do my best to help him until his
business stabilizes . ”
A spark seemed to come from her eyes to help her

husband’s business . It was a passion not found in the
nobles who were already born with everything .
Mielle asked her with a curled head, “Is that so? But
wouldn’t your husband be okay with it? That’s what he’s
been doing . I think it would be better to hire an expert . ”
As for Mielle, it seemed incomprehensible that she was
actively helping her husband’s business . She asked, “Don’t
you know it’s enough if you are giving him a few words of
advice to keep the mood in order? What is the need for you
to do your best?”
“No, we’ve been working together so far . The expert may

still be a bit far off . ”
The answer was as firm as the glare of her eyes . There was
as much difference between wealth and power as there was
heaven and earth, but there was no difficulty in expressing
her opinion .
“It’s interesting that you worked together . What kind of

work are you helping?”
The baron’s wife made an impassioned speech about her

role as if she had been waiting for Aria’s question .
“He’s too busy with outside work to manage the internal

affairs in detail . So I’m usually in charge of internal
management . I’m handling the management and
accounting of imported materials . It’s not difficult yet . It’s
possible by myself . ”
She seemed proud of what she was doing . It must have

been a great deal if she was really dealing with those things
alone .
Aria replied with pure admiration, who realized they had not
succeeded simply by her investing . “You’re in charge of a
lot of work . Since you are dealing with an uneasy task for
others, your husband may be able to put himself at ease . ”
When Aria answered that question, recalling a book that had
emphasized that people should be careful when assigning
people to areas where the money would flow, the baroness
slipped her cheeks .
“… thank you . Of course, as Lady Mielle said, if the

business is more prosperous, then we’ll have to hire . ”
“Yes, it’d better . Even if you can’t help it now, you’ll have to
pay attention to your family . It would be efficient to leave
the job to an expert then . ”
When her name was mentioned in Mrs . Baron’s mouth,

Mielle smiled with great joy . She was a woman who thought
that aristocratic women should work hard to protect her
family, so she didn’t back down .
“No . That’s not what I think, Mielle . I think it’s a good idea
for her to play a role in monitoring them even if they hire
people later . She doesn’t have to abandon her ability, does
she?” But the same was true of Aria, who remained
steadfast in the argument .
“Your argument makes sense, but… who takes care of the

family then? Mrs . baroness should take care of it so that the
baron can concentrate on his work outside in peace . ”
“The family business is of course important . So I’m not

saying she should stay in business . I’m just asking her to
take the watch . She has enough power to do it . ”
“Oh, that’s what you’re talking about, isn’t it? But from now
on, the baroness will have to spend a lot of time caring for
her family and building her position . She’ll have to meet a
lot of people like today . So she doesn’t have time to help
with the business, does she?”
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“Do you need to be so sure? She’s already doing well

enough, so I’m sure she will . ”
Mielle and Aria kept their ground . The biggest reason was
that they could never accept each other’s opinions . Of
course, the tone was soft and the expression was gentle, so
it was seen as just exchanging opinions for those who were
not familiar with the relationship .
“Oh, thank you both . So far, I’d like to help out with my
husband’s business . It’s rewarding . Of course, my job will
be gone in time, so I’ll have to work hard to revive the
family . ”
In the end, the wise baroness ended up accepting both Aria

and Mielle . But Mielle added the unnecessary words as she
didn’t like the conclusion .
“Good idea, ma’am . You have a lot of work to do to lead the

family . It’s also important . But I’ll let you know slowly from
now on, so don’t worry . Why don’t you join me at my
meeting next week?”
Mielle folded her eyes and said affectionately . She looked

very reliable, perhaps because she was a young lady who
would later become a Duchess .
She reached out her hand and if she held her, she would
have a smooth future . Count Roscent’s support would be
much greater than that of investor A . In addition, if she
built a friendship with Mielle, no one would despise the
baroness . But the baroness shook her head quietly .
“Thank you for your saying, but that’s a little difficult

because it’s just beginning to water in . He still needs me . I
barely spared time today . Please call me back next time
and I’ll try to attend . ”
“… yeah? Then I can’t help it . How about the others?”
Holding Mielle’s hand here must have been a choice for

their well-being . They might have got something more than
their husbands’ success .
However, no one offered to do so, only to be aware of it . It

was partly because everyone was so busy that they had to
share tea parties over a few days, not long after the
business began to rise .
“It’s a little early, isn’t it? It’s enough to be treated like this
by Lady Mielle . ”
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“It’s also a burden for a commoner like me to attend . ”
“Why don’t we figure out who we are?” said a young lady

with a smile . She was from the common people, so she
didn’t hesitate to speak . Perhaps they had already
established a strong rapport among themselves . They
didn’t feel any difficulty to talk to Mielle freely, but they
were just having a conversation with a big smile .
They had been invited by the high nobility, so they only
participated out of curiosity, and did not seem to have any
intention of continuing ties or flattery . Mielle’s mouth was
shaking so fine that no one could notice it .
‘Oh, my God, you’ve become a loner at a gathering that

you’ve created to attract new powers . ’
At the sight of Mielle, Aria smiled softly as she took the cup
of tea to her mouth .
‘That’s why you should have recognized people well and

picked one . ’ Although some wives looked interested and
talked to Mielle, the majority of the wives were only
enthusiastic about business stories .
And Mielle, who only knew about them on the surface, was
naturally left out .
‘How foolish of you not to have prepared information about

those you are trying to attract . ’ Aria, who thought of it, put
down the teacup and said, “So, I hear Baron Clean recently
imported a new spice?”
Unlike Mielle, Aria was able to melt naturally because she

knew all the business of their husband’s .
Perhaps she didn’t know Aria would know that, but the
baroness opened her eyes wide and said yes . “Did you get
the word out of the mouth? It’s not on the market yet,
but…”
“I was personally interested, so I found out while I was

looking . I’ve heard that it’s cheap and rich in the taste of .
I’m sure you’ll succeed . ”
“I’m just glad you could see it like that . It’s still a question
of whether it will sell well . ”
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“You don’t have to ask questions . No other country is more

enthusiastic about spices than the empire . Moreover, there
is no reason to fail, as you can provide spices that were
almost exclusive to the nobility . ”
“… you say the same thing as the investor . Investor A also

wrote us a letter to cheer on . ”
“I’m sure it’ll be everyone’s favorite spice . ”
The future was set, so Aria gave advice to other wives,

saying the business would be successful . The advice was
appropriate because she was well-informed, and there was
considerable overlap with what the investor had said, so the
wives all listened to her .
Before they knew it, the tide of the meeting was leaning
from Mielle to Aria . It was not Mielle who would sit still and
watch the main body of the meeting flow to Aria . ‘Why are
all the invitees so bewildered by the vulgar, wicked woman’s
words?’

possible .
between chapters .
117

XXIII
Chapter 117 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XXIII
Translator: Khan
“It’s really… it’s a ground-breaking item . ”
But that’s all Mielle could say . To her who did not know the
details, the conversation that the wives and Aria were
talking about sounded like the language of the other world .
But even so, she always had a strong ally, Emma . At

Mielle’s eye signal, Emma brought out something she had
prepared . It was a crystal artifact that everyone would like,
regardless of the aristocracy and the common people .
At Emma’s instructions, Mielle’s maids handed them out to

the ladies . This broke the friendly atmosphere of Aria and
the wives, and the initiative went back to Mielle .
“Oh, my God, what is this?”
The ladies’ eyes were wide open on the rose-shaped crystal

brooch . At a glance, it was not an ordinary thing . What was
more, it was the shape of a rose . Without knowing the
reason, they asked carefully what it was for .
“Oh, it’s nothing special but a small gift . I should have
given you that earlier, but it’s a little late . ”
“… you’re giving us this brooch?”
“You can think of it as a celebration of your visit . ”
The gifts were too much for the occasion of the visit .
Crystal! Though small in size, its presence was no match for
any jewelry . The wives glanced at Mielle with trembling
faces . Because they vaguely felt that it was not just a gift to
celebrate their visit .
And Aria, reading their faces, swallowed a laugh . What a

trick to give a sense of unity with a brooch! Since this had
not happened in the past, she thought it might be her
influence .
‘What’s more, it’s the shape of a rose . Why does the count
family’s lady play with the shape of a rose already?’ No
matter how much he promised, she still had three years to
get married to Oscar . She was not even the owner of the
Frederick family yet .
‘Do you really think that’s going to work?’
They were already the ones who had said they would not
hold hands . Rather than showing off the connections and
becoming a social flower, they said they would help their
husband’s business by hand . It was impossible for them to
fall for a crystal brooch .
That was all Mielle could think about, and everyone in the
world seemed to think so . A frog in a well would be wiser
than this .
“Thank you for your heart, but I think it’s too much for me .
How dare I intrude among the nobles as a commoner?”
Then, the woman in the corner said, putting the crystal
down on the table .
Then another woman sitting next to her put down her

crystal on the table . “I’m sorry, but so am I . I think it would
be a great insult to the noble lady Mielle . ”
When the wives put down the brooches one after another,
Mielle’s face turned pale . Some of them secretly took care
of the crystal, but most of them indicated that they could
not receive it .
‘That’s why you should have let them go when they first
refused, Mielle . ’
Too much regret was ugly . It was such a funny thing . But
soon after, Mielle, who would become a Duchess, did not
even have the heart of a commoner woman .
‘Yes, this may be all Mielle’s original ability . A child who

can’t do anything without the background of Roscent family
. ’ All she could do was put on a mask and pretend to be
high-handed .
Actually, Aria was so angry that Mielle was nothing but this .
‘How foolish I was in the past, I would have been killed by a
woman of this caliber?’ Of course, from now on, all the
humiliation she had suffered would come to Mielle .
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Aria, the winner of the day, folded up her fan and handed it
to Annie . A triumphant look seemed to express the joy she
had gained . “Mielle, I think you’d better end the meeting
now . It’s a long way off . Isn’t it rude to hold wives who are
just beginning to step up their business for so long?”
As if they had waited for Aria’s words, the wives pretended

to check the time for nothing, and looked embarrassed .
There would be no reason to drink tea with them anymore,

given that neither the offer to lead nor the offer to join the
same group was rejected .
“… that’d be a good idea . ”
As soon as Mielle’s words fell, the wives hurried ready to

return . And as if waiting for the word to come out, the wives
were busy, too .
But Mielle, insulted in front of countless women, did not

send them with a smile as bright as she had just smiled .
Mielle, with a cold look on her face, added advice to the
wives who were about to return .
“The meeting will end today . It’s been fun . The next time
we see each other, we may not be able to sit face to face
and talk about . ” It was more like a warning to the humble
who despised her . It was a threat that she would not let go .
Mielle was telling them what she really wanted . Wasn’t she
the one who always had a smile on her face?
Aria had no idea what Mielle had been like until she had
been decapitated . It was because she’d been hiding
completely . But now she expressed her heart to this extent
.
Maybe, unlike the past, when she always did what she
wanted to do, things that didn’t work out of her control
exploded . Maybe it wasn’t enough to hide the rotten inside
out .
‘Now that you’ve taken off the mask of a saint, I’ll welcome

it . ’
At Mielle’s warning, the wives showed signs of uneasiness .

It was because they didn’t know Mielle, who was rumored to
be benevolent, would take such an attitude . They might be
regretting being too open-minded, as she treated them with
a gentle smile .
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It was Aria who would resolve such wives’ anxieties . Even if

she were hiding her identity, they were her people she had
collected . As if to steal the missing soft expression from
Mielle’s face, Aria said goodbye to the ladies with a
benevolent, tender smile .
“Can I host the next tea party, then? We can’t end our
precious relationships so easily . ”
Aria spoke of the nuances that she would bear them

threatened by Mielle . On the surface, it was Aria that was
no match for Mielle in all respects, but still was the eldest
daughter of the count family, so the wives seemed quite
relieved .
“… well, I’ll have to go back now . Thank you for inviting me

.”
“I hope the future of lady Mielle will be full of happiness . ”
Mielle, who answered with a cold smile to the wives who

said goodbye, was the first to disappear from the garden . It
was a cold-hearted figure with no regrets . Emma, who
followed her, vanished with a fierce look on her face, so that
Aria wouldn’t notice .
“Then, may you go home safely . ”
So Aria rose from her seat, because she had accomplished

what she had hoped . She thought she should be careful not
to have any more high-ranking aristocrats coveting them .
“Lady Aria!”
As she was about to leave, Mrs . Clean called her name .

When she looked at her eyes, she spoke with a very excited
face .
“If you’re free, why don’t you join our next meeting? It’s not
exactly our meeting, it’s a meeting of the people invested
by the investor A, but… I hope you will come to the meeting
and give them some advice . ”
Seeing the wives sitting around her nodding their heads

with bright faces, it seemed that they seemed to have
finished their discussion in that short time . Aria answered
her with a very satisfied smile .
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“Oh, I don’t know if I can attend . ”

“What do you mean? You’re more knowledgeable than
anyone else here! You also have the same viewpoint as the
investor A, so I’m sure they’ll all benefit from your advice . ”
“That’s right . The investor told us to accept a new person

at any time . ”
How surprised would they be to know that the investor was

her? With such a funny imagination Aria nodded .
In fact, she had wanted to attend, but she had delayed it

because she didn’t think it was time to reveal her identity .
It didn’t seem bad to come in naturally and see how they
were doing .
“Thank you for speaking about it . Then I will do it . ”
Aria said goodbye politely to the lightly clapping wives,

delighted with Aria’s positive response, and went out of the
garden . Baron Burboom and Andrew, who had been
struggling to hide her identity, might faint with foam, but
her imaginative mouth painted a good line .
***
“Mr . Asher, the new power group that I talked about last
time, centered on the Baron Burboom . ”

possible .
between chapters .

118

XXIV
Chapter 118 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XXIV
Translator: Khan
A very tired-looking face, Asher, nodded, putting down the

document . He was now in a small town far from the capital
. This was due to the Aristocratic Party’s rise to power .
When Asher’s permission fell, Lane hurried on .
“In fact, one of my relatives got the offer . ” Lane scratching

his cheek had a pretty embarrassing face .
Asher asked again, “Your relative?”
“Yes, he’s been stuck in a room all the time, and he’s been
having a strange delusion… I don’t know how he got the
offer . ”
“I don’t think the investor A is not going to let anyone in, so

I’m sure there’s something very capable about your relative
.”
It was still a small force compared to the Aristocratic Party,

but now that it was too big to ignore .
“Well, I just hope he doesn’t come back with tears . ”
Lane, embarrassed by the praise of Asher, answered,

clearing his throat . Asher’s eyes were fierce by the idle talk
except for the main subject .
“So, that’s not the point, right?”
“Ah, yes . He’s been asked to join the meeting once and see
what’s going on . So I thought about how Mr . Asher would
participate instead of my relative . ”
“Oh, that’s what you are saying . ”
It was a force that he had been paying attention to . It was

quite a large scale for a baron . The amount was too large to
support the business of countless young businessmen . He
was sure there must be a considerable number of powerful
people behind the force, and he had been prying back the
whole time . If it was in the middle of the party, he was
going to have to pull it over to his side .
Anyway, the work was almost finished . It wasn’t long before

he got back to the capital, so it was a great opportunity to
approach .
“Oh, and I think the Duke has put too much pressure on us
and we have to release the luxury goods . It is said that His
Majesty couldn’t stand it anymore, and he was in a fit of
rage . He ordered to bring Mr . Asher in . ”
The backlash was faster than he thought . It might be

because of the fast-rising price in the market . He didn’t
calculate that the market was going to jump this far, but he
assumed it was probably because someone had been
playing around with sugar in the beginning .
“How many of them are bankrupt? Who has left the

capital?”
“About thirteen are bankrupt . Five went out of the capital

city . The trade route is cut off anyway, and the other eight
will not be able to revive, so they’ll have to get out of the
capital soon . ”
“All right . Then try to release it . There’s still a big fish left
anyway, so it’s okay to let go of the small fries . ”
“I see . Viscount Vigue is not sound of mind . He runs like an

idiot, even if there’s the princess behind him . I think we can
squeeze them in a row and get rid of at least ten more . ”
“The princess may not know . If she had known, she

wouldn’t have let him go . ”
It was due to the suggestion of Aria . He had never thought

of that before she had told him to sell the casino . Of course,
he had been subjected to all kinds of insults for being
incompetent, but as a result, he had been able to catch a
big fish .
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Viscount Vigue seemed to have tried to take advantage of

the crisis faced by the Aristocratic Party, but he was also
outraged but he didn’t know that the person who had
introduced him to the casino was the enemy . It was the
best choice that scattered their power at once .
“Then I think Lady Aria really had a great vision . You

endured a brief insult and caught a big fish . ”
Lane also began to praise Aria with her name in his mouth
as if he felt sympathetic, and Asher nodded his head and
included the remaining documents in his eyes . His mouth
was slightly raised because Aria’s name was mentioned,
and he came up with her face .
At the sight of Asher, who seemed to be in a good mood for

the first time in a long time, Lane went overboard and
talked nonsense . He didn’t know why, but he had always
expressed his joy when it came to Aria .
“So why don’t you come to see Aria, so that you can cool off
for a while?”
“… what?”
“Thanks to Lady Aria, things have worked out well, and only
the finishing touch remained . I think it’s okay if you go and
see her for a while anyway . It won’t take long . ”
Generally, it was a long way to the capital, which took more

than ten days by carriage, but it was only for ordinary
people, not for Asher . Asher, who rolled his eyes, seemed to
think for a moment, and soon shook his head .
“No, Even the time to go and come is an instant, but I can’t

stand the aftermath because it’s a long way to go . ”
Then, Lane reminded of Asher, who had suffered from

uncomfortable behavior, after using the power, and he
hurriedly bowed down and apologized, saying, “I didn’t want
to talk about it . ” Asher had not traveled long distances
lately, so Lane forgot because he hadn’t seen him suffer .
“It’s not long before I go back, so I can go and see . ”
In conclusion, however, he said he was going to see Aria,

though it would be a little late . Then, Lane smiled bitterly .
Asher had been educated like the Crown Prince since he was
very young, and he had never been a child of his own age,
but now he had seen it thanks to Aria .
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“Then I’ll do my best to finish the job quickly . I don’t know if

I should stay up all night . ”
“… don’t tell me you’ve had a good night’s sleep so far . ”
“Never, never! I’ve had a hard time living an uncomfortable

life!”
Lane barely managed to put up with the addition that the

fatigue had destroyed his handsome face . If he said
another word here, he might have to take on other people’s
business . He could not bring down the tower built with
Aria’s story .
“I’ll take care of it as soon as I can . ”
Later, Lane quickly released the luxury goods to the market,

as reported to Asher . Of course, the man who had been
supplying luxury goods had to step back carefully to avoid
revealing his identity, and he sent him to spend his vacation
abroad to rest for the time being .
When the new luxury goods were finally approved by the

customs office, there was widespread derision that the
crown prince gave in to the Aristocratic Party . The
Aristocratic Party insulted him with excitement, and the
Moderates and some nobles in the Crown Prince’s Party also
seemed to be agonizing over whether the war was really
going downhill . But it was also for a while . This was
because they could not keep up with the plummeting prices
of luxury goods . It was due to the excessive purchase of
luxury goods .
Furthermore, it wasn’t a monopoly anymore because they

were released so much in the market . The Aristocratic Party
no longer had the means to control the market to their
heart’s content, as in the past . Asher handed over the trade
route he had taken from the Aristocratic Party to Marquis
Vincent, who had been guarding the Moderate Party for
generations .
When the marquis was first asked to take care of the luxury
goods, he refused coldly, saying, “Don’t let this bother me
because I’m still busy in many ways . ” But he soon
accepted it, even though he grumbled whether the
Aristocratic Party’s dominance was displeased .
“Mr . Marquis, Pinonua sent you a letter . ”
Marquis Vincent stared at his butler, who had brought the

letter, for a moment, and he sighed . Although he did not
like the Aristocratic Party’s dominance, he thought he had
no reason to take the trade route even though he was still
busy . And the interference of… was intense .
“Give me that . ”
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The letter he sent was quite concise .
[Sell luxury goods at less than half the original price . ]
And it was cocky . So he managed to put up with this letter,

muttering that it would not be Pinonua but the Crown Prince
.
He could see his intentions . Even if he would sell them at

less than half the price, the number of buyers other than
aristocrats would not increase because the original price
was high . The price of luxury goods, however low, was
extremely high for the common people . So, no matter how
playful he was at the times, there would be no harm to their
peace .
‘The Crown Prince is not going to leave the Aristocratic Party

alone . ’

possible .
between chapters .

119

XXV
Chapter 119 . The Future Different From The Past, Part XXV
Translator: Khan
It was not enough to take away luxury goods that were

monopolized by the Aristocratic Party, call procedures, and
to not give them new permits . He made some nobles
bankrupt and now was about to crash into the market .
Perhaps they had been rushing to open a new account, and

if the market would fall, they wouldn’t be able to make a
profit . It was likely that the deal might have been done at a
price many times higher than the trade route the Crown
Prince intercepted .
‘And if I’m going to take the market down here…’
The aristocrats, who had suffered losses by purchasing

luxury goods at exorbitant prices, would try to buy cheap
ones at a glance . They would pretend not to be on the
outside but buy something cheap . If the Aristocratic Party
cut their prices accordingly, they would suffer losses as
much as they sold .
‘They won’t sell it at a fair price, and if they lower the price
and sell it, they’ll lose money, so them losing is only a
matter of time whichever option they choose . ’
The Marquis of Vincent always thought that the Crown

Prince had been being pushed by the Aristocratic Party, but
he was doing pretty well . He was just before the adult
ceremony and was doing an unstoppable attack . It was only
the nobles that were harmed . When the marquis got his
thoughts straightened out, he was quite pleased with what
the Crown Prince was doing . Vincent smiled raising the
corners of his mouth .
“I’ll have to write a letter . Bring me a pen and paper . ”
There was no hesitation in writing back . The smooth-written

letter was a total of two letters, one for Pinonua Lane, and
the other for his man, who managed the luxury goods .
The marquis, under the direction of the Crown Prince,

lowered the price of luxury goods, which led to the
bankruptcy of several nobles of the Aristocratic Party again .
***
“Oh my gosh…! Miss, did you hear the news?” Annie called
Aria, acting imprudently .
Aria was just reading a newspaper, so she could quickly see

what she wanted to say .
“Are you talking about the casino case?”
“That’s right! How can corruption occur at the casino again?

Is it cursed? The curse on the casino owner!”
One of Aria’s mouths was raised to a childlike concept that
was not appropriate for her age .
Annie blushed and hurriedly made an excuse . “Oh, no,

well… I mean… Is there really such a curse?”
“It may be . ”
It might be a curse . Certainly, it was the curse of the Crown

Prince .
Two casino owners were severely punished by the Crown

Prince . The former would have made a mistake on his own,
but for the latter, she was not sure about . However, it was
suspected that perhaps the latter had been played a fish in
the hands of the Crown Prince .
“The Aristocratic Party who bought the casino that was

originally owned by the Crown Prince is stupid . ”
“You’re right! It wasn’t a penny or two, but I think it was

taken over too rashly . They were caught in a string of wires,
but it was stupid . I doubt if they’re really a nobleman!”
‘Even the working class don’t trade in such a short time

when they take over stores . ’ But the time had been too
short for Viscount Vigue . It was doubtful that he had even
looked at the documents related to the casino .
“Well, it’s a good thing anyway . ”
“What? What’s a good thing? That’s why the count is getting

pretty messed up, too . ”
The more the Aristocratic Party collapsed, the better . That

way, wouldn’t it be possible to completely destroy the
stupid Mielle? It was okay to say that the Count Roscent
family would go bankrupt . No, if it went bankrupt, the
princess wouldn’t take care of Mielle anymore .
After all, the Count Roscent family had not helped her . And
there was no need for such a vain title anymore . ‘Aren’t
countless young businessmen pledging allegiance to
themselves now?’
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In addition, she heard that there were countless of people

who wanted to participate in the meeting led by Investor A,
so it was better to watch the Count Roscent family squeeze
out a teary nose as it was ruined . It also seemed to be
pleasant .
‘Mielle, who wears old clothes and falls on the streets

crying…’
Aria answered with a smile .
“Yes, I made a mistake . I’m afraid my father will feel

uncomfortable . ”
Annie and Jessie tilted their heads at the tone, which did not
have a drop of sincerity . Either it had or not, Aria kept the
tea in her mouth with a smile on it .
“The tea is really bad . How can you make something like
this? Huh? Berry . ”
Berry shuddered like an aspen tree when some blame was

on her again today . Aria didn’t hit her otherwise, but Aria
didn’t know how scared Berry was . ‘Isn’t that cute?’
“I’m telling you’re saying . That’s how I still don’t

understand how she got a job in the Count Roscent family .
”
As Annie helped, Berry’s face turned colorful . She seemed

to bear her anger . Annie hit Berry’s arm with a fan and
warned her .
“You’re not mad, are you? It’s weird that you’re angry in the
first place”
“Oh, no…”
The answer was like that, but it was a face that her pride
was hurt very much . It was time to get used to it, but why
did she still build her self-esteem? Aria dropped the cup of
tea on the floor, as she didn’t want to see it .
Clank! A high-end crystal teacup, which must have been

made by a craftsman, hit the floor and broke into pieces .
Annie and Jessie also looked at Berry’s wreckage with eyes
wide open, perhaps surprised .
“Clean that up and bring me a new tea . I’m thirsty, so do it

within five minutes . ”
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It was a ridiculous request, but Berry could not excuse it .

That was the difference in status, whatever Aria’s origin was
. Berry closed her eyes and opened it to get rid of the
debris, and she hurried out of the room, ignoring the scars
on her hands .
“It’s almost dinner time . Miss, are you going to have

another tea again?”
“No way . Shouldn’t I have dinner now? I can waste the

tea… I’d better get Berry to drink it all . ”
That was quite the harassment, not as much dust,

compared to what Aria had been harassed in the past . ‘Isn’t
she at least alive? If she can’t stand this much, why did she
accuse me so cruelly?’
At the turn of ten minutes after five minutes, Berry

appeared and looked pale as if she had imagined the
imminent severe punishment .
“Miss… I brought the new tea…”
The flapping hands looked very pathetic .
“Really? What a poor girl! Five minutes had already passed,

and I think I’ll have to go to dinner, but I’m sure you’ll have
it all . ”
Aria, who rose from her seat, walked out of her room with a
graceful gait, straightening her back . Annie and Jessie also
followed her, so Berry was left alone in Aria’s room .
“The shallow, vulgar slut…”
Now she was not afraid but full of tears and anger, but she
had the same ferocity as she had had in the past when she
had declared Aria’s sins in detail .
***
Today, the atmosphere of the dinner was heavy, and Aria
was eating with a big smile inside her . The atmosphere of
the funeral parlor would be brighter than this .
The count said with a dark face . “I don’t know how many
already . I can’t believe they went bankrupt so easily…”
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“… Honey . ”
The Countess, who had no other knowledge in the

aristocratic society, was extremely reticent, with a look of
regret . It was a wise choice . If she didn’t go against the
Count by saying something she shouldn’t, she would survive
for a long time .
“I heard it was the Marquis of Vincent, who drove down the

price of luxury goods . Wasn’t he… a moderate?”
Mielle’s face was not bright either .
“He was . I thought so, but I don’t know why he turned

around all of a sudden . He doesn’t budge an inch when I tell
him to raise the price . He said he’d only sell what he got
with a cheap price…”
“I didn’t think he was the one to do that . What a mess the

market is right now…”
“So do I . I’ve always thought he was cold but straight, but

how could he do this?”
“Furthermore, I can’t believe what the Viscount of Vigue did
.”
When the name of the Viscount of Vigue came out, the

Count’s complexion was thrown away like a corpse . If
luxury goods were a simple matter of funding, the Viscount
of Vigue was a big problem that shook the inside of the
Aristocratic Party .

possible .
between chapters .

120

Chapter 120: Chapter 120 . Secret,
Part I
Chapter 120 . Secret, Part I
Translator: Khan
“… I don’t want to talk about it now . That’s why clean

aristocrats are running wild . Besides, the account book that
recorded the corruption happened fell into the hands of the
Crown Prince . A book with detailed names in it . ”
Aria pricked up her ears at the mention of the account book

and focused on the story . The count’s wife’s eyes sparkled
as well as if she was interested . ‘Is there anything more
interesting than saying that someone is going to fall?’
“Oh, my God… you have to expel him right now . How could
he make such corruption? I’m also ashamed of it . ”
The Count sighed because of Mielle’s answer that he must

be resolutely exiled from the Aristocratic Party . It seemed
to be difficult to even touch him . For instance, it might be
the princess .
The Aristocratic Party wouldn’t be so easily ruined, but this

incident would have shaken their foundation . This was
because they had simply gathered against the imperial
power, not to commit corruption .
There would be also some clean and upright people . The
Count of Roscent was not a wicked man either . Aria was
sure that surely those who had felt shameful through this
incident would be numerous .
Such people were likely to leave the Aristocratic Party . So, if

they were a little superior to the Crown Prince before, they
might be a little behind the Crown Prince now .
‘Please, I hope the Crown Prince would mess up the

Aristocratic Party . ’
Then revenge would happen very quickly and easily . In the

past, she could not even remember his name because she
had no other contacts with him .
He would, too, because in the past he had been a man

whose name had been buried in his place . Furthermore, it
didn’t matter if he was a royal family member, he had had
no presence than the princess . Aria had thought he was
just an ugly and foolish royal family member, who was
dragged by the Aristocratic Party .
Besides, there had been no chance to see him other than

some high-ranking aristocrats, and even if she could, she
could see a small figure from a very distant foot . So she
hadn’t put much value on him .
It must have been, but it was like a sailboat with a following

breeze . What on earth had changed with him? There was
no hesitation as if he had become a completely different
person .
‘I think what I’ve been doing has been a butterfly effect,

but…’
But he was so high and so far that she couldn’t find a point
of contact . If she thought of one possibility, it would be like
a meeting with Asher? It was true that he was an
extraordinary figure, and her news might have been passed
on through him to the Crown Prince . So Aria began to
speculate again on the identity of Asher .
‘Is he the Emperor’s hidden child?’
As long as he was not insane, the Crown Prince, under

pressure from the Aristocratic Party, could not wander
around the capital alone, it was quite plausible that he was
the emperor’s hidden child . Because it was an open fact
that there were not only one or two hidden children who
were not disclosed at the royal house .
She heard that there were many who had been ousted due
to minor power struggles . Rumors had also circulated that
they were hiding their identity and living as a commoner
outside . So she was wondering if he was one of them, but
suddenly the Count called her name . It was a very friendly
voice .
“Aria . ”
“… Yeah?”
After being praised several times for the warehouse, Aria,

surprised by the Count, answered with her eyes wide open .
The Count’s face on the opposite side was very dark . The
Count hesitated a little to Aria wondering why he suddenly
called her name and soon came up with the main topic .
“… I wonder what you think . Is there any way we can get

out of this case?”
“Way to escape?”
“Yes . You’re a smart kid, so I thought maybe you’d have
thought about something . ”
‘Oh, that’s what you meant . ’ From the fur business to the
warehouse, she had brought him success twice, and he
seemed to be trying to ask for help again .
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‘Now? You left the misunderstanding of Lane alone as if the

accomplishment of the fur business belonged to Mielle?’
If the Count had corrected Lane’s misconceptions at the

time, she would not have turned away from him so much .
No, maybe she might have tried to look good for the Count
to take away Mielle’s place .
But it was all over . She realized that he was not a man, who
would bear her that was not a real daughter, and that no
matter how hard she tried, he would not change .
Everything existed for his own daughter, Mielle, and
numerous glories were also handed over to her .
She went through the past like that a while ago, and now
she couldn’t help the Count . If she had tried to help in the
first place, she would have done it before it happened . At
the Count’s question, Aria looked a little stupid and shook
her head as if she didn’t know .
“Well… it’s too difficult for me . I didn’t understand any of

what you were saying . The same is true of what Mielle said
.”
“You have a little thought, though . ”
“No, unfortunately, I don’t have any thoughts . ”
“… I see . I think I’m expecting too much from you . You

don’t even know it yet . ”
At Aria’s simple answer, the Count showed disappointment

in his face . Mielle glanced at her and had a face that said,
‘Yes, you are . ’
‘What kind of father is he? Does he look for me only when

he needs me? Isn’t that too much, even if I’m not your
biological daughter? If I didn’t have this angular personality,
I might have locked myself in my room and squeezed out
my tears . ’
All the affection that didn’t exist was gone, leaving nothing
but disgust . The food that was passing through her mouth
was so terrible that it was as if she was eating the gutter .
“I’m sorry, but I don’t feel well, so I think I’ll have to get up .
”
She felt as if she would vomit if she stayed there . The

Count drew a word of permission on Aria’s increasingly pale
face, and she went straight out of the dining room and
disappeared into her room .
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“I think I should call a doctor . ”

The Countess glanced anxiously at the place where Aria had
disappeared to . Then Mielle, who had her eyes on the
Count, opened her mouth .
“Wouldn’t they call a doctor if she is not good since there

are maids beside her? Rather than that, Cain will be back in
a while, and if we don’t get rid of this mess, he’ll be taking
on a lot . ”
“I’m sure he must be . Oscar must have a lot of work to do,

too . Besides, you too . ”
It was the Countess alone who was worried about Aria

because she felt sick . She glanced at the entrance to the
dining room several more times, and soon burst into an
uninvited grin between them, who was absorbed in the
story she didn’t know .
***
A few days later, Aria was busy preparing to join the

meeting Investor A had gathered . She decorated herself not
too much as she did with her meeting with Asher .
“Miss, why don’t you wear a necklace? It’s too simple . ”
Annie encouraged Aria to wear a colorful necklace . Jessie

also did not like the simple dress, and she brought some
earrings and bracelets .
“You don’t have to wear them since it’s a place where I will
only hear stories . ”
“But…”
Annie looked at her fancy dress and was about to cry .

Perhaps she was burdened with her appearance more
colorful than her master . However, Annie had to decorate
herself because she was about to meet Baron Burboom .
Aria smiled and handed over her hair .
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“I don’t have to wear fancy clothes since I have a visible

appearance . ”
It seemed as if she was uplifting herself, but it had a real

meaning that Annie could dress up in it . Annie, accustomed
to Aria’s tone of such an expression, soon found her face
and regained her bright face .
“Well, go on, Miss! Berry, you have to clean up the hall . Do

you understand?”
“… Yes . ”
Berry’s voice when she answered was harsh . She was

engrossed with her work without words and expression as if
she was about to die . She was a little worried about the
appearance, but she ignored the reason, so she decided to
head to Baron Burboom .
“You are here!”
As soon as she got off the wagon, it was Baroness Clean

who greeted her . She also seemed to have just arrived . As
they entered the store together, they could meet Baron
Burboom, who opened his eyes wide and looked bewildered
.
possible .
between chapters .

121

Part II
Chapter 121 . Secret, Part II
Translator: Khan
“Lady Aria?”
“I was invited . ”
When she pulled out the invitation that Baroness Clean had
sent her, Baron Burboom wrapped his forehead, distorting
his face .
“What happened?”
“Baron Burboom!”
He tried to ask Aria why, but he failed because of Annie,

who was holding his arm and calling him by his name .
Baron Burboom stared at her in a very natural way with her
arms folded, but he didn’t know what to do because Aria
was there .
‘I guess it was true that they seemed to be friendly . ’
Baron Burboom seemed to be shaking in a male-and-female

relationship due to the rushing act of Annie . If their
relationship went on as it was, Annie would be able to make
him her own without any help .
“It’s a very good pair . Right, ma’am?
“Oh, that’s right . ”
“Lady Aria…! This…!”
He desperately tried to make excuses, so Aria talked to

Baroness Clean, pretending not to know it .
“Where can I go? May I ask for guidance, ma’am? ”
“Of course . Just follow me . ”
“Were the other wives here already? I wonder how many are
here already . ”
“I think only a few people would come today because we are

talking about business and not about socializing . Only the
wives who are actively involved in some business have
come . ”
“Is that so? That’s too bad . ”
Baron Burboom looked pathetic when he saw Aria and

Baroness Clean, who went upstairs exchanging
conversations . Nevertheless, he couldn’t take Annie away,
who was stuck next to him, so all he could do was sigh .
Annie looked at it impudently, making her cling to the Baron

even more . Baron Burboom then turned and stared at her .
Annie, who stole Mielle’s expression, asked Baron Burboom,
with a sweet smile that seemed to melt .
“Would you like to try some of my tarts?”

“Tart… do you mean?”
“It’s baked today, so I’m sure you’ll like it!”
Annie’s eyes glistened . The image was like a little cat, and
the Baron of Burboom ended up nodding his head with a
light smile .
“Why don’t you go see a play if the meeting ends early? I

got a very interesting ticket for the play . My acquaintance
said she saw it, and it was so fun that it would come back to
her dreams every night . Tomorrow will be fine if you are
busy . Even on the next day!”
Baron Burboom’s face, staring at Annie, who was constantly

talking to him, suddenly changed from awkwardness to
softness because talking like a lark was so cute .
At first, the aim was to hear Aria’s story from her, but after
half a year it was pleasant to talk to her .
He thought it might have been because he couldn’t meet

other women, as he was too busy raising his own business
by mediating between the young businessmen and Aria, but
it was because Annie was so cute to make excuses .
Besides, Annie was a good enough woman . No, she was so

bright and cheerful and friendly that he felt a little bit too
good for himself .
‘Yes, a great figure suits Lady Aria . ’
The average man would not be able to handle her because

she was unrealistically beautiful and great . Even if he were
to receive her heart, he wondered if he would always suffer
from an inferiority complex or anxiety .
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It was not until the end of his mind that Baron Burboom
nodded .
“Anytime is fine . I’d better make time for it . ”
“Really? Are you sure?”
Burboom, with his hands resting on Annie’s waist, was about

to enter the store with her . Andrew greeted him with a
bright face .
“Mr . Baron, I’m here with Mr . Pinonua, whom I told you

about last time . ”
“Oh, you mean that Pinonua . ”
Turning to Andrew’s side, he saw a handsome young man,

who was very tall and very noble . Baron Burboom said,
cocking his head .
“You’re a little different from what I heard . ”
“I couldn’t see him myself, but I only heard about him from
someone, so I think there’s a misunderstanding in the
middle . ”
He heard that apparently, Pinonua had always been

confined to a mansion, and at first glance, the line seemed
thin and fragile enough to be mistaken for a woman and
that he even bothered breathing .
Contrary to such rumors, however, the man who appeared
before him was a man who was somehow tall and had a
strong body . Moreover, his face with a belligerent smile was
a rare handsome man .
There was also a seductive atmosphere, even though he

was younger than himself . The thought that he might not
be the common person passed through the Baron’s head .
“The rumors seem to have gone strangely round . It’s a

remote part of the capital, and it’s probably because I was
not very well out . I’m Pinonua Louie . ”
Without a moment of hesitation, Asher, who introduced

himself as Pinonua Louie, reached out his hand . It was
originally the name of Lane’s relative, who should have
attended this meeting . He laughed so casually that no one
doubted who he was, even though he looked quite different
from the rumor .
Moreover, it was after Baron Burboom had already

experienced that the reality of Aria had been completely
different from the rumors . The Baron of Burboom, who
realized that rumors were not reliable, held hands with him
and greeted him .
“I see . Distortion of rumors is more common than we think .

It’s a pity to hear such a rumor from such a handsome man .
You must have had a lot of trouble coming a long way, so
let’s get in there . ”
Sponsored Content

Baron Burboom led him in . Annie followed Andrew, pointing
out that his suit was too much . So Asher glanced at Annie
and Andrew .
“Then I’ll wait in the Office!”
The office of his busy day was Annie’s . At first, Baron

Burboom had been bewildered, but now he and the other
employees of the store had come to take it for granted .
Now Annie could almost be seen as the hostess of the
Burboom family .
When Baron Burboom nodded, Annie disappeared into the

office . Now she was gone, but the gaze of Asher had long
lingered in front of the office
“Any business?”
The face of the inquiring Baron was very serious . Asher,

who had a rough idea of their relationship, laughed out of
the wind .
“No . I think I’ve seen her a lot . I think it was my mistake . ”
“Oh, I’m glad you’re mistaken . Then let’s go . ”
They walk a little past the office and went into the
conference room . It was a specially adapted conference
room for the meeting . Dozens of eyes were immediately
turned when Asher and Burboom went inside . At the group
which had grown too big to be a small force, Asher
swallowed his saliva and looked over the attendees .
‘I didn’t even know they lived in the same empire until early
last year . Isn’t it amazing that their eyes are shining?’
The energy was young and healthy and positive . It was also
something that was not found in the old aristocrats that had
been spoiled and rotted .
So he put their faces on his mind one by one, thinking, “I

really want to bring it to my side,” and suddenly he saw a
face .
“…!”
The person also stared at him with a look of incredulity,

whether she was the same . As soon as Aria was caught into
his sight, all the surroundings that had just been well
received turned black and white . It felt as if she was alone
in the conference room filled with youthful enthusiasm .
Maybe it was because of a long period of time that he

hadn’t seen her . He couldn’t control his heart because of
his longing . ‘What can I say to someone so beautiful in front
of me?’
“… Mr . Pinonua?”
Sponsored Content
Baron Burboom called on him because they looked at each

other without saying anything . Still, Asher couldn’t answer
him for a long time .
***
‘Why the hell is Asher here?’

Aria stared at him as if she could not believe it .
‘Why is he here at a place where those who have received

my investments gather? I don’t remember investing in
someone named Asher . ’
It was quite a formal occasion to dress up in a plausible

dress . His neat hair looked like a young businessman’s
appearance .
‘Did she lose a little weight?’
Perhaps it was safe to look like an adult now . Maybe it was

because she lost her baby fat on her cheek . He kept
glancing at her piercing jawline and nose . Asher and Aria
stared at each other in silence, and Baron Burboom, who
had shown up with him, finally broke the silence and
introduced him .
“I think it’s your first time seeing him . He is Pinonua Louie;

the one who will receive the new investment this time .
Could you introduce yourself briefly?”
‘Pinonua Louie? Is Asher, Pinonua Louie? It’s not that small

family, but only then did the Pinonua family’s son send such
a big gift?’

possible .
between chapters .

122

Part III
Chapter 122 . Secret, Part III
Translator: Khan
Unbelievingly, she looked at Asher, and he gave a very

difficult look .
“Pinonua Louie?” Even though Baron Burboom gave him to

introduce himself, he didn’t say anything about and
Burboom asked, wondering . Then Asher, who hesitated,
smiled and began to introduce himself .
“It’s Pinonua… Louie . It’s an honor to be here with the

support of Investor A . ”
Aria frowned her forehead before his introduction was

finished .
‘Pinonua Louie… not Asher?’
Apparently, Pinonua Louie was the one who she made the
investment this time . But she never dreamed it would be
Asher . The name he had given her was different in the first
place .
Clapping with everyone, he sat in the corner of the
conference room . He had always been so confident, but he
couldn’t see her eyes now, and it made her angry .
‘What is his real name? Did he deceive his name from the
beginning, or did he deceive his name now?’ She was
annoyed that he had lied about his name anyway .
‘… You’ve even attached a human being to me . ’
He had even gone so far as to test her . She felt tight and
looked askance at Asher, and the Baroness Clean lift her
hand and raised her voice .
“There’s a new one here, too! Lady, can you introduce

yourself?”
Aria felt pain and confusion from the open-mouthed Baron

Burboom . He had been hiding Aria’s identity so far, but he
was agonizing over whether it would be revealed like this .
Aria, who took off her gaze at Asher, rose from her seat with
a gentle smile, as if she had not had a disapproving face .
“I’m Roscent Aria . I didn’t have any investment from

Investor A, but I took the liberty of attending because there
were some of you who would like to take on the future of the
empire . ”
When they heard Aria from the Count Roscent family, there
was a stir in the conference room . It was because she was
an unexpected person, let alone the rumor about her .
Baron Burboom rolled about in the stirred crowd . She didn’t

say she was Investor A, so he seemed at a loss of how to
explain it . It was Mrs . Clean and other wives who calmed it
down .
“I visited the Count Roscent family last time . Lady Aria
firmly opposed that wives should be supportive of her
husband at home . She said that if we have the ability, we
should use it . And we were all in sympathy and moved . ”
She didn’t say who did, but everyone here knew who the
subject was because it was a known fact that they had been
contacted by Lady Mielle . Everyone was happy to confide in
the fact .
They had hoped that the friendly and benevolent lady Mielle
would be of some help by paying attention to the meeting .
However, it wasn’t the result . On the contrary, Mielle
wanted to get help from themselves .
“Of course, internal help is important . Maybe it’s more

important to support my family . But I don’t even say I want
to, and I think forcing it is like taking away women’s options
. It’s not easy for the aristocratic lady to think, but she
respected us . ”
It didn’t matter much that she was from the common people
here since there were a lot of commoners who thought like
Mielle . The businessmen gathered at his wife’s explanation
were outraged .
“There was still someone who had such an old-fashioned

idea!”
“It’s so frustrating . There are a lot of women who are

capable of . ”
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“It is no exaggeration to say that more than half of the
meetings’ businesses are done by the wives . ”
“In any case, I was impressed by her accurate

understanding of our business and her helpful advice, so
please accept this invitation . ”
“That’s right . I was surprised that her advice was the same
as Investor A . I’m sure she’ll be of help to us . ”
“Of course, I’m convinced that you’re not the kind of people
to bring anyone . ”
When he was told that Aria had the same advice as Investor
A, he was unable to manage his facial expression, but he
soon turned complacent because she didn’t reveal her true
identity even if he did not have to make excuses .
After watching the great change from side to side, Asher

tilted his head to one side as if things were strange . He
seemed curious as to why Baron Burboom was so busy with
his work on Aria .
In addition, looking at Baron Burboom who was looking at

Aria earlier, his eyes on him were sharp . For some time,
gossip continued about old-fashioned people, and Aria, who
was looking at the Baron of Burboom for nothing, couldn’t
overcome her embarrassment and opened her mouth .
“Now that my introduction is over, I’d like to hear more

about Mr . Pinonua and your business plan . ”
The business plan sent by Pinonua was quite plausible . It

was a business that she had never seen in the future, but
she had decided to invest because it had looked unique and
funny .
However, it was possible to point out without limit because
there were many loopholes . So whatever answer he gave,
she was confident of making a mess of it by pointing it out .
At Aria’s challenging figure, Asher’s eyes shined and smiled

handsomely . So far, he had been avoiding eye contact, but
now only a young businessman who was prepared to give a
presentation about his business was there .
“If you’re curious, of course, I’ll explain it in detail . ”
Sponsored Content
“Yes, I’ll look forward to it . ”
Aria, who raised the tip of her chin, answered as if she was
judging him . Those who gathered in a cozy fight between
the two, which started suddenly, swallowed their saliva and
noted it .
“My idea is to create a school that anyone can go to

regardless of a person’s age or status . ”
Aria stiffened her face as she was ready to criticize . ‘Are

you proposing a school as a business?’ It was a business
that she didn’t have a clue about . Besides, it was
completely different from the business plan he had sent .
But Aria was hiding her identity now, so that part could not
be pointed out .
“… What kind of business is that? Is it worth it?”

“Of course, it’s worth it . We’re also going to get
investments from business people . ”
“Mr . Pinonua, I don’t quite understand what that means . ”
The young man said . Everyone cast their eyes at Asher,

puzzled as to whether they thought the same thing or not .
As a result, Asher added an explanation with ease . “We are

planning to build a school in the capital city . It’s a different
school than the aristocratic academy . The common people
will be the main target . The goal is to teach them the
knowledge they need as a business group . ”
He explained kindly, even drawing pictures to help them

understand . In response, one of the young businessmen
raised his voice as if he understood it .
“Ah! So you’re saying you’re getting investments from the

business and the business group to nurture talented people
and even introduce jobs!”
“Yes, we plan to link the talented people according to the

amount of investment . It’s about providing smart people to
people who invest a lot . ”
Sponsored Content
“But it’s going to take too long to make a profit from it . ”
Rather, the previous plan to send to her was all the more
likely . In disappointment, Aria said with a cold face .
It took at least half a year to raise a person . The first person
to learn was more so . It would take an average of two to
three years to create a person who could work at the
business group or the big market .
“And besides, how do they pay for their tuition? In the first
place, ordinary people who could afford their tuition for a
long time would have been able to enlighten their studies
with the help of their families . There’s no problem with jobs
. The people who really need help…”
Yes, they were poor people like Aria in the past . They were
in a situation where they were forced to lead their bodies to
work, even if they were so sick . They could not know what
they were doing because they didn’t even have the chance
to educate themselves .
And even if they died in an accident, they didn’t even hear

the words of regret, and they just said that that’s all their
fate . Hans, who was now alive but used to rent newspapers,
had also died like that .
Aria blinked slowly as she recalled it . It made her look like a

fragile girl . Asher watched her quietly .
“… They won’t be able to go to school even if you establish

a school . They are going to be busy feeding their family
right now . ”

possible .
between chapters .

123

Part IV
Chapter 123 . Secret, Part IV
Translator: Khan
That was the reality . She understood what Asher was

saying, but it was only a wild dream . Those who
sympathized with Aria nodded . Most of them were self-
made after difficulties, so there were quite a few who knew
the lives of the really poor ones .
“That’s why I knew it wasn’t really worth discussing . ”
Aria, who briefly shed her melancholy mood in the past she
didn’t want to recall, again she wore a mask of pride . At her
cold words, their gaze towards Asher was not good . There
was even a hint of why Investor A might have picked such
an idea .
In the atmosphere of such criticism, Asher did not lose his

composure . Rather, it seemed normal for him to get the
thorns on himself . He took some papers out of his arms .
They were documents with lots of letters on them . He lifted
and showed them to the people for an explanation .
“Don’t worry . We are going to give them jobs along with

their studies . ”
To sum up, the plan was to provide a fixed amount of work
and pay salaries in the name of a scholarship student,
without hiring extra workers after constructing a school . He
also explained that several people would share simple tasks
in less than four hours a day so that they would not interfere
with their studies .
“And we are going to be commissioned a professional job

from outside and make the able students work . We will
waive tuition fees based on grades and receive external
investment . Ah, some people have already expressed their
intention to invest . ”
He continued his explanation quite plausible . There seemed

to be someone to invest, even if not Aria . Moreover, given
the wealth he had sent to Mielle before, he seemed to be
able to do it alone, even without the investment . Someone
asked, who was listening to his story .
“Do you intend to build a new school?”
“Yes, we’ve already secured the amount . ”
If necessary, the budget would be organized in the imperial

family, and without doing so, they would have accumulated
a lot of money from what they had already done last year
The building would cost quite a lot of money to build, but

the conference room was in a quandary when it was said
that it had been secured . It was also because they were not
as desperate to start as they had been .
Doubtfully, Mrs . Clean asked Asher, “If you have that much
capital, why do you have to do this business? The idea
sounds great, but you want to give the common people a
chance rather than a business, and I don’t think it’s a
business . Personally, I think it’s better for you to invest in
other businesses . ”
“That’s…”
The gaze of Asher, who was about to answer her question,

went to Aria . His eyes facing her seemed to be getting
thicker and thicker . Still, there was emotion in her tender
eyes .
Because of that, Aria’s shoulders trembled once . ‘Why are

you looking at me without answering questions?’ It was
embarrassing, but on the other hand, she had a guess,
which made her face flushed .
‘Don’t tell me, it’s not about me . ’
Disappointment soon turned into expectation . It was Asher

who had overestimated her, who was a lowly position
among the common people . He had praised her for her
intelligence and invited her to the meeting . He might not
know the fact that she was the Investor A, but in any case,
he was different from the others who neglected her without
any reason .
Breaking the long, long silence, Asher answered the

question . “Because I need talented people who are
unspoiled . Fresh talented people, not infatuated with a
desire for power . ”
But the answer from Asher’s mouth was a different one than
she expected . Aria’s heart, which had swelled with subtle
expectations, moderated down . Her eyes were cold .
The other wife asked again, “You seem to have capital, but
what’s your intention to get investment? You’re going to
lose the commission again from a small profit . ”
“Maybe you’ll be in the deficit . Can you cover the fee?”
Sponsored Content
No matter how much flourished the crowd gathered here

with the help of Aria, the fees they were paying were much
higher than usual standards .
Nevertheless, the reason they continued to praise and

respect Aria, and get investment from her was that she had
given support to their future projects without asking
anything . ‘However, is it necessary for Asher, who has
strong capital and has investors other than Aria, to be
invested?’ A question came into everyone’s mind .
“I’m interested in this meeting and with the Investor A .

Where can I meet these young and passionate
businessmen? I’m sure you won’t lose it . You’ll be honored
to have rescued the common people . And I think it will be a
big contribution to your business . ”
Everyone seemed to sympathize with him because they

were mobilizing their family and they could not find the right
talented people . Most people showed great interest when
Asher added an explanation that even those who already
had a job could take classes over a short period of time to
learn insufficient knowledge, if necessary .
“I’d like to meet and tell Investor A about the details . There
are a lot of things I haven’t told you yet . ”
“… Ah . ”
They put on a sour face to hear that he wanted to meet and
talk with the Investor A . Investor A was an unknown figure
whom no one but Baron Burboom had ever met . No
information, including age and status, was available .
Burboom didn’t let them know when they asked, and they
couldn’t ask him because he was so angry .
“Well… I think it’ll work . ”
The meeting began in earnest with a word from the

Baroness Clean . Each made a recent report on his or her
current business or expressed difficulties . It was very nice
to see them putting their heads together to find a solution
or cheering for a solution, but Aria only kept her seat quietly
with an unidentified sense of disappointment .
So after the first meeting, she was in a hurry to get back to

the mansion because she was in a bad mood otherwise, she
heard the voice of Asher who was approaching .
“Lady, I haven’t seen you in a long time . ”
As she turned around, she saw Asher smiling . When he first

came in, she thought he had a really good face, but now she
didn’t . Somehow his expression of indifference irritated her
a little .
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“I was going to look for you, but I met you like fate . Can you
spare me a moment?”
Mrs . Clean, who was waiting for Aria, said, blushing her
cheeks, by his big hand,
“I’ll go first . I’ll try to get back to you at the next meeting .
”
Aria tried to make an excuse because she seemed to have

misunderstood the relationship between Asher and herself,
but the Baroness had already disappeared . The Baron of
Burboom watched nervously from the entrance to the
conference room where all the people had left .
“Are you offended that I hid my name?”
She tried to answer him ‘yes’, but she thought it was not the
only thing . If she were offended by hiding his name, she
should have asked him the truth first . But the feelings she
felt were simply not enough to express that she was
offended . It was because she felt disappointed that she did
not know the cause .
“Would you like to take a walk and talk with me?”
He took Aria by the hand and asked . She couldn’t say no

when he asked her so nicely . Moreover, she wondered how
he had been doing . ‘Are you doing well or are you busy?
And what’s the real identity?’
“… if you can answer my questions honestly without any

further hiding . ”
Asher smiled at Aria, who looked askance at him, and

nodded .
Baron Burboom looked very embarrassed as he watched

Aria and Asher go out hand in hand from beginning to end .
It might look good on the surface, but he thought Aria was
better than Asher .
“I look forward to seeing Investor A . He won’t regret it . ”
Sponsored Content
Asher, who left a significant word for Baron Burboom, left

the store with Aria . As soon as she came out to the eyes of
the people, Aria shook off his hand coldly, and he smiled
bitterly at the sight of her .
“In fact, I didn’t mean to tell you today . ”
“… what?”
‘What the hell are you going to do? After you had done all
this, do you still want to hide your identity?’ She was
wondering if it was the trick to hide it, but Asher hurried on
speaking,
“I never thought I’d meet you here in the first place . But I
wanted to tell you one day . Of course, it isn’t the day I
expected, but…”
Aria was shaken by his first self-mocking look . However, she

was able to calm down her mind quickly because she was
more curious than pity .

possible .
between chapters .

124

Part V
Chapter 124 . Secret, Part V
Translator: Khan
“I don’t know how reluctant you are to hide a great secret . ”
That was why the answer was so cold . At the same time,
doubts had become convinced . Maybe he was a hidden
royal family, otherwise, he couldn’t hide himself this far .
“Can I take you to a quiet place that is a little far away?”
“… do it . ”
Aria began to walk along with him who escorted her . She
didn’t expect this to happen, but she thought she was lucky
to be dressed simply . So many times she circled the alley
and stumbled in chaos, and Asher hastened to assist her .
“It’s just around the corner, so I’ll support you a little bit . ”
“… isn’t it too far?”
She nodded because she had already come so far despite

her grumbling . There was no need to go further and as she
went around the corner, a very quiet and secluded space
came out .
“The woods between the alleys…?”
She had just been strolling through a deserted urban alley,

and as soon as she circled the alley, an incredibly
magnificent forest unfolded before her eyes . She didn’t
even get through the gate outside the capital, but suddenly
the forest . In embarrassment, she stopped walking and
looked around, and Asher answered her casually,
“It’s a little off the capital . ”
“… Did I walk so much?”
It was a long ride from the capital to the nearest forest, so it

was never time to get to the forest even if she walked long
enough .
Then, suddenly, she remembered something similar had

happened last time . It was when she had fled from the
square, holding the hands of Asher . She had run with him
for a long time, and she had arrived at a vacant lot that she
had never heard of or seen before . And the vacant lot had
disappeared like a mirage on the way back .
As she tried to look back to confirm the way she had come,
he gave a little strength to the hand he had on her shoulder
and made her move forward .
“I don’t have enough time . I’ll tell you the way back, so
don’t worry . ”
So when she walked a little and turned her head, only the
dark forest was there . Eventually, she followed him with
one question or another about the mystery that she now
faced . He said, “I told you everything anyway . ”
“Please sit down . ”
At the destination where she arrived shortly after, Asher

said, pulling out a chair,
“I can’t believe there is a mansion like this in the woods

near the capital…”
It was a small but quite plausible mansion, and a table was

placed in a small garden in front of it . It was like a fairy
house in a fairy tale . After a silent glimpse of the
unbelievable scene, the gray-haired old man from the
mansion suddenly put the warm tea on the table .
“… Who is it?”
“He’s a close aide of mine . He’s in charge of managing the

mansion . ”
Aria, who had pursued the old man’s appearance like a

mirage and disappeared, took a sip of warm green tea and
came to her senses . A very strange situation was repeated
that was hard to understand .
“Where the hell are we?”
“It’s my refuge . It’s where I come from time to time when I

want to be lost in thought . ”
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“I’m not asking that . I’m asking you how these woods in the
alley are?”
“Didn’t you take a walk for a long time? That’s why you
arrived . In the woods near the capital . ”
“Are you kidding me? It takes a long time to get there on a

horse! How can a man beat a horse?”
If it was the first time, she would pass it, but she had been
through this twice, and she realized that it was not normal .
At Aria’s stern face, Asher was stained with difficulty with
the expression .
His ‘ability’ was not easily understood . Furthermore, what

would she think of himself if he explained this ability to her
today? But Aria didn’t go too easy .
“I don’t know what to explain to you, but… it’s a

characteristic of my family . ”
“The characteristic of the family?”
“Yes, it’s a rare ability to show up differently, and I owe it to

move quickly to faraway places . You can think of my body
as advanced . It’s kind of… it’s unusual and special . ”
He explained as little as possible . But he could move

quickly to distant places… it was just like magic . When she
asked to explain more precisely, Asher shook his head .
“I don’t know much more than this . It’s only as a born grace
.”
It was not typical so she couldn’t ask anymore . It was

because she was convinced that it might not be possible to
explain it as if the hourglass had appeared to her .
If she hadn’t had the hourglass, she would never have
believed what he was saying, but more than that happened
to her and it was quite understandable . On the other hand,
she wondered if such a magical thing could happen so often
.
He said that his ability was a characteristic of the family . ‘If

so, is what I became alive the hourglass’s ability? Maybe…
my mother was a petty prostitute, so my nameless father
was one of the family . ’ Tens of thousands of ideas
dominated her mind .
“So… is it the grace of the Viscount Pinonua family? No, is

that your real name, Pinonua Louie? Is Asher a fake name?”
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She thought it couldn’t be, but it was the first time she had
heard him formally introducing himself, so when asked, he
shook his head .
“No . The Viscount Pinonua family is just helping me . I just

borrowed a name to join the meeting . ”
“Then, you are of the imperial family…”
“Yes, you are right . I’m Asterope Franz . ”
“… oh my gosh . ”
Although she guessed that it would be the most reasonable

when she saw his recent moves, she was dumbfounded
when the affirmation came back .
Even if he was the Crown Prince . Listening to his name
reminded her of it . The crown prince was named Asterope .
It was partly because she never dreamed of having a tie
with someone from the royal family . It was Asher who she
had been rude to .
She had once laughed and trampled on the flowers he had

given her . It had been a tulip symbolizing the empire . She
had trampled such flowers in front of him . That was why
she had doubted his identity, but she had thought he might
not be because of the actions she had been doing to him!
Aria drank tea with trembling hands . She did not savor a
sip, but instead took a few sips and emptied her glass
cleanly as if she was drinking cold water .
Then Asher, who, with a gesture of his hand, ordered his

butler to bring her a new tea and carefully asked, “Are you
all right?”
“… I don’t know if I’ve been rude in the meantime . ”
Thinking whether to stand up or not, Aria suddenly turned

into a polite manner .
Asher gave her a bitter smile . “I have been afraid of this,

and I couldn’t say the truth . I don’t want you to burden me .
I want you to treat me as usual . ”
She wanted to, but she couldn’t . She just confirmed what
she had thought and suddenly felt that he was too far and
too high . ‘Why did he show interest in me? And why did he
attend the meeting I led, borrowing a name?’
Sponsored Content

She thought of it still in the silence of the woods . Asher also

stared at Aria, who seemed to think she needed time to
organize her thoughts, without further words .
‘The Crown Prince! But why was the Crown Prince cheating
on his identity?’ As she thought about it, her face turned
into a dead color .
Asher had a bitter smile and said, “I think you’d better get
up now today . ”
“But there’s more to ask…!” There was still a mountain of

questions she wanted to ask .
But Asher shook his head . “I’ll be in the capital for a while,
so we can meet anytime . Let’s talk again then . I’ll send you
a letter . There’s also work to be done first . ”
He was not a man to waste time in such a place . Even by

taking this time, she felt sinful . The way back was faster
than when she came . As soon as she got out of the forest,
the alley next to Baron Burboom’s shop appeared .
“I hope you don’t find any difficulty in me the next time we

meet . ”
Before she came out of the alley, he kissed Aria lightly on

the back of her hand and then disappeared with the words
of seeing her again soon . Everything that had happened
today was magical, and Aria couldn’t even move from there
for a long time
***
possible .
between chapters .

125

Part VI
Chapter 125 . Secret, Part VI
Translator: Khan
For the next few days, Aria, in thought, soon expressed her
intention to invest in a letter sent by Asher under the
pseudonym of Pinonua Louie . The opponent was Asher, and
not to mention it was an opportunity to associate herself
with the royal family .
There was no better opportunity to build a perfect

foundation . ‘How would he react when I later state that
Investor A is me? If she raised the meeting a little bit more,
it would be enough to surpass the count family . ’
Since he had somewhat confided in himself, she had a guilty

conscience about using him to hide her identity, but this
was not the time to think of, because Mielle’s end was
drawing near . She put the salad in her mouth, wondering
how she could drop Mielle into hell .
“So I’m wondering what kind of dress to wear for the

Marquis’s engagement . ”
It was a story about the engagement ceremony of the

Marquis of Vincent, which would be later . Of course, the
Count and Countess were also scheduled to attend . No
matter how recently he raised the Crown Prince’s hand, as
the Marquis still adhered to the Moderate Party, several
nobles would attend regardless of the faction .
“Aria, don’t you have to fit in a dress, too?” asked the

countess . She seemed to mean that all the nobles would
gather, and Aria should decorate as beautifully as possible .
But it wasn’t necessary, for there was already something in
her hand that could not be compared to any fancy dress .
“No, I’ve already prepared . ”
There was a dress that Sarah had just sent . Sarah

suggested that she would wear it in line with herself . It
wasn’t a fancy dress as a bride, but it was a design that
didn’t lack standing by her .
“But it’s the engagement ceremony of a lady who is a good

friend with . ”
The countess’s face was full of laughter . It was after the

rumors about Sarah had already spread, calling her rise in
the status of the century .
Mielle asked if she had not yet recognized Sarah, who was
Aria’s tutor, and what it meant .
“Is Aria… a good friend with her? What do you mean,

mother?”
“Mielle, you’ve seen her many times, too . I’m speaking

about Sarah, who was Aria’s tutor . She’s the fiancée of the
Marquis of Vincent . ”
“… what?”
The Count also asked back whether he had heard it for the
first time because he had not been interested in the tutor .
Then Aria answered, wiping her mouth .
“The Marquis seemed to be in love with Sarah’s sweetheart

. He was so nice to me when I visited him last time . ”
There was no appearance of shyness as usual, for she

thought there was nothing more to lose to that ugly Mielle
except her status . The apparent response deepened the
countess’s smile . It was her first sincere smile in a long
time .
***
From the day he had found out Aria had ties to Sarah, the
Count continuously asked Aria how Sarah and the Marquis of
Vincent had been doing . And every time he was delighted
to say that it was a very good chance . He didn’t even care
about Aria until recently, but when she saw such a sudden
change, she thought he was a merchant with a quick
calculation .
But there was one thing he overlooked; if she had been in

the past, she might have been jubilant about the attention
of her new father, but not now . She had nothing to offer to
anyone who only thought of her as the only object of his use
.
“I’m sorry I didn’t say hello to your home teacher because I

was on a business trip for a long time . ”
It was obvious that he wouldn’t have paid attention if he

hadn’t gone on a business trip, but the Count made a false
remark .
“Aria, I’m so glad you’re here . I have to see the Duke . ” The
Count said, drinking wine as if he were relieved .
Aria gently raised her mouth at the sight . He was foolish

enough to think, without a little doubt, that she was on his
side to fulfill his wishes . He had no idea that she was an
enemy who was in contact with the Crown Prince, who was
creating her own power, and who was always looking for a
chance to kill him .
“That’s right . I’m glad you had a good relationship, too . ”
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Mielle pretended not to care much . Aria was sure Mielle was
very interested in Sarah, who would be the Marquis’s wife .
‘No, Mielle would think she wouldn’t need my help . ’
Nor was it too much for her, as the most aristocratic women
hoped to get to know Mielle . Mielle seemed quite surprised
that Sarah, who was Aria’s tutor, became his wife, but she
was not otherwise nervous because she had the full support
of the princess Isis, who would soon become the wife of the
Crown Prince .
“Miss, a letter has arrived . ”
When she went up to her room after an unusual meal with

the Count, Jessie handed her a letter as if she had waited .
“Where did it come from?”

“I don’t know . It’s all that Asher sent . ”
“… Asher?”
Surprised, Aria picked up a letter from Jessie in a haphazard

manner as she was about to sit on the sofa . He had said he
would send a letter, but she couldn’t believe he was sending
it at such an early date . When she hurriedly opened it and
checked the contents, it contained quite friendly words,
unlike the brief letter he had sent earlier .
[I’m afraid you will catch a cold because it’s cold . ]
Oh, my God . Except for the first time she had met him in
the general store, it was a pretty friendly tone, but after she
had found out who he was, she hesitated whether she
should respond .
“Miss?”
Jessie questioned her who repeatedly read the short letter in

her hand . She seemed worried if there were any strange
contents written on it .
Aria had exchanged letters with Asher over and over again .
And she had talked about business a few days ago .
Whatever this was, fever rose in her face, and Aria shook
her head to try to regain her composure .
Sponsored Content
“He said he’ll be back next week for an answer . ”

“… Who?”
“Well? I thought he was an errand boy . ”
He couldn’t come all the way here, as he was busy . When

she thought it was natural, she regained some composure .
So she was able to write a reply, without delay, full of trivial
matters of everyday life and regards for Asher .
Aria, who put her reply in the drawer, said to Jessie, “Let me
know when the errand boy arrives . ”
“Yes, Miss . ”
In the meantime, the engagement day between the Marquis

of Vincent and Sarah came . Aria, wearing a light pink dress
that was not shown to the Countess, looked in the mirror
and checked her appearance .
“Miss! Why don’t you wear this necklace?”
Annie, dressed as Aria, showed up with a colorful necklace .

It was because Aria’s dress seemed boring to suit Sarah’s
taste . Jessie, who was touching Aria’s hair, opened her eyes
wide and agreed .
“Ugh? Was there a necklace like this? I think it’s going to

look really good on you!”
“This…”
It was a necklace from Asher which she had hidden in the

corner of the dressing room . Dress and other accessories
were also included, but they were hidden because they were
too colorful to wear .
“Try a look at it!”

Annie screamed a little when she tried to put the necklace
on Aria’s neck . Jessie, who was watching next to her, also
clapped her hands and said, “Oh, my God . Whatever you
wear, it looks so good on you, isn’t it?”
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“These colorful necklaces often look fluffy at times . ”
Apparently, the original look of her birth was brilliant, so she

naturally mixed it up with a necklace that could make her
look burdensome or poppy .
On the surface, she was not in a good position to go out,

and she didn’t intend to decorate herself colorfully since
today’s main character was Sarah, a bride, but when she
put on the necklace, it matched well and her eyes followed
it .
“… then, shall I only wear this necklace?”
“It’s a shame to have a necklace… That would be better

than doing nothing!”
After wearing the necklace, she finished off with a glittering

jewel powder on her hair, and Aria, dressed enough to hold
the spectator’s breath, went down to the first floor .
“… oh my god, Aria . How can you be so beautiful?”
“Hmm . You are very beautiful because you look like your
mother . ”
The Count and Countess, who had been preparing in
advance and giving orders to their servants near the front
door of the mansion, were deeply moved to see Aria .

possible .
between chapters .

126

Part VII
Chapter 126 . Secret, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Mielle, who came down last, also fixed her face to Aria’s
beauty . She seemed to have worked hard on decoration,
but when she stood next to Aria, her natural appearance
was far from glamour, and her presence was clouded .
“Mielle, don’t you feel uncomfortable sitting in such a

corner?”
Aria asked Mielle, who was glancing out of the window on

the wagon wall,
“… no, it’s been a while since I’ve been out, so I’d like to
look outside . ”
Mielle, a noble lily-like lady, was extremely reluctant to

approach Aria’s side, a rose-like lady as if sprinkled with
gold dust, and kept a distance from Aria even after she
arrived at the mansion of the Marquis .
“Sarah!”
In front of Sarah as usual, Aria, who imitated a child,
welcomed her, hugging her waist, even though she was now
about the same height .
And whether she always looked like a child in Sarah’s eyes,

she greeted Aria with a lovely face . The eyes staring at
each other were as warm as the spring sun, which had yet
to come .
“Come in, Aria . I’ve been waiting . ”
“I’m glad you’re here to celebrate . ” The Marquis also

welcomed Aria with his friendly face and speech, which was
no different from the last one .
“It’s a small gift . I prepared for you to be happy for a long

time . ”
‘Yeah, if possible, for the rest of your life . That way, you’ll
be my supporter and background for the rest of my life . ’
At Aria’s beckoning, Annie carefully handed him the present

she had been holding .
“… oh my god! How can I get this precious thing?”
What Aria prepared was a pair of crystal birds . It was a bird

known for a good relationship as a husband and a wife . The
eye was studded with diamonds and the base was golden .
There was an inscription that said, “I hope the future of the
Marquis of Vincent and Sarah will be full of happiness . ”
“I’ve never received such a precious gift before . I can’t

believe there is such a big crystal . ”
The Marquis was also deeply impressed and carefully
observed Aria’s gift .
It was made specially by a jeweler, and it was difficult to

even order because it was not easy to obtain large-sized
crystals, even at a high price . The Marquis seemed to like
it, but Sarah was so burdened that Aria added with a shy
face .
“It’s Sarah’s engagement, my favorite friend and teacher,

and I really wanted to prepare a great gift . I hope you like it
.”
Only then did Sarah, who read Aria’s mind toward her, nod
her head in tears . The ceremony had not started yet, but
Sarah was already on the verge of tears, so Aria hurried to
embrace her shoulder . The Count, watching the warm
scene, naturally stepped in between them with his voice
ringing,
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, Marquis Vincent . ”
“Thank you for coming like this . ”
The Marquis’s attitude toward the Count was also very

polite, thanks to her father . Following the Count, the
Countess greeted him with care, and then Mielle, who were
a short distance away from Aria, greeted Sarah and the
Marquis of Vincent .
“Congratulations . Lady Sarah has a good heart, and she

must be a benevolent wife of the Marquis . ”
“Thank you, Lady Mielle . ”
Despite Mielle’s sweet smile, Sarah showed only a formal

smile . Then the Marquis of Vincent glanced at her with
wonder .
“Now that you’ve trained Aria as such a graceful lady, you

must be a model for everyone, right? I’d love to have tea
with you and talk about a lot of things . ”
“… if time permits, let’s do it . ”
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“There will be many young ladies who want to talk to Lady

Sarah, so I hope it will happen in the near future . ”
“I see . ”
“I hope you enjoy the banquet, then, Lady Roscent . ”
Feeling Sarah was uncomfortable, Marquis Vincent cut off

the conversation, and as she was abruptly dismissed, Mielle
had a pause for a while but disappeared with a gentle smile
.
“Where do you feel uncomfortable?”
Sarah shook her head lightly at the question of the Marquis

of Vincent and denied it .
“No, I guess it’s because I’m nervous . ”
“I’m glad to hear that, but… I’m worried that… Why don’t
you take a break?”
Pointing to Sarah’s forehead, he said with a worried look .

But now that Mielle had left, Sarah shook her head again
because she was really fine .
Because she even smiled with a look of improvement, the

Marquis ordered his servant to bring some sweet fruit juice
instead of telling her to rest . Sarah’s bad feelings for Mielle,
who had been talking about the origin of Aria, were gone
with his kindness and affection, and again smiled heartily
and took the Count’s hand .
***
The Count introduced Aria, who had a deep friendship with

Sarah, to his group . She had not yet debuted in the social
world, so it was the first formal meeting with other nobles to
talk .
In the past, he had only ashamed of her even after she had
become an adult, and never introduced her to anyone .
Therefore, with tens of thousands of feelings, she held her
calm mind and kept a gentle smile .
“I heard she was a child, so I didn’t know she was this

beautiful lady . ”
“I am very sorry to meet this beautiful lady now . ”
Sponsored Content
It was the unmarried male nobles who expressed a

favorable response from some of them . No man would not
like her who was shiny, and beautifully dressed than anyone
else here .
Besides, women also pretended to be relaxed, covering their
faces to hide their eyes to follow the beauty of Aria .
Knowing that her relationship with Mielle was not good, they
were trying to neglect .
In the familiar and natural response, Aria fluttered her

eyelashes and added an alluring smile . And the man who
was facing Aria’s face began to stutter with red cheeks and
ears .
“The Count, did you decide the fiancé of Lady Aria …?”
“Haha, well . She is still young . Slowly, I’ll have to find a

good mate . ”
Now that the Count realized that there were quite a lot of
places to use Aria, he began to appreciate Aria as if he had
cherished and nurtured her . There seemed to be a fairly
satisfactory family among the men gathered, and the
Countess also wrapped around Aria’s shoulders and threw a
big smile .
The young men tried to smoothly favor with the Count and
showed off their family and wealth, and Aria, who was
watching the boring sight, could see the appearance of a
man from behind far away .
‘Asher…?’
Tall; unusual height and black hair! She couldn’t say for sure
because she only looked at his fading back, but her intuition
was that it was Asher .
‘What the hell is he doing here?’
Come to think of it, it wasn’t so strange . Didn’t the luxury

goods that had spoiled the market end up in the hands of
the Marquis of Vincent? She heard that his position, which
had remained neutral, was shaken once .
On the surface, he said he still stuck to neutrality, but the

luxury goods were clearly part of the Crown Prince’s
business, so he might have visited to celebrate his
engagement . He had yet to make an official appearance as
he was not yet an adult, but it was highly likely that the
Marquis would have made an acquaintance with the Crown
Prince because of luxury goods .
“Lady Aria?”
“Lady? What’s going on?”
So when she hurriedly got up from her seat and tried to get
out of the crowd to chase him, the startled men called her
name . The Count and Countess were the same . Their eyes
asked her where she was going to at this important moment
.
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“I’m sorry, but I’m a little dizzy and I think I’ll have to get
some fresh air for a while . ”
“Do you want me to accompany you then?”
“How about me?”
“You’d rather be accompanied by a reliable person because

it’s dangerous . ”
Although she showed a sign that this place was
uncomfortable, there was a war of nerves for men without
sharp remarks . Aria refused because she did not want to
put them all under her thumb as she had done in the past .
“No, I’m fine . Women sometimes need to have their own

time . ”
Also, she had to rush to chase after the already-

disappearing Asher . She didn’t have time to play pun with
useless men . However, Aria’s expression of an answer was
quite furtive, so those who were present cleared their
throats or blushed and sympathized too much .
“Hmm, I see . ”
“Come, come back safely!”
“Come back quickly . ”
“I will . ”
After answering the Countess, Aria took a quick step toward

the place where Asher had disappeared . She recognized
that if anyone saw this, he would point it out, but she
couldn’t stop the rush .

possible .
between chapters .

127

Part VIII
Chapter 127 . Secret, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
It was winter so long that there was nothing ready for the
garden side, but where he disappeared was the corridor
leading to the garden .
‘Is there a way out of here?’
Thinking about it, Aria opened the door to the garden,

passing through the corridor . Unfortunately, there was no
Asher there . Nevertheless, the reason why she couldn’t go
back quickly was because of the outpouring of regret .
So she walked through the garden looking for his traces, and
a small cough came out because the cold air of winter
entered her lungs . And then, someone who had come to
her before she knew it, gave her a coat that was still warm
on her shoulders .
“What are you doing here, Lady Aria?”
“… Mr . Asterope . ”
‘It’s not a dream, right?’ As if he had been watching her all
along, the touch of Asher, who was turning over Aria’s hair
in the wind, was filled with affection and anxiety .
Asher, who moved to prevent the strong winter wind from

melting Aria’s body temperature, complained about his
name,
“Please call me Asher . ”
“How dare I…”
“It hurts because I feel like I’ve become estranged from you
.”
He narrowed his eyebrows as if to express his sick heart .

She had to nod, even though she knew it was half a joke,
who had just played so many men . Looking back, she
always seemed unable to keep her composure before him .
It was only then that Asher opened his eyebrows and smiled
affectionately .
“The necklace looks very good on you . ”
“Ah…”
Aria’s shoulders cringed with his deep stare at her slender

neck . She didn’t wear it to show him, but she didn’t want it
to look like that, so she nodded small, and changed the
subject around .
“What are you doing here?”
“I stopped by to celebrate the engagement of the Marquis of

Vincent . ”
Asher noticed her mind and answered with a smile as if she
was cute,
“… it seemed like you just popped up, and did you use that
ability?”
“No, I don’t use it very often . There’s a price . ”
“Price…”
The word “Price” reminded her of herself, who had not been
able to wake up for a whole day after using the hourglass in
her head . when she had first used it, serious fatigue had
come over her immediately, but now it vanished . Even
when she tried to bear it desperately, it was hard to pass a
few hours .
“I move my body fast and I have to rest a little bit . ”
Asher and she seemed to have a similar grace of having to

pay the price instead of using the ability . Suddenly, she
was curious . She assumed that he was protected by God,
as he was a member of the royal family, but what kind of
grace did she get to be able to use the hourglass?
She didn’t think it was related to her mother who had

inherited poverty for generations, so it was probably related
to her biological father who she didn’t know who he was…
But of all the men, she didn’t know who her real father
would be, so perhaps she wouldn’t be able to know it
forever .
“I see . You seem to have a good relationship with the

Marquis, given that you’ve been visiting like this . ”
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As if not to know the relationship of the Marquis of Vincent

and him, she asked about it and the eyes of Asher grew a
little thin . He looked as if he were measuring something .
The expression, which was revealed even though it could be
hidden, had a hidden meaning that she knew everything
already .
“I thought you would know if I didn’t have to explain . ”
He was truly putting a high value on Aria’s insight . It had

also been an unquestioned part of the past .
‘Maybe he’ll answer honestly . ’
It was Asher who had even revealed his identity to her even
though he had yet to make a formal appearance . Aria was
no longer intimidated and asked what she suspected
honestly,
“Surely, since you handed over the luxury goods last time,
did the Marquis of Vincent become your man?”
Again, Aria’s question hit the point and his laughter was
deepened . That was because it was close to the answer,
albeit not the answer .
Of course, because it was a popular rumor, anyone who was

quick in information could think of it, but whatever she said
sounded intelligent and wise to him, who had an extremely
high assessment of Aria . Even though he was aware of this,
he could not stop his assessment of her from rising .
“I haven’t gotten there yet, but I’m trying to do it . ”

It was a groundless belief that she would not betray him,
looking at the steps she had taken so far, even though she
was the eldest daughter of a noble family to the bone .
Maybe it was something he wanted to believe . Because he

foresaw that if Aria betrayed himself, he would suffer from a
sense of loss that would be too great to make a comeback
for a while .
With a satisfied smile, the hands of Asher slowly approached

Aria’s face . The palms of Asher swept away Aria’s pale skin
as she didn’t avoid his hand .
“I was going to see you for a second and go, but…”
His eyes were heartbroken . Knowing that Aria had arrived

here, he was going to see her face for a while from afar, but
he couldn’t do so when he saw her face smiling at the men
around her .
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So he caught Aria’s eye as if he had left a mark on purpose .

But now that he felt this way, he couldn’t go back .
Aria was annoyed by a little regretful word of Asher, and she

asked a sharp question,
“Is there any reason why we shouldn’t meet and talk like
this?”
In spite of the coldness, Aria stared at himself with red eyes

full of heat, and from the depth of his stomach, the fever
rose and went into the palm of his hands wrapped around
her cheek by itself .
“You always embarrass me like this . ”
‘Where is the man who can standby looking at her like that?’
Just smiling made him lose his sight so he couldn’t even
move .
A blue eye glanced over Aria’s face . His eyes glazed

persistently through the light-green quaint eyes that had
burnt many men’s hearts, passed by a lovely nose and
reached her bewitching lips .
Her reddish lips were pouting out their white breath . He

couldn’t take his eyes off them because he convinced
himself that they were tempting him with such a fascinating
self .
“Mr . Asher…”
Aria’s voice trembled at the sudden change of mood and

piercing gaze . Her swaying eyes seemed to have noticed
Asher’s intentions . Still, looking at Aria, who did not avoid
but came in eye contact, Asher, who wrapped his hands
around her waist, slowly bent down and lowered his gaze .
By the time the distance that had otherwise been close was
reduced to reach each other, the bitterly cold wind blew
Aria’s hair once .
Thanks to the scattered jewelry powder, shiny hair mingled

with the snowy garden and looked like a mirage . Along with
that, the nervousness of Aria shaking added a mystery .
Asher, who had put all those beautiful things in his eyes,
soon slowly blinked and sighed a little, then gently handed
over Aria’s hair, giving her a slight kiss on her soft forehead
.
“It’s cold . I think you better go back now . ”
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In fact, there was no time to feel the cold, but they had to
leave and he couldn’t do a shameless thing to her, as two
years remained before she would become an adult .
Aria nodded as she stared at Asher, even though his lips fell
off her forehead as if she was bewitched for a while . He also
had to go back, as he had been away for a long time .
It wasn’t long after he told her to go in, and that his hands
around Aria’s waist fell off . A little hesitant, Aria turned
around and moved very slowly out of the garden .
‘Why his longing grows big every time even if their meeting
is repeated?’ Asher was so sad by the appearance of Aria
disappearing into the end of the corridor and stared at it for
a while .
‘If it is now to be able to discuss all the corruption…

wouldn’t it be better for her to stay by my side?’
It was clear that it would be okay to have Aria around now

that he would no longer be dragged around by the nobles .
Of course, there was still a big problem that she had to
accept it .
He was about to go back, thinking that he should put the
best knight he knew next to her, and he saw an irritating
face coming in at the end of the corridor where Aria
disappeared .

possible .
between chapters .

128

Part IX
Chapter 128 . Secret, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“… the princess?”
She, who had always paid attention to her conduct to be the

model of the nobility, came toward the garden of Asher with
a shocked face . Her hurried steps seemed to represent her
condition . Coming out into the garden with an incredible
face, she said, omitting her greetings toward Asher,
“I just wanted to see who else was possessed by the bad girl
as she came out with a blushing face… I never dreamed
that Your Highness would be here . ”
In the harsh and frivolous words of the noble lady to emerge

from her mouth, Asher frowned . Isis’s eyes turned toward
the garden where Asher had come out . It was because the
woman’s footprints were stamped around him .
“How could Your Highness do this?”
It was Asher who was embarrassed in her words that

condemned him . It was questionable whether she had been
deranged by the power of the Aristocratic Party .
“I don’t understand the reason that the princess is going to
hurt . ”
“If Your Highness causes a scandal with ‘the woman’… and

of course it will ruin my fame!”
She raised her voice as if she couldn’t really beat the shame
. She looked as if she were unpleasantly in a fever of
excitement . It seemed insane not to hesitate in harsh
language . It was because the people around her were taken
away not once, but twice by the woman of no value . Asher
spouted a fake smile on his face .
“Really? I don’t know why my relationship with a woman is

so bad for your fame . ”
“Are you going to pretend you don’t know? Don’t tell me

you’re going to take her as a concubine? Do you think it’s
possible, don’t you?”
Asher smiled sarcastically to her who was saying as if he

needed her permission . ‘Do you know where your position
is and what you are talking about?’
“I’m worried if the princess is delusional . ”
“… Your, Your Highness? What are you…?”
When he uttered the same level of vulgar language, the

princess was embarrassed and narrowed her eyebrows . She
was so excited that she forgot what she had said herself,
that she seemed shocked as if she had never known that he
would say it .
The shock doubled because he had let the Aristocratic party

run wild . She didn’t know that it was a beast of prey for the
moment .
“Why do I need such permission?”
“Well, that’s it . You’re the one who’s going to be engaged to

me…!”
“Oh, you’re under a great illusion . It’s very sad . ”
“Your Highness…!”
It was true that words about their engagement had gone by,
but it had not been established . It was just a claim from the
Aristocratic Party that had maintained its ascendancy all
along the way .
But their existence was no longer a great threat because

now he was able to build up his power and disrupt the
Aristocratic Party . If he built a school here and even
absorbed the investor group, he would be able to build a
huge force merged over identity and age .
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Of course, there was no big problem even if it didn’t . The

reason for reaching out to the meeting was to create a
backdrop where no gossip would dare come up, no matter
which woman he would choose as the wife of the Crown
Prince . And the woman wasn’t the pervading villain in front
of him .
“Maybe I’d rather live alone for the rest of my life than
marry the princess . ”
“How, how could you say such rude things?…!”
The princess’s face turned as white as the snow that had

just fallen, in response to an unexpected attack . It was also
because the future which was to come without fail was
denied, and which she did not doubt .
“That’s what I’ll say . I hope you don’t offend me anymore

with false rumors . ”
“False rumors…!” As she could not believe Asher’s words,

Isis asked back in a quivering voice,
“Are you asking because you don’t know? I mean the false
rumors that the princess and I are going to get engaged .
I’ve never expressed any affirmation . ”
Isis’s face collapsed at the cold and clear answer of Asher

again . It was because the goal that must be achieved was
negated . No one would follow her anymore if she was not
the wife of the Crown Prince . Everyone admired and
followed her because she was the one who would be the
future Crown Princess .
Isis stood like a statue without saying anything for such a

short time, then soon clenched her teeth and said cursingly
to Asher,
“I’m sure Your Highness will regret what you just said . ”
It was a curse without even a shred of regret . It was like a

warning that she would make it that way . She seemed to
think she could really do that . The foolish appearance made
Asher laugh .
‘How shallow have I been?’ It was sad that she did not
hesitate to say and act presumptuously toward the royal
family, even though she was only the Duke family’s
daughter . She didn’t know what was coming . So he added
a small warning as if he were using caution . He knew that
she would not be able to deal with it anyway .
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“You still don’t understand the situation, do you? There are

rumors that the names calling on the streets that were
written on the accounting book are not everything . ”
“… what do you mean?”
Isis’s eyes swayed . She had thought it would be him who

would continue to shake herself and the Aristocratic Party,
but she had dismissed it as only a short time . And now that
he was so confident in threatening herself… The cold blue
eyes moved as if to devour her .
“Well, that’s all my kindness here, so let the princess figure

out the rest for yourself . ”
Isis was shaking, biting her lips on his back which turned
around with any regret as always . It was because she
couldn’t stop her anger . As she grew older, the boy, who
she thought he was her own, grew further away from her,
and now he showed disgust at every passing eye .
‘I’m sure it’s a bluff . Run wild, but there’s not a single
person that will give you strength . I’ll make you never think
of such terrible things again . ’
It was Isis’s miscalculation, though she tried to dismiss the
anxiety as a rootless bluff . Asher had the last card to
destroy the Aristocratic Party, which she thought was solid,
and soon she could know .
“That’s ridiculous! Why, why am I involved in that?!”
Later, there was no mention of her name in the accounting

book of Viscount Vigue, but there was a rumor that she had
ordered the work . Rumors had it that he had only deleted
the name of the princess in case of a possible situation .
The rumor without proof instantly covered the entire capital

city through gossip . It was because the fall of a reputable
person was just as interesting . Of course, it was more
believable because there was a witness .
“What the hell does that motherf*cker know?!”
The glass thrown by Isis hit the wall and broke into pieces .
A local nobleman, who she had only had a few cups of teas
as he had presented gifts, was presented as a witness and
sided with the Crown Prince . Even anonymous casino
workers gathered to talk, calling it a fait accompli .
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On the surface, she made excuses, with a casual face, but

only a few believed . Although it must be the Crown Prince’s
ruse, doubts grew as there had been already the internal
division within the Aristocratic Party . Some of them joined
the Crown Prince’s side and fattened the gossip about the
Aristocratic Party and the princess .
It was certain that with the witness alone she would not be
punished at all anyway, but the scandal would continue in
the meantime, although it would be proved that she was
innocent . Such a solidly built castle tower would fall .
It was clear that the Crown Prince was after it . The servant,
who had noticed such a thing, carefully announced Mielle’s
arrival as he could no longer delay it .
“Well… miss, Lady Roscent has arrived . ”
In fact, it had been quite a while since she had arrived, but
he had made her wait on the pretext of getting ready,
because she had been in a state of composure he could
speak to .
“… Oh, I did . I was going to call Lady Mielle . ”
Fortunately, she was an intelligent person who was able to

discern her own interests, so she soon stopped her anger
and returned to her original form . This was not the time to
be so angry .
Isis, who straightened her face and arranged her manners,

headed to the lounge . Mielle, who would later become
Duchess, was savoring tea with a graceful figure worthy of
her .

possible .
between chapters .

129

Chapter 129: Chapter 129 . Revenge
(II), Part I
Chapter 129 . Revenge (II), Part I
Translator: Khan
As Isis entered the lounge, she looked cautious, as if quietly

getting up from her seat and welcoming would not offend
her by the usual rumors . Isis liked it so much that she felt a
little better .
“Don’t stand there like that and sit down, Lady Mielle . ”
When Isis sat on the other side, Mielle, who put her butt on,
carefully asked how she had been . It wasn’t long ago that
she had met her at the engagement ceremony of the
Marquis of Vincent, but she seemed to have no other topic
to bring up .
Isis replied without faking it, “As you know, it wasn’t very
good . It’s because there’s been a rumor going around . ”
“I’ve heard that rumor . I don’t know who’s been spreading

such false rumors… . and I’ll do my best to help make sure
the truth is out . ”
“Really?”
But because there was not much Mielle could do, Isis’s
expression did not improve . It was true that she offered
only words to help, so Mielle held the tea in her hand
without saying anything . Young ladies’ conversation was
like that .
“I feel very secure . ”
Nevertheless, Isis added that she was reliable . It was

because she couldn’t afford to neglect Mielle, who had the
most money, at a time when she was losing her troops one
by one . Besides, there was something she had to do . That
was why she called her while she was busy .
“Well, I’ll have to ask you a favor . ”
“Just say anything . Whatever it is, I will finish it right away,”

replied Mielle, who was full of determination .
Isis said after a sip of warm green tea . “I’ve been telling
you this before . I think it’s a little late, but I hope you have
to take ‘the woman’ away this time . ”
It was to get rid of Aria, who had a secret meeting with the
Crown Prince . She couldn’t get rid of the Crown Prince, so it
was advisable to get rid of her . Anyway, she was worthless,
so there would be few who would be grieved if she
disappeared .
“Ah… you mean ‘the woman’ . ”
Mielle, who realized what Isis referred to was Aria, sneaked

off her gaze . Isis was the one who had stressed that before
she had entered the Count family, she should be taken away
because she would be a family shame .
But for Mielle, who had been still young, there had been no
way to do it, and later with Emma’s help, it had failed . After
that, she had tried to do something, but Aria seemed to
have suffered without a blow .
And now the Count, her father, and the servants were
sending a favor to Aria . She couldn’t even sleep at night, so
she had thought about how to destroy Aria, but she couldn’t
find an answer . So when she could not answer anything,
Isis added, with a serious look on her face,
“The rootless woman would be a great stain on the future

Duchess, Mielle . It’s like I’ve got this false rumor . You
wouldn’t want that to happen, would you?”
That was what Isis had always emphasized, and Mielle was
sympathetic, so this time Mielle couldn’t help but nod .
Indeed, it was clear that the wicked prostitute’s girl would
ruin the family’s reputation .
‘… Yes, Emma will do anything for me . ’
Mielle glanced behind her on Emma who was waiting . She

had Emma who took the place of her dead mother and
devoted herself to her . In the past, Emma had suggested
pulling a prank on Aria to soothe her grieving with a wagon
with some missing parts .
When Mielle recalled her last time that there was a way to
add some condiments, she quickly replied with a bright look,
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“I’ll try to ease your worries!”
“Thank you . It will be a way for Lady Mielle’s future, so

please do me a favor . ”
Isis savored the tea with a relieved face as she watched the
determined Mielle leave the lounge with a gallant smile .
She hoped Mielle would get rid of the wicked woman who
disturbed the hearts of her precious beings .
Revenge (II)
Aria’s eyes fell on Berry, who was pouring the tea . Although
she had remained expressionless for some time, she had
been nervous and anxious again in recent days . Sometimes
there was even a fit of hidden anger .
On Sarah’s engagement day, after meeting with Asher, she

had been unnoticed at first, because she had been in a state
of excitement and daze for several days . And it had also
played a part in the fact that she had been busy because of
aristocratic men who had started making unnecessary visits
with flowers and gifts after that day .
However, if she showed such a change in her emotions, her

eyes would naturally be on Berry . The change in her
emotions was so extreme .
Aria could have gone by, if it had been her past self,
thinking that she had finally become obedient . However,
she could have noticed that it was strange, because she
knew that Berry had a bad temper .
‘Don’t tell me you’re up to something bad . ’
It was possible enough because she was not sitting still

when she was so high up . She must be up to something .
For such a short time, Aria kept her eye on Berry, who was
pouring the tea and setting up the cookies, and Annie, who
had been to Baron Burboom, returned with a bright face .
Aria could hear the words from the letter she had always
seen . Annie used to come back just before sunset when she
was out, but it was a little bit early . Perhaps because of
this, Berry looked surprised .
“Miss! I brought a letter! There’s a nobleman down there

again, who I’ve never seen . I overheard him talking and he
was talking about you! If you’re an adult and make your
debut in society, all the noblemen of the empire will come to
this mansion! You are still so beautiful, and how beautiful an
adult girl must be!”
“Don’t make a fuss and give it to me . ”
Sponsored Content
What Annie brought was a letter from Asher . It was exactly

a letter to Investor A, but it was one of the things that she
was looking forward to because it was full of interesting
content . As soon as she received it, she opened the letter,
and Annie said to herself with a smile,
“Who is that gentleman and makes you so happy?”
“He’s a great man . ”
Unlike in the past, he was great because he had been so

good at destroying hostile forces . He was the one who
would accomplish ten things if she told him one . Now that
the Aristocratic Party had been cut in half . Besides…
‘He’s going to give me all the credit for his business, as an
investor . ’
Aria laughed bitterly when she read that he would turn all
the credit around even though the amount of money she
invested in him was not that big . ‘What kind of investor can
turn down such a sweet offer?’ It was a super-luxury flattery
. Moreover, the last letter said he attracted investment from
the Crown Prince and even the imperial family’s budget .
Rather than being childish, of course, it would be just an

investment that had been earned in the last luxury goods .
At any rate, it seemed that she might know his purpose .
‘He wants to make a rumor that even the young

entrepreneurs are related to him . Investor A who stole all
the credit will not complain . How much is he planning to
build up? Is he going to bring down the Aristocratic Party
completely? Looking at his moves, which are different from
those of the past, it will be possible now, but why is he so
bulky? Just as if he wants to be reborn as something no one
else can stand against . ’
The image resembled that of herself, who did not want to

repeat the past again and was desperate .
She was so lost in thought that she could see Annie on the
other side asking Berry to pour the tea . But somehow Berry
was hesitant to pour tea into her teacup .
“What’s going on with your ears? Don’t you understand?”
“…”
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Aria, who was watching the awkwardness of Berry that was

different from usual, narrowed her eyes and checked the
location of the hourglass, and handed Annie the tea in front
of her .
“I’m not thirsty, so drink this . ”
“Miss?”
Annie looked at Aria who was handing over the tea in front
of her, at a time when she deserved to scold Berry . And
then Berry’s face became pale .
“Well, if you do… Thank you, miss . ”
Annie, who was gazing at the tea that Aria gave her, soon
picked it up . Then she picked up the teacup, which had just
belonged to Aria, and took it near her mouth . It happened
very quickly .

possible .
between chapters .

130

(II), Part II
Chapter 130 . Revenge (II), Part II
Translator: Khan
“Wait, wait a second…!”
And, as expected, Berry hurriedly reached out . The reason

was clear because it wasn’t Annie who had to drink the tea .
Aria’s eyes narrowed even more as she watched her .
“No!”
But it was already late . Because Annie drank some tea .

Berry’s hand, which stretched out late, hit Annie’s teacup,
and it caused the tea to pour into Annie’s clothes .
“… what did you do?”
Annie pressed Berry with a voice full of anger with the

sound of the teacup breaking . Contrary to expectations, she
looked fine .
“An, Annie…!”
Berry called Annie’s name after she had lost her plan . Her
reaction to a cup of tea was so intense…
‘No way, is it poison?’
Aria was sorry to Annie for drinking tea on her behalf, but if
she didn’t have any doubt, it would have been herself .
‘It’s okay . I can turn back time with the hourglass . Then
Annie can come back to the way she was . It’s a lot better
than to drink and die that way’
Still, nervous about what was yet to be predicted, Aria

backed away from Annie to the drawer of the hourglass .
Annie was still angry at Berry, unaware of the situation she
was in .
“What are you doing without wiping it out?”
“Are, are you all right…?”
“When did I say you were allowed to talk like that?”
“An, Annie…!”
“You have to be really punished…! Ugh!”
As if the circumstances were unknown, Annie, who threw

herself into the heat of the far-fetched detail, suddenly
opened her eyes wide and could not keep up with what she
was saying . Something seemed to have worked .
“… Annie?”
“…!”
Then she suddenly fell down on the table, who had just been
trying to scold Berry . It caused several dishes on the table
to fall to the floor and make a loud noise . It looked strange .
Aria and Berry stared at the fallen Annie, stiff as if they were
stone . Soon Berry sank on the floor, trembling all over .
“You…! What the hell did you put in the tea?”
As Aria grilled her, Berry, who was more and more

exhausted by Aria’s voice, said to herself and trembled,
“I, I didn’t mean to… Uh, what should I do? …I don’t think
Annie can drink…”
“What the hell did you put in there?”
“What, what am I going to do…?”
Aria picked up Berry’s head who was muttering as if she had

lost her mind . She tried to catch her eye, but her eyes were
desolate as if she had already gone mad . If she was so
terrified of failure, what she had put in the teas must be a
potent poison for an instant kill .
Aria clicked her tongue and took the hourglass out of the
box and turned it back, saying, “There’s no way we can
change our personality . ” If she lost even a second, it could
have irreparable consequences .
“So what are you doing without pouring the tea?”
In an instant, the view changed and Annie appeared in good

shape . Seeing that she was angry at Berry for the tea, she
didn’t seem to have drunk it yet . Fortunately, she was not
too late, but Annie questioned when she saw Aria standing
at the table by the drawer .
“Ugh? Miss, when did you get up from your seat? When did
you take out the hourglass? You have to get me to do it . ”
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‘If I had asked you to do it, would you have done it?’
Aria, who stared at the previously dead Annie for a moment,

sat in her place without an answer .
“Are you sick?”
“… no . ”
‘Who cares about who . ’ Annie, who never dreamed of what

had happened to her, was worried about Aria . Aria, with a
sour smile on her face, slowly picked up the teacup . Berry’s
eyes glowed horribly again as she watched it .
‘Who in the world is a wicked woman and who is the saint?

Is there ever a wicked woman in the world who is
threatened by a saint?’ Aria took the cup of tea with her
hand to her mouth and glanced over Berry’s face .
Berry looked as if she should hurry up and drink the tea .

‘You just cried in terror . ’ Her eyes glowed with joy as it
tried to reach its right destination .
Thinking it would be right to hang her on the wall after she

cut off her neck, she put her lips on the glass . And as she
pretended to take a sip and put the glass down again, Berry,
with an uncontrollably bright face, was seen .
‘As planned, I’d better kill that b*tch . ’
Aria, who had vowed again, said, pointing her head,

“Berry… the tea tastes weird, but what the hell did you put
in it…?”
Flopped! Annie screamed in tears at Aria falling on the

table, unable to finish her speech, and Berry hurried away .
“Miss!”
Since then, other servants and maids who heard her scream
came into the room, and several others who found the fallen
Aria again .
“Oh, my God…! Miss Aria!”
“Call a doctor!”
“What should we do…”
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It was very astute to hear them stamping their feet and

raising their voice without even touching Aria, but
sometimes Aria felt strange to hear a crying voice . The
shock was felt completely, although it was not visible from
the fall .
In the past, even though she had been beaten all over her
body, she had been full of ridicule and disgust . She heard a
row of people coming into the room . The situation began to
be much bigger and more serious than she thought because
of all the guests from outside .
“Aria!”
The Countess, who screamed, hugged Aria’s slender body .
Aria had been deflating her whole body, and she was
drooping like a dead woman . This was followed by a small
scream,
“What are you looking at? Move her to bed fast!”
Unsurprisingly, the Count’s urgent voice was heard . The

servants and maids, who had so far failed to act, moved in
perfect order and laid Aria’s body on the bed .
“Do we have a doctor?”
“Someone went to call him! He’ll be here soon!”
“My God… What the hell is going on?!”
The Countess held Aria’s hand in tears . She felt a warm

body temperature because she wasn’t really poisoned . The
Countess seemed to be relieved and again raised her voice,
“Who is responsible for this?”
“Berry, it’s Berry!”
It was Annie who answered her . She had a clear view of the
situation, so she didn’t hesitate to point the finger at Berry .
“Miss Aria drank the tea which Berry brought out and she
fell down! That tea!”
As expected, Annie was a brilliant and useful child . Aria put

the teacup on the table on purpose and fell down, but now
that she understood her intention, she felt like she was
going to laugh . Annie pointed to the teacup that was still on
the table, and the Count ordered his servants to hurry up
and pack it in .
“Find Berry! Why isn’t the doctor coming yet?!”
As she closed her eyes in the middle of the uproar, she felt
like she was falling asleep . It was worth it because she used
the hourglass . She thought she could go on for another
hour or two, but she had better sleep here because she
would be in trouble if a doctor came to see her . She
thought it was very fortunate to have the hourglass and was
relieved, and fell into a deep sleep .
***
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“It’s hard to say she was poisoned, even if I check it again .

Maybe it’s a small amount, and the symptoms are
insignificant, so it’s just a little bit of luck . ”
Aria, who woke up after a full day’s sleep, gave a look of joy
at the doctor’s remarks examining her . But the Countess,
who shared the diagnosis with her, did not .
“But why did she sleep for so long?”
“I think it’s a small amount, but I think it’s because she was
in the middle of detoxification . ”
“So you’re saying she’s all right now?”
“I’m afraid so, but…”
Everyone’s worried eyes fell on Aria . She replied with a

rather feeble smile, as she had not yet intended to pretend
to be fine,
“… I think it’s really good . I don’t have the strength yet,

but… I’m a little sleepy . I don’t have energy . ”
“My God…”
The Countess blushed at the sad sight . At the words of

Aria’s awakening, the face of the Count who rushed to the
scene was also deeply troubled . He seemed to recall last
night that she did not even move . Aria pointed her head
and said, “I’m not feeling well yet . And I have a little bit of a
headache… is this a way to be fine?”
A little disheveled hair accentuated her sickness . The

doctor replied with a very awkward face because she had no
other symptoms than looking tired .

possible .
between chapters .

131

(II), Part III
Chapter 131 . Revenge (II), Part III
Translator: Khan
“Well, maybe you’re not all better yet, so you’d better rest
for a while . Make sure you eat well and feel at home . You
can’t ignore the trauma . ”
“Ah…!”
Aria’s face turned pale as if the doctor’s words reminded her

of the time of the incident . Having to live in a mask for a
long time, she looked quite plausible .
Jessie, who was waiting by her side, hurriedly handed her

the honeyed water . Jessie was black under her eyes as if
she had not slept and worried . Aria bit her lips and asked
again, recognizing that she was the only one who would
remain unchanged from beginning to end .
“Well, what happened to Berry?”
“I’ve called the guards, and I’ve sent people to go after her,
so she’ll get caught in no time . Don’t worry . ”
Aria’s expression was dark even in the Count’s affirmative
answer .
“… Is it true that she did it? The… poison . ”
“I’ll have to investigate more to say for certain, but for now I
have no choice but to see it . ”
The incredible sight also dimmed the complexion of those

watching her . They were grieved over the fact that the
maid who was attending at her side had done such a terrible
thing to her master .
‘I hope she wouldn’t be caught for a long time . ’
Aria was so happy in this situation that she wanted to dance

. ‘The longer she runs away, the more compassion she will
have for herself . If there is any rumor that this is related to
Mielle, that will be a bonus . ’
“Mielle, are you all right?”
Aria spoke to Mielle, who was secretly checking her

condition in the corner after she quietly opened the door
and came in, and Mielle nodded in surprise . Yeah, it was like
a criminal .
“I-I’m okay…”
“It’s a good thing . I wish it was only for me . If you’re going

through this terrible thing, I’m sure I can’t stand it . ”
The remark was sincere . If they were harmed together,

wouldn’t she be able to pass over the responsibility on to
her? Of course, it was what she ordered, so she wouldn’t do
the stupid thing to drink poison on her own .
‘Oh, come to think of it, it was the opposite in the past . ’
It was Mielle who had pretended to drink poison while she

had abetted the crime . It was Aria who had been driven to
the culprit . Of course, it was true that she had said it would
be better to put poison in Berry’s temptation, but the first
indicator of the case was Mielle, like now . That had ended
Aria’s life .
Foolish Mielle, it would have been better to pretend to drink

poison like then . You didn’t know that the bullied patient
was followed by pity and sympathy .
“… You’ll be feeling better soon . ”
‘Didn’t you want me to die?’
Mielle’s smile, which did not seem to be pleasant as usual,

made Aria smile .
“Thank you very much, Mielle . I’m happy that you’re trying
to cheer me up . ”
Aria could see Mielle’s eyes shaking at the look of weakness

but never likely to die . She seemed to want to run away
from this place right now .
“… But I’m relieved to see you wake up like this . I think I’m
disturbing you, so I’ll go out . ”
And she said she was going to run away . It was quite hard
to see the person, who she had been trying to kill, smiling
alive . Aria could read her feelings from the way she hurried
out of the room without looking back .
“I’ll go, then . Call me whenever you need me . ”

“Yes, you’d better take a good rest . I’m going out, too . ”
When Mielle suggested that she would go out, the others

left, saying, “You’d better take a good rest . ” The last ones
who left were Annie and Jessie . Annie fell on Aria’s bed and
burst into sorrowful tears as if her startled heart still hadn’t
calmed down .
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“I… I thought you were going to die…!”
Now she was crying, but in the past, if she said that she was
also on the side of killing herself, who would believe it? In a
complicated mood, Aria’s hand, sweeping Annie’s hair was
very rough .
“Jessie, with this, Annie’s eyes would swell out . Can you
bring her a cold towel? And the tea I’m going to drink . ”
Now that there were no more maids to serve, the share was
naturally given to Jessie and Annie . In particular, Jessie left
the room quietly answering whether she thought it was her
job to do .
“How is the atmosphere outside?”
Annie, who understood Aria’s intentions at once, stopped

crying and answered, “Don’t even talk . The mansion went
up and down . And you had a visitor that day, right? He’s
the one who had many connections in the noble society, so
the rumor seems to have already spread . ”
“Really? What kind of rumor?”
“The maid tried to poison you…”
There seemed to be no other rumor except the fact that

nothing else was going on .
‘Isn’t it time yet?’
It had only been two days since the incident, so it wouldn’t

be easy to talk about anything but the fact . Just the fact
that she had been nearly poisoned gave her a sweet taste .
“Anyway, the servants and maids of the mansion are all

angry! There was a servant who threatened to tear her up
and kill her if she comes back”
“Yes, I see . ”
That alone was a good harvest . But the seed that had been
sown had sprouted and grown as far as the sweet fruit was
borne . Usually, rumors from the outside were supposed to
spread in from the inside .
“Annie, you’ve got something to do . ”
“What is it?”
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“Yes . I might get a little busy . ”
Aria put on a smile . It was quite unexpected to see her who

had a headache until now . Annie felt uneasy and swallowed
her saliva .
“Why don’t you correct the rumor? I’m sure many people
are also curious about the state of the mansion . ”
“Ah…”
That alone allowed Annie to notice what Aria wanted . Annie

nodded vigorously .
“Don’t, don’t worry, miss! I’m an expert on that . ”
“Yes, I’ll just trust you, Annie . Oh, by the way, I’m sure
Baron Burboom will be curious about that, who’s on good
terms with you, so please let him know . ”
Baron Burboom’s favoritism and loyalty toward her was

palpable . He must have been much more gossiping than
Annie . Now that the plate was laid, all that was left was to
wait .
As she threw a card of Annie and locked herself in the room,

saying, “It’s impossible to get a visitor,” there was an
unexpected visitor who she couldn’t refuse . It was Sarah
and Vincent .
“Aria…!”
“Sarah . ”
She burst into tears as soon as she saw Aria’s face, which
had become very emaciated . It was because she didn’t eat
properly to look more plausible . Behind her, Marquis
Vincent greeted her with a regretful face .
“You must be busy, how can you…?”

Even with Aria’s question, Sarah could not easily answer, so
the Marquis was the one who answered instead .
“I was told that you had a big incident, so we couldn’t make

an appointment, and we came here . ”
The Marquis had a painful face, saying she looked very sick .
Besides, when she faced Sarah as if she had got the
incident, she couldn’t say anything . She just had to look at
it quietly together .
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“I heard the culprit hasn’t been caught yet . ”
“I think she ran away right after I fell down . ”
“I sent people to catch her as soon as possible . ”
Aria nodded silently with her eyes wide open when he

explained that there were people who had been trained to
find people . At the very least, one of the maids fled, and
she thought it was not necessary to hire such men, but she
listened to him because he gave her an explanation quite
seriously .
Then Sarah, who suddenly stopped crying, said while

holding Aria’s hand . “Don’t worry, Aria . I’m on your side . ”
“Sarah?”
“And the Marquis, too, right?”
The Marquis nodded in response to Sarah’s question .
‘Are they really going to be on my side even though I act

like in the rumors . The wicked woman who people know,
unlike now?’
Maybe it would be if it was Sarah . She thought Sarah would

believe there was a reason for being such a wicked woman
even if she did something evil . It was an infinite amount of
trust that she had never received even from her mother .
So when she answered with unwanted tears, Sarah hugged

Aria and began to cry again . In the end, Sarah stopped
crying only after her eyes were swollen, and she couldn’t go
back like that, so she borrowed a hat from Aria and hid her
eyes and returned .

possible .
between chapters .

132

(II), Part IV
Chapter 132 . Revenge (II), Part IV
Translator: Khan
Perhaps Sarah’s offer to be on her side was not just empty

words, but she officially began to express her opinion,
saying, ‘Aria is not a wicked girl but a good girl,’ and
Marquis Vincent also sided with her, saying, ‘I hope the poor
Lady Roscent’s case will be resolved quickly . ’
The support of those with power exerted far greater effect

than the groundless rumors that had been passed down
from a person to another . Just a few days ago, because she
had attended Sarah’s engagement ceremony, many people
liked and were interested in Aria . Therefore, people who
had seen her in person and had experienced her looks and
characteristics began to express their opinions, one by one,
rather than rumors from unknown sources .
Annie’s contribution also played a big role . Thanks to her

spreading rumors around, Aria had become a poor girl, who
had truly suffered unhappiness without any wrongdoing .
The servants of the mansion chatted, and the Count was

angry at the shame of the family, and the Countess was in
tears . And after days and days of sleepless nights of ever-
changing rumors, Mielle was again given a letter from the
princess .
***
In the midst of such a tumultuous winter, Berry was still not

caught . They searched her family, relatives, and
acquaintances, but they couldn’t find her .
It was questionable why such a small girl in her late teens

could not be found . They also took the issue seriously and
tightened security for entering and leaving the capital city .
Doubts and suspicions grew bigger, and in time Aria used
Annie to pour a dash of oil into the fire .
‘Unless there is someone behind her, it will be impossible to

spend this cold winter alone!’
It was indeed plausible and true that rumors spread that

Berry must have been receiving help from someone, and
several times the guards visited the mansion to inspect the
servants and maids .
“I am not! I love Lady Aria so much!”
“Not me either! How much help could a servant give to a

fugitive in the first place?”
They truly complained of their injustice, and it was true that

the same servants’ help would not last very long, so the
investigation for the servants and maids was soon
terminated . Of the successive claims, it was also due to the
most credible one .
“I’m sure Emma’s the only one at home who hates Aria .
Emma felt sorry for Aria, whose origin was a commoner .
She’s always been so mean and said that Lady Aria was
frivolous . ”
It was Annie’s testimony . She had shared the moment

when Aria was poisoned, and her experience working under
Emma made her remarks highly reliable . Of course, it
wasn’t just her testimony . Confidence grew even more as
other servants and maids said they had felt the same way .
Also, Aria’s tearful experiences played a part .
“Emma? I don’t know… Emma… I guess she thought I’m

defaming Mielle’s reputation . Of course, she is right . As
you can see, my origin is not good… and I’m still a little
inexperienced to stand side by side with Mielle . ”
Aria, answering the question, was greeted with a glare of

guardians . Every now and then she would shed a tear of
lamentation and sorrow . She looked as if she were an angel
from heaven, wearing a light pink outer garment that looked
as soft as snow on top of a pure white indoor dress with no
pattern .
Her blinking light-green eyes and the glare of her

glimmering blonde hair, whenever she talked, the guards
would blush .
“Oh, have you spoken to Mielle?”
“Oh, no . Lady Mielle seems to be quite shocked, and we

haven’t seen her yet . ”
“I see… She’s a weak girl . But since Mielle is closest to

Emma, I don’t know if she knows anything . ”
So, Aria, who had been answering their questions for a

while, saw the cold tea and called Jessie and Annie .
“Jessie, and Annie . The knights’ tea is already cold . Please
bring some more snacks and fruit . ”
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“Oh, no . We have to return in a minute . ”
Aria smiled softly and shook her head, holding the hand of
the knight who was flustered and waving .
“It’s still cold, but it’s sinful as you’re suffering because of

me . I hope you take a little break, so please don’t refuse . ”
“… Well, well, if that’s the case, we’d excuse you . ”
No one could resist her determined temptation . When they

saw Aria, they could not hide their anger at the fact that
such a beautiful and pure lady had suffered such a terrible
thing, and the investigation was becoming more and more
for self-interest . Therefore, there was no difficulty in driving
Emma to the back of the incident .
“Do you really think Emma is the culprit?”
Annie asked as she arranged the table . The tulips that had
been changed and brought back looked as fresh as if they
had just been re-watered .
Aria, who glanced at it and then turned to the book, replied .

“I think she’s related . ”
“I think so, too! I came to you on Emma’s order, too . ”

When Annie realized that she had made a mistake, she
began to excuse Aria for a moment .
“Well, that’s true, but we just fell apart! I quickly realized

that it was wrong! I have no relationship with them now . I’m
here only for Miss Aria!”
Annie blushed when Aria smiled with a laugh at the sight of

her being bothered for nothing .
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“Oh, by the way, if Berry gets caught, the real culprit will be
revealed, right? Emma’s under surveillance by the guards,
so it’s hard to escape . ”
“Yes, I hope we find the real culprit soon . ”
‘The real culprit behind Emma . ’ But perhaps it was hard to

tell that she was the real culprit . If she had not been crazy,
Mielle couldn’t have given orders to Berry herself, so Berry
couldn’t testify either .
‘Even so, if Emma was proven to be the culprit, Mielle won’t

be safe either . Isn’t she following her like she was her
mother? There will be very little doubt that Mielle is behind
everything . It would be so frustrating to see how
disheartening it would be to not have killed the one who she
had tried to kill and to have her ally’s reputation get cut
down .
As she had delayed enough time, she had got what she
wanted to have . Now all that remained was to catch Berry .
Aria, who had finished reading the book recommended by
Asher, said to Annie, putting it down on the table,
“But where do you get tulips this winter? You don’t have to
go like this every day because it’s not my favorite flower . ”
“Tulips? Me? It’s not a gift you received, is it?”
“What? I don’t remember receiving such a gift…”
“Really? Then who the hell brought it? Jessie? It has changed
so many times . ”
Annie’s addition to the fact that she didn’t know who

changed tulips that didn’t wither so often allowed her to
guess who had brought the flowers .
‘… Asher?’
She couldn’t think of anyone else . He had the ability to

move from one place to another, so he could have come to
the mansion if he wanted to .
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When did he come here? He said there was a price, but if he

used his ability often, would he be okay?
She was disappointed because he didn’t show up even

though there was a rumor that she was sick due to
something terrible, but her regretful heart melted like snow
when she knew it was not .
‘I hope he would see my face . What’s so urgent that he left
the flowers behind? Since no one saw him, did he come at
dawn?’ She was thinking about not sleeping for a while, but
she touched the petals because she felt sorry . After a while,
she suddenly got up after hearing some harsh footsteps .
‘Who’s going around the mansion so frivolously? The

servants and maids are always attentive to every action, not
to mention the Count, Countess, and Mielle . Moreover, the
only room on the third floor was Aria’s, so the sound of
footsteps must be someone who has something to do with
her, so why is he moving carelessly?’
When the footsteps stopped in front of her room, Annie and

Aria hardened themselves with nervous faces . Moreover, it
was not long after something bad had happened, so it
added to the tension . But even though it had been long
since it stopped, no sound had been heard, and in the end,
they were forced to confirm who it was .
No one outside the door replied to Annie’s trembling voice .

All she could hear was the sound of feet moving away and
getting closer again as if he were hesitating . ‘Who the hell
is that? He wouldn’t be an outsider to see such a fuss . ’

possible .
between chapters .

133

(II), Part V
Chapter 133 . Revenge (II), Part V
Translator: Khan
Annie also asked Aria carefully if she thought so . “Shall I

take a look?”
Aria nodded and Annie went out to check . Annie shrieked at

the unexpected visitor .
“Mr . Cain…”
‘Cain?’ Aria was surprised . ‘Why? He still has a little time to

come back . ’ The face that was looking through the half-
open door was really Cain . Now a full-grown man, he was
staring at Aria with a grimace .
Cain, who had been staring at Aria for a long time, slowly
opened his mouth as she stood firm without saying anything
at the appearance of Cain, who she had never thought of .
“… I heard you were in big trouble . ”
Aria nodded slowly to his question . With that action, the

fluffy blanket on her shoulders was knocked down to the
floor . Cain looked as if he was distressed and bit his lower
lip, looking at a lean body because she couldn’t eat properly
for a long time .
As Aria stared at him in a strange and mysterious way, Cain,

who had been trying to say something several times, soon
breathed a deep sigh and turned away .
“… What the hell?”
At Aria’s question, Annie couldn’t give an answer, cocking

her head .
***
Because of Cain, who returned early without even telling

them, Aria went down to the dining room after a long time .
They told her that she didn’t have to come down if it was
hard for her to do so, but she wondered why he came back
so quickly .
As if it were all the same, Mielle, who had been locked up in

her room for some time, and the Count, who had been out
in the suburbs because the warehouse business had been in
full swing, also took a step forward to come . Cain, however,
did not give a specific reason why he returned earlier than
scheduled .
“I’ve prepared a new outfit to attend the graduation

ceremony, and I feel sorry . ”
“We’ll get together and the ceremony will be done after the
speech . It’s nothing . ”
Cain answered with dismay when the Countess said sorry .

He had no interest in the Countess, neither in the past nor in
the future . It was nothing more or less than a woman his
father remarried .
He would soon take over the family after taking lessons in

succession, and the tainted family honor would have to be
repaid by his actions .
“Mielle, your eyes look swollen, but you haven’t been hit by
anything, have you?”
“… No, brother . ”
‘Why does Mielle look sicker when she isn’t the one who
almost got poisoned?’ Her swollen eyes and anxious moods
were beyond her imagination . She didn’t have to be
nervous unless she was the culprit .
As she was eating slower than the others, she watched the
complexion of the people who were seated . Suddenly, she
met the eyes of Cain . She was very familiar with the way he
took away his eyes as if he had been caught peeking .
‘… Don’t tell me . ’
She was feeling a little bit ill before, but she wasn’t sure that
he had come back quickly because he had been worried
about her .
‘Isn’t it an unexpected change to do such extreme behavior,

not just thinking or looking at me alone? Even if the blood
wasn’t mixed, I am your sister . ’
The father had taken a prostitute, and the heir coveted his
sister . It must be those father and son, not herself and her
mother, who really ought to be criticized . At least the
Countess did not turn herself into a prostitute .
‘I didn’t come from a prostitute because I wanted to . ’
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Finally, she looked at Cain’s movements the whole time to

see how he felt . When the Countess was worried that he
came back too soon, he said coldly to the worried Countess .
“I can send my servant to get the diploma paper later . More

than that…”
Cain’s eyes were on Aria again as he was answering . When

their gaze met, she was convinced by the look .
“It’s all the more important because there’s a big problem in

the house . ”
“The guardsmen are doing their best, so she’ll be caught in

no time . ”
“Well, for that, spring is almost here . ”
At Cain’s cold and sharp reply, Mielle’s expression hardened

. It was a question of why he was so eager for the
prostitute’s daughter .
‘Maybe I can use Cain to destroy this gutter family . ’
It was also revenge for Cain, who had ordered to cut her in
the neck .
“It’s okay . You don’t have to worry about it . As you can

see, I’ve avoided a fatal wound, and I’m on the way to
recovery . ”
The answer was like that, but the look on her face was more
pitiful than a dog in the rain . She looked like a poor girl who
had no one to lean on in this mansion . Cain, who had been
watching Aria for a long time with a vaguely distorted look,
clicked his tongue and left the dining room, saying, “I’ll get
up first . ”
‘What a pleasant surprise!’
Aria continued to eat, trying to swallow her burst of laughter

. It was a long time since she felt satisfied with the table .
***
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A change of heart had happened while he was away, and

Cain couldn’t control his mind about Aria more than she
thought . He took the precious medicine and put it at the
door to help Aria recover quickly, often raising his voice,
whether the criminal still got caught
On the surface, he said, “This is how the family behaves,”

but for that, he sometimes looked after Aria, who took a
stroll in the garden . Mielle’s heart sank as she watched it .
“… Are you really going to visit the princess?”
Mielle’s cold gaze touched Emma who was asking .
“Then what can I do in this situation?”

At first, Mielle thought Aria would die . She didn’t know the
name, but she heard it was a terrible poison that could kill a
person instantly . So she didn’t doubt it, but Aria, who saved
her last breath, lived and woke up the next day .
So I took Berry, who she was going to send out of the

capital, for a while . It was to ask why . But Berry said she
didn’t know the reason, and to make matters worse, there
was an unexpected rumor, and a lot of people were moved
by the prostitute’s daughter .
The angry princess Isis sent a letter asking her to finish her
job at all costs, but there was no other way to deal with it .
Berry, frightened by the rumors of sympathy for the wicked
woman, fled somewhere . The worst never happened like
this .
“What, what the hell is this? I’ve sent the princess many
letters of apology, but she doesn’t reply!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, miss . I’ll find Berry quickly and do
something about this, so please wait . ”
The only thing going back to Emma’s desperate efforts to

calm Mielle down was Mielle’s cold gaze . That was because
Emma had been saying a lot of excuses .
No matter how much she followed Emma, she couldn’t get

over it easily this time . No, she couldn’t stand still . Perhaps
he was out of his mind, and even Cain came in and said he
would resolve the case .
“I’ll be out for a while . ”
Without instructing Emma who was just standing there,

Mielle looked for a dress on her own and headed to the
Duke’s mansion of Frederik in a ready-made carriage . The
pale-faced Emma followed hurriedly .
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“I’m sorry to say that, but it’s hard for you to meet the
princess because she’s busy at the moment . She asked me
to deliver it . Since she said she’d be in touch later, why
don’t you wait at the mansion?”
However, she could not meet the princess at the Duke’s

mansion unexpectedly . It was not easy to meet the busy
princess without making an appointment . Emma, who
supported Mielle, who was about to collapse at any
moment, pleaded with the butler, who blocked the entrance
of the mansion tightly .
“Let’s wait . She might get better after giving her a little
time . ”
“… Well, it’ll take a long time . ”
“We don’t mind what time it is . Isn’t that right, miss?”
“Uh, Ugh…”
Looking back at the butler who said he would ask the

princess, Emma said that everything would be okay as
always because the goddess of fortune was always with
Mielle .
It was something that her identity and family had brought .

Fortunately, she didn’t mean to be cold and kick them out,
so she allowed Mielle to wait in the indoor garden .
“She said it would take a little while, but if you don’t mind,
you can go in . ”
Then, the sighing Mielle went into the house, holding

Emma’s hand tightly as if she had not been angry at all .
Fortunately, the servants and maids of the mansion treated
Mielle with sincerity .

possible .
between chapters .

134

(II), Part VI
Chapter 134 . Revenge (II), Part VI
Translator: Khan
Mielle, who eased her anxiety a little by drinking warm tea,

asked Emma, “Would the princess be really angry?”
“No, miss . She even allowed you into the garden after this
sudden visit . ”
“I’m sure she had always been a kind person, so she will
show kindness again this time, isn’t that right?”
“Yes, and besides, you are the future Duchess, who has
already received the ring of promise . ”
“Yes, that’s right . ”
She believed Emma without a doubt because she had never

been hated or rejected by anyone, but the princess only
appeared when the sun was about to set .
“… Miss Isis!”
Because of the longer-than-expected wait time, Mielle’s face

was very shaded as she called her name . But Isis, who
didn’t even care about it, sat across from Mielle, greeting
her simply . She frowned as she checked the time to see if
she wanted to make a very busy show .
“I’ve been a little busy and have made you wait . I wish
you’d made an appointment . I can’t believe you’re here all
of a sudden… What’s your business?”
“Ah… that…”
But Mielle murmured because she had nothing else to say,

although she had come . Isis, who was as cold and fierce as
the winter wind, set her sights on Mielle for a while .
Emma, who saw Mielle blushing with tears because of Isis’s

changed behavior that had always been benevolent, fell flat
on the floor of the garden on her behalf . Mielle, surprised,
called Emma’s name .
“What is it?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! They’re all my fault! I should have

watched and checked by her side until she finished the job
perfectly, but it was too hasty!”
Isis, who was watching her face for a moment without

expression after Emma’s unexpected behavior, soon raised
her mouth and put a soft smile on her face . Mielle looked at
Isis with her eyes shining as if she had forgiven her .
“I know . So you don’t have to ask for forgiveness . ”
Emma, thrilled by Isis’s benevolent voice, sobbed little . It

was because she had been suffering so much in the
meantime . Mielle was also fascinated by Isis’s friendly face
and believed that she would pass the matter as lightly as
ever .
“But Emma, you have to clean up what you started . ”
“… Pardon?”
“I saw in the letter that there was no way to find Berry as

she ran away… Isn’t that right, Lady Mielle?”
But what came out of Isis’s mouth was hard for Mielle to
accept .
‘I can’t believe you’re making Emma finish it . How on

earth?’
Isis kindly explained the method to the unanswered women

. “It would be perfect if you could achieve your original goal,
but if you do that in this atmosphere, it would only make
trouble . So…”
Isis’s gaze rested with Mielle for a while before moving on to

Emma .
‘No way!’ A startled Emma opened her mouth and trembled

.
“You have no choice but to say that someone is the real

culprit . ”
“Miss, Miss Isis!”
Mielle was surprised and leaped from her seat . She then
stood next to Isis . No matter how wrong she had been, she
couldn’t let her go like this since she had followed her like
her mother .
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As if looking for an opportunity, even the Imperial Castle

announced a statement that it was a terrible and awful
incident, so they had to solve the case as soon as possible .
If someone said that she was a real criminal, she wouldn’t
die a good death .
“Wouldn’t there be another way? Emma… I can’t allow her

to die . ”
Mielle was about to cry at any moment .
“Really? It looks like Emma’s name is already circulating in

the public, but what’s the other way?”
This seemed to be the last chance that Isis would be giving

to them, so Mielle hurried on to roll her head . There must
be something else . After agonizing for such a short while,
Mielle opened her mouth as if she had a good idea .
“Why, why don’t we pressure the Crown Prince?”
Isis’s lips twitched after hearing such a foolish answer and

replied .
“You still think I have that kind of power left”
Only then did Mielle hasten to apologize for reminding him

that the Aristocratic Party had been ruined by the Crown
Prince’s ruse . It was because she was in a hurry to save
Emma, and she couldn’t judge the situation properly . She
said such stupid things even though she knew why the
princess was so busy .
And if Isis would take this incident out of her mouth… Mielle
would end up confessing that she would deliberately raise a
problem that could only end up at the expense of one of her
maids .
“I thought you could change my mood, but it hurts me that

you’ve become one of my worries . ”
Miele thought so, too . She could not execute it because

there was no one to come forward, and she always wanted
to kill the wicked bitch .
And she was confident that it would be very easy . Wasn’t

she just a daughter of a prostitute at best? Furthermore, she
believed that she had heard Berry’s pledge to kill her by
stabbing her with a knife if she failed . But Berry, who was
mistaken for success, ran away, and things turned out to be
a mess . It would have succeeded if that bitch hadn’t
collapsed for nothing .
“Well, I’ll try to get someone else . Emma… I can’t…”
She wondered if she could get someone else, but she

couldn’t send Emma like this, so when she made an excuse
like that, Isis readily nodded
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“Okay, do it your way . I don’t owe Emma a grudge, and I

just want this all to end . ”
Isis must have thought that no one else could do this
properly except Emma, but she soon returned with a
friendly face as if she had lost the heart to vent her anger
on Mielle .
“I’m sure you know that well . You can’t leave a blot on this .
”
“Yes…”
“It’s okay . It happens a lot . Oscar’s coming back soon, so

you have to shake off the annoying thing, alright?”
Mielle nodded slowly, responding to the soothing question .

As Isis said, she had to settle things before Oscar came back
. Mielle hurried out of the mansion after she got her last
chance . Now that Berry had run away, she had to find
someone else to finish the job .
While she was savoring tea for a while in the garden where
Mielle had disappeared, the butler brought Isis a letter . It
was a letter with a colorful seal made of gold . It was a seal
that had never been seen in the empire . The butler was
filled with anxiety as he handed over the letter .
“It’s a letter I’ve been waiting for . The Crown Prince is

violently rebelling, and it’s an inevitable choice for me . ”
“Miss…”
When the butler tried to say something to Isis, he closed his

mouth and left the garden after looking at her cold face .
Isis’s mouth slowly rose as she read the open letter .
***
Aria immediately had a person to follow Mielle when she
heard that Mielle had gone out in a hurry . It was John, a
knight who had been on the watch a few times for Mielle .
He was too weak to protect Aria, but he quickly found out
where Mielle had been .
“The mansion of Duke Frederick…?”
“Yes, she certainly headed to the mansion . I waited for a

long time, but she did not come out, so it seemed like she
was talking about something very important . ”
He apparently didn’t want to hear why he was so late, and

John said in a hurry . So Aria handed him a gold coin and
rewarded him for his job .
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“Shall we go back and wait for her to come out?” asked

John, contented with the good reward .
‘Not bad . ’ Aria nodded, and he headed back to the

mansion of the Duke .
‘Why on earth did she go to see the princess? Just to ask for
advice? Or a mood change? No, in this situation that doesn’t
go the way she wants, she won’t be able to afford it . ’
It occurred to her that, for whatever reason, the princess

might be involved in this incident .
‘But why? She’s busy right now . At a time when the

Aristocratic Party is torn apart and the Crown Prince is
rising, is it necessary to waste time dealing with a woman
from the common people?’
She thought about the reason why, but she couldn’t find an
answer . It occurred to her that the princess, who she
thought highly of, was not that great .
‘Mielle with the help of the princess… I wonder what kind of

solution you’re going to bring . ’
She was reading the numerous letters that arrived with a

lighter heart, and she heard the sound of a carriage . She
opened the window to see if Mielle had already returned,
but it was Cain who had gone out with the Count .
“…?”

possible .
between chapters .

135

(II), Part VII
Chapter 135 . Revenge (II), Part VII
Translator: Khan
Somehow, as soon as he got out of the carriage, he stared

straight into Aria’s room, which made her see him
unintentionally . He seemed to not expect that Aria was by
the window, and he hurried to look away .
Still, he didn’t enter the mansion, and he didn’t even move

with his subtly raised face, so he seemed to keep looking
sideways at herself .
“If I can just persuade him, I’m sure I’ll be able to see him
push Mielle out of this . ”
Thinking so, Aria with a smile around her mouth stretched

out her arm to close the window . Her indoor overcoat,
which was hanging on her shoulders, fluttered in the winter
breeze and fell out the window .
It was very unnatural, but Cain was the only one who was
looking at Aria, so no one noticed it .
“What shall I do…?”

Aria was in trouble and covered her mouth with her palm .
Unless otherwise asked, Cain, who had hurried to the place
where her coat had fallen before his servant, slowly picked it
up with a little warmth .
“That’s… lady Aria’s clothes . I’ll wash it and bring it to her .

”
Cain’s servant said . Washing it was necessary because it

had fallen on the snowfield, but Cain held his coat in his
hand and was troubled for a moment . He then said while
shaking his head,
“No, thanks . I’ll get it for her . ”
Cain, who took off his coat and gave it to his servant,

climbed the stairs at a slow pace . Aria’s coat was in his
hand . Now completely cold, it was only warm in the hands
of the strangely hot Cain .
‘A few more steps, it’s on the third floor . ’
The fact that he had to go back down after he handed over

this coat gradually slowed him down . But it was not so far
from Aria’s room, so he soon came to her door .
“Brother . ”
‘Did she wait for me?’ As soon as Cain stopped walking in

front of the door, Aria opened the door and welcomed him .
“It’s very sweet of you to bring my coat . ”
Growing wonderfully beautiful every time he met her, she

now exuded a palpable mood that caught the man’s eye
with just a light smile . He had tried to shake it off a few
times, but sometimes he had to grit his teeth to turn his
attention which was charmed, rather than shake it off .
‘I swore I’d never be like my father…’
He was ashamed of his father, who was so fascinated by a

beautiful appearance that he had even given up his
mother’s seat . But bloodlines couldn’t seem to be
deceiving, and in the end, he was also a fool who was
bewildered by her subtle and beautiful appearance, even
though she was his new sister, who was called a wicked
woman in public .
“… Next time you’ll be the one to fall off, not your clothes if
you pull the windows like that . ”
When he said so under the guise of being blunt, Aria looked

very moved .
“Are you worried about me now?”
She looked as if she had been worried by someone for the

first time . He was worried that he might have made a
mistake because he was so blunt .
Cain, who recalled the treatment Aria had received at the

mansion, answered, softening his stiff face, “I don’t want to
see someone fall . ”
“Thank you, brother . ”
Cain, who was briefly distracted by Aria, who thanked

frankly, soon gave her overcoat with a loud whimper .
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Passing the dirty coat, there was a sense of self-deception

about what he was doing now, but now there was even
greater disappointment that the need and opportunity to
talk to Aria had disappeared . He thought so, but…
“I was just about to be free, but if you have time, why don’t
you have tea with me?”
Unexpectedly, Cain was given another chance . Aria, who

had her hand wrapped over his hand holding her coat,
smiled shyly .
Reason told him that he shouldn’t have to, so he had to turn

it down, but… there was no way he could refuse to see the
warmth that those overlapping hands had, and the pupils of
her eyes that seemed to hold the light within them .
He nodded silently, feeling somehow that his face seemed

to be getting hot, and Aria closed the door and disappeared
into the room, asking for a moment .
***
Aria, who came back from the door, was wearing a new coat
. Her indoor clothes were also changed into a dress made of
a material that was light and clinging to the body . Due to
the overcoat, all the lines of her body were not being
revealed, but it crept up whenever she moved and that
melted Cain’s heart .
Aria, sitting on a table in the garden on the second floor,

took a sip of warm tea . Normally, he would sneak a peek at
her, but now he gave a very open glance at Aria . It was a
bad look, though it was her own inducement .
“Come to think of it…”
When Aria broke the silence and opened her mouth, Cain,
who was looking at her, shuddered with astonishment . This
was because it was a shallow act that could be done by a
bastard . He had to trim his clothes for fear of shame in his
behavior .
Aria pretended not to see it and kept her words . “It’s no

wonder I’ve made the house so noisy . I’m sorry . ”
“… Why do you apologize? You can’t say that’s because of

you . ”
When she rebuked herself with a pretty sad face, he came

back with a calm expression and consoled Aria . Aria, who
had managed to put up with it again, had almost laughed at
his way of being so different compared to the past or just
last year .
“It’s true because I’m bad…”
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“There’s something ugly about everyone . That doesn’t

justify trying to do harm . ”
Even though that ugly thing was a fatal drawback that could
not be fixed or improved for life, Cain said with a pretty
plausible elder’s face even though he also hated Aria’s
origin .
Despite Cain’s consolation, Aria stuck to her grim look .
Then she lowered her eyes with her hands wrapped around
the teacup . The sight made her look like a poor herbivore
who had lost her mother .
“Thank you, brother . But I think it’s better that I leave the
mansion right away once I’m an adult . This could happen
again . I’m sure I’ll just cause the family trouble . ”
“… What?”
Cain’s voice rose in surprise at the unexpected news of her

departure . Although it was common for an adult to get
engaged and marry and leave the house, it was usually after
marriage .
However, it was very rare for an unmarried aristocrat to gain

independence, and most of those cases were because they
were evicted from their family . Maybe that was why Cain
was surprised .
“I repeat, I don’t think you have to go so far because you’re

not guilty . ”
He vented his tantrums and anger, albeit faintly . The hand

that took the cup of tea and carried it to his mouth was
quite rough . Sometimes he even muttered to himself,
taking a glance at Aria, who was still holding her wretched
face . It must have been quite a shock to hear that Aria was
planning to leave .
‘I’ve never openly seduced him, but he’s caught in a net,

and it’s now easier to use . ’
‘How did he hide such character in the past?’ Even though

there had been an easy road, she had not noticed it, and
she took a handkerchief out of her arms and wiped her eyes
in mourning for the foolish past that she had wandered
around the thorny path .
“I’m glad you thought so . ”
“I’m sure everyone thinks so . So don’t think about it . ”
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Aria, who asked him back, rose from her seat . As Aria was
slowly approaching him, Cain’s gaze followed her on its own
. Cain, who was again distracted by her clothes that clung to
her body whenever she moved, swallowed his saliva .
Aria, staring into Cain’s dark eyes, reached out her hand .
Its destination was near Cain’s neck . Cain’s eyes, which
shrank slightly under the unexpected circumstances,
trembled convulsively, and Aria smiled softly and fixed
Cain’s tie .
“It’s a little crooked . ”
“… Ah . ”
Surprised, Cain didn’t give a proper answer . Even though

the tie was straight, Aria’s hand wandered around Cain’s
neck for a while, making him lose his mind . Even though it
was a light touch, Cain swallowed his breath .
Aria, who had finished fixing his clothes, finally took the
invisible dust off his hair and said to Cain . He looked as if
he were in a state of fascination .
“You’re sweet, too… There’s only one person I can trust at

the mansion . ”

possible .
between chapters .

136

(II), Part VIII
Chapter 136 . Revenge (II), Part VIII
Translator: Khan
His eyes glazed in front of Aria, who returned to her place

after leaving words of significance . Aria, who took a sip of a
cold tea, hit the last wedge .
“But I’m still nervous, so what should I do?”
‘Please let Cain punish Emma himself . ’ She announced the

end of their tea time, hoping to run down Mielle .
“I wish I could drink tea with my brother from time to time…

I don’t have much time left until I become an adult . ”
Like his father, Cain, who was so easily charmed by beauty,

immediately became Aria’s ardent ally . He suggested
doubling the number of people looking for Berry at the
dining room, where she had just gone down in the case .
“If we drag this any longer, even the family’s credibility will
be questioned . ”
The Count readily agreed . It was thanks to the fact that he

had become quite useful to her . It was only Mielle who had
a negative opinion .
“There’s already a lot of people looking for her, so what

difference will it make if we add more people?”
When Aria, who had heard her, agreed with a very lonely
face, Cain, who frowned at her, responded to Mielle .
“So, Mielle, I think Emma’s name is mentioned as someone

involved in this case . ”
Mielle was surprised by what her brother said, so she raised

her voice .
“Brother, do you even suspect Emma?”
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire . In fact, Berry has been

working for Emma for a long time . ”
“Never! She’s not the kind of person who would be involved

in such a terrible thing!”
It was unfamiliar to see her face blush, and she was

screaming and denying . With that ugly figure she had never
seen before, she could see how much Mielle wanted to
protect Emma .
‘So, I have to make sure that Emma is the main driver of

this . Maybe I’ll see Mielle wailing and fainting . Why didn’t I
realize that Emma was a very good prey?’
Aria said soothingly to Mielle, “If she’s not really guilty, it’s a
rumor that’s going to go away soon, Mielle . Don’t worry .
Isn’t that right, Cain?”
“… Yes . ”
But Emma was guilty and would be subjected to terrible
punishment . Mielle’s face turned white as she watched Aria
exchange answers with her brother more friendlier than
herself . Intuitively, she must have felt that something was
wrong .
***
Cain was overly aggressive in trying to solve this incident,

doubling the number of people looking for Berry and asking
the servants and maids about Berry . And occasionally he
made progress, threatening Mielle unintentionally .
“Miss, Emma is out again!”
Aria smiled a sour smile as she listened to Annie’s report .

She had been close to Mielle’s side so far, but she went out
alone as soon as Cain put his energy into the investigation .
Now that the time had come to finish this tedious task, Aria
had also sent out men, and they found some traces of Berry
. She had commissioned most of the mercenaries waiting in
the capital, and it was only a matter of time before she was
caught .
She didn’t know what would happen, and she had talked to
Berry’s family . She might show up in the near future on her
feet . As the night fell, Aria yawned, and Annie sorted out
the place and asked, “Do you want to go to bed now?”
“No . I have a lot of letters arriving every day, so I think I’ll

have to read them all and sleep . Won’t they come this far
again tomorrow?”
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“That’s true, but… why don’t you have someone else do it?
Your reputation has been elevated, but it’s too much . ”
Annie was astonished as she looked at the stack of letters

on the table . But when she couldn’t do so, Aria replied
briefly, “I’ll just think about it . ”
“Well, shall I wait here?”
“No, go get some rest . I’ll just flip through the letters and
go to sleep . ”
“Yes, miss . Good night, then . ”
Aria, who glanced around Annie as she left the room, was
immersed in her work of leafing through the letters again .
She didn’t know much about what happened outside the
empire, but proposals poured in from businessmen in other
countries .
They were giving Aria a headache because they had to be

judged purely by her knowledge and insight, not by knowing
the future . Nevertheless, she looked carefully at each one .
It had been several days, and she kept yawning as she went
on .
‘… Oh my god . My eyes are hurting a lot today, and now it’s

already late . ’
Was it because she was so engrossed with what she was

doing? Without even knowing it, a new day was just around
the corner . She still had some more letters left, but if she
kept reading, then it would be morning soon, so she
hurriedly arranged the letters and laid herself on the bed .
‘Why can’t I sleep…?’
Sometimes she could not fall asleep when she was too
exhausted or tired, but even though she closed her eyes,
she couldn’t sleep easily . So she lay still in her bed for a
long time, and suddenly, she felt a strange sense of deja vu
.
‘I don’t think I’m asleep . No, am I dreaming?’
But suddenly, without worrying about it, she could hear a

very small step, and she could feel someone else’s
temperature on her neck .
‘… It’s not a dream!’
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Aria opened her eyes .
“… Ah . ”
“…!”
The intruder in the middle of the night was none other than
Asher . She could clearly see him backing away, bewildered
by the bright moonlight that permeated through the window
. His dark blue eyes’ color slowly blurred .
“I didn’t mean to surprise you… I’m sorry . ”
He apologized in a hurry . But at the sudden visit in the

middle of the night, Aria was stupefied and couldn’t give
any response, and she just stared at Asher . Due to the
tulips that he left, she knew that he was visiting her
sometimes, but as she faced him in person, she was
embarrassed .
“Lady Aria…?”
As she looked up to him silently in amazement, he was

worried about her and carefully called Aria’s name . After
Aria’s name was called twice, she blinked slowly . She
nodded and tried to elicit a reaction .
“… Are you okay? You look pale, and you’ve lost too much
weight . ”
She was quite different from the usual, and he was worried
about Aria, so he put his hand on her forehead . Asher
measured her temperature for a while . He then frowned
and covered Aria with a blanket .
“You have a fever . ”
Asher’s voice had worry and regret mixed together . He

talked to himself, saying that it was good to eat any fever
reducer, and Aria then realized that she was not having a
dream . She opened her tightly closed mouth .
“What the hell is this… What is happening? I’m sure it’s my

room, and… it is dawn now, and I think I was about to
sleep…”
Asher realized that he was probably worrying about Aria too

much . He also realized how big of a discourtesy he
committed . He then stepped back and avoided eye contact
.
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“Mr . Asher?”
When she called his name, he did not answer . He just made
eye contact with Aria instead .
“That’s … I became worried . I heard you had a big incident .

I have absolutely no intention of doing bad things to you .
It’s hard to believe… but I’m innocent . ”
She didn’t doubt it, but Asher made a poor excuse . Knowing
that there was no reason, her heart was too full for words
when she heard that he was worried . The time, place, and
situation were very strange, but she was glad that he just
came to see her .
So if she told him that she was purely thankful and showed
him that she was okay, it would be over . However, she
decided to make fun of him after seeing his ears that were
red despite the bluish moonlight .
“So, do you frequently come here at dawn like this, in a

woman’s room who’s not even married?”
As she asked softly, Asher turned his head while covering

his mouth . It was a little joke, but he was ashamed of it .
Rather, it was Aria that really should be ashamed of seeing

him who came to an unmarried girl’s room at dawn . But as
funny as it was, he was ashamed of his sudden visit .
At Aria’s little snubbing, Asher hurried to make an excuse .

“Well, it was hard to visit during the day because people
might see me here . So I stopped by at dawn instead to
make sure you’re all right, and then I… I couldn’t just go
back because your complexion wasn’t good today and the
last time . ”
“… Why?”
Aria still asked him even though she was expecting a

straightforward response .

possible .
between chapters .

137

(II), Part IX
Chapter 137 . Revenge (II), Part IX
Translator: Khan
“… I couldn’t do it when I saw you sleeping so soundly . I’m

worried . And… I’m sorry for your pain, but I reached out
because I couldn’t pass it as your moonlight hair was so
beautiful . ”
She remembered something similar that she heard from him

. He always told her that it didn’t go as he thought when he
saw her face-to-face .
Even though he said that she was beautiful, it was an

answer that could be misleading . It was too much for the
daughter of a prostitute . Was he too noble to have such a
conversation with her? He was different from Mielle, who
was pretending to be noble . So, as she was hesitant to
answer, Asher sat on the side of the bed . He put aside his
shyness and said, staring gently at Aria’s eyes,
“I don’t want to see you suffering like this . ”
Although he didn’t want to see it, there was nothing that he

could do . It was all to come in at dawn and see her face
secretly . But no matter what she was now, she was the
daughter of a prostitute . With the fact that he had an
acquaintance, he might get swept away by idle speculation
and rumors, and why was he talking about this to her?
“I’ve been thinking about a lot before, but… I’ve come to

have realized with this incident . I could not meet you easily
even though something happened to you . ”
Aria slowly picked herself up when she heard that . Aria’s

face, leaning against the bedhead, was full of
embarrassment . In the past, she, who had had meetings
with countless men, could guess the following words of
Asher but tried to deny that her assumption was ridiculous .
“So I felt like I wanted you to be around so that I could meet

you anytime, and that no one could hurt you . ”
What Asher told her was what Aria thought . Aria’s eyes
shook without rest when she heard what he said .
‘Were you just thinking? Or did you mean what you said?’
Either way, she was sure she would be a stumbling block in
the way of the future of Asher . It was best for him and for
her to maintain a relationship without anyone knowing it .
“How dare you! I am just another thing to you . ”
So she answered like that and looked away . But he didn’t

seem to want to end what he had just said and didn’t give
up easily .
“Perhaps… don’t you like me or feel uncomfortable?”
“No, that’s not…”

No way . She had never lowered her guard to any man . She
had always cooked to her own taste and used her greatest
weapon, beauty, to make them lose heart . That was only
possible because Aria didn’t feel anything for her opponent,
but Asher was the only one she couldn’t resist .
It might be because he had been unusual from their first

meeting . The unpredictable mix of situations and
encounters had made it impossible to judge on the same
lines as the other men she had met .
Perhaps it was because she had continued the meeting from

the beginning without expressing her real intention . It had
not been for her to not like him from the beginning, no
matter what the process had been . No, she had been rather
happy when he had worried about herself or she had come
across him accidentally .
“But I’m sure I’m not going to be of help to you . I’m from a
humble family that doesn’t match Mr . Asher . Everyone will
swear . ”
It was the plain truth . No matter how much the reputation

of Aria was changing, the stigma of being the daughter of a
prostitute would always be there . But he didn’t seem to
think so .
“Is there anything more stupid than judging a person on

such a useless basis? I don’t, but do you judge people by
their origin?”
“No…”
“And now I’m not weak enough to be swayed by such trivial

rumors . ”
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There was confidence in his eyes when he retorted . For

him, who had long been oppressed and tested, what Aria
was worried about seemed to be a trivial matter .
“In addition, you are clever enough to make such rumors

useless . At least that’s what I’ve seen . ”
He smiled softly saying what he could not easily convey, but

he was full of trust and faith even though he did not know
much of what Aria had achieved . While staring at Aria, who
was speechless, his eyes blushed again .
“I just thought about it, but I didn’t mean to tell you this
much… That’s always what happens when I face you . I
didn’t mean to ask for an answer . ”
Maybe he was trying to ease the burden by appearing

suddenly and making surprising remarks, and he added,
“Don’t pay much attention to me . ” However, Aria did not
respond because it was something that she couldn’t help
but pay attention to .
“I was going to send this by letter, but instead, now that I’ve
had the opportunity, I’d better tell you in person . ”
With a soft look, he faced Aria with a serious face . In an

instant the mood changed, Aria swallowed her saliva and
waited for he would say .
“I caught the criminal who tried to kill you . I personally let

people search . I was thinking about what to do, and I
thought it would be right to let you know first, so I was going
to leave the letter behind . ”
He took the letter out of his arms and said . When Aria
accepted the letter, he added an explanation .
“The letter says where she is being detained . I’ll leave it up

to you . ”
“… That’s the maid who tried to hurt me . Do you know

what I’m going to do to her?”
“You’re doing it for a reason, whatever you do . ”
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As he said, “That is all I can to do,” he kissed the back of

Aria’s hand softly and left . Her eyes followed the traces of
him, who disappeared like a mirage .
‘I’m doing it for a reason, whatever I do…?’
She was always uncomfortable somewhere with impure

thoughts in her mind, but when she heard it, she suddenly
felt at ease as if she had been justified . Perhaps he could
say so because he didn’t know everything about Aria, but
that was how she was able to put down a load off of her
mind .
In the first place, she had never thought of having a special

relationship with him because he was going to marry the
princess later on, but she thought that she didn’t have to
avoid it now that she had made a lot of different moves .
***
Aria, unable to sleep at all after Asher’s visit, hurried to the

place Asher had informed her of as soon as dawn came . It
wasn’t a place to laugh and go for a conversation, so she
prepared herself simply and unnoticed . She thought about
which of the maids she should take, but she didn’t think it
would look good, so she went out with the knight, John .
“I want to be alone, so please stay outside and wait for me .

”
Aria, who told John so, rented a new carriage through the
cafe owner and headed alone to the place where Berry was
detained . In preparation for any possibility, she put the
carriage on standby at a store a little further away from
where Asher had informed her and walked for a long time .
It was a shabby warehouse that people had not visited for a

long time . She didn’t know if there was no surveillance at
first, or if he had thought Aria would come and left it empty,
but there was no one there .
Screech . When she opened the old door and went inside,
she saw Berry lying in a corner of a warehouse with
scattered straw . Even though she had run away nicely, she
was now in a shabby mess .
‘Why would you do such a bad thing? You don’t have

anything . ’
As she raised her head at the sound of the door opening,

she showed off the white of her eyes as soon as the evil
woman of the world she had tried to poison appeared .
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“Ah, ah, ah…!”
‘What does she want to say?’ To prevent self-harming, the

only thing flowing through Berry’s mouth was an ugly groan
because a cloth was pushed deep into her throat .
“It’s been a long time, Berry . I’ve been looking for you for a
long time . Where and how have you been?”
Then Aria slowly approached Berry . She grabbed Berry’s

hair as she approached .
“How do you feel when the evil girl you thought was dead
came back to life?”
As Aria smiled brightly and asked, Berry burst into tears .

There was still a groan of unknown meaning from her mouth
. With the fear of imminent death, she seemed crazy .

possible .
between chapters .

138

(II), Part X
Chapter 138 . Revenge (II), Part X
Translator: Khan
“Why did you do such a bad thing? Did you really think you
can kill a wicked girl? You’re the one who came into my
maid with a bad idea to me who was still there in the first
place, right?”
As if she hadn’t washed her hair for a long time, the palm of
her hand was greasy, and she brushed it off . She thought
that she could beat that dirty little girl to death, but she was
so dirty that it was gone .
‘I don’t have to worry about it now because I’ll get rid of her
once it’s all over . ’
There was no need to hurry . They would all be ruined

anyways . That was why they should have taken Berry
abroad .
‘Why do you give me this precious opportunity?’ Aria,

smiling as usual, crawled into the corner and opened her
mouth as she looked at Berry who was shaking .
“I’ll make a suggestion . I’m sure it’s not a bad offer for you .
When everything’s done, I’ll make you run abroad, of
course, with no injuries . ”
When she said so, Berry’s trembling body hardened . Her

slowly lifting face was full of questions .
Aria with a bright smile added a kind explanation again .

“You can’t live any longer because you failed to kill me .
Why don’t you just follow me?”
Aria asked Berry, who had been mumbling for a long time .
“Why don’t you answer?”
“Ugh…”
Berry nodded because she couldn’t say the right words

because her mouth was blocked . Then Aria, who had
loosened her rope and gave her freedom by removing the
cloth which had her mouth shut, recited what she had to do
.
“It’s very simple . You just have to say a few things . ”
“Yes, yes…!” She nodded, ready to do so, even if she was

asked to lick all the dirty dirt out of here right now, she
would do it .
Satisfied with this, Aria laughed and said, “Come back to the
mansion tomorrow morning . Come and tell them all the
details of what you did and who made you do it . ”
But in the end, Berry’s face turned pale when she was told
to confess .
“… Yeah? But if I do…”
If she confessed what she had done, she would be taken by

the guards immediately . They would behead her right away
. Disbelief rose in her eyes . She seemed to think that if she
confessed, she would be sent to prison with the real culprit .
‘Foolish . ’ Aria laughed and answered as if her thoughts

were obvious .
“Berry, if I had intended to kill you, I wouldn’t have come

here by myself like this . Why would I keep you alive for
another day?”
Then Berry, who was agonizing for a moment, answered in a

very small voice .
“Are you going to catch the real killer together…?”
It was a very bold answer, as the girl who had carried out
the poisoning . Aria, smiling, asked, “Why did you do such a
foolish thing when you were so wise?”
“That’s right . I want to catch the real criminal . I hope the

real criminal alone will take all the blame to herself . You’re
only the accomplice, and if you escape alone, she will feel
it’s unfair . ”
Berry’s eyes trembled . Still, it seemed doubtful that Aria

would save her .
Aria twisted her hair around her finger and said playfully, “I
can’t help it if you don’t believe it . But think about it . This
problem will not be solved if you run away just like that, is
it? How long do you think you’ll be able to get away?”
She was already afraid and had run away by betraying
Emma . There was no one to help Berry . If she kept running
away, she would be caught soon .
“So you’ll have to take advantage of this opportunity I’m

giving you . ”
Aria omitted to say that . Otherwise, she would not be safe,

but Berry swallowed her saliva as if she had noticed it .
“Then I’ll leave the choice to you . You can make any excuse
. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to live with the sympathy that
your family was held, hostage . And most of all, I’m not
dead . Make your own story . Maybe it’s your last choice . ”
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Aria was about to put a piece of gold on the floor and turn
around, saying, “I want you to eat something . ”
“Well, miss…!”
Aria heard Berry’s voice behind her back . There was

already power in her voice as to whether the choice was
over . It was fast, too . Yeah, she didn’t have a choice
anyway . As Aria smiled brightly and turned around, Berry
rolled her eyes around and opened her mouth carefully .
“Well, how do I get to the mansion…?”
Aria, who had never thought of it before, opened her eyes

and covered her mouth .
“My God . I almost made you walk . I’ll send a wagon here in
the morning, so you can take it . ”
Berry nodded and said she would do so .
The look of doubt until now was gone, and now she had no
doubt because she believed Aria would save her . Aria, who
confirmed the desirable face, left the warehouse expecting a
pleasant schedule tomorrow .
***
After meeting Berry, Aria was really willing to keep her

promise, so she arranged a wagon and food for her to leave
for a foreign country . Unknowingly, Annie helped her and
asked, cocking her head,
“Are you going to travel somewhere far, miss? No… for that,
the carriage is so normal…”
“Someone’s going on a long journey . ”
She would go so far away that she wouldn’t be able to come

back . Without answering Annie’s question, “Who the hell is
she?” Aria read the book and the letter and waited for Berry
.
But as morning came and even a single trace of Berry

couldn’t be seen, she felt a little nervous .
‘Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind . ’
“Miss, you should eat some lunch . ”
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“… I should . ”
“Is there a problem?”
As Aria was motionless because it was already the promised

time, Annie urged her to go down to the dining room . ‘I was
sure I sent a carriage for her this morning, but why hasn’t
she arrived yet?’ Aria, who was frightened, was about to
leave the room, worrying if she had fled again, but
suddenly, someone called Aria’s name .
“Miss Aria . ”
“…?”
As she turned her head, there was something black beside

the door . Surprised by it, Aria managed to hold back her
scream and identified the face that was only slightly
exposed, wrapped by a cape . It was Berry, who didn’t show
up until the end of the morning .
“… You had an amazing talent to surprise me . ”
She seemed to have come up to the third floor without

being found out because she had worked at the mansion for
a long time . Berry, who found Annie after Aria, hurriedly
covered her face with a cape .
“Who are you?”
“She is my guest so stay back in your room . I’m going to

skip today’s meal . ”
“Again? Would you like me to bring you some porridge?”
“No, I’m okay . ”

Everyone wouldn’t be able to eat lunch today anyway . After
sending the worried Annie, she and Berry went into the
room . Berry stood in the middle of Aria’s room . Her
appearance looked so nervous .
“Why did you come straight to my room without doing your

job?”
“… I’m sorry to say this, but I had to make sure there’s a

way to live . ”
As expected, Aria opened the window, saying, “Don’t worry .

” Outside, there was a carriage waiting for her .
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“Is that really my carriage?”
“Well, I’ve got food ready, so don’t worry about it . And I’ve
also got plenty of money for the trip . ”
Aria brought out the pocket she had in her drawer . It

contained enough gold coins to live on without having to
work for the rest of her life . Berry, who had confirmed it,
sighed deeply, as if determined, and soon disappeared from
Aria’s room .
And in that moment, from the first floor of the mansion,

which had always remained calm, a mysterious scream rang
out .
“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
The loud footsteps behind it and the shouting came as far as
Aria’s room, located on the third floor . Aria’s mouth crept
up .
‘Is there any music in this world that could be more

beautiful than that?’
Aria, who slowly went down to the first floor, appreciating it

as if it were Prima Donna’s song, could find Berry arrested
by strong servants and weighed down on the floor . Her face
on the floor was so sorry that she opened his eyes round
with her mouth covered with her hand .
“Miss, Miss Aria!”
“Miss! It’s dangerous here!”
The most dangerous thing here was Aria, but the servants
and maids worried about her and added strength to the
hands that had laid Berry .

possible .
between chapters .

139

(II), Part XI
Chapter 139 . Revenge (II), Part XI
Translator: Khan
Aria wondered if Berry was going to die before she

confessed . She burst into tears as if to be overcome with
fear, and the Count belatedly raised his voice, saying, “What
the hell is all this fuss about!”
The uproar was so great that after the Count stopped

eating, and Mielle, Cain, and the Countess came out after
him . They all looked unhappy with the situation .
“Ma, master . ”
“We’re in trouble . ”
The real owners of the mansion appeared, and the servants

and maids crowded in the hall paved the way for a good
view of the arrested Berry .
“… Be, Berry?!”
Mielle’s face was horrified to find Berry . Her eyes looked as

if they were going to pop out . How dreadful and fearful she
must be now that Berry had returned after betraying herself
. Emma following her was also stone-hardened with her
mouth open .
The Count, who was embarrassed because he didn’t know if

she came back into the mansion on her own feet, shouted,
“Please contact the security forces,” and the Countess, who
was relieved of her legs, fell on the floor unseemly . Cain
hurried to Aria and stood guard against her .
“I, I have…! Words…! Ugh…!”
Berry managed to wring her voice from under pressure .

Everyone’s eyes were on her, and as if she were trying to
stop her from speaking, Mielle sank and wrapped her head
in fear .
“Uh, we have to let her shut up and call the guards! She’s
too dangerous!”
Emma raised her voice too much and made a fuss, but Aria
had no intention of letting Berry leave, and of losing the
opportunity she had barely made .
“Berry’s got something… I think she’s going to say

something important . ”
Then Aria grabbed Cain’s sleeve and answered . It was a

small voice that was only audible to Cain . Cain stared for a
moment at Aria’s hand, which caught up in his sleeve, and
her pale face, and soon insisted in a loud voice that they
needed to hear Berry’s .
“It’s a woman with no power . She’s tied, so there’s no

danger . It’ll take time for the guards to arrive, so we’ll have
to hear why she showed up . ”
The Count nodded at his reasonable remarks . When things
didn’t go as planned, only Mielle and Emma showed fear in
cold sweat .
“But, but what if she hides a weapon in her body? I’m so

scared…!”
At that abominable look, Aria answered with her head

sticking out from Cain’s back,
“It’s also a little bit like that, too . So, Mielle, wouldn’t you
rather go up to the room? I want to listen to her because I
have a guess…”
“Yes, miss . You’d better go up . ”
Emma’s expression was horrified when Annie, who was no

different from Aria’s slave, helped her . How upset she was
because there were two maids who betrayed them .
“Mielle, as you say, it may be dangerous, so go up . ”
The Count also urged her, who had nothing to do with the
incident, to go up to the room, and after all, Mielle wouldn’t
leave, clinging on Emma’s arm, saying, “It might be okay
because there are so many people . ” So Aria glanced at her
from behind Cain’s back .
At the same time that she was given a chance to speak, the
trap of squeezing Berry’s body loosened a little . When
Berry saw the glistening eyes of Aria, she took a big breath
and slowly opened her mouth,
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“… In, in fact, I was threatened . She threatened me to kill
my family if I don’t poison the tea of Miss Aria . ”
Emma clenched her fist so tightly that her fingernails stuck

in her palm at the lie . Looking at her bulging eyes, she
looked eager to shout at the nonsense . Berry’s voice rang
again in the silence of the hall .
“So there was no choice… I received the poison… but I

hesitated and agonized several times because I couldn’t
poison the tea, and Miss Aria, who had noticed me feeling a
little anxious, asked me why several times . ”
This drew attention to Aria . Berry’s eyes were too, which

were enveloped in anxiety . Tears welled up in her pale face,
and she answered with her face on Cain’s back,
“I, I remember… Berry’s condition was very strange… so I

told her to tell me everything and it would be fine, but… sob
.”
Aria’s tears seeped into her light indoor shirt, and Cain
stiffened . The answer was not yet complete, so Aria
squeezed out her tears for a long time and then opened her
mouth again .
“I’m sorry . I remember that time all of a sudden . I was so

sorry about Berry… Anyway, then I advised Berry to choose
the way to be happy . So I said I would forgive her for
making any decision . I didn’t know exactly, but… I thought
she was worried about something bad . So, uh, that’s why
Berry put it in my tea…! She might not be wrong . I
encouraged her . Sob…”
Aria, who was feeling intense again, wrung out her tears .
The rumor that there would be a real culprit turned around
and everyone in the hall was convinced without a doubt and
sympathized with Aria’s grief . Only Annie and Jessie, who
all remember the situation, cocked their heads . And…
“… then, who the hell is the real culprit?”
The overcast voice of the Count rang in the hall . There was
no need to hear the answer . There was one person
everyone suspected . She was a very reasonable person . In
a flash, everyone’s eyes fell on Emma .
“This, this is slander! I’m not the real culprit!” exclaimed

Emma, whose face turned white . Mielle, who grabbed her
arm, also sympathized with her and complained of injustice
.
“Right! Emma’s innocent! Emma can’t do that, can she?

Berry! How could you do this?”
It was the first time for Mielle to speak so loudly that the
crowd looked very embarrassed . In it, Aria alone smiled
contentedly .
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‘You’re crawling into hell, aren’t you? Isn’t it very strange?

How can she assert that Emma is innocent?’
Cain also seemed to find it strange so he asked Mielle,

“Mielle, how do you know she’s not the culprit? Do you
happen to know any other real criminal?”
“Well, that’s not it, but… you know Emma’s good
personality! Emma is never the kind of person!”
Cain sighed at the groundless argument . The Count also

asked Emma for the truth, ignoring Mielle, who exclaimed
that she was innocent, whether he thought the claim was
worthless .
“Emma, I don’t want to think you did it, but you’ll have to
offer a convincing explanation because it was done by your
maid . ”
How could she explain when she was accused of being a

real culprit by a poisoned criminal? It was also claimed by
the accomplice herself . There was no one to overcome the
slander .
Emma made no excuse when asked to prove something that

no one could prove . She just had a pale face and said, “Not
me, not at all…” She repeated the words like a parrot .
Mielle, who was the only one who could save her, also failed
to come up with a plan, and said, “Emma’s not the woman
to do so . ”
For Aria, it was a golden opportunity to drive the two into

the abyss of hell . “Really…? Emma really gave Berry that
order…? Huh? Berry, speak it out! Don’t you know? I can’t
believe it…!”
Aria, who had not missed the opportunity, asked in tears, as

if she could not believe it, or did not want to . It was an act
that had come to mind dozens of times just for this moment
in a long time . It was a tearful act that someone had
introduced in the past to bring her down to the pit .
Back then, there had been many viewers around her, just
like now . But the Prima Donna’s role in acting had changed
. It would be her who wept but laugh in the future, and
Mielle would fumble in hell, and would slowly die . Berry,
too, was willing to throw herself into her play without
missing a chance .
“… right, miss . In the first place, I went into being your

maid according to Emma’s instruction . It was all Emma’s
order . ”
“You bitch! You’re lying?!”
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Emma, who couldn’t beat her anger even before she was
finished, jumped at her . It was her outburst that had no
place to run away anymore . Emma, who ran to Berry in an
instant, grabbed her hair and shook it roughly . The hall was
filled with Berry’s screams .
“Ahhh! Emma! Ouch…!”
“Do you think you can survive with such a lie?”
“Emma?! Emma!”
Mielle, who was next to Emma ran out after losing her
temper, fell on the floor and shouted her name . Then, she
shuddered and shouted only her name, startled by the
terrible sight she had never seen before . She looked as if
she had lost her mother .
“Stop it!”
“Stop it!”

possible .
between chapters .

140

(II), Part XII
Chapter 140 . Revenge (II), Part XII
Translator: Khan
Strong male servants clung to Emma to set her apart, who

was strangling Berry’s neck . But Emma, half-crazily didn’t
release her strength in her hand trying to harm Berry, and
the hall quickly became a mess .
“Emma! What are you doing?”
“Oh my god…”
“Emma! Stop it! Please…!”
The Count and Countess raised their voices to mourn the

tragedy . Mielle cried, not caring about her beautiful face
being destroyed . All her maids were surprised and did
nothing, so Mielle, who had never been neglected in her life,
had to shed tears on the cold floor .
“Yes, it’s worth seeing at this much . I must let them know
who did what and how . ”
As soon as she confessed exactly what she had done, this

terrible scene happened . The noble Mielle cried out on the
floor, and Emma, who had been guarding her, turned into a
demon .
In this desirable Abyss, the frightened Aria held Cain’s shirt

tightly and hid behind his back . ‘How did he interpret it?’
Cain turned his head to see it and clenched his teeth .
“Brother, brother…”
“It’s all right, Aria . There’s no one to hurt you anymore . ”
He played a very friendly brother to Aria in fear . She

swallowed her ridicule and pointed out his folly .
‘You were the one who killed me in the past . ’
It was Cain, who had directed to strike that wicked bitch on

the neck . But how was it now? He was pushing his own
sister and her lovely maid to the edge of the cliff as opposed
to the past .
It was regrettable that she had had such a great weapon but
could not use it properly . She had been foolish of herself
not to notice it . She had an unfortunate past that she didn’t
have to experience .
Nevertheless, she was grateful to heaven for giving her the

chance to dispel that resentment . Having experienced the
past, she had become such a vicious wicked woman .
“Let go of this! Everything that bitch says is a lie! Please

believe me!” Emma, who was held by the servants, shouted,
struggling with all her might, like Aria of the past, “Please,
please believe me . I’m not! It’s a misunderstanding!”
“I, I heard how Mrs . Emma brought the poison!”

But Berry had the last key to drive Emma in, and the key
opened wide to the door of the answer, and the gate of hell
that Emma had to walk through . Emma’s struggle had
stopped .
“Sob . Emma…”
Only the cry of Mielle was heard in the stillness of the hall .
It was like a prelude to running the final movement of death
. Aria, who had been entrusted to that tender melody, fell to
the floor, taking her hand off Cain’s shirt .
“Everything happened because I was bad…”
‘Alas, I wish I had used the hourglass . ’ Then she wouldn’t

wake up, so she would be a tragic heroine . Jessie, who was
next to her, hugged Aria and wept . The Countess’s cries
also echoed . At Aria’s pitiful appearance, Cain’s hand
hovered in the air .
“Miss…!”
With Jessie’s call, sharpness was added to the gaze of those

heading to Emma . It wouldn’t cool down even if they tore
her limbs apart . Amid all the cruel words coming and going,
the Count of Justice raised his hand to clear up the situation
.
“Emma, I can’t help but ask you for your sins, even if she
has evidence . I never thought you’d do anything like this,
but… In any case, the sin of trying to harm the master will
be great and you will not escape death . And Berry . ”
Berry shuddered loudly when her name was called .
“No matter what the reason might be, it is true that you
have also done wrong, and you will have to pay for it . ”
“The Count…!”
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She fluttered in the sentence and looked at Aria, the only

one who could save her . Her stiff face was a mixture of
disappointment, injustice, and betrayal .
‘You don’t have to worry about it . Isn’t it natural to save

you? If I betray Berry here, everything will come to nothing .
’
Aria, who wiped away her tears from the eager gaze,
pleaded for her to pardon her sins on her behalf .
“Father, I fully understand Berry’s feelings . I would have

done evil if my father and mother, Mielle, and Cain, were
taken as a hostage . I’m sure everyone would do . Rather, I
think it’s the bad guy who abandons his or her family . Isn’t
that right, brother?”
Cain replied yes to Aria’s sad face seeking an explanation .
“In addition, she hesitated several times, but I gave her

permission to do so… I’m sure it was hard enough for her to
die . I think that’s why she was here . So, please… I don’t
want you to accuse Berry of…”
The Count gave a fake cough at the earnestness . The

maids, who had already been on Aria’s side for gifts and
favors many times, admired her character .
“How sweet of her to be…”

“She is the one who tried to kill her…”
In the situation where Emma had come to commit all the

sins alone, Mielle gave a sidelong scowl at Aria, and faced
with this, Aria looked around and raised her mouth so that
only she could recognize it .
‘Why can’t you come forward to relieve her of her sins? No!
Emma’s innocent! That’s what I told her to do!’
But Mielle, whose most precious thing in the world was

herself, couldn’t do anything for Emma, who was cornered
and couldn’t find a hole to escape, and it was Emma alone
who was eventually taken by the arriving guards .
***
“Dear Miss, …Thank you very much . It’s all thanks to you . ”
Berry, who had helped to add weight on Emma’s sins with

consistent lies, thanked Aria before she left . His hair was
dragging on the ground when she bent her waist-deep .
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“Be nice from now on . You’re not given a chance twice . ”
Aria, who had said something disagreeable, answered,

shaking off her dirty hair .
“Yes…! I didn’t know who I really had to serve, and I have

nothing to say for committing a serious crime…”
“It’s a good thing you’ve regretted it now . Goodbye . I’ll be
relieved if you send me a letter to see if you’re doing well . ”
As Aria said, “Don’t stop personal ties in the future, she was
thrilled to say that Berry nodded greatly .
“Yes! Yes! Miss! I will do that for sure! So… please stay
healthy!”
Berry, who said goodbye to her, wiped her tears off and

climbed into the wagon . The carriage set off as soon as she
got up, having already set her destination . Aria turned and
entered the mansion as she stared at the disappearing
carriage . Annie, who had been staring at Berry all the time,
asked Aria as if she could not understand .
“Miss, why did you forgive Berry? Wasn’t Berry the same
bitch as Emma?”
Jessie also nodded her consent . Aria smiled a deep smile

and explained it kindly to her .
“Annie, the wicked are bound to pay for it, even if I don’t
have to punish her . God is watching us all . ”
Maybe they didn’t understand what she meant, and Annie

and Jessie cocked their heads . Aria climbed the stairs to her
room, thinking ‘You may never know it all your life . ’
The wagon left and was heading in a completely different

direction from the Kingdom of Croa where Berry would like
to go . It was about a day after she left the capital that Berry
noticed .
“Where, where am I? Why is it such a thick forest after a

day…?”
About an hour after the driver stopped the carriage to check
its surroundings, Berry, feeling strange, carefully went out of
the carriage .
“…?!”
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And when she checked out, the startled Berry sat down and
uttered a silent groan . For somehow the driver and horse
were gone, and only the body of the carriage lay in the
woods .
“Oh, no…!”
She had been out of the capital for a whole day, but if it was
a dense forest…!
It was clear that the forest of labyrinths had no end, even

the emperor had given up . It was the forest that anyone
could never escape without a compass and a ride . So
nobody easily walked into the forest .
When she thought she had been abandoned there, Berry let
out a strange groan, shedding tears in the fear of being
pushed in and out . The cry of the beast seemed to be heard
coming closer .
The only thing left for her, whose bag was stolen behind the
carriage; was a carriage and a body that would soon break
down after being attacked by the beasts .
***
A few days later .
“Miss, I got a letter from Berry who left . ”

possible .
between chapters .

141

(II), Part XIII
Chapter 141 . Revenge (II), Part XIII
Translator: Khan
Jessie, who brought Berry’s letter, didn’t look bright . She

still seemed displeased to have let Berry go the same way .
Aria, who roughly read a letter signed with a seal that she
had sent from the Kingdom of Croa, said soothingly,
“Jessie, you don’t have to be so angry . ”
“But I still can’t believe she went abroad safely after she did
that terrible thing to you . ”
‘How can I not love Jessie for her sake?’ Aria, determined to
give her a very big present when all was done, left the room
for Emma’s judgment today . The Countess looked a little
dark when she saw Aria on the first floor .
“Aria, since the results are fixed anyway, I don’t think you
need to go… Are you sure it’s okay?”
“… Yes, they may need my testimony . ”
It was already a set result . The Countess discouraged her

because the victim did not have to attend, but Aria’s
determination to see Emma’s end was firm .
Mielle’s eyes were red and they were also swollen as if she
had cried for days . She must have tried to cover them with
her hat as much as she could, but she could not escape the
eyes of Aria, who had watched her with the hawk’s eyes .
‘You want to scream that she didn’t do it . ’
It was obvious to see that she sometimes bit her lips and
trembled . She might see Emma’s neck cut off . And the
main enemy was right in front of her .
“… I’m not feeling well so I’ll leave in a little while . ”
‘Yeah, I guess you don’t want to ride a carriage with me . ’
Emma had been taking care of Mielle since birth, and the
Count understood her feelings and nodded to do it .
As soon as he returned from the academy, a terrible thing

happened, and Cain turned around and looked at Mielle and
clicked his tongue . It was nowhere to be seen that he had
cared so much about his sister in the past .
The Count spoke to Aria in a friendly way that might be only

for Mielle, “Aria, it’s going to be hard, but hang in there a
little . ”
“Thank you…”
Inside, she wanted to hold a party and drink a toast, but

ended up quietly answering, with a gentle smile . Thanks to
Aria’s acting of a poor girl, the road to the court was silent .
Even after her arrival, she was able to play the heroine of
the perfect tragedy with Cain’s desperate escort .
“Oh, my God, the victim, Lady Roscent is here . ”
“Where…? No, Lady Roscent is so beautiful?!”
“It must be jealousy too, as it is rumored . She was really

beautiful . ”
Aria’s appearance made a noise in the audience’s seat . Her

unadorned beauty added weight to her sorrow .
Cain, who glances at her, asked with a very friendly face,

“… Yes? Oh, yes . Of course . ”
In the past, Cain’s contemptuous eyes had been on her .

The look in his eyes, which he had treated as if she had
been a filth defaming the family’s reputation .
Aria, who shed tears that didn’t seem to come, in

everyone’s sympathy, waited for the trial to begin . It took
some time to start as she arrived a little early, and Mielle,
who had a late start, appeared just before the trial began .
“Your eyes are red… are you all right?”
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‘Who did you cry that way for?’
When Aria asked, Mielle closed her eyes and answered

whether she didn’t want to look at her .
“… it’s all right . ”

The Count and Cain, who knew the reason for her tears,
sighed and looked away . The Countess held Aria’s hand and
gritted her teeth . Public opinion was so inclined that she
could express her feelings .
Aria understood that Emma was precious to Mielle, but it

was incomprehensible to cover up the woman who went so
far as to kill her in front of the victim .
‘Foolishly, you’ve ruined what you’ve accomplished yourself

. Isn’t she like her past self? This is her past self! Who knew
she could not be recognized by anyone but could not control
herself from being perverse . ’
But in the eyes of the audience, Mielle’s gloom and silence

were seen as a result of her anxiety for her sister, Aria .
Emma was very thin when she saw her face after a long
time . Seeing bruises and wounds visible in places, there
seemed to have been violence in the course of interrogation
. Her legs were limping, though feeble .
The judge appeared as soon as she stood in the middle of

the courtroom, with a puzzled look on her face . Aria didn’t
know the face and the name, but the judge was someone
who succeeded in the blood of the Imperial family . Other
royal families, not related to the power struggle, had been
holding high-ranking government posts in the capital due to
lack of land . It was also aimed at the Aristocratic Party in
check .
The judge, who was seated, looked over the documents that
had already been filed, and at the same time informed them
of the beginning of the trial, and asked about her guilt . It
was already due to the obvious results .
“Do you admit the sin of murdering Lady Roscent Aria?”

“… . ”
With her mouth shut, Emma had no answer or movement .

She just stared at the floor with her head down a little . Her
attitude of refusing to acknowledge both evidence and
witnesses chilled the judge’s eyes .
“Let me ask you again . Do you admit it?”
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“…”
She again gave no answer this time, so the judge shook her
head with a sigh . It seemed that she was not happy to take
the time because the trial had an evident result anyway .
“… OK, then I have to deal with it as it is on the document .

”
She lifted her head when she signed something on the

document . There was no reason to delay the trial anymore
because the criminal’s guilt was confirmed . So Aria thought
it was over, but the judge looked around the hall and
opened her mouth .
“Is Lady Roscent Aria here?”
Aria answered in a quiet voice, when her name was

suddenly called,
“Yes? Oh, yes…”

Then the judge, who looked at Aria, stopped trying to say
something and slowly frowned . When Aria cocked her head
in wonder, the judge, who was staring at her for a long time,
shook her head and began to ask some questions,
“Is it true that you have been harmed by Emma, the

sinner?”
“Oh, yes… I heard so . ”
“Then do you intend to absolve her of her sins?”
Aria, who pretended to be sad about the ridiculous question,

opened her eyes wide . The audience also stared at the
judge with a face asking what kind of question she was
asking . Aria was surprised not to answer, and the judge
explained why,
“The dozens of petitions arrived in a short period of time . It

was a petition for the forgiveness of the sinner sent by an
anonymous majority . It was the first time I had received so
many petitions, so I just asked if there was any other reason
.
She was also dumbfounded as she laughed, saying ‘no . ’

There were dozens of petitions for the sinner who were
already well-assured . If she doubted that they were another
accomplice, there was no problem . That was why she said it
on purpose . There was some hope in Emma’s face .
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If it were Mielle, she would definitely forgive her sin in this
situation . Even if she would forgive her sin, anyway, she
would be severely punished for, according to the law . But
she could avoid the death penalty, if Aria, who was the
victim and an aristocrat, pardoned her .
Aria, however, was different . She was not a kind of stupid,

wicked woman who pretended to be blind and good .
“No, I don’t intend to forgive Emma’s sins . She tried to hurt

me for no reason… so I thought someone else might be the
victim again… I just want her to pay the price . ”
When Aria answered with a very sad face, some of the

audience in their seat forgot about the time and place and
gave admiration due to her strong emotions . The majority
made a look as if it was right . And from among them, she
saw Emma in despair .
“Then I’ll have to do so as the victim, Lady Roscent, says . ”
The judge pronounced Emma’s death, raising her mouth as

if she had heard a very satisfactory answer . It was a very
quick decision .
“To the sinner, Emma, I sentence her to hang . ”
With those words, Emma sank into her seat . What did she
expect, even though it was a natural result? Aria identified
the face of Mielle, who was sitting next to the Count .

possible .
between chapters .
142

(II), Part XIV
Chapter 142 . Revenge (II), Part XIV
Translator: Khan
With her mouth wide open and eyes fixed on Emma, she
trembled as if she was about to fall . Therefore, it was not
the Countess, but the Count that read her expression .
“… I’ll go first . ”
She was displeased to her, but she was his biological

daughter, so the Count rose up and said it would be better
for him to go first . The Countess, without even giving a
glance, replaced the answer by simply nodding her head
quietly .
“Are you all right, Aria?”
Aria nodded, feeling the warm hand her mother was holding
. Cain, who did not follow his father, also gave a worried
look to Aria .
The Count was also about to say something comforting, but

he soon closed his mouth . He seemed to have decided it
would be better to take Mielle and leave in a hurry . Emma
was looking this way, and Mielle was staring at her .
“… Mielle!”
“My God…”
It was then . Suddenly Mielle fell to the floor . The

astonished Count hastened to support her, and the
Countess, who had been ignoring her all the time, rushed to
Mielle . With Cain’s voice calling for a doctor, the audience
seat became a mess in no time .
“You bitch! You wicked woman! It’s all because of you! If it

wasn’t for you! Worthy of death… Aaargh!”
Emma, who was watching this, cursed Aria, and was struck
by a guard’s fist, she also lost consciousness and was
dragged out . What a pity that she would no longer be able
to do evil for her master . Aria rushed to Mielle, who had
fallen, and whispered in a very small voice, pretending to
check her complexion,
“Mielle… a poor girl . Did you think I didn’t know you’d get
Emma and Berry to poison my tea?”
Then she did not completely lose her senses, and Mielle’s
eyes opened in a flash . She stared at Aria, trembling and
wondering what that meant . Her eyes were bloodshot and
there was no beauty of an aristocratic lady, like when she
had shed her own tears of blood from her own eyes, when
she had been forced to just cry out in the face of her
ridicule!
‘How long have I been waiting for this?’
She had been waiting for this moment when she was going
to give it all back to Mielle . The revenge against her was
only beginning, but Aria’s whole body was filled with great
satisfaction .
‘Now, why don’t you cry like I did in the past and do your
frantic attempts?’
In the comfort of others, Mielle came to her senses, and Aria

also spoke with a disturbed face,
“Fortunately, Mielle woke up . But you’d better hurry up and

let her see a doctor . ”
Mielle held on her chest, breathing heavily in the chaos that

she had never imagined that the foolish wicked woman
would result .
Aria was hoping Mielle would scream and spit out some
cursing . Even in this situation where Emma, who she had
been following like her mother, would be executed, she did
not show that much . In a way, Mielle must be a stronger
woman than herself .
“The Count of Roscent!”
Lane appeared out of nowhere through the uproar . Then he

urged the Count to hurry to the hospital he knew, saying it
was nearby .
Lane was a trustee of all the Count family, and they moved
in perfect order at his words . Meanwhile, Lane whispered
his original purpose in a voice small enough to be heard
only by Aria,
“There’s someone waiting for you . ”
Aria, realizing who Lane meant, nodded slowly . She

wondered if he had been here since the beginning .
‘Because he was worried? Or by realizing another true color
of herself doing things this big?’
Cain, who watched Aria quietly leave her seat soon after
taking advantage of the uproar, followed her with a strange
look .
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Asher was waiting for Aria not too far away . Aria’s steps to
the place Lane told her were heavy . ‘I wish he’d been
worried, but… what if it’s not . ’
As if she had been well versed in the court geography,

fortunately there was no one in contact throughout the
journey to the place Lane had informed . When there was
not much left to the destination, someone suddenly called
Aria’s name,
“Aria!”
“… Cain?”
Surprised, Aria looked around for nothing . ‘Why on earth

did he follow her so far, leaving his poor sister alone?’
Cain also looked around once and said strangely, “I don’t

think this is a way out . ”
“Ah…”
As she continued to move to places where there was no

reason for the general public to look, Cain seemed to be
following her and talking . She thought she had sneaked out
alone, but Lane didn’t stop Cain . Aria blamed Lane for the
situation and changed the topic .
“What about Mielle? Is she all right? She didn’t seem to be

breathing very well…”
Cain frowned that he had read Aria’s words about what he

was doing here without caring for his younger sister . He
seemed to think only now that he had just thrown out his
sick sister and followed Aria . Unexpectedly, he stammered
out an excuse,
“They said she’s going to the hospital, so I’m sure she’ll be

okay . I don’t think it’s temporary because she’s not even a
child with a chronic disease . And my father went with her,
so I’m sure she’ll be fine . ”
However, this could not be the reason to follow Aria .

Whoever was next to Mielle, it was true that he followed his
fake sister, who had moved away from the eyes of others
rather than her own sick sister .
“I think it will be a big deal because it’s not a chronic

disease . She couldn’t breathe well, so maybe she’s got a
dire illness . You have to stand by her . ”
When she said, “Why don’t you go to your sister because

everything you have to do today is over?” Cain couldn’t
answer for a moment and stared on the floor, because he
realized what she meant .
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But Cain continued, “That’s true, but… I don’t think she’d
get well if I go there, so I think I’d better go back with you in
case I don’t know . ”
‘Asher will be waiting . ’
He never stopped asking where she was going with useless

excuses . She was unable to proudly say, “I’m going to meet
the Crown Prince,” so when Aria delayed her answer and
made an excuse for Mielle, he was even more determined to
go back with her, as if his doubts had deepened .
Cain, who glanced at something over Aria’s shoulder,

stiffened his face, as she was worried that Asher might just
go back when the time was delayed .
‘Don’t tell me…?’
As soon as he tried to look back on the idea that passed

through his head, he heard the voice of Asher calling Aria’s
name earlier than the act,
“Lady Aria . ”
His voice calling for the name was quite cold . It was like the
first time she had met him in the general store, and for an
instant her whole body was nervous .
Cain expressed strong hostility and vigilance at the sudden

appearance of a mysterious man . Aria was also perplexed
because she did not think about the situation the two were
facing .
“And you?”
Asher’s inquiring tone was very sharp . Cain was asking
Aria, but she did not answer in difficulty, so Asher took it for
her .
“I asked first . ”
Cain answered, scanning up and down the appearance of

Asher . Perhaps it was because he did not look like the
Crown Prince, but as Cain was showing signs of discomfort
as he retorted, Aria’s face turned white .
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“You don’t even know how polite it is to introduce yourself

first before asking about others . ”
“I know I don’t have to be polite to the intruder . ”
Suddenly, the two were in a war of nerves, so Aria rushed in

. It was a very bad situation .
“Brother, I have an appointment with this man, so please go

back to Mielle . ”
“… you have an appointment with him?”
Cain asked again with disbelief when he heard that Aria had
an appointment with a strange man .
As soon as Asher saw him, he took a step closer to Aria’s

side and said, “Now it’s clear who’s the intruder . ”
Asher triumphantly said as if it was not a big thing… It

looked so childish and she was about to say that he should
leave now, but Cain suddenly grabbed Aria by her wrist and
pulled her towards him .
“No, I can’t have Aria, who’s not yet an adult, alone with a
man who I don’t even know who he is . ”
“…?!”
Aria was quickly dragged to Cain’s side . He hid Aria behind

him as if she belonged to him . The pain was so severe that
her eyebrows were frowned upon by the harsh movements
and the strong force that vigorously pulled her .

possible .
between chapters .

143

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part I
Chapter 143 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part I
Translator: Khan
She became angry at this rude act, and one step faster than
that, Asher took hold of Cain’s arm as quickly as possible,
which had seized Aria’s wrist, and said,
“That’s not up to you, is it? And now you don’t even seem to
realize how threatening it is to her . ”
Cain bit his lip and loosened the force he gave to his hand
when he saw that Aria’s wrist was losing color .
Aria, who pulled out her captured hand, stepped back a few
steps . She then told Cain with a wary stare . “I just want
you to go back . I’m going to go back… with Mr . Pinonua . I
want you to take care of poor Mielle and be by her side . ”
Aria turned away after leaving such cold words . Aria got out
of the way, holding the arms of Asher, who was a little
embarrassed by what she called him—Mr . Pinonua . Cain’s
angry eyes followed the image of Aria and Asher as they
disappeared .
Aria, who had remained silent long after passing the
appointed place and continued walking through the corridor,
did not stop . Asher looked at her and said, “Mr . Pinonua…?
Are you talking about me?”
Then Aria, who had stopped walking, looked at him and

said, “Yes, weren’t you Pinonua Louie?”
“You still remember that name?”
Asher slightly smiled . He seemed to think he had met Aria

only once under that name, but in fact, she was the Investor
A, so she exchanged letters with Asher under the
pseudonym of Pinonua Louie over and over again .
But she knew the whole situation, so she didn’t mean to

blame it . She just wanted a way to avoid it . In front of Cain,
he couldn’t identify himself as the Crown Prince . Moreover,
it was Aria’s turn to hide her identity . She then changed the
topic .
“But why did you come here?”
“I was worried about you . ”
Asher was really worried about her .
“I’ve met the judge before, and she knew my identity, so I

couldn’t go to court, so I’ve been waiting outside . If you
come to court, you’ll face the real culprit . ”
The real culprit . When he found out that Berry had been
released safely, he did not ask questions about it . Rather,
he was worried .
Perhaps that was why questions that had been hovering
around her head had become bigger and more unstable .
‘Does he really know who I am? Why is he treating me so
tenderly? How long can I see him while hiding my inner
thoughts?’
“Mr . Asher… I think you don’t know me that much . ”
He replied, noting the meaningful answer .
“Then you can tell me from now on . ”
The honest, straight answer and glance meant that he

would accept whatever real intention she might be hiding .
“… Even if I’m actually a terrible, gossip-like wicked

woman?”
“I’m not the same on the outside . No, I don’t know if such a
person exists in the world . ”
He added that he was also the original character when he

had first seen Aria in the general store . Aria’s eyes shook as
she recalled the cold, blunt and rough figure she had seen .
In addition, the image of many people, who had been
different on the outside and on the inside, also came to
mind . ‘Isn’t Emma the one who will disappear through
execution?’
As a sudden realization struck Aria, she lost her mind in

silence . He recalled his encounter with her in the general
store and hurriedly added an excuse, worried that she might
be scared
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“Of course, I’m the one that I’m showing you . I think that
any shape I made is myself . It’s just different depending on
time and place . ”
Aria gazed hard at Asher, who continued to talk . The

anxiety and doubt that stood in her eyes suddenly
disappeared . It might sound like he didn’t know the truth,
but that was enough comforting, and it was also the answer
she most wanted .
After making excuses, Asher, who had been staring at Aria’s

eyes long before her anxiety and doubt disappeared,
handed over her hair .
“On the other hand, I hope you will be what you’re rumored
to be… I think there’s too much junk around you . ”
Aria’s face glowed with deep emotion in his eyes . At the

same time, Aria, who understood what he was referring to,
made an excuse for misunderstanding .
“As you know, he’s just a brother to me . He’s family . ”
“That’s not all I’m saying . ”
He didn’t seem to like Aria’s occasional appearance at a

gathering of people, drawing people’s attention .
Aria, who had no idea what he was thinking about because

of his vague words, tried hard to figure it out . “I think it’s
better for you to go back now,” Asher said as he watched
Aria with a soft look .
“I’d love to talk about this and that…”

Asher swallowed his following words . But even if he didn’t
say it, Aria nodded calmly because she knew in the letter
how busy he was with the establishment of the new
academy .
“Then, I hope to see you again soon . ”
Asher would always kiss the back of her hand before he set
off . Leaving behind the regret of a brief encounter that
ended with a dripping lip from the back of her hand, she
went back to the mansion in a carriage prepared by Asher .
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***
Mielle, who was unconscious while Aria hoped she

approached closer to her death in each passing day, came
to her senses while being taken to the hospital, and, thanks
to that, she had been resting in the mansion . The doctor
said Mielle had a temporary breathing problem due to the
shock and advised her to relax for a while .
But if she had intended to save her by taking advantage of

the little time left before Emma’s execution, Mielle led her
weak body and forced her to go out several times . She
didn’t even know what others thought of her for her
excessive behavior .
‘It’s already too late . ’
After finally seeing Emma’s end with that beautiful green

eyes without finding any way, Mielle began to spend the day
dazed as if she were out of her mind .
There was no more Mielle, who had always won the

yearning and respect of the maids with her elegant gestures
and sparkling eyes . Emma’s absence, who had protected
Mielle from the day she was born, was enough to make her
a soulless empty shell . Mielle’s actions were enough to
make her maids nervous .
“My God, how many hours has she been standing there?”
At Aria’s question, the maids waiting in front of Mielle’s

room shook their heads in astonishment . Mielle must have
locked the door, so they couldn’t even clean it .
Next to them was a maid with a light meal . She was a close
aide of Mielle’s but still unable to take a step into her room,
and her eyes were flushed .
‘Is there a better chance?’
Aria recommended warm tea for the girls, who were having
a hard time .
“… Tea?”
“It’s because you look exhausted . I think you should take a

break . ”
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“Ah…”
There was something they needed to do, and they showed a
sign of trouble . Mielle neither allowed nor refused, so they
had to wait for an answer all the time .
‘Besides, drinking tea with their master?’ It was rumored

that Annie and Jessie were doing so, but it was a far-away
world from those who had always worked as Mielle’s maids .
When they hesitated, Aria stretched out her hand of
temptation again .
“If anyone asks, I will say that I had something to do and

called you, so you should all take some rest . ”
Aria was so friendly to them that the impressed maids’

cheeks blushed . Soon, her reputation began to change little
by little as the stories of those who had favored Aria spread
in the mansion . Before that, Emma’s vacancy was the
biggest that overwhelmed and led them .
So Mielle’s close aides gradually turned their minds to sweet

temptation as the poison spread little by little . Inside the
mansion, the flow was quietly changing, so no one had
noticed it yet .
“… Well, do you really want to give this to us?”
The maids asked one by one, holding some cosmetics in

their hands that added color to their lips . As Annie nodded
triumphantly on Aria’s behalf, the maids screamed a little
and immediately opened the lid of the cosmetics to identify
the scent and color .
“Oh my God, this precious thing…”
Aria, who smiled benevolently at the admiring girls, took a

sip of her tea . She didn’t buy it to give it to them . One of
the businessmen, who she had invested in as Investor A,
had just sent a large quantity of this and that, saying that
they were cosmetics he made .

possible .
between chapters .

144

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part II
Chapter 144 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part II
Translator: Khan
She didn’t know if there was a word made by Baron

Burboom, but the gifts were things that all women would
like .
Other eye-catching cosmetics, perfumes, and luxurious

pouches were displayed as if they were displayed within the
eyes of the maids . Situated in tens of units instead of one
or two, they were enough to arouse the attention and greed
of the maids .
“Miss, I have a question… why on earth did you buy so

many of these precious things?”
When a curious maid asked her so, Annie answered instead

of Aria as if she were foolish .
“Do you think Miss Aria bought those? It’s natural that she
got a gift . That’s how difficult it is to deal with . ”
“Ah…!”
As Annie said, some of the items were sent by men who
really liked her, but most of those who had the same kind in
large quantities were gifts . Annie knew it all but added a
bluff as she wanted to make her master look good .
Aria looked at Annie with a satisfied smile . All the gold and
silver coins she had invested in Annie had been so desirable
. Of course, it was true that she had received the gift, so she
didn’t lie .
The maids looked at Aria enjoying tea with their eyes

glistening . The look was not just about respect for the
elegant, prestigious noblewoman . There were envy and
longing for the woman who overcame her humble origin,
which could be seen as much lower than them, and who
charmed the men of the Empire with her beautiful
appearance and fine character . And…
“Miss Aria often takes care of these things by giving them to

her maids . This many is just too much for her . ”
There also existed jealousy for Annie, who transformed her

form from a naughty girl to an elegant woman in just a year
. There had come out some words at first as she had
betrayed Mielle and had been attached to Aria, but in the
end, the winner was her . Wasn’t she enjoying life as much
as a noblewoman?
And now she might really be elevated to aristocracy . It was

because there were rumors among the public that she was
meeting with the successful Baron Burboom because of
Aria’s help . So how could they not be envious?
It was enough to turn her maids’ eyes, thanks to Mielle, who

had yet to wake up because of the shock of losing Emma .
They all wanted to be like Annie and like Aria .
“Oh, come to think of it, Miss Mielle took a walk in the
garden this morning for a while . Within that time, we were
able to clean her room . ”
“That’s right . I accompanied her . She still couldn’t talk, but

she seemed a little refreshed . Maybe it’s because of the
letter . ”
“Letter?”
“Yes . She got a letter from the princess . It’s been a long
time since the incident . As soon as I told her that she had a
letter from the princess, she told me to go in her room right
away . I was surprised . ”
The maids, who were quick to understand, released the

information to Aria . They seemed to realize that Annie had
acted like that and had enjoyed a rich life—by selling her
master, Mielle .
“Really? That’s great . ”
Aria replied with great joy . She did not come out of the
room with all the efforts of the Count who loved her but took
a walk in a letter from the princess .
‘Don’t tell me anything about Oscar… Or if he is going to

visit . ’
That was all she could think of . Oscar was the only one she
loved . Her love for him overshadowed her love for Emma .
‘I know it was the best thing to charm Oscar as expected . ’
But after many efforts, it was over, and somehow the face of
Asher came to mind, who put himself at the edge of a knife
even against Cain, her brother . She had been embarrassed
at the time, but it wasn’t a bad mood to think about it again
. No, rather… She felt a bit of pleasure, thinking about it…
Aria did not hide her smile from the feelings and information
about Mielle the maids told her, and a very small gift was
given to the maids .
“I’ll ask you well in the future . I want to help the poor
Mielle, but unfortunately, I have dark ears . ”
” Yes, Yes! Miss! ”
When they realized that the power of wealth in their hands

was greater than the satisfaction of having a proud master,
they came to Aria every day .
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***
“Wait . ”
“… Yes?”
Cain called Annie who had just come back . She was
heading to Aria’s room with letters from young businessmen
. Annie took something in her bosom, and he took it strange
to see her smiling as if she were in a good mood . Cain
asked Annie,
“Why are you carrying so much?”
“Yes…?”
It wasn’t such a surprising question, but Cain frowned at the
excessive response of Annie .
“Don’t tell me, it’s Mr . Pinonua . ”
Pinonua? Annie cocked her head to the unexpected name .

‘Why did the name of Pinonua Louie suddenly came out?’ He
was just one of many businessmen . Cain, who read Annie’s
expression, asked again, feeling a little relieved .
“Is there anyone else?”
“It’s… it’s personal…”
Even so, when Aria was hiding it from the outside, she was
perplexed again, and Cain, who was considering something,
asked again, “Did you meet with that young Baron?”
Annie nodded quickly at his wrong assumption . Rather than

making lame excuses, it was better to affirm as he
misunderstood . Then Cain, who returned with an
expressionless face, said, “Go now . ”
“Yes, yes…”
“Oh, by the way . ”
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She thought his questioning was over, but Cain called Annie
again . The startled Annie jumped up and turned her stiff
head, and Cain asked again about Pinonua,
“How often does that Pinonua meet with Aria?”

“… Mr . Pinonua? I don’t know . I don’t think she’s ever seen
him…”
When she answered there, Cain released Annie, and she

hurried to Aria’s room . Aria asked why as Annie walked in
with a short breath .
“Well, Mr . Cain asked something strange . ”
“… What?”
“Mr . Pinonua . He asked me if you are seeing him often . I

don’t know why he’s wondering… he asked me if the letter I
brought was from him . ”
Aria frowned at her answer . Since the day of his encounter

with Asher, he had only a strange look in his eyes, but she
was worried as he would not question her otherwise, but he
seemed to have asked the maids, not Aria .
‘What should I do?’
It was impossible to reveal the true identity of Asher . It

wasn’t because he was the Crown Prince . ‘Isn’t he the
Crown Prince who broke up the Aristocratic Party one by
one, and let the princess clench her teeth and darkened the
Count’s face?’
She read the letters Annie brought in agony . As usual, there

was a list of new businessmen who wanted to report and
recommend a business . After reading them carefully, she
got her hands on the last letter . It was a letter from Asher,
which came in having the name of Pinonua Louie .
[I think we’ll be ready soon . May I ask you a favor in

response?]
Aria’s eyes shook after reading the passage . He was asking
her to show up for completion . ‘Is it really okay to reveal
myself now?’ She thought she needed to be more careful .
‘Can I deal with Mielle and the princess behind her even if I
reveal who I am?’ What he said suddenly came to her mind .
‘He said he wanted to have me near . I think it’s possible if I

use Asher . ’
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Somehow she felt uncomfortable . She could not make up

her mind about using him, like Oscar, even though she knew
he liked her . It was a strange feeling for Aria, but Aria’s
troubles had been ruined by Cain’s remarks .
“The Pinonua family isn’t fit for Aria . ”
The Count and Countess, who were eating, opened their

eyes and asked why since he suddenly mentioned the
Pinonua family . Aria also blinked with embarrassment . She
didn’t know he would say it in a place like this .
“The man Aria is meeting . ”
“Is Aria meeting Pinonua?”
The attention to Cain went back to Aria . After a long period

of time, she pretended to be in better shape and attended
dinner and suddenly she was faced with this situation .
He seemed to have worked hard to investigate the family of
Viscount Pinonua, and Cain said, “Aria should not meet with
him,” citing several reasons .
“Aria, Aria . Are you really meeting Pinonua? Where on earth

did you first meet him?”
The Countess, embarrassed by that, stammered and asked .

The Count also stared at Aria with crumpled eyebrows as he
realized that she did not have to meet the nobleman in the
periphery, who proved her worth more than she had in the
past .

possible .
between chapters .

145

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part III
Chapter 145 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part III
Translator: Khan
Aria, who was wondering what to say in this situation where

everyone had a variety of misunderstandings, soon gave a
vague answer that was neither negative nor positive .
“… He’s just a friend to me . ”
“Oh my gosh…”
The Countess’ upper body staggered while she held her

head with her hands . The Count also showed signs of
discomfort by shaking his head as if he was not happy with
it .
“Hmm… I think you’d better reconsider, Aria . ”
Aria replied with an innocent face, “He’s just a friend, so

don’t worry . I don’t see him that often . I’m not interested
in that yet . ”
“I’m glad to hear that, but… Well, maybe it’s time to find the
right person for Aria anyway . ”
When the Count said so, the Countess was also positive and
relieved, and suddenly, Cain was angry, saying, “That’s
ridiculous . ”
“Aria… is still young . ”
Mielle had her mate since she was a lot younger . Cain also
added as if he had realized that he had been talking
nonsense and that she needed to be careful .
‘It’s dirty…’
‘Although he has no blood relation to her, how can he take

such an attitude toward his sister who became a family
member?’ It was true that she had used him, but she had
never imagined that he would fall into such an ugly way .
‘I’m saying… that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree .
Isn’t he the same man as his father, who gave up his wife’s
seat to a prostitute despite everyone’s opposition because
of her appearance?’
The Count stared at Cain as if he was strange because he

expressed feelings that were not seen to Mielle .
The wise Countess, like Aria, glanced at Cain with contempt

. Cain was in a hurry to eat, saving his words as if he was
quite embarrassed by his feeling of going wild .
‘I can’t help it now that the Count reacts like this . ’
Aria decided to move on, putting an end to what she had

been thinking about .
***
Since then, the Count had tried to find a mate with all his
personal connections . It would be hard to match the family
of the Duke, but it seemed to find a family with both power
and money . He didn’t even know it was pointless .
As the Countess enthusiastically joined the effort, rumors

quickly spread over the empire that the Roscent family’s
beautiful eldest daughter was looking for a mate . Because
of this, Aria’s mood became uncomfortable day by day .
“Are you really going to marry a man the Count picks?”

asked Annie, who knew Aria’s true self . Now that the
Marquis of Vincent and Oscar had found their mate, they
knew that any of the empire’s nobles would not be enough
for Aria . Aria frowned and laid down the book she had been
reading .
“Are you going to bother me, too?”
“Oh, no, it’s not… I don’t think there’s anyone in this empire
who would suit you…”
Annie, who cringed, dodged her gaze . It might be an

impure intention, but nothing had yet progressed as Cain
rejected himself .
However, at this rate, she would have to spend her precious

time meeting useless men, and she was annoyed . It was
something that she might even have to be engaged in .
‘Do I have to use Asher, too…?’
She thought so uncomfortably, but as rumors seemed to

have spread, even Rain, who had stopped visiting, came to
the mansion with a gift .
“Well, thank you for the other day . But what brings you
here today?”
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The Count, who had previously told her to meet with him,
watched them like a hawk to see if he was interested in Aria
. Soon after, however, he softened his face and welcomed
Lane, when he made an excuse that there was a woman
who promised a future .
“Are you really looking for a marriage partner like this?”
Lane asked Aria, avoiding the Count’s eyes . The contents of

the cup that Aria was holding shook slightly . Realizing that
she felt very uncomfortable, Lane murmured, “Thank God,”
and hurried to give her the letter he had hidden .
“He’s worried . ”
She could tell without asking who it was . It must have been
sent by Asher . He was so busy, but he was so attentive to
the rumors that he even sent the letter through Lane, and
she felt a little bit relieved from it . Lane spoke when he saw
Aria’s face, which was a little loosened,
“Hmm . I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I personally

think that you’re a perfect fit for the most powerful person
in the empire . ”
“Your flattery is amazing . He’s not here . ”

Aria’s sarcastically responding mouth was slightly raised .
And when Cain, who had been watching their conversation
for a long time, saw Aria’s mouth gently rising, he argued to
Lane with a frown .
“Pino? I’ve never heard of the family before . ”
“It would be impossible for you to know every family in the

world . ”
Lane narrowed his eyes and scanned Cain, who was

provoking him childishly . He could refute it very lightly
because he had been minced under Asher for many years .
“… There are a lot of families I don’t need to know . ”
“Haha, that’s what it is . However, it may be quite upsetting

that all your family members know and trust except you
alone . You may feel alienated . ”
Cain, who felt attacked, clenched his teeth and tried to hide
his mounting anger . He seemed to be looking for words to
refute . However, Lane, who had already achieved his goal,
left the mansion . He had no intention to deal with Cain
anymore .
Aria also hurried up to her room before anything started to

happen . Cain’s eyes were lewd after her . Even Annie and
Jessie noticed that they could shrink .
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“… Mielle?”
As she was going up to the third floor, she came across
Mielle, who was coming down the stairs and was dressed
nicely . Aria had heard that Mielle went for a walk once in a
while, but now she seemed to be able to go out .
Her rough face had returned to normal, and Her fine face
was similar to the one before ‘the incident . ’ She could tell
where she was going without asking . It was clear that her
destination would be the Duke’s mansion since she was
beautifully dressed .
‘Will you be comforted by Oscar?’
Aria called her, but there was no answer from Mielle .
“…”
Moreover, a sharp, cold look, which she had never seen in

her life, slowly swept through Aria from head to toe . It was
the face of a wicked woman, who was so cheerful that she
wanted to scream in a bad mood .
“You look like you’re going out, aren’t you? Come back in
time . Something terrible has happened recently . ”
‘You know, like that scary thing you’ve been up to . ’
“…”
A few people saw her, and even though she didn’t have to,
Aria deliberately mimicked as the more plausible, elder
sister, and Mielle said, “You killed Emma,'” and soon turned
her head and went downstairs .
“Oh, my God… why would Miss Mielle act like that? Is there
something wrong with her?”
“I don’t know, but I think she’s not sick anymore…”
Annie and Jessie swept their arms as if they had gotten

goosebumps .
‘Isn’t it a very desirable change? I hope you’ll behave

yourself in front of everyone . ’ Aria went back to her room
with a bright smile .
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“Miss, was the letter… given to you by Mr . Lane? Why did

Mr . Lane secretly give you a letter?”
As she came back to her room and took out the letter, Annie
asked Aria with her eyes wide opened and groped .
“He just delivered it to me . ”
Her casual reply was quite relaxed after a long time, so the
quick-witted Annie covered her mouth, saying, ‘no way,’
when she said Lane had delivered it, Annie thought Aria
might be exchanging letters with his master . Aria, who
made no other excuses because it was true, confirmed the
letter from Asher .
“… This . ”
Aria, who saw what was in the envelope, opened her eyes
wide . There was a thin ring inside . The ring with sparkling
diamonds and the unknown fine print engraved wasn’t fancy
but delicate .
Aria carefully put the ring on her finger and read the
contents . She felt different from the usual letter which
contained useless words as if he wanted to say something
but couldn’t do so .
Still, she slowly read the contents but didn’t miss a single
letter, but she was forced to hold her breath while she was
amazed by the tough handwriting written at the end .
[I hope you don’t forget me because I’m busy . ]
He continued to use an indirect tone, but it seemed to be

what he really wanted to tell her .
“Oh my go,” Aria said .
Her face turned red in response to his childlike behavior .

She wanted to reply; she really wanted to, but since Lane
had already left, she just read the letter a few more times
and kept it in her drawer .

possible .
between chapters .

146

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part IV
Chapter 146 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Shortly thereafter, rumors circulated that the Crown Prince

separated himself completely from the Aristocratic Party . It
was rumored that he condemned the deep-rooted
corruption of the Aristocratic Party and declared that he
would clean it up .
That was why the number of nobles who spared themselves

was increasing, and the Count, who had not otherwise
sinned but also the main figure of the Aristocratic Party,
stayed in the mansion, forgetting to find a mate for Aria . It
was an exquisite timing as if to relieve her anxiety . Thanks
to that, Aria was relieved .
“I think you should follow the princess to the end . She said
she had other plans . ”
Mielle, who was recovering at some point and was

beginning to move in and out of the Duke’s mansion, told
the Count who was in agony . It was the first dinner she had
attended in a long time . Unlike before, her subdued eyes
allowed Aria to guess her change .
“Well, I’ve already been offered a proposal to unite the
innocent nobles . ”
However, the Count was skeptical . Not only that, but most
of the nobles who did not commit any crime were the same .
He meant that there was no need to get involved . It was
because there were already many examples of breaking up
and bankruptcy .
In addition, the princess had been praised more than

anyone else as a tool to subdue the Crown Prince, and now
that she could not perform her role, it was wise to leave the
sinking ship . The division of the Aristocratic Party
accelerated as the Duke was about to give up trying to use
her .
“… Father!”
Mielle raised her voice to call the Count, but the Count just
ignored her and kept sipping his wine . He was a perfect
example of a nobleman who could abandon his companion
in order to keep his power, so he kept his mouth shut and
continued to eat .
“Mielle, your father is in trouble . ”
Aria said soothingly on behalf of the Countess . Mielle

responded to Aria, looking askance at her,
“You’re saying that because you don’t know anything . ”
The Count and Countess were surprised because of her

strange reaction . They looked at Mielle with their eyes wide
opened . It was a reply that Aria hoped and expected .
Miele, who she had encountered once in a while, suddenly
revealed her thorns and let out her poison . She seemed to
realize that nothing could be achieved by pretending to be
nice . But it wouldn’t change . Aria smiled awkwardly with a
pretty hurt face .
“Ah… is that so? I think I was being presumptuous . I was

just saying that you better obey your father’s wishes for the
peace of the family…”
“… Mielle, I think you’d better stop talking about this like

Aria says . ”
In rare cases, the Count sided with Aria . Mielle was nervous
and Aria was apologetic . It looked as if the two were in a
twist . The servants and maids, who had been waiting on,
were of the same mind . After Emma’s incident, they
thought Mielle had gotten weird, and they gossiped .
“Mielle, I think our father will make a wise choice enough . ”
Cain, who was listening quietly, also refused to take Mielle’s

side . In the end, the isolated Mielle left the dining room
without even half emptying her long-awaited dinner .
Stuck in her room and crying her eyes out, she headed
straight to the Duke’s mansion the next day at the break of
dawn . The princess, who knew Mielle was in a bad shape,
urged Oscar to please her .
“How could they…? How could they do that? I got a ring

from Oscar…”
What she worried about most was Oscar’s future . Oscar

comforted Mielle, who was crying .
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“Don’t worry so much . Probably we can change the public’s

opinion very soon . ”
“Do you mean the princess is preparing?” Mielle blinked her

eyes and asked .
Oscar nodded and affirmed, “Yes . You can hear good news
soon . Then we can convince the Count again . We can also
gather the scattered Aristocratic Party again . ”
When Mielle heard the explanation, she took out her

handkerchief . She wiped off her fine eyes and straightened
her face .
“… I’m sorry . It seems like I was a little nervous these days

because a lot of bad things just keeps on happening . ”
Oscar’s expression dimmed subtly at the words ‘bad things’

. He must have remembered what had happened to Aria not
long ago, and the fact that it had a lot to do with his sister .
Of course, this little girl in front of him was too .
“You must be worried sick . You’d better have some warm

tea and make yourself feel at home . ”
He tried his best not to go against her mood . He could only

do what his sister told him to do . He had no choice since he
was lacking experience and the connections . His only
option was to carry favors for her as if he was dead or to
sharpen his sword for the sake of the occasion .
He blamed himself for being so bad that he was named the
successor to the Duke family, and he ordered his waiting
servant to change her tea .
“Thank you very much, Mr . Oscar . ”
Mielle nodded with a blush at his tender affection . She was

able to recover her happiness because he was nice to her in
each passing day, and she was able to escape the pain of
losing Emma .
She already realized that it wasn’t because he purely liked

her, but it was somehow good . There was nothing more she
could wish for other than Oscar being around her .
Sponsored Content
***
A few days later, the Duke sent a letter to the Count, not
Mielle . It was a letter that arrived secretly at dawn, avoiding
the public’s attention . After reading the letter that arrived
from the Duke’s family, the Count had been in serious
trouble for some time looking for information . He had also
met frequently with other acquainted aristocrats .
Sometimes they would visit the mansion of the Count, but

they took Cain quietly to the lounge without even giving a
formal greeting for what was so much to hide .
‘What the hell is going on?’

Aria, suspicious of this, was standing on the first floor just in
time for their return . It was already late at night when the
Count and some aristocrats, who had come as guests and
who had never thought there would be anyone else with
them, tried to hide their astonished faces and avoided her
gaze .
“Aria, what are you doing here at this hour?”
Cain, who followed the Count, also hurried to Aria’s side in

astonishment . He spread his clothes over Aria’s rather light-
looking interior suit and said, “Go upstairs quickly . ”
“I heard we had guests, but I’m sorry I didn’t even say hello
. But I think it was wrong for me to meet them like this… I’m
sorry . ”
When she said that it was not intentional, the afflicted

cleared their throats loudly and denied it . One of the nobles
said, casting a disagreeable glance at Aria,
“I think it’s an inevitable choice for the sake of this pretty

and kind-hearted lady . If this continues…”
“… I get it, I get it . I’m on my mind, so let’s go back . ”
The Count pushed the back of a young nobleman who was

trying to say something . Cain and Aria were left in the hall
because they went out the door together, saying, “Let’s go
back now because it’s already late . ”
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So Aria’s gaze went to Cain . Cain had been eyeing Aria’s
light interior suit since then . Then, at Aria’s gaze, he was
surprised and said, “Go up . ”
“I’m worried . You look busy too…”
‘Yeah, he’d know something . ’ Aria, who changed her

target, narrowed her distance to Cain because the Count
and the nobles disappeared so quickly that she could not
find any information .
“I was sad because I couldn’t see you even at dinner time .

”
Far from being sad, she had been busy avoiding Cain’s eyes
every time she had run into him . As she changed her
posture and approached suddenly, Cain’s face heated up
uncontrollably . It was an inevitable instinct .
“… There won’t be anything to worry about . Things will

work out soon so make sure you do what you wanted to do .
Oh, maybe you should learn a foreign language . Well, you
don’t have to do it right away . ”
‘Foreign language?’ Arya’s eyes frowned faintly at Cain’s

advice . ‘Suddenly, a foreign language…? Are they all going
to be exiled together? No matter how scattered they were
by the Crown Prince’s ruse, if the remaining nobles seek
asylum in other countries at once, chaos will ensue within
the empire . ’
But if they do that, a war would break out, and they would
never go that far unless they were crazy . Unable to guess
what was going to happen, she tried to get more
information from Cain, but after the Count returned from
seeing the nobles off, she was forced to go up to her room .
possible .
between chapters .

147

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part V
Chapter 147 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part V
Translator: Khan
‘What the hell are you up to?’
She thought about it, but she couldn’t find the answer so
she stayed up all night and finally decided to use the
hourglass, but she could find the answer the next morning .
“I decided to follow the choice of the princess . ”
“Are you serious…?”
Mielle, who had a bright face for the first time in a long
time; her eyes glittered all of a sudden .
‘The choice of the princess? What choice did she make?’
The Countess also stared at the Count, waiting for an

explanation, not knowing the details . But the Count seemed
to have no intention of explaining it further, and only ate
quietly .
Aria, unable to resist her curiosity, asked, “… what choice?”

“You’ll find out soon . ” On behalf of the Count, Mielle
answered triumphantly .
The mischievous way of speaking gave Aria strength on her

hands below the table . Mielle was much better in the past
when she had pretended to be naive . Aria couldn’t be
sarcastic as she openly expressed her real intention .
‘As expected, Mielle knew it . ’
Since she was a close friend of the princess, she might have
known what she was going to do before the Count . Mielle’s
sharp reply made Aria feel completely displeased, as she
said Aria would know when everyone knew . Aria stared at
Cain for an answer, but he also said, “I respect my father’s
choice . ”
‘Yes, you don’t have to explain to the stupid Countess and

her daughter . What a shame!’
Aria held Cain’s arm as he left the dining room, vowing and
pledging not to let the Count and Cain sit still when the day
came when she would judge the princess and Mielle .
“What the hell is going on, brother?”
She was going to use the hourglass if she could . Of course,

she thought her pathetic expression would work more on
Cain, so when she first drew it, he looked very awkward .
“It’s still a little bit…”
“Every family except me and my mother knows! Don’t tell

me… my mother and I are not family?”
When asked, Cain said, “That can’t be! It’s just to prevent
the possibility of information leaking out . ”
‘In fact, you think we’re not a family . Therefore, you

despise your stepmother and blush at your stepsister’s
touch . ’
As Aria shed tears with her increasingly somber face, Cain,

who eventually succumbed, looked around, made sure no
one was there and told the truth .
“I think the princess Isis is going to marry a foreign king . ”
At his words, she dropped the box of the hourglass in her

hand .
***
Aria came back to her room and covered her sick head . She
thought she would have joined hands with another country,
but she didn’t think that she would marry a king of another
country!
‘… Will Mr . Asher be all right?’
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It was the first thought if Asher would be all right . Asher

was first, rather than thinking that it was difficult to get
revenge . Because she couldn’t meet him easily, she tried to
calm her anxiety by ruining an unused embroidered
handkerchief .
‘Is the feeling that Asher felt like…? When he wants to see,
he can’t meet me and he wants to keep me around . ’
Worried, Aria wrote a letter and sent it to Baron Burboom,

who knew her real identity, to create a chance to meet
Pinonua Louie .
It would be okay to meet him at the store of Baron

Burboom, under the pretext of the accidental encounter . He
would not doubt otherwise as he had already seen her
disappear with Asher .
So she had been waiting for his reply, but surprisingly

enough, before some news arrived from him, it was the
Countess who arrived with a pale face .
She also belatedly recognized the seriousness of the

situation and grilled the Count to find out all the details .
Deathly pale, the Countess made a proposal to Aria to go to
a foreign country .
“I won’t be here . You know how I caught a chance, and I

can’t die like this . So why don’t we leave together for a
while? Huh? If things don’t work out, I’m willing to divorce . ”
Not married because she had loved the Count, she seemed
willing to abandon him for her safe future . Aria gave a small
nod as she thought it would be desirable because her
mother didn’t have anything else to protect herself .
“Mother, you’d better do that . ”
“Then I’ll have it ready as soon as possible, so if you have

anything to sort out, hurry up . ”
When the delighted Countess tried to turn around, Aria

hastily gripped her arm .
“… do you have anything to say? You don’t mean to stay, do

you? I didn’t know you are that good for the Count family . ”
Perhaps she had no intention of abandoning her own

daughter, but the Countess began to persuade Aria . Aria,
who was wondering what to say, took her hand and said,
“You need to be careful . ” And her face darkened .
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“It’s not going to happen that fast . The princess will get
married and then something will pop up . So we need to
figure out the situation . How did you achieve that, and
could you give up so easily?”
Unlike the Countess, Aria, who still had a lot of work to do,
had no intention of leaving the empire . Moreover, she was
worried about Asher . She even thought it would be better if
she could give the power she had achieved, if possible, and
she would rather stick by the side of Asher, as she could use
the hourglass . And most of all, there was also a need to
bring down the judgment on the real wicked .
“That’s…”
No matter how extreme the situation might be, when she

saw the calm attitude of Aria, the Countess noticed that she
made too much fuss and left Aria’s room with her last words
while she was touching her hair .
“… I fully understand what you mean . But in the end, you’ll
find it better to leave the empire . ”
Aria, of course, thought it would be wise to do so in order to

save her life, but her mind had already tilted irrevocably in
the opposite direction .
***
‘Is it because rumors have yet to spread in the public?’

Asher did not send a letter to Aria . The good news was that
he sent a reply to ‘Investor A’ .
[I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can meet you because I’ve
been so busy lately . I’ll see you on the academy’s
completion day . ]
Aria’s expression stiffened after reading the reply; that she

couldn’t cry or laugh several times . She was also worried
that he might be busy with the work of the princess . Maybe
that was why he couldn’t come to see her .
‘Are you really okay?’
With the completion ceremony just around the corner, she

would be able to meet him soon, but she didn’t realize that
it was so terrible that she couldn’t see him right away . Her
heart was stuffy . When she saw Aria’s hand touching her
chest, Jessie asked her with a worried look, “What’s wrong
with you? Do you want me to call a doctor?”
“No, it’s okay . ”
“But you don’t look well, and you look tired . ”
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Aria, who had been buried deep in the sofa for a while,
urged Jessie to rest, closed her eyes and thought, and soon
resumed her posture . Those who had put her to death in
the past were said to re-enrich themselves, but she was not
allowed to stand by and watch .
“Please get me a pen and a letter paper . ”
‘Yeah . I didn’t have time to worry like this . I have to go

ahead as planned . ’ The time has come to bring all the
things that had been accumulated under the table alone to
the surface .
Aria sent some letters to the outside and handed out the
rest to the people of the mansion, including the Countess,
and they frowned and asked what this was,
“I really hope you’ll be there . It’s very important . ”
“It’s… it’s not the academy the Crown Prince is involved in,
right?”
The Count’s face was very ugly . To him, who could be

regarded as a key figure of the Aristocratic Party, the Crown
Prince was the greatest enemy of all . He could not attend
such a ceremony to celebrate the Crown Prince’s new
achievements .
“… I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I’ll be busy . If it’s important, I’ll
get it delivered later . ”
Yes, maybe it was a wise choice . If he knew before his eyes

that his new daughter had helped the enemy, there would
be nothing worse . Of course, it was regrettable that she
invited him for it, but it was an expected response .
‘Can he stick to that attitude even after the completion

ceremony?’
No matter how much she helped the Crown Prince, Aria had
already built such a force that the Count’s reaction was
expected in the future .

possible .
between chapters .

148

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part VI
Chapter 148 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part VI
Translator: Khan
“I can’t help it . I’ll tell you later . ”
“Sister, you must be very free . ”
Mielle, with the atmosphere on her back, said, looking

suspiciously at her . The sharpness of her speech drew a
moment’s attention to Mielle . The Countess had a face that
she wanted to scold her .
‘You have got everything with just your natural status . ’ In

the past, she might have thrown a fork at her thinking so,
but not anymore . Now she had the great things in her hand
that stupid Mielle would never have in her life .
***
“What the hell are you thinking? How do you expect to

attend such a place? Can’t you see everyone’s upset?”
asked the Countess, who followed her into the room from
the meal . She raised her voice as if she could not
understand Aria’s behavior . She must have thought Arya
set a fire in this mess now .
Aria, who closed her door and looked sideways, turned to
the Countess with a serious look .
“Mother, don’t worry . ”
“… Aria?”
“I’m sure it’s not a bad choice . ”
No, the Count’s attitude would change . Mielle would no

longer be able to belittle herself .
‘Maybe she’ll try to use me as her own . ’
By chance, she only cooperated with the Crown Prince, as

an investor, in creating the academy, while Aria’s forces
themselves remained neutral . Although the political
approach had been blocked up by Baron Burboom, the
situation would be different after revealing her identity .
‘Of course, I’ll take Mr . Asher’s side . ’
***
“You’re so beautiful today, Miss . It’s been a long time since

you’ve decorated yourself like this, so you look like an angel
.”
Aria, who gave a glance to Jessie, who said the obvious

thing, looked at her through a mirror . Prearranged dresses
and ornaments for today showed off all the splendor,
blending with the more brilliant Aria’s appearance, naturally
melted . Mielle with elegant beauty and Isis with clear and
beautiful appearance were difficult to digest .
She had always been, but she was confident that she would
not lose out to anyone as much as she looked . As Mielle
with her status, she might have survived for more than
twenty years in the past thanks to her born appearance .
‘If it weren’t for this weapon, I would have been murdered

by Mielle before I turned twenty . ’
No one would have loved a prostitute’s daughter, who had a

nasty personality and nothing to catch their eye .
Fortunately, however, she was born with an unparalleled
appearance and now a self-made woman, so she had
nothing to obstruct her .
Aria, smiling at herself satisfactorily in a mirror, took Jessie

and Annie, who were as beautifully decorated as she was, to
the completion ceremony of the academy she invested .
“… I still don’t understand why you’re going here . ”
The Countess, who accompanied her alone, said . Her face

was still covered with dark clouds . But that dark face must
soon contain surprise and joy, so Aria seized her mother’s
hand . Even though the Count was sure to be offended, she
thanked her mother for attending this uncomfortable
occasion for her daughter .
“Just wait a little while and you’ll know . ”
The academy was located near the Imperial Castle, so they

arrived quickly without much time to talk about it . Perhaps
they wanted to show off the work of the Crown Prince, but at
a glance, she could see a splendid building .
“… my god . I feel like it was part of the Imperial Castle . ”

The Countess got off from the carriage was amazed . Aria
also struggled to pretend to be calm because she did not
see the middle course and faced only the magnificent
results .
‘To have completed such a great building in a short period of

time, I’m sure he’s invested enough money . ’
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She looked around admiringly, and there were quite a few

people gathered since the start of the ceremony was not
long . The aristocrats in fine dress, as well as the
commoners in plain clothes, were occasionally seen .
Maybe he was waiting, but the Baron of Burboom who found

Aria hurried to meet her . When he saw the breathtaking
Aria, he could not speak for a moment, but soon came to his
senses and introduced himself, and escorted the two . The
Countess, who had never dreamed that Aria would have
built a personal network outside, asked her, covering her
mouth with a fan,
“Who is it?”
“I’ve known him because of my business . ”
It wasn’t just the countess who was surprised by her answer

. Baron Burboom, who had been careful all the time, was
surprised to hear the word “business . ”
“… business?”
“I’ve been bored and invested a little . It’s not a big

investment, it’s a little bit of a hobby . ”
The Countess accepted that she had invested a small

amount of money in her hobby and had known the Baron of
Burboom, as she said, and soon moved on with her steps .
She seemed to think little of Aria because she had no
expectations of her .
Annie, who knew the situation, smiled unintentionally, and

Jessie, who was not familiar with it, cocked her head . Baron
Burboom, who hastened to Aria, who walked ahead, asked
carefully in a small voice that only she could hear,
“What are you thinking…?”
“What?”
“No, that’s…”
As he got closer, the scent of enchanting perfume came

from Aria . Knowing that it was the perfume of some of the
entrepreneurs, his heart pounded hard and his face blushed
. When the Countess, who had been watching this, she gave
him a warning by folding her fan loudly .
“Mr . Baron, our Aria is still young . ”
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She didn’t like to see him, as Baron dashed to Aria . Annie’s
eyes also turned fierce . So Baron Burboom tried to make an
excuse, but it was thwarted by a woman named Aria .
“Aria!”
“Sarah? Even the Marquis…!”
She thought they would be busy and couldn’t come, but

Sarah, who had received the letter, attended and greeted
Aria with a bright smile,
“It’s been a long time . Are you feeling better now?”
“Yes, thank you for taking the time when you are busy . ”
The shy smile of Aria, who answered so, made Sarah stroke
her soft hair a few times . It was a careful touch as if she
was dealing with a precious child .
“I’m glad I had time . The Marquis said he was curious about
it, so we came together . ”
‘Sarah must be worried . ’
After greeting the Countess gently, they followed the

instructions of the Baron of Burboom . The large hall, built
next to the main hall, was occupied in advance by nobles
who had ties to the Crown Prince .
When they saw the Marquis of Vincent first, their eyes

widened, and then they opened their mouths to see Aria
sitting behind them . It was the same for those who knew or
who didn’t know who she was .
They looked puzzled as to how to respond to her excessive

beauty . Then they realized that their gaze was
disrespectful, and turned their heads as if to look away .
“Lady Sarah is always full of grace . ”
“That’s too much, ma’am . Madam is still beautiful and I’m

afraid I’ll be compared . ”
Unlike the simple engagement she had held earlier this

year, the Countess did not hesitate to praise Aria’s lovely
friend, who would be formally married next year and
become the Marquise .
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Leaving them behind, Aria found traces of Asher . He said

he’d pass all the accomplishments over, but the letter said
he’d meet her today, so he must have arrived .
But as the wait was getting longer and the ceremony was
about to begin, Asher did not show up . Baron Burboom was
also nervous, questioning him for not appearing,
“We are in big trouble . Pinonua Louie was going to make

the opening speech . ”
Neither Aria nor Asher were able to identify themselves, so

the face of Burboom, who had prepared for the ceremony,
turned blue instead .
‘Don’t tell me, the real Pinonua Louie is showing up . ’
At that time, Aria was also about to become nervous as she

thought it would not be possible but he did not show up .
“Oh? He’s here!”
From somewhere Asher showed up, he strolled up the stairs

. Baron Burboom, who managed to sweep his chest out of
concern, shrugged his head and blurted his end of his
speech, as if he realized he was different .
“But why is he dressed up like that…?”
It was an unusual suit, embroidered in gold, white suits . The

brooch on his chest was a royal seal with tulips as its source
. It could not be worn by anyone other than the royal family
. Burboom’s expression at the sight of it turned sour .
“Miss! That’s the one I saw last time at the baron’s shop!”
The completion ceremony began after everyone bowed to

the Crown Prince’s authority, and after he examined each of
the faces of the VIPs and checked his force .

possible .
between chapters .

149

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part
VII
Chapter 149 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part VII
Translator: Khan
“Thank you for coming here to celebrate the completion of

the empire’s new academic institution . I’m Franz Asterope,
who organized the academy today . ”
When he recited his congratulatory speech, Baron Burboom

staggered as if he was about to fall .
‘You said you are Pinonua Louie! That’s why I treated you
like that!’
At his appearance holding hands with Aria, Burboom had

made offensive remarks to the Crown Prince, and it was
seen that his heart was crying, within his face .
He had yet to make an official appearance because he had

yet to hold an adult ceremony, but it was right to show
himself on his achievements . The quiet hall rang with the
voice of Asher,
“The academy, built in the capital city, will do its best to

enhance the academic abilities of ordinary people, not
aristocrats, and to secure the talent of business people,
specifically…”
When he explained the purpose and direction of the

academy’s establishment, the participants’ eyes were wide
open . It was the first time for them to hear a proper
explanation, though they had heard it roughly through the
rumors .
As usual, those who thought it was an institution for the

nobility began to talk quietly, asking, “Is that really
possible?” As soon as he finished his explanation, Asher
looked through the VIP hall once more, and after a very
short period of silence, he mentioned Investor A .
“Of course, it was possible because there was a person who

had been willing to invest . ”
He apparently thought that Investor A did not attend the

meeting because there was no new face among those that
were present . At the end of the remark, there was silence in
the hall . While Investor A should appear in line with this
timing, no one had risen from their seats .
Baron Burboom was even more shocked after knowing

Asher’s identity . Don’t tell me, Aria was coming out . He
didn’t look so good that it wouldn’t be strange to feel
drowsy right away . Aria rose from her seat quietly, meeting
the gaze of the Baron of Burboom .
“… Aria?”
The Countess sitting next to her called her name . As she

was sitting close to the podium, Asher’s eyes were naturally
directed to her . Meeting his questioning gaze, Aria slowly
climbed the stairs next to the podium .
“… Lady Aria?”
Aria, who suddenly rose to the top of the podium, was called
carefully by Asher, questioning her name . Aria, who had a
pompous look like a tall flower blooming on a cliff, held her
dress with one hand and slowly bent her knees to pay
tribute to the Crown Prince .
Aria greeted Asher with a clear voice, who had a fine frown
upon his inability to grasp her intentions .
“Thank you for ‘inviting’ me to a noble place, Your Highness

the Crown Prince . ”
‘Don’t tell me…!’
Though he thought it was a ridiculous assumption, he stared

at Aria with astonished eyes .
“Invitation? What…?”
As he retorted back, blurry at the end of his speech, Aria

added a little advice to him,
“Everybody’s looking, Your Highness . ”
Feeling unusual, Annie, who recognized him, also called

Aria’s name in a deadly pale face . He went up to the
podium to see if the investor was present and glanced over
the VIP hall for a while .
“…!”
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Unexpectedly, Asher met her eyes and opened his eyes as if
he was wondering, and he was convinced that she had
attended to meet him, and then smiled at her .
As Asher ascended to the podium, his aides who recognized

him stood up and took a courtesy . Those who didn’t know
the reason also inferred his identity from his dress and
created polite posture .
“You said the Crown Prince invested in this academy, and he

must be the one…!”
The Countess took a courtesy in admiration . No matter how

bad he was with the Aristocratic Party, the royal family was
in awe . Unlike the Count, it was due to her lack of interest
in factional strife .
Although the distance was a bit far away, any further

indication of embarrassment must have made everyone
aware . At Aria’s pointing out, Asher finally regained his
original look .
However, he did not give any instructions or make any

statements to Aria, who bent her knees to take an
uncomfortable position, if he still seemed to be smeared
with shock . In the end, she had no choice but to point out
again his behavior of staring at her in silence .
“My leg hurts . ”
“… you can stand up . ”
Aria, who stood straight at Asher’s permission and had her

back upright, blinking her long, rich eyelashes, asked calmly
as if nothing special had happened,
“May I speak on your behalf, Your Highness?”

‘You were so eager to find out who I was, but you kept your
identity hidden . ’
Obviously, if he were his usual self, he would immediately

feel betrayed and angry toward his opponent . But he didn’t
take any of that feeling toward her, and Asher sighed
inwardly .
To Aria, with a strange but beautiful smile, he replaced the

answer with a small nod of his head, and slowly stepped
back from the podium to make room for Aria .
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There was still a mixture of complex emotions in the gaze of

Asher, who followed her in impeccable graceful movements
. Checking with his own eyes, he seemed not to reach yet a
reality that Aria was the Investor A . And it was not only
Asher who was surprised .
“Why did Aria on earth…?”
Even though it was not the place for her daughter to stand,
she took the place in an imposing manner, and therefore,
the Countess raised herself up quickly . She was about to
run up the stage and drag her down . Annie shook his head
in front of the Countess .
“Miss Aria is the right woman who can stand there . ”
Her face was full of respect and joy . It was a different

emotion that had admired and yearned Mielle . It was not a
vague yearning for the woman who wielded what she had
from the beginning, but a reverence for the woman who
held the glory built in her hand .
The Countess’s wandering hands were left bewildered and

getting emotionally carried away .
‘What the hell is this?’
“Aria…”
On the other hand, Sarah’s voice, full of questions and

worries, came out, and at the same time Aria, who stood on
the stage, greeted the audience politely . The graceful
figure was admired by the beholders .
The half-fallen Baron of Burboom stared at the podium,

leaning against his chair . He seemed to have almost given
up now, having been running on a wild foot to hide her
identity .
“I’m Roscent Aria, who was introduced . It’s known as

Investor A in public . ”
She heard a small scream somewhere . Aria, who had

intended to give everyone time to admire and marvel,
paused, and turned to the source of the sound .
‘Oh, that’s the lady I met at the meeting . ’
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Near the VIP seats were people who had been invested by
Aria . Already seeing Aria’s face, they looked dazed, as if
they had never thought she would be the Investor A . There
were people who forgot the time and place and pointed
fingers at her . She was sure they were talking that they
couldn’t believe because she was a wicked woman of gossip
.
Aria continued with the pleasant sight in her eyes, “I’m

happy to invest in such a meaningful business . I would like
to express my gratitude to the Crown Prince for reaching out
his hand first . ”
Aria bowed her head again and thanked Asher, who stared
at her from a little distance . Looking at her back, Asher,
who had arranged his complicated feelings, touched his
heart and offered her the utmost respect . The natural
response made viewers wonder if they were on the same
side .
“At first, I thought about it a lot, but I also decided to invest

because I wanted to help the weak . If there’s any business
that could help anyone in the future, I’d like to actively
review it . ”
However, he soon smiled at Aria, who drew the line, citing

other reasons than the Crown Prince .
“I hope to find a number of talented people through this

academy, and I will be very supportive . ”
Aria, smiling brightly, was not a wicked woman of gossip,

but an angel who came down to the empire . The beautiful
sight of it, which seemed to really save the weak, captivated
the foolish people .
When Aria, who enjoyed the gaze for such a moment, said
goodbye again with a feathery, light gesture, and the sound
of applause poured into the hall, where the silence had been
for a moment .
Aria, who received awe and respect on one body, glanced

and identified Asher . He was watching Aria with a
complicated look, who instantly changed her image by
putting on a credible showmanship at an important moment
.

possible .
between chapters .

150

Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part
VIII
Chapter 150 . The Wicked Woman Comes Ashore, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“Aria!”
As soon as Aria came down from the podium, the Countess,

who rose from her seat, came up to her with a puff . If she
waited a little while, she would go back to her place, but she
couldn’t bear it, and it was a quick step . It was still a face
that did not understand what had happened to Aria .
“What the hell is this…?”
“Mother . ”
Aria, who quickly grabbed her hand trying to raise her voice
even though the ceremony was not yet over, smiled softly
and hurried back to her seat .
“I’ll sit down and explain . ”
When she returned to her seat with the Countess, she saw
Sarah and Vincent, who had become more contemplative .
They gave Aria an immediate look, asking for an explanation
.
“Why don’t you enjoy the ceremony first? I think the VIP
seat is getting more attention than the podium . ”
As Aria said, the audience’s eyes were on Aria rather than

the host on the podium explaining the next sequence . The
Crown Prince, who they dared not to even face him, was at
the backseat .
It must have been a shock that the empire’s star-studded

investor was the wicked woman of the rumor . If she
continued the conversation as it was, it would be rumored in
public .
“… you’ll have to explain it properly when the ceremony is

over . ”
The Countess said, looking askance at her .
“Of course . ”
Of course, it was necessary to explain it, as she would get

busy in earnest . In the following ceremony, they were
calling out a list of students who had already been selected
for admission or those who had been selected for the
scholarship .
After it, she turned to the place where Asher was . He was
also coming down the stage after the opening ceremony
was over .
‘What shall Asher say?’

She wondered if he was angry about why she cheated . ‘Will
he be surprised by the fact that I am the very Investor A? Or
is he pretending not to know? It’s not like running straight
this way?’
Whenever he took a step forward, her heart was pounding

and various thoughts were covered in her head, and his
aide, who was waiting under the platform, whispered
something quietly to him so that others couldn’t hear .
“…”
As if it were a serious story, Asher soon nodded and left the

hall with him . ‘Did something happen?’ She was worried,
but she couldn’t see him until the ceremony was over .
The scandal of the century .
Contrary to Aria’s efforts to avoid eye contact by stopping

the conversation, their eyes towards her did not scatter until
the ceremony was over .
“You’d better go outside . ” The Marquess of Vincent said,

wrapping Sarah’s shoulders to protect her .
They didn’t stick to her or asked if she was really the

Investor A, but they were constantly observing to examine
her between rumors and reality .
‘Is that beautiful lady the wicked woman of rumors? She’s so

different from the rumors . Furthermore, I can’t believe that
the wicked woman is the investor that has contributed to
the business of the academy, so she’s not going to invest in
the business that can’t guarantee profits unless she is an
angel!’
‘Are all the rumors ever so far the slanders? … Come to
think of it, where did the rumors come from?’
They corrected the rumors, and she savored the voices that
raised doubts and took her light steps . The crowd, who
were greatly shocked, steadily caught up with a deep
meaning that was contained in each step .
“… We’d better get out of here quickly . ”
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The Countess took a quick step, conscious of her

surroundings . She felt like she was going to die under the
eyes of people before she could question her daughter
about the enormous results she had made .
Sarah and Marquis Vincent also carefully asked if they could

visit the Count’s mansion if they were willing to split the
time and listen to Aria’s explanation .
‘I thought I’d have a conversation with Asher after the

ceremony . ’
She couldn’t do that, as he had disappeared without a word

of greeting . It was then that she was going to answer, of
course, that they could do so .
“I’m sorry, but Lady Aria has a previous engagement with

me . ”
“… Oh my gosh . ”
He, who had disappeared, appeared again from behind .
“I think I mentioned it in the letter… Isn’t it?”
He urged Aria to spare her time . The Countess dropped the

fan and swallowed her breath .
“I did . ”
Certainly, in the letters exchanged with Pinonua Louie, he

had mentioned seeing her at the completion ceremony . So
when she answered, he held out his hand as if he were
going to escort her .
The Countess, in his polite appearance, made a fuss and

urged Aria, “Oh, come on . What are you doing? The
explanation won’t be too late to come back later, so keep
your promise first . ”
“Thank you, ma’am . ”
When she was told that the Crown Prince, the noblest status
in the empire, was grateful to her, she turned pale enough
that it wouldn’t be strange if she collapsed right away .
Jessie hastened to support the Countess .
“I’m sorry, Sarah . ”
Sponsored Content
“… No . Of course, you should make a prior engagement

first . Please contact me when you have time . I’ll be waiting
. Letters are fine . ”
Who could stop a previous engagement with the Crown
Prince? Not surprisingly, Sarah also nodded and promised to
do the following, and the Marquis of Vincent who had
acquaintance with Asher added a little concern,
“Lady is still a minor, so maybe it’s better for a guardian to

be with her . ”
“Thank you for your concern, but you don’t have to worry
about it because we’ve met alone several times already . ”
Asher, who was uncomfortable with it, responded curtly and

urged Aria to hold his hand . His remarks could have
prevented her from getting married, but instead of feeling
bad, she had a smile on her face .
So without making any excuses in the freezing atmosphere,

as if to throw cold water with the shocking remarks of Asher,
Aria disappeared smoothly holding his hand, past the
crowds who gathered .
“Oh, my God… my daughter was involved with the Crown

Prince…”
How envious she was of Mielle’s entanglements with the

Duke family . She thought she would have no other regret in
her life if she would become the Marquise, but it turned out
she had a meeting with the Crown Prince . She felt like she
was telling someone else’s story, not her daughter, who was
always berated for being vulgar .
That was not only the Countess but also all who had not
known Aria’s identity before . There were also audiences
who heard nonsense near them .
‘If that’s really true… is it the scandal of the century?’

Even Annie, who knew that Aria was the Investor A, didn’t
know Asher’s identity, so she followed traces of Aria that
had disappeared with her reddish face .
***
Asher took Aria to a small cottage in the forest where she

had visited the previous time . No matter how much he tried
to avoid people’s eyes, she was a little nervous because he
led her to a dark and gloomy place, but when she turned the
corner of a building, the forest appeared immediately .
Aria, who had swallowed admiration for being so strange

after several experiences, was seated on the table in the
mansion garden, with Asher’s escort .
“… Huh?”
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When she sat down, Aria wondered, and he asked her why,
“I feel like the chair and table have changed . ”
She remembered that the chair and table she had seen
before were a little old and rugged, a little ordinary for the
nobleman to use .
But now Aria’s chair was very soft and comfortable, and the
workmanship was beautiful, and the table was so luxurious
that it could be brought to the table as an ornament . As she
said, sweeping it with her hand, Asher replied casually,
“Oh, I changed it because it didn’t seem right for you . ”
“… Did you change it because of me?”
‘I only visited just one time . ’ As she asked and blinked her
eyes, he replied as if it was natural,
“Yes, you visit again like this, and I don’t know how many
times you’ll be here . ”
He smiled softly, expressing his desire to meet her before

Aria’s consent . Of course, she wouldn’t refuse when he
asked her agreement, but she laughed a little, and he said
something with a serious face that had happened today .
“You hid your identity . ”
When she had a little time to spare, the sudden, direct

question that came in brought a quick, cold air in the woods,
a coldness that might have made him hiccup if it hadn’t
been for the butler who brought the tea late . While he did
not whip her with harsh words, Aria who was afflicted in her
mind replied, avoiding his eyes .

possible .
between chapters .

151

Scandal Of The Century, Part I
Chapter 151 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part I
Translator: Khan
“… I just didn’t feel it was necessary . You didn’t ask me if I

was an investor . ”
She knew it was not an excuse, but she couldn’t stop saying
it otherwise . She knew he was going to blame her for what
she said . He would have felt frustrated and betrayed just as
Asher had hidden his identity .
“So don’t you mind if I ask you everything I want?”
However, Asher asked her as if to confirm, instead of being

angry or digging into what she had said . Aria nodded, a
little embarrassed, not knowing he was paying attention to
each question .
She wondered what he was asking and wondered why he

was asking for permission, and as she waited for Asher, who
was straining and swallowing, to ask, what Asher asked Aria
was unexpected .

“… Yes?”
“I think it’s been a while, and when I found out that you
were Investor A, I was afraid that you were also as busy as I
was . ”
‘How can I compare myself to you, the Crown Prince, even if

I am an investor with dozens of entrepreneurs?’
“No, I was only reading and answering letters at the

mansion . More than that…”
She was worried about Asher, whether he had heard of

Princess Isis, or if he had heard she was now marrying a
king of another country and gathering the Aristocratic Party
again .
“I was worried about you . ”
So, she said with a heartfelt expression, and he had a

kindness on his face, and he seemed glad that Aria had
been worried about him .
“I feel like I’m going to have a hard time… as you’ve worried

about me . ”
“I’ll be worried about you, and you don’t have to think about
it!”
Aria was a little angry at the answer, not knowing whether it

was a joke or a serious answer, and Asher closed his eyes
and laughed . It was the first time for him to smile so
brightly that Aria stared at him for a long time, not knowing
that her cheeks were blushing .
“I’m not as weak as you think I am . ”

No, the Crown Prince she remembered was a weak man who
had been swayed by the Aristocratic Party and could not
even give his name . She didn’t understand why he could
now spread his wings like this .
As he read the anxiety and worries in Aria’s eyes, he gave

an explanation to gain her trust .
“Of course, there’s nothing I can say about looking weak . In

fact, I never thought I’d get the upper hand from the
Aristocratic Party so soon . I thought it was a long-term
game . If necessary… I was thinking of marrying the
princess . I was desperate because I didn’t see a single hole
to get out . ”
As he brought up the story of his marriage to the princess,

Aria’s face darkened . As if to reassure her, Asher held the
hand of Aria who held the mug tightly . When the warmth of
Asher reached her hand, which had cooled down a little bit,
she felt that her anxiety was gone .
“But perhaps since I met you . ”
He continued with a small smile as if he were recalling the

day when he had first met Aria .
“The memory of being so embarrassed was few . Ever since

I was a kid, I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of
planning thoroughly and completely… but it all became
useless when I met you . ”
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“… You’re talking about the casino case . ”
It was the connection that had begun with the word to sell
the auction ticket to the owner of the general store; it was
the connection that was possible because of knowing the
future, which had never been possible in the past .
“Yes, I’ve been working on it for a long time, but it was

going to be wrong . Since then, I’ve confirmed that the
rumor has spread, as you said, and I found out that it
wasn’t, so I’ve been looking into you . ”
There had been a misunderstanding between her and

Mielle, and Aria had also mistaken him for his identity .
“The more I knew you, the more mysterious you become . I

had a chance that I didn’t expect from your wise advice . ”
It had been part of Aria’s perception . But the work of the

princess had been different . Although not officially
confirmed, they had been talking about marriage for years .
But she would suddenly marry the king of another country .
“But the princess…”
“I know what you’re worried about . But I want you to trust

me a little more . I’m a person who never misses an
opportunity if it comes to me . ”
He did not bring up all his words, but the gentle look of
Asher was certain that there was a solution .
“May I visit the mansion of the Count in the near future?”
‘Last time you came without permission . ’ So, she thought

he would like to move the space as he did last time, but at
the words that followed, she immediately knew that it was
not .
“I’d like to give them a formal greeting and ask them their
permission”
“Formal greeting…? And permission for what…?”
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“Will it be okay for me to like you in the future?”
“…!?”
Thud . Her heart began to pound as if something heavy had

fallen over her chest . She had thought he might have
feelings more than like, or like, for herself, but when she
heard it through his mouth, she was almost breathless .
“I’ve done that many times before, but… I don’t know if I’ll
meet you at the ceremony today, so all I can give is a tulip .
”
As if it had already been set up, a beautiful bunch of tulips

was in the hands of the butler, who had appeared, and
Asher handed it and went down politely to one knee in front
of Aria .
“Can I ask for a formal date?”
There was no worry or anxiousness in his eyes, which he

asked with a bouquet of flowers . There was a conviction
that Aria would receive his bouquet . He was really a man
who didn’t miss a chance .
“Then I want to receive it in a place that is a little bit more

brilliant and magnificent next time . There’s only once in a
lifetime . ”
So, as expected, she received the bouquet of flowers and

said while Asher smiled brightly with a big smile,
“I will do it for you even if I use all of the empire’s resources

.”
***
The Countess, who returned first to the mansion of the

Count, did not hear a detailed explanation, but she summed
up the situation and the dialogue at that time to draw her
own conclusion .
‘The Investor A who has been complimented so much in

public was Aria, and she continued to meet the Crown
Prince for a long time, and even the princess, who has
become famous as the fiancée of the Crown Prince, would
be married to the king of another country…’
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Perhaps it was a very reasonable conclusion that the Crown

Prince had kicked out the princess to make Aria his wife,
who had an emerging power on her back . It was a very
sound conclusion .
‘… Oh my god!’
After sorting out, a shrill scream on her chest was flowing

out . Aria was so beautiful, and the Countess thought she
could find a good mate, but she had never thought it would
be a member of the imperial family .
She had only a small thought to benefit her daughter by

sending her to a good marriage, but she felt highly flattered
by the fact that it was the noblest royal family in the empire
that was unparalleled to any family . Her astonishment
continued even after the carriage arrived at the mansion .
“You’ve been to the completion ceremony quite quickly,

which my father was very uncomfortable with . ”
Mielle, who was about to go out or come down to the first

floor, dressed nicely to greet the Countess . Her personality
suddenly changed after Emma’s death, and she blamed the
Countess’s behavior, showing signs of discomfort . She
seemed to have found her true self, abandoning all her
hardworking acts of kindness .
It was true that she knew the Count would hate it, but she
had forced herself to go out of the mansion, so she would
have laughed if she had been normal, but not now . Mielle
didn’t even know what had been revealed at the ceremony .
The Countess replied with a pleasant smile . “Mielle, I wish

you had been there with me . There’s been a great thing . ”
Although she was very willing to scold her, the Countess,

who had a friendly smile that was like a mother’s, answered
in a slightly excited voice . A good thing had happened, and
there was no need to rush recklessly .
possible .
between chapters .

152

Scandal Of The Century, Part II
Chapter 152 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part II
Translator: Khan
“Really? That’s very interesting . I’m going out for business .

”
Mielle took a breath and left the mansion, looking totally

uninteresting . As soon as the detestable figure
disappeared, Annie, who was following the Countess, gritted
her teeth .
“Then she’ll find out later and drop a fork or a cup of tea!”
Because she had witnessed it several times while serving

Aria, even the modest Jessie hurriedly covered her mouth
and held back her laughter . The Countess, who grasped
Annie’s character with her sharp eyes, patted her hair .
“I think it’s time to make use of your specialty . ”
“… My specialty?”
“Yes, I’m sure they’re all curious about what happened

today . ”
“Ahah!
Only then did Annie’s eyes shined when she realized what
the Countess meant . It was time to make the proud
appearance of her master, who had been hidden .
Already, it would have been told through the mouths of

thousands of people outside . So why not let the mansion
know that? In order to give the right treatment to Aria who
would return soon… The excited Annie hurried around the
mansion .
“Everyone! Something great happened! Don’t regret it later,

let’s get together quickly!”
‘What’s the big deal?’ She was always the one who had
brought new and interesting news, so the servants and
maids, who were working all over the mansion, held out
their heads, asking, “What’s that?”
‘Where will the Count, Cain, and Mielle, who went out, hear
the news for Aria?’
Wherever it was, it must be a very interesting and enjoyable

reaction that she had never seen before . The Countess
disappeared into her room, humming and thinking that she
might be called the mother of the Crown Princess, who had
risen from a prostitute to a Countess .
***
Mielle’s carriage, heading for the mansion of the Duke,

stopped in front of a famous bakery . It was to find a cake
that she had reserved in advance . In order to take a freshly
baked cake, she had to make a reservation ahead of time .
While her maid went looking for it, she removed the curtains
covering the window and looked outside .
‘There’s a lot of people today . ’
Nearby, the academy’s completion ceremony had been

held, and the ceremony seemed to have ended, and the
attendees were out . This was the only way down because it
was the Imperial Castle if they went up .
‘So why did the Countess, who went out with Aria, come
back alone?’
At that time, while she was questioning what was

happening, they were surprised and stopped in front of the
carriage of Mielle .
“…?”
Normally, if they found a noble’s carriage, they should avoid

it a little or bend their heads . Strangely enough, more and
more people stared at the wagon or approached and
snooped .
“What’s going on?”
At Mielle’s question, the knight, who had been waiting, went

out of the carriage to check . When she glanced out of the
window, Mielle opened her eyes wide to see people who had
been rude and could not hide their happy faces, let alone
avoid the appearance of the knight . People said something
eagerly to the knight with their full excited faces, and the
knight cocked his head and talked to them for a long time .
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‘What the hell is that?’
She was curious about the strange situation . It was a

matter that would end when he gave attention and make
them scatter, but why was he taking so long? The
conversation, which continued until her maid with the cake
appeared, ended when the joy gradually faded from the
faces of the common people who had gathered there, and
only after they had dispersed . To the knight, who returned
with a look of embarrassment, Mielle asked what the reason
was .
“That’s…”
But the knight could not easily answer Mielle’s question .

The maid, who noticed from his side, intercepted the answer
. As the conversation between the knight and the common
people did not end until the cake was brought out, she had
grasped the content . Her face was lit up as if she had
received a birthday present . She was in a state of great
excitement .
“I’ll tell you . You know the famous investor in public, right?
The investor has continued to invest in young and capable
businessmen, regardless of their status!”
“… Investor A?”
“Yes, yes! Well, Investor A, showed up at the academy’s

completion ceremony today!”
The hair of the maid, who nodded and answered brightly,

sparkled the hairpin she had received from Aria .
“Oh, I’m sure they’re the ones who were there . So what
does this have to do with it now?”
The important part was not told, so Mielle cocked her head
and asked . The face of the knight darkened and the maid
swallowed and raised her voice . “Surprisingly, I heard that
Investor A was Miss Aria! That’s why people gathered
around the wagon with the family seal on it! They wondered
if Miss Aria was riding it!”
“… What?”
Mielle was as hard as stone when the maid answered with

pride . Mielle stared at her maid without moving as if she
had forgotten how to breathe . She looked as if she was
saying such nonsense .
‘… Is the daughter of that vulgar prostitute the rumored

Investor A? She is the one who the princess wanted to take
on her side . ’
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‘Does this make sense? What the hell am I hearing?’ It was

unbelievable, but it was a shock, so Mielle’s eyes opened a
little bit wider, and she gave strength to her hands that
were neatly placed on her legs .
She was a dumb woman with nothing but her face . But she
was a great investor . She had not known who it was, but
she mentioned that Investor A was a very discerning and
intelligent person in front of the princess in the past, and
she recalled it . Her inquiring voice trembled weakly .
“… Is that true? Is that really what they said? Didn’t they
make a mistake?”
“That’s what they said . They mentioned Roscent Aria, who

was rumored to be a wicked woman . ”
“It’s true,” said the maid, but Mielle could not believe her
maid’s repeated answer and stared at the knight and urged
him to answer .
‘Please say no . I wish you would call it a foolish maid’s

delusion . ’ Contrary to Mielle’s expectations, however, the
knight threw an answer to Mielle’s question by avoiding her
gaze quietly .
How could that be so ridiculous…! The pale-faced Mielle was

lost in her thoughts for a moment . She then ran out of the
carriage . It was a rough move that no noblewoman could
ever think of . The knight called her from behind and hurried
after her .
In case someone, who had not yet left, ran around the
carriage, mistaking her as Aria . There was an urgent
document in his hand to show Aria .
“… Oh, I’m sorry!”
Soon, however, he realized that all but her hair and eyes
were different and hurried to bow down to the noblewoman .
Unlike Aria, who invested generously in the common people,
ordinary aristocrats considered them insignificant .
“The investor… is a Roscent family? Is that why you’re

waiting?”
When the pale-faced Mielle asked like that, the man with his
head down answered carefully,
“Yes? Oh, yes… she said her name was Roscent Aria . ”
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“What was the color of her hair? What was the color of her
eyes? How tall was she? How was her skin color? How was
her tone? How old was she?”
The man, embarrassed for a moment by the incessant flood

of questions, soon began to answer the questions one after
the other; a brilliantly shiny blonde, beautiful appearance,
and green eyes that seemed to contain jewels . They were
all just like Aria’s appearance, and when Mielle lost her
balance, the knight hurriedly supported her .
“… Uh, let’s go quickly to the mansion of the Duke!”
As the knight assisted her to stand up and helped her walk

back to the carriage, the people gathered around her to
check what was going on, but there was no sound in Mielle’s
ear, perhaps because of the shock .
‘Does the princess know this? What if she knows? Isn’t it

going to spark me? … don’t tell me she’s thinking of joining
hands with the daughter of that vulgar prostitute…?’
Mielle, who grasped her heart in order to stop it from

beating so fast, raised her voice by asking the driver to go
to the mansion of the Duke as soon as possible, and the
wagon that ran as fast as it could rattled and headed to its
destination .
The princess, who was talking to a guest, greeted the
visiting Mielle with pleasure as if she had not yet heard the
public gossip .
“Oh my God, you don’t look good, Lady Mielle . What’s going
on?”
“That’s…!”
Mielle could not answer, looking at Vika, who was following

after Isis out of the lounge . Vika, who knew he was a
hindrance, said goodbye with an unexpected smile .

possible .
between chapters .

153

Scandal Of The Century, Part III
Chapter 153 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part III
Translator: Khan
“Miss Isis, my business here is done, so I’ll go now . ”
“Thank you for your advice, Vika . ”
Mielle, who was left with only the princess, shuddered as

she could not bring up the story of Aria . It was even more
difficult to talk about it as Oscar also came down after
hearing her visit . But because she could not keep her
mouth shut for long, Mielle soon closed her eyes and
announced the sad news .
“… In today’s ceremony, Investor A showed up . ”
“Oh my God, is that true? That’s an interesting story… Is the

person behind Investor A really that unexpected? You are
trembling so much . ”
Isis squinted at the unusual response, and Oscar frowned .

‘Who in the world?’ Mielle, who took a sip of tea with her
trembling hands, could not delay her news any longer and
said in a very small voice,
“That’s… that’s the woman . ”
The woman? The calling was replaced by Isis because she

hadn’t even wanted to call Aria’s name .
“… Did you just say ‘the woman’? That’s a lot of mischiefs .

”
When Isis asked again with a smile on her face, Mielle

closed her eyes and replied yes .
“It’s true…”
As she did earlier, Isis was also hardwired . Isis, who had
been so hardened for a long time due to a lot of nonsense,
called in her own servant to find out the truth .
“… Make sure it’s real right now . ”
Oscar, who couldn’t figure out alone who they were referring
to, asked many times, but no one answered .
So there was still silence, and no conversation went on . The

servant who had gone to look for information about Investor
A, following Isis’s instructions, came back quickly .
“… Miss Isis . Investor A identified herself as Roscent Aria…”
Clink . Isis threw her own teacup before the servant’s report
was over . Mielle was shocked and her body trembled, and
when he noticed the identity of the woman, Oscar was
shocked and covered his mouth with his palm .
“… Yeah, it was not unusual to talk back to me as I first met

her . ”
When she said so, Isis laughed loudly as if it was ridiculous .
She added that she now knew why Investor A had refused
firmly when she sent letters and people to Investor A
several times . If she had done so sincerely, anyone would
have met her at least once . Then, beside her, the servant,
who had not finished his report yet, bit his lips and was
restless .
“I should have gotten rid of that wicked woman right away .

”
She gritted her teeth, and her voice had a murderous spirit .
If Aria was in front of her now, her murderous spirit would
twist Aria’s slender neck right away . As she cursed for a
long time, Isis shone as if a good idea came to mind .
“Anyway, it was the force I was trying to get rid of because I

couldn’t pull it to my side, and even now…”
Everything would be done if she eliminated those who had

received the investment, and she could not attract even
Aria who was annoying . No matter how great she was, she
was only the daughter of a prostitute . If she hired a killer,
she could get rid of her without that much difficulty .
Isis, who wanted to be alone, ordered the servant to head

out, and he shook his head and said something he could not
finish,
“Well… Miss… I have one more thing to report . ”
Isis sensed a tremendous fear from what the lingering

servant was about to say . She was more scared now than
when he reported that Aria was Investor A . ‘Is it something
worse than what you said earlier?’
Insulted by the Crown Prince, she had to bow her head to
those who had followed her . To make up for it, she even
joined hands with the king of another country . It was a
shame that she, who was a noble since birth and had royal
blood, could not express her feelings with words .
So there was nothing more shocking than that . For some

reason, her heart that was beating really fast seemed to
want to get out of her mouth, but she pretended to be
casual and urged him to report . Then the servant, who took
his time for a while, closed his eyes and continued to speak
slowly,
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“After the ceremony… with the Crown Prince… she’s gone .

She spoke as if she had been meeting him for a long time…”
“… What?”
“It is rumored that Lady Aria of the Roscent family… seems

to have a close connection with the Crown Prince, His
Highness…”
‘So all this insult and shame… happened because of that

vulgar bitch…’
Flop .
“Dear Princess…! ”
“Sister!”
Even before the servant’s words ended, Isis, who was
distracted by anger and shock, fell to the cold floor .
***
“Aria!”
After spending some time with Asher, walking in the woods,

or visiting a villa, the Count, who was supposed to return
late at night, welcomed Aria . His face, facial expressions,
and eyes reminded her of why he had returned home
quickly .
“You came back quickly . ”
“I was back in a hurry after work . ”
Friendlier than ever before, the Count smiled brightly and

looked at her with affection and a loving face, and he asked
Aria to have tea with him after a long time .
‘For a long time? Isn’t this the first time?’
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He would like to ask all his questions here, but he seemed to

be trying to act nobly while drinking tea .
Cain was behind the Count and had a broken face . He

looked as if he had lost a country . ‘Why does he look like he
lost something even though he had nothing to lose from the
beginning?’
‘Do I need to curry favor with them and to be bothered at a
time when I am supposed to be formally dating the Crown
Prince?’ As the Count had decided to take the side of the
princess, he was close to the enemy wearing the leather of
a family . As Aria delayed the answer agonizing over how to
make a profit, the Count prompted her to move on quickly .
“Honey, Aria must be tired . She’s been out since morning

and now she just came back .
It was none other than the Countess who saved Aria from
the Count . Unlike usual, she raised her beautiful face and
rebuked the Count as she descended from the second floor .
“So shouldn’t you be considerate?”
She was utterly complaining whether she was going to

shake off all the humiliation she had ever gone through .
This time, the Count began to notice her complexion .
“… Hmm, I suppose so . I think you’d better rest, and let’s

talk tomorrow morning instead . ”
Aria, who smiled brightly at the Count who changed his

words in an instant, was about to say that she would go up
first, but Mielle, who had gone out to the mansion of the
Duke, returned home with red, bloodshot eyes . Aria was
convinced that it had something to do with her . Aria
greeted and welcomed her .
“Welcome home, Mielle . ”
“…!”
She stepped back in amazement since she didn’t think she

would face Aria as soon as she returned to the mansion .
Her eyes wandered around and shook .
‘Oh, my god, it’s so funny . ’
It was very pleasant and fun, so she cleared her mind . She
straightened her back and went straight back to her room .
“I should have reported it first . It’s too late . I’m sorry to

hide it in the meantime . ”
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As soon as she said that, eyes gathered in a flash . It was

the expectation, frustration, and anger of Aria to announce
what everyone already knew . She was Investor A—a key
figure in the empire’s new power .
Aria, who looked at everyone, taking all their eyes on her

whole body, as if enjoying it, opened her mouth laughing as
if she was very happy .
“And the person who was dating me said he wanted to visit

the mansion soon . He wanted to ask permission, but I don’t
know what kind of permission it is, and I would know it in
detail until that day .
But Aria, who had thrown a bomb that was unexpected for
everyone, climbed up the stairs and went back to her room,
leaving them confused, shocked and embarrassed .
In the hall where she left, there was stillness and silence as
if there were no people .
***
“Miss . You have to go down to the dining room . ”
The next day, Jessie spoke to Aria in a worried voice . Aria

was writing a letter while drinking a simple tea without
eating anything even though it was already time for
breakfast .
“I’m a little tired today . I’m not feeling well, so I’ll skip
breakfast . ”
However, Aria smiled and shook her head, betraying the

expectations of the people of the mansion of the Count who
waited only for breakfast . In fact, she was actually feeling
well . She was just saying that she was sick in order to worry
them .

possible .
between chapters .

154

Scandal Of The Century, Part IV
Chapter 154 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part IV
Translator: Khan
It wasn’t because there was a plan . It was just fun . ‘Why

should I go ahead and give them pleasure?’ That was not
necessary .
“Jessie, deliver this letter to Sarah . And bring a snack to the

room . ”
Aria wrote a letter describing her situation to Sarah . She

sealed it finely and handed it to Jessie .
“You just said you weren’t feeling well . ” Annie said that she
would bring Aria’s meal instead of the puzzled Jessie .
She spent a leisurely morning relaxing with light soups and

drinks and organizing her plans for the future . Looking out,
she saw some young men who seemed to be wrestling with
guards in front of the mansion gate .
“… Lady Aria…! Just a moment…!”
Aria didn’t hear what he was saying because he was too far,
but she thought that it might have something to do with
himself after the completion ceremony . So Aria sent Annie
to find out about the disturbance, and it was as she had
guessed .
“He’s making a fuss about showing his business plan to you

.”
“Really?”
“They say he doesn’t listen to them even if they ask him to

go back . He wants to see you at least once . Even if I ask
him to deliver the plan to Baron Burboom, he doesn’t listen!
How rude!”
That was understandable because it was rare to invest in a

commoner with no foundation . In addition, there was a
widespread rumor that Investor A’s investment projects had
all hit the jackpot . Moreover, she had invested in the
academy like charity, and she had proudly declared that she
would continue to invest, so anyone would want Aria to take
a look at their business .
“Let him come in . ”
“… Miss?”
“It’s my job to look at his business plan . I can’t treat him

badly since he had come this far . ”
She had managed to find a way to freshen up her image, so

she couldn’t throw away anything regardless of how small it
was . Now was the time to embrace the poor and make the
wicked woman into a saint .
“I’m sure he’s been walking since early in the morning, so

he’d better take a simple meal with me . Tell the servants
and maids to decorate the garden for a meal, enough to
serve a guest . ”
“But, but Miss…! You don’t know what kind of trouble you
can get into if you just let anyone come in!”
That was true, but she had the hourglass to prepare for such
things . Aria smiled softly as she glanced at the hourglass
she had placed at the cabinet .
“Annie, do you think I’m stupid?”
It was only then that Annie swallowed her saliva when she
recalled that Aria had already gone through a lot of
frightening things . Recently, Aria clearly showed a
benevolent, soft-faced look and went around as if she were
a saint, but Annie, who was nearby, could tell that the
wicked woman sometimes lurked inside of her just as the
rumors said .
“So make sure it’s not too late to prepare it . ”
“… Yes, yes! Miss!”
With the help of Annie’s quick actions, they quickly became

ready to receive their guest in the garden . The Count, who
had not been able to go out to hear the details from Aria,
was puzzled and asked the servant why,
“I just heard… that Lady Aria told Annie to prepare…”
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“Did Aria order it?”
The Count expressed his pride, misunderstanding that she

had arranged the meeting place to explain the details to
him . He didn’t know that it was a big misunderstanding .
“My God, Lady Aria! Thank you very much! I would already
be glad if you accept my business plan, but you also
arranged a meal like this for me!”
“You’ve come to me like this, and I can’t refuse your

admittance . I’m sure you’ve had a hard time, and I hope
you enjoy your meal slowly . While you’re eating, I’ll go
through your business plan . ”
“Thank, thank you!”
In the soft and warm sunshine, nearly ten young men began
to eat in a hurry . Then the Count, the Countess, and Cain,
who had misunderstood, came and saw it with a stunned
face . Mielle, with a tender heart, watched the scene from
the window and soon closed the window with a distorted
face . The Count approached Aria, who reviewed the
documents with a serious face and asked quietly,
“… Aria, don’t you think that it would be enough if you have

just received the documents?”
“They’ve been waiting since morning, and I can’t just send

them back . ”
“I… ”
‘I’ve been waiting for you since last night . ’ The Count gave
a bitter smile since he couldn’t say what he really wanted to
say . ‘How did I end up in a position where I could not speak
my mind to my stepdaughter?’ Having the merchant’s
temperament to the bone, he closed his mouth and sat in
the dining table when he realized that he was not supposed
to do so .
“Didn’t you eat inside already?”
“I can’t miss this place with the young businessmen! I’m

curious because they will become the pillar of the empire in
the future . ”
The Count, who never thought so, wrapped up in plausible

words, and Cain and the Countess followed him . They
seemed very uncomfortable, but no one took it out of their
mouths .
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“Do they have any good ideas?”
Aria made a meaningful smile at the Count’s question .

What he wanted was to see them . But she could not .
Unlike herself, who only cared about investing purely, the
Count seemed to take the brilliant ideas of these young
businessmen, so she replaced the answer with just a nod .
“Okay, you’ve all brought a good plan . ”
The faces of the young people, who were eating, became

bright . The fact that they were recognized by Aria meant
that they were excellent in doing business .
“They are fresh and unique . They are valuable projects .

However, I still see things that need to be revised . ”
Of course, it was empty talk . In retrospect, none of the
business plans would succeed in the future . Furthermore,
judging from the knowledge that they put in their projects,
they were just common people, who were not fit for doing
business .
Even so, it was judged that if they had the ability to make
such a neat analysis and organize a plan, they could help
others . It was a great opportunity .
“So I want to give you a chance . ”
Aria suggested that they should study at the academy . The

young people became disappointed upon hearing what Aria
said . They felt rejected because of what Aria said . She
served them lunch, but she couldn’t just finish the meeting
just like that, so Aria told them the following,
“If you all didn’t have any talent, I wouldn’t recommend the
academy to all of you and just sent you back… but you all
are talented people, so I’ll support you with your school
expenses . ”
She had been thinking that it would not be too bad to

support a scholarship named after her anyway . It was also
an offer from Asher, and it was so she could put on airs so
she could look good . It was nothing more than a penny .
The young people were thrilled to hear that she would even
sponsor their tuition, along with praise for their talent
although they kind of got rejected .
“Why don’t you have a cup of tea and go back?”
“No, I got a great favor from you, and I can’t stay still!”
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Aria, watching the vigorous disappearance of the young

men, slowly hardened her face and laid down her fork and
knife . The meal was excellent, but she had a bad appetite .
It was due to the table manners of the young people .
She felt like she knew how they had felt when they had
been in the same situation as she had had no table manners
in the past . Thinking that the hindrance had finally
disappeared, the Count spoke to Aria without missing the
chance,
“Aria, are the rumors true?”
He had a very urgent look on his face . He deserved it as he

saw even the young people who came with business plans .
They were not like… noblemen, but hungry beasts that were
wandering the streets .
“… Rumors?” She couldn’t see the Count’s face that much,

and she pretended not to know it .
He raised his voice as if he were frustrated and said, “The

rumors that you’re Investor A and are close to the Crown
Prince!”
He already saw the young people come and then go, but he
still wanted to confirm .
When she nodded and expressed a sign of affirmation, the

Count smiled brightly and said, “That was cool . ” The Count
did not confirm the rumors again because the Countess had
already seen it in person, and he had already confirmed it
through numerous mouths .
“As expected, I’ve always known that you have the talent
since you were young!”
‘Does he mean the fur business, which Lane misunderstood

as Mielle’s design?’

possible .
between chapters .

155

Scandal Of The Century, Part V
Chapter 155 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part V
Translator: Khan
However, the Count did not take any action to correct it

otherwise . Even She had contributed much to the
warehouse business, but the Count had not even mentioned
what was going on with the business, let alone recognize
herself .
“I see . I thought you forgot because you didn’t mention

anything . That’s why I moved independently . ”
Aria replied with a smile mixed with laughter . She didn’t

have to be wary anymore, so she blamed him for his faults .
So the Count felt a prick of conscience and cleared his
throat, and turned the sensitive topic as if he had done
nothing wrong in the past .
“Yes, yes . Now I know it . From now on, I think you should
go outside with Cain . I’ve got a lot of work to do!”
He proudly demanded that she should help his business in

the future . It was a natural tone for Aria to help him . No, it
was a tone that he would make that way .
“No, you know, I’m busy . There are young people who
would come here like this, so I should welcome them . I
can’t leave my place because letters are coming from other
countries . ”
However, the Count’s mouth closed as if it had been

stitched up by her firm refusal . Certainly, it was because
she seemed to look busy for anyone . Perhaps he realized
that he had already missed the opportunity, and the Count’s
eyes wandered through the air .
“… You’ve known the Crown Prince before, haven’t you?”
Cain, who managed to find a gap, asked . His expression

was quite serious . The Countess also waited with her eyes
glistening for an answer, for she seemed curious .
“It’s been two years since I was fourteen . ”
It was a remarkable period even when she said so . It had

been two years since that bad relationship . The Crown
Prince, who was a boy, would become an adult at the age of
twenty, starting with this year’s birthday . Starting with the
coming-of-age ceremony, he would have an official
appearance, and unlike in the past, he would exalt himself
in the world .
‘Can I be myself that would sit next to him?’ She smiled with
an uncanny smile of anticipation and anxiety, but Cain
accepted it strange and furrowed his forehead to the fullest
extent . The Countess made a fuss, saying, “Why did you
hide it all this time?”
“I met him without knowing who he was . I only recently

knew that he was the Crown Prince . ”
“Oh, my god…! It’s like a story in a novel! You’ve fallen in
love without knowing each other! How could it be
romantic?”
She was like a girl in admiration . She seemed happy since

her daughter had achieved a dream she had never dreamed
of .
“Don’t tell me, is that the man you met before in court, the
Crown Prince… not Mr . Pinonua?”
“Oh, come to think of it, you’ve met him . That’s right .

Pinonua is… he said it’s a name he borrowed for a while . ”
“Oh, did he come to court as he was worried about you,

even if he was busy?”
“He said yes . Is this the end of the question? I think it’s
better to hear more about it when Mr . Asher comes . If I tell
you all, the conversation between us will disappear . ”
Aria said that and returned to her room . In the warm sunlit
garden, only three people left with different thoughts and
hearts .
***
It took less than two days that the rumors that she had
served meals to the young men who had visited her covered
the capital .
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The wicked woman of the rumor, no, Aria, now a beautiful
investor of the rumors who had tried to raise her social
status and understand the common people, smiled as she
watched the young people gathered at the gate of the
mansion today .
“Miss! I told them to come on a set date and time every

week as you ordered!” Jessie said with a bright face .
‘I am an investor who talks to young entrepreneurs every

week . What a beautiful thing it is!’
“Good job . ”
“And I brought a newspaper, a little early . Hans brought it

to the mansion himself . ”
“Really?”
Jessie’s expression of taking out the newspaper was very

bright . Aria sensed that her story was in the newspaper .
‘What kind of praise are they giving me?’ She opened the
newspaper with anticipation, and Jessie added,
“It looks like Hans has entered the academy you invested
in! I heard that he got a scholarship! So I thought he was
running out of time, so I said he’d bring newspapers to the
mansion as he had a free time . ”
“… Really?”
She felt strange when she heard a story she had never
thought of because in the past he had faced a terrible end,
but he found his own happiness now . And she expected
that she would be able to face such a future like that, by
getting rid of the real wicked woman .
[The wicked woman of the rumors was a saint!]
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The identity of the Investor A, who saved countless

businessmen regardless of their status, turned out to be
Lady Aria of the Roscent family . In addition, recently, after
the completion of the academy, the rumors of Roscent Aria,
which had been in the full glare of publicity, turned out to be
mischievous . And the source of the rumor is shocking as
well . Some suspect that it came from her sister, Roscent
Mielle, who was jealous of her beauty . If it’s true, can there
be more terrible things than this?-
The article seemed to represent her heart, and Aria’s mouth

went up high in the sky . Jessie had a bright face as if she
read it before handing it out .
After it had turned out that she was the Investor A of

rumors, she had not won popularity . It was thanks to the
two years of changing the very little things step by step . A
group of young people who she had met at a meeting with
Sarah, and the servants and maids of the mansion, or a
group of people with her support for business were the
examples .
It was also thanks to the fact that she had sometimes

attended the official meeting and revealed that she had a
brilliant and beautiful appearance and elegant demeanor
that was completely different from what was rumored . And
playing the victim extensively in Emma’s case had also
played a part . All those little efforts that she’d made so far
shone through this opportunity .
‘I never thought I’d be so successful in business at first . ’
The reason she had talked about business for the first time
was to somehow win the Count’s heart in revenge against
Mielle . But then she had realized it was wrong and jumped
on her own business to create her own power to survive
Mielle and the princess; however, she had not even
expected to be so successful like this .
She hadn’t even imagined it would make her happy to have

such a relationship with someone . Compared to then and
now, she felt as if she were someone else .
“It’s finally going to turn out that the rumors about you have
been malicious!”
Jessie didn’t even remember what she had when Aria had
first come into the mansion, but Jessie erased a hint of
anxiety about her master and revealed her pure trust .
‘If I could go back, I would like to go back to the time when I

just came into the mansion . ’
Then, she wouldn’t have needed these annoying series of

actions . She wouldn’t have been mean to Jessie either .
However, she had returned to the vague time when she had
done something bad to Jessie, and she had repaid it back .
Aria soon shook her head and took her regrets out of her
mind, because she didn’t even have enough time to
maintain what she got .
Aria turned to the newspaper again . No matter how cheap

the newspaper the common people read was, the story
would be delivered to the Count, Cain, and Mielle .
Whether it was the case or not, the Count and Cain had
silently committed to their work for some time, and they
had returned home late and it was hard to see their faces .
Still, Aria asked Jessie, suspecting that there must be
another because he was a merchant who didn’t miss what
was in his interest .
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“What about Mielle?
“Ah… she went out early . ”
And for some purpose, Mielle had been busy going out
lately, too . So, Aria narrowed her eyes .
‘I wouldn’t be able to carry my face if it were me . She is a

brazen-faced girl . ’
Although her reputation had been declining day by day,

Mielle got up again and forced her to go out . The
destination was… probably the mansion of the Duke, to
meet the princess who had connected her with Oscar .

possible .
between chapters .

156

Scandal Of The Century, Part VI
Chapter 156 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part VI
Translator: Khan
According to reports by the maids of the mansion, if there

had been a big incident, Mielle had received a letter from
the princess . And they also said that even before the
incident, letters had often arrived . So she must have gone
for advice again this time .
‘And how angry and upset the princess would be because

she would think I intercepted the Crown Prince . ’
Before the Crown Prince, Aria had also had a scandal with
Isis’s lovely brother . Aria hadn’t met her a few times, but
she was sure Isis wanted to rip her to death because she
had been involved in bad things .
‘Now that Mielle is dependent on her, is the real enemy the

princess?’
If she were to continue her meeting with the Crown Prince

anyway, the princess would naturally be an enemy, but
apart from that, she was bound by her personal grudge .
Aria could not forget the hostile look at Mielle’s birthday
party .
So she spent the day thinking about how to stop Isis from
seeking new power by marrying the king of another country,
and how to check it, but a guest visited her late in the
evening . He was an unexpected guest, with a bunch of tulip
flowers that didn’t wither easily, and a gift box in his hand .
“… Mr . Lane?”
“I’m sorry if I’m late at night . I’ve been on a business trip to

a faraway place, and I didn’t have a free time to visit . ”
His visit meant that she could hear the news of Asher . She
was in a hurry to prepare tea, but unfortunately, the Count
and Cain came home at that moment .
The Count had to inform Cain of his work and deal with the
accumulated work, so he looked very tired . It was also
because of the rumors circulating between her two
daughters . He had not cared about his stepdaughter when
she had been a wicked woman, but how painful it must be
for his own daughter to become a wicked woman . However,
the rumors were all grounded and he did not take action
otherwise . If there were no grounds for the rumors, he
would have been around, saying, “This was all Aria’s work .
”
That was why the Count did not like Lane, who had come to
visit after a long time . It was also because there was
nothing more to take from him .
“What brings you here so late? I remember you said that

you wouldn’t come anymore . Don’t tell me, you came here
because you were interested in Aria?”
The Count, who had tried to pass Aria on to Rain in the past,
was now wondering if Lane would be interested in Aria . He
didn’t even know Aria’s snorting at his two-faced figure .
Cain also glared at Lane with a face similar to his father’s .
They did not welcome him enough to make him

uncomfortable, but Lane answered with a careless face,
“Haha . I wanted to, but I was wondering if the Count is
doing well . My master asked me to say hello and he is very
interested in the Count’s business . ”
“Really? Well… then . ”
When Lane even mentioned his master, who had helped the
Count, he suggested that Rain eat with him, with his
exhausted body, since he could no longer be uncomfortable
. He seemed, of course, to think that Lane had come to see
him . Lane looked a little uncomfortable, but soon nodded
and headed to the dining room . The bouquets and gifts he
had prepared were given to Aria at the instruction of Asher
so that all his business was done .
‘Why didn’t Mr . Asher come by himself?’
He used to come to her room . As she was curious, she

hurried up to her room and opened the letter . The present
was a backseat .
[I’m sending you a letter through Lane because I’m in a

difficult place to visit you . ]
Through the first sentence, Aria realized it was not that he

had not come but that he could not . ‘Where in the world did
he go so that he could not come?’ She read the letter in
haste again, fearing that he might be wandering around
strange places by hostile forces as before .
[It’s not something you should worry about . The reason why
I am sending this letter is because I couldn’t contact you
because I told you at the last meeting I’d visit you soon . I
was thinking about when it would be good, and I thought it
would be better to coordinate the timing with you . ]
In the following letter was written as if he had spoken to her

before her eyes as if he had read and thought of her mind .
Since then, it was written about the time that Asher wished
to visit, and it was quite late at night . It also said that just in
case she should vacate the room that day, so she put it in
her head so that she wouldn’t forget it .
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‘… What is this?’
When she finished reading the letter, she looked at it for a

while and opened the present she had left on the table, and
there was a bracelet she had never seen . It was made up of
a string of thin threads tied together . It was the first time
she saw it .
‘Is he out of the country?’
That was why she felt like he had sent her this amazing
ornament . Wherever he was, she hoped he would come
back in good health, and she re-opened what she had to do .
***
“Look at this cookie . It’s fresh in shape . ”
“Yes . It’s cute . ”

Young ladies, seated at a luxurious table in a colorful
garden, each expressed exaggerated admiration . At the
center of them was Mielle .
“It’s a special one from the princess . ”
“It’s as expected . ”
“She has a different eye . ”
They tried to pretend to be calm, ignoring the bombs that

fell in their territory . They were gathered to do so . As they
were anxious and worried by themselves alone, they
brainwashed each other as if the situation would be okay .
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“Then, the wicked woman of rumors… You know, she’s been

running around like that, and she’s… Well, she made the
worst choice . ”
“She has the dirty blood and so she’s been doing like that .
She is a creature that must be parasitic, just like her mother
.”
“I’m worried about the future of the empire . ”
And they gathered to attack the public enemy .
“I’m sure the princess is struggling to stop it . ”
“That’s right . She’d rather join hands with another country

than have dirty blood as the descendant of the empire . ”
Finally, it was to praise the existence that they believed in
and should follow . It was Mielle’s job to unite the hearts of
aristocratic ladies in this situation, where rumors about
herself and their faith in the Aristocratic Party had become
blurred .
Unlike Aria, who had built her own power, what all other
aristocratic ladies could do in the present situation was to
gather and enjoy refreshments and gossip .
“I’ll pass on your opinion to Isis . I’m sure she’ll be happy . ”
In fact, it was only their names she would actually tell, but
Mielle, who spoke empty words as a representative, spent
time with the young ladies in moderation before heading to
the princess .
It was Isis, who had become nervous after knowing that the
Crown Prince was meeting with Aria . It was because of the
shock that the daughter of a prostitute, who was no one
else, would take her place . Even if she had been elevated
to her status who would give a new power to him .
‘If I haven’t been compared . ’ Mielle was also shocked, but

not as much as Isis . The princess had been compared to the
dirty blood she had hated so much . There was even an
opinion that, unlike when Mielle and Aria were compared,
Aria of shallow birth was better than Isis, who succeeded the
blood of the Imperial family .
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It was those who were possessed by her frivolous
appearance, and those who were possessed by her false
character . Mielle reported what had happened in the
meanwhile, as she tried not to offend the princess as much
as she could .
“You don’t have to worry about the young ladies . They are
so loyal to you . If they had a betrayer, they’d throw
themselves to stop her . ”
Although it was not an important report that Isis wished for,

she treated that it was a matter of great importance . That
was why Isis answered with a cold face and asked
something else,
“… I see . Did His Highness ever visit the mansion?”
“Yes? Oh, no . Not yet…”
Isis was obsessed with it to the point that she regretted if

she made a report . Even after quite some time, the shadow
of the Crown Prince was not visible .

possible .
between chapters .

157

Scandal Of The Century, Part VII
Chapter 157 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Mielle opened her mouth to try to change the mood .

“Wouldn’t the woman be lying? It may be a bluff . His
Highness hasn’t said anything yet . Maybe she’s running
around alone . ”
But the more Mielle spoke, the worse Isis felt . It was
because she knew it wasn’t . There was a past in which she
could guess . It was the engagement ceremony of the
Marquis of Vincent .
For Isis, who had secretly captured the situation in the

garden, this situation did not appear to be false or
pretentious . ‘Didn’t he even say he had no intention of
marrying herself on the spot?’ As she could not show any
more ugly looks, Isis hid her trembling hands under the
table and said with a deep sigh, “… We have to do whatever
we can to separate them, for the honor of the nobility . ”
“… Yes, you’re right . ”
“I’ll figure out how to do it by myself, so please persuade

the Count as much as you can . ”
Now there was no Emma to help her, Mielle nodded and
expressed her sympathy, because what Isis said was quite
natural . But she had already failed a few times, so what
could she do now? Sensing the anxiety reflected on Mielle’s
face, Isis uttered a spell to cheer her up,
“You’re not old enough yet, but… there’s always been an

exception, so you’d better hurry up your engagement to
Oscar, for the unity of the Aristocratic Party . ”
“… Yes?”
“His Highness is trying to take an unprecedented, humble

woman to the Imperial Castle, and there’s nothing you can’t
do about it . Since Oscar thinks so, you need to help . ”
“… Is it real?”
Mielle’s eyes were motivated by Isis’s sly reply . If it were

true, she’d be delighted, but even if it wasn’t true, she knew
Isis would make it that way .
“Don’t worry, Lady Isis . I’ll do whatever it takes to help Isis

this time . ”
At the unexpected reward, Mielle had a strong response .
***
Aria’s rumors spread smoothly . An inspiring story made as

an important story again, and they praised her among
themselves . Even it was a very easy thing to pick one or
two young people to invest in a dinner at the mansion, and
send them to the academy with scholarships .
“I heard Hans is that smart . It’s gossipy, but he’s been
borrowing newspapers since he was very young, and he’s
known to be knowledgeable . ”
And Jessie sometimes brought up Hans’s story . It was also

because they had met regularly for several years . In
addition, their friendship seemed to have grown rapidly in
recent years, with the media called Aria .
“Really? How old is Hans?”
“He said he’s going to be twenty this year”
“Jessie, he’s the same age as you . ”
“Yes . That’s why we talk the same language . ”
Jessie’s shy smile made Aria feel the true joy she’d never
seen before . Aria, who had squinted her eyes and watched
it, nodded with a face that she would know .
‘I was going to give her a more capable person . ’
She had thought someone much better than Annie’s . Aria

thought she deserved it . Hans, who had a large family, was
likely to give Jessie a hard time . So she was drinking tea to
relieve her disappointment, and suddenly she had a good
idea .
‘I can raise Hans, right?’
Hans had received a scholarship and even entered the

academy in recognition of his ability even though she had
not helped him at all . Though left alone, he had been
victorious, so if she could support him, he must be
successful .
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“Yes… good . Tell Hans that I have a great expectation . ”
“Yes? Yes, Miss . ”
Nor was she praised herself, but Aria’s expression was

profound and mysterious as she stared at Jessie with a
broad smile . She wouldn’t have known it in the past, but
somehow she understood Jessie’s mood .
“Well, I’ll leave now . Don’t overwork . ”
Jessie, who had brought the new tea out, left Aria’s room .
After Jessie went out, it was time to lie down in bed if it were
normal, but not today . Far from falling asleep, she had her
eyes wide open . Because…
“Lady Aria . ”
“… Mr . Asher . ”
Because it was the day that Asher visited . He seemed to

have come as soon as the work was done . He appeared
with his very tired face . Somehow, she felt a hot wind on
his collar . Aria, who had been waiting for him, had a cup of
tea and read a book, but welcomed him with astonishment .
“My God . I think you have a little tan . ”
“… I think it’s because I’ve been to a hot place . ”
Asher’s eyes touched Aria’s slender wrists . He caught sight

of the bracelet he had given her last time . It was a
seemingly normal-looking bracelet, but the meaning inside
was unusual . There was a sense of satisfaction in his gentle
smiling eyes .
Aria had not noticed this and said that she would have liked
to have drinks prepared, not tea .
As soon as he saw that Aria had a bad look, he asked,

squinting his eyes, “Do you feel bad because I’m here?”
“No…! No way . ”
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She had been looking forward to this day . She had been so
busy every day but she had felt that time seemed to run
slowly . When she tried to pour hot tea, he shook his head
and poured the tea into the teacup himself .
“I can’t have you do that who is busy struggling . ”
He also filled Aria’s cup with tea . The Crown Prince who
would never have done anything like this did that!
Feeling burdened by the words “Come on, sit down,” she

looked down at his hand, which seemed a little rougher, and
she noticed him wearing the same ring as herself, though of
different colors . When she had first seen it, she had thought
it was a bit simple for a noblewoman to wear, but it seemed
that he had intentionally chosen a simple design to wear it .
That was why the discomfort of her heart melted away and
the warm spring sun covered her heart .
“The ring… the color is different, but it’s the same as the
ring that Mr . Asher gave me . ”
“Oh, it’s the same ring . The color has changed for a while
now . After a while, the color will come back . ”
‘Will the color change?’ For such a thing, it was very

mysterious to have a subtle blue glow . When she looked at
it wonderfully, he took the ring out of his finger and put it on
the table .
Then, the color changed in a flash as if the ring had a blue

color .
“It’s a ring that comes down to the imperial family . It

changes color when I use it . The ring which I gave you is
the same . ”
Aria, surprised by this, opened her eyes and asked, “…

Then, is it like an imperial family heirloom?”
“I can say it’s similar . I inherited it from my father and

mother . ”
It was a ring with such a great meaning . She hadn’t thought

it meant much because it wasn’t particularly colorful . Aria
was very embarrassed . They look down at the ring in her
hand which was shaking .
“I don’t know if I can take it…”
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Asher, who stared at Aria, slowly reached out and took her
hand with the ring .
“The ring’s owner is only you . ”
Then he smiled softly, with his serious eyes, and replied with
a very natural smile . ‘The owner of the ring? Although I
have a date with him… it’s a little shy of…’
Her cheeks under her eyes glowed for nothing . So far, she
had heard that she was beautiful or they liked her, but no
one had ever talked about the future with her seriously .
Moreover, for her living in the past and the present, Asher
had always given her the first experience . If she would
consider her real age including past life, he was so young,
but he thrilled her so much .
After confessing the meaning of the ring, he swallowed and

was apparently anxious because he had no answer from
Aria . He looked nervous but quite different from his bold
words .
He seemed worried, “What if Aria gives back the ring?” It

was difficult to gauge each other’s minds as they were still
in the beginning stage . Aria, who had been looking for an
answer for a while, soon held the hand of Asher, who
covered her hand .
“I wonder if I deserve it, but… thank you . ”
He was a little surprised and ashamed, but there was no

refusal anyway . Now he couldn’t imagine anyone standing
next to him . When Aria answered so, Asher, whose ears
were blushed, folded his eyes finely and added strength to
his hands .
“I’m just grateful . ”

possible .
between chapters .

158

Scandal Of The Century, Part VIII
Chapter 158 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
When she held his hands still, exchanging such ticklish

words, she was overcome with a sense of satisfaction, even
though she didn’t exchange special actions or words . That
was why people wanted to meet someone and date . Aria
learned about it well over twenty years later .
And the new feeling changed Aria’s future . It was changed

from the shady future that was dotted with only darkness to
the one in which light existed and was rather challenging .
Aria, who had been so happy for a while, checked the time
that had already passed and hurriedly said something she
had prepared,
“Do you remember Lady Sarah, a daughter of the family of

Viscount Lauren, who will be a wife of the Marquis?”
“Oh, of course, I remember . ”
“I don’t know if she’ll have time… I would like to ask Lady

Sarah to teach students at the academy . What do you
think? I thought it would be better to learn manners since
everyone is a commoner . ”
Aria added that Sarah used to be her tutor and that she felt
rewarding in teaching children and wanted to become a
teacher later on .
Realizing that she didn’t just say that Sarah’s dream was to
be a teacher, Asher erased his tender smile and took out
the Crown Prince’s face .
“If that happens, the people in the middle will be quite

agitated . ”
“I’m sure so . Because there were a series of incidents

lately…”
Aria, who had said that far, was wary of Asher . She thought
he would already know about the princess, but just in case .
Then he answered, ‘I know what happened recently,’ and
continued with confidence,
“I’m sure there will be some nobles who will change their
stance to support me because Marquis Vincent and Lady
Sarah declared their support for me . ”
Aria also came back to the face of the investor and

explained what he could get . It was possible because the
two were helping each other to change their future, not just
a relationship that led to a love affair between a man and a
woman .
After talking for so long, Asher suddenly asked a question as

he was preparing to go back late at night .
“Oh, by the way, did you have any private talk with the
judge in court?”
Then Aria shook her head and said, “The judge? No…? I
don’t even remember her name . ”
“I see . ”
“No, she was curious about you . She even asked me to set
up a table to meet you, if it’s okay . ”
“… Me?”
‘Even her face was vague, but why? Doesn’t she like me
who meets Asher? Come to think of it, it occurred to her that
the judge had checked her face in court and hesitated . ’ So
when she furrowed her forehead because she could only
think of negative thoughts, Asher tried to reassure and
kissed Aria on the back of her hand .
“But…”
“She’s already deployed far away from power . She’s also a

woman who’s not married . She can’t get involved with me .
She’s probably curious because the rumors are great . ”
“I’m glad to hear that . ”
Nevertheless, there were fears that she might not know .

Once again, Asher set Aria at ease, and said that he would
make a formal visit next week . ”
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“I’ll send a letter to the mansion . ”

Then Aria smiled as she tried to touch the back of her hand
for a while when he had disappeared like a ghost . Then, a
few days later, the mansion was disturbed by a letter
stamped with the imperial seal . Of all occasions, it arrived
early in the morning, and the Count delayed even going out,
and the Countess blushed like a girl .
“Oh, my god, His Highness will visit this mansion…!” The

Countess, who raised her voice, said, “I have to hurry up
and decorate the mansion,” and she pushed the servants
and maids . “Wipe clean without dust! I’m going to have to
replace all the curtains and the carpet! The most luxurious
one! I have to do the gardening, and…!”
The Countess’s orders fell incessantly . She acted as if she

were building a new mansion . The servants and maids
could be annoying, but it was for Aria and they were all
eager to do their best . This was also because it had been
accomplished by her step by step .
When she tried to dissuade the Countess, who said, “I have

to prepare the new dress,” Mielle called Aria, with a cold
look .
“Why did you call me?”
Aria guessed why she called her, but asked, pretending not
to know it . And Mielle’s eyes sank coldly . Her spitting
words had piercing thorns . They were sharp thorns only
directed at Aria .
“Do you really think you’re going to be the wife of the Crown
Prince?” Her face had an expression, “How dare you?”
Aria gave her a relaxed look and said, “Well, maybe I’ll suit
better than the princess who holds hands with a foreign
country and sells her country . ”
At the level, Aria dealt with her, and Mielle shuddered and
said, “How can you say such vulgar things?”
“It’s true, isn’t it? She’s rallying all the nobles and acting like
she’s going to commit treason . Don’t tell me, she’s doing
such a thing since she lost a man . Even the common people
don’t do that . ”
“… Don’t insult the princess!”
Suddenly, Mielle shouted for a moment, and all eyes were

directed to her .
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Aria couldn’t believe Mielle got angry after she provoked a

quarrel first . Unlike Aria, who managed her facial
expression flexibly, Mielle’s expression was appalling .
‘It’s ugly . ’
It was unimaginable . In the past, it had been all the

opposite . Aria, feeling better, dropped her eyebrows as if
she was surprised, and with a sad look, whispered to Mielle
in silence,
“What if it’s true? And you’d better also know that nothing
changes when you’re so angry . Now you don’t have anyone
to sacrifice like Emma, do you?”
‘Don’t tell me you’re going to grab my hair . I hope you do it

. ’ Expecting it, Aria smiled with a victorious smile, and
Mielle, who was shaking her whole body, clenched her teeth
. It was truly admirable self-control .
“… As expected, you’re also the daughter of a foolish

prostitute . Things don’t work that easily, but you can’t even
figure out who you are . The blood of vulgarity deserves to
remain shallow forever . ”
Then Mielle turned and disappeared upstairs .
Aria, embarrassed by the fact that she didn’t know Mielle

would make such a shocking remark, stopped for a moment
with a dazed face, then let out a feigned smile . It was a
vulgar expression that suited her very well .
***
The imperial carriage carrying the Crown Prince headed for

the mansion of the Count Roscent . Wagons that were
decorated with brilliant gold were not one, but two . One
was carrying Asher, and the other was carrying gold and
silver coins prepared as gifts .
“Oh, my God, what’s that?!”
The carriages passed through the busy streets, so many

people witnessed the scene . Most of the royal family’s
actions were secret unless it was an official event, so those
who witnessed the unexpected outing opened their eyes
and created speculation and rumors .
‘Don’t tell me, His Highness the Crown Prince is going to

meet Roscent Aria…!?’
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Fact-based rumors quickly engulfed the capital as the

carriages headed toward the mansion of Count Roscent .
The scandal of the century drew everyone’s attention .
At that, a smile lifted the corner of the mouth of Asher, who

examined the documents in the carriage . He looked very
happy, unlike his usual, expressionless face, because he
was on his way to see Aria . Of course, he could have visited
as many times as he could without showing up like this, but
he deliberately chose a fancy wagon with the imperial seal
on it . The reason was simple . It was to spread more and
more between himself and Aria . The reason why he had to
make such a choice was because he wanted to show off .
The great woman who was dealing with the empire was her
lover .
“I’m pleased to see Your Highness the Crown Prince . ” The

carriages arrived at the mansion of Count Roscent across
the capital, with all eyes on them . As soon as the carriages
stopped, the Count and Countess said, giving a full courtesy
. As of yet, Asher didn’t even get off the wagon, but they
looked very nervous .
The servants and maids, who were waiting around the

Countess, also bowed their heads . Mielle and Cain also took
a polite attitude . Among them, Aria greeted him with her
own back upright . It was her own privilege .
“Lady Aria . ”
Asher, who got out of the carriage late, was wearing a fancy
dress she had never seen before . The white suit had the
number of gold on it and was dazzling, and his fine-tuned
hair and graceful appearance were admired . Unlike his
previous black suits, which had erased his presence, his
appearance was clearly the Crown Prince .

possible .
between chapters .

159

Scandal Of The Century, Part IX
Chapter 159 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part IX
Translator: Khan
‘If you had just dressed up like this, I would have recognized
that you are the Crown Prince . ’
Aria greeted him with a flush of redness as he was more

attentive than the academy’s completion ceremony .
“Mr . Asher, you’ve had a hard time after coming a long way
.”
“I was just happy on my way to see you . ”
Asher said in a friendly manner . They could only hear his

voice, but they could feel how much he was for Aria .
“And the hardships must have been with the people in the
mansion . ”
‘What a benevolent person you are . ’ The Crown Prince

might be a little arrogant, but Asher said something he
didn’t want to say to the people around him .
“Many people have suffered as you said, so please look
around the mansion decorated with all their heart . ”
“I’ll do that . I’m looking forward to it . Will you guide me?”
“Sure . Who else would do except me?”
In response, even Aria performed a pretentious

performance, giving great emotion and joy to those who
could only hear their voices .
“… Mr . Asterope . ”
As the two continued their futile talk in front of those who

had bowed their heads, one of the closest aides of Asher
finally winked at him by calling his name . This was because
the conversation continued until all the presents on the
wagon were dropped .
The one who spoke was well acquainted with Aria . It was
Sorke, the knight whom she had met in the general store .
Sorke, whose eyes met Aria, paid a brief silent tribute to her
.
“Oh, I’m sorry . You can all stand up . ”
Only then did the people of the mansion, who raised their
heads, identified the face of Asher . Unlike the secret rumors
that he had shown only the weak aspects pushed by the
Aristocratic Party, he was so bright and handsome, and they
tried to swallow their reactions that were about to erupt .
‘What on earth is that gold and silver coin?’ An unheard-of

gift of a wagonload of great gifts stole their attention . It was
like a great gift in a fairy tale .
“This is my father and my mother . ”
The Count and Countess, who were briefly fascinated by

Aria’s introduction, bowed down again .
“I heard you’re good people . Especially, the Count was very

good at business . Lady Aria may have inherited that
brilliance . And the Countess… you’re such a beauty . I
thought the most beautiful woman in the empire was Aria,
but there are actually two . Thank you for allowing me to
visit this way . ”
The tension disappeared a little from the Count and

Countess’s face as he complimented them by flattery as if
he had oiled his mouth . They had been very worried
because he was the Crown Prince, but he was so different .
The Countess gazed ecstatically at him with a flushed face .
“And here… my brother Cain and sister Mielle . ”
Cain and Mielle took their courtesy at the introduction of

Aria, which followed . It wasn’t a bright look, but it wasn’t
even a face to be pointed out . They looked nervous, but the
Crown Prince could overlook it . As expected, they were
nobles, who knew how to hide their true self .
“I see . ”
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Nevertheless, the response from Asher was cool . It was

because he recognized Cain’s face . He couldn’t think of him
as a good man who had shown his possessiveness to Aria in
court . It was the dirty desire to possess her under the mask
for her younger sister .
Besides, next to him was Mielle of the rumor . The sister

who had used dirty tricks to bring Aria to death, and she
was also the frontman of the ugly princess Isis .
They should be affectionate, but they had a brusque face .

Asher gave strength to his fists for a while, and unlike the
friendliness, he showed to the Count couple, he finished his
greetings to Cain and Mielle with a quick glance .
“I am hungry . Maybe it’s because I’ve been in a hurry since

morning to meet you . ”
‘How can you show them this satisfactory response?’ Aria

smiled brightly at the words of Asher, and the Count and
Countess’s face was again in contemplation . They then
made a fuss, saying, “We should have moved to the dining
area where we arranged in the garden before he mentioned
it!”
Cain and Mielle, who couldn’t complete the introduction

properly and couldn’t move due to stiffness, were laid aside
. In the first place, he was in a position that was not strange
enough to ignore them, and now the most important thing
here was the hunger of Asher, so no one cared about it .
“I’m glad the weather is good . We’ve arranged a luncheon

in the garden . ”
As she took his hand and moved to the luncheon venue, she
glanced behind and saw her sister and brother, who tried to
hide their angry expressions .
‘The Crown Prince has visited, and you won’t be able to

leave first . ’
‘How uncomfortable is this seat?’ They, who despised Aria
for her humble origin, were now swallowing their anger,
unable to resist a higher status than they were .
‘You reap what you sow . ’
Aria, feeling better thanks to Asher, smiled brightly and

gracefully . It was a more beautiful smile than a garden full
of lilies . Then, Asher also smiled facing Aria, as if he felt
better . The two looked like they had already fallen in love
with each other even though they just started dating . The
Countess, who was impressed by this, glared her eyes and
looked at it .
As soon as everyone sat down at the table, the meal began

right away without delay . Whether they practiced all day
and night, the movements of the attendants were so neat
that they made no mistake .
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“You must have cared about it . ”
As he said, the elaborate dishes filled the tables one by one

. They were course dishes that used the highest quality
materials . It would be fine if it was dinner, but it was a little
bit too much just for lunch .
Since he had left all the work for the meal to the Countess,
the Count noticed the fact now, and he had a sinking heart .
He seemed to think it was irony . At the inappropriate
response, the Count swallowed and was worried that the
Crown Prince would not be angry .
“I am deeply flattered by your treatment as it is too much . ”
But unlike the Count’s worries, Asher was grateful for the
meal rather than complaining about it, and he enjoyed it .
The Count soon looked puzzled, and the Countess, who
could not grasp the atmosphere, asked, blushing with
delight, thinking that she had been praised for her work .
“I don’t know if it will fit your taste . ”
“What are you talking about? It’s delicious . ”
Although it was not necessary to gain their favor, Asher

expressed his feelings to the Count and Countess
throughout the meal . He behaved as if he had the lowest
position there .
However, no matter how hostile he was as an opponent, as

the Crown Prince, who would be the next emperor, he
lowered himself and talked intimately . The Count became
more excited like a disciple who wanted to be praised by his
teacher .
“I heard that you’ve had a hard time with the fur business .
”
“Yes . Taxes on luxury goods are too much!”
“Oh, my… I could have helped you if I had known

beforehand . I’m sorry about that . ”
“Thank you, those kind words are enough . I’ve been

struggling with taxes for a while, but fortunately, Aria
proposed a warehouse business, and I’ve been able to cut
the taxes significantly . It was a bit of heavenly luck . ”
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‘You don’t even know what you’re talking about . Who

helped you? Aria? In the first place, you made me suffer
because of the tax matter . ’
As if to prove that he was not the biological father of Aria,

he showed his foolish side . Asher answered with his eyes
squinted because of laughter,
“Oh, you did . Lady Aria is very intelligent indeed . I guess

that’s why I’m after her restlessly . ”
The Countess had already uttered a lot of exclamations that

she couldn’t even count how many it was, and the
conversation ended with Aria being praised . It was a matter
of course . Today’s main characters were Aria and Asher,
and Aria had some commendable achievements, deserving
the praise . It was quite natural to take such steps .
Mielle’s face was pale, unable to put anything in her mouth

the whole time because the table was uncomfortable .
Sometimes she stared at her father, who complimented Aria
.
Cain, on the other hand, gritted his teeth because of the

friendly conversation that were happening, and he didn’t
touch the food in front of him as well . Nevertheless, he was
afraid of his future and could not show it .
Aria, who glanced sideways at the two, smiled and opened
her mouth . “Father and Mr . Asher, don’t say that . I still
can’t catch up to Mielle . She’s the best aristocratic spirit I
have to emulate . ”

possible .
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160

Scandal Of The Century, Part X
Chapter 160 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part X
Translator: Khan
Who would think so? When Aria deliberately pretended to be

modest enough to know that no one thought so, it suddenly
turned into an atmosphere of pouring cold water .
None of them were positive, but this was enough to shame

Mielle . For someone who didn’t know, she would look like a
saint to cover up her sister who had damaged her, but
Asher, who knew Aria’s true self, broke his silence and
opened his mouth because he realized what she was trying
to do .
“… Did you? I didn’t know that at all . I wonder what kind of

person she is going to be because Lady Aria’s praise is so
great . The Count must be secure since you have two wise
daughters . ”
It was as if he had never heard it before, and the Count

answered by wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, and
Mielle swallowed shame by blushing under her eyes . It was
better to be scolded .
However, she could not be angry or away from the place
where even the Crown Prince was watching .
Cain, who had seen the situation, stepped in to mediate .

“… Didn’t you say you’re here to get the permission?”
The topic about Mielle was not very important, so it quickly

changed . Aria, who was watching Mielle’s ugly scene, also
looked curious . She wanted to hear it in person even
though she was expecting it .
“Ah, yes . ”
Asher also seemed to have no intention of wasting time on

useless things anymore, and he got to the point . He
thought that it would be better to take a walk alone with
Aria while looking around the mansion than this boring
spectacle he was having with Aria’s family members .
“I have already confessed to her and have a date with her,

but I also thought it would be better for me to get formal
permission from you . Maybe…”
He was asking permission from the Count and Countess, but

his gaze was on Aria . It was as if he was asking for her
permission instead .
“It’s likely to be more than that . I’ve been talking to her in

advance, but I thought it would be better to ask for your
permission . ”
‘More than that?’ There was only one more thing left .
Although she had expected it, she couldn’t show any
reaction as if she was shocked to hear such a remark
directly from the Crown Prince . The difference between
imagination and reality had brought silence . ‘What else can
I say? I can’t say no to him even if I want to . ’ In the garden
where silence had fallen, Aria responded quietly with a smile
.
“What do you think, Count and madam?”
“… Yes!? Yes, yes…” In embarrassment, the Count replied,

stammering heavily . It was an unknown answer whether he
liked it or not .
“Your Highness doesn’t need to ask permission . If you like

each other, then that’s what you should do . ” And the
Countess answered with tears in her eyes as if she had been
proposed to . She prayed for a rise in status that no one had
ever achieved .
It seemed like they were done eating because everyone’s

hands had stopped, and Aria asked Asher, who had taken a
few sips of prepared tea without delay . His face was full of
happiness . “Mr . Asher, why don’t you take a look around
the indoor garden my mother has arranged by herself?”
“Is there such a great place? I really want to look around . ”
“Then I’ll leave first . ”
Aria, one of the people who should be surprised more than

anyone else by what he said just now, stood up with a bright
smile, and the Count nodded like a broken doll . And next to
him, the Countess looked sad as if she wanted to be with
her .
As soon as the two disappeared toward the indoor garden,

the Countess ordered the servants and maids to hurry up
and tidy up the garden and the mansion a little more .
Taking advantage of the gap, Mielle called the Count who
had stood up from his seat with a slightly dazed face .
“Father . ” Her face, when she called, looked as if she had
lost the world .
“… Mielle? Is something wrong?”
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‘Did anything happen to make Mielle look like this?’ The

Count, who could not remember that even if there was
something, hurried up to her, worrying . Then Mielle was
wary and looked around for a moment, and then she said
what was bothering her in a low voice .
“… His Highness the Crown Prince and Aria never match .

No way!” Mielle sounded desperate .
When the Count asked her as if he didn’t know why, she

expressed her opinion with reasons .
“You’ve decided to help the princess . By the way, how can

you think of allowing my stepsister to date the Crown
Prince? Helping the princess… wasn’t that to check His
Highness?”
“Yes… I did . ”
‘Why is your answer in the past tense when you said yes?’
Mielle furrowed her forehead and began to persuade the
Count again .
“In addition, you are the one who has led the Aristocratic
Party yourself . I can’t believe you’re about to have a
relationship with the imperial family now…! Are you sure
you don’t mind if all the efforts you’ve made come to
nothing? You’re thinking of wearing that kind of shame?
You’re not!”
“… Mielle . ”
“If you show such a disappointing appearance, I’m sure the

Aristocratic Party will be scattered . They just got back
together . ”
“Mielle, I know what you’re thinking, so calm down a little

bit . ”
Mielle kept talking with great excitement, and the Count

gave a light pat on her shoulder and calmed her down . It
was a pat to fully understand her mind even though he
didn’t understand it at all .
“Of course, I agree with you . But it’s not that easy to decide
. Isn’t he the Crown Prince? Besides, he likes Aria so much,
and we can take advantage of him . ”
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The Count, who seemed to be excited, had realized what

could be gained from Aria and Asher’s relationship .
“I’ve been reporting to the Duke at last, so I’ll have to ask

him for an opinion . Other nobles also agreed that it would
be a waste if we kick him out . ”
“… Father!”
Mielle held the Count’s sleeve to the nuance that he did not
want to stop her from getting married . It was her begging,
“Please don’t do that . ”
“Well, I’ll go check to see if there’s anything else to prepare

for, and let’s talk about it later . ”
The Count had no intention of missing this rare opportunity,

and it was Mielle’s persuasion that was eventually thrown
out . It was because of the attitude that Mr . Asher showed
today that he had made up his mind . Asher’s attitude, as if
he would have presented the whole world to Aria, moved
the Count .
“Mielle . ”
It was none other than Cain who called the name of Mielle
while staring at the Count’s disappearing back . He must
have overheard the Count and Mielle’s conversation, and his
expression was very serious . The poor Mielle, who lost the
Count, clung to her brother this time . He also had such a
miserable face as if he lost his country in a crushing defeat
in the war .
“Brother…!”
“Yes . Let’s go up to your room first . ”
Unlike Mielle, Cain tried not to show what he was thinking of

. ‘How can he deal with the Crown Prince himself?’ The
angrier he got, the more miserable he would be .
In addition, Aria was his younger sister, even though they

did not have any blood relation in the first place, unless the
Count got divorced . And since there was no sign to
estrange between the Count and Countess, he was almost
in a state of abandonment .
But Mielle wasn’t . She had a mission to separate Aria from

Asher . It was a mission that she must succeed this time .
After losing Emma, she no longer had a shield, so she had to
walk on her own .
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“You don’t want her involved with the Crown Prince?”
Cain nodded at the straightforward question . Unlike giving

up because the situation was not right, he couldn’t hide his
unwanted feelings .
So Mielle, who grabbed Cain’s sleeve, took him to an empty

lounge because she needed a helper after she had lost
Emma . And she had no doubt that Cain would be a very
appropriate and useful helper .
“Let’s stop our father together! I’ll never get her involved
with the Crown Prince!”
“Mielle… what are you talking about? How can we disagree

if they like each other? Even if our father opposes it, if they
push ahead with it, there is nothing we can do . ”
Cain replied as if it was not worth discussing to Mielle, who

was eager to persuade him .
“What do you mean? If things go on like this, the family of

Count Roscent might be in big trouble! We might get cursed
if we become traitors!”

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161

Scandal Of The Century, Part XI
Chapter 161 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part XI
Translator: Khan
“… Stop it . Our father said he’d be talking to the Duke, so

he’d find a way . ”
Cain was also likely to come up with a way, so he would not

be branded as a traitor and also make a profit .
It was very simple . Asher had fallen in love with Aria very
much, and if he would control Asher through Aria, it would
be all right . It was a slightly different method from the
princess, but it was one of the ways to make the Crown
Prince into their doll .
It was a highly feasible plan if Aria decided to follow them .

She was also a member of the Count’s family, so she would
be forced to follow them . The Count and the Duke would
surely try to go with that plan .
“No! You can’t do that . Never!”
Mielle shouted as if she had come up with a plan, whether

she had thought of one or not . Although she was still
young, it did not suit her . The image that she had only
shown to Emma was sometimes revealed in unnecessary
places because there was no one to show it . Cain’s eyes
touched her, embarrassed by the unfamiliar look .
“… What if there is a sure way to separate her from His

Highness?”
“… I say again, such a way…”
“No! Brother, I have it . It’s a way that will not only separate
Aria from the Crown Prince, but it would also make her
never be able to be with someone forever . It’s a little…
dangerous . ”
Mielle, who penetrated Cain’s heart, made a bitter offer to

him . She looked confident . Apparently, she was not just
saying empty words .
‘If that’s the way it is… no matter how dangerous it may be,
I wouldn’t take it . ’ But he couldn’t easily nod his head
because her expression was so insidious .
***
Although it must be a mansion inferior to a stable compared

to the Imperial Castle, Asher did not miss a single path to
the garden . There were interest and admiration in his
gleaming blue eyes . Aria asked Asher, avoiding people’s
attention,
“It’s just a small mansion with nothing to see, so what’s so

fun here?”
“I think it’s fun to think that you’ve been here all the time . ”
As for Aria, who had lived there for more than a decade and
faced death, he probably meant her few years of stay in the
mansion after she had entered the Count’s family . Aria
closed her mouth, and as soon as he noticed it, Asher
hurriedly changed the topic .
“How was it today?”
“… Yes?”
“I asked if the Count and Countess were satisfied . ”
This time, Aria was speechless for a different reason . She

was shocked to know that he had been truly trying to win
their favor . It was a great honor just to make a visit…
“… Was it not good?”
Again he asked her, and Aria shook her head with a small
smile .
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“That’s not true . I’m sure they would have liked you if you
hadn’t shown favor otherwise . You’re in a position to do so
in the first place . ”
“Hmm… it’s a little bit disappointing to hear that since I’ve

tried my best, but it hasn’t worked . ”
“…!”
He had made his futile efforts, but he was pleading for

praise like a child . ‘Oh my God . You are a fully grown man,
but why does this look so cute?’
“It’s because there is no need to say that, so don’t be angry

.”
So, saying so, she gently touched his palm . Then he

reddened his ears a little and quickened his steps . He
seemed embarrassed and wanted to avoid people’s eyes .
After his birthday this year, the official age of Asher was
much higher than her’s, as they were twenty and seventeen
years old, respectively, but Aria had lived a life longer than
his . So it was clear that he would not be able to overcome
her life experience even if he lived another lifetime .
Aria asked teasingly, “Shall we go to the indoor garden

quickly?”
“… I’m ashamed, so let’s do that . ”
Aria laughed a little louder at the sight of his cuteness and

candor at the same time .
***
A letter with her name arrived at the mansion if it was true

that the judge was interested in Aria as he had mentioned
last time . The letter was sent under the name of “Frey,”
except for her last name, so she tore the envelope off,
thinking he was a businessman who wanted to get an
investment, but she could not shut her mouth after reading
it .
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[I’m Frey, and I’m a judge . I have no last name because I
came from the Imperial Castle . I’m worried about your
health . Good tea and sweets have come in, and I want to
have fun and talk with Lady Roscent . Please write down a
possible date on when we could meet and give me an
answer . ]
‘Oh my God . Does she have a secret design? Did she really
show interest because of the rumors, as Asher said?’ It
troubled her mind that Frey had been surprised to see her
face in court .
‘Why was she so surprised? Does she know me? The woman
from the Imperial Castel?’ Aria thought it would not be
possible, but she had to meet her to confirm . She didn’t
think she would do harm to her, so she wrote back a few of
the earliest dates she could visit .
It didn’t take a day for the reply to arrive; it was as if she

was waiting for Aria’s letter . She proposed to meet Aria on
the earliest date she had sent, and that day came faster
than she thought .
“Miss, you have to decorate yourself a little more

gorgeously . You’re about to become the Crown Princess…”
Since Asher’s visit, Annie had been talking like that, no

matter what clothes she wore, “You’re about to become a
Crown Princess . ” She was not the only one . From the
servants and maids of the mansion to those who she did not
know, they all regarded Aria much more than ever before
and respected than ever .
‘It’s because Mr . Asher crossed the capital in a glorious

carriage . How surprising . Though it was late, I was told that
he had passed all the busy streets on purpose . It’s as if he
was showing off who he was going to meet and make a
rumor . I didn’t see him like that before… though he was the
Crown Prince, he was still a man . ’
When asked if she didn’t like it, the answer was no . He

wanted to show off because he liked her, and it could be
possible for her to dislike it .
“Why don’t you change your dress now?”
Aria smiled as she laughed at her nagging to wear a fancy

dress without knowing where she was going . And in a
moment, she heard someone calling . “The wagon’s ready,
Miss . ”
She put down the book she was reading at the call of the
servant and got up from her seat .
‘I hope it’s not bad . ’
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Things were so easy that there was a sense of uneasiness in

the place where it was not necessary . Aria, who looked at
herself again in the mirror, breathed out deeply and left the
mansion .
***
Frey’s mansion was located in the suburbs . Although she

was a royal family member, it was a simple house that could
not be compared to the mansion of the Count . Unlike other
aristocratic mansions, she could guess her pedigree
because of how high her walls were .
It was only natural that Frey’s mansion was small . It was

because she was a royal family, not a successor . In order to
protect the imperial power, only minimal support existed for
the royal family, except for the Crown Prince . Sometimes it
was extremely rare for the Crown Prince or the Emperor to
give major posts to those who were highly trusted, but it
had nothing to do with Frey, a woman .
It was a great deal of treatment for her just to get a position

as a judge . Not only were there a few single female royal
family members, but most of them had lived quietly with the
support they got from the empire .
“Miss! It’s about to arrive!” said Annie, who checked as the

mansion grew closer when she looked out of the window .
Annie’s nervous expression was evident because it was her
first visit to the imperial mansion . This was the same for
Aria, who failed to grasp Frey’s intentions .
Soon after Annie’s words, the carriage stopped at the

mansion gate . A royal guard that could be seen out of the
window looked strict . However, with a very simple
procedure, the guard opened the front door so that the
carriage could pass through .
The carriage stopped in front of the mansion through the

small but beautifully decorated garden . The voice of the
driver who announced the arrival was heard . Even though
the knight and Annie’s eyes were on Aria, she did not go out
immediately . She touched her head and clothes and asked,
“Annie, how about my clothes?”

possible .
between chapters .

162

Scandal Of The Century, Part XII
Chapter 162 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part XII
Translator: Khan
“Perfect!”
Even though Annie answered like that, she straightened

Aria’s dress just in case . She had seen Frey once in the
court, but she had invited Aria like this . Therefore, it must
be because it was important .
‘I don’t know her intention, but I can’t be blamed for

anything even if it’s something small . ’
Not so relaxed, Aria stepped out of the carriage with her

graceful figure . Frey, who had been waiting, greeted her
with a warm welcome .
“You must be tired after that long journey . Come on in . ”
“… Thank you for inviting me . ”
She greeted Aria with a very bright look and friendly

manner, contrary to her concerns . The cold-hearted judge
she had seen in court was nowhere to be found . There was
only a middle-aged woman with a soft smile .
Surprised by this, Aria answered slowly, but without finding
fault with her, Frey led her to the lounge by herself . Aria
followed her dignified steps with a straightened back .
‘As expected, she was a royal family member…’
Unlike its small size, the interior of the mansion was

splendid . Each of the little ornaments on display looked like
a work of art in the hands of a craftsman . Even Aria, who
had had many opportunities to experience quite colorful
gold and silver coins through all the parties she attended
before, didn’t know what to say .
After walking around for a while, she was able to reach the
lounge . There were fragrant tea and sweet snacks on the
table as if they had just been prepared for Aria .
“It’s been a long time since I saw you in court . I’m sure you
were surprised that you were invited by me all of a sudden .
I suddenly thought of you, so I sent you a letter without
realizing it . I’d like to have a little chat with you while we
drink some tea . I’m afraid I will cause you some
inconvenience . ”
“No, thanks for inviting me . ”
“I’m relieved as you say that . I’m sure you will like the tea
and refreshments, which I have bought and waited to get
after a long time . ”
Frey said so, savoring the taste and flavor, and Aria also
picked up the cup of tea and answered with a savor . As she
said, it was a fragrant tea .
“It smells really good . ”

“It tastes even better . ”
“Really? I’m really looking forward to the taste . ”
Aria smiled softly and took the teacup to her mouth . ‘Why
does she serve this tasty tea?’ Hiding her astonishment at
Frey’s favor, she tried to find out her true intentions, but it
was impossible . There was no information she could get
from her as she talked about the tea and the weather with a
soft smile .
So Aria was waiting for the main point, drinking tea and
eating snacks, and suddenly, Frey started asking strange
questions, “What is your hobby?”
It was only about her hobby . Aria rolled her eyes hard and
tried to find a hobby she didn’t have because Frey was very
curious about whether it was just a question to keep the
conversation going .
“Hobby? Um… I don’t think I’m into anything else . It’s like
reading a book . ”
“I see, it is reading . That’s why you were so knowledgeable

. You can get innate intelligence and fulfillment in reading . ”
“Thank you for your kind consideration . ”
“Well, what’s your favorite food?”
Again, Frey was very curious about Aria’s favorite food .

Aria, still a little perplexed by her unknown intention,
continued to ponder .
“My favorite food is… Well… I think it’s meat . ”

“I see . Meat is important for growth . Then, what is your
favorite color?”
“… Blue?”
“It’s a beautiful color . What’s your favorite flower?”
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“Tulips… and lilies . ”
‘Why on earth does she ask these questions?’ Aria

continuously wondered because Frey looked genuinely
curious since she kept on asking these random questions . It
seemed like she was asking to not just have a conversation .
They were questions and interests that she had never heard
from the Count after she had come into the Count’s family
and met her new father . No, not even her mother had
asked about her with such great interest . It was strange to
receive such great attention from someone who had nothing
to gain from her, and she could understand such interest if it
was from the opposite sex .
“It’s so mysterious . ”
In addition, she could not change the topic as Frey

occasionally admired or was surprised . In the end, her
unpredictable actions caused Aria to feel uncomfortable in a
different way than when the first time she felt
uncomfortable with tension .
When she wiped her forehead with a handkerchief and
expressed it, Frey hurriedly apologized after realizing that
she had overreacted to the first visitor she had in the
mansion . “Oh, I’m sorry . I didn’t mean to inconvenience
you, but I was rude without knowing it in order to satisfy my
self-interest . ”
“No, it’s okay . ”
“How can you be so broad-minded? Did you say you will be

seventeen this year?”
“Yes? Oh, yes . I’ll be on my upcoming birthday . ”
“The timing is so similar…”
Aria cocked her head as Frey said something she could not
understand… And Frey, who had shown her a soft look for a
moment, asked carefully if she could ask a favor .
“Sure, why not? I don’t mind as long as I can do it . ”
Aria thought Frey couldn’t make a strange request to the

first visitor she had, and making a gentle smile, she
pretended to be a fine lady and said that she was willing to
do that . Frey’s request was possible for Aria, but it was
strange .
“It’s a little big in size, but it looks good… like he’s back . ”
“…”
Aria didn’t know how to react to this, and she just kept silent
. Frey asked her to wear a man’s clothes! She even blushed
when she saw that .
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“Miss…”
Annie called Aria, pretending to fix the awkwardly dressed

man’s clothes because Aria had a bad look on her . Aria,
speechless in various complex emotions and shocks, had to
comply with Frey’s demands for a moment as if she had
become a doll .
She couldn’t ask what the hell was going on . ‘What does
she mean by that lonely look?’ If she were happy to see
herself in a man’s clothes, she would ask it .
“… I’m sorry . I didn’t mean to do this, but when I saw you, I

was caught up in memories, and I behaved indecently . ”
“… No . ”
She was the one who should have been shocked . However,
Frey was gone while Aria was changing her clothes again,
and when she returned after a long time, she had her eyes
dyed red . Aria made a promise that she could no longer
complain and said, “I’ll go back now . ” She wasn’t happy
with the situation that was hard to understand .
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay longer . I had a previous

engagement . ”
“No, thank you very much for your visit . This is the tea you
drank today . It’s such a precious tea, so please enjoy it
after your return . ”
Annie took the gift, and Aria, who was escorted by a knight,
was about to get on the wagon .
Suddenly Frey called out Aria’s name loudly . “Well, Lady

Roscent!”
“… Yeah?” Aria was surprised . She looked back and saw

Frey with an urgent face .
Frey seemed to be picking words for a while, and then she

brought up her reason for calling Aria . “Well… didn’t the
Countess say anything?”
“Yes? What…?”
‘Did she know my mother?’ Aria couldn’t understand Frey’s

question, so she asked back . Frey shook her head with a
resigned look as if she was about to say something .
‘What the hell is that?’
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“… I’m sorry . I’m not old enough to be senile, but I guess

I’m already senile even if that’s very unlikely . ”
“Miss . Frey… What are you talking about…? I don’t really…”
“No, you’re late, so you’d better get back . ”
Then Frey told her to head home carefully and disappeared

into the mansion before Aria could even get on the wagon .
“What the hell was that?”
Annie asked for what Aria wanted to ask in the returning

carriage . However, the one that was supposed to answer
Aria’s question was already gone, so only silence remained
in the wagon .
Aria was so nervous when she accepted the invitation, but

she had only experienced so many unthinkable things that
she could not earn a little . Feeling confused, Aria headed
straight to the mansion .
***
After arriving at the mansion, she was a little tired from her
nervousness . She took a rest for a while and went down to
the dining room at dinner time . Soon after the meal began,
the brother and sister began to oppress the Count as if they
had prepared in advance .
“Father, I don’t think it’s good to have a connection with the

Crown Prince . ”
“Cain, haven’t I said I have already finished talking to other

nobles?”
“You’d better reconsider,” Cain replied with a determined

look .

possible .
between chapters .

163

Scandal Of The Century, Part XIII
Chapter 163 . The Scandal Of The Century, Part XIII
Translator: Khan
As if he was frustrated, the Count put the fork down loud on

the table and got angry . “That’s not a matter for you to get
involved in! That’s what Aria’s will is already, and I’ve also
given my approval as the head of the count family!”
Mielle’s fine hand stopped him as he tried to raise his voice

in rebuttal .
“Brother, there is nothing we can do as our father decided

that . He is the head of the count family, right?” But her face
was so grim that she also showed great opposition to it .
‘But what is your reason for stopping Cain?’ Slowly chewing

the salad, Aria observed Mielle .
And Cain called her name with a groan, “… Mielle . ”
“Have dinner before it cools down, brother . ”
Cain, who followed his sister’s words rather than his

father’s, glanced Aria and quietly kept eating . But Aria had
a lot on her mind because of the strange things that had
happened during the day, and even Cain and Mielle
empowered her concerns and questions, so Aria left the
dining room without finishing her meal properly .
Aria, who went back to her room thinking it would be better

to have a cup of tea to cool her mind and go to bed, was
appalled at the sight of a stranger in her room .
“Who…?!”
“Shh . ”
As Aria was surprised and was about to scream, an

uninvited strange visitor hurried up and gently wrapped
around her waist . With the other hand, he lightly closed her
mouth to buy time for a while so that she could not get
stuffy .
“Lady Aria, it’s me . ”
The voice sounded urgent . Still, it was a familiar voice . So

Aria opened her tightly closed eyes and checked the
intruder’s face .
Then she saw the face of Asher with a soft glow . Who could
believe that it was Asher who was in her room, as he had
been the main topic of the conversation of the people of the
count family after she had just come to her room after
dinner? Aria, who saw him in front of her, blinked and
expressed embarrassment .
“Do you recognize me?”
Aria quickly blinked at Asher’s question and expressed her

sympathy . It was because her mouth was still blocked .
When he read Aria’s recognition, Asher took off his hand and
breathed a sigh as if he were relieved .
“… How…?”
‘Why did you come here?’ As Aria, still perplexed, asked .

Asher looked very disappointed and said,
“Didn’t I tell you that I’d be here today?”
‘Did you say that?’ She forgot because she hadn’t been so
busy lately .
It seemed that Asher had said he’d come again but was it
today? The timing was truly exquisite . It made her shudder
because it would have been possible for him to have
appeared while he was with her maids .
“I’m sorry . I’ve had so much to think about lately that I’ve
forgotten…”
So she apologized briefly, because she thought that he

could not appear suddenly without a promise, and she
thought it would be her fault this time . Then Asher, who
turned over her golden hair on Aria’s forehead, smiled
affectionately and replied, “It’s okay . ”
She must have been sweating because she had been

nervous . Though his hands were very friendly and warm,
her heart began to beat a little faster .
“What made you feel so hard like this?”
“Ah… just this and that…”
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The biggest problem of all was Frey’s work today . Come to

think of it, he had talked to her about Frey’s interest in
advance .
Looking at her, who was still tense and anxious because of

her troubles and Asher’s touch, he carefully sat her down on
the sofa, poured some water, and asked again, “Can’t you
tell me about it?”
“No, it’s not like that… it just happened a little absurd . ”
Instead, Asher was the only one to confide in, so Aria began
to carefully talk about what had been embarrassing today .
The letter had arrived from Frey and she had visited her
mansion, and after a series of questions, she had finally
handed her a man’s suit and asked her if she could try it on
.
When she explained that far, he was also perplexed by his

expression . Even if he said that the story was made up,
there was nothing to look strange, and the situation was not
common .
He cocked his head and said, “That’s strange . She’s not the
kind of person who did such a thing to the person who first
visited . ”
Aria responded by adding a little strength to her voice, “But

it’s all true . My maid, Annie, also saw that . ”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it . I was just thinking about why she did it
. I didn’t see her often, but I didn’t think she was the kind of
person . ”
Asher hastened to make an excuse . Surely it was
unbelievable to think of her as a judge . Therefore, he
furrowed his forehead for a while in distress and said as if he
had come up with something .
“So I heard that she has a brother who was kicked out . I
think she might remember her brother when she saw you . ”
“Her brother?”
“I don’t remember the details because it happened to me

when I was a kid… there’s a royal family who’s been kicked
out for an unpleasant incident, and I know it’s her brother . ”
“… My god . Then the clothes I wore?”
“Maybe it’s her brother’s clothes . ”
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“By the way, not her sister, but her brother? Why did she
think of her brother as a woman?” Aware of Aria’s question,
Asher added an explanation,
“I happened to see his portrait when I was very young . He

looked quite noticeable . When I first saw you, I had a sense
of deja vu that I saw somewhere, but I think he’s a little bit
like you . ”
“He looks like me…?”
Then, she could understand why she had done that, but… it
did not make any sense to… ‘Isn’t it strange to ask me to try
on the clothes of her brother, who was kicked out of the
Imperial Castle, with only a slight resemblance to his face?’
“While the hair and eye colors are different, the features
and the atmosphere seem to be the same . I only saw him in
a portrait, so I don’t know his real appearance . ”
‘If the atmosphere and features resemble each other, most

of them are similar . ’ She was embarrassed that she looked
like a man, not a woman, and hurriedly took a mirror and
examined her face . She was worried that her face might
have changed without her knowledge . Fortunately,
however, the beautiful face remained .
‘As a woman, my life is so complicated . There is a man with

such a beautiful face… I can see why he was kicked out of
the Imperial Castle…’
Aria, who was nervous, looked into her face for a long time
and asked Asher, who was watching the action for some
time .
“If you are nervous, shall I find out what happened? Maybe I
can get a portrait . ”
“I’d appreciate it, but… I’m afraid you’re busy . ”
“It’s okay because I’m not the one who will get it . ”
Aria, who had been frowned upon all the time, burst into a
small laugh . As he said, it was the men under him who
would become busy . It would be Lane .
Rather, Asher had a look of joy at being able to help Aria .

Even so, he was cute when he said he would drive his
subordinates hard, but not himself .
“I hope they don’t hate me . ”
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“Where is anyone who would hate you?”
‘Well, there are too many . ’ Right now, even in the mansion,
there was a girl in the mansion who hated her and wanted
to kill her . She had hated her so much, even in the past
when she had done nothing, but now she wondered how
much she would hate her . As Aria’s mouth went down again
because she thought of Mielle, his expression also became
serious .
“You must have a person in your mind . ”
“… Nobody is loved by everyone . ”
“No matter how hard it is, it’s rare for a person to come up
in an instant and make a smile disappear . ”
‘Yes . Unless they are in a grudging relationship, it’s not . ’

There was a momentary silence in the room because both of
them had such a person . She wished there were
refreshments, but unfortunately, the only thing on the table
was cold water, which made her feel awkward . It was then
that she was thinking about bringing tea out .
“Miss! I’ve brought tea!”
Annie’s voice was heard outside the door . Because it was

time for Aria to return from her meal . Aria, who was
thinking about what to do with Asher’s presence, quickly
talked to Annie to come in .

possible .
between chapters .

164

(III), Part I
Chapter 164 . Revenge (III), Part I
Translator: Khan
Annie hadn’t seen him show up in person, and Aria thought

Annie would never tell anyone that he had come because
she still had a lot to get from herself . Besides, even if she
would speak, they had already declared official dating, and
what would be a problem?
“The tea you got as a gift… Huck!”
Annie, who entered the room in Aria’s call, found him as a

matter of course and became as rough as she was in
surprise, and Aria rebuked her,
“What are you doing there? I was just about to get thirsty,
but that’s great . ”
“Yes? Yes…”
Annie wanted to ask how he had been here, but she was
quick-witted, so she prepared refreshments without asking
otherwise . Of course, she tried to listen and get even a little
bit of information, but the important conversation was over
and, to make matters worse, she couldn’t get any
information because Aria asked her to leave the room .
“Is it a Bacchians black tea? That’s a great tea . It’s not easy
to get . ”
“Oh, Miss Frey gave it to me as a visiting gift . ”
“… That’s what it is . She must have liked you enough to

give you such a precious tea as a present . I’ll be sure to
find out more about her brother . ”
After enjoying the tea for a short time, Asher got up from his
seat, saying, “I have to go now . ”
“Are you going now?”
“It’s already too late at night . It’s too late to be alone with a
woman . I was just going to check your face and go back . ”
When Aria was very sorry, he smiled and held her hand .
“I’ll be back next week at the same time . Please don’t

forget this time . ”
And as usual, he kissed Aria’s hand and disappeared . When

she called Annie back to clear the table a little later, she
responded with a hidden response and asked Aria, with her
mouth wide open .
“… My god . Where did he come in? I didn’t see him coming

. No, where else did he disappear?”
“He came through the window and went out . ”
“Re, really!?”
“Every time you make a fuss if he comes . That’s all he has
to do to drink the tea quietly, isn’t it?”
Indeed, there was no other way but to get through the

window, so Annie, who believed Aria, shut her mouth and
was amazed .
“Well, that’s right…! But I think it’s too dangerous . ”
“You don’t have to worry about it because he said it’s his

specialty . ”
When she mentioned in a nuance that she no longer wanted

to comment on this issue, Annie replied, “I understand . ”
Then she took out another topic .
“Oh, come to think of it, Miss Mielle seemed to have

exchanged letters with the princess again . According to the
maid who glanced over the contents, she said the princess
praised Miss Mielle . ”
“… Really?”
‘What else did she do? Did the princess praise Mielle for her
passionate opposition to the relationship between Asher and
me recently? Or is she up to something bad about it?’
Judging from the maid’s testimony that she had been
exchanging letters with the princess before she could do
anything bad, Aria thought it would be unusual .
“If anything happens in the future, please tell the maid to

tell me . And give a small gift to her . ”
“Yes, yes . Miss! Don’t worry . Everyone in the mansion is

already on your side . ”
‘As Annie says, everyone is on my side, unlike in the past,
but why am I so anxious? Is it because of the princess who
is plotting behind her? Or is it because there is no sure thing
that can certainly get rid of Mielle? Yeah, maybe this is a
chance . I can use it as a counterpoint for Mielle to do
something bad . ’
Unlike in the past, when there was nothing to lose, now with
much in hand, the clumsy act of poisoning could not get rid
of Mielle . Aria had no choice but to hope that Mielle would
choose the path of self-destruction, as she had done to
Emma last time .
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Revenge (III)
A few days later, it must have been true that Mielle was
plotting something, and ladies gathered at the mansion . It
was because of a tea party hosted by Mielle . It was an
unprecedented scale, so she wanted to refrain from going
out, but she couldn’t .
“Miss, you’re running out of time . ”
“… Yes . ”
It was because today was the day to award scholarships to

students at the academy . Aria also had to attend because
she was providing huge scholarships .
Of course, it wouldn’t matter if she sent an agent, but a

good image of herself was just beginning to spread . It was
necessary not only to meet prospective businessmen at the
mansion but to show up here and there in a rush .
“Are you going out?”
Mielle spoke softly to Aria, who came down the first floor
alone .
‘I’m sure the last conversation ended in a curse . ’ Aria, with

a laugh, answered yes, and Mielle folded her eyes softly and
asked again . It was a sweet smile she had never seen
recently .
“When will you be back?”
“Well, I don’t think I’m coming in today?”
So when she managed to resist the delirium coming out, she

answered with a false answer, and Mielle’s face, which was
like a fluffy petal, quickly turned icy cold .
“… Really?”
“Really or not, is there an obligation to report it to you?

When were we supposed to be like that?”
Despite the fact that there were other ladies around Mielle,
she turned around in a cruel way . They were women who
she had no need to look good anyway and had no
advantage from .
“… My God, how vulgar of speech!”
“Who the hell is calling her an empire star?”
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“Isn’t it a falling star? A falling star with a long tail hanging

out . ”
“Maybe . ”
“Oh, poor Lady Mielle…”
At their whispering voices, Annie gritted her teeth and

uttered a small curse . At the same time, there was a
compliment on how to deal with such bad girls and deal with
them so resolutely .
‘I can’t be resolute . ’
There was already a lot of sweat on her hands .
It wasn’t simply because there was a quarrel with Mielle . It

was thanks to her overreacting to her answer that she
would not come back today . It was clear that Mielle was
going to do something today, as she had worried .
***
When she arrived at the academy, Baron Burboom

welcomed Aria with a bright smile .
Then, by giving Annie a look right behind her, he announced

that their relationship had progressed very much . Aria
smiled brightly and said, “Would you like some time to talk
with Annie?”
“… Yes? Oh, no!”

So when she made fun of him for nothing, the Baron of
Burboom was so startled that he shook his hands . Annie
pretended to be indifferent, fanning . It was then when she
was going to make a little more fun of them because it was
so cute .
“Lady Aria!”
Someone called Aria’s name . When she turned to the place

where she could hear the voice, there was Sarah in full
dress . People’s eyes were on her with the three knights,
perhaps because she couldn’t come with the busy Marquis
of Vincent .
“Lady Sarah…?”
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‘But why did she come here? I didn’t send her an invitation,
and it’s not a great event to honor . ’ Furthermore, there had
even been no Marquis Vincent, who had always followed
her, worried .
‘Why on earth?’ Aria couldn’t hide her embarrassment

because she couldn’t grasp her intentions, but Sarah smiled
softly and handed over the letter she was holding in her
hand to Aria .
“It’s a reply . I think it’s a little late . It was partly because I

was thinking about it, and it was because I persuaded the
Marquis . ”
‘Reply? … Don’t tell me, the letter I asked you to be a
teacher at the academy last time!?’ She had thought her
reply was a little late, but she had thought Sarah had to
consider the political position, too, so she couldn’t help it .
However, she didn’t expect her to bring it herself . And that

kind of benevolent face she had! She had thought Sarah
wouldn’t turn it down because it was her request, but it was
true that she was inwardly anxious . Aria rushed to open the
letter she had received from Sarah . The content was very
concise . Nevertheless, it struck Aria’s fancy .
[I’ll accept the offer of the lovely Lady Aria . 』
‘… How can I not like Sarah?’
Since reading Sarah’s letter, there was no Aria who, as the

empire’s star and Investor A, had pretended to be graceful
in the eyes of people .
“I can’t refuse your offer as you are doing such a good thing
.”
“Sarah…!”

possible .
between chapters .

165

(III), Part II
Chapter 165 . Revenge (III), Part II
Translator: Khan
Aria, who had forgotten the time and place before Sarah’s
words had finished, hugged her . The Baron of Burboom,
who had never seen Aria like this, opened his eyes round
and hardened like a stone .
“I’m surprised that you remembered my dream that I once

mentioned before . I thought I was too far from my dream,
so I forgot, but I can’t believe I had a chance like this . ” said
Sarah, stroking Aria’s hair . She looked so touched that it
would not be strange for her to shed tears right away, unlike
just now, when she had kept her face calm all the time .
Now Aria had grown into an adult at the outer appearance

and it looked very strange, but Sarah and Aria fell into a
world of their own, without being aware of their
surroundings .
But no one laughed at them . They didn’t know what they

were talking about, but who could laugh at them when they
relied on each other?
“Wouldn’t the Marquis of Vincent hate me?”

“That’s not true . The Marquis of Vincent likes you very
much . “Even at a young age, she’s great,” he said, praising
you . He was just worried that you have something to do
with the Crown Prince . ”
Sarah answered so and looked around . She seemed to be

concerned because it was a political story . And the knights
of Aria and Sarah, who noticed the signs, surrounded them
to block the eyes around them, but they were not enough to
even block the conversation .
Aria grabbed Sarah’s hand and urged her to go inside . The

wary Baron Burboom hurriedly changed the seats for Aria
and Sarah, and because of that, Aria was free to talk to
Sarah throughout the ceremony .
“And this is a secret… I thought I’d tell you… Actually, the

Duke of Frederick has visited the Marquis several times . ”
“… the Duke?”
“Yes . I think he has visited not only the Marquis but also the
others . Those are the ones who stay neutral . He also came
to my father even though he was a humble family . ”
‘Is it because the princess failed to make such a remarkable

achievement, or is it because of the power of Asher?’
Perhaps it was both, but it was not an easy matter to see
that even the Duke moved in person, unlike in the past .
‘… Will Mr . Asher be all right?’
‘Does he know this fact? I think he’s working on something

because he’s so busy that he can barely see my face . ’ She
believed he would do well on his own, but she could not rest
assured that he had been helpless in the past . She hoped
she could get him to know this as soon as possible… She
was impatient because there was still a little time left before
his visit .
Sarah added, holding Aria’s hand to see if it was revealed on

her face . “That’s why the Marquis made up his mind . ”
“… Did he determine?”
“Yes, the situation is that he can’t keep neutral anymore . ”
It was not necessary to ask which side of the group he was

supposed to be supportive . If the Marquis of Vincent stood
by the Duke’s side, Sarah wouldn’t be here .
Aria asked Sarah with a little relief, “Did anyone else make
up their mind like the Marquis did?”
“Maybe? They’ve often visited the Marquis . Until recently .

They were all great people who loved their country . ”
If so, it meant that they were not on the side of the Duke to
abandon the country and join hands with a foreign country .
It was only then that Aria, who was relieved, was able to
recover her original face when Sarah added that other
novels, who had been neutral, including the Marquis,
seemed to have met Asher .
Still, the reason she felt uncomfortable was that she heard
the news from Sarah, not from Asher . Even if he would talk
to her, she would not say anything to others around, but he
had not said anything . He had just said, “I’m doing well . ”
‘I think I should say something when I meet him this time . ’

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With such determination, she again straightened her back

and smiled gracefully . Nevertheless, Aria, who did not hide
her benevolence, proudly rose to the podium . As Aria
ascended to the podium, countless students who were
indebted to Aria stared at her with respect and awe . She
called one and one to give mercy, and she called Hans’s
name for the last time .
He had already been awarded another scholarship for his

outstanding grades, and he was with a puzzled look at why
his name was called again .
“I promise to support your living expenses, including

scholarships, until you graduate, because you have
excellent grades and you are intelligent . ”
As soon as Aria’s words were over, the audience was in a

state of uproar . This was because it was an unprecedented
support . It was not just a scholarship, but a support for
balancing the living cost . He didn’t work even for what the
academy intended .
Aria, who smiled softly at Hans, who was perplexed, soon

turned to see where Jessie was . She wasn’t even supported,
but she was thrilled with her mouth shut . It was only a
penny at the most .
“Hans, I didn’t make this decision just out of past

relationships, so I hope you don’t feel burdened and accept
it . ”
‘It’s only when you do well that Jessie is happy . ’
Finally, Aria, who patted Hans lightly on the shoulder, came

down from the podium with everyone’s praise . Hopefully,
he would develop as much ability as he got support .
***
After the ceremony, she had a long conversation with Sarah

and was on her way back . She could see Annie’s chest
opposite her with a strange brooch .
‘Come to think of it, the students at the academy are

wearing it . What’s that?’
When she was curious and asked, Annie, replied with a

significant smile .
“You’re just beginning to notice, aren’t you? It’s a feat of my

loyalty to you!”
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“What does that mean?”
When Aria asked again for the answer that she did not
understand, Annie began to tell the long story .
“Isn’t this similar to the brooch you first gave me?”
“In fact, I bragged that I got this brooch from you! I told
them it was the evidence of your recognition . And they
were all jealous . So…”
“So?”
As Annie took some time to say, even Jessie pricked up her

ears and showed her interest . The knight who rode the
wagon together didn’t show up his interest, but he also
seemed to be curious about it .
Annie opened her chest wide and said, “I made a similar but
cheap brooch, to give to those who are loyal to you . ”
“So, they’re kind of followers of Miss Aria, right?”
When asked by Jessie, cocking her head, Annie raised her

voice, saying, “Yes! Other forces and groups all have their
own emblem . Well… the common people don’t have that,
do they? So I thought, ‘let’s make it too!’ I made it for the
purpose of doing it . Oh, my God . I didn’t expect so many
people to follow Miss Aria!”
“Because Miss Aria is such a worthy person . ”
Jessie, who answered as if it were right, reached out her

hand, asking for one . Annie looked at Aria’s face and said,
“I’ll give it to you later . ”
‘You sold it . ’
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Aria was sure Annie would have sold it . Even the cheapest
brooch would cost money to make, so it was worth it, but it
had been done without mentioning anything to her master
herself .
‘Yes, I’ll overlook your fault just this time . ’
It was a great thing to do because there was nothing like an

emblem to bring people together . Aria also liked her fast
report of telling the truth . By the time she got to the
mansion, the sun was already going down, because she had
quite a long chat with Sarah .
The young ladies who had come before her leaving the
mansion as Mielle’s guests were still not going back, filling
the garden and enjoying tea parties . For a tea party hosted
by a minor, the time was quite long .
As soon as Aria got off the wagon, the keen gaze of the

ladies gathered around her and fell to her . There were also
a mix of adult women in it, who really didn’t know who they
were .
“Are you enjoying your party?”
Aria greeted such foolish women with a graceful gesture .

The only thing that was better than the common people was
to pretend to be noble . Nevertheless, it was to remind them
that they were shallower in their behavior than the common
people .
“… Of course, it’s a party invited by such a noble lady . ”
Ashamed of this, the young ladies bristled up . They

disparaged Aria without knowing that it was a ship that sank
due to holes everywhere .

possible .
between chapters .

166

(III), Part III
Chapter 166 . Revenge (III), Part III
Translator: Khan
“Oh, my God, you’re wearing a very unusual bracelet, aren’t

you? Is it a popular bracelet among the common people?”
‘How faultless I am!’ A young lady went so far as to insult

the bracelet she was wearing . ‘You don’t know who gave
the bracelet to me . ’
She seemed very curious, so Aria smiled softly, and

answered, “Unusual, isn’t it? It’s a bracelet from the Crown
Prince . ”
“…!”
Although they were hostile to the Crown Prince, he was the

Crown Prince .
She insulted the gift of the one who would become the
Emperor . If Aria told him the truth, she would be punished
for insulting the royal family .
But because she no longer felt the value of dealing with

these stupid women, Aria looked around, ignoring her pale
face . At the center of the crowd was a bright-faced Mielle .
‘What the hell are you going to do?’
Aria spoke to Annie to get Mielle’s routine today and went

up to her room . She then ordered the cleaning again in
case of any danger she didn’t know and opened the window
wide to pay attention to the garden, and nothing happened,
whether it was unfortunate or not .
“Miss, she has been enjoying the party, but she hasn’t taken
any other action . ”
So did Annie’s report . Aria was all the more subdued by the
report that Mielle had not done anything unusual .
‘Isn’t that I’m so nervous for nothing?’
Nevertheless, she read a book in her hands, looking out the

window, and she could see the Count coming home late at
night .
It was also noticed that Mielle, who was enjoying the party,
greeted the Count with a smile, and that Cain, who followed
him, glanced up at her room . The real Count family went
into the mansion with a smile .
As the usual scene of everyday life caught her eye, the

tension gradually disappeared . So she was sighing for relief
and trying to relax, but someone knocked on the door .
“Sister, I have something to say . ”
It was Mielle . Once again her whole body was in a state of

tension .
“Come out and look . ”
“I’m changing my clothes, so tell me there . ”
“I’ll wait, then . ”
Mielle’s reply was firm . If it was, as usual, she would have

ordered a maid, but would she wait outside the door?
Aria picked up a box of the hourglass in doubt that

something bad might happen . ‘Let’s turn the hourglass
around as soon as something happens,’ she opened the
door with such determination .
“… What do you want to say?”
Then she saw the Count behind Mielle . He also had a face
that said he did not know the reason . Mielle, who was
looking at the box Aria was holding for a moment, smiled
awkwardly and called her out saying that she wanted to talk
together . It was so strange .
So it was then that she slowly stepped out of the room and
approached the Count’s side, giving strength to the box that
carried the hourglass . Suddenly, Mielle pushed the Count
down as hard as she could from the edge of the stairs . It
happened very quickly .
“…?”
“…!”
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The Count falling under the stairs tried to hold Aria’s wrist
reflexively, but what he caught was not her wrist, but the
end of the bracelet that was given by Asher . Only Aria’s
bracelet fell to the ground with the Count, and Mielle
screamed,
“Somebody! Somebody, help me! My sister pushed my

father on the stairs!”
‘Are you really crazy?’ Aria didn’t know Mielle was going to
push her father down the stairs, so Aria, whose legs were
loosened, sank to the floor . Aria thought Mielle would kill
her if she did, but she hurt her own father!
‘The, the hourglass…!’
The shock shook the hand that opened the box . It was a
very short time, but it felt like a thousand years . Her heart
was thumping enough to pop out . Fortunately, she soon
opened the box and got her hand on the hourglass, and as
she was trying to turn it around in a hurry, someone popped
up in the middle of this misery like a vision .
“Lady Aria?”
It was Asher with a pale face . ‘Why did you show up so

recklessly when you had someone else?’
The Count that fell down the stairs, Miele, whose eyes were
round when she saw him, and Aria, who fell on the floor…
As soon as he saw through all this, he took Aria’s hand .

Then he disappeared, leaving behind a screaming Mielle .
Only the Count and Mielle were left in the crowd of those
who came to ask what was going on .
***
The misery that Mielle pushed the Count down the stairs
quickly turned into a forest . It was a bit of a familiar forest
now . There was also a mansion in front of her, decorated a
little more beautiful than last time with various flowers and
ornaments .
“Lady, Lady Aria! Can you hear me? Where did you get
hurt…?”
Next to her, Asher kept calling Aria’s name . She didn’t hurt
at all, but he looked pale as if he was about to fall . It
seemed as if it were a vision .
“Lady Aria?”
The anxious voice of Asher calling her name sounded clear

in her ears, but she could not respond as if she could not
hear it .
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Mielle, who was pushing her father away without a moment

of hesitation, and the Count, who reached out to her with
wide-open eyes at the moment he fell, and Asher, who
appeared at that incredible moment… The unthinkable
happened one after another, and after many more calls
from Asher, Aria came to her senses .
“Mr . Asher…”
As Aria, who tried to rise from her seat in haste, fell back to
the ground because she didn’t have any strength on her
body, so he hurriedly supported her .
“What? Yeah… I’m fine . ”
Aria, who blinked a few times to find herself, checked her

hand . Fortunately, the hourglass was in her hand . She had
to turn this hourglass around and go back to before Mielle
had pushed the Count . So when she came to her room, she
wouldn’t open the door, pretended she wasn’t there, and
she would turn everything that had happened…!
“…”
Just as she was about to turn the hourglass around, Aria

stiffened at the thought of it .
‘… How long has it been?’
She hadn’t had a clue of how long it had been since Mielle
had pulled the Count .
The time to return with the hourglass was only five minutes
. It was a very short time, so she always checked and
calculated the pocket watch before using it, but she couldn’t
check it because what had just happened was quite an
instant .
Even at this moment when she was thinking about whether

she could go back to the past, her hesitation grew bigger
and bigger as time was running for one second, two
seconds, and so on .
‘In addition, if I turn back the hourglass here… I’m going to
stay here alone . ’
As Aria had experienced, when she turned back the

hourglass, everyone around her returned to the past five
minutes ago, but she stayed the same . ‘What if she turned
back the hourglass and she stayed in the woods, and after
her bracelet was broken when Mielle pushed the Count from
the stairs, time would turn back to when he appeared in the
mansion?’
It would be the worst situation . With the hourglass, she

couldn’t solve the current situation, so she had to stay calm
and find another way .
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“You’d better enter the mansion first . ”
Asher’s worried voice rang from her head . He was

supporting her, but she was still sitting on the dirt ground .
She was about to get up with a nod of her head, and then
she had a sense of deja vu .
‘… So how did Mr . Asher appear in the spot?’
How did he appear? It wasn’t the day he was supposed to

visit, and it wasn’t her room . He had appeared right next to
Aria as if he had known what had happened .
Maybe… if he hadn’t come, she could have turned the

hourglass around and escaped the situation . When she
thought that way, her voice popped out with a little bit of
resentment and anger . It was because she thought that he
had interfered .
“… How did you get there? It wasn’t the day you promised .
”
Then Asher took a little time and answered, “… It was

because the bracelet was broken . ”
“The bracelet?”
“… Actually, I enchanted the bracelet that I gave to you . So

I’ll know if anything goes wrong . But then it suddenly went
off… knowing that the bracelet is broken… I was surprised if
something went wrong with you . ”

possible .
between chapters .

167

(III), Part IV
Chapter 167 . Revenge (III), Part IV
Translator: Khan
She had thought it was unusual, but she hadn’t thought it

had such a deep meaning . Now it wasn’t surprising that
there was such magic—moving through space and turning
back time—and that it was a simple magic .
‘What else can I blame him, who said he was worried and
ran straight ahead without delay, for? Even his ability that
he had been hiding all the time had been revealed .
If it had not been Mielle alone who had been there, but
dozens, no, hundreds… Aria overlapped her hands in the
hands of Asher, who wrapped her shoulder .
“… Thank you for coming . ”
A subdued voice came out with a bit of trembling . It was

simply because of the fact that he had come, and she had
no way to undo this misery that dominated her mind and
was angry without knowing it, and she was so sorry . ‘Is
there anyone else in the world who would worry so much
about me as much as him?’ No, she could affirm that there
was no one else .
After a brief pause in Aria’s frank confession, Asher
suddenly embraced her tightly . He held Aria in his arms,
fearing that she might disappear at any moment .
“Thank you very much for being safe . ”
In the darkened woods, the two felt precious to each other

for a long time .
***
“No, I just thought I was too shameless . You are still so

young and innocent…”
‘Oh, my God . If the other guy said that, I’d slap him on the
cheek, but you… why are you so cute? You don’t even know
that I’m much older and not pure . ’
If it were not for the situation, she might have answered

that it would be okay for him to be shameless . She didn’t
know what he had come up with, but she also thought she
might have answered that it was okay for him to do so .
He kept his eyes in the air and didn’t move for a while .
Then he reached out to Aria with a face that said, “Nothing
happened,” as if he had admitted his shameless self .
“Shall we go?”
As soon as Aria, who smiled at him, nodded, the two

disappeared in an instant from the small villa in the forest .
***
“How—how can you be here in this shabby place when you

are a noble…?”
Because of the Crown Prince, who suddenly appeared in the
middle of the night, a Viscount managing a small estate that
was quite far away from the capital appeared like the wind .
This was because he was told that a beautiful woman and
the Crown Prince, who showed up without a single servant,
were looking for him .
Perhaps he was about to go to bed, but without proper

clothing, he visited a restaurant where the Crown Prince
waited . He was in a hurry, and he was short of breath
though he had ridden a wagon . Asher didn’t care about
this, and he didn’t feel sorry for him at all .
“I’m sorry if I had come this late at night . Maybe it’s a small
estate, so there’s no place to stay . ”
He added a word, hitting his glass against Aria’s glass on

the other side . His eyes were filled with affection .
“I don’t know if I’m alone, but my lover is with me . ”
The eyes of the Viscount were naturally directed at Aria .
“…!”
‘Oh my God, can a woman of this world be this beautiful?’
All he could see was her beautiful appearance even though

she wore clothes and jewelry that were clearly the finest .
Any rhetoric in the world would be insufficient . For this
reason, the Viscount was simply absent-minded and was
drawn to her, forgetting that she came with the Crown
Prince .
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“Well, I don’t like that eye of yours . ”
As soon as the Crown Prince gave a light tap on the table,

the Viscount hardened his body . He quickly found his fault
and bowed his head to the ground .
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’ll take you to the castle right
away…!”
He must not have been that incompetent than Asher

thought, and since he had done a single act of disrespect to
Aria, like a moth caught in the light, he had thoroughly
controlled his actions .
“Mr . Asher, I don’t have any gold coins because I didn’t

bring my servant . What do I do?”
Aria spewed out a very graceful expression for her lack of

money . The fancy jewelry on her wrist, which held the
glass, became shinier as the light was reflected to it . Selling
it alone was enough to buy most of the stores on this estate
.
“I see . Then I’ll have to buy it on credit . ”
But if Aria’s ornaments were not even visible, Asher

answered calmly . At the words of the Crown Prince’s plan to
make a credit, the Viscount raised his voice in amazement .
“Oh, no! I’ll pay for it! Oh, no! Let me pay!”
But Asher shook his head lightly because he had to buy it on

credit .
“No, put it in my name . Write down the date and the
current time, too . I’ll send a servant to pay for it later . ”
“Yes…? Yes, yes…”
It wasn’t an amount that he couldn’t pay . It was necessary

to intentionally buy it on a credit and leave a trace . That
was why Asher called the Viscount in the middle of the night
.
It would take them half a day from here to the Roscent

mansion in the capital even if they rode a horse without
stopping . In other words, if they started to run a horse by
the time the sun set, they would arrive a little bit before
midnight .
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There was still a little time until midnight, but they were
going to leave a trace here on purpose to leave a piece of
evidence that Aria had left the capital without staying in the
mansion .
Of course, it was best to cross the border right away, but it

would take two more days to get to the nearest kingdom,
the Kingdom of Croa, even if they rode a horse . Therefore,
they had to leave a piece of evidence inside the country first
. After all, the timid Viscount could no longer express his
opinion and ordered the restaurant owner to make a credit
account .
[Eleven o’clock in the afternoon . His Highness the Crown

Prince Franz Asterope, Lady Aria of the Roscent family: Five
golds on credit . ]
Asher, who checked their credit book that even had the
restaurant owner’s signature, left his signature on it . Then
he handed over the book to Aria and suggested that she
should sign it as well .
“What is certain is good . Isn’t that right, Lady Aria?”
In fact, if anyone who didn’t know their relationship saw it,

they might laugh at it for asking the woman who
accompanied him to sign the credit account .
But Aria signed it as if it was only natural, and the two had a
very pleasant look on their faces . The witnesses said, “This
may be the trend in the capital city,” and accepted it .
“Don’t you ever lose it until my servant comes to pay for it .

Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes!”
How dare he lose a book signed by the Crown Prince

himself?
In addition, the woman who accompanied him, if any, was

Lady Aria of the Roscent family . They had heard rumors
that she was dating the Crown Prince, but they had never
thought that they would show up like this . The eyes, ears,
and minds of the people gathered there were busy because
there were two celebrities .
“You must be tired of moving for half a day, so you’d better

take a break . ”
Asher and Aria, who had intentionally told some stories to
them, asked for a place to rest for themselves .
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“… Of course! I’ll get it for you right away!”
The quick-witted Viscount immediately guided Asher and

Aria to his castle . Although it was a very small estate, the
lord had a castle because he was a lord . Aria, who had been
treated with a hearty reception and was ready for bed, lay in
bed and shut her eyes for a while, but she couldn’t fall
asleep and got up from the bed .
‘Is it because of the feeling of alcohol?’
The champagne had very little alcohol, but alcohol was

alcohol . Unlike in the past, when she used to drink alcohol
like water, it was her first drink . Maybe that was why she
couldn’t fall asleep because she was burning up as if she
had a fever .
“Is there any good place where I could freshen up for a bit?”
“Oh, yes! We have an indoor garden . We keep the windows

open at night for ventilation, so you can get some fresh air .
”
She thought she couldn’t sleep like that, so she headed to

the indoor garden under the guidance of the maid . Aria,
who arrived in the indoor garden, opened her eyes wide at
what she saw . It was past midnight, so she thought there
would be no one else there…
possible .
between chapters .

168

(III), Part V
Chapter 168 . Revenge (III), Part V
Translator: Khan
For some reason, Asher was already there . ‘Can he not

sleep, too?’ There were quite a few papers in his hands .
Asher came strolling toward Aria in embarrassment . Aria
was wearing a simple dress and a single outer garment .
“Do you feel uncomfortable, Lady Aria?”
“Not at all . It’s a lot more comfortable here than the

Roscent mansion . I just came out because I couldn’t sleep .
I drank some alcohol . ”
With the utmost service of the Viscount, she liked the

accommodation . It was a small castle in a small land but
inside it was clean and pleasant, and the bed was gaudy .
What was more, she was with someone who she could be at
peace with .
She was annoyed by the fact that she was causing trouble
for the busy man, but she decided to accept it because it
was not a usual thing that happened every day, and he
seemed to be wondering how to help her .
“You’re burning up . ”
The hand of Asher touched Aria’s cheeks . The cold hands of

the night air felt good, and as she lightly rubbed her cheeks,
Asher’s eyes narrowed .
“… Still, I think you’d better be in your room . The night is

dangerous . ”
She was surprised by his subdued voice and tone, but she
answered him as if she didn’t know because she wanted to
talk to him a little more even though she knew that the
danger he was referring to was himself and not the outside
world .
“Why? There’s Mr . Asher here . ”
“…”
‘What else can he refute when she answers this naively?’
Finally, with a deep sigh, Asher escorted Aria to the table

where he had just been reviewing the documents .
“You have to go back as soon as your fever cools . ”
Of course, he didn’t give up completely on sending Aria

back to her room .
Aria replied with a smile, “Ok, by the way, what are you
doing this late at night? … Is it because of me?”
“Ah… yes . I was going to tell you tomorrow morning, but I’d
better tell you now . ”
“Yes, I went to the capital to look into the situation there for
a while, and I heard that the family of Count Roscent had
filed a complaint with the guards . ”
“…”
She expected that, but it was already… There was a grin on

the fast-paced situation as if it were ready . If he really
hadn’t come, she would have been caught without proof,
and she clenched her fist .
Asher wrapped her soft fists and added, “Don’t worry . As

you said, the participants at the tea party have become
witnesses . Fortunately, they seemed to think you were still
in the capital city, so they were only looking for you there .
No rumors have spread . ”
“… You mean I’ve become a criminal for now . ”
“For now, that’s the case . So we need to rush across the

border to make sure . ”
Although evidence had already been made, it was better to

go around and make the evidence more clearly . Also, it was
much better outside the country than at home .
‘It won’t be difficult since Asher has the power . ’
As she thought so and tried to relax, Aria suddenly

remembered that if he used his power, he would pay just as
he did .
“…!”
‘How many times have you used your power? Is that okay?’
She had to sleep all day long after using the hourglass .
‘How many times did you use it today?’
Aria became worried and asked Asher, “Are you all right?
How many times have you used your power…?”
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“This distance is fine . It’s not that far away . ”
“I’m glad to hear that, but…”
Unlike Aria, who could only use her power once a day, he
could control the distance of his power on his own, so the
price for using his power seemed to be different . Still, it was
true that she was worried, so she spread her fists and held
the hands of Asher .
“It’s not enough for you to worry, so you can relax . You
should go to bed as soon as possible . You have to get up
early in the morning . ”
“… I see . ”
Aria did not return to her room but waited for a long time for
him to turn the documents and review them before
returning with him .
***
Aria and Asher left early in the morning, and someone

knocked on the door of the office of the Viscount, where he
was enjoying his leisure . When he answered, “Come in,”
one of his faithful knights came inside, making a fuss .
“Viscount, Viscount! Did you hear that? Lady Aria of the
Roscent family, who was called the Imperial Star, killed the
Count last night!”
The shocking news from the knight’s mouth surprised him

so much that he got up from his seat .
“… What? Last night? What are you talking about? You know
that Roscent Aria was here last night!”
“Yes…? But… is the beautiful lady, who came here with His
Highness the Crown Prince, Roscent Aria?”
“Yes! I did see it clearly with my own eyes—the name on the

credit account! ”
The Viscount raised his voice who had seen the ridiculous
book, which had been signed by Roscent Aria . When the
Viscount contradicted, the knight expressed his question,
cocking his head .
“If so… that’s weird . No one could travel that far after
committing a crime in the capital, right?”
“Haven’t you heard anything wrong?”
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“No, I received the document directly from the capital .

Please look at this!”
The knight handed the document from the capital to the

Viscount . The Viscount looked at it over and over again as if
it was unbelievable .
“What’s this nonsense…”
It was an official document even stamped with a seal . When

the Viscount no longer spoke and murmured to himself, the
knight uttered a plausible hypothesis .
“Surely, she was falsely accused . ”
“That’s probably what happened . ”
“I don’t know who it is, but it’s absolutely stupid to make

such a ridiculous claim . A lot of people saw Roscent Aria,
who was with His Majesty the Crown Prince .
“Hmm… . there’s a book she signed, so there are certain

witnesses and proof . ”
There was a moment of silence in the office with the

ridiculous official document between them . Soon after, the
Viscount crumpled the document and put it in the trash can
.
“The guards of the capital have gone as far as they can go .

Who will take responsibility for this? Let’s not pay attention
to such useless things, and let’s do our job . ”
“Yes, sir . ”
They then returned to their positions as if nothing had

happened .
***
When they left the territory with the first trace, she was
worried that he would use his ability, but fortunately, he did
not . It was because a plausible carriage was waiting in front
of the castle of the Viscount .
If the wagon was too fancy, then bandits might target it, so
it was a carriage that didn’t seem too uncomfortable . Aria,
who had hoped for Asher to not use his power any longer,
was about to sweep her chest away, and an unexpected
face surprised her .
“Good morning . Your Highness Asterope, Lady Aria of

Roscent . Would you like to leave for the next city?”
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It was none other than Lane . He somehow looked tired

when he greeted Aria and Asher . It was hard to recognize
because of Lane’s shaggy hair that seemed to be fake, but
when she looked closely, she found that it was clearly Lane .
Furthermore, Sorke, the Knight of Asher, was next to him .
They came out early in the morning… maybe they came

running all night from the capital . She didn’t know if Asher
had the ability to carry a carriage, but from his complexion,
it was clear that he had probably been running all night .
It was only the two of them without a driver or a servant, so

she called out his name and asked, “What on earth is this?”
As soon as he recognized Aria’s gaze, he answered quietly,

“To leave evidence that we are moving . ”
She didn’t understand what he meant, but she couldn’t
show it, so she got on the wagon as he had prepared . Then
she asked Asher again as soon as they left the place where
the Viscount and the people of the estate said goodbye to
themselves with a big bow .
“What do you mean to leave evidence? And a carriage

without a servant…”
“This wagon is literally for evidence . It’s for evidence to

pick us up only when we leave and cross the border . That’s
why we don’t have a servant . We don’t have to . ”
‘Oh my God . So we’re moving somewhere in the middle?

And using his power?’ Last night he said he was fine, but
Aria kept worrying because she knew he had to pay the
price just as she did every time she had used the hourglass .
So when Aria’s expression became very dark, he added that
he was okay .

possible .
between chapters .

169

(III), Part VI
Chapter 169 . Revenge (III), Part VI
Translator: Khan
“I should not have said I have to pay the price . I realized

my limitations a long time ago, so I’ve never used my power
to fall down ever since, so don’t worry too much . ”
“But…” It was possible that with distance this far he might

go beyond his limits without realizing it .
As the light of concern lingered on Aria’s face after he had

explained it several times, Asher held her hand gently . “In
addition, I am a descendant of the blood of the first
emperor, who was called a half-god . I’ve seen the ancient
texts that someone, who does not succeed the blood of the
royal family that had been passed down through
generations but who was taken from the outside will pay a
serious price… However, I hope you’ll be relieved of your
worry because I will not be harmed at all with this much . ”
She could not refute it any longer when he said that he

would be careful .
Come to think of it, he had used his power many times last
night . Unlike herself, who once used her power and had to
fall asleep all day, Asher was fine .
Of course, being worried was another matter . This was

because she realized through this incident that their abilities
were not omnipotent and that relying on it could lead to an
unexpected mishap .
“… I understand . Instead, I hope you don’t overdo it . ”
Understanding Aria’s worries, Asher gently kissed the back

of her hand and promised to do so .
“I’ll take your words into consideration . ”
Aria was relieved of her worries, and Asher held the

hourglass’ box in her hand and said,
“But it’s okay today, so we’d better move on . The carriage

is uncomfortable . When we get a comfortable carriage, let’s
get on the wagon and move . ”
She thought he would not let it go because he was stubborn,

but she didn’t even feel like blaming him because he added
an excuse .
“… I understand . I’ll pick up my stuff . ”
So when she gave up and got the hourglass box back from
him, he moved the space as if he had waited . The sudden
change in vision was no longer surprising to Aria . As Aria
toured a quiet vacant lot outside the village, he handed over
a black cape to her that he had prepared .
“For now, wear this cape . You’ll have to buy some clothes
first and change them . ”
The clothes that she was wearing only attracted people’s
attention, and Aria wore the cape and hid her whole body
without saying anything . She looked very suspicious . So
she went into the clothing store . She bought a simple dress
and changed to it right away .
“… I want to hide all your hair as I wish . I think it’s better to

cover your face, too…”
Asher furrowed his forehead upon the beauty of Aria, which

he could not erase even though she had changed into a
simple dress . He seemed to want to hide her beauty that
was too much .
Aria smiled and asked him to relieve his worries . “Should I

tie my hair?”
“No, I don’t think that’s going to solve it . ”
“Well, do you want me to wear a hat?”
“No . Even if you do so… we’d rather go to a deserted place

.”
“A deserted place?”
‘Is there a place like that?’
As Aria asked back, wondering, Asher replied with a nod .

“Yes, we’d better get an accommodation . ”
“… Yes?”
Surprised by the unexpected answer, Aria stepped back and

sprained her ankle, and Asher hurried to wrap around her
waist to support her .
‘Where? Lodging? A place where we can be alone? Is that
really the sound that comes out of the mouth of a man who
had his ears blushing whenever we meet?’
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Aria asked if she had heard it wrong . “… Where?”
“Accommodation where we can be alone . ”
“…”
‘Oh, my God . ’ As Aria’s face turned pale from holding back

her hiccups, only then did Asher realize the meaning of the
“accommodation” that she might have misunderstood . He
folded his eyes slightly .
“Well, I didn’t know you were such a bold woman . If you’ve

told me earlier…”
“Oh, no!”
As if she had not had a pale face, she raised her voice with
her red-hot face this time, and he laughed out loud because
he found Aria’s actions very cute .
Unlike Aria’s needless worries and concerns, two

accommodations were taken . As the sun went down, the
carriage driven by Lane was supposed to arrive, and there
was no need to take two lodges, but he did that, because
Aria’s red face showed no sign of cooling down .
In addition, there was a mix of Asher’s pranks to make fun
of her . Despite having two rooms, Asher and Aria did not
stay in their rooms . They read books and reviewed the
documents in a different place instead .
“We didn’t mean it, but we’ve got a vacation after a long
time, so what do you want to do?”
As she was reading, facing the wind from the window, he

asked . Aria was in agony because it was like a vacation
where there was nothing else she could do, as he said .
‘Vacation…’
She had already had enough fun in the past, so she had
never thought of taking a vacation or playing . Rather than
having fun for nothing, she had enjoyed her busy days .
“Well… I’ve never really thought about it . It’s fun to do

something rather than take a break . Doing nothing will only
make me nervous . ”
“Umm… I see . ”
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Aria’s answer gave him a slightly sympathetic nod . But he

had a doubtful look on his face, so Aria, who covered the
book, asked him back . There seemed to be something he
wanted to do .
“What about Mr . Asher?”

“Do you mean me?”
“Yes . How would you like to spend your vacation? I can’t

really think of anything to do . ”
Then he answered as if he was expecting that Aria would

say that . “In fact, I want to walk on the streets with you
without anyone’s interference . ”
“Streets?”
‘Do you really want to do something that trivial?’ Aria

opened her eyes wide and asked back .
“Yes, isn’t it impossible in the capital city because you are

so famous . ”
“That’s true, but…”
It was ironic that Aria was more famous than the Crown
Prince, but it was inevitable that he had not been as often
seen outside as Aria . So Aria agreed and blurred the end of
her speech .
“Then, cover the book and stand up . ” As soon as what they

wanted to do was decided, he reached out to Aria . As such,
there was no reason to reject it because she wore a simple
dress worn by the common people . It was only a walk .
“Ok, then let’s go out for a while . ”
“Thank you, Lady Aria . And I’m sorry, but I’d like you to
cover yourself with a hood . ”
“Okay . ” Aria smiled with a bright smile . Moreover, since it

was what Asher wanted, she was willing to do it even if it
was difficult .
***
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Who was the one who had just been asked to go out for a
walk? Aria, who came out of the lodge, began to glisten her
eyes . Looking around constantly, it reminded him of a noble
lady who first came out to the street . He was sure she
would have been used to it if the days of when she was a
commoner were longer .
“Oh, my God, Mr . Asher! Look at that!”
At the end of Aria’s hand, there was a man who dazzled

people with a plausible magic trick . There were probably
more magicians that were more beautiful and mysterious
than this one, and perhaps because of the joy of being on
the street, she was very excited by the crude magic .
As Aria who was enjoying their walk more than anyone else,
watched every street vendor and adorned the street, Asher
smiled contentedly and held her hand gently .
“You look like a lost child . ”
Only then did Aria, realizing how excited she was, blushed
and avoided his gaze .
“Oh, I’m sorry . I’ve never been out like this before . ”
“You mean before you went into the count’s family?”

It was a question referring to when she was still a
commoner . When there were no restrictions on going out .
Aria hesitated, unable to answer the question for a moment

. She soon slowly opened her mouth . “At the time… We
were too poor to go out . There were so many pretty and
delicious things out there that I always wanted to buy .
Besides, it was hard for a little girl to go to a crowded place
alone . It was dangerous . ”
Prostitutes had been a disgrace not only to the nobility but

also to the common people, so she had been often told
harsh words by mischievous men . That had made her more
reluctant to go out . He had seen Aria in an exhilarating
mood in a long time . Since her face was starting to become
somber again, Asher changed the topic .

possible .
between chapters .

170

(III), Part VII
Chapter 170 . Revenge (III), Part VII
Translator: Khan
“… I’m so glad I came out with you . ”
“So am I . ”
It was the cry of a child who fell on the ground and cried out
that stopped her from looking around for such a long time .
As a random voice filled the noisy street, Asher and Aria’s
gaze also turned toward the sound .
“Argh! My money! My leg! Argh!”
At the direction of the child, rolling on the ground, was a

man running away from the crowd like a loach . The man
was very quick, even though he was big . He disappeared in
a flash within the crowd, and the screaming child was still
crying, unable to get up from the dirty ground . No, he tried
to get up, but he couldn’t . One of the child’s slender little
legs was twisted in a strange direction . The child seemed to
have fallen wrong, pushed by the man’s strong power .
“Argh! My leg…!”
The child was injured by a pickpocket, but no one reached a
helping hand because the child was so shabby . Aria’s
beautiful forehead was naturally frowned upon by the
overlapping images of herself from such a child .
At that time, he reached out to help the child in haste, but

all the child could do was roll on the ground, let alone hold
his hand in the pain of his broken leg . While watching all
this, Aria bit her lip and hesitated a little then took the
hourglass out of the box .
‘If the child had lost only money, I would have finished this
by giving the child some money…’
It was only a matter of time before a child in such a slum

would die if he had a disability . She had seen such a child
so many times and was able to decide because she had lost
them . Anyways, today’s schedule was all about a walk, and
most of all, he was around her . If he woke her up again, she
could get up somehow .
‘So, please, it’s not too late . ’ Aria turned the hourglass
back . And time went back, except for herself .
“Lady Aria? When did you take out your hourglass? More
than that, why…?”
As he was holding her hand, he suddenly pointed out the

hourglass that Aria was holding, but she had no time to
answer him . Looking straight back and grasping the child’s
position, Aria found a dangerous man in a hurry approaching
him .
‘That’s him…!’
She shook off Asher’s hand and hurried to push the child
back as hard as she could .
“Ouch!”
“… Lady Aria!”
The child, who was suddenly pushed out, rolled on the

ground, and instead what remained there was Aria, who
suddenly moved violently and gasped for breath .
‘What the hell is she?’ Because of the sudden turn of events,

the eyes of the people were gathered to the fullest extent,
and Asher hurried to Aria . The man surprised by her sudden
action might have changed his target, but the man had long
been gone .
“Why do you ask her that? I’m the one who fell down!”
Compared to being pushed hard, he didn’t seem to be hurt,

and the child stood up on the ground and screamed . He had
a nervous face .
Aria replied with a sigh of relief . “It’s okay . I suddenly

found a bug, and I was surprised, so… and I’m so sorry to
you . This isn’t an expensive thing, but it’s an apology . ”
Aria took her bracelet off her wrist and handed it to the child
. It was the cheapest bracelet she had, but the bracelet’s
value was enough for the child to live on for the next few
years .
The child, who had received the unusual bracelet, opened

his eyes and asked her several times if he really deserved it
and quickly disappeared from the street . He seemed to be
afraid that she would ask him to give it back .
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“I’m sorry . I think I’ll have to go back to the lodge . ”
It would have been better if she had caught the pickpocket,

but the frail Aria had no power to do so . So Aria, who had
given up catching him, put the hourglass back in the box .
However, Asher’s expression was strange .
“… Well, Mr . Asher?”
“… Lady Aria, the color of the ring…?”
‘The color of the ring?’ Aria lowered her gaze to her own
hand in response to Asher’s serious reaction .
“… Why did the ring’s color change?”
The ring had no problem, so Aria cocked her head . Asher

looked at Aria’s ring for a while and then looked at her . He
was dumbfounded .
“Mr . Asher?”
“I’m sure the color changed…”
He blurted his words and furrowed his forehead . He could

not talk about it anymore because the color of the ring had
returned to its original state as if it had not changed at all .
His ring’s color also came back after a while, but its color
took more time to come back . He knew that the remaining
energy in the ring after using the ability changed its color,
but there had been no such case as the energy disappeared
so quickly like this at least as far as he knew .
Strange as it was, he rubbed his eyes again and identified

the ring . However, the color of the ring still remained
unchanged . He must have seen an illusion because he had
used his power a lot for the past two days
“I must have seen an illusion . ”
“You must be tired as expected . ”
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“No, not like that, but…”
Nevertheless, Aria’s worried eyes caught him, so he nodded

. Aria also had to go back to rest because she had used the
hourglass . So the two soon turned to their quarters .
It was only a short time since they had come out, so they
were able to get to the accommodation quickly . Aria
checked the time . There was still plenty of time before
sunset, but it wasn’t enough to pay for the price after using
the hourglass .
“I’ll knock the door when the time comes . ”
Aria called Asher, who was about to return to his room, “I’m
sorry, Mr . Asher, but could you please wake me up when
the carriage arrives?”
“If I don’t get up… Please wake me up by hitting me . ”
“… Yeah?” When he was told to wake her up by beating her,

Asher opened his eyes wide .
Realizing that it was a strange request for others to hear,

Aria hurriedly added an excuse . “I tend to sleep deeply
once I fall asleep, so it’s not really easy to wake me up .
Don’t just call me outside . I was hoping you’ll come inside
and shake me to wake up . ”
However, the problem was that it was not a good excuse .

Asher’s eyes narrowed when he was told to come into her
room alone and wake her up . It was the look she had seen
yesterday . It was the look that was saying that he
understood Aria’s intentions, but he couldn’t tell if it was
real or not . So he confirmed the reason with his subtle tone
.
“… Do you mean I can go inside while you are asleep?

Without permission?”
“Yes, that’s not that difficult for you who have sneaked into
my room several times already . ”
It was Asher who was teased . Sometimes she got

embarrassed, but basically, she had lived longer than Asher,
and she was good at dealing with the opposite sex .
Sure enough, he answered Aria with the look of surrender .

“All right . I’ll wake you up and have a sound sleep . ”
Sponsored Content
***
After Aria fell asleep, Asher went over the documents he

had not read before without a moment to reconsider her
ring . Everything he had planned had been in the final
stages, so he carefully examined it for careful consideration
.
‘Now soon…’
It would be possible to regain the imperial power that had

been controlled under the hands of the nobility for a long
time . It was a great opportunity to break up the Aristocratic
Party and even the rest of the party .
Asher, who had checked the documents carefully until just

before the sun was down to the west, had the final report in
his hand . It was a new report from Lane in the morning .
Because he had been with Aria, he hadn’t heard the details,
so he thought it was a work-related report, but after reading
the first sentence, he realized that it wasn’t .
‘Why did he get it so quickly? It’s been just a few days since
I gave the order . ’
He had to check several times to see if this was really the

report he had ordered . It was because it had arrived earlier
than he had expected . It was not long before Asher found
out the report was correct and began to read it slowly .
possible .
between chapters .

171

(III), Part VIII
Chapter 171 . Revenge (III), Part VIII
Translator: Khan
[His name is Chloe .
He was banished from the imperial family and has no family

name, and he is thirty-seven years old . Known as the eldest
son of Violet, who was the wife of Franz David, he grew up in
the royal family but was later exiled from the empire with
Violet, who was later found out that he was not David’s
biological son . That was seventeen years ago . His
biological father is presumed to be a former lover of Violet,
Marquis Piaast of the Kingdom of Croa, but it is impossible to
confirm because they kept all the information secret . And
the whereabouts of Violet and Chloe are unknown . I’m
looking for a portrait . I’ll let you know as soon as I get it . ]
When he finished reading the report, he remembered a

vague story .
‘A long time ago, someone in the royal family fell in love

with a foreign aristocratic woman at the first meeting, but it
did not bear fruit because she had promised her life to
someone . Although he had to give up, the royal man
couldn’t stop thinking about her and forced her to marry
him .
Later, he lived happily with two children, but realized that

one of them was an extramarital child of a woman’s
extramarital affair, he then kicked out his wife and son in
anger and expelled them . ’
‘That was a true story . That’s why the report arrived quickly
.’
Although it was a while later, he seemed to have been

involved in the case that had made a fuss in the imperial
castle, so he seemed to be able to get information quickly .
It was a shame that the garbage who had forced a woman
to marry him even though she had already had her lover
was part of the royal family . A sneer leaked through his
tightly closed mouth .
A child made outside by a foreign aristocratic woman who

had been married to a royal family! He grew up to a royal
family, but in fact, he had nothing to do with the imperial
family . Rather, he was born to his mother and father, who
were nobles of the Kingdom of Croa .
Franz David .
That was the reason why he had died drunk all his life .
‘What the hell does a man with such a complex background

have to do with Lady Aria?’
Asher had heard that Frey, the eldest daughter of Franz

David and Violet, had dressed Aria in the clothing of her
brother, who had been deported with her mother . The
portrait was still being sought, so he couldn’t confirm it, but
in dim memories of the past, he remembered that the face
looked alike . He had thought it was simply because of the
resemblance in the face, but was there a deeper story? The
puzzle seemed to be in order, but it didn’t work out,
creating wrinkles in the middle of his forehead .
‘I’d better keep it secret until it’s more certain . ’
It would only increase her anxiety if he would let her know

the lack of information because he was not yet sure how it
related to Aria .
‘It’s hard to believe that time has gone like this . ’
Before he knew it, the sun was completely gone and it was
getting dark outside the window . The carriage, which no
one else was riding on, had lost weight, so it was more likely
to have arrived earlier than scheduled because it was a little
faster . He had to wake Aria up quickly and get on the
waiting wagon and get through the gate formally .
“Lady Aria, it’s time for us to leave . ”
“…”
“Lady Aria?”
“…”
So he called Aria’s name several times outside the door, but

there was no answer . As she had said during the day, once
she really fell asleep, she couldn’t seem to wake up .
“… You said it’s okay to come in, so I’ll really go in . ”
So he gave notice of what Aria had given her permission

and opened the door carefully . Although he had ever
sneaked in once, and he had been given permission, he
went inside clearing his throat in vain . It was obvious that
someone would misunderstand .
“… Lady Aria . ”
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She seemed to have no sleeping habits, so Aria’s face was

somehow pale . It also looked sick . Come to think of it, she
looked very strange today . She had suddenly pushed the
child with an excuse of a bug .
‘Is she okay? Should I call a doctor?’ He began to worry that

she might have been sick by a series of things . It wasn’t too
much to think like that . ‘Even though she was not a
biological sister, how could she remain intact when she was
framed by her sister?’
“Lady Aria . ”
As he thought of it, he stroked Aria’s hair carefully . It wasn’t

so messy, but somehow he wanted to do that . He felt at the
end of his hand that he didn’t want to wake her up .
It would be better to just put her to sleep like this . They had
already made solid evidence and witnesses . Thinking so, he
turned his head for a while, and he saw a box on the
bedside table, which Aria had usually carried on .
‘It’s the box with an hourglass…’

It was a box containing an hourglass that she had said she
felt comfortable to have . It was a little unusual for a woman
to carry around in her arms .
As soon as he saw Aria asleep, he took the box carefully . It

was a little heavy for a weak lady to carry around .
Nevertheless, she had carried it with her, and she seemed
to cherish it .
As he thought about it, he was curious about the contents,

and opened the box and checked the hourglass; he looked
at Aria again and took it in his hand .
By the way, he felt like he wasn’t touching things, somehow

.
‘… What is it?’
Still, it was like a strange sensation he had ever felt

somewhere, a very strange sensation that could not be felt
on an hourglass . The familiar yet unfamiliar sense made the
heart of Asher beat fast, who had been beset with anxiety .
‘What the hell is this? Why is it felt in Aria’s hourglass?’ The

gaze of Asher, who had touched it for a long time, soon
went to the hand of Aria, who had fallen asleep . The ring on
the ring finger had its own color as if nothing had happened
.
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‘The child of a woman who married a royal family and drank

holy water; Aria resembling the child; an hourglass with a
strange feeling; a man named Chloe, who was expelled from
the empire seventeen years ago; the ring which seemed to
have changed color… Besides, Aria will also turn seventeen
years old after her birthday this year . ’
… Even though it made no sense to think for himself, the

hand with the hourglass began to tremble a little . Even
though the puzzle was already on its way, he shook his
head, saying, “It’s conjecture . ”
Still, the strange sensation of the hourglass from his hand

indicated that he was getting the right answer . But at the
same time, he felt great anxiety . It was a sense of
uneasiness that he should not hold the hourglass still . It
was time to hurry back the hourglass .
“My hourglass…!”
Suddenly, Aria held Asher’s wrist, as soon as she opened

her eyes wide . It was like asking why he had her hourglass .
It was a very cold eye as if facing another .
As a result, he made an excuse with embarrassment . “… I

thought it was going to fall off the table, so I was going to
put it back . ”
“Was it going to fall off the table?”
But the inquiring Aria’s speech was full of thorns . If it simply

seemed to fall off the table, she wanted to ask why he was
holding the hourglass himself, not the box .
No matter how embarrassed he was, he lied to Aria and felt

like he was a criminal who had committed treason, and he
quickly put the hourglass back in place, telling the truth .
“… No . Actually, I was wondering about this box that you
carry all the time . I’m so sorry . ”
‘I’m sure she’ll get angry . That’s her favorite hourglass . ’
It was she who even woke up with a sense of deja vu . After

looking at him in a calm, unspoken stare for some time, she
soon slowly closed her eyes and nodded her head, saying, “I
see . I would have shown you if you had told me . ”
In addition, the sharp expression on her face had

disappeared . It was because she had great confidence in
Asher .
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“Is the carriage here?”
“Yes? Oh, yes . We have to go . ”
“Then I’ll change my clothes and see you outside . ”
“… Okay . ”
Then he left Aria’s room and glanced back . There was a box
of the hourglass within the reach of his gaze .
***

possible .
between chapters .

172

(III), Part IX
Chapter 172 . Revenge (III), Part IX
Translator: Khan
They were able to reach the Kingdom of Croa smoothly

through several cities as planned by Asher . Fortunately, the
speed of the official document was slower than their
movement speed, so there was no difficulty in their moving .
The carriage gradually slowed down when it arrived at the
border and soon stopped .
“Mr . Asterope . ”
Then they heard Lane’s voice right outside the carriage . It

meant that they should come out . Although it was the
Crown Prince’s carriage, it was not an official visit, so they
had to go through a formal procedure unlike before . So he
expressed his intention to go out soon and gave a look to
Aria .
“We have to go out . ”
They had been through a few cities, and they had sent a
person to inform their visit in advance, so luckily they didn’t
have to wait or prepare anything . It was enough to simply
show his face and prove that it was the Crown Prince, and
then sign .
“Somehow it’s noisy outside . ”
So Aria, who was about to go out with Asher, cocked her

head in the murmur of voices outside . Asher answered to
Aria’s wonder,
“Maybe it’s because of our wagon . ”
They must have wondered what a carriage was because it

stopped in front of them without standing in line . ‘What
kind of a great man is riding on it?’
If it had been stamped with the Imperial emblem, they

would have bowed their heads, but the current carriage
which Aria and Asher were riding was without a particular
emblem, so people’s curiosity grew .
“Lady Aria, give me your hand . ”
Aria slowly went out, holding the hand that Asher reached
out after he had got off the carriage . Their eyes widened
and swallowed their breath, who had been babbling at the
mysterious carriage, as they saw Aria appearing from the
carriage .
‘Who in the world is the woman with such beauty?’
She had always been an eye-catching woman because she

was beautiful without decorating . Now, however, the more
brilliantly decorated than usual, Aria’s figure was enough to
catch everyone’s attention .
Countless crowds waiting to cross the border noticed the
two, and there was a man rushing through them . He was
seen as a high-ranking noble . He rushed out and greeted
him, kneeling on the ground .
“Wel, welcome to the Kingdom of Croa . Your Highness Franz

Asterope . ”
And the crowd, who had been babbling again, hardened, as

soon as the identity of Asher was known . ‘How dare they
stood up in front of the Crown Prince!’ The crowd, who were
watching, bent down to the point where their noses touched
the ground .
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, as you welcome me like

this . ”
“It’s, it’s an honor . Please sign it and go straight through

the door . ”
On the document that he brought himself, he immediately

wrote down his name, and this time it was Aria’s turn . As
she was a woman who came with the Crown Prince, the man
who still kept an extreme low attitude called her name and
written in the document he had received in advance .
“Are you Lady Aria of the Roscent family?”
‘Lady Aria of the Roscent family?’
Aria’s name had been already widespread because there

were so many people who had made their fortunes by their
own efforts with the help of the empire . So the audience
looked sideways unknowingly and checked her face again .
They had been told that the Investor A was a beautiful noble
lady, but they were impressed by the fact that her beauty
was so overwhelming that each could not express it . It was
also the same for him who had come out to meet Asher and
Aria, and he was bewildered by Aria, and he forgot his duty .
“Where do I sign?”
“… Yes, you can do it here!”
When Aria smiled and reawakened him to his duty, the man,
who realized his rudeness, bowed down again and
presented the document to Aria .
Aria, who did not blame him but gracefully filled out her
name, returned the document . Then the man thanked her
several times as if he had been greatly graced .
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“I hope you’ll have a comfortable stay and go since I’ve got

a lodge ready . ”
The man bowed his head again . Thanks to the turmoil, the
rumors of the Crown Prince of the empire and the star of the
empire who visited quickly, spread throughout the Kingdom
of Croa .
***
“… It won’t be possible to go out . ”
It was a luxury accommodation only for the nobility, but it

was noisy outside due to the crowd . Most of them were
commoners who wanted to have Aria in their eyes even
once .
People in the empire had a chance to meet Aria by

attending the academy or visiting the county mansion in
person, but those in the Kingdom of Croa did not . As Aria
shook her head at the sight seen through the window, he
put down the papers that he had been reading and laughed
.
“It’s all because you are so great . ”
“… If you say so, what to say…”
As she could not refute his words, she blurred her words,
and Asher’s smile grew thick .
“Since we have made evidence that you and I have left the
capital for a long time, we will send the wagon first in the
afternoon . ”
“What about us?”
“What about leaving tomorrow? I’m going to have to go out

for a while because I have a business to do . ”
“Business?”
‘A business in the Kingdom of Croa?’ Aria nodded without

asking further since she thought he would prepare
something for the princess . And she really wanted to rest
as she had moved in a carriage .
“There’s a cook in the Kingdom of Croa who’s pretty good at

it . I remember the course dishes were pretty good . Why
don’t you come with me in the evening?”
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“OK, I’ll look forward to it . ”
At the same time Aria answered with a grin, Lane knocked

on the door .
“Mr . Asher, we’ve got his location . ”
Asher, who looked at the box of the hourglass for a while,

said, wearing a black cape . “It seems like the time has
come . I’ll be back in a few minutes, so please wait a minute
.”
Asher who left the words fled the room in a hurry . He

seemed to be in a rush as if it was really important . Aria,
who had nothing else to do after he left, took the book . She
had been tired of reading it over and over again during the
trip, but she couldn’t help it because she didn’t have an
extra book .
While she spent her time flipping through the book,

someone knocked on the door .
‘Is he back already? This fast?’ Aria, who thought it couldn’t

be done, did not answer and waited . Then the man who
knocked on the door made a call . It wasn’t Asher who
knocked on the door, as expected .
“Asher, it’s me . ”
Rather, he was looking for Asher . At the voice of a strange

man, Aria shrugged her body on her guard . They would
have set up security, but she didn’t know how he got here
through it . And somehow he was calling him by his
nickname .
“Why don’t you answer? It’s me . ”
In a hurried voice, Aria picked up the box of the hourglass so

that she could turn back the time at any given moment .
Aria, who was ready, informed the visitor of the absence of
Asher .
“It’s been a long time since he left . So you’d better come

back later . ”
“… Why? Isn’t it first to meet me?”
In a very curious response, it occurred to her that he was

the one who Asher said he had something to do with . There
was a possibility that they had missed each other .
“Are you the one who made the appointment?”
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“No, that’s not it . ”
So she asked him, but the man answered firmly that he was
not . At times like this, it was normal to lie . He was a very
honest man .
“You’d better come back later, then . ”
“… How much I’ve cooperated… it’s too bad . ”

Besides, he had a frustrated answer . The tone of his
grumbling reduced her nervousness a bit . For a while, he
muttered something as if to speak ill of Asher, and soon
turned the subject around and asked an abrupt question,
“By the way, are you Roscent Aria of the rumor? A lady who
the insensible Asher has been charmed to?”
It was a rude question, but she couldn’t point out because

she thought he was not an ordinary man as he knew who
she was but talked down .
“… Then who are you?”
“I’ll let you know if you show me your face . I heard you’re a
beautiful lady who anyone would love you at a glance, but
I’m curious . ”
“No, I’m not so curious, and please go back . ”
“Haha . What an interesting young lady . ”

possible .
between chapters .

173

(III), Part X
Chapter 173 . Revenge (III), Part X
Translator: Khan
It was not funny at all, but the man outside the door
laughed loudly . It was a very strange man .
“All right, I’ll come back later, just like you said . I can’t get
in the room as you are alone . ”
Fortunately, the man who said so soon disappeared with a

clear sound of footsteps .
Only then did Aria barely take a breath, close her eyes as
she buried herself deep in the chair . Rather, she wanted to
go back to the empire quickly .
***
After going out during the day, Asher returned to his

quarters only after sunset . Things didn’t seem to have
worked out well, seeing that he had a bad look . Returning,
he ordered something with a pretty serious face to Lane,
and then went out to dinner with Aria, trying hard not to
show it .
“Does it fit your taste?”
“Yes . That’s what Mrs . Asher said . ”
“It’s a stopover every time I come to the Kingdom of Croa . ”
“I’ll have to, likewise . ”
In the empty restaurant with no one, only the words of

Asher and Aria sounded . As a matter of fact, she couldn’t
afford to think of the taste, but Aria smiled softly without
trying to show it .
She was a little bit disappointed to think that this would be

the last time she had a leisurely dinner . Because she no
longer had to stop by the city to rest, she was going to head
straight to the capital after a few big cities . In addition, the
carriage that had already departed was heading straight for
the capital, taking only a brief break . Unlike when she had
left the empire, she would arrive in the capital in no time .
Therefore, there would be no more time for her to stay with
Asher like this .
She felt it was the same with Asher, so he was doing his
best for this moment, too . So Aria spent the evening
focusing only on Asher, and somehow a disturber appeared
in the whole rented restaurant .
“Asher . ”
“… Lohan?”
“Why didn’t you come to see me first?”
Aria gazed at Asher with great embarrassment at the

sudden appearance of a stranger . It was to ask for an
answer, but as Asher was also embarrassed, there was no
reply .
“Roscent Aria said that you would come back in the evening
and I went to see you, but you were already out . ”
It was only then that Aria recognized Lohan by mentioning

her name . It was the man who had come to visit in the
morning . He seemed to have an acquaintance with Asher,
and he pulled out a chair and complained, and Asher’s face
froze in an unexpected situation .
“If Roscent Aria had told you my story, I wouldn’t have

bothered you like this…”
Lohan, who had been complaining, turned his gaze to Aria,

which had been staying with Asher all the time .
“…” Then he stopped talking with a very familiar response .

It was a familiar reaction of those bewildered by Aria’s
appearance .
As soon as he realized this, Asher called his name hurriedly,

“Lohan . ”
“… I thought it would be just an excessive rumor, but it

wasn’t . No, it was a rumor that would never reach a reality .
”
He plainly looked Aria up and down . Aria, offended by him,

furrowed her forehead .
“You didn’t ask me to tell Asher your story . ”
“… Ah, yes . It’s my fault . ”
“…”
“How clever of you! The fame of such a beautiful young lady
crossed the empire and even made the Kingdom of Croa
excited . God is so unfair . ”
So he got nervous, but it didn’t work at all . On the contrary,

it only added a very interesting look . It was Asher who
blocked it .
“Stop it, before I throw you into the remote mountain . ”
It was pretty rough, unlike Asher . Because of the warning,

Asher gave as much as he could, his eyes to dissect Aria
one by one fell off . It seemed very regrettable that he took
the wine glass of Asher smacking his lips .
“What’s your business? Is it worth interrupting dinner?”
“No, I don’t have it . I just stopped by because you came to

Croa . ”
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“It’s a long way from the capital, and you’re here to see my
face?”
“Yes, I wondered what the purpose of coming to Croa in this

busy time of year was . ”
Asher exhaled a deep breath as he questioned, pretending

not to know . He seemed he was not very happy with the
situation now . It was partly due to the interruption of his
time with Aria, and so was Lohan’s attention to Aria .
“You can ask that to Lane later, and go back . ”
“Can’t you tell me now?”
“Yes . Get out of here quickly, for it’s disturbing . ”
When he added a warning to drop him into the sea this

time, Lohan finally got up, shrugging his shoulders
“All right . We’ve got plenty of chances to meet anyway .

Inevitably . ”
Lohan, who had said so, bowed his upper body to Aria,
saying goodbye . Aria was going to bow her head…
“…!”
“Lohan!”
The man, who had snatched Aria’s hand before she knew it,
kissed on the back of her hand and ran away . Then Aria,
astonished by him, spilled the glass of water, and Asher,
who had been trying to chase him, came up to Aria in
embarrassment .
“Are you all right, Lady Aria?”
“… Ah, yes . ”
Only one man appeared and disappeared, but she was out
of her mind . Somehow, when she was in a bad mood, she
wiped off the back of her hand, and Asher, who had
furrowed his forehead, took Aria’s hand to stop it .
“And then you get hurt . ”
When he said so, he checked Aria’s expression of

displeasure and took his lips where Lohan had kissed .
It was nothing but a usual act, and strangely enough, the
unpleasantness on the back of her hand had gone away a
little .
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“… So you’d better get back to rest . I’ll leave him in the

mountains, so don’t worry . ”
“… I see . ”
And the feeling of discomfort was scattered at the face of

Asher, who was very concerned about Aria .
“We’d better leave right after breakfast . It’s hard to get to

the empire at once with my ability, so you have to ride a
wagon in the middle . ”
Aria nodded at the explanation of Asher . It was finally time

to end the vacation and go to punish the wicked woman .
***
“… Uh, where did she disappear?”
After Aria and Asher had vanished like illusions, Mielle, who
was left alone, blinked . She had been right in front of her a
moment ago . No, where did the Crown Prince suddenly
appear?
Feeling embarrassed and confused, she found a broken

bracelet as she groped it around with her trembling hands .
It was the bracelet Aria had been wearing .
‘I don’t think it’s a dream… Then where did she disappear?’
“What’s the matter, Miss?!”
Without a moment to think, those who heard Mielle’s

screams gathered, and they turned deadly pale and shouted
at the terrible sight before their eyes .
“Yaaaaaaah!”
“Oh, oh my God!”
“… The Count!”
“Call a doctor quickly!’
Before they found Mielle, they found the Count first, and
each of them screamed and announced this terrible
situation . Then, Mielle got out of the mystery of the sudden
disappearance of Asher and Aria, came to her senses, held
the broken bracelet in her hand, and declared the cause of
the disaster .
“… My sister! My sister did that! She suddenly pushed my

father… and ran away!”
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The audience reacted with mixed reactions to Mielle, who

cried with a pale face .
“No way! Miss Aria…?”

“I knew it! She couldn’t hide her true nature so easily! She’s
been fooling everyone all this time!”
“Where the hell did she run away? How dare her! We have
to catch her now!”
Contrary to the servants and maids of the mansion who

were embarrassed and hesitant, the guests raised their
voices with bloodshot eyes, and Mielle shook her head,
thanks to the reaction of the guests .
“… It happened so fast that I don’t know . Sob sob…”
However, there was distrust in the faces of the servants and

maids, because she had repeatedly framed Aria .
Some of Mielle’s side also showed signs of uneasiness .

However, they couldn’t take it out of their mouths, since
they couldn’t say that everything was true when they had
seen her in the meantime .
When she noticed this, Mielle began to create witnesses .
“Didn’t Lady Median and Lady Wendy see it? I thought your
eyes seemed to have seen it . ”
Her face looked very sad, but Mielle, whose eyes were
horrendous, pointed to the two ladies . The two young ladies
who were pointed out were from the low-class noble families
. They were ladies from a powerless family who could not
endure it without taking sides .
“… Yes?”
“…!”
possible .
between chapters .

174

(III), Part XI
Chapter 174 . Revenge (III), Part XI
Translator: Khan
How could they dare say no to the future Duchess’s

question? Although they had not clearly seen it, the two
young ladies looked at each other, and soon nodded
positively .
“Yes, yes… I, I saw it . ”
“I also saw it… even Lady Aria was running down the stairs .
”
“Oh, my God… How could she do such an immoral thing?”
Every young lady gathered, expressed their anger in her

statement .
“I’m sure it’s because my father didn’t like my sister to

meet His Highness . ”
In addition, with very convincing motivation, the audience

was agitated once . Mielle hit a decisive wedge .
“Look at it! This bracelet! I tried to hold her, but she cut off
and ran away!”
Indeed, the servants and maids who volunteered for her

side to the unique bracelet that Aria had been wearing were
also perplexed . Mielle, who set a perfect trap for Aria to get
into a corner, lowered her head and smiled a little .
“… Mielle . ”
Then Cain bit his lips as he watched it from a distance .
***
The Count, who had fallen down the stairs, was immediately
taken to the room . They couldn’t move him easily because
they didn’t know where he was hurt from falling down the
stairs, but they couldn’t let it go, so everyone paid attention
.
In order to save him, his family doctor and other renowned

doctors gathered at the county mansion . Fortunately, he
didn’t die, but he showed no signs of waking up, apparently
with a severe head injury .
“… I’m sorry, but maybe he’ll never wake up like this for the
rest of his life…”
The Countess, who had been told by the family doctor, fell
to the floor in a pale face . It was shocking that the Count
who would protect her had come to this state, and it was
her own daughter Aria who had caused a serious injury to
him .
“Sob sob… father…”

“… Mielle, you’d better leave . ”
Cain patted Mielle’s shoulder, who was in tears, besides the

Count . It was a little cold to say that she should leave the
room now .
With Cain’s help, Mielle moved with him to a guest room

with no one . Cain, who closed the door and looked around,
said, pointing to his forehead, releasing his hand to support
Mielle .
“Mielle, this is a little… no matter how much I think about

this…”
“What are you talking about now, brother?”
Immediately after Cain’s words, Mielle, who erased the

expression full of sorrow at once, poured out a sharp remark
with a cold look . This shook Cain’s eyes .
It was because he was shaken when he faced his father,

who had just lost consciousness and fallen, even though he
knew that he could not escape since he had already joined
her plan .
Mielle grabbed hold of his hand so tightly, smiled

benevolently, and began to persuade Cain,
“Brother, it’s already happened . So you’re going to take

over the work of the Count and lock her up in the mansion
so that no one can meet her . If we reiterate our intention
not to punish her anyway, they won’t be able to do anything
in court . ”
“…”
“Are you going to let her marry the Crown Prince?”

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“That’s…”
‘No . ’ Cain furrowed his forehead deep . Mielle, who made

the crevice by touching the part he cared most about,
baited him so that he could no longer escape .
“So you have to report it to the security forces as soon as

possible before my sister ran away with the Crown Prince . ”
“…”
“You have to catch her quickly and then you can cut her
sentence period in the prison . The later you are, the harder
your influence will be . You know that, right?”
She had a point, so Cain finally called in the guards and

accused Aria of trying to kill the Count . A search party was
hastily formed on the charge of daring to kill the Count, and
people were busy searching for her who had disappeared all
night .
But they didn’t know where she had run away and searched
the capital all night, but they couldn’t find a single hair of
Aria, and the official documents were eventually sent to the
cities near the capital about the following afternoon .
[I’m sure you’ll do well this time . Oscar also has a great
expectation . ]
Mielle, holding the letter from Isis in her hand, which had
arrived during the night, hummed with joy . Everything must
have been smooth in progress if the Count did not wake up .
She would be the Duchess as scheduled and marry Oscar .
‘If my father won’t help me in the future, it would be better

to not have one . ’
It was Oscar, not the Count, who would share her future .
Her trust in the Count had been abandoned in the past

when the prostitute had been brought in as a new wife . It
was clear that this was a wise choice because it would
severely punish him, eliminate the prostitute, and even her
daughter .
“What about mother?”
“… She, she’s not coming out of her room . ”
“Really? She should eat well . ”
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‘In a little while, she’ll have to get kicked out naked and
wander the streets like before . And she should eat well now
. By the way, why can’t we get her caught anyway?’
While the security forces were searching for her, Princess

Isis said she had also released her people . Furthermore, she
persuaded Cain to make his private soldiers search for her,
but why couldn’t she get caught?
‘Don’t tell me it’s related to the missing Crown Prince?’

The Crown Prince, who had suddenly appeared and
disappeared with Aria! She had doubted her eyes if she had
misjudged it, but the broken bracelet had really explained
that she had disappeared with the Crown Prince .
‘How the hell did he disappear? He disappeared in thin air,

like smoke . ’
Therefore, it was not possible for her to mention the Crown

Prince . Who would believe it if the Crown Prince had
suddenly appeared and taken Aria and disappeared? He
would defend Aria later, but she had the broken bracelet
and witnesses . She couldn’t get out of her trap anyway .
‘And the Crown Prince is destined to be sacrificed by the

princess anyway . ’
It was very strange, but she wouldn’t have to worry too

much . It was only a few days later that Mielle heard of Aria .
“… Did she exit the capital? With the Crown Prince?”
“… That’s true . ”
Mielle furrowed her forehead to the news that Cain had

urgently brought from the outside .
She had thought Aria had run away, but she had never
thought she had been out of the capital . She hadn’t
thought she’d have gone that far after facing a situation
that she was being pushed to a criminal, so all she had done
was find her nearby . In addition, they said she was on her
way back to the capital after stopping by every city to show
her face as if she were on vacation with the Crown Prince .
“Isn’t she crazy?”

“Yes, she’s crazy . ”
Cain, who responded so, looked angrier than Mielle . He

looked as if he would twist Asher’s neck if he could . He had
planned to keep Aria in custody, but it was more than
enough to blow his heart as Aria had gone on a journey with
Asher for a few days .
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“I guess she’s thinking of going on a trip and saying she’s

not the killer . To be foolish . ”
‘We’ve got witnesses and evidence, but are you trying to

get rid of the charges with such a simple trip?’ In addition,
no matter how much she rushed out of the capital on
horseback, she could not be cleared of the charges for
travel unless she reversed time .
“So, are they bringing her tied up here?”
“No, she denied all the charges and said she’d go to court
on her own . So I heard she’s coming to the capital with
security guards, not tied up . ”
“What a frivolous, stupid bitch…”
Mielle thought Aria might be a little clever as it was rumored

. As expected, she could not be wise because he was a child
from a prostitute .
“I’ll ask them to hold a trial as soon as she comes back, so

make sure you check what you’ve prepared . Without a
mistake . ” Cain, who was told that she was not alone but
with Asher, seemed not to forgive Aria, either .
Mielle smiled gently at his rather tough words .
“Yes . My preparation is already perfect, so don’t worry,

brother . ”
Then a few days later, Aria, proudly entering the capital,

returned to the mansion surrounded by guards . The guards
tried to read her face, unable to forcibly arrest her since she
was with the Crown Prince .
Mielle, who had been waiting since Aria’s carriage had come
near the capital, hurried to Aria, who was getting off the
wagon, with tears .

possible .
between chapters .

175

Chapter 175: Chapter 175 . Lie For
Lie, Part I
Translator: Khan
“How did you do that…? You couldn’t do that to your

father!”
She was so good at acting that Aria, who tried to swallow

her laugh that was about to burst out, stepped back a few
steps with a frightened face .
“It wasn’t a lie…? Did my father…?”
There was no shadow of a criminal when she asked back as

if she were checking the facts . Rather, it seemed like things
were unbelievable to her .
“I thought… I thought you were just joking with the purpose

of getting me back quickly… so I came back in a hurry and
was afraid of being scolded…”
Aria’s shoulders were trembling . Asher wrapped her slim

shoulders .
“That’s weird . She can never be a criminal . ”
The frightened Aria burrowed into the arms of Asher as he

took her side . Just a moment ago, Aria said she wouldn’t let
Mielle go . Some might swear at Aria’s two faces, but it
wasn’t him . He really liked the way she even created public
opinion to achieve what she wanted . Besides, she burrowed
into his arms, so he couldn’t hate it .
“… Whatever Your Highness says, there are evidence and

witnesses . I don’t want to believe it, but… I saw it with my
own eyes . ”
Aria shuddered at the news that she had witnesses despite

her performance . When Asher, who thought it was because
she was afraid, lowered his gaze and identified Aria, instead
of fear, he could see the tip of her mouth rising .
‘Mielle is lying . ’
They had already produced irrefutable evidence even if

there were witnesses . However, she had a false witness .
Countless people seemed to believe her remarks .
‘You’re stuck in a self-made trap with all your might . ’
There was no way to rescue her, and Asher said as if he

could not help it .
“Then, you’d better tell the truth in court . ”
“… I can’t help it if you want to . Poor father… When did you

say the trial will take place?”
Mielle, who looked very sad, asked Cain, who had been
staring at him all the time .
‘Both of you, a brother and a sister, had been waiting for

your stepsister to come after digging a trap in pairs . Oh,
poor Aria!’
As Asher, who was smiling bitterly, patted Aria’s back and
swept her hair away, Cain, whose face turned red from
anger, clenched his teeth and replied,
“… The criminal has appeared, so we’d better proceed right

now . ”
The time has come to punish those who truly committed the
crime .
As Cain said, the trial was held immediately .
It was because Aria had been accused and Mielle had

witnesses . Nevertheless, she had to sit in the seat of a
sinner because she had been on the run for a long time, but
she was able to stand in the seat of the defendant, unlike
Emma .
It was because she attended the trial herself . She denied

outright that she was a sinner, and she also claimed to have
a witness . Of course, her close ties to the Crown Prince was
the biggest factor in consideration .
“Aria…” The Countess, sitting on the left side of Aria, called

her name in a trembling voice .
Aria looked at her mother . ‘How painful it must have been

for her daughter to be a murderer . ’
Aria held her mother’s cold hands and pleaded for her
innocence . “Mother, I’m not guilty, so don’t worry . ”
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“… Really? Do you mind if I trust you?”
“Sure . What would I get by pushing him down the stairs?

Except for standing in court like this… Besides, there’s
plenty of evidence to prove that I’m not a sinner, so don’t
worry . Rather, the one who’s going to be punished…”
Aria didn’t finish what she was saying and looked at the
other side of the room .
There was a man next to Mielle, who she had never seen
before . Perhaps he was Mielle’s lawyer, and next to him
was Cain . They didn’t expect the outcome of the trial and
seemed to think they would win . Their proud, arrogant
faces had no signs of retreating .
“Lady Aria is not guilty . I assure you that . ”
“I’m relieved to hear you say that…”
The Countess’s face was a handful lessened by the addition

of Asher, who sat on the right side of Aria . When the Crown
Prince said that he would guarantee it, her worry vanished .
‘Isn’t he in a position to take away the sins that exist?’
Soon after, people began to enter the courtroom . It was

known throughout the capital just before the trial that Aria
had appeared near the capital and was crowded with people
watching the current situation . And there, Aria could even
meet an unexpected figure .
“… My God . Lady Aria, you didn’t do that, right? It wasn’t

you who did that? Are you okay? You lost a lot of weight!”
Before the trial began, Sarah appeared in tears as if she had

rushed after hearing the news . She looked so bad that she
seemed unable to sleep at ease since Aria was wanted as a
criminal . The Marquis of Vincent, who appeared holding
Sarah’s hand, also seemed to not believe the rumors about
Aria .
Aria nodded and denied the sin . “It’s okay, Sarah . I’m not
really the sinner, so don’t worry . I’ll prove my innocence . ”
“Yes, I believe you, Lady Aria . ”
“I wish you luck, too . ”
In addition, Baron Burboom, Annie, Jessie, Aria’s followers,

and ladies who stood up for Mielle were on the seats, and
Isis was also seated behind Mielle . Apparently, she was
expecting the end of Aria .
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Isis stared at Aria, who sat next to the Crown Prince, as if to

kill her, and soon patted Mielle on the shoulder and offered
her consolation . Perhaps she was praising her
accomplishment that she had been good at dealing with the
daughter of a dirty prostitute .
‘They’re so stupid . How could you boast of a crude

relationship made up of petty tricks, even if you don’t know
what face you’re going to leave this courtroom with later?’
As if to encourage her, Asher took Aria’s hand . At the same
time, a judge appeared, and soon, the trial began .
“Start the trial . ”

The judge was none other than Frey . She seemed to be
assigned this time because she was mainly in charge of the
court of the nobility . Though it was a trial that she would
not lose anyway, she was wondering whether her presence
would benefit or not, and the tension was a little bit
removed from the look of Asher, who confirmed Frey’s
appearance .
“Defendant Roscent Aria, you were accused of pushing the

Count of Roscent down the stairs . Is that true?”
Like Emma’s, Frey asked Aria’s sin right away .
Aria shook her head and denied her guilt . “No, I didn’t push
him . I wasn’t there in the first place . ”
“… I see . ”
At Aria’s answer, Frey nodded faintly . It looked different

from Emma’s trial where she had responded coldly all the
time . In addition, there was something unclear about her
expression .
“… Roscent Mielle claims that Roscent Aria pushed the

Count down the stairs and ran away . Is that true?”
“Yes! I saw it happened clearly, and two other people saw it

. Running away down the stairs! Right? Lady Median and
Lady Wendy?”
“…Yes? Yes…!”
“Well, yes . I saw it clearly…”
On Mielle’s question, Median and Wendy were wary of her

and said yes . The witness seemed to feel a little guilty of
perjury as it was the most important incident . Besides, they
would be afraid . If there was any evidence of Aria’s
innocence, the next time they would have to look up the
judge from the center, not from the witness stand .
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The juries were agitated once when three, not one, claimed
yes . In response, Frey put in her eyes on the charges she
had received in advance and Mielle’s statements . The
hands of the Countess, who held hands with Aria, became
colder in an unfavorable situation .
“… Okay . Because there are enough witnesses, I’m sure it’s

Roscent Aria’s crime . Do you have any other rebuttal?”
This time it was Aria’s turn . Aria stood up proudly and

pleaded not guilty . “Of course I’m not guilty . ”
The wrinkles in Frey’s forehead quickly disappeared at Aria’s

words . She nodded as if to speak quickly .
“In the first place, I wasn’t at the mansion at that time . I

was out of the capital with His Highness the Crown Prince . ”
“… That’s a hard argument to prove . ”
“No, God gave me the chance to prove that he felt sorry for
me . ”
Mielle raised her voice and said, “Don’t lie to us . You make
a ridiculous claim . That can’t be . I saw it with these eyes!
How shameless can you be after pushing your father down
the stairs!?”
possible .
between chapters .

176

Lie, Part II
Translator: Khan
For a woman who had pushed her real father, she was
shameless, and Aria laughed at it . ‘Yeah, so you had been
using dirty tricks in the past, putting poison in my teacup . ’
“… Someone who was shameless pushed my father . It’s not

me, but she is the real culprit . ”
“Stop lying!”
“Mielle, even now, reveal the true culprit and withdraw your
perjury . ”
“The real culprit is you, sister!”
“Stop . Stop it . This is the court . ”
The two were ready to fight right away, so Frey spoke out
and intervened . If Aria proved that she was not the real
culprit, she did not have to fight hard because Mielle’s
perjury would be confirmed .
“There’s evidence that I wasn’t in the mansion at that time .

”
“… It’s a lie! Apparently, everyone saw you!”
When Aria said there was evidence that she was not in the
Mansion, Mielle stared at the ladies behind her one by one
and forced them to answer .
“Yes, right? You’ve seen her, haven’t you?” Mielle forced

them to answer .
“… Yes, I saw her . ”
“That’s right . I ran into her when she got back to the
mansion . ”
“I even talked to her . ”
This time, the testimony came out without difficulty because

they had seen her . They were genuine faces .
Aria smiled and said yes . “Yes, it’s true that I visited the
mansion . By the way, did anyone see me after I went into
the mansion?”
“…!”
“…”
“There was none, right? It was because I left the mansion

right away . ”
Although they were on Mielle’s side, there was no lady to

help her by breaking the law or perjury . Moreover, most
people seemed not to expect Aria’s rebuttal, as they
believed Mielle’s argument .
“But it’s weird . ”

Aria’s voice rang out in the court which had been cold in an
instant, questioning what seemed to be really strange .
“Why don’t the two say anything, who said that they had
seen me running away down the stairs?”
They testified that they had seen Aria push the Count down
the stairs and run away, and it meant that they had seen
Aria since she had entered the mansion . Still, why didn’t
they say anything? Why couldn’t they relate Aria’s question
to what they had seen?
“Well, that’s…!”
“… Oh, come to think of it, I saw you! We saw you… Yes…”
Aria kindly made them recognize what to answer, and at

their awkward answers, all the audience in the court
questioned their testimony . As Aria continued to refute it
step by step, Frey asked her again about the facts,
“I’ll ask you again . Has anyone seen you leave the
mansion?”
“No, unfortunately not . But no one ever saw me stay in the

mansion except for Mielle, Median, and Wendy, who said
they’ve seen me . Oh, and…”
There were two more . There were two lambs staring at her
with very anxious eyes . Aria referred to them .
“My maids, Jessie and Annie, also saw me . ”
“That, that’s right . My lady ordered me to clean up, and I

finished cleaning and left the room . ”
“I only saw her for a moment… I was not able to see her
after I left the room because she said she was going to read
.”
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After all, there was no one who had seen Aria . As the
atmosphere gradually flowed in the wrong direction for
Mielle, her agent rose from his seat .
“I am the representative of Lady Roscent Mielle . I’ll speak

for her, considering she’s still in shock . ”
“Do that . ”
When Frey’s permission fell, he immediately explained that

Aria’s argument had a loophole .
“Lady Aria keeps insisting she wasn’t in the mansion, but

there’s no way to prove that . And three ladies are saying
that they saw Lady Aria push the Count down the stairs . ”
“It certainly is . ”
“So it is Lady Mielle’s testimony that is credible .

Unfortunately, Lady Aria doesn’t have anything to refute or
any witnesses . ”
Everyone seemed to agree with him . The assertion of

Mielle, who had certain witnesses, was accepted more .
“No, I’ll be a witness on that matter . ”

But when the agent spoke that far, Asher, who had been
watching it quietly, opened his mouth .
“As everyone already knows, she left the capital with me,
and we just got back today . ”
The representative was wary of him, who was refuting the

clause one by one . This was because the Crown Prince was
the one who had to refute it . Nevertheless, he cleared his
throat for his job and rebutted with his eyes at a strange
place .
“… It’ll be possible after the crime . ”
“There is evidence to prove that Lady Aria was not in the

mansion at that time . ”
“Are, are you talking about evidence…?”
“Yes, evidence . We just returned after making a payment

that was put on credit . I even have the receipt . God must
have intended to help Lady Aria who was afflicted by
injustice . ”
Asher took a paper out of his arms . At Frey’s instruction,

the document was handed over to the judge .
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“It’s… a bill of credit?”
“Yes, I sneaked out of the capital with her and arrived in the
next city, but I was too busy to prepare some money . That’s
why I got credit and paid it back on my way back . ”
‘The Crown Prince bought something on credit?’ The

audience was in a state of confusion at the absurd evidence,
and Mielle had a face that wanted to shout that it was a lie .
“Your Honor, I want you to pay attention to the date and

time . ”
At Asher’s words, Frey checked the date and time on the bill
.
“… It’s eleven o’clock in the afternoon on the day of the

incident . ”
“Yes . If Lady Aria ran away after pushing the Count, it was
impossible to move to the next city at that time . It’s a half-
day ride to get there . ”
Frey’s expression became brighter in the appearance of

irrefutable evidence . The representative, who realized that
if this were true, the seat of Mielle and Aria would be
reversed, countered with a pale face .
“Your, Your Honor . Such evidence can be produced at will!”
“There are a number of witnesses, so I hope you check them

out . ”
“Ok, I’ll send someone over to check right away . ”
Frey handed something down to the servant, who was

waiting for her, and the servant, who checked it, left the
court right away . In the quiet courtroom, Aria’s clear voice
rang .
“Your Honor, I’ve got permits to and from the cities, and can
I submit them in case?”
“… Of course . It’s also easy to calculate the time, so that’s

a big piece of evidence . ”
Frey’s face, confirming the permits, was quite serious . Still,

the public opinion leaned toward Aria not being the real
culprit although Frey was not asking for more evidence .
“Okay . Is this the end of both sides’ arguments? I’d like to

adjourn for a moment to see if the evidence submitted by
the Crown Prince is true . ”
If the facts were confirmed, then the seats would be

reversed this time . No, Mielle should go to Emma’s place of
the seat, not Aria’s . She would be punished as much as
Emma, who was executed and disappeared .
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“Miss…”
The agent called for Mielle in a hurry . Sitting behind her,

Isis had a pale face, trembling as if she wanted to run out of
the courtroom at any moment . Cain was also nervous and
clenched his fists to the point where his fingernails pierced
through his palms’ flesh
Mielle was also agitated, but she soon recalled that Aria had
been in the place where she herself had pushed the Count
and gradually regained her composure .
There must be false evidence . It might have been just a
way to drag time . It would all be nothing more than a hoax
that would frighten her . At the moment the Count had
fallen down the stairs, indeed Aria had been in the mansion
.
Mielle, who was gradually regaining her reason, soon

realized that she had another card—the conclusive evidence
that Aria had been in the mansion .
“… No! There’s one more!”
She got up from her seat and held something in her hand .
Aria, who measured it by opening her eyes thin, had a smile
of satisfaction .
“There’s one more thing? What’s that?”
Frey asked back with a cold face . Already, she seemed to

think Aria wasn’t the real culprit . The trial was not over yet,
but it was due to the fact that the Crown Prince and Lady
Aria had submitted certain evidence that could not be
refuted by any evidence brought in .
“It’s my sister’s bracelet!”
Mielle took the broken bracelet out of her arms . As Frey’s

eyes continued on what it did, Mielle hastened to add an
explanation .
“It’s the bracelet my sister used to wear . She pushed my

father down the stairs and dropped it on the way out in a
hurry! I picked it up on the spot . ”

possible .
between chapters .

177

Lie, Part III
Translator: Khan
Her bracelet was a unique design that didn’t suit the

aristocratic ladies, so other ladies soon recognized it .
“Oh, come to think of it, I saw the bracelet, too! I talked

about the bracelet when Lady Aria went into the mansion . It
was a strange shape, so it was noticeable . ”
“I was there, too! She said it was a bracelet from the Crown
Prince . I saw her wearing it . ”
They were the young ladies who had been sarcastic about
Aria’s bracelet when she had arrived at the mansion .
‘Why is the bracelet in Mielle’s hand if it was in Aria’s wrist

until she entered the mansion? She said she went out right
away, but when did she drop it? Moreover, didn’t she know
how she dropped the precious bracelet given by the Crown
Prince? Did something happen for her to have to leave the
mansion in a hurry?’
Everyone waited for her answer because the more they

thought about it, the more likely it was that Aria would be at
a disadvantage .
“Lady Aria, did you lose the bracelet I had given you?”
asked Asher with a face of regret .
‘Who would dare to regard him as the Crown Prince, who

performed as plausible as Aria did?’
Aria replied with a face that she didn’t know what was going
on .
“It can’t be! Mielle… I don’t know what you’re talking

about… That’s not my bracelet . ”
“This type of bracelet can’t be common, but it’s not your

bracelet? A lot of people have seen it . I’m sure you dropped
it in the hallway! You didn’t even go straight out! It’s no use
lying!” Because this time it was true, not false, Mielle raised
her voice .
So Aria raised her arm with a look that seemed quite unfair .
“What are you talking about, Mielle? The bracelet His

Highness gave me is on my wrist like this…!”
Then Aria’s slender wrist, which was raised to the fullest,

was fastened with a bracelet like the bracelet in Mielle’s
hand . It was another bracelet from Asher .
‘How come that bracelet is back on Aria’s wrist…?’ Mielle’s

eyes grew big as if what she was seeing was unbelievable .
“I don’t know where you got that bracelet, but I never took
it off my body for a second . ”
At Aria’s lying, Asher helped her, saying a word side-by-side

.
“… You did that as expected . Even if she wants Lady Aria to
be the real culprit, how dare she present the bracelet as
evidence? The bracelet was specially made for you, so there
is only one in the world . I’m curious about the origin of the
bracelet that Lady Mielle has . ”
Mielle’s face froze because of his tone as if she had made a

fake to make Aria into a criminal .
‘It’s really that shallow woman’s bracelet!’
It was clear that the bracelet was dropped before she had
run away with the Crown Prince that suddenly appeared . So
Mielle wanted to pursue her claim, but Frey was also on the
side of Aria, so sadly, Mielle’s claim was denounced as false
.
“I see . About the bracelet Lady Mielle claims… it seems

that Lady Aria did not lose it and kept it, but… okay… now . I
will check the two bracelets and make a fair judgment
based on your claim . ”
Frey’s words to judge fairly was very cold . Mielle’s strength

drained out from her legs, and she collapsed onto her seat .
Finally, Isis, who had seen her disgraceful behavior, rose up
from her seat and left the courtroom . Cain also gritted his
teeth as he saw his sister who talked nonsense .
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The audience remained silent at Mielle, who had tried to

condemn Aria with false evidence . In the meantime, Mielle
began to doubt rationally, shaking his eyelashes .
‘Don’t tell me she had two…!’
She thought maybe there was another bracelet . If they

were lovers, they might usually have shared the ornaments
together .
‘No, it’s a unique shape of bracelet, but it doesn’t look very

expensive, and the quality doesn’t look good, so they could
say that it has been specially made, for words only, and it
might have been bought again because it’s sold in bulk
somewhere outside of the country!’
Miele, whose heart was in a hurry, dared to tell the Crown

Prince if he was lying . It was impossible for a sane person
to do that, but Mielle was currently out of her mind .
“Your, Your Highness, didn’t you give my sister a new

bracelet…? Or didn’t you give my sister the extra bracelet
you had…?”
“… You are such an impertinent woman!”
‘No matter how hostile they are, how can she make remarks
questioning the Crown Prince in his face?’
Asher, who furrowed his forehead, replied that she was

unpleasant, and the ladies, who found out that Mielle had
gone too far, looked carefully at him . They began to regret
little by little, saying that it was wrong to defend her with
just a word of Mielle even though it was already late .
“Are you saying that I fabricated evidence to save my lover?

Without any evidence? Even if I really gave Aria another
bracelet, how would you confirm that? Can you take
responsibility for what you say?”
“Well, that’s…!”
This time, Mielle was speechless with the mockery of Asher .
It was a sneer as if she had done it . She thought it was easy
because she had the witnesses and enough evidence, but
what the hell was going on with this? She thought this was
perfect!
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It was apparently because of the irrefutable evidence that

Aria was in the mansion at the time she pushed the Count
down the stairs had been given . In fact, even though Aria
didn’t push him, she was in the mansion when the Count
really fell .
Tears seemed to come out of the injustice . All those who

had believed her words had turned their backs, and she felt
like she was being choked as they avoided her eyes .
“My sister really pushed my father…! You’ve all seen… my

sister who pushed my father at the edge of the stairs as
hard as she could…!”
Everyone had already doubted if Mielle was lying, but she

insisted repeatedly that Aria had pushed the Count . Her
voice was half-locked, and her lips were trembling, but she
didn’t give up in condemning Aria .
However, it was a futile argument that was no longer worth

hearing . So when no one was listening anymore, Mielle’s
face turned white like a sheet of white paper, and it looked
as if she would soon fall . On the contrary, only sympathy
for Aria had risen .
‘Why… why does everyone see me like that?’
Mielle’s voice grew blurred with resentment . Indeed, Aria

and Mielle seemed to have reversed each other . It was a
moment that Aria, who had returned to the past, hoped for
so much .
“Mielle… Why should I push my father down the stairs? I

don’t think I’ll get anything from doing that…”
Aria said while squeezing tears to drive a wedge in, and the
Countess that was sitting next to her began to sob a little .
Unlike Aria, which was made out of falsehood, it was a
genuine tear . It was also the tears of a fragile woman who
had been suffering alone .
The audience watched Asher comforting the poor mother

and daughter, and Mielle, who consistently made claims
that were only considered false, the stigma of being a
wicked woman had moved away from Aria to a new person,
and the sentence was almost obvious .
“Is this it?”
Frey asked, writing something down on the document . No,

it was a questioning tone, but it was more of an affirmative .
Now it was an affirmation that it really wasn’t worth hearing
about her argument .
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Mielle swallowed her breath when she felt the piercing

gazes at her .
She wouldn’t let things end like this . It was the end of
severe punishment and the stigma of being a wicked
woman! This ending was only right for Aria, the real wicked
woman—a lowly, dirty bitch!
‘Someone, somebody, please, help me!’
When Mielle looked at her brother that was sitting next to

her and asked him for help, he realized that he had no
chance to save her, so he had his eyes on the floor .
After the Count had fallen into a coma and gained the power
of the acting count, he thought that his sister would be
punished rather than Aria, who had stolen his heart .
The agent was only wiping the sweat out of his forehead
because he had no plea for her, who was constantly
babbling . Maybe he was regretting taking on this job . So it
seemed as if he would no longer be on Mielle’s side . In
addition, the young ladies, who had used to make all kinds
of sweet talks for her, turned away from Mielle . The
witnesses, Median and Wendy, also avoided her eyes .

possible .
between chapters .

178

Lie, Part IV
Translator: Khan
“That… that…!”
Mielle shook her hands and stuttered . Her clear green eyes
were filled with tears . Her lips quivered to make excuses,
and the seat where Isis had left was full of chill . Her
departure meant that Oscar could also leave her .
‘I don’t even have a father to protect me anymore, so what

do I do…!’
The eye of Mielle, who was on the verge of losing

everything, was on the other side of Aria and Asher . Her
forehead, which was stained with cold sweat, heated up at
the sight of a mother and a daughter, who were relying on
Asher . It was all because of the Crown Prince, who had
suddenly appeared and disappeared with Aria .
‘The Crown Prince who had suddenly appeared like a vision

and disappeared with Aria . ’
She didn’t want to mention that because she couldn’t bring

the Crown Prince into the affair, but she was currently not in
a position to hide it anymore . So even though she knew
that it was not smart to mention the Crown Prince, her
mouth began to mention him by itself .
“Well, come to think of it, I saw the Crown Prince in the

mansion…!”
“… Me?”
“Your Highness… Your Highness disappeared with my sister,

who fell on the floor! You showed up all of a sudden! Like a
vision!”
“Ha… You’ll really just say anything, don’t you?”
As he laughed in vain like he was bewildered, Mielle sought

consent from the young ladies who had become witnesses .
“I-is that, right? “Lady Median and Lady Wendy?”
It was bizarre that she burst into tears as she walked on an

irreversible path .
“… Yes?”
There was no way to say yes . There was no one in the

world that could get back onboard a ship that had already
sunk . ‘And he appeared like a vision? What a strange world
this is!’ So they shook their heads, and Mielle screamed and
burst into tears . It had been a long time since her body
collapsed under the chair .
No one supported her . Mielle’s condition was very strange,

and they were afraid that they might be wrongly linked and
severely punished by the Crown Prince .
“Why, why… why don’t you believe me? I saw her . I really
saw her… Please someone…!”
Asher, who clicked his tongue at the cry ringing in the court,
asked Frey for her psychic feelings .
“… Psychic feelings?”
“I think she’s pretty crazy . She can’t talk like that without it
. Look at her condition now . ”
“… It’s certainly strange . ”
Frey who was positive, and Aria, who blushed with tears this
time, said, “… I think you’ll need to check the psychological
feelings of the young ladies who were in the mansion .
Apparently, I wasn’t there, but they kept saying that they
were watching me . Ah! Come to think of it…”
The audience’s curiosity poured on Aria, who opened her

eyes wide as if she had thought of something .
“Maybe it was a different party than a tea party . Otherwise,

they can’t have a strange memory as a group… I heard that
apparently, they stayed in the mansion until late at night,
but it’s strange that the underage ladies had been partying
so late…”
While staring at Aria, who continued to talk carefully, Asher

mentioned the word ‘hallucinogen’ . Hallucinogen was not
difficult to obtain because it was consumed in secret among
some nobles .
Of course, the punishment was strict because it made the

mind and body impoverished, but it was not easy to catch
them, and there was no attempt to catch them because the
imperial family had low authority .
But now… The situation was different since he regained the
authority of the royal family with Aria on his back . The mere
punishment of little girls was enough with a few
instructions, just like now .
“When the trial is over, I’ll have to ask them to investigate

first . ”
Even before the end of his speech, many of the young

ladies, who pretended to not know anything, expressed
surprise by swallowing their breath or dropping their fans .
Some of them even voiced their opinions, saying, “That’s
not true at all . ”
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“Your Highness! I’m not really! If anyone drank a

hallucinogen, they’d be Lady Median and Lady Wendy, who
saw Lady Aria!”
“That’s right! I have nothing to do with it! I’ve only seen

Lady Aria entering the mansion! It’s true, isn’t it?”
Median and Wendy, who were accused of taking

hallucinogens, also began making desperate excuses .
“Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve seen Lady Aria!”
“Well, me too! I just saw someone’s hair . She’s blond…! I

think that’s why I’ve mistaken her for Aria! If you were not in
the mansion, it must have been someone else! ”
“Are you saying that you made a mistake because you saw
someone with blonde hair?”
“… Yes, yes! I seemed to make a mistake! ”
Wendy replied, nodding hard, as he asked back .
“The other one with blonde hair, who was there… There was
only one . Was she really blonde? ”
Wendy realized who she had sold to avoid the situation, and
with her palm on her mouth, she swallowed her breath . The
cry of Mielle who controlled the court stopped clearly . The
corner of the mouth of Aria, who was watching everything,
went up a little . The situation turned out better than she
had thought .
“Do you mean someone with blonde hair pushed my

father…?”
Aria asked back with a surprised face . Her red-glowing eyes

looked very sad for some reason . It seemed that she was
grieving about the situation and her father .
“Yes…? That, that’s…!”
Wendy, who was pointed for her hasty mouth, hesitated to

answer . If she had said she had just misjudged, it would
have been okay, but she was questioned as she had
mentioned she saw someone who was blonde .
“Lady Wendy…?”
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“Please tell me what you know . ”
“That’s…”
She hesitated for a long time, but soon she could not help it,
nodding her head faintly, and everyone’s eyes turned to
Mielle .
“… That can’t be, right? Why are you looking at me?”
Mielle, who stopped crying, countered with a grimace . It

was a face they had never seen before from her . Nobody
did mention her, but they were driving Mielle to a real
criminal .
The number of blonde aristocrats was quite high, but at the

time the Count had fallen down the stairs, the golden-haired
lady on the third floor was only Mielle . Mielle strongly
denied it, but she raised her voice toward the eyes that did
not fall off .
“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m sure you saw her!”
“Mielle…”
Cain, who knew that the real culprit was Mielle, silently
closed his eyes and lowered his gaze . All the circumstantial
evidence pointed to his sister as the culprit, so he couldn’t
open his mouth otherwise .
In addition, if he said something wrong, he would be

accused of a claim like Mielle’s . He could not open his
mouth as it appeared that the Crown Prince decided to put
Mielle in a corner .
“Did you see the face?”

When Frey asked, Wendy, who glanced at Mielle, shook her
head calmly . Even if she didn’t say that far, they were able
to guess who the real criminal was . However, that didn’t
mean the crime would go away .
“I see . That means you framed Lady Aria that had blond
hair and a faint shadow . The first testimony you gave said
you saw clearly who was going down the stairs . ”
“… That’s…”
Perjury was being charged heavily . Many people were

imprisoned for making false statements even though they
knew . This was because testimony made the greatest
contribution to a trial .
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Even in light cases, the charge was heavy, but they did the
false statements in an attempted murder case that could
ruin a person’s entire life . Although the correction was later
done, it was obvious that their intentions were highly
malicious, so it was clear that they could not avoid a great
punishment .
It would be considered if they had done perjury by

circumstances beyond their control . However, Median, who
was beside Wendy, was trembling and terrified . She
suddenly rose from her seat and shouted, “The truth is…! I
didn’t say that because I wanted to!”
Median was quite frightened when she said so . At this,

Mielle’s face cooled down . Mielle looked like she would not
let her go if she said one more word .
When Frey looked at her and asked, “What does that

mean?” Median was frightened . She glanced at Mielle . She
hesitated and then continued to speak, “It’s… it’s what Lady
Mielle told me to say, so I’m forced to…!”
“What are you talking about?”
Mielle, who sprang up to her seat, shouted, “Don’t talk

nonsense . ”
Median crouched and trembled . Wendy was beside her and

was also terrified . She began to burst into tears .
Aria was astonished that the two could actually betray

Mielle . She covered her mouth with her palm, and the
Countess’s eyes rolled back as if she was going to faint .

possible .
between chapters .

179

Lie, Part V
Translator: Khan
‘How did the kind Mielle did such a terrible thing?! Is there
anything else in the world that is so absurd?’
No, it was clear that there would be nothing . She had set up
a trap and attracted accomplices, but the trap was a sharp
blade toward her and, to make matters worse, even her
accomplices betrayed her . Moreover, the trap to finish the
wicked woman made herself a wicked woman .
It was hard for Aria to hide the laughter that burst out
because it was so ugly as Mielle revealed her true nature
and got very desperate .
“When did I ask you to say that? I asked if you saw it, and
you said that you saw it! All other ladies saw it, right?”
It was not a lie but a truth, so some ladies nodded

reflexively . Then, they lowered their heads in astonishment,
fearing that they would soon be forced to serve as an
accomplice .
It’s funny to have this kind of thought, but… Mielle is also a

very poor woman .
She would have thought of herself as the finest and most
elegant aristocratic lady in the empire . As Aria watched
them now, it was too hard to think that they had friendly
laughed and chatted .
‘What was her personal network that Mielle had built, and as
an elegant lady of the county family with such great wealth,
and as the next Duchess?’
Aria turned her head, thinking it was such a funny life . At

the end of her gaze was Sarah . Caught in the arms of the
Marquis of Vincent, she had a look as astounding as this
disastrous situation .
‘Will she stand by me until the end if I do something like

that?’
As she thought so, she suddenly got an eye contact with

Sarah, who was looking at this way . Her worried eyes were
filled with affection for Aria .
‘Is that so?’ That was why it occurred to her that Sarah
would never betray herself, and she would be at her side in
any evil deed . It must have been the greatest treasure after
she had been returned to the past and succeeded with
Asher .
“Lady Median! How can you lie like that!? If you hadn’t seen
it in the first place, you should have said that!”
“That’s…! You pointed at me so much and asked…!”
“Is that your excuse? Your Honor, I’m really under a false
accusation! I have never given such instructions to both of
them, and they have testified that they saw my sister!
And… she was really on the scene!”
Mielle shouted as she became desperate . She seemed to
be mad by the shock .
In court which was a terrible mess, Frey, who had been

furrowing her forehead, pressed her temple several times
and ordered her to be quiet soon .
“… It’s a mess, I can’t think of as a noble’s trial . My head

hurts . ”
Everyone agreed . Who would regard them as elegant and

noble ladies? They were appalled and disappointed as they
saw the dirty, mud fight .
“I understand your arguments . First of all, the surest thing

is that Lady Aria wasn’t in the mansion at that time . She’s
submitted evidence like this,” said Frey, holding in her hand
the evidence submitted .
“And another one . Although Lady Median and Lady Wendy

couldn’t recall what they saw on their own, they drove Lady
Aria to the criminal, and finally changed your testimony . In
fact, I wonder if you’ve actually witnessed it . ”
Median and Wendy shivered . Then they set their eyes to

the floor as if they were ashamed .
“Finally, I would like to point out that Lady Mielle witnessed

the Count of Roscent fall from the stairs and has known who
the real culprit is . What do you need to fight? It’s very
simple to sort out . ”
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With that arrangement, it seemed to be clear who the
culprit was . It was the only one who had witnessed the
Count fall down the stairs . Perhaps it was the same in Miele
who realized that and she squeezed her voice at Frey with a
great deal of malice,
“The culprit is really… my sister . ”
“All right, I’m going to review the evidence submitted by

Lady Aria and make a ruling . If the evidence is true… and
the real culprit will also be revealed . ”
Frey, who said so, got up from her seat . Her eyes staring at
Mielle were as cold as the ruling had already been judged .
“Oh, and I’ll make the ruling again at this time tomorrow .
I’m sorry, but I’ll put guards on you and other ladies until
then . Please excuse me because I cannot be sure of the
real culprit and therefore have to do it . ”
Frey, who said so, looked back before leaving the courtroom
and at the end of her gaze was Aria, holding the Countess’s
hand tightly in her hand and consoling her .
“Mielle!?” And Mielle who had been crying and screaming all
the way through the trial soon lost consciousness and fell to
the floor . Cain hurriedly supported her, and they soon
heard a voice calling for a doctor .
But unlike Emma’s last case, people turned away from his
doctor-seeking voice, and in the end, Mielle was moved to
the carriage by the servants of the county family . Five
guards followed behind Cain and Mielle . Rather than
worrying about Mielle, the guards showed their
determination not to miss her whereabouts .
“Aria!”
“… Sarah . ”
After the trial, Sarah, who ran to Aria, hugged her and burst
into tears . Even though she was mature outside, Sarah felt
that Aria would be hurt by the shock she had received .
Aria buried her head on such a shoulder and hugged her

waist, like the day she had first met, just like a pure child .
Sarah cried for a long time as if the bank that had blocked
her emotions had collapsed . It had always been so when
she was with Sarah, but it was unfamiliar to Aria .
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In the past, Aria had just laughed at these things . She had
never imagined someone would think so much of herself .
Not even her mother hadn’t done it . So she had thought it
was all about being drunk with entertainment and leading
those who had praised her beauty .
But not now . Aria felt calm and strange when she had
others who loved her more than themselves . As much as
they thought and worried about Aria, Aria had come to think
about them, too .
“Don’t worry, Sarah . I’m fine and innocent . ”
“Everyone in the world knows that Lady Aria is innocent . So

I hope the truth will come to light soon and get rid of the
false charge . ”
Sarah, who had been consoling Aria for a long time, soon
returned home with worrying . Aria, who had five guards,
was sent back to the mansion after being escorted away by
Asher .
“My God, Miss . Look at how much you lost your weight!”
“Would you like to take a bath first? You must be tired of a

long trip, but you can’t even rest…”
The servants and maids of the mansion, who she thought

they would start doubting the case, treated Aria with great
intensity . There were, of course, those who thought Aria
might be the culprit, but even those people were worried
about her because of her movements so far .
‘If I’m in a crisis or framed, it’s normal to lose people around

me . What’s going on?’ Even if she was in a very plausible
trap, there were a lot of people who were worried about her
. They were at best possessed by crude gifts and
pretentious words .
Aria, who felt strange in one side of her heart, released her
emotions frankly and said,
“… Thank you all . ”
“Miss…”
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She checked the condition of the Count, leaving behind the

crying servants by the impression . He was asleep with a
face so emaciated that he really didn’t seem to wake up .
How pleasant it would be if he woke up miraculously and
reminded that the one who had pushed himself was Mielle .
Wouldn’t he be crazy? It was something that might ruin the
county’s family . So she took his hand, hoping that the
Count would wake up, but unfortunately, there was no
movement .
‘So why did you pour your affection on Mielle? To such a

foolish child who can’t reciprocate?’
Besides, he had just tried to take advantage of herself . If he

had changed his attitude at all, she would have turned the
hourglass around even if she could be left alone in the
woods, even if she could not measure the time . She was
sure she had been worried about the Count falling down the
stairs .
However, the current Aria didn’t think of that at all . This

was all the Count’s own gain . He was guilty of driving a
humble but innocent child to the brink of the cliff, and
raising Mielle so that she knew only herself and pushed her
father down the stairs .
***

possible .
between chapters .

180

Lie, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Mielle, who had fallen and been transported, did not return
to the mansion . Maybe she took a rest in the hospital . She
might not have the courage to return to the mansion where
Aria was .
Moreover, because Cain did not return, Aria was able to rest
in the mansion and go to court the next day after reassuring
the Countess, riding in the unexpected carriage of Asher .
“… Mr . Asher? How did you come here…?” Aria, facing

Asher, who was savoring tea in the garden with great ease,
could not keep her word to the end in embarrassment .
Asher answered her question with a gentle smile, “I’m here

to meet you . ”
The maid next to her was trembling in a pale face .
‘Oh, my God . Is it OK for the Crown Prince to show his face

to such a trifle? You’re even drinking tea without saying
anything . ’
Aria had no idea that he had arrived until she left the house
after preparing if he had told the servants and maids not to
tell what he had arrived .
“How do you do your job?”
“There’s nothing urgent . ”
Asher rose as he shook his seat . Then he reached out to

Aria .
The leisurely figure gave Aria a small laugh . She was not
seen as someone who had been framed and went to court
to get a verdict . So the servants and maids, who had been
worrying about Aria with open eyes all night, could feel a
little relieved when they saw her smiling .
“Shall we go?”
At the urging of Asher, Aria held his hand . Then, she

headed to the court in a very large, colorful carriage with
the seal of the imperial family which seemed to have been
deliberately prepared . Perhaps the Crown Prince was
around her, so the guards followed her from a little distance
.
She could see people with their eyes wide open and their
heads bent toward the carriage at every passing street .
Without having to explain, it was clear that they would look
at where the wagon was headed and assumed that it was
the Crown Prince’s carriage carrying Aria .
‘Don’t tell me you’re going to show off on purpose…?’
It was the same when he had visited the mansion of the

county family last time, but it was a man who tried to show
off in a really strange place . Then Aria narrowed her eyes
and stared at him, and he asked again, “Why? Is there
anything wrong?”
“No, it’s just…”
She did that because everything was cute; his neat face, his
hand that held her hand, and his curious eyes . Besides, he
was trying to show off his relationship with her, none other
than shown .
Her heart tickled for nothing because he looked just like a

man of his age . When Aria had been that age, she had
never felt it . Aria touched her heart because of the feeling
that she could only feel back in time .
“Lady Aria…? Are you sick?”
When he asked her with a worried look, Aria smiled a little

and nodded her head .
“I think so . Sometimes when I chat with you, I’ve felt my

heart is strange . ”
Her heart is strange…! What is that…? Asher was about to

turn the wagon, startled, but he could understand what Aria
meant .
“…!”
Asher opened his eyes wide and covered his mouth with his
palm . As she looked at the redness of his earlobes .
Nevertheless, his gaze was still facing to Aria’s eyes . Aria
also faced Asher’s gaze .
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They were different from the men who had been always
drunk with alcohol and drugs . But the slight shaking eyes
seemed to represent the heart of Asher .
He looked at Aria so still without a word for a long time, but

breathed a deep sigh and shook his head . It was like he was
liberated .
“… You always embarrass me unexpectedly . ”
“I didn’t mean to make fun of you . ”
This was not to say that she had not expected such a
reaction . She had expected that he would be embarrassed
with his ears flushed, as usual . Whenever she saw him, she
felt Asher took care of her and that her heart was full .
Moreover, he did not know she was so calculating and

snobbish, but she wanted to see Asher, who paid attention
to every word and responded to them, and his eyes that
only looked at one person .
“… That’s why it’s so troublesome every time . ”
Not knowing what she had in mind, he washed his dry face
and spoke his mind . It was as if he could not do something
insidious yet to the young Aria . However, it was Aria that
was really insidious .
“I don’t know why you’re having a hard time . Did I do

something wrong?”
He stared at Aria’s clear eyes, as she answered, but he held

his fists, avoiding her eyes, and started acting strangely .
While she watched him with a deep gulp of laughter, the
carriage reached the court .
There were a lot of people in front of them who couldn’t

even enter the courtroom if they had heard the rumor .
Some of them were familiar faces . They were the
businessmen and their wives who had been invested by Aria
.
Whereas in the past, there had been only those who had
wanted to curse her and her death, there were so many
people now who were worried about her wherever she went
. She thought it was like a dream .
“Lady Aria…!”
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“Thank you for coming here, if you’re busy . ”
Aria, who answered and told them not to worry, entered the
courtroom under the escort of Asher .
“… I’m surprised that she has arrived in advance . ”
Cain and Mielle were inside already . The young ladies, who
had filled her back, were all gone, and they sat alone in
desolation . Of course, her expression was propped up by
evil . The perjury ladies were far away .
“I’m sure the guards urged her . They couldn’t have done
that to you, because I visited you myself . ”
“Ah…”
Cain, who put Mielle in a feeble state on his shoulder,

frowned at Aria coming in with the Crown Prince . Mielle also
gave a look of exhilaration . ‘How dare the Crown Prince be
you?’
Asher also paused in a bad mood after finding them . Aria

leaned her head on his shoulder, sticking to the side of
Asher, making Cain feel uncomfortable, as Cain’s behavior
was foolish . And Asher trembled his body, surprised .
Nevertheless, he didn’t avoid their eyes but gritted his teeth

. He was the eldest son of Count Roscent, as expected . His
sister might soon be severely punished, but he was only
interested in a woman . ‘Isn’t it just like his father?’
Perhaps his interest in taking over the county family on

behalf of the fallen Count was no longer Mielle . His purpose
from the beginning was to dominate the county family and
wield it at will . Rather, he might think about how to
pressure Aria and punish her in the future .
‘Or maybe he’d prepared something else to save his sister .

’
Even after remaining in the seat, she looked friendly with

Asher by touching the back of his hand without fear, fixing
his collar, and removing dust from his hair . Eventually,
before Cain turned his eyes, Asher seized Aria’s hand .
“… Stop . ”
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Aria sat up when she realized that his condition was serious
at the voice of Asher .
‘Oh, my God, what am I doing now?’
As soon as she realized that her opponent was Asher, her

face was about to burst with embarrassment . Frey came
into the courtroom in good timing as she rolled her eyes
over how to deal with it .
Aria missed the timing of her apology and was wary . Asher,
who responded to Aria, briefly clicked his tongue and sighed
. He seemed to think Aria was a very innocent woman, so it
was an act of innocence that came out of it .
In the meantime, Frey, who saw the two in a strange mood,

smiled a moment, then broke through the silence and
opened her mouth . “I think you’re tired because there have
been two consecutive trials . That’s why I’d better make a
decision right away . ”
She pulled out some papers, stretched them out and looked
at them in detail, then stared back at the front .
“First of all, Roscent Aria, who was accused by the family of

Count Roscent… I hereby pronounce that she is innocent . ”
It was a natural result, but she was a little relieved .
This was all thanks to Asher . ‘What would have happened if

it hadn’t been for him?’ As soon as she had forgotten the
shame and looked at him, he had a subtle smile, gazing at
Aria .
Frey spoke without having time to share the joy, “After

checking the evidence, I found that the documents
submitted by Lady Aria were all true and that she could not
commit the crime because there were many witnesses who
had seen her and the Crown Prince . So, Mielle, Median, and
Wendy are automatically convicted of perjury . ”

possible .
between chapters .

181

Lie, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Someone burst into tears as soon as Frey finished speaking .

It was Median . She burst into tears as if she could not
believe that she had become a criminal .
“Your Honor! Is that really true? She might even buy a

witness!”
Mielle’s voice, pretending to be sick, filled the courtroom . It

was she herself who had recruited the witness .
“We’ve done the research so strictly that anyone can be

convinced of it . If you want to check, you can make a
request later . That’s all the court’s punishment is, but the
three of you will have to undergo a separate investigation
into the hallucinogen test later . ”
It was only then that Wendy, who realized how ridiculous the
case she had been involved in, began to cry . It was only
now that she realized how unjust it was to take the false
charge . Only after being dismissed did she know that it was
punishment… ‘What a foolish woman she is . ’
“If it’s a punishment for hallucinogens…?”

“I’m going to tell them . ”
As if he had waited for Aria’s question, Asher replied with a

smile . They must have never dreamed that the job, which
had been deliberately left to the Crown Prince by the
Aristocratic Party due to the difficulty of tracing and
investigating, would seize their ankles . It would not end
easily if Asher would deal with it .
“Finally, the charges against Roscent Mielle . ”
And the sentence that she had waited for began . Mielle
stared at Frey with a very nervous face . Her pale look was
so serious that she could collapse immediately .
“For you, I heard that you were there alone when the Count
fell down the stairs, and a witness saw the golden-haired
lady there . ”
Frey’s eyes were sharpened after a short pause . So Mielle

swallowed her breath, and Aria took the hand of Asher . She
hoped Mielle would be punished severely .
“I’ve confirmed that you’re a real criminal who tried to kill

Count Roscent and sentence you to twenty years in prison .
”
‘Twenty years in prison?’ It was heavy for the punishment

inflicted on the aristocratic lady . So Mielle, who was
trembling so badly as Frey’s words fell, jumped out of her
seat . Then she tried to rush straight at Frey, but the
attempt was stopped by guards waiting around .
“No! It’s not me! That’s what she did . Don’t be ridiculous!”
More than a dozen guards surrounded Mielle’s perimeter
and blocked her from moving anywhere, whether Frey had
ordered in advance before sentencing .
“Your Honor! I have something to tell you . The county

family retreats this accusation…!”
Cain, who had been bewildered by the more severe ruling

than expected, came out late, but Frey shook her head .
“The execution of the sentence starts today . If you have

any objections, I hope you’ll do it later, and this is the end of
the trial . ”
There was no mercy behind it when she turned coldly .
The news of Mielle’s murder of her father quickly spread

throughout the empire .
***
“Are you really going to go back to the mansion?”
“Yes, it’s my home now . ”
Aria nodded to Asher’s worried question . Although Mielle

was punished, he seemed worried because Cain was still in
the mansion . It was because Cain had chased after Mielle
who had been dragged out and had stared at Aria and Asher
several times . The look was as full of murderous spirit as
Mielle .
Asher did not release Aria’s hand and persuaded her again,
“Why don’t you go to my villa? There’s another one in the
capital city as well as one in the woods . If that’s
inconvenient for you, I’ll find a place for you . ”
It wasn’t that his worries didn’t make sense . She had
already been framed by Mielle, so she didn’t know what
danger would befall on her . It might be a good choice to
leave the mansion, as Asher said .
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“… No . My mother is still in the mansion, and I’m sure the

employees in the mansion are worried . ”
Aria smiled bitterly and made an excuse that the Countess

remained in the mansion . He could not answer though he
tried to say something .
‘I’m sorry to bother you, but the truth is that I didn’t finish
Mielle perfectly yet, so I need to stick to the mansion . That
way, I can get her information faster, and how to punish her
.’
Twenty years in prison . It was a severe punishment for the

noble lady, who was underage . It was clear that the
sentence was set on the premise of an appeal . In addition,
at the end of the trial, Cain had said he would cancel the
charges . So no matter what he would do, he must do
anything to get Mielle out . It wasn’t that difficult for the
nobles . And another problem was that it was not so easy for
a minor, aristocratic youngster to leave home without
reason .
Maybe he reminded himself of a lot of problems, but he said

in a very sad tone, “I hope you will become an adult soon . ”
It was not like other good things would happen when she
grew up . Though she had realized much from the past
experience, she could see what he wanted from the warmth
that held her hands together . He seemed to want to be with
Aria as soon as possible .
“Then I will be able to protect you, by keeping you beside

me . I can boast of being my own person . ”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing now?”
Today he had been stirring the capital with a splendid

carriage . Asher laughed a little at her .
“It’s hard to deny . But I hope there will be a place where I

can officially be with you… so you don’t have to act weird . ”
Aria, who recalled her touch in front of everyone today, lost

her speech with her eyes wide open . A little shame came in
.
‘Why do you bring up those words again and embarrass

me?’ If she had been questioned by someone other than
Asher, she would have been able to deal with it flexibly .
However, she couldn’t do that because her opponent was
Asher, as usual… So Aria said curtly, “… I won’t do it again .
”
“No, you can do it, but I hope you do that when there’s no
one . ”
“I won’t . ”
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“Please . ”
“No, I won’t even talk anymore . ”
“I’m sorry . It’s okay when there’s a person, so do as you

like . ”
Eventually, Aria, relieved by his tender smile and apology,

smiled after him . It was also a smile that melted away the
joy of having achieved what she had long hoped for .
***
“You cannot cancel it because the trial has already been

terminated . ”
“… Then I’ll appeal . I’ll give you bail, so please release

Mielle . ”
Cain, who had never expected such a big punishment,

replied with embarrassment .
‘How dare the court refuses so harshly?’ If it were the Count

who had the broad personal network, it would have been
easier to deal with things, but this time the Count was a
victim, and Cain was just a naive nobleman who has just
graduated from the academy .
Of course, it could be solved easily, but Frey was standing in

the way . Besides, the Crown Prince’s breath was in it .
Cain gritted his teeth and asked for an interview, “Mielle has
never been in a place like this before, so I think I should
check it out . She’s still young . ”
“I see . You’ll have to fill out the paperwork, so you can
come with me . ”
Cain was not able to meet Mielle until he had completed a

fairly complicated document .
It was a humble place compared to the mansion, but it was

a prison for the nobility, so there was no strange thing to
find fault except that it was a little narrow .
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“Brother…!”
“Mielle . ”
Cain came close to Mielle, who greeted him with tears . His
eyes were swollen as if to cry all the time after the trial . So
Cain hurriedly handed over the handkerchief to Mielle .
“Well, what am I supposed to do now…?”
“I’ll get you out, so don’t worry . ”
Sob sob… In Cain’s answer to get her out, Mielle began to

cry aloud . As he saw that she couldn’t give a proper answer
and just squeeze out tears, she seemed to be in a very
unstable state of mind .
The guard glanced inside as he had heard that she might

have taken a hallucinogen .
Mielle, who had found some stability in Cain’s comfort,

began to curse Aria again, “My life is… because of that
vulgar woman…! I’m scared of what everyone will think of
me in the future…! Sob sob… how did I keep the image?
What would Oscar think? What am I going to do if the
engagement is broken?”
Mielle cursed Aria, listing each of the things she had lost . It
was a way of saying that all these things had come from
Aria . She passed all the blame on to Aria .

possible .
between chapters .

182

Lie, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“In addition, she was definitely in the mansion! But how did
she get to the next city? You’ve seen her, too!”
“… Yes, I saw her . ”
As usual, he had arrived at the mansion and checked Aria’s

room . Apparently, the lights had been on in Aria’s room,
and he remembered seeing her silhouette as well . He also
believed she hadn’t really sneaked out because he’d always
been watching her .
So he had trusted Mielle’s words that she had been with Aria
at the moment the Count had fallen . Because Mielle had
been on the same side, he had believed that she couldn’t lie
. If Aria hadn’t really been in the mansion and Mielle had
been doing a one-man show alone, she would not have
asked for help purely from him . She had been doing that all
the time .
‘So I didn’t have the slightest doubt about what Mielle said,
and I didn’t take any action…’
He hadn’t doubted that Mielle would do well on her own .

She had always been praised for her shrewdness . Although
he had not spent much time with her as he had entered the
academy, Mielle had always been a child who had been
praised by someone .
Of course, he had just watched with folded arms, because

the Crown Prince had stepped forward . It had been possible
that if he had made a rash move, he would have taken the
false charge . He had also expected that the Crown Prince
and Aria would make some evidence because they said they
had been to a faraway country .
When he saw Mielle’s face, he thought it was a good thing

to stand by with folded arms . In the first place, all he had
wanted to gain from this was the real power of the mansion
Cain had intended to save Aria who would be in a corner as

a criminal and to give a favorable impression, but it was
only supplementary, and not for the original purpose . Mielle
had a glimmer of hope as he said that he had seen her, and
asked with her sparkling eyes,
“… Why, why don’t you tell the judge you’ve seen her
now?”
“Mielle . As I told you, it’s dangerous to testify that you and I

saw her, at the same time . The judge will be asking why we
were all there in front of Aria’s room in the first place . ”
“You can say it was a family meeting!”
“Why was the family meeting in front of Aria’s room?

Besides, it’s weird to say that we had a family meeting we’d
never had before . It’ll also be complicated to explain why
our stepmother wasn’t there . ”
When he repeated the answer to Mielle, who was trying to
persuade him again, she burst into tears again .
“I’ll examine the evidence again . I’ll apply for an appeal

and bail, so don’t worry, just wait a minute . ”
“… I get it, brother . And I have one more favor to ask of you
. I hope Miss Isis will come to see me… I have something to
tell her . ”
“I see . I’ll deliver it . ”
Cain, who left the prison, looked straight at the evidence

submitted by Aria . In addition to the court-appointed
nobility, two guards followed him . Unfortunately, however,
there was no weird thing in it .
If they had produced evidence form only one place, he could

do something, but they would have submitted certificates of
passage through several cities and finally from the Kingdom
of Croa . A certificate of passage from another country…
They couldn’t even try to fake it .
Moreover, it was marked as a time when one would not

arrive unless one moved very tightly . There would be
enough time if the Crown Prince moved alone, but there was
no extra time to move with Aria who wasn’t used to long-
distance travel .
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‘I can’t argue…’
With this perfect evidence, there was no manipulation . No,
it was a thoroughly planned evidence that could not be
refuted . They said it was a vacation, but they didn’t spend
so much time in the city . Cain, who had been checking
them for a long time, covered the files that had sorted out
the evidence .
“Have you finished it? If you have any questions, would you
like me to explain?”
“… No, thank you . I’ll apply for an appeal and bail first . ”
“I see . It’ll take a while because it has to go through the

judge . Come with me . ”
The application was filled out and bailed out according to

the instructions, but the only answer returned from Frey was
no . The answer returned within a day as if there was no
room for review .
[Her age is still young, but she did the heavy crime and
there is the risk of a second offense, and I reject your
application for bail . I’ll reschedule and inform you about the
appeal at a later date . ]
Cain, who read it, crumpled the document and threw it to

the floor . ‘I can’t believe the judge rejected the bail! It is
the nobility of the empire to free a man on bail, even if he
kills a person!’ It was clear that the Crown Prince had done
something .
To make matters worse, even Isis expressed her intention

not to meet Mielle . The day to go to the Kingdom of Croa
was a short time away, and she said she was busy, but she
no longer seemed to want to continue her relationship with
Mielle and the family of Count Roscent .
‘If my father was fine…!’
If his father had been fine, he would have persuaded the

Duke to bring Mielle out somehow . However, the Count was
in a coma by the hands of Mielle, and other nobles, who had
thought it was a disgraceful crime, turned completely away
from their eyes .
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It was disgraceful of him to realize that the great power his

father had, only after he had driven his father to hell . Even
though he had obtained the power, he had failed to use it
properly .
‘Aria always ignores me!’
Somehow the servants and maids of the mansion took care

of Aria, like a glass that was fragile . She had acted as if she
had been the power of the county family .
It was too late, but Aria, not Mielle, should have been the
culprit . But he could no longer put the false accusation on
her as she had completely prepared and refuted .
On the contrary, she earned the name “Poor Lady” and

gained the sympathy and love of all people as if she was
revered . Though of humble origin, there was even a great
deal of public opinion that her character and wisdom were
perfect for the Crown Prince’s spouse . Even among the
Aristocratic Party, no one dared to refute it . Unable to tell
Mielle about it, he was seething angrily in bed, when a
woman’s screams were heard in the Count’s room .
“Call the family doctor! Call the family doctor! Hurry!”
It was the Countess . She was screaming with a very

surprised face . If she was making a fuss like that, the Count
was either dead or awake .
‘Don’t tell me…?! I haven’t achieved anything yet!’
With the fear of assisting and inciting the immoral thing and
the thought of having to pay for it, he could not stop his
whole body to tremble . Nevertheless, he had to confirm
what had happened in the Count’s room, so he fearfully
opened the door .
“…!”
Cain opened his eyes wide . He had heard that there was a
greater chance that his father would not wake up, but the
Count, who seemed unable to regain consciousness
throughout his life, was staring at the door with his eyes
wide open .
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Cain’s whole body trembled as if he were going to rush in

and tear it apart for his immoral crime . But the Count didn’t
say anything but just stared silently at Cain .
Cain, who had been terrified of the Count for so long,

approached him slowly, without any movement . Cain called
the Count in a trembling voice, “… Father . ”
“…”
However, the Count still had no answer . There was no
movement, either, except just staring at Cain with all his
strength, even though it looked very unnatural .
‘Maybe…?’ As if he realized something, Cain asked, “Can’t

you speak?”
Blink . The Count closed his eyes once and then opened to
Cain’s question . It seemed to be a sign of affirmation .
When asked, “Can’t you move your body?” this time, the
Count closed his eyes once again and opened .
Unfortunately, keeping his eyes open seemed to be the limit
. Cain swallowed a sigh of relief at the sight .
“… Well, I’m glad you woke up like this . Are you sick
anywhere?”
Even when asked awkwardly, the Count blinked once and

sent a sign that he was okay . Fortunately, he didn’t seem to
have any regrets about Cain . Because he just woke up after
a very long time and opened his eyes, he seemed to feel
uncomfortable .

possible .
between chapters .

183

Lie, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Cain asked the Count carefully .
“… Do you remember what happened? Do you remember

the accident…?”
When he carefully mentioned the accident, the Count,

whose eyes were shaking for a moment, slowly closed his
eyes and then opened it again . Cain swallowed his saliva . ‘I
wish he wouldn’t remember . How can he remember this
incident?’
“Do you remember the criminal…?”
The Count’s eyes blinked once .
“… Was it Aria?”
Unlike earlier, the Count blinked twice . That meant…
“Then, it was Mielle, as expected…?”
The Count, who did not answer Cain’s question for a

moment, closed his eyes . It seemed like a memory he
didn’t even want to remember . Fortunately, he did not
seem to know he was an accomplice to Mielle, seeing that
he didn’t show hostility or showed no signs of surprise .
The Count had closed his eyes, but just in case, Cain
covered his mouth, which went up by itself, in his belief that
God must be helping them .
‘I’m so lucky, and if he can’t talk like that and he can’t move
his body, he’s just a scarecrow . ’
His father couldn’t do anything with that body, so he would

automatically be the Count . It was much better to be a
scarecrow who woke up like this and couldn’t do anything at
all than to be so anxious about when the Count would wake
up .
“… Please lie down for a moment . The family doctor will be

here soon . ”
The frivolous Countess screamed, so one of the servants

went to look for him .
“Would you like some water?”
“…”
The Count blinked and Cain was about to go out of the room
to get some water, but a servant was already standing by
the door . He was at a loss whether he had seen Cain go
inside earlier .
“Water . ”
“… Yes? Yes!”
At Cain’s short instruction, the servant hurried to bring the
water, and the Count drank the cold water . After a while,
the agitated Countess came into the room . She held the
hands of the Count, checking Cain, and the panting family
doctor also rushed in .
“How’s my father’s condition?”
Cain asked, and the countess’s cold eyes followed . After the
doctor examined the Count with enthusiasm, he looked
incredulous .
“It’s hard to believe, but he won’t be in a coma anymore . ”
“My God…” The Countess wept and kissed the Count’s hand
.
Cain didn’t know what she really felt, but she looked like she
was giving thanks to God . Cain, who had managed to stop
himself from furrowing his forehead at his doctor’s hopeful
remarks, asked him what he was curious about .
“Well, when will his body be able to move?”
“His body… has no response yet, so I can’t guarantee

anything . ”
“What about speaking? He can’t even turn his head . What’s

going on with that?”
“… I can’t guarantee that either . ”
‘Then, could he become unable to speak or move for the

rest of his life? He just woke up, but it was the worst . It
might have been better if didn’t open his eyes . ’
“Oh, my God, honey…! What can I do?” After hearing what
the doctor had said, the Countess buried her face next to
the Count with a cry that sounded like the world had
collapsed .
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Cain also tried to look frustrated with his mouth covered and
pretended to join in the grief . Actually, he was happier than
anyone else . So the Count’s room was filled with the
Countess’s mournful voice for some time .
“… What’s going on, everyone?”
And in a moment, Aria, who returned from a belated outing

to meet the businessmen, visited the Count’s room, where
people huddled together . The servants and maids were
filling the hall in front of the Count’s room for some news .
Since that incident, the Count’s room had been frequented

by servants only when they had a job to do, so why were
there so many people today? Wondering, Aria approached
them .
“Miss…! Please go inside quickly!”
The servants and maids, who recognized her even before

she reached the Count’s room, urged her to hurry inside .
They all had urgent faces . This made her wonder if the
Count was dead . As she hurried into the Count’s room, she
saw the Count, who was looking at her .
“… Father?”
She rushed to the side of the Count, who had awakened .
She thought the Count was already dead rather than awake
.
“Oh my god… When did he wake up?”
The doctor began to explain to Aria, who asked him, that

even the count was in bad shape . The expression of Aria
who was hearing his explanation gradually darkened . He
was like a dead man just with his eyes open! What was the
difference from not waking up in this way?
“I think the damage to his spine while he fell has had a big
impact…”
‘I can’t believe he has to live like this for the rest of his life .
’ As she glanced at Cain, who stood next to her at the
terrible news, he was frowning with his palm covering his
mouth . ‘Don’t tell me your hidden face is smiling . ’ With a
plausible assumption, Aria asked the doctor,
“What should I do to make my father feel better again?”
“… Yeah?”
“What should I do to make him move a little bit? We have to

do something . ”
At Aria’s question, the doctor felt embarrassed . He had no

answers, but she could feel keenly that there was no way to
do it .
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The Countess squeezed out her crying voice and said,
“There must be a way! When he woke up earlier, he moved
his fingers a little!”
The doctor opened his eyes wide and asked again if that
was true .
“Would I really lie in front of my sick husband?”
“Well, it’s not like that . If that’s true, it means there’s plenty
of room for recovery! It’s possible that he’ll be able to
recover as much as he can, depending on his efforts!”
The doctor’s face brightened up . The Countess and Aria

also had a big smile . While such a fake family smiled for the
Count, the real son, Cain, stuck to his serious face alone .
Aria pointed this out without missing it . “Are you not happy
with that? He’s awake, and the doctor says there’s a chance
for Father to recover . ”
“… That’s not it . It’s just because I can’t believe it . ”
Aria laughed at Cain’s late reply . He was shameless as he

had plotted to kill his own father by joining his sister .
“So do you? I’m sure that if our father recovers, the county
family will be able to get back to its original form, and the
work of Mielle who is insisting on repeatedly being unjust…
will be solved, right? I don’t think Mielle pushed him
either…”
She mentioned Cain, who had been involved in it . When

Aria put Mielle’s name in her mouth, a wave rose in the eyes
of the Count, who had been lying motionless, and his fingers
moved a little .
“Well, they are really moving!”
The doctor, who was examining the Count’s condition again,

saw that and was excited to explain the treatment to help
the Count recover .
“For now, you can start by massaging his body . He’ll surely
be able to walk again in no time if you consistently do that .
You can leave the massaging to the servants if you want…”
Against the backdrop of the doctor’s voice that resonated

throughout the room, Cain, with a very small voice,
continued what he was saying earlier, “Oh, no, no . That
can’t be true . I’m very happy, but I’m just a little surprised .
”
“Are you? My brother thinks about my father very much . I

want him to recover soon, so you can tell him who the real
culprit is . ”
Along with the smiling Aria, Cain raised his mouth

awkwardly . It looked as if he were crying, and Aria’s smile
became even stronger .
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***
Aria and the Countess, who left behind the servants who
massaged the Count’s entire body as advised by the doctor,
took a short rest in the garden . In front of the Count, the
Countess had wept and rejoiced, but the face of the
Countess, who was drinking tea, was full of relief .
“I’m glad my father woke up . ”
“Yes . ”
There was little joy in the face of the Countess, who

answered Aria’s words . Rather, she looked a little tired from
her exaggerated performance .
When Aria realized this, she made the maids leave and
asked her what she really wanted,
“You don’t look very happy, do you?”
“That’s the same for you . What do you want to ask?”
The Count was an important figure who had changed the

future of Aria and the Countess, but it was a natural result
because he had always excessively defended his bloodline
and treated her mother and her as just beautiful ornaments
.

possible .
between chapters .

184

Lie, Part X
Translator: Khan
‘I wonder if there is anyone in this mansion who will truly

treat him well . Besides, how would he feel if he finds out
that he was betrayed by his own blood and was comforted
by his so-called ornaments?’
Aria laughed then said to the Countess, “I’m sorry, but I

won’t let Mielle be left untouched although my father woke
up . I will also punish Cain even if the county family is
doomed . ”
“What are you sorry for? That’s a very good judgment . You
can’t leave the snake strangling . I’ll help you, too . ”
The Countess gritted her teeth as if she had reminded her of

Aria who had been falsely accused . She was terrified
because she couldn’t take a step out of the room .
If Aria had no background, she would be afraid of the Count

and his children even though she was the Countess, but Aria
had already won numerous supporters and powers, and she
even had the Crown Prince on her back .
Therefore, it would be better to trample on them and get

the virtue of a grown-up daughter and son-in-law rather
than to curry favor with a man who treated her as an
ornament .
While Aria and the Countess were resting in the garden,

Cain went into the Count’s room alone . Cain told the
servants, who were massaging the Count’s body, to go
outside .
“But, but the doctor…”
“I have something to talk to my father for a while, so do it

again later . ”
‘Talk to the Count? Is he in a position to talk now?’ The

servants hesitated to go out, but they still did . He sat by
the head of the Count who was staring at him .
“Father . ”
When he called him, the Count blinked . There was no

change in his face, but it was a reaction that seemed to be
asking why . At Cain’s casual appearance, Cain hesitated a
little and then opened his mouth again .
“Mielle… she’s in jail now . ”
Cain’s words brought waves back into the Count’s eyes . He

had thought she might have been punished for pushing him
down, but he didn’t know she was in jail .
He had just woken up and hadn’t heard anything about

Mielle . What Mielle had done was a terrible, immoral crime,
but it was enough if he dismissed and covered it as an
unfortunate incident in the family .
‘But prison? Why? Who in the world accused her?’ Cain
continued to speak as he saw the color of the Count’s face
becoming black .
“She was… on the charge of trying to kill her father . She’s

been in trouble because I couldn’t get the permission even if
I applied for bail . I think… it’s because the Crown Prince is
involved in the middle . ”
The Count rolled his eyes when the Crown Prince’s name
suddenly appeared . It was shocking that Mielle was in
prison, but it seemed to ask why even the name of the
Crown Prince came out .
“Well, in fact, Aria was driven to the criminal at first . Then

the Crown Prince stepped in . ”
As he was unable to tell the whole truth, he said some parts,

taking off their faults, and the Count closed his eyes . It was
Mielle who had intentionally taken him to Aria’s room, so he
seemed to be making a rough guess . There was nothing to
benefit from continuing this story, so Cain quickly changed
the topic .
“Anyhow, Mielle said she had made a mistake, and she’s

very worried about you . She cries every day and regrets her
mistake . So, please help Mielle .
Cain’s words sank the Count’s eyes low .
‘Mistake?’ At that time, the face of Mielle, who had pushed

him down the stairs, was as vivid as if it was painted . It was
never the look of a person making a mistake . It was a clear
intention . Still, Cain continued to stress that she had made
a mistake until the Count’s face was full of tiredness .
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“… If you are in a state you can’t answer, I must have been

too talkative . I’m afraid you’re tired today, so I’ll leave now
. Take a good rest . ”
Cain, who was afraid that his mistake would be revealed if

he defended Mielle any longer, went out of the Count’s room
at the right time . In the empty room, where Cain had left
and no one was present, the Count, who had been staring at
the ceiling for some time, soon closed his eyes .
In his eyes, many of the karma he had done fell into tears .
His own children that he thought were on his side were too
heartless, but only his new wife and stepdaughter were
sincere . Even his most loved Mielle tried to kill him . Cain
had struggled to say that it had been a mistake, but the
Count, who clearly remembered the look of Mielle while
pushing him, felt keen that it was not a mistake . Tears
didn’t stop at the feeling of being denied everything that he
had done so far .
They were all his karma . It was a matter of his own accord .
It was an irreversible past that he only realized now that he
could no longer lift a finger .
While looking back at his life and shedding tears of regret

and resentment, the Countess, who had been away for a
while drinking tea with Aria, entered the room . As if she had
had no leisurely face, the Countess hurried up to the Count,
making a very worried face .
“Where are the servants? Why are you alone? Are you
feeling better? Would you like some water? No, do you want
me to massage you? Oh, my God… look at these tears, are
you hurt somewhere?”
When she saw the Count’s terrible state, the Countess was
worried about him, and the Count’s tears that he was
holding back burst out again . Though she was a woman of
humble origin, she must have been a warmer woman than
anyone else .
Nevertheless, resentment and bitterness were in his heart at

what he couldn’t express anymore . If she knew this or not,
the Countess smiled brightly and held his hands .
“Now that you’ve got your doctor’s words and you’re awake,
you’ll get better soon . I’ll do my best to help . ”
As if he had found a ray of hope in the face of the talking

Countess, the Count glistened his eyes .
***
With the dedication of the Countess, the proper prescription

of his physician and the constant efforts of everyone in the
mansion, the Count was soon able to get his energy back .
As his doctor said, his lower body showed no signs of
improvement, but it was possible for him to move his arms
or hands a little bit . Of course, he couldn’t pick things up or
turn around unless he had someone to help him .
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“Would you like some water?”
“Yes . ”
He could also speak briefly . She didn’t know if it was

because he was not feeling well yet or because he didn’t
want to talk, but he often answered the Countess’s
questions .
“By the way, today is Mielle’s trial day . Shall we go there

for a while?”
“… No . ”
Despite Cain’s relentless efforts, the Count offered no help

for Mielle . Despite Cain’s efforts to bring news of the poor
Mielle often… Of course, it was the Countess’s effort . She
helped him to stand firm as he had been shaken his heart .
“You’d better take good care of Mielle…? Aria said it was

okay, and… but I think the good child should be given a
chance to repent…”
“…”
The Count shook his head faintly . Even though it was a

small move that wouldn’t be noticeable if she didn’t look
closely, the Countess nodded her head as if she knew it .
“She’s a good kid, so she’ll soon understand what you mean

.”
The Countess massaged his hand to justify the Count’s

coldness of abandoning her own daughter . There was not a
shadow in her smiley face .
“Come to think of it, the doctor strongly advised me that
you should take a rest and recover in a resort . Why don’t
you buy a villa at this time? A villa where you can get a
good rest . I’ll check it out and buy it without bothering you .
”
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“… Ok . ”
No matter how much the Count’s condition improved, he

would not be able to live and work normally . Therefore, it
was clear that the county family would fall into Cain’s hands
as it was .
‘So why not take away even the property in return for
humiliation and persecution?’ The Countess, who had a
chance to take the property from the Count, smiled brightly
at him, who believed in her and answered yes .
***
“Considering the Count’s awakening, I’m sentencing

Roscent Mielle to five years of house arrest . ”
At Frey’s sentence, Mielle collapsed again to the floor .

‘House arrest? Why should I be punished when my father is
not dead? And why didn’t my father request for a plea for
mercy?’

possible .
between chapters .

185

Lie, Part XI
Translator: Khan
“Mielle, you can stay in the mansion and persuade your

father . I’m sure he’ll forgive you soon if you show remorse .
You’d better see your father as soon as you get to the
mansion . ”
Cain whispered quietly to Mielle . For the nobles, house

arrest was not a bad ruling . In any case, the detention in
the house was not only allowed outside the mansion, but it
was possible to stay free inside . She could invite guests to
have tea time in the garden . It meant that she could not
just go out, but she was free inside .
Besides, didn’t the sentence decrease from twenty to five

years? It was clear that if he applied for bail consistently,
she would be released before serving her sentence . Before
that, the Count might have forgiven her . At Cain’s words,
Mielle nodded reassuringly .
“… I understand . By the way, did Miss Isis send me a reply?

What did she say?”
“That’s…”
As Cain hesitated to answer, Mielle realized that Isis had
rejected her .
Frey added an exception, without giving her to be caught in

the shock that followed .
“However, since you have to stay in the mansion with two

victims, detention is limited to the room used by Lady Mielle
until now . ”
“… What do you mean?”
“It means that you can’t come out of your room . In

addition, a request has been made from the imperial family
—you have not been questioned about the hallucinogen yet,
so you need special care . ”
‘What’s this? That’s a crazily unfair sentence! With all the

servants and guests of the mansion watching, am I
supposed to be questioned about the hallucinogen I didn’t
take? Should I get stuck in the room and hear that wicked
woman laughing? Do I have to watch the guards and the
investigators go in and out of the room, and see the
servants look askance at me?’
Mielle fell flat on the floor because of the unprecedented

ruling . She got dizzy . Unconsciously, her tears drenched
the floor . She would rather die than suffer such shame and
humiliation . Even though she had done everything by
herself, she felt unjust and unfair because the cause was
Aria .
‘I’ll never let her go…!’
As soon as the sentence fell, Mielle was soon able to move

on . When they saw an old carriage, surrounded by six
guards, headed for the mansion of Count Roscent, each of
them was talking, imagining a figure in the wagon .
“She said she was going to appeal, but it must have been
decided by house arrest . ”
“My God . How can a victim and an offender stay in one

place?”
“My acquaintance worked at the court, and she said that

she will be detained in her room and not the typical house
arrest . ”
“In her room? That’s a terrible punishment as well . ”
“I heard there’s a charge about hallucinogen, and they’re

going to investigate it in the mansion . That’s why they will
lock her in her room . ”
“Oh, my God… That’s the worst . I can’t believe that that

graceful lady would do such a thing… I feel like I’ve been
cheated . ”
“The rumors were all the opposite . The rumors of a saint

and a wicked woman… There have been rumors that it’s
been a little strange, but this case has definitely turned out
to be true . The wicked woman was Lady Mielle, and she had
overlaid all her sins against the benevolent Aria . It’s a
common story in novels, isn’t it?”
The wagon was old and Mielle could hear all their gossip .
Her fists trembled as she wanted to tear up their mouths
which made rumors . Her slightly grown nails dug into the
palms of her hands and tore her flesh .
‘How dare…!’
However, after arriving at the mansion, Mielle’s condition
did not improve .
“Please, please let me see my father!”
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She cried and wanted to ask for forgiveness from the Count
because this was her only chance . However, she only heard
the Countess’s cold answer .
“Unfortunately, he doesn’t want to see you . ”
“… What? I want to hear that directly from my father!”
Aria suddenly appeared and shrugged her body before

Mielle, who was about to rush to the Countess .
“Oh, my God, I’m scared . Mom, stay away . ”
“… You, you! How dare you!”
As Mielle screamed at the gaze of Aria, who looked at her as

if she was a bug, the guards, who had arrived at the
mansion with the carriage, hurried to shut Mielle’s mouth
and overpowered her .
“The hallucinogen is really scary . It has made a person

change that much… They have to start investigating and
treating her as soon as possible . Isn’t that right, brother?”
Of all occasions, Aria stood beside Cain and said so, Cain,
who would save Mielle, closed his mouth and looked at the
situation with his arms folded . He seemed quite
embarrassed because Aria rarely clung to him .
‘How can this happen?’ Blood was likely to pour out from her
eyes filled with sorrow and anger . Mielle was caught in her
room as if she had been dragged away, and she had to
receive the cold eyes of the servants and maids .
“You’d better not think useless, lady, because the

investigation is about to begin . ”
With the cold voice of a guard, there was a chain-winding

sound outside the closed door . Seeing no sound of distant
footsteps, the guards, who had just warned, seemed to be
guarding the room outside .
‘Why, why! All this was to put the ugly girl back in her
original place! In addition, it was to have what she originally
had to have a little faster in return . But what is the situation
like now?’ She lost everything and was stigmatized and was
stuck in her room . Isis and Cain, who she had believed
would help her, acted like they didn’t know her .
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Trapped in a clean room, as if all the dangerous goods had

been put away, she screamed for a while and squeezed out
her tears . It was because there was no place to relieve her
bitterness .
After squeezing tears all day long until she was hoarse,
Mielle suddenly opened her own secret space as if
something had come up . Like Aria, she also had a secret
space in her room for one person .
There, Mielle, who took out a box, wiped away her tears
from her eyes . The contents of this box were the only thing
that could save her .
***
“Ms . Isis . The letter has arrived . ”
“Really? Who sent it?”
“That’s…”
The butler was speechless at Isis’s question . Isis also sighed

when she noticed that the uncomfortable opponent had sent
the letter . ‘Why does she keep bothering me when I had
already thrown her away?’
Furthermore, rumors about Mielle were terrible, if she got

involved with her for nothing, there would be useless rumors
even to herself . It was not long before going to the Kingdom
of Croa, and she pretended not to know her as much as she
could, but she had a headache as Mielle sent a letter every
day .
“If she keeps sending these letters, why don’t you just send
her a reply?”
At the careful advice from the butler, Isis put down the
document that she was reviewing . She thought it would be
better to refuse at a single stroke than to continue this
troublesome connection .
“Read it roughly and give me a summary . ”

“All right . ”
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So Isis, who ordered it, took the document back into her
hands . It was the document sent from the Kingdom of Croa,
so she had to carefully examine it and proceed to strike the
Crown Prince who had made herself, the Duke, and the
Aristocratic Party this way .
After Isis squeezed her temples again, she picked up the

document again and began to concentrate . She examined it
carefully so that there were no omissions or mistakes . No
matter how much he had the same purpose of attacking the
empire, her opponent was the king of a country .
However, the face of the butler, who opened the letter next
to Isis and reviewed the contents, began to turn pale .
“Ms… Ms . Isis . I think you should see the letter for

yourself…!”
Isis furrowed her forehead and asked why, because the

man, who was always dignified and had the appearance of
being a butler of the Duke family, stuttered .
“What’s going on? What does it say?”
“That’s…”
Despite Isis’s urging, the butler could not give a quick

answer . Eventually, Isis, who could not overcome her
frustration, took the letter from him and began to read for
herself what had surprised the butler so much .

possible .
between chapters .

186

Lie, Part XII
Translator: Khan
[Ms . Isis . I understand you are going to abandon me . I

admit that I made a big mistake, but don’t forget that it
wasn’t my work alone, and I have letters exchanged with Ms
. Isis . In the letters, there is also a story about that woman
and His Highness the Crown Prince . It’s also written what
Ms . Isis will do in the future . If you ignore this letter again
this time…You will have to be prepared for what I will say . ]
“… Ha . ”
‘How wicked she is!’ Isis crumpled the letter in her hands
and threw it to the floor . ‘She dares to threaten me?’ She
wanted to go to the mansion of the Count of Roscent
immediately and twist her neck, but she barely endured her
desire and emptied the warm tea with her trembling hands .
The butler had guessed her mind as he had read the letter
in advance, and he hurriedly prepared the cold water . Isis,
who emptied the cold water in a single gulp, burst into
laughter as if she had been embarrassed .
“How will I kill her? Huh?
“Ms . Isis…”
The problem was that she had written everything in the
letters without hesitation because she had thought she
would never betray her . She would never have done such a
thing if she had known Mielle was so stupid . Maybe it was
because she had thought Aria was an easy target that she
couldn’t get rid of the evidence thoroughly .
Isis, who clearly remembered what was left in the letters,

closed her eyes and buried herself deep on the sofa . It was
too risky to pass, so she needed to worry .
‘No, what’s the use of agonizing?’
From the beginning, she had known she couldn’t throw her
away and started . No, she had done it because she hadn’t
known she was going to face such a tragedy with that
vulgar bitch and the Crown Prince, the scarecrow .
The letters did not have her direct instructions, but they
contained quite a few metaphors, which were enough for
the Crown Prince to attack her under the pretext . If Mielle,
who was being investigated as a sinner, had revealed it, she
would have been involved in this incident .
‘I can’t help it . First of all, I have to listen to what she wants

.’
As she could no longer weaken her power, Isis, who

breathed a deep sigh, straightened her posture and said to
the butler,
“… Paper and pen . ”
“… Yes . ”
Isis gave the written letter, which asked what Mielle wanted,
to the butler, and wrapped her head, thinking about how to
finish the wicked rat .
***
[I wouldn’t throw you away Lady Mielle . I was just a little

busy going to Croa . I’ll get back to you soon . ]
Mielle blushed at the hope she had obtained after several

letters to Isis . It was foolish of her to listen to such threats .
She had been asked to incinerate the letters they had
exchanged even before things went wrong, but she had
gathered them in case and finally achieved what she
wanted .
‘If I keep them there, no one will ever find it . ’
She had confided with Cain just in case . She had also asked
to punish Isis with them if she went wrong . It was disturbing
to leave it to him, who was possessed by a daughter of a
prostitute, but unfortunately, she had no one else to turn to
.
She wanted to ask for help from her father, but the Count
seemed to have no intention of helping her at all . She
heard he was hard to move, but no matter how hard he was,
he never called her . And she cried in sorrow, but rather, she
felt injustice and anger .
‘My father abandoned me first . If I had known this would

happen, I would have pushed him higher . ’
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In a terrible imagination, Mielle gritted her teeth .
Now the only person Mielle could rely on was Cain . No

matter how possessed he was by a prostitute’s daughter, he
wouldn’t abandon his own sister . So she waited for Isis to
contact her endlessly, and suddenly there was an uproar
outside .
When she looked outside through the windows that were

tightly closed, she could see a colorful carriage that she
couldn’t easily see . It was a carriage with a seal that Mielle
knew, though it was a little far away .
‘Don’t tell me…!’
It was none other than the Crown Prince who got off the
wagon . She could see Aria, who had always been busy, if
she had gotten in touch beforehand, greeting him with joy,
even refusing to go out . Next to her was the Countess .
Although she could not see in detail as the iron bars were
added in and out of the windows to prevent her escape,
they enjoyed the joy of reunion in front of the carriage for a
long time . It was so disturbing .
Two knights armed thoroughly were seen behind the Crown

Prince . A decently dressed aristocrat was also with him . If
his purpose was simply to meet Aria, his followers would not
have accompanied him . It was clear that there was another
purpose .
Then she narrowed her eyes and doubted, and Asher, who
had finished his reunion with Aria, raised his head and
turned to her room . As she had the guilt of sin, she felt her
heart sink heavy . It was only then that Mielle realized that
he had come to see her .
“If you don’t have a schedule today, why don’t you go out
with me?”
“It’s not that I have a schedule . I was going to go to the

academy when Mr . Asher returned . Sarah said she have a
class today . ”
“… I’ve visited on the wrong day . I wish I had checked in

advance . ”
A moment later, the voices of Aria and Asher from outside

the door made the whole body of Mielle nervous . She had
been focusing on Isis for a while, and she had forgotten the
investigation for the hallucinogen, but she couldn’t believe
the Crown Prince would visit her himself .
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“Can you spare me a little time, though? If you don’t have

time, I’ll go with you to the academy . ”
“Everyone will be surprised if you do . ”
“I’m hoping . That way, there will be fewer people who can
go near you . I’m always worried . ”
“I’m always thinking about you, but Mr . Asher is too worried

.”
“I can’t help but worry . Don’t you feel the gaze around you?
If I could, I’d follow you around and all those eyes…”
As if to warn her, the voice of Asher was gloomy . Aria,
smiling a little, cut off his words with a gentle voice as if to
placate the child .
“I see . Let’s talk after we finish our work . I have to prepare

. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to go out with Mr . Asher’s wagon
.”
At the end of their conversation, Mielle backed away to the

furthest wall from the door as she was surprised . Sure
enough, there was the sound of the iron chains loosening,
which had been firmly locked . She could hear the sound for
a long time .
Then, a moment later, the Crown Prince and two knights,

who she had seen through the windows, and a nobleman,
who she didn’t know, came into sight . Next to him was Aria,
accompanied by a maid . Asher, a cool-faced man who was
completely different from Asher who Mielle remembered,
pointed to her and ordered the knights . He looked as if he
were looking at a troublesome baggage .
“Drag her out . ”
As soon as the order of Asher fell, two knights went straight

into the room and seized Mielle’s arms . They seemed to be
really trying to pull her out since Asher ordered them to .
“Where, where am I going?”
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Mielle, embarrassed, asked, but no one minded her . They
forced Mielle out of the room with a strong squeeze on her
arms beyond necessity .
“Well, I’ll just go out on my own…!”
“There can’t be such a choice for a criminal . ”
Tears welled up in Mielle’s eyes at the words of the

nobleman, who was following her with a sneer . She didn’t
know where she was being dragged, but at this rate, it was
clear she would be consumed as entertainment for those
below .
“I thought you lost your weight a lot, but you’re fine . I’m
sure you haven’t had much trouble yet . ”
Her anger flared at Aria’s voice, which ran through her ear
only . It was similar to what Mielle had done before Aria had
been killed for being a wicked woman .
“It’s all because of you! If it wasn’t for you! If it wasn’t for

you!”
Suddenly, Mielle made a scene, and Aria shrank into fear,

pretending that she didn’t know . It was a clear expression
and gesture of a victim .

possible .
between chapters .

187

Lie, Part XIII
Translator: Khan
The abominable sight deepened Mielle’s anger, and her

arms were strongly tightened by the knights . Aria raised
the corners of her mouth as if to make fun of her . It was in
Mielle’s eyes and she was struggling .
-Slap!
Suddenly, the pain was felt in her cheek, and her vision
changed in an instant . And there was silence in the hall
which was noisy with the severe struggle of Mielle .
She did not know that was happening . As she slowly turned
her head back to the other side, she saw Aria, who opened
her eyes wide and covered her mouth with her palms, as if
she was truly surprised .
“If you make any more fuss, I’ll put you in the Imperial
Underground Prison . ”
It was the Crown Prince who uttered a warning recitation .

As if he had touched something dirty, he shook his hand and
strode forward .
“Oh, my God, look at that swollen cheek…!”

Left behind Annie’s mocking remarks, Mielle was dragged
away in embarrassment . Shock, fear, and confusion of the
first violence caused to stop Mielle’s thinking .
The interrogation was supposed to be done in the lounge,

and she faced servants and maids of the mansion several
times as she passed the hall and stairs to the lounge . They
all glanced at Mielle’s red, swollen cheek with astonishment
. Unlike when dealing with Aria, the cold Crown Prince’s
walking also caused questions for them .
“…!”
As soon as she reached the lounge, Cain stood in front of

the lounge as if he had been waiting . Cain looked at his
sister’s cheek for a long time, apparently surprised by
Mielle’s poor appearance .
Asher described the situation with a light smile . “She didn’t

follow the directions, making a fuss . She dared to run into
the victim, Lady Aria . She still seems to have no sense of
guilt . The detention in the mansion seems more
comfortable than I thought . ”
Cain, who hesitated for a moment at the words, turned his

gaze away from Mielle .
“… Please come in . ”
The expression of Cain who answered like that was very

complicated . It was close to the expression that he wanted
to get angry, but couldn’t . Asher looked at Cain as if he
looked at Mielle, and he soon turned to the lounge and
entered the parlor .
“Brother…!”
Mielle, who was dragged behind him, called Cain anxiously,
but he could not give Mielle any answer .
In the parlor where the door was closed, there were two
knights, Asher, and Mielle, and an unknown nobleman . On
the table lay refreshments prepared in advance by servants
at Cain’s instruction . Asher looked over the document
handed by the nobleman, with a bothered face, and took
one of them into his mouth .
“You’re not the young adults, but the young ladies who are
still underage, and you took hallucinogens… It’s pretty
shocking . ”
“Well, I…!”
When Mielle tried to make an excuse at the words of Asher,

the knights holding her arms gave their strength . It seemed
to mean that she should not make an excuse until the
Crown Prince himself asked questions . ‘I’m trying to say no,
but I can’t even bring it up!’ Mielle was so bitter and
resentful about the whole thing .
“How many ladies took hallucinogens except you?”
In fact, he did not check whether or not it was true, but he

was convinced that they had taken hallucinogens, and when
asked on the premise of it, Mielle shook her head vigorously
and denied it .
“No one really took any hallucinogens…!”
“Really?”
The expression of Asher, asking again, was very apathetic .

It was as if he were listening to a useless story . The
nobleman next to him did not seem to value much of
Mielle’s answer .
“However, since there is no proof that it is not, you can’t

prove it . ”
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“There’s no proof of that we did that, is there?”
Mielle was furious at Asher’s insistence, but it was soon

denied by him .
“There is . ”
“What? That’s ridiculous…!”
Asher recited her sins personally to Mielle, who was

stuttering .
“You strongly insisted that you had seen Lady Aria that was
not in the mansion at that time, and you wouldn’t make
such an argument unless you had taken a hallucinogen .
Actually, it was you who had pushed the Count . ”
The nobleman replied affirmatively to the words of Asher,
“Maybe the hallucinogen ingredient was still in her body .

Maybe she hid it in her room and took it . ”
“There’s a point . Write it down like that . ”
“Yes, Mr . Asterope . ”
The nobleman began to write something on the papers at
the instruction of Asher . He seemed to write that Mielle had
not yet escaped the hallucinogen .
She began to struggle in response, “Well, that’s enough!

Stop it! I really didn’t take any hallucinogens! It’s just your
trust! Why don’t you listen to me? Why doesn’t anyone
believe me…?!”
It was very sad to see her resisting with tears scattered over
her eyes . It seemed genuinely unjust . If the investigator
was not Asher, he would change his mind a little bit and
might try to release the injustice .
“… Okay . I’ll forgive you if you tell the truth from now on .
My heart aches when a young lady utters such a great pain .
Is it true that you saw Lady Aria that day, really?”
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Unexpectedly, he asked Mielle with a very serious face,

whether it was the same as Asher . He looked as if he would
give her a last chance .
‘That can’t be true . ’ In addition, even the question was

strange . ‘Of all the many questions, why would he ask
about it again?’
Doubts sprang up . Aria’s lover, he couldn’t help herself .

But it seemed to anyone that the current Asher would help
Mielle . Mielle, who had hesitated a little, glanced sideways .
There were two knights together, including the unknown
nobleman, who had the potential to be witnesses if Asher
would back out later .
Of course, if she were sane, she would have quickly realized

that they would not be able to take her side, but now she
was in a state of mental straits and was unable to think
properly . Then she trusted Asher and began to confide in
him .
“Oh, yes! I really saw her . She was in the room . I called her
. My father was in the hallway, too . ”
“Well, what did you mean you saw me?”
“That’s…”
She recalled the memory that she had shouted like that in
the court, and Mielle, who hesitated for a while, nodded her
head and said yes . She believed in Asher’s words that he
would forgive her if she was honest with him .
“… I saw you suddenly appear and take my sister . ”
“Gone like a vision?”
“That’s… Yes…”
“It looked like magic, didn’t it? I showed up at an important

moment and took Lady Aria and disappeared . ”
“… My God . That’s, that’s right! It looked magical! You’d

really gone! I’d been wondering if I’d seen it wrong for a
long time! But you also showed up at the place!”
Asher described the situation at that time with such

accuracy as to be portrayed, and Mielle nodded her head in
excessive affirmation . It was clear that he had appeared
magically and taken Aria away .
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‘Did he really move in space?’ It was a ridiculous

assumption, but assuming so, all the puzzles fit . All he had
to do was move through space to show up where he
couldn’t get there on time!
‘If this fact is revealed, my sin will also disappear . The

evidence will be useless . If so, I will regain the title of the
saint, and the vulgar wicked woman will go back to being a
wicked woman . ’
While looking at Mielle, who smiled brightly with the

thoughts, for a short while, Asher, who looked serious,
smiled at the corners of his mouth . Mielle’s whole body
stiffened to the look of mockery . ‘He’s been listening
seriously for a while now, but what the hell is going on
here?’
“I think the hallucinogen is right . ”
The knights holding Mielle’s arms sighed at the nobleman’s

words . It looked as if they regarded her words as the
nonsense of a lunatic .
“Yes, that’s what I think . She did it last time, but I didn’t
expect it again this time . Do you think it makes sense to tell
me that I disappeared like smoke? I think she’s had it for a
long time . Magic, that’s ridiculous . ”
“It’s a terrible drug for such a young lady . I don’t know how
many more nobles we’ll have to investigate . ”
“For now, we should start investigating the young ladies

who participated in the party . It’s true that she took a
hallucinogen, so I don’t have to accompany you in the
future . Investigate her thoroughly and find out where it
came from . ”
“Yes, I see . At this point, I’ll root it out thoroughly . ”

possible .
between chapters .

188

Chapter 188: Chapter 188 . An
Irreversible Choice, Part I
Translator: Khan
Mielle’s eyes began to shake like a sailing boat that met a

typhoon, with a very simple finish, dismissive of herself as if
she were not there .
‘He said he’d forgive me if I’m honest with him, but why is
this conclusion that I’ve taken the hallucinogen? The Crown
Prince clearly described it as if he knew it, agreeing with me
and calling it out magic!’
When something was going wrong, Mielle stammered and

asked Asher, “You said you’d forgive me if I am honest with
you… I told you the truth, but what are you talking
about…?”
Asher answered, shedding a cold glance at her . “I said I’d

forgive you, but I didn’t say I’d take legal action . Besides,
we can’t make sure your words are true, can’t we?”
“Yes, sir . What’s certain now is that Lady Mielle has taken
the hallucinogen . ”
Then Mielle, who realized that what Asher had said was a
trap, lost her speech and fell to the floor in a panic .
“That’s enough for today . As you saw it earlier, I have an
important business to attend to . ”
“Oh, come to think of it, it isn’t the moment to waste your

time in this useless work . I understand . ”
After all, he got up from his seat, dismissing this important

task, which would completely change the lives of countless
people . The nobleman who came with him also put in his
arms a document fully written something, saying, “The
investigation was done smoothly,” and Mielle, who was also
held up by the knights, was forced to rise . It was a short
investigation that only fit in according to a predetermined
result .
“No, wait a minute! Please! Really not!”
No one heard such a cry from Mielle . After a short

interrogation, Aria came up to Asher with a very surprised
look as they went out of the lounge .
Her appearance was almost unchanged compared to when

she had said she was getting ready to go out . She seemed
to have been curious about the result . Perhaps she had
been curious about Mielle’s face, not the result, but the
tears that she would have dropped .
“Are you done with it?”
“Yes, it was so obvious that she had taken a hallucinogen

that we didn’t have to do a long interrogation . ”
The servants and maids were also around . When he called

out the hallucinogens she had not taken, they could not hide
their astonished faces . As he saw them, they seemed eager
to talk about this amazing news .
What an interesting story to hear was that she had tried to
kill her father and even tried hallucinogenic drugs . Each of
them might want to put together a fragmented puzzle and
discuss how horrible things Mielle had done .
The unwritten rule that what happened in the mansion

should not be taken out of their mouth was not related to
this incident, because there were the Crown Prince and Aria
to forgive them .
“I see… I hoped a little bit it’s not…” Aria’s gaze at Mielle,

who was holding her arms, was colored with regret .
To console her, Asher suggested the change of surroundings

.
Until just now, he had a cold look that seemed to be

annoying, but it was gone now, and he faced Aria as if she
was very cute, like another person .
“Why don’t we go for a walk now as the investigation and

the preparation are done? It would be nice to drink tea . ”
“But… I’m worried about Mielle… how can I be the only one
to enjoy such luxury…”
“Don’t worry . She’s not going to be punished for anything

she didn’t . I’m worried you will fall . ”
Aria, who glanced at Mielle and hesitated, but nodded her

head again, was truly detestable . ‘Who drove me into this
mud? Who really needs to be comforted is me, but why are
those who don’t pay any price to change their moods?’
Moreover, Cain, who was the only one who would help, only
occasionally glared at Asher . ‘Where did his pledge go
when he said he would be acting as the head of the county
family and lock up Aria?’
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He seemed to be too busy every day just doing what the

Count had to do, let alone Aria . So Aria was so friendly with
the Crown Prince but he couldn’t say anything .
Everything was pathetic . Everyone was foolish . The wicked

woman who was really to be punished was laughing with
happiness . She was so dark about herself that she must get
the light . With such a sense of deprivation and injustice,
there was no other way to resolve it, and she could see
someone entering the mansion .
“…!”
He was a very familiar figure . He was the butler of the Duke

family who she had been waiting for . He held a letter in his
hand . Besides, he didn’t order a servant to take, and the
butler brought the letter himself . It was clear that the letter
contained important contents of…
When the butler saw Mielle, who was caught by the knights,
he was briefly embarrassed, and immediately handed over
the letter to Cain, saying, “I have a letter to her .
“What letter?”
As everyone was present there, he asked Cain about the

contents of the letter . Then Mielle was nervous and
swallowing her saliva, and Cain, with a determined face,
shook his head and answered, “It’s a personal business . You
don’t have to know . ”
Cain’s response to the question of whether it was unfair that

he had never stood up to Asher until now had a thorn in it .
At most, it was the story of the letter, but Cain’s excessive
reaction made him laugh again .
“… Oh, I see . It was a letter from the Duke family, so I

thought its destination was not you, but Lady Mielle, and I
must have misunderstood . ”
He called his remarks a misunderstanding, but his

expression was with suspicion . It was a face that suspected
that the real destination of the letter was Mielle .
It was the same with Aria . The eyes of Aria were fixed on
the letter, who had just blushed so far, saying she was
worried about Mielle .
In the end, Mielle, anxious that the letter that would save
her would fall into the hands of the demons, opened her
mouth in a trembling voice .
“This, this is the end of the investigation…? I want to go

back to my room…”
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The combination of psychological pressure and desire to live

looked very sad and pathetic . They could think of her as if
she were a saint .
“She looks really bad . We’d better get her some rest . ”
For poor Mielle, the kind-hearted Aria said so, and the
ungrateful permission of Asher fell so that Mielle could soon
return to her room and restore stability .
Then, after a while, Cain, who asked for a visit, appeared

with the letter . He looked very serious as if he had read the
contents beforehand .
“Are you really going to accept this?”
“… Is there another way to do it? If there’s rebellion, I’ll be

cleared of my sin, so there’s no other way . ”
Cain bit his lips at Mielle’s reply and was overcome with
anxiety .
“It would be better if you just wait like this and then try
another trial again after the rebellion…”
“No, I can’t go on like this until then . You can help me run
away well . Besides… I have something to say to Isis . ”
She could be sure by the interrogation of Asher . It had to be

told; what she had seen on that day without really taking
the hallucinogen . So Mielle’s expression was as serious as
ever .
An irreversible choice
[I’ll send a maid, so you can sneak out . We’ll leave straight
for Croa, so there’s only one chance . ]
By the time she was ready to read and memorize the

contents of the letter, a maid came in with a meal .
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Her face was full of freckles, so it was hard to recognize her

features, but she was a maid with blonde hair and green
eyes . Mielle jumped out of her seat, welcoming the maid
whom she had never seen before .
“Please have dinner . ”
“… Yeah . ”
As the maid said, Mielle started eating . If she didn’t make

any sound, they would be suspicious of her from the
outside, and she crashed the dishes to make a sound . In
the meantime, the woman on the opposite side took out the
make-up tools from her arms and drew the freckles on
Mielle’s face . She took off her clothes and exchanged them
with Mielle .
The features themselves were too different to be perfect,

but the maid’s face was full of freckles and similar in height
and shape, so it was hard to notice if they didn’t look at her
closely .
[Get out of here straight . A carriage is waiting at the

entrance to the mansion . ]

possible .
between chapters .
189

Irreversible Choice, Part II
Translator: Khan
After reading the words on her palm, she hid the joy of
bursting and took the tableware . She thought she could get
out of this hellish mansion at last, and even tears seemed to
come out .
Now she and Isis were leaving for Croa, would rebel, and she
vowed to kill the stupid Crown Prince and the vulgar bitch .
She was about to leave the room with her head down, and
the guard at the door called Mielle .
Her whole body stiffened with a feeling of her heart

pounding . The guard asked Mielle, who was in a cold sweat
and froze .
“I think the mealtime today is earlier than usual . ”
“… Is that so? I just brought it as I was told…”
Otherwise, it was a high, thin voice, but it was like a child’s,

as she created a higher and thinner voice, to hide her voice
. So she thought she made a mistake and bit her lips tightly,
but the guard, who was thinking for a while, nodded .
“Really? Go . You have to get some water, right?”
“Yes, yes…”
As soon as permission fell, she hurried down to the first

floor, and Cain who looked anxious was standing at the front
door of the mansion . Mielle, who roughly laid down the
tableware on the floor, hurried to him .
“Brother… No, Ma, Master . ”
Then, as usual, she tried to call Cain, but she looked around
and corrected it . It was an empty hall with no one in it, but
just in case .
“You’re here . A carriage from the Duke family is waiting . ”
Then the nervous Cain clasped Mielle’s hands . Mielle was

stubborn and there was no way to help otherwise, but he
seemed to worry about letting her sister, who had not yet
grown up, go .
“… I’ve packed it up, just in case . Take it and use it when

there’s an emergency . ”
The pouch Cain handed over was full of expensive jewels .

Isis was not going to make a fool of her because Isis had
already been under threat by her letter, but Mielle felt more
secure than leaving the mansion without anything .
“Brother…”
She had always swallowed her anger because he was not

helpful, but she felt strange to be seen off like this . She
hugged Cain once and quickly left in a prepared carriage
right in front of the mansion .
It was sent by Isis . The carriage seemed to head straight for
the Duke mansion, but then turned around and arrived just
outside the capital . So, with uneasiness, as she carefully
stepped out of the carriage at the order of the driver, two
large, sturdy-looking carriages were waiting for Mielle .
One was a carriage for Isis alone, and the other was a
carriage with maids and luggage . Isis, who got off the
wagon upon Mielle’s arrival, greeted her with a gentle
welcome .
“Ms . Isis…!”
“Lady Mielle . I’ve been waiting . Did you have a hard time?”
“No, no! This is how Ms . Isis helped me!”
Like menacing and intimidating people, what they really

wanted to ask each other was a deep-seated, pretentious
smile . Isis wrapped around Mielle’s shoulders and guided
her to her carriage .
“I was about to leave . I’m not officially married yet, so I’ll

leave secretly . You know that, right?”
“Sure . ”
‘Haven’t we talked about it several times already?’
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When she got on the wagon, Mielle fell asleep as it was

covered with soft cushions to sleep . It was because she had
been working all day on escape .
Isis, who hid a cold look from Mielle’s appearance, asked,

“The letters… did you bring them?”
“No, I couldn’t have brought something so important . I

might be caught and kept it hidden . My brother said he
would take good care of them . ”
So when she answered in such a tone of voice that they

would never find it, there was silence in the carriage for a
moment . The letters were the things that would save her
from hell . And something that would save her and protect
her in the future, too .
‘I can’t tell you such important things like that easily . What
a stupid question it is . Of course, after the treason, the
value as evidence will become unclear, but until then, it
would guarantee her freedom . So, before that, I’ll marry
Oscar and create a new shield to protect me . ’
So thinking of it, Mielle smiled, and Isis smiled along .
“Yes, I see . You did a great job . Please be careful not to be

seen by anyone . ”
So Mielle, who managed to find her freedom, left the empire

with Isis and headed for the Kingdom of Croa . Although it
was a carriage with two women on board, she did not go on
vacation or trip, so it ran to Croa without stopping, except
for a very short break for a meal and a replacement for a
horse .
“From now on, You will be my maid, El . ”
As soon as they crossed the border of Croa, Mielle nodded at

Isis, who asked to do so . A new identity card was also
included . It was a natural result because it was not possible
for her to say boldly that she had fled in sin .
Rumors that Mielle had fled had spread quickly to other

countries . As she had a quick movement in Isis’s carriage,
she was not inspected, but from now on, she had to be
careful .
“Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you . ”
At the tone and expression of Mielle, who was very serious,

Isis raised his eyebrows and urged her to speak the next
words .
“I’m sure the princess knows . That wicked woman was

really with me when my father fell down the stairs . And the
fact that unless I was crazy, I wouldn’t have taken the
hallucinogen before something important . ”
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At Mielle’s words, Isis remained positive . Isis seemed to

think that the only chance Mielle had ever had with so much
love of Oscar would not have been ruined by lies and
hallucinogens . Mielle, who gained confidence, confessed
what she had guessed alone to seize another chance .
“That day… the Crown Prince really showed up . He

suddenly appeared like he was moving through space . Then
he hid himself with her right in front of me . It’s like he
moved through space again . ”
“… What are you talking about? Moving through space?”

When she heard the words carefully as if Mielle confided a
secret, Isis asked again with a slight frown,
“So, the Crown Prince is doing magic!”
“…”
The forehead of Isis furrowed a little more, contrary to

Mielle, who spoke as if it was a great secret . And what
followed was sudden uncontrollable laughter, for a
ridiculous delusion of nonsense .
“… I’m sorry, but I understand why you were accused of

hallucinogenic drugs . ”
“I’m telling you the truth… It makes sense to assume that

the Crown Prince has the magic to move through space!”
“… I see . ”
It was an affirmative tone, but it wasn’t the way . There was

a deep suspicion on Isis’s face as she listened to Mielle’s
story . Mielle, who noticed that Isis didn’t trust her, claimed
several times that the Crown Prince had a strange power .
Mielle said that until the carriage arrived in the capital of the
Kingdom of Croa .
So Mielle continued to insist on the absurd power of Asher,

and Isis, who was impatient, advised her,
“Okay, I know what you mean, and I think His Highness

might have that kind of ability . ”
“Ms . Isis…!”
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She was about to be pleased, as she said that she believed

her, but Isis continued her words that were not over yet,
“But if you want to stay there for a long time, you’d better
not say anything you can’t prove unless you want to be
accused of taking a hallucinogen again . You know that the
words without evidence are no help . ”
“…!”
Mielle’s whole body stiffened with the tone as if she was

carrying an annoying burden . ‘Really, the Crown Prince has
a strange ability!’
“It’s true…”
If she was going to rebel, Isis should know . ‘How could she
beat a man who could move through space?’ It was a matter
of knowing for the Aristocratic Party and Mielle herself, not
for Isis alone .
Still, Isis’s expression was cold, and Mielle could not speak
anymore, and she was still silent . Then the carriage, which
had been running for a long time, slowed down and then
stopped moving .
“We’re here . ”
And when she heard the voice outside, she realized that she
had finally reached her destination, and when he removed
the curtains from the window and looked carefully outside,
she saw the magnificent castle .
‘Don’t say, is it a royal castle?’

She thought it would be late at night and they would take a
rest somewhere, and enter the castle by day, but Isis was
soon to be the Queen of Croa, and it was right to go to the
royal castle .

possible .
between chapters .

190

Irreversible Choice, Part III
Translator: Khan
As she suddenly faced the royal castle, her steps of getting

out of the carriage were very cautious . It was also because
of the quietness of the royal castle, which was too quiet for
its huge size . Mielle followed Isis in the back, looking
sideways pretending to be a maid, and soon a group of
people approached Isis and her party .
“I see Croa Lohan . ”
Isis, who realized that it was Croa Lohan, the king of Croa,
even though it was a distance that she could not confirm,
took a courtesy . The knights and servants followed her, and
Mielle also bent quickly .
“You’ve been struggling from coming away, Lady Isis . ”
A moment later, the king of Croa, who had come closer,

welcomed Isis’s visit with a kind voice . ‘Am I meeting the
king of a country so simply?’ Then, realizing how great Isis
was, Mielle glanced up at and checked the king of Croa .
‘He’s so young . ’
He looked at a similar age of the Crown Prince of the empire
. When she had heard Isis was going to marry the king of a
country, she had thought he would be a middle-aged man,
but he was a young man with a manly face .
‘It’s true that the great king of Croa died early in an

unexpected illness . ’
It reminded her of the fact that the prince who just became
an adult had followed him, and Lohan, the young king of
Croa, was a rare handsome man . He felt insidious to some
extent, but because of that, he was more eye-catching .
Lohan, who had been in a conversation with Isis for a

moment, glanced at Mielle as if he felt a glimpse at himself .
Without knowing herself, the painted freckles had been
erased and her neat face was seen .
Mielle, who had the sudden eye contact, was surprised and
lowered her head and hid it from his view, and Lohan put
her on the topic as if her reaction was funny .
“It’s amazing every time I see a blonde as there is very little

blonde hair in Croa, and a pale green eye that looks like
grass leaves… it reminds me of someone . Isn’t she like a
fairy?”
“… Not common in the empire, but more than in Croa, and

they are often born among the commoners . ”
When he was interested in Mielle, who had to be quiet, Isis

replied with nervousness without having time to rethink as
she heard that he was reminded of someone .
Lohan asked her name with an interesting look,

“Well, I’m El…”
“El? It’s a name that doesn’t fit this beautiful girl . ”
“Thank, thank you…”
Blushing her face, Mielle glanced at Lohan’s face with

excessive praise . He stared at Mielle with a smile of interest
and goodwill, as if he were appreciating her .
‘Perhaps, the king of Croa would take my words seriously!’
Mielle, who had only received the goodwill and kindness of

all the people of the world, dared to speak to the king of a
country first . She was sure that he would listen to her, as it
had been so far, and it was something that she must tell in
order to survive .
“Mr… Mr . Croa Lohan…! I have something I must tell you…

that you must know . ”
When a maid dared speak to the king of a country first,

everyone in the place was suddenly hard as stone . The
most embarrassing of all was Isis, who had just heard
Mielle’s nonsense, and she stuttered and reprimanded
Mielle,
“Eh, El!? What the hell is this…?! Can’t you shut up right
now?”
Mielle squeezed her eyes shut and shrank back at the

overreaction of Isis . She looked like a frightened baby cat .
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Both of them were rude and frivolous, who dared to play in
front of a king of a country, but Lohan, watching them for a
moment, said with a meaningful smile,
“Okay, I’m interested . It’s late for today, so I’ll send

someone tomorrow . I’m very curious about what it’s about .
”
Isis’s face was blue, and Mielle smiled brightly . ‘If I accuse
the Crown Prince’s power and reveal it as a fact and make a
great contribution to the rebellion, I believe that I will have a
way to live without relying on Isis . ’
***
“What the hell did you say that?” As soon as she entered
the room, Isis, who had all the servants leave, was angry
with Mielle . She had given so much attention on their way
to Croa, but she had brought out the story of the Crown
Prince to the young king of Croa, Lohan .
‘You dared not to know who you were and lied!’
But Mielle could not judge the situation properly, and she
spoke in a low voice, “He, he has to know, and he’ll be ready
. If not, he’ll ruin everything you’ve done!”
“Lady Mielle!”
“He’ll be embarrassed at first, but he’ll believe me! It’s true!

If he doesn’t believe me, he’ll regret it . ”
Isis, who was angry at the continuing Mielle’s claim, frowned

and sighed . It had already happened, and Mielle was
stubborn and even Lohan had offered to send someone . It
was irreversible . If Mielle was a simple maid, she would say
she would have been crazy and kick her out, but she was a
bomb who had very important letters .
“If only you go wrong…!”
When Isis confessed her frustration, Mielle realized what she

was worried about and added something to relieve Isis’s
worries . “Oh, my God . I was not wary of that . Don’t worry .
I’ll take all responsibility for this . I swear . ”
With this, Isis’s expression changed . If she had brought

herself to the risk and killed herself, Cain, who had no place
to attack, would not be able to release the letters . No, if she
added that she had almost missed a big deal because of
Mielle, he might have to live with a sinful mind and atone for
the rest of his life . Isis had been worried about when and
how to throw Mielle away anyway, so she thought it would
not be too bad to use this opportunity .
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“… Then you shall leave it in writing, and I shall send one to

the mansion of Count Roscent . ”
‘So I better make sure . ’ Isis took out the letter paper, and
Mielle nodded . Mielle seemed to think that the young king
of Croa would believe her, as a child who did not know what
the world was, very foolishly .
“Okay . ”
Isis had never thought their relationship would fall out like
this just a year ago . It was a relationship that she could be
her family, but now they were enemies who hid sharp claws
toward each other .
“I’ll ask you to sign at the end, and I also want you to sign
on top of the two letters, as proof that I didn’t forge them . ”
“I see . ”
When Mielle handed both of the carefully written letters to

Isis, Isis regained her bright face, satisfied, and somehow,
she looked happy . Unlike Mielle, who was a fool, the wise
Lohan could not believe Mielle’s words .
They spent the night with different ideas and purposes and
became the next day .
“His Highness calls you . ”
Mielle, who had been stiff with tension since last night,
jumped up from her seat . She was nervous enough that she
couldn’t even make a good breakfast . She followed the
servant, hoping that the young king of Croa would be wise
and trust her; no, she thought, he would believe her
because what she had seen was the truth .
She was breathing fast in front of Lohan’s office, a long way

from the quarters where Mielle was staying when the huge
door opened without a word .
Mielle, surprised, bowed her head hurriedly, with a courtesy

. “I see you, Your Highness . ”
“You don’t have to give me such a courtesy, come closer . ”
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She raised her head at Lohan’s command and slowly

approached him . His silver hair, shining in the light from the
window, was a little mysterious, and for a moment she was
taken away because he was uncommonly colored in the
empire, and his gold eyes were as beautiful as the sun . It
was a beauty that was different from Oscar’s, which was
always cool .
“I want to finish talking about what you wanted to say

yesterday . ”
Mielle, who had been taken a moment by Lohan, was

suddenly reddened with embarrassment . ‘I was fascinated
by a man’s face when I came to tell an important story . ’
She blamed herself, and then she came to her senses,
swallowed, and answered carefully,
“Ah, yes… you may already know, but the Crown Prince of
the empire has a special ability and I thought I should let
you know it . It will be a great distraction to your walk . ”
“Oh, it’s disturbing to me? That must be important . What is

the Crown Prince’s special ability?”
Lohan, with a curious look, urged Mielle’s next words,

apparently interested in blocking his future walk, just as she
had seen last night .

possible .
between chapters .
191

Irreversible Choice, Part IV
Translator: Khan
The young king was a wise man as expected, and Mielle,

who had relaxed a little and was confident, told the Crown
Prince’s secret .
“It’s the ability to suddenly appear and hide as if he’s

moving freely through space . ”
He narrowed his eyes at Mielle’s accusation . A special

ability . He could move through space freely . He seemed to
reflect on what Mielle said . Lohan’s expression that had
been interesting just before had been gone somewhere, and
he was thoughtful with a very serious expression . At his
suddenly changed attitude, Mielle touched her fingers and
waited nervously for his response .
“Well, I don’t understand what you mean . Even though he’s

the Crown Prince of the empire, is that possible?”
Lohan’s face was full of questions, but it was not the same
tone of reprimand or convulsion as the others, and it was
purely a question of whether it was possible .
Mielle raised her voice and put her strength into her words .
“I saw it myself!”
“You saw it yourself? The Crown Prince of the empire moving
through space?… Where did you see it?”
“Well… at the mansion of Count Roscent of the empire .

When I worked there for a while, I saw it… when the Count
fell down the stairs . I saw him suddenly appear and
disappear, like a mirage . ”
‘What is the easy word to persuade as to the truth mixed

with lies?’
Lohan replied while raising his eyebrows as she allegedly

mentioned the case .
“At the mansion of Count Roscent…? Alas, you are talking

about the terrible incident that her own daughter tried to kill
her own father, the Count . ”
Mielle’s case of pushing the Count down the stairs seemed

to have spread beyond the empire to Croa . But the words
“Aria pushed the Count” did not seem to have spread, and
Mielle tried to cover up her rage that was rising again and
corrected him .
“… So was the verdict, but I saw it . Lady Aria really pushed

the Count and then the Crown Prince appeared, and they
disappeared like smoke . It’s true!”
He raised the corners of his mouth and laughed at her

offended look . She was not sure what it meant, so Mielle
persuaded him again .
“I know you can’t believe it because I’m still having a hard

time believing it myself… Poor Miss Mielle . But if I discuss
lies, I’ll have a strict punishment, and I don’t need to say
lies . I hope you will understand my desire to confess and
help you a little . ”
Mielle’s words, which even called herself poor, had some

point unless she was mad, she would not claim to the king
of a country that the Crown Prince had a special ability . If
she was wrong, she could lose her head .
Of course, she was the maid Isis brought, and he could not
have killed her so simply, but she could have been strictly
punished, as Mielle had said . For example, her tongue
would be cut off .
But the wiser Lohan did not make such a cruel decision;
instead, he asked the person who had given him important
information for a long time .
“Yes, I think it makes sense, but what do you think? Vika . ”
She looked around, embarrassed by the sudden call of

another man’s name, and she noticed a man sitting on a
sofa at a corner she had not looked at before .
‘Layers Vika…?’
He was a nobleman of the empire who had occasionally

advised Isis, and Mielle knew him well . As she had been
hiding her identity and pretending to be a maid, her
twitching nose reflected her nervousness and the cold sweat
on her forehead .
Vika, who confirmed this, smiled strangely at the welcome

face he had met for a long time . “I think it makes sense . I
remember that His Highness the Crown Prince moved
through areas strangely fast, and he was quite quick in that
case, too . I couldn’t think of moving with the aristocratic
lady . ”
Luckily, Vika was going to pretend he didn’t know Mielle .
“And I don’t think it’s too bad to overestimate him for his
special ability even if she’s lying . ”
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At Vika’s strong supporting statements, Lohan nodded .

Rather than underestimating and neglecting, as he said,
there would be nothing to lose from overestimating and
preparing thoroughly .
“All right, so I can believe what Vika says too, and I’ll trust
you . ”
Her legs were shaking at the satisfaction of his expression

and answer because she was so nervous apart from the
conviction that he would believe it . Lohan helped her as she
didn’t know when he had gotten up, and so his broad, hard
chest touched the side of her face .
“Your, Your Majesty…”
“I’d like to have lunch with the benefactor who gave me

valuable information, but do you have a schedule?”
His eyes and hair were shining, and she felt sweet, and he
was beautiful enough to make Mielle’s white, immaculate
face red .
“I, I…”
‘I have Oscar, and he is the man who will be Isis’s husband .
’ She had never felt this way about another man except for
Oscar, and when she stuttered, Vika answered on her behalf
.
“She’s a maid moving with Isis, and of course there’s no

particular schedule and Your Majesty, may I join you at your
meal?”
“You ask me a matter of course . ”
She thought it was a story for two to eat, and she was
overly nervous, but eventually, Isis also joined the lunch,
and the four of them ate lunch . In the meal that followed,
Isis, who had had no doubt that Mielle would be punished,
stared at Mielle across the room, unbelieving .
“Your maid is very clever . ”
He seemed to have believed that the Crown Prince was

moving through space and even praised her . He was quite
cool and rational as she recalled from the written
conversations with him . He was never a man to be
convinced of the absurd delusion of a young girl . It was
hard for Isis to understand what was happening .
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“… Thank you . ” Isis was wary of him and answered .

Although it was a very elaborate luncheon, she did not feel
the taste of the food .
“I like your eyes, too . Those are the eyes of the one who is
ambitious, so I want to talk to you a little more . ”
Mielle blushed and lowered her head . Lohan asked her,

smiling as if she was cute .
“I would like to take her as my maid if Lady Isis will allow me

.”
He was even speaking out a word that was genuine or false

and was being friendly to Mielle, who was blushing, unable
to figure out who she was now . And Vika, who had arrived
earlier than scheduled, was also friendly to Mielle .
Isis looked at Vika, not sure what was going on, but he
shrugged and turned the topic away . Isis wondered how he
had interpreted her gaze .
“Mr . Lohan, I think it’s best to discuss the national marriage

as Ms . Isis arrived in Croa . ”
“National marriage?”
Lohan suddenly asked back, at the words “national marriage

. ” It was as if he had never heard of it before, and Isis’s face
was hard as stone .
“… Yes? Ah, yes . You decided to marry Isis, right?”
Vika also asked back as if he was in trouble . And then,

understanding what Vika meant, Lohan stopped his meal
and said, mockingly,
“Oh, that’s what you said . So did Miss Isis visit Croa for
nothing? I think you’re mistaken, but it was a reward with
the premise that if you take the Empire, and I’m not going to
do it without proving your value . I’m sure I must have
notified you in writing . ”
‘What is that…? Shouldn’t we have a national marriage and

attack the empire?’ Isis, who had been so embarrassed that
she forgot to blink, looked at Lohan with a pale face .
However, Lohan began eating again as if he had said
something unscrupulous .
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“Oh… did you? I didn’t know that far . Now I understand you
have exchanged those words . I’m sure it’s better to do it . ”
“Mr . Vika…?”
And even Vika, who was sure to know all about what had
happened, took his side .
‘I started this asking his advice, and what the hell is this?’
Isis’s eyes wandered as if she had suddenly been thrown
into the middle of a storm .
Vika laughed and added a word for Isis . “The empire will
soon fall into your hands as the preparations are perfect,
Miss Isis . ”
“… I suppose so…”
Isis’s mind was in a hurry . Her hands trembled, and the

idea of attacking the empire as soon as possible to establish
her position dominated her mind . There was a smile on the
faces of Lohan and Vika as they watched her .
“Then our preparations are all done, so we’d better start
right away, wouldn’t we? Lady Isis?”

possible .
between chapters .

192

Irreversible Choice, Part V
Translator: Khan
As he asked Isis, Lohan smiled, and Isis, who was in a hurry,

nodded and said yes . It was in a way that was not hers .
Lohan said, smiling contentedly, and everything was as
planned .
“Good . I thought it was time to move . I’m excited to see

the end soon . Then, before we move forward, we’d better
have a quick cup of tea and meet the Marquis of Piast . ”
“The Marquis of Piast…?”
“Yes, he is a very important man for achieving my purpose .

He is the one who prepared soldiers to send to the empire,
and I think you will be greatly helped . ”
If she remembered those papers exchanged in the

meantime, It was clear that there were not a few people
involved in this, but this was the first time that she was
introduced to a person other than Lohan . When Isis was
puzzled, Lohan added an explanation .
“He was very passionate about what he wanted because he

was a man who had a strong desire . He was the one who
has reported only in writing, but when he heard that Miss
Isis was in the empire, he suddenly said he would report it in
face-to-face . It’s not a pre-arranged event, but you can
count on it . ”
Because he added that she could expect it, Isis and Mielle
waited for teatime, their eyes shining . Vika also seemed to
expect it for another reason .
With such a complex feeling and emotion, they finished the

luncheon and moved to the palace garden . There, the
Marquis of Piast, who had arrived at the royal castle in
advance, was waiting for Lohan in the garden .
“It’s been a long time, Marquis . You’ve been here first . ”
“I see you, Your Majesty . ”
Lohan spoke to the Marquis of Piast in a friendly tone, while

the Marquis looked hard and his head was lowered . He was
a man of old age, who seemed to have already retired, with
white hair .
‘Does he have no children?’ If so, he might have adopted a

relative of his family, and it was doubtful to Isis and Mielle
that he had kept the position of the Marquis until now .
“He is an old man who has his personal matter and has not
been able to pass his title to his successor until he is old,
but since he is the only Marquis of Croa, you should refrain
from such a dumb face . ”
As Lohan hardened his facial expression as if he had read

the strange feelings of Isis and Mielle, they realized their
rudeness and quickly corrected their faces .
“I see the princess of the empire . ”

“Nice to meet you, Marquis Piast . ”
After such a short introduction, the conversation was cut off,

and Lohan, who had taken a sip of tea alone in a tense
atmosphere, led the conversation .
“Are the soldiers and knights ready to move anytime?”
“Yes, they are now in a state of being able to move to the

empire . ”
“That’s good . Did you say, five thousand people?”
“Yes, but I can get five thousand more . ”
Mielle’s cheeks were red with excitement as she heard that

a total of ten thousand people could head straight for the
empire . It was still not enough to formally invade, but they
were enough to hide in the empire with the help of Isis and
the Aristocratic Party .
If they did the sudden attack, it would be a matter of time

before she could take the Imperial Castle, and if the Crown
Prince and Aria disappeared, she could make her sin
disappear .
“What do you think, Lady Isis?”
“… I am very grateful . ” Isis replied with her face flushed as

if she had thought so too .
Unlike the documents exchanged, She had been surprised

that he could not have a national marriage right now .
However, it was delayed by the plan that was prepared to
be overly perfect . And the apology for this was to go back
to the empire and check the documents again, and later
point out the young king’s mistake .
“Okay, then, we better arrange our men in the houses of the
noblemen who follow the princess as planned and wait for
the right time .
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“Of course, I didn’t think of ten thousand people, but I have

prepared enough, so I don’t think it’s too much . ”
“There are ten thousand of us, so we’ll have to go around by

dividing that number . It’ll take a long time to get them
together . It may take months . ”
Vika also spoke with a look of satisfaction, “Yes, it will cost a

little more than I thought, but it will not be a bad wait . ”
It was a plan to secretly wait for the soldiers not to be seen

by the Crown Prince in the houses of noblemen and finally
attack the Imperial Castle at the right time .
The great dream of deposing the Crown Prince who had

insulted her and intercepted her power finally came and Isis
spoke, unable to hide her excitement,
“Thank you, Marquis, for preparing so many men, and I

think we should hurry back . ”
She had no time to waste, and she had to hurry back and
greet the soldiers, and then it would cost her a little less for
all the expenses was paid by Isis and other noblemen .
The number of soldiers would increase, and the cost would

be more than expected . So, as she said, the unexpected
figure agreed with Isis .
“I’ll come with you . ”
“What?”
At the sudden words of the Marquis of Piast, Lohan’s eyes

widened because it was not in the plan . Isis also rolled her
eyes to the story she had never heard .
“Marquis, do you feel senile?”
The Marquis of Piast, who gave an unpleasant look at Lohan,

as he blamed it on his age, said,
“… Your Majesty, I have told you so many times that I have

been looking for someone, so I will go to the empire and find
her . ”
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“The Marquis would go himself? To the empire? You didn’t

like the empire, and did you say you didn’t want to go
again?”
“Yes, I did, but unfortunately I can’t afford to wait . My son’s

misbehavior suddenly gets worse and my wife is very
worried . So I’m going to send off some people and find her
myself . ”
The look on Marquis Piast’s face was full of concern, and

that was why he had not yet passed on his title to his son .
Lohan, who knew all about it, clicked his tongue and said,
“I can’t help it . I am afraid to send the Marquis to the
empire, but I can’t stop you, considering your son . ”
“Then I shall leave with the party of the princess . ”
“Do it . ”
The mood was so grim that it was hard to ask for details .
Isis, who had come to accompany the Marquis without

knowing the reason, fell into thought as she drank tea, and
only Mielle sipped her tea and then spoke carefully in the
atmosphere that she was about to return to the empire .
“Well… Your Majesty Lohan, may I ask you a favor?”
She dared to sit at a table as a maid, but she opened her

mouth first . Besides, this was not the first time but the
second time . Nevertheless, instead of pointing it out
differently, he made a gesture that allowed her to speak,
and Mielle, who was confident in it, opened her mouth with
her eyes shining .
“I want to stay here, not go back to the empire . ”
“… Yes? Why?”
“Ah, there’s a little more information I haven’t told you yet .

”
It was dangerous to return to the empire now for she had

fled her house that she was currently being held at, and the
investigation about the hallucinogen had not been
completed .
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So it was better to sell a little more information about the

Crown Prince and build up her position than to go back and
get caught . The corners of Lohan’s mouth went up at the
words that she would continue to sell her country .
“Oh, yes, I am welcome . The more information about the

empire, the better, but I need the permission from Lady
Isis…”
“I should leave her, for my maid likes it . ”
Isis had no reason to refuse, and she was going to leave her
anyway . Isis had no trouble leaving her as Mielle said that
she would remain here by herself . If she didn’t threaten
with the letters, whether she survived or killed, it was
Mielle’s fault .
“Then it’s a decision, and I’ll look forward to your

information . ”
Lohan’s eyes were very sharp, but Mielle smiled brightly at

the thought of living .
“The Marquis, why don’t you take the same carriage as me?
I will explain it briefly, as you may not know the situation of
the empire yet . ”

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between chapters .
193

Irreversible Choice, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Vika suddenly spoke to the Marquis of Piast . The Marquis

had not been interested in the situation of the empire, but
he affirmed that he would do so because he realized that
what he really wanted to say was something else in his
expression .
Mielle’s residence was thus decided, and Isis, Vika, and the
Marquis of Piast headed for the empire with the soldiers
disguised as commoners .
***
“I can’t believe Mielle really escaped…”
‘What are you going to do now?’ Aria had told him it was
absurd . Aria knew that Mielle was going to escape because
she had heard that from Asher, but she had a laugh as
Mielle was so foolish that she had escaped .
“I ordered him to give some advice, but the princess who

prepared it is also foolish . ”
Aria had heard from Asher and had vacated the house’s
servants to make it easier for her to escape . The guards
had been told by the top line, so they had let a slightly
suspicious maid come in without checking the maid further .
She didn’t need to ask for the source of the information .
Layers Vika, it must be him . As a key figure in the

Aristocratic Party, he had made a great contribution to the
acquisition of the casino by Viscount Vigue, and he was a
spy planted by Asher in the Aristocratic Party .
She remembered that even Count Roscent had received

some advice from him . He maintained their trust by
constantly giving information and advice to the Aristocratic
Party so that his identity could not be revealed .
In the past, Aria had not known it until she had died, but she
had now seen Vika in Asher’s group with her very own eyes .
If she looked back at his movements a little, she could know
it easily . As Vika was active within the Aristocratic Party,
Asher also did not add any other explanation as he thought
Aria would have understood it .
“Would it be better to follow her up and bring another

charge for her escape? If she runs off to Croa and
disappears, we might not be able to catch her . ”
Asher shook his head when she asked, and unlike her urgent
expression, Asher looked relaxed and a slight smile showed
that he had already set another trap .
“No, we don’t have to because she can’t run anywhere, and

it would be better if she and the princess are to be charged
with treason . If you intend to forgive her, you may as well
pursue her immediately . ”
“Treason?”
‘Is Isis, who will marry the King of Croa, preparing for
treason?’ Her eyes widened because of the unexpected
information .
“Yes, the princess will do something very absurd soon, and it

is the last thing we have worked for a long time, and I hope
you will not be surprised . ”
She thought it would be an amazing work if he asked her

this much . ‘What the hell is that?’
When she asked him as she was curious, Asher said that it
was a secret, and he had a very pleasant face because he
was in front of the hill to conquer . It was also a playful face
.
“… My God, are you still going to keep a secret from me?”
However, when Aria took it seriously and looked sad, he

quickly changed his expression and said, “Oh, I didn’t mean
to make you feel bad, but I’ll explain everything, and I hope
you’ll relax . ”
“I knew you would, and I want you to explain it . ”
But Aria was the same as she was playing, so she also
smiled softly . She erased her look of sadness in an instant .
She still thought he was cute to not figure out who she was
and to have a mixed sensation of joy and depression for her
every expression .
“… I was deceived by you for a moment . ”
Asher, who thought she was really sorry for him, was
embarrassed for a moment, and then he smiled softly along
with her .
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“The princess will be back in the empire with the soldiers in

secret, pretending to be civilians . A great number of
soldiers will be scattered in the houses of the nobles of the
Aristocratic Party and prepare for the day of the battle . ”
At Asher’s leisurely answer, Aria’s complexion became pale .

If he was telling the truth, it would be a great incident . It
was not a parable but a rebellion .
“But there is another story here . There is a secret that I

have an unexpected acquaintance with a key figure . ”
“… An unexpected acquaintance?”
“Yes, it’s an unexpected acquaintance that the princess

would never have imagined . ”
Asher’s expression was almost confident . He was confident

it was a fight that he would never lose .
The end of this fight seemed to be the defeat of the princess

and the destruction of the Aristocratic Party .
***
As Asher said, Isis, who had left for the Kingdom of Croa,
returned to the empire shortly after . Unlike information that
she would marry the king of Croa, there was no rumor about
it . It seemed that she had come back without
accomplishing anything .
Aria heard that the princess had not achieved anything, and
she laughed at the foolish Isis, who did not even know she
was falling . The princess had persuaded all the nobles of
the Aristocratic Party and pretended to do great things, but
eventually, she did nothing .
“It’s been a while, but Mielle hasn’t come back . I thought

she would be with the princess . I’m afraid something
happened to her . ” Aria said in the quiet dining room and
her words were clearly meant for Cain . It was a question
whether he was glad because he let her go .
“…”
Nevertheless, Cain quietly had his meal .
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The Countess, who did not like it, replied in a scornful tone .
“I’m worried that if she keeps running like this, it will

produce irreparable results later . It would be okay if she will
never return in the empire for the rest of her life . ”
Aria smiled unknowingly in the tone that her mother

seemed not to worry at all, and Cain looked at her . If it was
the past when she had not had anything yet, she would
have endured a desperate laugh but not now . Aria had
enough power and wealth to laugh at Cain .
It was the Countess who had contributed to this for she was
smuggling the Count’s family’s money in secret . Cain was
busy with the business on behalf of the Count .
Of course, it was done with the permission of the Count,
who was incapable and was fully dependent on the
Countess . It meant that neither of them had ever made a
thing to be blamed .
Cain had no idea how much of his fortune he had left, but he
was doing the business with all his might . However, all this
was incurred by himself .
“… I’m busy, and I’ll get up first . ”
He rose first, leaving a meal that he could not empty half of

it as if he was uncomfortable and felt this place was not for
him .
“Oh, my God, are you that busy?”
“… Yes . ”
“I hope our father will recover as soon as possible . Is that

right, mother?”
“I suppose so . ”
Cain, who was a bit hesitant, disappeared like the wind as

she reminded him of his and Mielle’s faults until the end .
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‘Why did you make work for yourself? Did the business the
Count had worked for decades seem so easy? It is so hard
that I invest in it, but what can he do when he has
graduated from the academy and became an adult?’
In addition, he would not be able to concentrate on his
business, but he had to take care of the soldiers, who had
begun to enter the empire one after another with Isis .
Sooner or later, a large army would be coming into the

mansion of Count Roscent, and would Cain manage the
soldiers who had the king of Croa on their backs?
“I see the acting Count . ”
“Welcome, gentlemen . ”
Soon after, dozens of men dressed as simple as ordinary

commoners came to the mansion of Count Roscent . They
took a courtesy to Cain, but it was Aria who they were wary
of . It was because of the scandal with the Crown Prince .
Perhaps they had been ordered by the higher-ups . They
looked so gentle, and in many ways, they seemed to be
aware of her in their manners and postures .
Sometimes they looked stupid as they were charmed with

her beautiful appearance, but soon they realized what she
was and were wary of her again and were sparing of
themselves . However, the soldiers in the other mansions,
who had arrived before them, demanded too much and did
not listen to them, and the nobles were devoured by anxiety
.

possible .
between chapters .

194

Chapter 194: Chapter 194 .
Confirmation, Part I
Translator: Khan
How could the nobles tell them their complaints? They were
great soldiers sent by the king of Croa, and they had to
preserve their spirit until the day of the battle and make the
cause successful . So everyone endured everything .
‘I cannot give preference to the family of Count Roscent . ’
No, Aria hoped that if possible, they would be very annoying

to the servants in the mansion and that all the resentment
would be directed at Cain and Mielle . For that reason, Aria
went first to the soldiers who had been in a quiet state for
several days .
“All of you have a hard time . ”
“Lady, Lady Aria… ?”
Suddenly, Aria appeared in the garden while they were

resting, and they were surprised and took a courtesy . It was
surprising that a noblewoman came to visit, especially Aria
who was the Crown Prince’s lover . Also, she was the
Investor A of the rumors .
They had not been instructed not to go on a rampage at the
mansion of Count Roscent, but they wouldn’t dare do that in
a mansion where Aria of brilliant modifiers was .
Aria, who read their innocent look, noticed that there was no
one around her and told them . “I don’t feel comfortable
because you’re uncomfortable . ”
The faces of the soldiers were embarrassed by her

surprising talk .
‘Why don’t you understand it all at once?’ Aria continued to

talk, “I hope you have a comfortable stay in the mansion .
Everything will be accounted for by my brother, the acting
Count . He is very generous . ”
“Ah…”
“Of course, the owner of this mansion is not me and my

mother, so I cannot take responsibility . I will leave this
house as I reach adulthood . It’s Cain who called you in the
first place, so please don’t mind me . ”
Several times she mentioned that Cain was responsible for

what the soldiers would do, and then they opened their eyes
as if they understood what Aria meant .
“I heard that the soldiers who stay in different mansions

enjoy a banquet every night . What about you? The mansion
of Count Roscent is full of alcohol and food enough to hold a
banquet right away . ”
Aria smiled softly and recommended . The way she said that
was also languid, but it was close to the command to do so .
The soldiers, briefly charmed by her beautiful smile, began
to wake up and burst into the demands they had endured .
How frustrating it must have been! They must have come to
play, eat, and get drunk . There was nothing to block them
as Aria’s permission fell . They began to make more
demanding and annoying demands than the soldiers in any
mansion .
“Get more food! Meat! Bring meat!”
“Where is this drink from? It doesn’t taste good! Bring us

the highest grade one!”
Since their aim was to devastate the wealth of the nobility,

the soldiers demanded the most expensive food, clothing,
and blankets . As they were the soldiers sent by the king of
Croa, Cain suffered without saying that he didn’t like it .
Even if the Count was fine, he could cope with whatever

would happen, but he did not have the knowledge that he
was able to overpower the tough soldiers . There was no
action, and shortly afterward, the lament of servants began
. Every day the sad song continued .
Aria, who had brought it all, held a simple tea party in the
garden for the servants in the meantime, and they began to
confess as if they had waited .
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“Hoo, it’s so hard to get new food every time . They eat a lot
of food . ”
“They said they were acquaintances of Cain, but I’m not

sure . They don’t look like noblemen . The way they talk is
also strange . Is it a mix of dialects?”
“Right . It’s a bit rough . It’s strange for three or four people
to use one room . Well, some people sleep with a blanket on
the floor . ”
“Furthermore, they demand us thick and soft clean blankets

every time, so I’m doing laundry every day and lost an inch
off my waist . ”
“I have swollen hands! They are freezing, and I can’t clench

my fists…”
When the servant said her hand was swollen, Aria furrowed
her forehead . She seemed to wash clothes from dawn to
lunch even though the winter was approaching, and the
days were cold . There were a lot of people, and it was
inevitable .
“I feel very sorry for you . You look really sick as your hands
are swollen . ”
Her short words with all her heart reddened the eyes of the
servants . Even though it was not so much comfort, they felt
comforted by Aria’s sorrowful voice .
Besides, it was Cain who had brought hardship to them, but

Aria was comforting them . So how could they not be
impressed? Aria suggested a solution for the servants, who
were about to cry .
“You don’t have to push yourself too much in doing laundry .

Buy a new one every time they ask for a blanket . ”
“Yes…? I am thankful to you, but there are too many… I

don’t know how long they will stay in the mansion, but it will
definitely cost too much . ”
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There was a terrible rumor that Cain did not manage the
Count’s business properly and the Count’s family was going
bankrupt, so they needed to save as much as possible .
Many a little would make a mickle .
No, it wasn’t a little because the winter came and the price
of the blanket was not cheap . If it was a cheap quilt, it
would be okay, but they had to buy a high-quality quilt, and
the number of soldiers was quite large . It was clear that a
lot of money would continue to be spent . Not only the food
cost, but also the clothing and entertainment was a big
expense, and the wealth of the Count’s family was greatly
damaged .
That was exactly what Asher wanted and what Aria was
hoping for as well, so she gently grabbed the cold hands of
a servant . “What is as important as your body and mind?
And don’t worry since the family of Count Roscent, which is
the wealthiest in the empire, can’t be swayed with such a
penny . Rumor is just a rumor . ”
“Oh, Miss…! ”
“How kind you are!”
“You can buy a lot of food and keep it . If it’s bad and you
have to throw it away, you can’t help it . Order a lot at a
time and ask them to deliver it to the mansion even if you
pay extra . ”
“Well, can we really do that…?”

“Of course . I’ll take responsibility if anything happens . ”
Aria made a gentle smile as they were touched . It was that

faux ability that drove away the real owners of the mansion
of Count Roscent and held the dominion of the mansion .
“If you’re short on stuff, go to this store . It always seemed

to bring a bunch of fresh stuff . If not, they’ll get it and
deliver it to the mansion . ”
Aria passed the address to the servants, which she had

prepared in advance . It was one of her businesses . As it
boasted high-quality ingredients, the price was also
expensive .
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As they bought groceries with the funds of the Count’s

family, the profits from this were distributed and returned to
Aria . Those who did not know this were deeply impressed
by Aria’s great consideration and swore allegiance to her
again .
After arriving in the empire, the Marquis of Piast had already

visited a number of brothels to find a woman who his son
longed for . It was not easy to find a person with a name
and approximate appearance that was supposed to be an
alias . If she were a commoner, it would be easy, but as she
was a prostitute, it was not easy to follow her tracks .
In the wagon leaving the last brothel, the Marquis of Piast

recalled the unexpected words that he had heard when they
were headed to the empire . Those words were what he had
heard from Vika .
“His Highness wanted to meet the Marquis of Piast, but he

would eventually meet you this way . ”
“… Where is His Highness?”
“The Crown Prince . The last time he visited Croa, he asked

several times that he would like to visit your mansion as
there was something he wanted to check . ”
That reminded him of a man who had asked for a visit so

much that the Marquis of Piast became tired . He had called
himself the Crown Prince of the empire, but he remembered
that he had gone out and did not meet him .
But he was really the Crown Prince! Come to think of it,

there had been a time when the Crown Prince had visited
Croa with Roscent Aria—his lover .

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195

Confirmation, Part II
Translator: Khan
However, it had been his mistake as he had come to meet

at first without making an appointment . So the Marquis had
lightly passed it over, and when he thought about it again,
he felt that the Crown Prince of the empire would not come
to see him in a simple matter, so he listened to Vika .
“His Highness said he wanted to confirm something . ”
“What is it?”
“It’s about your son . ”
“… my son?”
‘Does it mean Chloe?’ Even recently, Chloe had caused

trouble and her wife had been lying down . When he
remembered it and frowned, Vika continued to talk, clearing
his throat .
“Yes . There is a lady in the empire that looks exactly like

your son . I can’t guarantee that I can only confirm it with a
portrait, but it’s very similar to the face painted on that
portrait anyway . ”
“…What do you mean?”
“You should check her face once, but His Highness said,
“Didn’t his son have his descendant right in the empire?”
At the words, the Marquis of Piast frowned even more .
‘Chloe? Did he get his offspring in the empire? What a

ridiculous nonsense! Why can’t I hand my title to him?’
Thinking again, even though he knew it sounded ridiculous,
he couldn’t help but recall the name that Vika had
mentioned . It was because nothing more could be done for
his son .
‘I didn’t say Chloe was my son in the first place… What does
the Crown Prince know?’
He had been surprised at a moment and exchanged a few

words, but in the end, it had sounded ridiculous and he had
finished the conversation . ‘How did he know about Chloe
and claim that he had a child?’ Nevertheless, his mouth
tickled because he wanted to turn the carriage .
He kept thinking about Vika’s words that there was nothing

to lose with his confirmation . If he only confirmed as he
said, it was not a loss . He didn’t think it was possible, but if
the lady was Chloe’s child, as Vika had said, the woman his
son had missed so much would be there with the lady . And
if it was true, she would be his granddaughter .
‘Is it better to turn the wagon too?’
Looking out the window, the carriage was already

approaching his quarters . He felt the speed slowing . Of
course, if it stopped, it was reversible, but he was impatient
.
‘Isn’t that the king Lohan told everything to the Crown
Prince?’
It was possible . For convenience, he had told Lohan about

his private matter . Nothing was as insignificant as to doubt
his lord, but it wasn’t Lohan, but the previous King of Croa,
who had promised to keep the secrets of Chloe and Violet .
Therefore, he was not in a position to regret if Lohan had
spoken the secret . Of course, he was not so easy to
uncover his secret, but it was one of the possibilities .
While so worried about his complex feelings, the carriage

stopped and the voice of the driver was heard from the
outside . The driver had been employed directly in the
empire, but now it was a somewhat familiar voice .
He was hired for a short period of time without revealing his

identity, but the driver was a competent person who
responded intimately without compromising his status and
force in the Marquis of Piast . Even if it wasn’t the report of
the driver, the Marquis could see that he had arrived in a
view out of the window, but could not get off .
“… We’re here . ”
When he had no answer and no signs, the driver again

announced the arrival . After sitting for a while, he decided
that it would be a good idea to check it .
“I’m sorry, but there’s a place to go . ”
“Yes . Please speak . ”
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As the driver replied casually, the Marquis of Piast hesitated

a bit and then told the destination .
“Go to the mansion of Count Layers . ”
“Yes, sir .
The Marquis’s instruction made a busy footstep, and the

carriage soon set off for a new destination .
***
“Mr . Vika . Mr . Piast came to see you . What should I do?”
“Piast…?”
‘The Marquis of Piast?’ He was just waiting for him, so Vika

was pleased and ordered his servant to let him come in . He
had informed the Crown Prince that the Marquis had
secretly visited the empire, and he had been urged to
confirm the truth . The Crown Prince had had an urgent face
.
‘I confirmed it through the portrait, but I want to make sure

through blood . If it turns out to be true, I wonder how those
who have ignored her will change . ’
Vika, who recalled the words of the Crown Prince, was also
curious about the changes of others . Even though she had
great ability, they still neglected her as they mentioned
about her origin .
It wasn’t just that he was fond of Aria and wanted them to

regret and change their attitude . He simply wanted to
consume the dual attitude of the nobility as entertainment .
The daughter of a vulgar prostitute was found out that she
was the blood of the Marquis family . ‘Is there anything
more interesting than this?’ Soon afterward, Vika greeted
the Marquis with a very happy face, who was coming into
his mansion .
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, Marquis Piast . Did you

find her?”
Knowing that the Marquis came to him because he couldn’t

find her, Vika archly greeted the Marquis . It was similar to a
scorn that he should have listened to him seriously from the
beginning . It was the Marquis that was a little
uncomfortable, but he answered without saying a complaint
as he himself was sorry .
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“No, unfortunately, I didn’t find her . So I came to you .

Wasn’t the conversation we talked about quite interesting?”
Even after looking for her in the capital for a long time, he
could not find the shadow of the woman Chloe had been
looking for, and he hurried to the point . Vika also wanted to
make a satisfactory report to the Crown Prince, so he no
longer found fault with his remark and answered straight
away .
“Would you like to go check her face?”
“If possible, right now . ”

“Good . It’s easy . It’s a matter of saying that I come to see
the Count who is lying down . ”
And meanwhile, it meant checking her face . It was the least

cumbersome and easy way to check her face . he didn’t
know if the Marquis had a good idea, but the Marquis’s face
brightened a little .
“We’d better leave right now . Before the sun goes down . ”
“I will . ”
Both Vika and the Marquis were in a hurry, so they didn’t

delay and went straight to the mansion of Count Roscent .
There was nothing good to move separately, so the Marquis
returned his carriage to the lodge and accompanied him in
Vika’s carriage .
Not too far, but the road seemed to be far away . As a

result, the Marquis was nervous and his lips were dry, and
he could not say anything . So quietly and quickly, they
reached the mansion of Count Roscent, and Cain, busy with
his business, had not yet returned home . The mansion was
rather noisy because of the soldiers from Croa, and the
Countess welcomed them in an elegant manner .
“I was anxious about the Count . I’m sorry for the late time .
”
“No . By the way, who is this?”
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“Oh, he is my acquaintance from far away . We visited
together because he had been favored by the Count in the
past .
“Oh, really? My husband seems to have piled virtue in many

ways . Nice to meet you . ”
The Countess greeted the Marquis of Piast with the bright

smile in a courtesy .
“He may not remember me because it was very gracious for

a moment, but I’ve been worried and visit . Forgive my
rudeness . ”
“It’s not rude . He can’t move freely, so he just waits for

someone to visit . ”
The Marquis glanced over the face of the Countess in detail,

as she answered .
Blonde hair, green eyes, and a beauty . She was consistent

with the appearance his son had always had in his mouth . It
had been difficult for Chloe to identify exactly because he
had no talent for painting, but the rumor was that she was a
former prostitute . It was quite possible that she was the
woman Chloe had been looking for .
“He is in the room . Unfortunately, his legs don’t move at all,

so he can’t come out . How poor he is . ”
To explain her husband’s unfortunate condition, the

Countess, who had spoken out a rather unscrupulous
sentiment as if talking about someone else’s, led Vika and
the Marquis to the Count’s room . There, Vika and the
Marquis, who saw the state of the Count in bed, swallowed a
shocked breath .
possible .
between chapters .

196

Confirmation, Part III
Translator: Khan
“… Count . long time no see . ”
“Yes . Long time no see, Vika . How are you? ”
“Of course . ”
Vika couldn’t ask the Count how he was, and he finished

with a smile, the Count nodded to the Marquis beside him
and asked him who he was .
“Ah, he was a little helped by Count the other day . ”
“It’s Pia . I’ve been grateful to you the other day . ”
“I see . I’m sorry I can’t remember you . ”
“No . You can do that . There were a lot of rumors that you
were doing great grace to the poor . ”
“Haha . Was it? I would be very happy if it was . ”
The look of the Count who replied was so bright . For he

could no longer serve as active, but simply mentioning the
glory of the past could have made him a great favor, despite
having never met .
This allowed Vika and the Marquis to have a long

conversation with the Count . They delayed the time as long
as possible and waited for Aria, but she didn’t come out of
her room .
“Oh, time is already here . It’s already dinner time . ”
And the Countess, bored by their visit, gave a secret order

to leave to the Marquis and Vika . But the Count did not
want them to leave, so he offered them dinner so that they
could stay at the mansion for a little more .
“Have you had dinner?”
“No, not yet . ”
Vika bit the bait, wondering if Aria would show up at the

dining room, and the Countess gave an uncomfortable look
and ordered servants to prepare dinner for the two of them .
It was not difficult to add a meal for two people because the
ingredients were well prepared .
So Vika and the Marquis could sit in the dining room with the
Countess and waited with a throbbing heart for Aria to come
down . Soon after, the figure they were waiting for appeared
in the dining room .
“We had a guest?”
The Marquis, who turned his head in a clear, transparent

voice, had to be hardened as if time had stopped, and Vika’s
eyes sparkled and he smiled as he was watching it .
“You are Mr . Vika, right?”
“It’s been a long time, Lady Aria . ”
“… yes, what brings you here?”
“I came to ask after the health of the Count . ”
As Vika replied, and Aria’s face was mistrustful, knowing

that Vika was not a pure-minded man, and that he was not
in a position to worry about the Count . Vika, who spoke
vaguely with a laugh and pretended to be the owner of the
house, talked to her to take a seat .
“The food will cool, When it cools, it will taste bad . ”
‘… OK, I’ve never seen this gentleman before . ’
This time Aria’s eyes turned to the Marquis . The familiar

clear green eyes… If the strangers saw her, they might think
her eyes resembled the Countess, but not to the Marquis,
and those clear, beautiful eyes were certainly close to the
eyes of Chloe . It was hard to notice because the colors were
different, but it certainly was . So were the pupils, and the
overall appearance was the same as Chloe’s .
Someone, who knew their faces of Chloe and her, would

never have thought of other people, and if she cut her hair
short, she would be Chloe . So when the Marquis was
captivated and could not answer as she asked, Vika replied
on her behalf,
“Ah, he had an acquaintance with the Count a little, and he

came to say hello and then he joined the dinner . ”
“Is that so? He is rather a quiet person . ”

As she said so, her eyes were very sharp, glancing the
Marquis, because she did not believe Vika’s words .
She seemed to think he had a secret design, and even the

look on her face looked like Chloe’s .
He had not come to look for Aria, but to find her mother,
and when he met her, he did not give any interest to the
Countess . The Marquis’s eyes were only on Aria .
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“… you are very rude . ”
And even though Aria pointed that out, he was moved

rather than offended or apologetic . How couldn’t he be
impressed by his own flesh and blood that he met in a
foreign country?
“You are beautiful, and he can’t help it . ”
Vika made a hasty excuse for the Marquis, who could not
even say a word of apology; but the Marquis’s rude gaze
was never taken away . If she had felt the carnal desire in
his eyes, she might have splashed water, but he was
shocked and surprised, not by the lust for the opposite sex,
and Aria began to eat as if she had given up .
The Marquis seemed to have a lot of questions to ask her,

but he could not speak to her until she had finished her
meal .
***
“Mr . Asterope! Mr . Asterope!”
Asher answered, frowning at Vika, who had come to him

frivolously this late night .
“Why?”
“You don’t have to answer that as if you’re being so

annoying!”
“Why?”
There were some things that bothered him to answer, but it

was a bigger reason why he was nervous about not being
able to meet Aria because he was busy in the last work .
“Could you see who I brought?”
“Who is that?”
Asher spoke with a surprised face .
“Did Lady Aria visit me this late at night?”
It seemed a little less in the past, but lately, everything

concluded to Aria and Vika answered with a little irritation .
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“No, it’s not . Do you say so, knowing how busy Lady Aria is?
He is not as good as Lady Aria, but he is the one who you
have waited for . ”
Before he could get angry at the convulsive words of Vika,
someone opened the door to the office and came in, even
though he had not yet allowed it . He was a stranger with
white hair and close to an old man .
“Who is it?”
“I see Your Highness, my name is Piast from Croa . ”
Asher’s eyes widened at the Marquis’s introduction .
If he was the Marquis of Piast, he was the man who he had

been waiting for, as much as Aria . And this was how he
came to…
“I guess you’ve finished confirming . ”
As he said it, his eyes were shining, because he could see

the results without listening .
“Your Highness… how and what did you know?”
As the Marquis of Piast asked directly, Asher recommended

him to move to another place .
“I think we should move over, and that’s not the story of

standing up and talking . ”
“… yes . ”
Vika called a servant quickly and ordered him to bring tea

out . The servant had been waiting since he had appeared
near the office, and two cups of tea were ready, and Asher
and the Marquis of Piast moved to the lounge, which was
prepared in the next room of the office .
“I was not the first to know . It was Frey . ”

“If it was Frey…?”
‘Frey, Violet’s eldest daughter?’ Although she had been

separated since Chloe and Violet had been deported, it was
possible for her to recognize Aria at a glance because she
had stayed with Chloe for a long time .
“Yes, Franz Frey, you know her well . ”
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“… how is she?”
“She seems to be well . It wouldn’t be too bad to go and see

her . ”
‘How could I who had taken all of her family away from her?’
Of course, it was the imperial royal family that had taken
Violet first, but as a result, Frey had been left alone in the
empire, so he could not go to see her proudly . And she was
not his own blood .
“… thank you . ” So, he didn’t look grateful but rather

wanted to talk about something else .
Asher, who noticed this, did not waste time, but

immediately came to the point . “Anyway, that’s why I
investigated about Chloe . I remembered seeing his face
when I was a little child . The more I investigated, the more
overlapping it was with Lady Aria, and I could not help but
doubt it . ”
“That’s why you came to me, to confirm the truth . ”

“Yes . I couldn’t think of anyone else, except you who took
the mother and son who had been deported from the
empire . And if a powerful man couldn’t help, there would be
no way I couldn’t have obtained any information out of it . ”
“…”
The reasoning was quite plausible, and this had been almost
broken but connected . It was bad news that the Countess
had been married, but it was much better than the past
when he did not even know where she was . He could even
find the presence of Aria . Asher asked the Marquis, who
drank tea with a trembling hand with joy .
“Did Chloe not know about Aria?”

possible .
between chapters .

197

Confirmation, Part IV
Translator: Khan
“Yes, he doesn’t know anything about her because the

secret of his birth was revealed and deported as soon as he
met a woman named Apple . ”
“… Apple?”
“It was the name of the Countess Roscent, and it’s a

common alias to a prostitute . ”
It was a strange sense, but in the empire where flowers

symbolized the aristocratic family, it was common to use
things other than flowers as an alias . Apple was a fruit that
was easy to see, so half a dozen of them were using it, and
that was why it was not easy to find her whereabouts .
“It was only one meeting, but he still misses her . ”
“Why didn’t you just let people ask around? No matter how
deported they were, it was possible because the Marquis
had taken them . ”
“When Chloe was deported, he was insane . He couldn’t talk

for a while . He knew that he wasn’t his father who he’s ever
believed in, but he couldn’t have been alright . Even now…
No, I sent people to find her later, but I couldn’t find her . ”
“So you’ve come here yourself, because Chloe’s in bad

condition . ”
“… yes, you are right . ”
But he had met Aria and Asher who noticed that his purpose
had changed . Anyone could know that if they saw his
expression of joy . He was purely touched by the presence
of Aria and his encounter with her .
“Now it’s time to go back . I hope both Chloe and Violet are
happy . ”
“…Are you thinking about just going back?
“Just? What do you mean?”
“The Countess married the Count and would no longer be

able to be with Chloe, and Lady Aria would not follow the
Marquis because she had settled in the empire . You just
checked that she was your descent, and I ask you if you’ll
just go back . ”
That was the most desirable result for Asher . If Aria would
follow the Marquis and go to Croa, it would be harder to
meet her . As the distance was too far, there was a limit to
use his ability . There was a maxim, “Out of sight, out of
mind . ”
When he was worried about it and asked, the Marquis who

was a little worried, replied, “No . I just don’t want to go
back . Apple, no, the Countess… It is not easy to accompany
me because she is married, but I think it will be different if it
is Lady Aria . I have heard of her only by rumors, but it will
be easier to stay in Croa than the empire where she has
been treated contemptuously so far . I also want to support
everything she hasn’t enjoyed . ”
Perhaps it would be better for Aria .
Most people would think of it as the Marquis . No matter

how she settled in the empire, it would be better to go to
the Kingdom of Croa because it was mostly done in writing .
“Well . Will it be as easy as it sounds?”
But even if all were in favor, Asher could not agree . Rumors
of Aria’s relationship with Asher as a lover were widespread
and the Marquis was already aware of it, so he didn’t
question his negative response .
“Furthermore, the heart of Lady Aria will be important . You

wouldn’t be able to take her even if you want to take her . ”
“… I’m aware of that . So I should ask for her opinion . ”
“Her opinion?”
When there was nothing at all, her blood had not showed up
at all, but if he suddenly appeared and said that he came to
take her after she was successful, who would be happy to
accept it? In the past, Aria, who had only been a daughter of
a prostitute, would have been very happy, but now they did
not know her mind .
And somewhere in his mind, there was also confidence that

Aria would not leave him . It was clear that Aria would
choose himself rather than the Marquis who suddenly
appeared .
And if not, he would just close the border to Croa . It would
not be bad to make a law that minors could not go abroad .
He knew it was a ridiculous idea, but he didn’t want to let go

of Aria . ‘Isn’t the power existed for this use?’ Regardless of
how Aria responded, Asher, who thought of a way to prevent
the Marquis from taking her, said to him in a lightened look .
“Good . Then you’d better ask her directly, as the Marquis

said . ”
“Directly…? Do you mean now?”
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The Marquis asked with a surprised face whether the

memory of the first encounter was so bad .
“If you are uncomfortable, I can ask her for it . ”
If he asked himself, she was likely not to go . As she did not

know the circumstances well, Asher would write a written
promise so that she could not leave forever .
“It may be a good idea to carry the relationship slowly and

ask later, but it is better for her to know this current state . I
would be grateful if Your Highness would do that . ”
‘You don’t know it’s a trap . ’
The corners of Asher’s mouth rose with a satisfactory

answer .
The next day, Asher, who was in a hurry, visited the
mansion of Count Roscent in the morning without an
appointment . He was with the Marquis, disguised with a wig
.
In the appearance of a brilliant carriage, soldiers taking a

morning walk gathered around with a surprised face .
Shortly afterward, they all lowered their heads in the shape
of a tulip-shaped seal drawn on the wagon .
Aria came to the entrance of the mansion late in the

morning and opened her eyes and asked, “What are you
doing here so early in the morning?”
“What purpose is there other than to come to see you?”
“Me? But it’s too early…”
‘Besides, why did you come to ride the bright carriage? Did
you want to brag about going to see me in the whole capital
again? You can come straight to my room . ’ Aria shook her
head and asked if he would like to have breakfast with her .
“Why don’t you have breakfast with me outside?”
“Outside?”
“Only two of us . ”
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‘Not a quiet dinner, but breakfast?’ It was a strange

invitation, but her heart was moved, so Aria smiled and
nodded .
“I have to change my clothes . ”
“I’ll wait . ”
It would take some time because she had to trim her hair,
but Aria’s mind was urgent, at the answer that he didn’t
care . Aria disappeared back into the mansion so quickly
and began to dress up .
“Miss! How about this dress?”
“This necklace is good for you!”
“Do you want to spray gold on your hair?”
“Oh my God, I have to shine your nails!”
It was not only Aria that was busy . The maids were also
busy with the sudden visit of the Crown Prince, and the
Countess, who was about to eat breakfast, also helped her
daughter dress up in a fuss .
“Would I bring my jewels for you? This new diamond is very

beautiful . ”
In the end, Aria had to wave her hand at the seemingly

excessive appearance .
“Please don’t forget that it is now morning . I’m going to

have breakfast, not a party . ”
Otherwise, she was gorgeous, but she was so beautiful that

it was hard to look at her because it was snowy when she
was dressed with all their care . ‘Is there someone who
decorates so gorgeously in the morning?’ Even though she
was a noble, she had to classify time and place . Then Aria
smiled happily as they took off the things that had been
decorated .
“… If you come out with such a beautiful dress, I can’t get

you off the carriage . ”
“I don’t know what to do with so much compliment . ”
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In the end, all the ornaments were collected and she did not
decorate herself so splendidly, but it could not prevent his
mouth from drawing a good line .
The wagon carrying Aria immediately left the mansion of the

Count and ran the city . The people who faced the bright
carriage from the morning could not hide their surprised
faces for a while, but after realizing that this had happened
several times, they shook their heads, saying that the
Crown Prince fell in love .
“By the way, why did you come? Did you really want to have
breakfast together?”
“Of course . ”
Apart from asking questions, it was true that he wanted to

have breakfast with her, so Asher replied casually,
“Really?”
“Yes . I haven’t seen you for a while and couldn’t sleep at

night . So I visited early this morning . ”
This was not a lie either . When he had closed his eyes, he
had almost moved to the space as Aria had come to his
mind . Whether she liked his answer, doubt disappeared
from the face of Aria, and bright laughter blossomed .

possible .
between chapters .

198

Confirmation, Part V
Translator: Khan
As it was so beautiful, Asher was almost speechless . In fact,

he had visited for another reason, but he also smiled
thinking that it had been good to come .
“Well, this is a pretty wild question . How would you feel if

your biological father suddenly appeared to you and wanted
to take you?”
Asher’s voice flowed over the wall of the wagon and into the
driver’s seat . It was because they picked a wagon with a
thin wall . The Marquis swallowed his saliva and waited for
Aria’s answer, and Aria cocked her head, and asked back, “I
don’t know why you’re asking such a question without
saying anything . ”
“It wasn’t long before you would become an adult, and I

suddenly thought about it . What if your biological father
appears and you disappear after a while? What if you run
away saying you don’t like me? Should I block the border?”
As if acting, he put his hand on his chin and replied with a

worried face, and Aria burst into small laughs .
“It’s that kind of anxiety . I have dreamed of you running
away many times . ”
Aria, who had achieved many things by herself, was able to

live proudly without marrying the Crown Prince . He might
be comfortable if she had no abilities and had to lean on
him . But that wouldn’t happen, and Asher did not want it,
so he gave up a long time ago .
“I do not know . If he shows up now, I will doubt his true

intentions . ”
“When I was in a difficult time, he didn’t even cast a

shadow, but does it mean that he appears as I am self-
reliant enough to live alone? It doesn’t look good . ”
And in the past, her biological father, who hadn’t appeared

in the middle of the twenty and died, suddenly appeared
now . She really had to doubt his true heart .
“I see . What if he didn’t show up for some reason and didn’t

mind if there was nothing in you?”
Suddenly, his explanation changed quite a bit, and Aria, who

rolled her eyes for a while, shook her head again .
“It depends, but… Well, I will refuse . ”
“… why?”
“Because you’d hate it . ”
‘How can I be positive if you tell me that you’ve been

thinking about it first?’
In addition, it was Asher who would live with her in the
future, not her biological father who had no contact at all .
And it was also Asher who had always comforted her . Now
when he said that he was her father and would take her, she
would not be impressed .
The carriage was once rattled by her answer, which gave no

room . It wasn’t too much, but it was clearly a shake that
obviously represented the Marquis’s mind .
***
“Unfortunately, she did not take the wishes of the Marquis .

”
Asher’s expression was so bright as he said so . Even

though it was not the face of the one who argued the
misfortune of others, the Marquis of Piast agreed with it .
“… yes . Thank you for your help . ”
After hearing Aria’s intentions, the Marquis of Piast would no

longer say he would take her . In a satisfactory result, Asher
asked him what he would do in the future,
“What are you going to do in the future? You missed both

the Countess and Aria . ”
“For now… I’ll talk to the Countess . No matter how much

Lady Aria hates us, the blood relation is a different matter .
”
“That’s a good idea, and it’s better than suddenly confusing

Lady Aria . ”
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“Yes, I think it would be better to hear it from the Countess

than from me . ”
He could not take her to the Kingdom of Croa anyway, so it

was better to take time to reveal it slowly than to confess
that she was the descendant of the Marquis family . Either
way, she would be shocked, but it would be better to hear
from her mother who had been with her than her strange
grandfather .
“I’m sorry, but can you help me one more time?”
“If it’s simple… What’s it for?”
“Could you make a seat with the Countess for me? It’s hard
to visit her again because I visited the mansion of the Count
family as a different person…”
“It’s not that hard . OK . ”
Asher gave consent to the request of the Marquis . He got to

know what he had hoped for, and there was nothing he
couldn’t help . Besides, there was another reason why Asher
accepted the request of the Marquis . He intended to be
present at the conversation between the Countess and the
Marquis .
The meeting with the Countess was done without delay;

when he wrote a letter to her that there was a problem to
the villa she had purchased, she appeared at the appointed
place with a desperate expression .
“… Your Highness!”
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, madam, please sit down .
”
Apparently, it was a letter from the government office, and

why was the Crown Prince here?
Come to think of it for a while, and it was strange that the

meeting place was a cafe in the first place . If there was a
problem, they would have told her to come to the office .
It was a room that was independent of other places, but it

was not a suitable place to deal with public affairs . The
Countess, who had confirmed that the man who had visited
the house the previous time with the Crown Prince, sat on
the other side of them, her eyes shaking .
“I ordered tea at my will, but I don’t know if you’ll like it . ”
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“It’s, it’s OK . Thank you . ”
The Countess took a sip of the fragrant jasmine tea with her
trembling hands and calmed down her heart . She wondered
what he was going to say, and why he had been fooling the
letter . As she waited for Asher to speak, worried, and it was
the Marquis of Piast who unexpectedly spoke,
“I actually called you . ”
“… why?”
“I want to ask you something . ”

‘Why did he call her in, who had been in a small grace by
the Count?’ She couldn’t form any idea of what it was, and
she swallowed her saliva and waited for an answer .
However, the words from his mouth were unexpected .
“Do you know Chloe?”
“… who?”
“Chloe . He said he saw you only once, seventeen years

ago; I’m talking about my son, who looks like Lady Aria . ”
At his words, the Countess frowned and rolled her eyes, and
she seemed to be worried because she could not think of
who it was . How could she think of a man who she had met
only once more than ten years ago?
And seventeen years ago… it was the time when she had
been working as a prostitute . A man she’d met when she
didn’t want to think about…
“… Don’t tell me, are you talking about the man?”
Nevertheless, he had an unforgettable appearance, and she

opened her eyes wide as if she had come to think of his
face, and asked back . She had forgotten him, but she could
remember that he looked like Aria .
“… why do you ask that? I just met him a long time ago
once . ”
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She had met him as a guest . She would not even remember
him if he was not like Aria . Her heart had been moved by
his sweet talk and he had said that he was attracted to her
at first sight with his beautiful appearance that she could
not believe he was a man .
He had never given her his name or his status, but she had
thought that such a sweet man could make her happy . But
Chloe had not come since his single visit, and it had frozen
the heart of the Countess, who had expected for a moment .
‘Why did he ask about such a man now?’ She thought of it

and looked displeased again, and suddenly she had a
strange feeling . She had thought of the man she had met
more than a decade ago through her daughter, and she was
also suspicious of the timing . She had had Aria shortly after
she’d met Chloe .
The Countess, embarrassed, trembled her hands, unable to

hide her face, and the tea-water, which had spilled over her
mouth before she could bring it to her mouth, soaked her
beautiful dress a little .
She needed time to think and organize, and the Marquis of

Piast and Asher watched her and waited quietly . And the
Countess, who had been in a long-suffering mood, looked at
the Marquis with a sharp, thoughtful expression as if she
had sorted out .
“So, do you come to threaten me with a pretext of my

daughter? Do you need money?”
Otherwise, the man who had visited to ask after his health
with the slight grace of the Count would not come to her like
this .
possible .
between chapters .

199

Confirmation, Part VI
Translator: Khan
It was strange that the Crown Prince was beside him, but as
she could only think of it, she revealed her hostility, and
then Asher, who was still, intervened in the conversation .
“Madame, please be a little angry . This is the Marquis of

Piast of the Kingdom of Croa . Sorry for the late introduction
.”
“… Who?”
When Asher introduced him again as the Marquis of Piast,

the Countess did not move . It was as if she had stopped
breathing .
“The man you met, Chloe, is my eldest son, and I think you
have guessed to some extent, but I was wondering if the
blood had been linked to Lady Aria . I don’t think she looks
like him unless it does . ”
“So… Aria succeeds the blood of the Marquis family?”
“I think so . ”
“…”
The Countess’s eyes wandered in disbelief, and she seemed
to be embarrassed at the thought of how to take it for it was
not bad, but it was something she had never thought of .
There had been several lower-class noblemen who had

visited her, and she had thought that it might be possible,
but she had never thought that he was a man of the Marquis
family .
“My son was in trouble, and he couldn’t come to see you,

but… he still misses you . He’ll be delighted to hear that he
has a daughter . ”
“… Wait, wait, give me a moment to think . It’s so sudden,

and I don’t know what to say . Besides, it’s not certain, but
you just came because she looked like…” The Countess put
down her teacup because of what the Marquis said .
His beautiful appearance was uncommon, but it was difficult

to confirm that because of her previous job .
“Don’t worry about that, ma’am, I have a way to check it out

.”
At his words, the Countess and the Marquis looked at Asher

at the same time .
‘How could he confirm if the name was not written on the

blood?’ Then the Marquis opened his eyes wide as if he had
realized something .
“… The pond of the Imperial Castle . ”
“Yes, if Lady Aria was the granddaughter of Violet, who

drank the holy water, she could touch the pond of the
Imperial Castle . ”
She didn’t know what they were talking about, but the
Countess nodded at the words that there was a way to
check .
“… Then, if you’re sure, tell me again . As for me, I’ll have to

sort things out by then . ”
The Marquis asked in an urgent voice as she finished the

conversation . “If you don’t mind, may we send you a
letter?”
“… Will you send it to me or Aria?”
“I will send it to you… No, maybe Chloe…”
Chloe might want to get in touch with her, who he had been
finding for a long time . He might even visit the empire by
forging his identity .
The Countess rose, answering with a chilling voice . “Well, it

would be a misunderstanding if another man writes a letter
to a woman who has already been married, and if you’re
done, I’ll excuse you first . ”
Yet the Marquis had a little hope for her unsure refusal; and
the Marquis, who had the means to contact and some good
news, left the empire without hesitation .
On the other hand, when he returned to the office, Asher

was thinking, touching the ring in his hand .
***
At the end of the day, before going to bed, Aria screamed a

little at Asher who suddenly appeared . It was fortunate that
the maids were not there anymore, but she complained that
he almost showed a great scene .
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“Why didn’t you talk and come to me?”
“I’m sorry . ”
Asher’s apologetic gaze passed the ring in Aria’s hand and

headed for the box of the hourglass box in the cabinet . As
he thought that the blood of violet flowed to Aria, he had a
doubt for the box that she had always carried .
“Mr . Asher?”
Asher, who could not take his eyes out of the box, turned to
her at her call . Then all of a sudden he told her why he
visited her room .
“Why don’t we take a night walk?”
“… But it’s cold, right?”
As Aria’s birthday was near now, it was not good to take a

walk this late at night . Asher smiled softly at her question
and put his coat over her shoulders .
“The pond of the Imperial Castle is not very cold . ”
“Yeah…? The pond of the Imperial Castle…?”
He suddenly talked about the story of the pond of the

Imperial Castle, and she was embarrassed and was about to
ask something when he grabbed her hand and used his
power . Aria was lost in the picturesque landscape, which
she had only heard in stories, without being surprised by the
sudden change of view .
“It’s the pond of the Imperial Castle . This is a place I often

visit because of its mystical atmosphere and soothing
landscape . ”
“… That’s, that’s awesome . ”
She didn’t know why it looked like that . Maybe it was

because it was late at night, but it was as if the stars in the
sky were melting in a small pond . The flowers around it
were also mysterious . As Asher said, the cold of winter
could not be felt there .
Because of that, her look of surprise and embarrassment

vanished, but she was carried away by the ecstatic scene .
Asher quietly watched her for a while and led her inside .
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“Well, my feet are on the grass…”
She thought it would be trampled, but strangely, the grass

and flowers stepped on by Aria’s feet did not bend or die,
and they rose again . At the peculiar sight, she checked
again the grass and flowers she stepped on, but they were
still there . It was a strange place indeed .
“The water in this pond is called the holy water . It’s

because there’s a legend that the pond was formed after
the emperor of the empire died here . ”
“Ah, so there was such a legend…”
Aria’s eyes were dull as she answered, and the stars in the
pond gleamed in her eyes . She was already completely
charmed by the pond .
Asher asked her what she really wanted .
“Would you like to touch it?”
“The pond? Can I touch it?”
“Yes, there is a myth that it brings happiness . ”
Even though Asher’s permission had been granted, she

hesitated, but she lost her heart at the words that it would
bring happiness . So she bent over and reached out to touch
the pond’s water . She felt a cold sensation on her fingertips
.
“It’s cold, I think only this pond is affected by winter . ”
“… I see . ”
As he watched this, his eyes were shining, and Aria, who

touched the water in the pond, straightened herself and
came near him .
“I touched the water . Will happiness come now?”
Aria’s face was a little flushed . She seemed to like Asher’s

sudden visit, and their walk in the middle of the night .
Asher glanced down, saying yes . The ring on her finger was
shining softly .
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“Mr . Asher?”
Aria called Asher in a curious voice because he was not

making eye contact . In time, as the light faded from the
ring, Asher, who turned his eyes from her hand, met her
eyes .
He was now convinced after seeing Aria touched the holy

water . It was not a mistake that the ring had changed its
color the other day .
“Is there something in my hand…?” Aria, who was aware

that his gaze had been in her hand, asked, lowering her
gaze .
She remembered he had mentioned the color of the ring the

last time, and as she touched the ring, he answered as if it
was nothing .
“No, I thought it was a butterfly, and I think it was an illusion

.”
“Butterfly? This winter night?”
‘Is it because of this excuse that he looked at the butterfly in

front of her?’ She answered that she could not believe it .
Nevertheless, she seemed to be caught that she was hiding

something . Asher stared at Aria, who was in disbelief and
was lost in thought . On the other hand, he wanted to ask
why the color of the ring had changed in the past, and what
she was hiding, unlike how the color of the ring changed
when she touched the holy water earlier .
But if he asked it here now, he had to confess that the
reason why he brought her to the pond of the Imperial
Castle was because he wanted to confirm her identity . He
could not ask her honestly because he had lied to her, so he
could bring her to the pond .
It would be best if Aria would tell what she was hiding, but
since she did not seem to have any intention of doing so, it
was better to wait for the right moment and ask it naturally .

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200

Confirmation, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Anyway, Aria would not go to anyone but himself, and even

if she left him, he would not let her go, so he had plenty of
chances to ask . So he kept his mind deep in his heart,
wanting to know the truth .
“You’d better go home because it’s late, and you might

catch a cold . ”
He wrapped up her shoulders covered by his coat and

changed the subject, pretending to be casual . In no time,
his look was changed and smiled with a soft smile that he
had always shown to her .
“… Yes . ”
In response, Aria looked suspicious, but she was naturally

beside him, convinced that there would be a reason . She
was also good at hiding her facial expression, and he didn’t
know what she was thinking, but maybe she thought it was
nothing .
She then took a step forward and immediately her vision

turned to her room . When he cleared his doubt, he felt a
sense of regret for not wanting to part with her . As he
looked down at her face, thinking of the conversation that
would take a moment, he said, as if something came up .
“It will all be settled soon . ”
“… Oh, I see . I thought it would be the time after a while,

but already… and would Mielle show up?”
Aria said, paying great attention .
“Maybe so, because they think they’ll win . ”
“I hope she’ll be back as soon as possible,” said Aria, and

her doubts about Asher had disappeared . She was
delighted as if she were a kid playing a new prank .
‘What is so fun? Is it because Mielle will be ruined? Or is it

because the Count’s family will be ruined? Or both?’
If someone knew Aria’s cruel temper with a sulky smile that

seemed to have a secret design, he would have been busy
calming his surprised heart, but she was only a beautiful
woman to Asher .
“I’m afraid I’ll go now . I’ll see you on your birthday . ”
“That long?”
Since it wasn’t that late, he took the hand of Aria, who was
surprised and asked him a question . He asked Aria with a
lovely smile,
“Will you visit the Imperial Castle?”
“That’s…”
As she hesitated because she was also busy, he smiled a
little .
“If you allow me, I will secretly visit you like this if I have the
time . If I can’t, I will make sure to send you a letter . ”
“… I see . ”
It was really late, so he left regret behind and kissed Aria on

the back of her hand and said goodbye then disappeared .
Soon after he disappeared, Aria, who had had a soft girl’s

face, looked at her hand with a cold face .
“The ring…”
The ring that had taken Asher’s attention! It had been a

royal ring for generations, and he had explained that when
Asher used his power, its color changed . After a while, it
returned to its original state, but it reminded her of the ring
that glowed blue, immediately after using its power .
The last time she had listened to it with no attention, but he

had said that the color had changed when he had seen her
ring . She had forgotten, but she remembered that he had
also looked at her hand with strange eyes .
‘…No way!’
Because of the crazy idea, her face hardened . She also

wondered that if she used the hourglass, the ring would
shine like Asher’s .
‘No, it can’t be . ’
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Last time, she had used the hourglass but not today . She
only remembered taking a walk near the pond of the
Imperial Castle . Nevertheless, she took out the hourglass
she had left in the cabinet just in case, and even though she
thought it was impossible, she wanted to check it .
Aria, who had been weighing the time with her pocket watch
for a moment, turned the hourglass slowly . She put the
speeding hourglass on the table and lowered her trembling
eyes to check the ring on her hand .
“…!”
The ring unbelievably emitted a blue light like when Asher

had used his power .
‘Why… Why is the ring glowing? Was it because I used the

hourglass? Was it because I’m using a power that was the
same as Asher’s even though I’m not a part of the royal
family?’ The ring was glowing blue, and she thought that it
was the only answer .
‘… Is that why he mentioned the color of the ring right after

I used the hourglass? Did he know what was happening all
along…?’
When her thoughts reached that far, she lost her energy .
There was a chance that Asher knew about her ability . She
had thought she would have to say it someday, but she
hadn’t wanted Asher to notice it first .
‘What should I do? Should I tell it to him?’

She was worried but got no answer . Most of all, she
wondered if he knew it and if it might shine in another way .
Furthermore, she was drowsy because she had used the
hourglass .
‘… I’ll ask him about the ring again . ’
The question would not be answered if she grumbled alone,

and as Asher had confessed his secret, the time for her to
confess her secret was coming near .
***
“Brother, I think this birthday party should be big . ”
Aria, who had ignored him, treating him like someone she
didn’t know, suddenly spoke to him, and Cain was stiff . She
had talked through the servants when she had something to
say, but what was the reason?
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“… What?”
He didn’t understand what she was saying, and he asked

again what she had just told him, and Aria added a little
smile because he said it in a slightly dumb tone .
“I told you I’d have to make my birthday party a little bigger

because not only my friends but also your acquaintances
who live in the mansion would attend . ”
In her words mentioning the soldiers, Cain, who understood
what she meant, cleared his throat and pretended to be
casual .
“That makes sense . ”
It was funny that he could not refuse her request even

though it was obvious that he was having problems with
money .
“Can I tell the butler that? I will say that you gave me
permission . ”
“… Okay, do it . ”
Aria had not given him a glance, and he seemed satisfied

that she had acknowledged him as the head of Count
Roscent family and that she asked his permission . Perhaps
he thought it was worth it to push his father down the stairs
and serve as the acting Count even if he did not know that it
was a ruined family .
Cain didn’t know, but the Countess had already taken

almost all of the Count’s family’s money away, and that the
Count’s family had no money to spend on an expensive
birthday party . No, the Count’s family had no money to
even hold a birthday party .
The Count, who did not know that his family finances were
in danger, had allowed the Countess, who had melted his
heart, to use his property under the pretext of taking care of
himself .
Of course, she had only got his permission but had not
reported to anyone . That was because she had used the
property but had not stated that she had used it .
‘So there’s no record, so you’re stupidly aware that the
Count’s family still has a lot of money left . ’
All this was because Cain had not informed the Count that
he was not doing his business properly, nor had he asked for
advice . If the Count was in good shape, he might have
known what was going on, but he was in a state of
instability, and he could not make a proper judgment .
There were many things that were happening, and those

were eating up the family of Count Roscent, and it was in a
very bad situation to fall straight down if someone touched
it lightly with his fingers .
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“Thank you, brother . ”
“Well, it’s nothing, and it’s an occasion that is only held

once a year, so it’s not bad to make the most splendid one
in the entire empire . ”
As soon as the words fell, Aria, who gave Cain a bright

smile, immediately instructed the butler to make the party
grander .
“Yes? Bigger than we originally planned?”
“Yes, there are a lot of people in the house beside the

guests I would invite . ”
The butler looked worried, but as it was the instruction of

the wise Aria, he said he would do so .
“I’ll do my best not to disappoint you . ”
He really did his best to prepare the party . Since it was

winter, the garden was minimally decorated, but the
mansion was fully decorated . Asher, who she had been
expecting a visit in the meantime, did not appear and sent a
letter to inform her of his regards .
‘He must know my power, too . ’

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between chapters .

201

Confirmation, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Afterward, she tried to rewind the hourglass a few more

times, and the ring shone blue . It seemed to shine as she
used the power, regardless of bloodline .
But the letter he sent her did not mention about the ring at
all, so she could not be sure, and her anxiety grew, and the
time passed before Aria’s birthday came .
“Why are you looking so bad, Miss? It’s your birthday

today…” Annie asked, combing Aria’s hair . As she sprinkled
gold powder on it, her hair was shining while passing the
brush .
Jessie, who brought the jewelry to her uneasy face, which

was contrary to it, also looked at her feelings .
“Is something wrong?”
“… No, I’m fine . ”
She was not fine, as she was going to ask about the ring
when Asher arrived, but she tried to clear his face . Then the
relieved maids were busy with their hands and dressed Aria
as much as they could .
When she wore the tailored dress made with a large amount
of money paid in the name of the Count’s family for today,
there was a beautiful woman who could not be comparable
in the world .
“Oh, my God… You’re like an angel! It’s too fascinating to be

an angel!”
It was a demon who had come back to punish those who

had humiliated her, not an angel, but because Annie’s
expression was quite appropriate, several of the maids,
including Jessie, nodded and affirmed .
“Is it beautiful enough to forgive me if I’ve been hiding a

secret?”
“A secret…? Yes! He’ll be damned as soon as he sees you

without needing to ask for forgiveness!”
“Is that so?”
Annie was embarrassed as Aria mentioned a secret and

forgiveness, but then she thought that Aria might have had
a minor quarrel with Asher . She shook her head and
believed that that must be what had happened, and Aria,
who had finally relieved herself, regained her bright
expression .
“Yes! You have enough to melt the Crown Prince’s heart

even if you don’t make it up to him! I think they’ve arrived,
so you better get down there!”
“Okay . ”
It was still early in the morning, but her steps to the garden,
which had already begun to be busy with guests gathering
one by one, were a little light . She was sure that Asher
would understand her, who had not been able to tell the
truth because of the circumstances .
***
It was still early in the morning, but the garden in front of

the hall and the mansion were already crowded with people
who wanted to celebrate Aria’s birthday . It was because
she had invited not only the nobles who she was acquainted
with but also the students who were attending the academy
.
The students who had not known all this was to waste the
Count’s family’s fortune, and who had visited the Count’s
mansion without knowing it, were full of admiration and
yearning for the good-willing Aria .
“Miss Aria!”
“Happy Birthday, Miss Aria!”
“Oh, my God, I can’t believe I’m seeing you!”
“Thanks to you, Miss Aria, I was able to get a job at a good

business group!”
Aria, who had her eyes on each of the students who were
thrilled and tearful, thanked them for coming to celebrate .
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“You’re busy studying, but I’m glad you’re taking such a
precious step . We have prepared a little, but I hope you’ll
have a good meal . ”
“Thank, thank you…”
“Oh, and I have prepared a little gift for your visit, and I
hope you will take it when you go . ”
She had prepared a really small set of sweets, but it was a

luxury snack that the commoners could not get easily, so
she was sure that they would not spare the words of praise .
This was the beginning of her birthday party that was
devouring the fortunes of the Count’s family .
“Oh my god, I have to party with the commoners…?”
“… She is a commoner that is covered by the skin of a noble

.”
Unfortunately, there were those who did not like it; they
were some noblemen who came to Cain’s network . They
did not have to come, but Cain had invited them, perhaps to
stop the rumor that the Count’s family was about to be
ruined .
“Do I have to party with the commoners in one place…?”
The noblemen dared to speak with contemptuous eyes as if

to listen, still not knowing that the world was changing, and
Aria and the students around her clearly heard that . The
students’ faces turned pale .
“Miss Aria…”
“Well… It’s enough for us to see your face, so we will return

now . ”
The students, who knew Aria’s nature was good and
delicate, looked at her with a worried face . Some of them
blamed themselves that they attended the birthday party
forgetting who they were, and they were saddened that Aria
was in a sweeping criticism because of them .
The nobles who spoke badly to Aria were laughing that she
would blush without refuting . However, there was nothing
in her face but pity to mock the dull nobles, let alone the
shade .
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“That’s weird . Today’s party is for celebrating me, Roscent

Aria . I think someone else who doesn’t like it has visited . ”
Aria had a bad temper by nature . It had been awakened by

Mielle and her maids, but if she had been good and fragile in
the first place, she couldn’t do bad things even if they had
encouraged her by her side . She could not leave those who
appeared at the party on this good day and spoiled it .
“You are unwelcome guests, but how can I welcome you if

you all say something rude to the invited guests?'”
Aria raised her voice quite loudly as if everyone would listen

to it, so the attention of those who did not know the
situation naturally gathered .
‘Rude? Who?’ Most of the people who attended were those

who supported and favored Aria, so they looked for them
with a keen eye to see what was going on . The nobles who
had despised Aria and the commoners were laughing at one
another .
“I didn’t tell you a fake story, but why is she so mad? The
commoners are so angry at such little things, and they are
so unscrupulous . ”
“We’re invited by the acting Count, but she is treating us as

if we’re not welcome . ”
The surprised people opened their eyes and spoke a word

about this ridiculous situation .
“Oh, my God, what are they talking about?”
“That’s terrible … I’ve never seen anyone speak a rude word

before . ”
The party, which should be filled with joy and praise, began
to be stained with contempt and displeasure . The
atmosphere was getting strange, but Aria, who pretended
not to know it, briefly apologized for her mistakes and
guided the nobles .
“You’ve been invited by Mr . Cain… I’ve made a mistake .

Then you’d better move on to where Mr . Cain has prepared
for you because this is my party place . ”
“You don’t have to say that because I didn’t want to stay

here . I was just going in because it was cold anyway… A
party at a garden in winter? It is a fitting party for the
vigorous commoners . I don’t want to be in this shabby
place anymore . ”
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One of the noblemen shook his dress off with his fan as if it

were dirty, and he was sincere about moving straight to the
front door .
Aria beckoned her servants to block the entrance to the

mansion .
“Oh, what do you mean? Who’s going to have a winter party

in the garden? Even the inside of the mansion is the party
place for all my guests . ”
“… What?”
The servants blocked the front door of the mansion, and the
nobles lost their words, looking confused at Aria’s words
that they could not enter as if it was natural . It was as if
there was no place for them .
“I hope you will disappear from the place where I have

prepared as soon as possible, and you will find out where
the place my brother has prepared for you . Unfortunately,
he went out early in the morning, and I don’t know the place
.”
Aria gave them a big smile and urged them to leave . The
butler even asked if he had to prepare the wagons . All of
this seemed to explain that the real owner of the mansion
was not Cain, who was a Count only in name, but Aria, who
was a commoner that became a noble .
Cain, who had invited them, had not appeared, so the

nobles, who had been pretending aloof all the time and
showing their displeasure to Aria and the commoners, lost
their words for a while . They stared at her and left with a
distorted face . The carriages were waiting for them in no
time .
“Miss Aria, you’re great!”
“I was afraid Miss Aria would be hurt!”

possible .
between chapters .

202

Confirmation, Part IX
Translator: Khan
It was foolish to praise her with the natural story if they did
not know how to refute it properly .
‘How can I live in this harsh world without even refuting this
much? In the world that everyone is jealous and tries to kill
others…’ However, a person spoke to Aria, who had enjoyed
a moment of victory in the waves of praise and respect .
“… Oh, my God, I didn’t know Lady Aria had this aspect in

you . ”
“Lady Sarah…?”
It was Sarah, who had appeared early in the morning to

celebrate Aria’s birthday . She had been in the garden for a
long time, and her cheeks turned red because of how cold it
was . Sarah had watched Aria and the nobles fight from
beginning to end .
“I was just trying to figure out the timing because I didn’t

know when to intervene, with my fists clenched . ”
She tightly held Aria’s hands, as if she were looking at a

child who had grown up, rather than showing
disappointment even though she was so venomous .
“You’re really becoming an adult . ”
“… I’m still seventeen . ”
The soft tone of her voice transformed Aria from an adult to

a child again . In fact, she was about thirty years old, adding
her past life and present life, but somehow she wanted to
act like a child in front of Sarah .
Aria started acting like a child so she could win Sarah over
and use her, but it became her real heart now because she
had received the love she had not received when she was a
child .
“Yes, if you are seventeen, you are still a little child . A cute
kid who grew up wonderfully . What do I do next year once
your officially an adult?”
“I’m younger than Sarah, and I think you’ll be fine if you

don’t change at all for the rest of your life . ”
“Yes, that’s a wise answer . ”
Aria, who looked at Sarah with a pair of lovely eyes, noticed

the Marquis of Vincent standing beside her after a while . He
was also looking at Sarah and Aria with a soft eye . They
were the people who had helped her many times because
they were always there for Aria .
Sarah had given Aria the love that she had never received
from her mother; they were the second most precious
among all of her connections .
“This is a small, humble gift, and I hope your winter will be
warm . ”
Sarah’s gift was a glove that seemed to warm the winter .

Someone might think it was really a trifling gift, but it was a
beautiful glove embroidered with her handmade sweat, and
she dared not convert it into money .
They were not the lilies that symbolized the family of Count
Roscent but tulips . The tears of emotion seemed to flow
down in her unblemished mind .
“… Thank you, and I have only Sarah . ”
“I’m grateful . I’d never make my dream come true if not for
you . I’ve always waited for the day to go to class though I
have few classes . ”
Her expression of genuine pleasure was not a lie . No, Sarah

always did . She always treated her with sincerity, and that
caused Aria’s sinful mind to waver .
“After this, we have your wedding, Lady Sarah . ”
“Yes, I am preparing so hard, and I hope you will shine that

place . ”
Sarah’s wedding would be held in the next year, and Sarah

would formally be the Marquis, who Aria had hoped for so
much .
It would be only a matter of time before the Duke’s family

would be ruined, and she would be the highest noblewoman
in the empire . She would be able to comfort and appease
the persecuted Aria, who was from a humble origin . Of
course, Aria now had the power to punish them, but the
reason why she was more secure was that she relied on
Sarah .
Aria, who entered the mansion with Sarah, waited for Asher,
greeting the nobles and commoners who visited with
various gifts . There was something to confess, and the
waiting seemed to be long .
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“Miss, is His Highness busy?”
Annie asked Aria, not knowing what she was thinking, and
she seemed to be questioning and frustrated by the
absence of Asher as lunch passed .
“… Annie, I think you should bring her a new drink . ”
Jessie hurriedly pressed her side to get a grip on the

atmosphere, and then Annie, realizing that she had made a
mistake, hurried away .
As she began to doubt why the Crown Prince did not appear,
not only the maids but also the visitors also doubted . When
she was worried that Asher had been angry because she
hadn’t told the truth, he arrived at the mansion like a lie .
He brought four luxury wagons enough to blow all
suspicions .
Just in time, she was looking out the window over the
terrace, and the glamorous appearance caught her eyes .
When she went out without a break, Asher, who had come
out of the carriage, laughed deeply .
“I was too worried about what to give you, and I was late . I
hope you will blame my folly . ”
At the same time, the loads in the wagon began to be

unloaded . The people, who dared to sneak at this rare and
great sight that they had not seen anywhere, responded
vigorously such as clogging their mouths or making weak
groans .
It was a gift of a size that they could guess from the way
Asher had been doing, but they were surprised to see it
directly .
“Mr . Asher…”
As Asher said, he was late for his lover’s birthday, but he

prepared such a great event, and how could she blame him?
Aria, whose cheeks slightly warmed in the sudden cold wind,
took the hem of her dress and responded to Asher, taking a
courtesy .
***
Asher, who had caught everyone’s attention in the garden,

crossed his arms with Aria and moved to the spot in the
middle of the first-floor hall, where the visitors’ gazes
followed every step they took . As if to show everyone,
Asher, who had appeared with a large number of gifts, had a
pleasant face, unlike Aria’s worries .
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“I thought you were angry with me . ”
After a fairly friendly appearance, Aria talked to him and

Asher was surprised by her sudden words that did not fit the
situation .
“… Me?”
“Yes . ”
“Why did you think that?”
Asher looked serious . He seemed worried that he had made

a mistake, and Aria hesitated for a moment, then answered
.
“That’s because… there’s something I didn’t tell you . ”
“…”
Asher, aware of what it meant, stared at her without asking

or answering anything . Then, realizing that this was not the
right place for such a serious conversation, he encouraged
Aria to move .
“I don’t think that’s the right topic to talk about here . ”
“… I think we should go to my room . ”
If someone who did not know Aria heard that, they would be
startled, but Asher had already visited Aria’s room several
times, so he nodded and moved again .
The party’s protagonist suddenly left the hall again, and

some people’s eyes followed them, but no one thought it
strange because they were already a couple of the century
known beyond the empire and to other countries .
“I brought a refreshment, Miss . ”
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“Thank you,”
Jessie, who had followed her quickly, left Aria’s room after
setting the refreshments, and Aria’s confession was only left
because they came to a place where no one would disturb
them .
“I don’t know if I arrived late, and you misunderstood me,

but I was not angry at all . There is no reason to be angry .
Even if you have something to hide, I won’t be angry . ”
As Aria was wondering what to say, Asher made an excuse

as if it was unjust, and Aria, who was nervous, answered
with much embarrassment .
“… Then I’m glad . ”
Luckily, his sudden excuse had eased the atmosphere a

little, and Aria took a sip of tea after looking at his face and
said,
“Actually… as you already know, there’s something I haven’t

told you, and I think you’ll be angry with me this time . ”
“No matter what you say, I will not be angry with you, so tell
me . ”
Since Asher really meant what he said, he reached out and

took Aria’s hand . Her hands that became cold due to
nervousness began to melt slowly because of the warmth of
Asher’s hands . With the warmth of Asher’s answer and
consideration, she began to reveal the secret she had
hidden for a long time .
“I don’t know why, but I have a strange ability just like you,”
said Aria . She glanced once at the box of the hourglass that
she packed in the cabinet . The hourglass was the source of
her ability .

possible .
between chapters .

203

Confirmation, Part X
Translator: Khan
As he had been watching her all the time, he had checked

where her gaze had reached, and asked, “I guessed it…
because the color of the ring had changed . Is it related to
the hourglass?”
‘You really noticed it in the color of the ring . ’
She explained, thinking that it was good to confess before it

was too late .
“… yeah, I can use my power through the hourglass . ”
“I’m sorry, but what is your power? I’ve never heard of using
things…”
“You’re hard to believe, but I can… I can turn back five

minutes, only once a day . ”
“…!”
Asher put his strength on his hands which wrapped around

hers . In a shocking confession that she could turn back time
to the past, Asher, who was listening to her, did not answer .
‘Who can answer the question of knowing that the time is
back?’
The ability to turn back time was more powerful and

mysterious than the ability to move through space . It
meant that she could dare to correct mistakes against the
laws of the world and the rules God had created . For a long
time, when Asher didn’t answer, Aria, worried that he didn’t
believe her and added,
“… I would like to show you my power, like you, but I think it

will be a little difficult now as I have to go to sleep for a day
after returning the time . I can’t sleep during the birthday
party, and I’ll show you later if I have a chance . ”
Unlike Asher, who was free to move, Aria could not specify
time, and after using her ability, she had to sleep
unconditionally . The explanation changed his expression,
and Aria, who quickly recognized it, asked why .
“You know something . ”
“… it’s just a guess . ”
“What is that guess?”
“… I think you are not a royal family member, and there are
serious side effects to your use of power . ”
It was exactly because she was not connected to the royal

blood, and she was Violet’s granddaughter, who had been
recognized as a member of the royal family with the holy
water alone, and unlike the real royals, she had weaker
abilities and severe side effects . But it was not his
responsibility to explain such a cause-and-effect
relationship, so he added, except for the story of the
lineage, because he did not want her to misunderstand .
“I cannot say that I am accurate because I have seen it

through a secret book which has been passed down only to
the successor of the imperial throne for generations, but the
ability is only found in a few royal families, and rarely
appears to outsiders, too . However, it’s very little . ”
“So… if the power appears to the outsider who is not a royal

family, she will have a severe side effect on her ability use .
”
“That’s as I know it . ”
Aria smiled inside . It was strange and mysterious that she

had the power although she was not a royal family . Her
obsession with life and the vengeance against Mielle
seemed to have been great, so it would have led to this
ability .
She simply confessed her ability not to be wrong with Asher,

but unexpectedly she got to know the truth about the
power, so she thought it was better to admit it .
“By the way… if you have the ability to go back to the past,
you must have regretted something, enough to change the
past . ”
“… what do you mean?”
As he hit the point, her shoulders trembled as she spoke in a

casual conversation, and she asked how he knew it . Then,
Asher confided in what he knew .
“I know that this ability varies from person to person in

dramatic situations, or in crisis . My ability to move through
space is the one which manifested itself in the struggle to
escape from the assassin, and I almost lost my life . ”
“…”
‘So, after losing my life, did I return to my very young past

through the hourglass? Because I could not escape, I had to
remember everything and went back to the past and deliver
vengeance under God’s consideration . ’
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“… yes, I regretted it very much, and I had the ability…”
‘This ability appeared at the cost of my death . How much

should I tell him? I’ve been a wicked woman in the past? No
matter how much I was tricked, I ordered a maid to put
poison in my sister’s tea and I was caught and my head was
cut off? No, it was also necessary to explain that if I
explained it all, I would be thirty years old together with my
previous life . Oh, my God . Asher is only twenty now, and
he sees me as a seventeen-year-old girl!’
When she reached the idea of dating a ten-year-younger

man, she felt a sense of guilt that was beyond her control,
more than fooling the past . Therefore, Aria looked anxious
and pale, and Asher asked if she was ok .
“Lady Aria? You look… Do you feel sick? Do you want me to

call a doctor?”
“Oh, no . Not that…”

Aria stopped him as he was going to call a doctor, but her
face was still pale, and his concern did not disappear .
“I think we should call a doctor . ”
“No! It’s because I’ve been hiding something else… I

haven’t thought about it so much, but I thought I should tell
you…”
This time he was really ready to go to a doctor, and Aria

blocked him and confessed that there was another secret .
“… Didn’t I tell you that you don’t have to be so nervous? It

was all right . I don’t know what the secret is, but don’t tell
me if it bothers you so much as your complexion becomes
pale . ”
“No, I have to tell you . ”
It was not something else, but it was about her age that she
wasn’t three years younger than him, but ten years older
than him . He was a person who she would spend her life
together, and she should tell her . However, he did not know
her mind, and he firmly said that she did not have to speak
about it .
“It’s okay . ”
“No, you’ll regret it . ”
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“No, I won’t regret it . ”

“It’s a very important secret!”
“You’re so distressed that I can get over that secret, and

now it’s important . ”
‘Oh, my God . Are you saying you will embrace all my

secrets…?’ As he said this much, she felt so guilty that she
would die . Though he talked to her to keep the secret if it
was so painful for her to say, she revealed her secret that
she had hidden .
“In fact, I… I’m ten years older than you…”
“…!”
He could not even imagine that she was ten years older
than him, and he looked at her, immobilized with surprise .
He seemed to ask her what it meant . She regretted that
she said it in vain, but she could not go back, so she added
a small excuse .
“… I didn’t mean to hide it . ”
“Oh, but you still look like a girl… I’m sure you were a
smaller girl when I first met…”
Asher stammered, not responding to her shocking

confession . Rather than being angry or disappointed, he
wondered how this little girl could be ten years older than
himself .
“Well… it’s right with my outer appearance . I’ve come back

to the past with the ability to turn the time, and you can see
that I’ve come back to the past with memories of the past .
”
“To the past… you came back? Lady Aria?”

“Yes, I was a wicked woman who was worse than rumors in
the mid-twenties . I came back to the fourteen-year-old girl,
regretting the big incident, with the hourglass . It’s hard to
believe this time, but it’s all… true . ”
“…”
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Maybe he thought she was out of her mind . But it was all
real and it was something to say, and she told him straight
away .
Fortunately, Asher, who had been staring at her for a long

time without saying whether it was true, erased his
embarrassed face and regained his original face .
“No, I can believe it . That’s why I was so swayed . I

understand now . ”
As she looked at him, he seemed to realize something . He

had a fact that he had now known the identity of the woman
who had always embarrassed him . It seemed pleasant
rather than strangely unpleasant .
“… Isn’t it bad? Mr . Asher is twenty now, but I maybe

thirty…”
“Well… I’m embarrassed, but I’m not offended, and I

thought you were still a year away from being an adult, but I
may be glad you’re not . ”
And then his expression changed, and now that he knew she
was not a girl, he was no longer as caring as he had been .
“I have sometimes felt that you were testing and provoking

me… I think it might all be calculated . Am I right?”

possible .
between chapters .

204

Confirmation, Part XI
Translator: Khan
He was so insidious that she could feel his grudge . He had

seemed to be struggling to think that she was still a minor,
but he was quickly changing his attitude . She thought it
was truly like him, and she also recovered her original
appearance by shaking off her tense and anxious expression
.
“You know that now… you’re so dull . ”
Her long, rich eyelashes moved slowly as if they made a

rustling sound . They were the ones that had made Asher
dangerous over and over again .
Aria, who had confirmed that the tips of Asher’s ears were
getting hot, smiled softly . “Yet, you’ll have to keep in mind
that I’m officially seventeen . ”
“Hah… I lost . ”
So his sigh deepened as he heard to stop that thinking . The

calm air was again prevalent in her room as if there had not
been a tension at all, and it made her feel so comfortable .
As she took a sip of tea in a lighter, more comfortable mood,
he returned to his place and asked an unexpected question,
“Let’s get back to the point, but who made you come back
to the past?”
She thought the topic had been changed, but it was a very
sharp question . He was asking about the trigger that she
had changed herself and enhanced her power to form a
relationship with him . She put the teacup down on his
serious face, which said that it was more important than her
age .
“It’s going to be a little long, will you mind?”
“I don’t care if I’m going to spend the whole day . ”
“Then I trust you and tell you my ugly past in detail, and the
worse evil woman, who has made me come back to the
past…”
He nodded as if he were listening to her as she said .
**
“Miss Isis! There is no more money to support the soldiers!

We are about to go bankrupt because we have prepared a
new mansion to accommodate the soldiers in the first
place!”
“I have no more surplus fund because I couldn’t get soldiers

in the mansion, so I purchased a new quarter! Is that right
they are soldiers?”
Isis gave excuses she had prepared in advance to the

nobles who complained on a daily basis .
“… don’t worry . They’re soldiers preparing for a battle that
will remain long in history, and they’re trying to overcome
fear . The king will pay for all the expenses that have been
spent since, and I ask you to increase the morale of the
soldiers until the day of the battle . Please prepare the
document stating how much you have spent . ”
“Well, did you really say the king would pay for all the
expenses we’ve spent so far? The amount is considerable…”
She had put a good number of noblemen on the brink of

bankruptcy, and it was not a matter of a penny or two . Isis
explained that they should not worry again as she drank her
tea leisurely .
“Of course, the empire will fall into the hands of His Majesty,
and it will be only a handful of money . Since he is the king
of a country, he will not be burdened with it now . In fact,
he’s coming to the empire, and you’ll be able to get his
support soon enough . If you’re in a hurry, I’ll give you my
support, so I hope you’ll relax . ”
When Isis explained that fact, the nobles looked a little

relieved and went back to their houses, releasing the
unsteady look on their faces . Then, Isis leaned back on the
couch, her shoulders unwrapped . She said so to calm them
down, but the situation was not very good .
She had returned to the empire and checked the documents

immediately, but the national marriage was also signed
before the rebellion . She protested strongly, and he sent a
large amount of gifts and funds along with an apology letter
saying that he seemed to have been mistaken and that he
would have a brilliant marriage that would be remembered
long in history at the Imperial Castle . Because of that, she
could not reprimand him .
The Duke and the Duchess, who were to visit the Kingdom
of Croa at the end of their preparations for the national
marriage, had to ask Isis, who had returned to the empire
very quickly, and had a hard time as she gave an evasive
answer .
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Fortunately, the letter, gifts, and funds of Lohan, which

arrived in the meantime, were as if they were genuinely for
her, so she could avoid the difficult situation . No, they
couldn’t go back any further, so she felt like they were just
passing, except for Oscar, who had been quietly following
the family’s business .
“… Sister, it’s strange . ”
Oscar spoke to Isis, who had been resting in the lounge

where everyone had left .
“It’s strange that soldiers are going wild, and the king of
Croa keeps changing his words!”
“Don’t worry, Oscar, do what I tell you to do . ”
“But…!”
‘What is the heir who is only able to do what they ordered to

do?’ She had brought him here on behalf of him, who was
not capable, and what was he going to do now? Isis’s face
was getting sharp .
“I don’t feel good about this… Wouldn’t it be better to finish
it here and tell him the truth?”
“Oscar, even if you are ignorant of the world, you have to

figure it out . Do you think it makes sense?”
‘Do you mean to kneel down and ask for his forgiveness
from the Crown Prince?’ At the words of her stupid brother,
she laughed .
“Even if he’s is going to forgive everything we’ve done so

far, it would be a miserable slave’s life, not a noble life, to
wait . If you want to live your life in doing so, you must
leave the family . ”
Besides, there was a little trouble, but she felt like it was
going well, and she didn’t like him as if he might spoil it . He
had been so enchanted by the daughter of a vulgar
prostitute and made everything worse that she had scolded
him so much . But now he was talking nonsense and making
her uneasy .
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“It’s okay, it’ll be fine . It’s got to be . ”
‘No, it’ll be fine . ’ It was Lohan, not Oscar, who made her
most anxious, but she had documents that she and he had
exchanged to rebel .
It must have been a joke of the king who thought he had

everything in the world .
**
A few days later, as if lying, Lohan visited the empire, and it

was a little late after he had said he would visit because the
year was about to change . But soon after she saw the vast
amount of gold coins he had brought, the thought melted
away as if it had been washed away, and she thought it was
hard to take time because he was just a king .
“Thank you for your visit, Your Majesty . ”
The Duke, the Duchess, Oscar, and Isis greeted him as he

got off the fancy wagon . There was Mielle stuck to his side .
Mielle was looking at him with a face of confidence, dressed
again in disguise and freckles .
She looked as if she was no longer afraid of anything, as if

she were not interested in Oscar, even though he was in
front of her .
“No, I’m sorry I made the soldiers run wild, but the Marquis
of Piast must have been in a hurry and gathered his men
from outside . ”
“I understand, and the little things will happen everywhere,

but we’re here without a big problem, and we’re not worried
anymore . ”
“Yes, I suppose . ”
Unlike the Duke, who had a bright smile at his face, Lohan
replied with a subtle expression . Nevertheless, his eyes
were narrowly grinning, and no one felt this strange .
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“You must have been struggling to get here a long way, and
please come in and eat . ”
“I’ll do that . ”
He was about to enter the house, following the Duke’s

extreme response, and someone who had come out of the
carriage which had arrived late bent down and asked, “Your
Majesty, may I leave for a moment?”
“Oh, do it . You are the most urgent person here . ”
“Thank you . ”
He asked for understanding whether he had a business in

the empire, and before leaving, he glanced up the members
of the Duke family, including Isis, as if to confirm . Isis, who
had at first glance, seen his neat and beautiful appearance,
swallowed without knowing it .
‘Why does he look like that vulgar woman?!’
His face was so beautiful for a man but it looked like Aria .
His eyes were so voluptuous and sexy that they reminded
her of Aria, even if he was different in gender .

possible .
between chapters .

205

Confirmation, Part XII
Translator: Khan
So Isis felt uneasy by the unsettled anxiety and her eyes

followed the disappearing man . It was the same with Oscar
by her side . Isis hurriedly grabbed Mielle’s wrist who was
following Lohan into the mansion with a slight smile .
“I need to talk to you for a minute . ”
“What can I do for you?”
Isis had no time to care about her colder attitude, unlike

when Mielle had left for Croa . Isis, who had taken her to a
place where people were scarce, asked about the man who
had just disappeared . She sounded impatient .
“Who was the man who just left?”
“Who are you talking about?”
“The man who asked for the permission of His Majesty and
left the house!”
At Mielle who asked back not knowing anything, she raised

her voice . Mielle replied casually as if she knew it,
“I don’t know . He suddenly joined in the middle, and I
haven’t seen his face properly . I heard that he is the heir of
a family… He seemed not to be an important person . I
hardly saw him when we came to the cities in the middle,
and I didn’t care . ”
‘How stupid!’ Isis gritted her teeth and asked again, “…

didn’t you really see his face? Can’t you think of anyone?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about . Yes, I don’t know .

Is that all you’re wondering about? I’ll go back to His
Majesty; he may look for me . ”
“Ha…!”
No matter how young she was and didn’t know the world,
she was a woman who had a lot of learning among the
nobles, but she was so stupid! Nonetheless, she didn’t
check his face . If he had joined them in the middle, he must
have had some reason to do that . Isis hurried after Mielle .
As if he was watching this, Oscar followed her and asked,
“… who did she say, sister?”
“She said she didn’t know . ”
Oscar frowned at the answer, and Isis hurried on, saying

that it might be easier to ask Lohan directly . But before she
asked it, Isis’s body stiffened as she entered the lounge with
the shocking words of Rohan .
“I don’t have time, so it would be nice to recapture the

Imperial Castle tomorrow . ”
“… tomorrow?”
“Yes, the morale of the soldiers is enough, thanks to your
hard work, and you don’t have to spend your time and
money anymore . The preparation is perfect . ”
Indeed, a considerable amount of money had been spent,

the Duke and the Duchess affirmed and had no further
rebuttals, and Isis, who was about to ask if it was too hasty,
also shut her mouth .
“So I think we should go out for dinner tonight, because

we’ll be busy tomorrow . How about enjoying the last
dinner, Lady Isis?”
Isis asked back, surprised at the arrow that had suddenly

returned to her .
“… alone with me?”
“Yes, I want to eat with you . We are going to be married,

but we’ve never spent time together . ”
It was a suggestion she had never received from the Crown

Prince who she had never experienced in a long time, so Isis
nodded with a strange feeling .
“Then I shall work for tomorrow by evening, and first I ask

you to give the Count of Keast the list of the places where
the soldiers stay because he is in charge of the planning for
tomorrow . ”
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“Yes, I’ll order it right away . ”

“And Lady Isis, you have to re-examine and make a
summary of the terms and conditions, so I would like you to
bring the letters and documents that we have exchanged,
and collect the expenditure documents I have previously
instructed . I think it’s time to pay . ”
“Yes, yes…”
Isis replied with excitement, as Lohan finally said with a

trustworthy face that he was going to deal with the problem
that she had had in the meanwhile . Because of that, she
sent her men to the houses of her nobles to collect all the
papers, letters, expenditure documents, and carefully
examined them as they handed them over to Lohan .
Of course, in preparation for the situation, Lohan would

pretend not to know as she had last visited Croa, she got his
signature on the documents that contained all the details of
his promises and the documents she had submitted .
A smile came to Lohan’s face when he saw them . “All right,

perfect . There’s no flaw . Lady Isis is smart and intelligent,
as expected . ”
“… thank you, Your Majesty . ”
Isis said, blushing a little, to Lohan, who smiled and praised

her as he was very satisfied with the documents . Recently,
as she had heard only scolding and dissatisfaction, she was
very excited by the praise and recognition that she heard in
a long time .
Lohan, who stared at such Isis for a while with a smile still
on his face, stood up from his seat, saying that it would be
better to have dinner now .
“I already booked it for you . There is a restaurant I know
very well . ”
“…did Your Majesty do it by yourself? Have you ever visited

the empire?”
“Of course . I came quite often until my father died . I have

an acquaintance here . It’s where he often goes . ”
‘Does he have a friend in the empire?’ She wondered, but

she didn’t have a close relationship to ask who it was, so
she just nodded and listened to him .
“Then let’s leave . For the last supper for tomorrow . ”
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“Yes, Your Majesty Lohan . ”
She put her hand over Lohan’s hand as he held it out, and
she gently laughed at him . The steps to the last supper
were light .
***
Aria took a sip of warm tea while admiring the snowy

landscape . Tomorrow was an important day, and this
evening she had an appointment with Asher, so she was
about to take a break .
So she tried to read a book for the rest of the time while
waiting for Asher after all the dresses, but she couldn’t do it
because of the words he had uttered and expressions he
had had . It had already been a while, but Aria smiled at her
mouth and thought .
“… Though I was played on by others, I used to be a terrible

wicked woman, and I hid myself to avoid repeating the
foolish past that I was wielded by Mielle… Maybe you are
being deceived . ”
She confessed that she had been a wicked woman, making

him feel sorry for her as possible, as she thought he would
understand her poor side . And he reacted as she had
expected . He grasped her hands with a sad face as if he
had been hard-pressed .
“It doesn’t matter who you were . It doesn’t matter what the
past was . Just stay by my side . So please don’t blame
yourself…”
‘How can I remember his face holding on to my hand and

asking for it?’ It was as if he was going to offer his
everything if she did that .
Her fingertips shuddered in the love that he looked at only

her . Honey and sugar-free tea were sweet . She was more
than happy when her mother had said that she would marry
the Count and told her that she no longer had to live a
miserable life . She reminded her of his eager expression,
which she had never ceased to recall many times, and
someone knocked on the door and interrupted her rest .
“Who is it?”
“Aria, are you okay for a moment?”
“Mother…?”
It was the Countess who had been busy preparing and going
out in the daytime .
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It seemed that she had come back after work . When she
answered her to come in, her mother, who was beautifully
decorated, came in, reading her complexion . Aria was
afraid that something had happened rather than feeling bad
as she was interrupted in the pleasant recollection, so she
hurried to ask her,
“Anything wrong with you?”
“…Huh? Oh, no . Nothing happened . It’s always the same .

”
And her mother had quite an intense reaction at a simple

question, and it made her worry even deeper . It was clear
that something happened . Aria noticed that she didn’t
seem to tell her even if she asked it straight, so she
recommended tea .
“Please sit down . It’s cold, so you’d better have a warm tea
.”
“… Shall I?”
As she sat down on the other side without refusing, Aria was
once again convinced that her mother had something to say
to her . After she had Jessie bring a new tea, Aria tried to
ask her mother what she was hiding, looking at the
atmosphere for a while, but her mother suddenly asked her
an unexpected question,
“Aria, what do you think if you have a father?”
“… yes?”
‘Father? If it is a father, I have one now . ’ He was a father

who couldn’t control his body but was useless; anyway,
nominally he existed .

possible .
between chapters .

206

Confirmation, Part XIII
Translator: Khan
As she opened her eyes wide and responded that she could
not understand what she was talking about, the Countess
corrected the question and asked again,
“It’s not the father, who became through the remarriage,

but the real father . The father who is connected with you by
blood . ”
‘Does it mean my real father?’ It was a question she had

never thought about, so the embarrassed Aria couldn’t
answer anything . She didn’t know what her mother would
do with it .
So sticking to the silence and thinking about her intention of

the question, she could soon come to a hypothesis . It was a
very unpleasant hypothesis . However, because it was a
plausible hypothesis, Aria narrowed her eyes and asked her
mother,
“Did my real father show up? Did he want something like

property? Did he insist on custody?”
It was a pretty thorny tone . That was because if he had

really appeared at this point, she had no doubt about his
intention . In the notorious past, he had not shown himself
at all until mid-twenty, but now appeared as she had gained
wealth and fame even before she became an adult, and she
could not believe that the intention was pure .
The Countess strongly denied, waving her hands .
“It’s not, so don’t get me wrong! I’d be divorced soon and

just thought of it . ”
But it was so fiercely negative that it had an adverse effect,

and the eyes of Aria were stained with unbelief . She
thought her mother’s excuse would be a lie .
‘What the hell are you hiding? Did my real father ever
appear? The father who would make her worry so much?’
Then she remembered Asher saying that .
‘Did my real father really appear? Even so, nothing will

change . Anyway, I will soon marry Asher, and whoever my
real father is, he will not be a great man enough to influence
her future life . ’
In addition, for her who had never received her real father’s
love, the word ‘father’ was so unfamiliar that she thought it
would not change much . She had no faith and trust in
kinship .
“Well, anyway, when I’m an adult, I’m going to get married

and leave home, so I’m not really impressed . ”
“Yeah . I don’t think it’s going to be different if I meet my

real father now . ”
“What if anyone can help you?”
“… Help? If he gives it, I’ll take it, but who can help me? I
don’t have anything to ask . I’ve done everything myself, so
there’s nothing to help me . So if my real father ever shows
up, I just want him not to disturb me . ”
In response to the chilly answer, the Countess felt sorry for

it .
It seemed that her mother felt that her daughter was very
pitiful when she talked about her real father cold-heartedly .
Aria felt so bad that she was sympathized by her mother,
not anyone else, but she didn’t express her feelings and
asked why,
“My answer is over . Why are you asking?”
“… No . I didn’t mean anything . Anyway, don’t you care

whatever? Unless he bothers you . And if he helps you… you
want to receive it . ”
“Yes, I’m glad whatever, but if he interrupts me or blocks my

way, I won’t let him go, even if he is my biological father . ”
The Countess was again silently thinking, in response to her

firmness .
“Yes . It’s nice, but if you’re the one who’s bothering me or

blocking my way, I won’t let my father . ”
At her resolute answer, the Countess fell silent again .
‘What do you think? Do you really calculate whether my

biological father will be helpful or not?’ Aria was silent as
well, and a moment went by . Then she heard the hoof of
horses outside the window, and Annie knocked on the door
and raised her voice .
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“Miss! Miss! His Highness has come!”
“He is already here . Well, I have a dinner appointment . I’m

sorry, but is the question over? Don’t you have anything to
say?”
“… Yes . I just asked you because I was bored . Go out

quickly . You can’t dare keep His Highness waiting . ”
Maybe it was because she had just said that she wished he
would not interrupt her . The Countess had urged her to go
out, worried that Aria might be late because of her .
Aria tried to go out in a hurry, but suddenly stopped; she felt

uncomfortable as she finished the conversation in a chilly
way because her mother brought up the story of her real
father .
Her real father, who she might not have known who he was,
must be an unpleasant being, but not the Countess who was
her real mother . She hadn’t given her much love, but she
had given birth and raised her to bring the Count family .
Aria opened her mouth before leaving the room . “… that’s

my opinion but if my real father showed up and your mind
has been shaking, please do as you want . ”
“… Huh?”
Aria stood up as if she were going out, but suddenly made
an indiscreet word, and the Countess asked back with a
surprised face . It seemed that she couldn’t figure out what
it meant . Then Aria showed her real heart .
“I can now live without anyone’s help, so don’t worry about

your property or your status, but live as you like . I’ve
recently realized how different life looks depending on who’s
around . ”
“Aria…”
Only then did Aria understand the meaning of ‘Aria’ and

covered her mouth with her palm . Her eyes moved like a
wave .
After finishing the conversation and going down to the first

floor, Asher was waiting for Aria with a bouquet of tulips in
his arms . ‘I’ll go out anyway, so you can wait in the wagon .
’ However, he dared to stand in the hall as if showing a huge
bouquet in his arms .
‘What did make Asher be nervous like that? I wouldn’t run

away even if you wouldn’t show off . ’ Aria, who had not
reached the fact that it was due to her excessively
fascinating self, called Asher with a gentle smile,
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“Mr . Asher . ”
“Lady Aria . ”
As he stared at the front with no expression, he smiled
brightly and took a step toward her . The servants who
stood by glanced at him, blushing their faces, at the
appearance like a dog who had been waiting for its owner
even for one moment .
“You are here early . ”
“Work is over early . It was a little early, but I couldn’t wait

to see you soon . ”
Aria was also waiting for him all day, thinking about Asher,
so she responded with a deep smile that he did a good job .
“Would you like to decorate my room with a bunch of

flowers?”
“Yes! Miss!”
Aria left the mansion with Asher, leaving the bouquet to one
of the maids who watched . As she did not want to be
disturbed by the time, she did not accompany a knight and
a maid .
Asher sat opposite and stared at Aria’s beautiful face for a

while, but suddenly moved to her side . Then he interlaced
their fingers and asked, “Can I hold your hand?”
‘You already took hold of it and ask me . ’ It seemed like a

formal question as he thought she would not refuse . Aria
burst into small laughs .
“Would you let go if I don’t like it?”
“No . ”
She really liked his resolute answer . It had been a while
since they had already been in a relationship for a few
years, and it was cute to hold hands .
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‘Apparently, I explained that I was about thirty years old,

including the past, but are you only holding hands?’ So Aria
first leaned over to Asher and touched his ear with the
remaining hand .
“The tip of your ear is red… is it hot? Do you want me to

open the window?”
Asher paid attention at her furtive eyes without a moment’s

surprise, as she attached her body to him, and he swallowed
her saliva, and answered,
“… no, I like it this way . ”
“… I see . ”
It was because she had already confessed that she was ten
years older than him mentally . If it were in the past, he
might have regarded it as an action that did not contain any
meaning for Aria, but now it was not . Realizing that all of
this was a calculated act, he no longer avoided or was
afflicted by her sudden behavior .
Nevertheless, legally, she was still a minor, and he seemed

to think he should refrain himself . Unlike his blue eyes, he
just brushed her cheek gently with his fingers on the other
side of the ones which interlaced .
Nevertheless, it was so soft and modest that it trembled at
the fingertips of Aria, who had already experienced many
years in the past . They spent their time alone in such a
confined space, but after a while, the speed of the wagon
slowed down, and it stopped moving soon .

possible .
between chapters .

207

Confirmation, Part XIV
Translator: Khan
“…”
“…”
The booked restaurant was close to the mansion of the

Count . Aria stared at Asher’s mysterious eyes for a while
even though she heard the voice of the driver and took off .
As if to be sorry for her body temperature, his hand grasped
her hand again .
“…”
“…”
“Next time, I need to book a restaurant in the Kingdom of

Croa . ”
He sighed deeply and complained from the bottom of his

heart .
‘It takes days to run to the Kingdom of Croa without any

rest, but what are you going to do?’ Aria, who had taken his
escort in the slightest insinuation of the meaning of his
words and got out of the carriage, entered the restaurant
and said,
“Well, do we need to go out? Rather, it may be better not to

go out anywhere . ”
At those words, Asher, who was slowly walking, stopped .

Without answering, he looked down at her face . He wanted
to do it right away, so she smiled and opened her mouth,
urging him to take his steps again .
“I hope a year passes soon, and it becomes next year . ”

Her words with a smile made him furrow his forehead
obviously .
“… Yes, you’re right . ” As he stepped, his feet were a little

rough .
***
As he entered the restaurant with her, he heard some

people talking, and it was the guests because the staff
acted politely toward them since it was a luxury restaurant .
Asher said, looking upset,
“… There are guests . ”
He didn’t rent the whole restaurant, but he thought it was a

reservation in his name, so he thought they would not
receive or arrange other guests, but they did not somehow .
He didn’t pay for this in advance, but even though he didn’t

mention it, he always paid the entire restaurant after the
meal . However, some people reserved seats beforehand
and were eating . The manager hurried out to the
appearance of Asher and said while lowering his head,
“… I am so sorry . I’ve told them many times that it’s going

to be difficult for them to have a meal today, but…”
“No, I didn’t rent the whole restaurant beforehand, but it’s

weird to force it . It’s okay . ”
Asher shook his head, saying that he was okay because the
manager was about to kneel on the floor, and Aria thought it
was natural as she felt that it was so pitiful that he was
apologizing while trembling .
Even if there were people, it was not a big deal because

they were sitting far away from them . The manager
wouldn’t have wanted to face this situation, and he must
have persuaded the guests but failed .
Asher narrowed his eyes and tried to measure who were the
ones eating . He wondered who these people were because
they ignored what the restaurant’s manager was telling
them even though they had been told that it would be
difficult to get a seat at the restaurant .
The same was true of Aria . If they had been told that
someone higher than them would visit, they would have
returned because it was natural that the higher the status of
the reserved guest was, the harder it would be to eat .
However, they still remained and ate . One was a humble

identity that did not know such a thing; the other was a high
enough identity that they didn’t care about such a thing .
And if they had visited the most expensive and luxurious
restaurant in the empire, the latter was clear .
Because of that, Asher was measuring who they were a little
away for a while, and one of the guests who ate suddenly
raised his hand and pretended to know him .
“Huh, isn’t this Your Highness Asterope?”
“…?”
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Aria, surprised, stared at the man, who had his hand raised,
with her eyes wide open .
‘How dare he say something impolite to the Crown Prince of

the empire?’ It was not only for Aria but for everyone who
witnessed this scene, so all the attention quickly turned to
the man with a raised hand . He called Asher’s name again,
not bothering himself at their astonished gaze .
“Your Highness Asterope, don’t tell me you don’t know who I

am . ”
“… Lohan . ”
Asher said hello to him, calling him by his name, and only
then did Aria recall that she had had a short conversation
with him .
“… That man…?”
She had met him in the Kingdom of Croa . The man had
pretended to be friendly to Asher . It was the man who had
come to her quarters and complained about Asher not
coming to see him .
‘Why is he having dinner with Princess Isis?’ Moreover,

unlike last time, he was using an honorific language . Aria,
who opened her eyes wide because of the incomprehensible
situation, looked at Asher and Lohan alternately .
It seemed to be the same with Isis, who could not

understand the situation as well, so she asked Lohan with a
deathly pale face . But instead of giving her the answer,
Lohan was busy expressing his joy of seeing Asher .
“I thought what kind of a great man would have made a

reservation here because I heard from my servant that the
manager kept adding some unnecessary words when he
made a reservation for just one meal, but it was Your
Highness . ”
“…”
It was only then that Asher sighed and realized why they
didn’t go to another restaurant despite the manager’s
persuasion . It was a very troublesome face . Only Aria and
Isis, who did not know the reason, were still seeking
answers .
“Why don’t you join us since we’re all here?”
There was a deep smile on Lohan’s face when he asked that

. It was a natural recommendation as if this was his purpose
in the first place . He seemed to have ignored the
manager’s words with the intention of doing so .
“… Join? join?” As if it was ridiculous, Asher asked back and

frowned .
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He had a lot to do starting tomorrow, so he was planning to

have a long and cozy meal with Aria now, but he had an
unexpected interruption . When he tried to reject the
ridiculous suggestion, of course, Aria gave him a positive
answer first .
“I think that would be better because it seems like you

haven’t met in a long time . ”
“… Lady Aria!”
The eyes of Asher, as if he asked if it was her real heart,

followed . He seemed to ask if they should spend their
precious time with such useless people .
‘I won’t be able to meet you often because I’m going to be

busy starting tomorrow . ’
But Aria was curious about Lohan’s identity, and why he was
having dinner with Isis, so she smiled, pretending not to
know it and touched his hand which she held .
“You’re going to do that, aren’t you?”
‘How can I refuse when you are determined to do this and

seek an answer?’ Asher, who had been staring at Aria for a
long time, frowned . He then sighed deeply and nodded .
“… I’ll do that . ”
He had no choice but to follow Aria’s words, but his face
turned cold as he was going to spend the precious time he
had prepared so hard with these intruders . Between Aria,
who was rolling her eyes in curiosity, and Isis, who was
deathly pale, only Lohan was laughing .
“… How on earth do you know each other?”
While the tableware for Asher and Aria was set, Isis was
unable to overcome her curiosity and asked,
It was right to ask because she was about to attack the

Imperial Castle and the Crown Prince tomorrow . Allies and
enemies joined in a table and ate together a day before the
decisive battle . Unlike Isis’s concerns, Lohan answered as if
it were nothing .
“It is natural for the king of a country and the Crown Prince
to be acquainted . Isn’t it weird that we don’t know?”
“… The king!”
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It was Aria who was surprised by this . Aria was the only one
who didn’t know Lohan’s identity, so it was a natural
response .
Lohan looked like the same age as Asher at best, but he was
a king already… ‘Will he make a personal visit to the empire
tomorrow?’ At the remark, which sounded like a lie, she
gave Asher a look, “Why didn’t you told me that earlier?”
Asher, who was in trouble because of this, read her
countenance and replied,
“I’m sorry . I didn’t want to introduce him to you because I

don’t think you should know, but it was my mistake . ”
“It is a shame to treat me like that!”
“… That can’t be true, but I think you two are quite close . ”
Isis now sensed great anxiety in this situation . Although he

was the king of a kingdom, it was impossible for him to pick
on every word of the Crown Prince if he was not close to him
.
Lohan had to leave to judge the man in front of him in just a

few hours, but he acted as if he was really close to him . As
Isis with a face full of anxiety feared and worried spoke,
Lohan answered angrily as if he asked what she was talking
about .

possible .
between chapters .

208

Confirmation, Part XV
Translator: Khan
“That can’t be . Of course, we don’t get along well . ”
“I’ve been saying that before, but the princess has a lot of
useless words . ”
However, Isis’s eyes wandered as soon as the two answered

as if they were displeased . It was because she could not
grasp the relationship between the two . She wouldn’t even
think of rebutting Asher, who openly scolded .
But unlike Isis, Aria, who remembered having talked with

Asher and Lohan in Croa, had realized this intense reaction
came from friendliness . Even that was an act of mocking
and deceiving Isis .
“If you were not friendly… Why did you join? ”
Tomorrow, they would kill each other . Lohan replied to the

question of Isis, who was full of doubt as if she was foolish .
“Because I want to interfere with them . ”
Asher was frowned upon by the answer as if he was taken

aback, and Lohan continued to answer .
“Besides… There’s very little chance to meet in the future,
and we have to see him like this . Am I right?”
At Lohan’s subtle question, Isis rolled her eyes for a moment

and fell into thought . Then she nodded and affirmed as if
she had a great understanding . She seemed to have
accepted what he meant that tomorrow’s sudden attack
would be successful, and she would no longer see him .
“I’d better explain it as the last supper . ”
“That’s right…!”
It was so foolish for her to reply, not knowing that she was
the main protagonist of the dinner and to agree with Lohan .
Asher also looked at Isis with a mysterious expression . It
was also a question of why he had been swung by that
simple woman .
If she thought about it a little more, she would realize that it

was strange, but Isis, who had been pushed in the corner,
seemed to be determined to believe in a hypothesis that
she would be less harmed and successful . Perhaps there
was no place for her to go back anyway .
‘Did he suggest sharing a table to show this?’ Although it

was funny to see Isis agree with Lohan without knowing
what was going on, it wasn’t a sight to see as she broke up
her time .
As she checked Lohan with a suspicious look as it was

unbelievable to spend the precious time of the king of a
country on such trivial and childish matters, he spoke his
real heart as if he had played with what he had done so far .
“Well, there is such a thing, but I’m actually interested in
Lady Roscent, so I proposed a seat to share a table . ”
“… Me?”
“Yes . ”
Very shamelessly, Lohan replied although Asher was right

next to him .
“… What is that bullshit? ”
Asher roared and threatened Lohan . It was a threat telling

Lohan to not say such a joke .
“We don’t know what’s going to happen to our future, so if

you don’t like your current partner, you can always think of
me as the next best option . ”
“Lohan!”
However, even after the intense reaction of Asher, Lohan

was not reluctant at all and continued to talk . Eventually,
Asher, who could not bear it anymore, rose up in anger . If
he could, he would have grabbed his collar and threw him
into the ground .
As a result, Aria reached out and grabbed Asher’s hand to

stop the possible unfortunate incident that could happen
between Asher and Lohan .
“Thank you for the word, but I want you to refrain from such
a joke which could lead to misunderstanding . ”
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Then she added that Lohan should finish at this point so that
Asher would no longer be angry . Asher was always calm
and relaxed, but it was pretty easy for him to get involved
with her matter .
“Joke? I’m not kidding . ”
Yet Lohan still had a meaningful smile . Aria, who had been
worried for a while, honestly confessed her thoughts
because it seemed like a smile to test her .
No matter how much she tried to coax him, he would pick

apart everything she said . Besides, as long as Asher was
beside her, Lohan would not be a threat to her, and she
said, “Is that so? Even so, Mr . Lohan is not my taste, so
please refrain from saying that . ”
“Really? What is your taste?”
“A tall man with black hair and blue eyes . ”
“…”
At the answer, Asher, who struggled to control his temper,

hardened, because it was him who she referred to . He
didn’t know how she would answer, so he turned and looked
at Aria, wondering if what he heard now was real . What he
had been angry and growled so far was gone .
Isis covered her mouth with her palm . Aria confessed her
heart so frankly that Isis could imagine Lohan’s anger later
on . No, it was very close to her face, expecting that Lohan
would be very angry with the humble woman .
Unfortunately, Lohan did not give the answer Isis desired .
“… If you come up with such a funny answer, it really
creates an interest I didn’t have . ”
Lohan looked over Aria with a face that seemed more

interesting than he had just been mischievous as if he liked
her daring answer .
“If you say so, I have a strong taste, and I’m not interested
in other men, so please turn to other women . And I’m sorry,
but you have a lady with you, and I want you to realize that
it’s an excuse to keep talking to me . ”
When she firmly said again, Lohan laughed out loud as he

couldn’t stand the laughter that popped out . Isis sat next to
him and swallowed her anger, squeezing her fists because
of Lohan, who disregarded herself and expressed great
interest to the other woman .
‘In addition, who would pity someone with the status of a

humble origin? You will lose your lover tomorrow and return
to a vulgar status!’ Isis wanted to get angry, but she
couldn’t express it because of Asher, who was going to
pounce on even a trivial thing, but she gritted her teeth .
She tried to endure it, telling herself that it was just a bluff
that would soon disappear .
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“… Why don’t you eat elsewhere?” In the meantime, Asher,

who had been staring at her, asked .
He looked very nervous . Even now, he wanted to get away

from the sight of the people to be alone with Aria . Where
was the man who could be calm with his lover beside him,
who said he was her taste by pinpointing himself?
“I think it would be better . ” And that thought was so with

Aria, so she accepted it with pleasure because the question
was answered, and she no longer needed to remain there .
As soon as she answered, he gave strength to his hand

which held her hand and helped her stand . The reason why
she could not complain about his hasty movements was
because it was Aria herself who made him this way .
“Then excuse us and have a good time . ”
As she said goodbye on behalf of Asher, who was about to

leave without speaking, Lohan spoke to Aria with his still
smiling face .
“It’s true that I’m really interested in you, and I want you to
come to Croa . I want you to remember that there are not a
few people who want to . ”
Aria, who cocked her head for a moment but didn’t

understand the meaning, followed Asher, who took her hand
and pulled her out of the restaurant . As Asher hurriedly
climbed into the carriage with Aria, the driver asked him
where he was going .
“Where shall I take you?”
“Anywhere . ”
The answer to the driver was not a precise destination, and

the driver, who understood Asher’s intentions, began to
drive slowly with the answer that he would soon know .
“Where are we going?”

Aria asked him where they were going, but Asher did not
answer her question . He instead said something else .
“… Do you really like black hair, blue eyes, and a tall

stature? So did you choose me?”
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“Yes…”
‘Is that what you’ve been thinking about all along?’ He must
have known that she would have chosen a lover because of
her taste, and his intention to ask and confirm was indeed
impure .
“Did you know that now?”
She asked back as she teased him a little bit, and Asher,
who narrowed his eyes in an instant, asked as he closed the
distance between them .
“Is that true? If a tall man appears with the same hair and
eyes as I do, will you leave me?”
“Yes, if I like him, I would leave you . ”
When she answered, as if she could, Asher furrowed his

forehead . He knew that she would not but was unable to
stop feeling bad .
Aria, who thought she should make fun of him moderately,

said with a gentle smile .
possible .
between chapters .

209

Confirmation, Part XVI
Translator: Khan
“But even if I looked back on my old life, including the past,

there was not such a man . Of course, there was a person
who was similar in color, but I’d never been attracted to him
. Even if I looked back on it slowly, there was no man I was
attracted to, so don’t worry . ”
She was going to say that there was only Asher, but when
he heard the answer, his expression was subtle . He didn’t
look very happy . ‘Why?’ She called Asher’s name to
wonder, and he sighed with a hard face .
“… I thought about it, but I’m not happy to hear it . ”
“What…?”
“I think there were other men you met . You said you lived
until your mid-twenty and came back to the past . You are
so beautiful now, and I cannot imagine how beautiful you
were, who was an adult… They wouldn’t have let such a
beautiful lady alone . ”
Then Aria closed her mouth, realizing that she had made a
little mistake .
‘Did I talk about comparing Asher with other men who had
gone by myself?’ If Asher had been involved with other
women and had brought it out of his mouth, she would have
been concerned and would feel bad .
But Aria, who had already lived in the future, knew that he
had no more woman but Isis and that he did not have a
good relationship with Isis, so she told him about her male
bias without paying attention . The atmosphere rapidly
cooled down, and Asher hastily excused the apologetic Aria .
“I don’t mean to be accusing you of your past or to be angry

with you for it, but I just… I regret that I didn’t meet you at
the time . ”
“That’s because… I was a very stupid and wicked woman . A

vulgar villain who dared not see the Crown Prince… I met
someone who was at the right level with me . ”
“Don’t express yourself that way . You just didn’t have a

good time, a person, and a situation . ”
Then he frowned a little and comforted her, even blaming

himself for saying that unnecessarily . It was because Aria
described herself as stupid or wicked .
“I just told you… I hadn’t given my heart to any of the men I

had ever met in the past . Just like other young ladies, those
were relationships that had passed by . I only met them at a
party and talked to them . ”
“You only talked to them… If that was the case, then I guess
I might be worrying in vain . ”
He was still jealous, but when Aria’s story repeated, his

expression relaxed a little as if he were relieved . However,
it was not Aria because it had not been over with just a talk .
She had been a little bit of touchy with those men in the
past after having several drinks, and sometimes she had
had a little bit more than a touch . Of course, she hadn’t had
a serious situation, but she remembered that she had acted
in a manner that was vulgar . She was guilty of lying and
corrected what she said earlier .
“Well… come to think of it, I did not just talk to them . ”
“Then?”
“… I can say there was some touch…”
Asher’s expression grew serious again at the word ‘touch’ .
“How much touching was it? Did they hold your hands or put
their hands around your waist?”
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It was kind of an intimate touch if they were close . Aria

shook her head when he gave a very light example .
“… A hug, then?”
When she firmly said no, Asher’s words shortened .
He looked uncomfortable . She had experienced more than

a hug . When she could not answer, worried that he might
be angry, Asher, realizing that she had done a deeper
skinship, closed his body to her as if jealous of the unnamed
men, and the actions she would have done .
“Have they ever been this close?”
Asher’s face was close . And her heart began to beat a little
faster as if it had been surprised to be this close to his face
though it was not the first time as he had kissed her
forehead . Pretending to be casual, she nodded . It had not
been a big deal at the dark light party in the past .
“… Yes . ”
“Has someone kissed your forehead like this?”
Asher kissed Aria with a light kiss . It had also happened so

many times that she could not answer this time . No, she
thought that kissing on her forehead might not have been
because it was an act of loving the other person .
“… What about your cheeks?”
Unlike his serious look, soft lips touched her cheeks .
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‘Oh my gosh…!’ It was a very common thing, but her heart,

which had begun to run a little faster, now began to run out
of her mouth . Was it because his lips would touch hers if he
changed the distance a little bit? Or was it because he put
his lips on her cheek and asked a question?
It might be both . She stopped breathing and did not

answer, and his eyes met her weakly trembling gaze . His
eyes, which had sunk visibly, contained eyes looking for
unspoken permission . So she had to answer no . Otherwise,
he would surely move on from the forehead, to the cheeks
and then he probably…
Asher’s eyes, facing the eyes of Aria, slowly descended .

The place where his gaze stopped was under her soft curved
nose which was her lips that were slightly wet . Aria looked
at Asher’s face, which no longer had a hint of jealousy in it,
and swallowed her saliva .
She thought she always had the advantage of having more

years of experience, but when did he become a man who
knew how to make a woman flutter like this?…
Asher, who had no more questions, slowly narrowed the

distance between him and Aria and looked into her eyes,
which were shaking like a ship in a typhoon . He brushed her
white, immaculate cheek as if asking for her last permission
.
She didn’t do it even though she could make him stop right
away if she rejected him, and instead of pushing or turning
her head, she slowly closed her trembling eyes . Their lips
overlapped in no time . As soon as his soft lips touched hers,
her heart suddenly stopped .
She had laughed at women who were discussing romantic

kissing with someone who they loved, and at what was so
great to face their lips, but now she was so feverish and
paralyzed that she could not even think of anything .
The skinship, which had begun with jealousy, had now

become a long kiss and snog which bothered her, and his
lips, which was gently touching hers, had roughly changed
and abused her . She accepted it without resistance, and he
put his hand, which was sweeping on her cheek, against the
wall of the carriage and kissed her more deeply which made
her unable to breathe .
“… Mm”
Unlike the seasoned and mature kisses for pleasure, it was

full of obsession to covet and own her, and her hands
trembled without knowing it . Her hands, which had been
wandering in the air for a long time, only caught his arm,
and Asher, who was irritated by this, pushed her deeper as
if he could not bear it .
“…Mm”
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She felt like she was really out of breath because of his kiss .
His desire and obsession to possess her were taking over
him . Her whole body seemed to be swallowed up . It
seemed that the heat of her eyes would burn away .
His lips, which had sported so long and had been devouring
her, fell off, leaving a long afterglow, and her whole body
was so hot that it could burst out at the heat of his breath,
which could easily reach her .
She moaned a little, and Asher, who had sworn a little, stole
her lips again . This time, he kissed her so hard that she
became delirious . She felt indescribably suspicious of the
fact that she had met many men in the past and took them
for pleasure .
“… I’ll walk you to your house . ”
Asher, who had been staring at her for a long time, said in a
squeezed voice . He seemed to have realized that if he
wanted her more than this, he could not stop .
“… Yeah . ”
Aria replied, turning away her gaze from him . ‘How can I
face you, which eagerly craves for me?’ Nevertheless, she
hated and resented herself for the first time for the fact that
she was still only seventeen . ‘If this birthday of mine had
only been my eighteenth, not seventeenth… I would not
have had to go back to the mansion of the Count . ’
The carriage turned around the capital for a long time, and
it was only after the darkness fell on the world that it arrived
at the mansion of Count Roscent . There was no movement
or word in the carriage at the driver’s words to tell them of
its arrival .

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Translator: Khan
The servants from the house began to whisper at what they

saw . Aria said goodbye first, leaving regret behind .
“I’ll go . ”
“… Yeah . ”
Asher, who nodded with a face full of regret, got out of the
wagon with Aria . It was when the servants, who were
watching them, began to misunderstand because they
made an awkward atmosphere in front of the mansion
without breaking up even after saying goodbye .
“…!”
“… My God . ”
As if he couldn’t just go back, he grabbed her waist and

kissed her lightly as if stealing her . It was a ridiculously
light kiss compared to what had happened in the wagon, but
it was enough to make the people, who saw it, blush, and
even Aria who did not expect it .
“Miss, Miss!”
Annie and Jessie ran after Aria, who had disappeared into
the mansion as soon as his lips fell . Asher, who was left
alone in front of the mansion, looked at this for a long time
then disappeared in the carriage as if nothing had happened
.
“Miss! Please open the door! You must wash and change
your clothes!”
The girls’ shouts from outside the door were full of joy, and
they wanted to break the door right away and ask what had
happened today .
But Aria, whose face had just calmed down burst into flames
again, had not come out with the covers on until dawn, and
the servants of the mansion, including Annie and Jessie, had
imaginative wings in addition to what they had seen on the
porch of the mansion .
The houses of the nobles had been in a fuss since dawn as

they had to attack the Imperial Castle upon daybreak .
The soldiers, who had been looking for entertainment like a

maniac, had been ready for battle with their weapons and
armors . Looking at the dignified and brave appearance, the
nobles had a smile of relief in their expressions, who had
been filled with worries in the meantime . It was because
they thought that after the scattered soldiers would gather
together to occupy the Imperial Castle, they would only
appear and enjoy the victory .
“Well, Viscount, it’s too early, but we’ll go first . We’ve been
sorry in the meantime . ”
“Haha, that’s all right! Go on, I’ll wait quietly in the house
and go out when you’re done . ”
“Yes, then . ”
The highest rank of the soldiers led dozens of men out of

the mansion . The Viscount had thought if it was necessary
for each soldier to have a horse when they had asked for
horses, but he was glad to see that they were leaving the
house with a strong force .
Of course, the soldiers were heading out of the capital

rather than in the direction of the Imperial Castle, but it was
a fact that they could not know after a while from the
mansion, so the soldiers could escape the capital without
being seen by anyone .
At the same time, Aria, who had not been out of bed until
dawn, slowly stepped out of her bed upon hearing the
chatter outside the castle . She had forgotten something
because of what had happened with Asher last night, but
today was a very important day because she had to see the
end of those who she had been looking forward to . It was
not the time for her to stay in her room .
Aria opened the window and looked out to check, and the
soldiers, who had been disturbing the mansion of the Count,
were ready to travel on horseback . One of them was
adjusting his dress, and he happened to see Aria .
“…!”
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The soldier, who had almost fallen off the horse in surprise,
immediately straightened himself and bowed to Aria . It was
a greeting to someone who knew the situation . She raised
her hand and wished for the soldier to return safely .
The soldier, who had almost fallen off his horse again, was
surprised by her gesture, and even the other soldiers began
to greet her, following his gaze . There were quite a few of
them who greeted her, so she had to hold her hand for a
long time . The last one who recognized her was… no more
than Cain .
Like any nobleman, Cain, who had been talking to the most
senior of the soldiers, looked up at Aria . He was a little
distant, and she couldn’t see him that well, but he looked
rather unpleasant . After the conversation, Cain saw the
soldiers off, and again, he saw Aria staring at the
disappearing soldiers . He turned and walked quickly into
the mansion and climbed up the stairs .
As he climbed the stairs with his noisy footsteps, the

servants who just woke up glanced at him or followed him .
The place where Cain arrived at, of course, was Aria’s room .
“Aria . ”
Cain, in a voice that was very furious, called her name, and
it was an unexpected reaction for Aria, who had only seen
off the soldiers out of the window . Aria thought that he was
a very strange man . She then replied while cocking her
head,
“What brings you here so early?”
“… I heard you were late last night . ”

Cain had returned home later than Aria, so he could not say
anything to her about that . So she pointed that out as she
didn’t care at all .
“It’s not right for you to reprimand me about that when you
always come home at dawn yourself . ”
“I’m the head of the house, so I come home late because of

work, but you…”
He was about to shout furiously but quickly closed his

mouth as if it was hard to connect the words .
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She thought he had lost his mind for her because he had
been engrossed in the Count’s business, but he still felt so
much jealousy . If the day broke, his life would end . At his
foolish appearance, the corners of her mouth went up .
“What are you talking about? This is not the first time for
me and Asher to have dinner and come home late, so I don’t
know why you’re so angry… Did you hear anything else?”
Otherwise, it was impossible for him to be so angry . He

must have heard the news of Asher kissing her . She had
done it openly in front of the mansion, and he must have
known it because the servants would have been excited and
talked about it until dawn .
“How dare you say that?”

Sure enough, she didn’t ask what exactly it was, but Cain
was furious and raised his voice again and was angry . He
was not angry as her brother, but he seemed to be caught
in jealousy .
The servants, who were waiting at a distance, began to

gather . The door was open, and they could see Aria and
Cain’s confrontation . The servants were worried that she
would be harmed and prayed that she would be all right .
She would be all right as they wished, but it was Cain, who
was daring to rebel and challenge the imperial authority,
that would be harmed .
‘You should pay for the price of cutting your stepsister’s

head in the past and the fact that you’re having sexual
desire for your sister, who you had killed yourself . How can
I punish you? Oh, yes . ’
She thought about what he was most afraid of even though

she hadn’t thought about it for a long time . The cause for
that anger; to let him know that Aria, who had been baiting
and giving room from time to time, had left his hand
perfectly; to be rejected by a woman who he had first fallen
in love with in both the past and the present; to inform that
the woman who he had wanted even if he had sold his
father, without being able to do so, had been already
cemented by love with another man .
She asked Cain, making a naive expression to remind him of

those things .
“Don’t tell me, you are angry with me for not being an adult
yet . ”
“What, what do you mean…?”

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The meaningful words made Cain stiffen, and the servants,

who were watching from outside the room, also widened
their eyes and listened carefully . Apparently, they were
thinking of what had happened last night .
“This is not the first time I’ve met Asher alone… You don’t
know this, but I’ve secretly met him in my room, and I’ve
traveled to Croa with him . We used the same room… But
even so, I’m going to marry Asher anyway . ”
It was just before her provocative words ended when Cain,

whose eyes were bloodshot, suddenly rushed toward Aria . If
Aria, who had prepared in advance, had not hurriedly
avoided, she might have rolled on the floor with him or she
might have been choked .
“Miss!”
Aria, who pretended to be frightened, hid behind one of the

servants and then made a pitiful appearance . Annie and
Jessie rushed over and embraced the shoulders of their
slender master .

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211

Result Of Choice, Part II
Translator: Khan
If they thought of her as usual, they might know that it

would be very strange for their master to show such a weak
appearance, but the panicked servant protected their
master because Cain was expressing his anger over it .
“… Why, why are you angry?… I’m not sure why you’re
angry! Mielle spent a night with Oscar and came back .
Besides, I went with my mother’s permission…”
No, Aria knew it very well, but deliberately said it for the
servants who did not know it yet . Maybe they were
guessing it little by little that their master Cain was
abnormally obsessed with her stepsister .
Cain, who rose from his ground, shouted with madness, and
the servants hurried around her, making a wall of men .
“Don’t you know that? How dare you! How dare you!”
‘Leave me? Betray me? Not to choose me? Not to love me?’
Those were the only words that would be followed . So, the
servants, who had guessed it, turned pale .
“Mr, Mr . Cain, you must calm down!”

“Shut up!”
Slap! The servant who stood in front tried to calm Cain, but
he got slapped in the face and fell down .
‘Is he really crazy to slap his face?’ Aria, who pretended to

be frightened at the situation that was going to get worse,
cried, and the anger began to spread in the expressions of
the servants who surrounded her . It was understandable to
have a heart, but it was impossible for anyone to
understand and overcome this disturbance .
“Mr . Cain, please calm down!”
“Miss Aria is still young, so please forgive her with your

generosity!”
“I, I’ll tell her what she did wrong, and please remit your
anger . ”
“Forgive the poor Miss Aria!”
Although there was the fallen servant who was slapped on

his cheek, a number of servants surrounded Aria and
begged for him to remit his anger, rather than panic .
But it only produced Cain’s further anger, and when he

raised his hand again and slapped the cheeks of some
servants, and when she thought she should stop playing
because she had sufficiently seen him go mad in despair, a
voice rang in the hall, which unexpectedly blocked him .
“What is this?”
It was the Countess, and she was awakened by the constant

disturbance, and appeared slowly, yawning . Then, shocked
by the horror in the hallway, which had happened in front of
Aria’s room, she raised her voice .
“Aria…!”
The Countess took a step forward and made sure of the

devastation, and Aria was crying with tears in her eyes .
When she had been a prostitute, Aria had not cried when
she had not returned home for a few days and left her alone
in a house where there was nothing to eat, but why was she
wearing a face stained with tears?
The Countess could not assume in shock that Aria was

acting, and she was speechless, and Cain asked her,
breaking the silence .
“Mother… did you know that?”
The Countess asked back, with a serious look, to the

desperate face and voice of Cain that Aria had so desired .
“What?”
“Aria… Aria… spent a night with the Crown Prince!”
The Countess furrowed her forehead at the question that

had already become a fact for him, and she looked as if he
were making this fuss with such a trivial thing . And for such
a trivial reason, she thought that Aria might be acting, and
she gave a hollow smile .
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“Why do you ask me that?… No, even if she did, what was
wrong with her?”
“… Aria, Aria is a minor!”
“What’s the matter with you? She is going to marry the

Crown Prince . I said as her mother it was OK, and why do
you make this fuss? You are not even in a bloody
relationship . You should worry about Mielle at that time . ”
There was nothing more to be gained from the Count family,

and besides, if the treason was convinced, she was
supposed to divorce the Count, so she could speak more
coldly . She was no longer afraid of people and didn’t care .
Now she had enough money to live without such a thing .
Cain’s face hardened in response to the cold answer . And

he poured out his heart to the Countess, who spoke the
same words like Aria .
The Countess no longer cared or feared, for they had

enough money to live without it . Cain’s face stiffened in the
cold reply, and Cain poured his heart into the Countess who
spoke the same words as Aria .
“… ha, I suppose the vulgar origin is the problem . It’s like

mother, like daughter . ”
Slap! The Countess, who no longer needed to tolerate it,

slapped Cain on the cheek, and, unlike Cain’s beating,
everyone took it for granted and looked angrily at him .
“You don’t know anything! Don’t think you’ll be in a position

to say that forever, because you’ll be worse than that vulgar
origin!”
The Countess cried out, rarely, and the words were full of
hidden meaning to the ignorant Cain . No, it was no use to
realize it now .
Nevertheless, Cain, who had laughed in surprise, stared at

the Countess as if he would kill her, and ordered the
servants as he did not want to associate with her anymore .
“Lock Aria in her room, so she won’t be able to walk around
with any more vulgarities . If she resists, you can tie her
hands and feet, and I hope the Countess will leave the
house . I am the master of the house now . ”
“…”
None of the servants, however, followed Cain’s instructions .

It was the result of the benefits Aria had given them in the
meanwhile; of course, it was a natural choice, even if not .
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No matter how stupid they were, no one would follow the

Count family, which had been rumored to give all the wealth
to the soldiers and to be going to be ruined by the
inexperienced Cain’s work . Rather, there would be much
more to get in the future, if they took the side of Aria, the
star of the empire, who would be the Crown Princess .
“What are you doing?! Tie her up quickly!”
Cain shouted again, but the servants dared to express their

hostility to Cain, surrounding the Countess and Aria without
listening to him .
“How dare you…”
It was when Cain raised his hand again . Arriving at the

mansion after the disturbance, knights in white uniforms
came up the stairs at a quick pace . The royal seal
embroidered on their chests proved that they were the
Royal Knights .
The knights frowned, scanning the frightened Aria, the

angry Countess, and the servants . In the meantime, a
knight with numerous badges on his chest pulled a
document from his arms and asked Cain, “Are you Roscent
Cain, right?”
“… yes . ”
The anger and ferocity had disappeared from Cain’s face in

no time as he answered . He was anxious, for the royal
knights who had visited the mansion, not long after the
soldiers had left to attack the Imperial Castle . And Cain’s
predictions were right, and the knight informed him of the
start of the punishment .
“I’ll arrest you for your involvement in treason . ”
“…!”
As soon as the words were over, the knights quickly moved

and held Cain’s body without giving any moment to refute
so that he could not move . They tied Cain’s arm with the
rope they had prepared, and they also tied his feet, except
for the distance he could walk, as Cain had tried to do with
Aria .
“Yaaah!”
Cain screamed painfully, perhaps because his hands were
tightly tied . However, a knight, who had no concern with it,
pushed his back with a rough hand, and said, “You have
submitted your own evidence of treason, and you have
hidden soldiers in the house and supported all the
expenses, so you can have a lawyer, but it won’t help . If
you don’t want to show such a bad thing to your servants
and your family, please follow quietly . ”
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No, there was a guess . Yesterday, he had submitted all the

specifications for the soldiers’ food, clothing, and shelter .
Obviously, he had given it to the noble of Croa, not the
Royal Knights…? When he reached this point, he came to
the conclusion that he didn’t want to believe, and his face
grew pale .
“Treason…?”
“Mr . Cain has joined the treason?”
“What nonsense!”
After Cain was taken arrested, the remaining servants in the

corridor began to whisper, saying they could not believe it .
“I should have stopped him when His Highness said he was

investigating…”
She wiped her wet eyes and opened her mouth as if she
knew something, and all the attention was gathered to her
because she knew the answer to this ridiculous situation .

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212

Result Of Choice, Part III
Translator: Khan
But even if she did not explain it, it was rumored that it
would spread beyond the empire to foreign countries in a
little time, so Aria gave them a chance to imagine by quietly
closing her mouth .
“It must be something wrong, and I’ll wait until it’s

revealed…”
The servants were furious at Cain, clenching their fists at

the words she would believe in and wait for him, who had
just scared her as if to kill her . ‘How could he do such a
terrible thing to such a good Aria?’
“Mother, please appoint a lawyer to brother . Brother and

Mielle are both gone, and now you are the true master of
the Count family . ”
“… yes, the knight said he could have a lawyer, so I’ll have

to save him . Let’s do what we can . ”
The Countess, who had cleared her face, went down the
stairs to find a lawyer for Cain . Now she would help to find
a very capable lawyer and to reveal Cain’s sins in detail, and
she would divorce the Count with the excuse of it . She
would be free to do anything, to take all the property and to
abandon her sick husband .
“Oh, my God, how could this be…”
“This isn’t a dream, is it?”
The servants disappeared in a whisper along her light

footsteps, and Aria entered her room, supported by Annie
and Jessie .
“Miss, Miss…? What is this…?”
“The knight said my brother was planning treason . ”
Aria said with a casual look, as Annie asked, who was still
unable to understand, and Aria cleared her face as if she’d
not been frightened and wept .
“Didn’t you see the soldiers who left in the morning, the
ones who had been disguised normally, and you’ve heard
rumors that other noblemen’s houses were also full of
questionable guests . ”
Then, realizing that they were soldiers for this treason,

Annie covered her mouth with her hand, as if she
understood their mysterious acts .
“I was wondering who they were because Mr . Cain was so

generous with all the money they were spending, but they
were soldiers!”
“Miss, did you know that?”
At the question of the surprised Jessie, Aria smiled

meaningfully and turned the subject away .
“I’m going out, so get ready . ”
“… going out? Now?”
“Yes, the highlight of today is waiting . I have to attend, so

get ready . Why don’t you join me?”
Annie and Jessie looked at each other for an answer and

then hurried out of the room to bring water, as Aria said she
needed to wash her face because she had cried and it was
stinging .
**
When Isis returned to the mansion after an unpleasant

dinner, she talked to the Duke about what was going to
happen .
“I’ll put all the royals in jail, and for the time being I’d better
take over . ”
“Yes . Mr . Lohan should take care of Croa, and all the other
nobles have agreed with that . ”
“When this is done, you’ll have to have a wedding ceremony

right away . ”
“Yes, we’ve been talking about it, and decided to have a

wedding as soon as the empire falls into Lohan’s hands, and
I’ve rewritten the paperwork, too . ”
“Okay, I’m very satisfied . Because of the stupid Crown

Prince, there was some noise in the middle, but as a result,
we got a bigger outcome . You did a good job, your
accomplishments are great . ”
“… no, thank you for trusting me and letting me finish . ”

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Isis’s eyes flushed because she remembered the hardships

she had suffered in the meanwhile . It was when the Duke
was about to pat her on the shoulder and comfort her .
“Sister, Father! It would be better that you should think

about it again…”
Oscar suddenly appeared without a keen sense and raised

the question he had posed many times . He was so excited
about the battle as he had it ahead .
“I’m sure His Highness knows that our house has been
occupied by unidentified people for months, and he must
have investigated! He must be preparing for something!”
The Duke replied to the reasonable question as if he was

foolish .
“There is nothing to worry about because their identities

have been guaranteed by the Kingdom of Croa . And even if
His Highness questioned about it, he has no idea when we
make a sudden attack or how big it is, so we can assume
that the victory is on our side . ”
And as always, when the Duke repeated the same thing,

Oscar raised another question .
“… I doubt that the young king of Croa is really on our side

in the first place, and it has not been a day since he visited
us, but he insisted on a sudden attack! It’s too early!”
When he suspected what he should never doubt, the Duke
glared fiercely at him and called his servant to let Oscar out
as if it were no longer worth listening to .
“Keep him in the room and watch him not to come out of the
room . You can block the door . ”
“Father, please reconsider! We must be a little more

careful!”
“No, we can’t be more careful than this . It’s already

happened . Thousands of people are moving!”
Eventually, Oscar was taken into his room, and the entrance
was blocked by large furniture and he could not escape .
The only son kept causing trouble, and the Duke, who was
upset, frowned and said to Isis, “… you’ll be busy tomorrow,
so I think you should go back to bed . ”
“… yes, father . ”
Isis, who had gone back to her room, was thoughtful for a
moment before she went to bed . She was about to think
about the joy of winning just a few hours later, but somehow
it was the Crown Prince and Aria that came to her mind .
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Isis had never seen before that the Crown Prince had held
Aria’s hand and been anxious . No, it had been an
expression she had never seen not only in the Crown Prince
but in any other man . It was a humble and shameful
behavior as if to show everyone how to play lovers with the
daughter of a prostitute .
‘He was so anxious and went out with a desperate face . ’
He might have done something shameful to speak out . He

might have done something shameless and dirty, as he had
been stuck with the vulgar woman . She imagined it,
frowned as she was drinking tea nervously, and someone
knocked on the door .
“Lady Isis, if you’re still awake, I’d like to have a word with
you . ”
“Mr . Lohan? Come in . ”
Lohan, who she had thought she would see at dawn, came
to her without any further notice . She had already finished
dinner with him and had a conversation . So, she had a
question, but she thought there was still something left to
tell, so she hurried him in .
“No, I’ll talk to you here, it’s not long . ”
He shook his head at Isis who said to come in .
“Why don’t you go with them when the soldiers go out to

the battle tomorrow?”
“… me too?”
“Yes, it’ll be quick anyway . You’ll miss the most spectacular

sights which will be once in your life . ”
It was not a sight to see easily, as he had said, that they

would occupy the Imperial Castle, drive the royals who
would run about in confusion, and arrest them like sinners .
“But it’s dangerous, isn’t it?”
She was nervous and afraid to just imagine that she had to
go to the center of the battlefield, even though it was a
sudden attack .
“Well, I’m very curious about what faces of the ignorant will
look like, and if you’re worried, I’ll be close to you . Wouldn’t
you be relieved to be with me?”
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It would be safer by his side, the king of a country, but it

would be more dangerous than the duke mansion with
private soldiers . But her mind was shaking because of the
vulgar face of Asher and Aria that she had seen in the
evening .
“You don’t have to worry, because I will put knights around

you . ”
“Okay, I’ll be sure to be safe beside you, and I’ll accompany

you . ”
So when she said she would, he raised the corners of his

mouth and expressed his joy .
“I’m glad you’ve made that decision, and I hope tomorrow

will be a good day for you . ”
“I hope it will be a good day for you, too . ”
“Haha, I’m already happy . ”

As he said that, his face seemed genuinely pleasant as if
he’d found a fun game that would never happen again . The
conversation that Lohan had with Asher at the restaurant
remained a little in her mind, but she could convince that he
was really in a bad relationship with Asher, as she saw him
so happy .
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow . Take a good rest . You’ll be

busy . ”
“Yes, and you, too . ”

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213

Result Of Choice, Part IV
Translator: Khan
After Lohan had left, she lay down on the bed to sleep for
tomorrow, as he had said . But because of the thought of
the Crown Prince who came up into her mind again, she had
to meet the dawn without sleeping . It was the day when
she had prepared, eagerly looking forward to, and how
could she sleep comfortably?
‘And now I can let the Crown Prince kneel before my feet,
who humiliated me…! And even that vulgar woman!’
Isis, splendidly dressed fit for the new power, went out of

the mansion, and the soldiers were gathered in no time and
waiting in sturdy armor and sharp swords . They seemed to
be confident that they would cut the enemies and capture
the Imperial Castle if she gave instructions .
“You came out quickly, Lady Isis . ”
Lohan, who was giving instructions among the soldiers,

greeted Isis with a pleasant face, and Mielle, who had
regained her pure face, stood beside him as she no longer
needed to disguise herself . Mielle, who had sold the
information of the Crown Prince, and of the empire, who had
bought Lohan’s favor and saved her life, greeted Isis .
“Hello, Miss Isis . ”
She was so confident that it was hard to see the same

person as the girl who had been in prison and cried until
recently . Although she had failed and self-defeated several
times, Mielle had suffered as much as herself, and Isis
understood it and greeted the two with a generous greeting
.
“Good morning, Mr . Lohan, and Miss Mielle . ”
“Yes, it’s a good dawn to kill a high-hearted rat . ”
“Would you like to leave now?”
“No, we’d better leave after dawn, because the soldiers who
had stayed in the mansion of the Duke are taking care of
you, and you don’t have to go fast . ”
The soldiers who had stayed in the duke’s quarters were at

least a hundred . Isis thanked for his consideration, with a
noticeable relief that they had all agreed to protect her .
“I’m so relieved that so many soldiers will protect me, and if

I leave after dawn, the battle will be over . ”
“Yes, I suppose . ”
Without waiting long, the darkness of dawn quickly

disappeared, and the dawn began to open . In the
meantime, Isis, who had a simple breakfast, went to the
Imperial Castle, assuming that a large number of soldiers
might have occupied, riding the wagon with Mielle, who had
a cheerful face with a flush of excitement and Lohan with a
pleasant look .
‘… Why is it so quiet?’
But somehow the street was so quiet as if nothing had

happened . No matter how the destination was the Imperial
Castle, many soldiers had left to raid it before dawn, so
those who had confirmed it might make a fuss, but why?
“… is it already over? It’s a bit languid . ”
When Isis asked anxiously, Lohan laughed and agreed

enthusiastically, saying that it seemed like that .
“I told them to finish quietly and quickly, and they might

have done it . ”
“I see… Even so, I think it’s too fast, though . ”
“It’s because the enemies are puny, and we don’t have to

send so many soldiers for it, and it’s all because of the
information Lady Mielle gave me . ”
“… is it real?” asked Mielle, not knowing what to do with the

sudden compliment of Lohan, and Lohan, who laughed,
touched her hair smoothly and affirmed it .
“Of course, you have been more helpful than any informers”
“I’m so glad I helped you…”
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Mielle’s eyes were shining beautifully as they headed

toward Lohan . It was like the eyes she had sent to Oscar .
And Isis was able to realize that for this short time Mielle
had been firmly in love with Lohan .
‘I thought you’d saved your life by leaking information, but

how dare you dash to him without knowing who you are?’
Mielle had behaved as if she would commit herself to Oscar

for her whole life, but she had betrayed him in such a short
time . It was terrible to think that she would let Mielle marry
Oscar without knowing she was such a woman .
It was when Isis, who was so upset, decided that it would

not be too bad to get rid of the family of Count Roscent after
the wedding ceremony with Lohan . The carriage stopped
suddenly in the square, still a little away from its destination
.
“We must have arrived . ”
“What? What do you mean? There’s still a long way to the

Imperial Castle . ” Isis asked, and Mielle also opened the
carriage window, with her eyes wide, and checked the
outside .
“I wonder, too… Huh? Why are there so many people? …

Huh? Uh!”
Then, she seemed to find something strange and

questioned it but could not speak . She looked so surprised
that Isis was about to confirm what Mielle had seen, but
suddenly her vision changed .
“Yaaah!” And the great pain came late .
“Now, we’re here, Lady Isis, and they’re all waiting for you,”
said Lohan, who had caught Isis’s hair, and kicked the
wagon door with his foot .
As she watched it near, Mielle began to tremble with a pale
look at the incredible sight and the sudden action of Lohan .
“Mielle, they’ll be here soon, don’t worry and wait quietly . ”
So kindly, Lohan, who was about to go straight out,

informed her that Mielle would have her turn, and dragged
Isis out the open door . What was waiting there was none
other than the man she hated so much .
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‘Why, why are you here!?’ Isis wanted to scream, but she
couldn’t because Lohan hit her on the ground .
“Yaaah!”
The spectators gathered around Isis, which had been called

the noblest in the empire, were surprised to see it and
swallowed . They stopped their walk to see why the Crown
Prince, other nobles, and imperial knights were there and
what was going on in the square, but they did not know that
this shocking thing would happen .
A few hours after dawn, a considerable number of

bystanders saw it, and Lohan, who had not even looked at
Isis on the cold ground, said, shaking his hand .
“I have brought a sinner as you ordered, Your Highness

Asterope . ”
He looked glad now as if he had managed to get rid of the

trouble . Aria ran to Isis and checked her .
“Are you all right? How can he be so violent…?”
Her tone was worried, but her expression was not . She was
now delighted to be able to drop Isis into a pitfall . Of
course, it was a face that was not visible to anyone else but
only to Isis, who was very close .
“How dare you of a shallow origin…”
Isis pushed Aria who came to her, but the knights who were
waiting nearby immediately grabbed her arm, pressed her
neck, and tied her . Even though she had sinned, Aria was
worried, but Isis pushed Aria who looked after her, and their
hands were full of anger .
Aria’s face, surrounded by knights, was in a state of anxiety

and fear, and when Isis struggled to escape, Lohan said, in a
puzzled way, “You’re too much, Lady Isis . You don’t think
what you have attempted . Look, as Lady Aria showed
kindness to you, you showed only your evil temper . ”
It was evident in that tone how patient he had been in the

meanwhile, and he had tried his best to curry favor with her
.
“You don’t know who is so vulgar, but you mention about

the shallowness . I have expected a little because you have
had the support of the nobles of the empire, but I am so
disappointed, Princess Isis . ”
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Then he suddenly took Aria’s side . It was true that she was
of humble origin, and Aria stared at him, blinking as if she
hadn’t thought he would take her side .
“That’s frustrating . The Countess hasn’t spoken yet, has

she? Lady Aria should know the truth and come to Croa . It
is not the Empire here, but the Croa, where Lady Aria is to
stay . ”
“… Mother?”
Aria, who did not understand what he was talking about,

asked Lohan, and he did not answer but had a meaningful
smile . Aria rolled her eyes, as she didn’t know what it
meant, and Asher began to mediate as if to stop .
“If you want to say the useless words, go back . ”
“Are you saying that I am useless now? I still have work to

do?” said Lohan, and pointed to the carriage, where Mielle,
who had been hiding, was trembling and was dragged out
by the hands of the knights . Fortunately, they didn’t grab
her hair or didn’t throw her on the ground like Isis, but she
was scared and frightened enough even if they didn’t do
that .

possible .
between chapters .

214

Result Of Choice, Part V
Translator: Khan
“Mr . Lohan! Why? What the hell is going on…?”
Mielle dared not speak properly due to the sharp eyes

pouring from all sides . She had been always loved by
others and well grown, and she could not imagine it . She
had been in prison, but until then she had been treated as a
noble lady, but not now . She had to be treated less than
the street bums and had to be looked at coldly .
“How dare you call my name? You don’t know who you are .
I hate people like you the most, who sell their families and
country to save their lives . ”
With the cold eyes and tone, Mielle spared herself and
looked up again and gave him a pitiful look . It had been a
little while ago that he had praised that she was a very
knowledgeable and intelligent woman, and he had looked at
her with his warm and lovely eyes .
She had been comforted and acknowledged, and for a

moment she had felt happy . It was not like she’d been
obsessed with Oscar because she had thought he was the
right person for her . Although she had been trusted to sell
information, she had thought Lohan was a friendly person
who saved her in crisis .
‘But was it all fake?’ The cold face of the present and the
warm face of the past overlapped, and tears seemed to flow
. It was even more incredible that all the words and actions
he had said to her were false as he had set a trap .
“Mr . Lohan!”
So Mielle called out his name again, but it was still a cold
look that came back . In addition to that, a warning followed
to Mielle who kept calling his name, as if he was unpleasant
.
“If you call my name any more, I won’t let you go . ”
“Boo-hoo…”
All that remained was Mielle’s crying, and Isis, who had
been listening to the conversations, trying to figure out and
sort things out, looked up in a flash, recalling the letters and
papers that had been exchanged with Lohan .
“Well, I have the papers I have exchanged with me…”
They were documents with the king’s seal, and as long as it

was a trap, and even if there were papers with a seal, he
could be a conspirator of this matter . So Isis insisted that
he quickly took her side and stopped this foolishness, but at
the nonsense, Lohan laughed and replied,
“You think it’s a real seal, don’t you?”
“…!”
‘The official documents from the Kingdom of Croa had the
same seal on them!’ She remembered that she had even
made a handful of comparisons in case .
“It was a definite match…! I obviously checked it with

Vika…!”
“Really? Then, I have to ask the person who checked with

you . ”
He waved behind him because she was still unbelievable .

Strangely, Vika, who had been helping the Aristocratic Party
for a very long time and had offered this work to her, walked
out slowly .
“You’ve put your trust in me, you’ve been through this, but
you should have kept a little more people . ” Vika said,
looking a little too sorry . “I’m sorry, but all the papers I
brought you are made of fake seals . ”
“… what, what…?”
She realized that the person she had trusted most was a
traitor, and what kind of reaction could she take? She just
stared at Vika, as if she could not believe it . He had been a
great help and an advisor to the nobles of the Aristocratic
Party for a long time, and she could not imagine that he
would dare to betray .
It was the same for Mielle that it was difficult to accept the
situation, and her crying became stronger . For a moment,
Mielle’s cry spread in the square, and Isis, who had been
stupidly lost in thought in the meantime, seemed to have
found the answer again and asked,
“Even if the seal is fake, it has the same effect as Mr . Lohan

has taken and returned them yourself!”
She said as if it was the last hope . It had the same effect
because he had written it himself and sent it out with a seal
.
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“Ha, don’t you understand yet? It was a small thing to catch

traitors of another country, and why did I do such a
bothersome work? Eh, Vika?”
“Yes, I didn’t spend much time and send a person to Croa,

but I replied to your letters myself . ”
After recognizing it was a perfect trap, Mielle stopped crying

and turned pale . The same was true of Isis . She realized
that Asher had framed her up and she had played in it, as
well as she was finally caught in a trap that she could not
escape .
“I don’t know why you keep obsessing about these little

things without repenting of your own sins . Even if they were
letters from Lohan, what does it matter if it was a process to
find out the traitors in the first place?”
Aria, who had watched them go to hell, asked as if she was

weird, and Asher praised her for being so clever .
“You’re right . If I forgive him without asking for

responsibility, everything is done, but I don’t know why she
cares about it . Maybe she is not aware of the situation, or it
is only her natural level . ”
“I’m disappointed, Asterope, and you’ve used me to this
insignificant thing . I thought something big happened and
gladly broke up my busy time and helped you . ”
“Don’t emphasize the favor you have done to me as you’ve

got a lot from me . ”
“Well, yes, I’ve got a lot more than I’ve done, and so did
other people,” said Lohan, smiling meaningfully, and turned
to look at Aria .
Aria, who did not know the details, frowned again and
cocked her head, and Asher glared at him and became
annoyed .
“Don’t say useless words anymore, and go back as it’s over

. Leave everything about Mielle in writing, and I will send
someone if I need something more . ”
“… Okay, I’ll do it, and I think it’s time to break up, as

wagons carrying other sinners are coming in . ”
As soon as his words were finished, loud-sounding carriages

arrived at the square . They were steel carriages carrying
sinners . The carriage, made of hard iron that sinners could
not escape, had a wall of iron bars, so they could see inside
.
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“They’re late because there are so many sinners . ”

The spectators began to speak in surprise, seeing nobles in
the carriage, where the reputed noblemen of the empire
were shaped as sinners . And Cain, who was in it, saw Aria
staring at him, and began to scream as if he had not
overcome his anger .
“Aria! Why are you there? Why?”
It was like he’d been taken away .
“You don’t know what situation you are in,” Asher murmured
and got nervous .
“That’s a strange question . Why is he making a fuss when it

is natural for Lady Aria to be with me as a lover? Shut him
up . ”
As if waiting for Asher’s order, a knight gagged Cain, but he

was still screaming and struggling, and finally lost his mind
after several hits in his face .
“Brother!”
Mielle cried out when she first saw Cain be treated harshly,
and Isis turned her head, with her eyes closed, as the Duke
stared at her from earlier .
“You don’t have to turn your head, Lady Isis, because you
have to get in there, and the bill you gave to Lohan was
adopted as evidence . It was neatly arranged, and I am glad
to have it . I would save my time and energy due to it . ”
As Asher said so and motioned to the knights, and the

knights, as if waiting, stood near Mielle and Isis . They
couldn’t stand up properly, but a knight pushed her back
and Mielle fell flat on her face to the ground .
“Yaaah!”
If it had been only a few months ago, all the people who had
gathered would have reached out for poor Mielle, but
unfortunately, it was Aria who held out her hand for her .
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“Mielle, are you all right?”
Asher thought that Aria was here to mock, and when she bit
his lower lip, Asher shot her a hard, hostile look . The
sympathy she received from her was nothing but shame and
insult .
“Lady Aria, you seem too much tender-hearted . You are so

kind to those who have set you up a few times . ”
Asher said disgruntledly and motioned for her to return

quickly, but it was not her answer that came back .
“I need a favor from you . ”
“A favor?”
“Yes, it’s about Mielle, and I hope you’ll hear it, though it’s
hard . ”
‘What is it that you ask me earnestly? Anyway, Mielle will be

executed . ’ Not only Asher, but also Mielle, Lohan, and
everyone who gathered in the square, was waiting for Aria
to say the next word .
possible .
between chapters .

215

Chapter 215 . The Result Of Choice,
Part VI
Translator: Khan
“I don’t know if it’s a difficult request, but… I want you to

take good care of Mielle . ”
‘Do you want me to take good care of her?’ Aria requested

to him to take good care of Mielle, who had been trying to
hurt her and sell off the empire, and the audience was
embarrassed as if they had heard ridiculous words . Lohan
swallowed a chuckle and asked, “Are you in a state of
delirium?”
It was a bitter tone, but the majority seemed to agree with

him and so did Mielle, who had been defended . Aria would
have finally had the chance to cut off her head, but she
couldn’t understand why she wanted her own good .
In the meantime, Asher noticed that Aria had not simply

asked for Mielle to be taken cared of, and he tried to find out
her real intention and asked, “… Why?”
“Mielle is still a child and cannot make a proper judgment,

and as you all know, she is good in nature, but she is being
poorly guided at this young age . She is too young to be
punished . She was just swept away, and if there was a
fault…” Aria, who had said that Mielle’s fault was on
someone else, paused, stroking her eyes for a moment to
wipe away her tears .
As if waiting, Asher asked what she really wanted to say .
“Then who’s fault is it?”
“That would be me, who didn’t take care of Mielle well . I

was her sister, but I couldn’t stop her from taking the wrong
path… I hope you will take good care of Mielle and give me
some of her punishment . ”
“…!”
‘What does she mean? How could the Crown Prince punish
her?’ As soon as she was done, everyone’s eyes were
gathered into one place . They were all looking at Asher .
As they had guessed, Asher frowned and expressed his

disapproval, and even if she wanted something else, he also
had a grudge against her for saying it .
“And Mielle would not have known the very important things
as she was young . If she had sold the information, it would
not have been much help . Right, Mr . Lohan?”
This time the arrow went back to Lohan, and as she said,
there was nothing important but the secret of Asher, so it
was true .
But even so, it was hard to understand if she was really

asking for Mielle’s well being in the situation that all the
nobles who were involved in this treason would be hanged .
Also, Aria and Mielle were not in good terms . In fact, they
were trying to kill each other .
Lohan, raising one corner of his mouth, asked, “Are you

serious?”
“Of course, and, as you all know, Mielle is mentally and

seriously disturbed by various misfortunes at a young age .
Some of it is my fault… and I will share her sin . My words
are right, Mielle? You did what you were told, and you just
sold light information to live without being aware of the
situation?”
Mielle stared at Aria, her eyes blinking, not knowing how she
would react to her, who was really advocating herself, and
she was embarrassed to see it . Her eyes seemed to reflect
her embarrassment even at a glance . She was suspicious of
whether she was setting a trap that would completely
destroy her .
And it was Asher who finally stepped back from her efforts,
and how could he not listen to her pleading and try to
persuade him? He wondered what it meant, but he was
willing to listen to it as she asked,
“… I understand what you’re saying . Don’t worry,

everything will be revealed in detail through Lohan’s papers
and investigations . If the sins of Lady Mielle are just trivial,
then her punishment will be light . ”
It would be hard to give Mielle the right punishment since

she had said in front of everyone .
Aria hugged Mielle with a happy face . “I don’t know yet

what the verdict will be, but I’m glad anyway, Mielle . In the
future, this sister will carry you by myself and tell you what
is right and wrong, so that you no longer fall into a
dangerous path . ”
As Aria gently smiled and talked to her, Mielle noticed her

intentions . She swallowed and began to shake her head .
“Oh, no…! What the…!”
‘Will you carry me by yourself and tell me what is right and

wrong?’
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“Then, please reflect on the past until the verdict comes . ”
Before Mielle could even say something, Aria hurriedly

committed Mielle to a knight and watched her be taken
away with a very benevolent smile of a sister .
“I, I…”
Mielle, arrested in the wagon with Isis, was about to shout

something but then opened and closed her mouth without
any sound with an anxious face because she realized her
situation and position . What else could she refute? No
matter what she said, it was obvious to be disadvantageous
.
She dared to be the longest and closest to the king of

another country, and if she did not receive Aria’s help, she
could be executed .
The wagons, which had carried all the sinners in the square
with such a fuss, disappeared in the opposite direction to
the Imperial Castle, and Aria spoke to Asher, who had a
disgruntled face somehow, while they retreated the
gathered crowd .
“Will you go back to the Imperial Castle? May I join you in

the carriage if you don’t mind?”
He had a lot of work to do as he had arrested a large

number of aristocrats and rather ready to set up a separate
place, but she wanted to finish the conversation while he
returned to the Imperial Castle .
“Why don’t we have tea nearby? I have time to drink tea

with you . ”
Asher read the thoughts of Aria . He broke off his busy time

and recommended to have tea inversely .
“Can I join you?”
Lohan pushed his face in as if he wanted to hear the story,

but before Aria could answer, the irritated Asher firmly
blocked him .
“No, you are done with your work, and you’ll have to get
back to your country . ”
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“… That’s too much . I tried to resist the temptation of

treason and took your side . ”
“Really? I suppose you’re sorry, but it’s not too bad to break
our promise and start a war . ”
“What war? That’s not what I said . I wish we could be at

peace for a hundred more years or two hundred if possible,”
said Lohan with a visibly serious face in response to Asher’s
sharp question .
“If you want that, then go back quickly . ”
“I see, I see… I’ll see Lady Aria anytime in the future . ”
Eventually, Lohan disappeared in the wagon leaving with a

meaningful word, and Aria also moved with Asher . Flower
Mountain was the best place to share important stories
while drinking tea, so Aria took a seat in the private room
there and asked Asher after she ordered .
“What’s your promise? What did you promise Lohan?”
First, she had to tell him about her advocacy to Mielle, but
as he saw her curious and unbearable face, he replied with
a slight smile, “I will tell you, as I’m not going to hide it from
you . If he would help me with this matter, I promised to be
at peace with the Kingdom of Croa for fifty years . ”
“… Fifty years? By the way, aren’t you going to war

anyway?”
The relationship between the two of them looked good, and

she thought like that . Asher said, smiling at her,
“Well, I’m not sure when or what will happen, but now we’re
in good shape, but in the past, there was a history of a long
war with the empire, where countless people died and the
land was taken away . ”
“… I see . ”
It meant that Lohan had been afraid of the empire and

helped to get rid of the Aristocratic Party for it was the
empire that had the most territory and troops on the
continent, no matter what the circumstances were inside .
Sponsored Content
“Well, it’s my turn now, and why did you ask for a favor to
Mielle?”
Asher asked, glancing at his watch as he spent his precious

and busy time with his unnecessarily scheduled
appointment with Lohan . He looked a little impatient, and
Aria immediately answered his question .
“If I let her go, she’ll be obviously hanged . ”
“I thought you wanted that . ”
She had told him all about her past, and he asked as if he
was wondering,
“I think it would be nice in the end, but when I thought

about it, I was sorry for this opportunity to send her so
comfortably . ”
“If you say opportunity…”
“If I say ‘position change,’ do you now understand?”
As she said that, her expression became wicked . It looked

like she had the toy she had hoped for in her hands . It
looked like she was wondering how to play with a toy named
Mielle, which would soon fall into her hands .

possible .

216

Chapter 216 . The Result Of Choice,
Part VII
Translator: Khan
‘Mielle, how would you feel if you were treated by me who

you had despised as I had been vulgar?’ The evil woman’s
nature sparkled Aria’s eyes .
“I hope that Asher will give me Mielle, but she is too guilty
to pay for nothing, so you may as well punish her with the
right punishment . ”
Aria’s words sounded like a request to him that he would

give her Mielle after he tortured Mielle enough, and his eyes
narrowed for a moment . It was not a rejection of Aria, who
showed cruelty but admiration for her, who tried to bite to
the end without missing what was given .
And Aria knew that Asher was interested in such a character

and liked her, so she could reveal her real heart without
hesitation .
“Ok . I think she will pay for all the price of her sins in the
past and the present in the end, and I will do as you say . ”
“Thank you . ”
Aria smiled brightly, not matched in the way of anyone who
would harass or punish anyone, and Asher said with a very
embarrassing look,
“If you’re so happy, I feel sorry to go back . ”
“Then stay for a little while and go back . Would you like to
have lunch together?”
When he caught her pretending to not know that Asher

could not do so, he felt more regret on his face .
“… I’m angry that I can’t do that . ”
“I can’t help it, but you have to get your work done quickly .
”
Even though she had told the reality, Asher’s

disappointment did not go away, and Aria took his hand
gently . She wrapped it with her hand and cheered him up .
“Why don’t we go on a vacation after the work is done?

Even though it’s a bit far, I want to go to the sea alone with
you . ”
At her words, his expression hardened . Because of his

status, the attendants and knights automatically followed
him, but he was not able to hide his mind from the secret
suggestion of Aria, knowing that he could not travel alone .
“… I’ll have to finish my work soon . ”
“I’ll wait . ”
When she was about to get up from her seat, leaving the
tea which was still had much left as she just drank a little,
he suddenly stopped as he headed for the door .
He called Aria’s name in a slightly lower voice . In that

strange but familiar voice, she had a hunch as to what he
would say next and turned slowly to stare into his eyes .
“Yes . ”
“… Can I kiss you?”
At his direct approach, Aria did not answer for a moment

and stared at him blankly . She then replied with a soft
glance,
“Last time you did what you pleased, but you ask for my
permission now?”
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“… I was so excited at that time that’s why I did that, but I

was afraid that you might have been upset . ” Asher said
carefully .
‘No, I was a little surprised, but I was not upset . However, I

was thrilled to the point where my heart was pounding all
night . ’
“Not at all, I was just surprised . ”
As soon as she answered so, Asher took off his worries . He

raised his hand and touched her soft cheek .
“Then I’ll do what I want in the future . ”
Asher immediately put his lips on hers even if he did not

hear her answer as if he was really going to do it right away
***
Rumors that the nobles of the Aristocratic Party were all

caught for treason spread to the capital without passing half
a day and spread throughout the empire after not more than
a week . That was big news and dangerous news for some .
Those, who had made a deal with the nobles of the

Aristocratic Party or had a relationship with them, heard the
news and ended their relationship with them in the turning
of a hand . They watched the situation in fear . Some of
them fled the country saying that they were suddenly
leaving for a vacation .
Of course, the nobles, who had been caught in the rebellion,

were also trying to erase their sins and mobilized in various
ways, but it did not go according to their will because of the
last scheme of the Crown Prince and Lohan that they did not
know .
“Well, all the jewels in the house are gone!”
“… What?!”
Viscountess Merriart swallowed in surprise and asked the

butler, who had given the shocking news . In order to save
her husband who was accused of treason, she tried to hire
the best lawyer in the empire and gathered all the
remaining wealth that the soldiers had spent too much .
Therefore, it was like a bolt of lightning from the blue sky .
Sponsored Content
“But instead, this letter was put…”
Mrs . Merriart’s hands trembled as she took the letter from

the butler, and her eyes widened uncontrollably as she
began to read a few lines .
[If we can not capture the empire, we have contracted with

princess Frederick Isis to not support the wages of the
dispatched soldiers, so we have recovered the amount from
the mansion . We have left you a detailed account, so
please refer to it, and we will charge you again later, if it is
short . ]
‘What the hell?’ She couldn’t believe it, and she checked it
again and again, but it didn’t change .
“The jewels… Are they all gone?”
“Yes, yes…! All the expensive ornaments are also gone…”
The butler nodded and answered, and Mrs . Merriart herself

collapsed to the floor .
The butler looked at her with surprise and checked her

condition . It was a quick response as he had expected .
Unfortunately, her condition, trembling in a pale-look, did
not seem to be very good, and the servants watching it
around her did not know what to do .
“Wait, be quiet!”
She raised her voice because the people around her had
been making a fuss while she was having a headache . She
wrapped her head and thought for a moment .
‘What should I do now…?’
If they had taken all the jewelry and ornaments, as the

butler had said, there was no way to help her husband . She
had to report if it was any property such as a mansion or an
estate that should be reported at the time of the acquisition,
but if it was a jewel or ornament, she could sell it secretly
and raise funds . However, they took them all, and there
was nothing left .
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The mansion and estate had been blocked by the Crown

Prince in advance by no way to make a deal because if their
sin was proven and they were branded as traitors, all their
property would be seized by the empire . So there was
nothing more she could do for her husband, and because he
was really involved in the rebellion, he would be deprived of
his title after all, and all the mansion and land would also be
taken away .
Moreover, it was a sin of rebellion, and surely not only the

Viscount but his whole family would be executed . She
blinked for a moment . She was lost in thought and firmly
held her hands .
“… Support me . ”
“Yes, yes!”
The maids hurried to raise the Viscountess, and her eyes

were cold, unlike when she had read the letter .
“… Get the wagon, pack up some food, and some spare

clothes . ”
“Yes…? Where are you going?”
The butler looked surprised and asked as she asked for food
and clothing . The Viscountess answered naturally,
“I’m going back to Sheraton . Anyway, he’s prepared for the

treason alone, so I’ll have to pretend not to know it . If his
sin is not heavy, I’ll be in no way harmed . I’ll have to get
ready for a divorce in the meanwhile… But if it’s not
enough, I will hide or get exiled… I’ll try to survive
somehow… I won’t be responsible for you all, so I won’t tell
you to follow me . ”
The only person she chose was the butler because she had
not a penny left in her hand, and the remaining servants
who had suddenly lost their jobs watched her leave . And
her choice to leave her husband without delay was very
wise . The Crown Prince, who had prepared to punish the
Aristocratic Party for a long time, did not miss the
opportunity, and he put more guilt on them . Besides,
unexpected accusers appeared, and they could not draw
back from the guilt . The accuser was none other than
Oscar, the successor to the Duke family of Frederick .
“Where is the sinner, Frederik Oscar?”
After arresting the Duke and Isis, the leader of the rebellion,
the knights came back to the mansion of the Duke to find
Oscar . Oscar was the heir of the Duke family, but he had
not come forward directly in this case, and he had no
intention of signing any papers, so he was not involved .
However, the knights looked for him even though he did not
need to be arrested .

possible .

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Chapter 217: Chapter 217 - The Result Of Choice, Part VIII

Result Of Choice, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“Mr . Oscar… is confined . ”
“Confined? Where is it?”
The knights frowned at the words of the servants and told

them where it was .
“I’ll guide you . ”
The knights followed a servant in a hurry, who said that he

would guide them . And after they arrived at a room, they
cleared the furniture that piled up and opened the door, and
he was really inside . A knight asked as he checked his
emaciated face .
“Are you Frederik Oscar?”
“… Yes . ”
Oscar said . He was not agitated as if what he had expected

came . The Crown Prince had ordered them to arrest him
right away, and they had come to him with a lot of tension,
but he showed the casual response, and the knights
watched Oscar, trying to hide their wonders .
“If it’s not too late, I’ll tell you everything . ” Oscar, who had
received the gaze of the knights for a moment, said
something unexpected .
“What do you mean everything?”
“The whole story about this . You’ve been investigating, and

you know that I didn’t have anything to do with it . But I
know what happened through my sister and father… I’ll
cooperate . ”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes . ”
Oscar nodded and answered, and the knight, who realized

he was sincere, said that he understood in a softer tone .
“Okay, then come with us, and I won’t tie you because you
said you would accept the investigation . ”
The knight’s attitude was polite to Oscar, who was not

resisting .
“Mr . Oscar…”
Oscar followed the knight quietly, and the worried butler’s

voice followed, and Oscar paused to ask the butler .
“… Please take care of the mansion . ”
‘I see… please be careful and come back in a good shape . ’

Like the other noblemen who had been taken, Oscar spent
the night in a temporary prison set up for investigation, but
he was unexpectedly moved to another place the next day .
“I was surprised that you would cooperate . ”
“I see Your Highness . ”
Oscar was surprised he moved to the Imperial Castle, but he

didn’t know that he would meet the Crown Prince quickly
like this . The surprised Oscar lowered his head and gave his
courtesy .
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Asher, who had been dissatisfied with the appearance,

talked to him to straighten up .
“Will you cooperate?”
“… Yes . ”
“I see… but I hope that you would not . ”
Oscar flinched . He was surprised by what the Crown Prince

said, but soon he could understand why the Crown Prince
had thought so .
It must be because of Aria, who was now officially in a

relationship with the Crown Prince, but in the past, she had
been known to be in a scandal with him . Though the rumor
had disappeared due to Oscar’s early engagement with
Mielle, it had been gossiped about for quite a while .
Oscar thought that the Crown Prince, who was in a
relationship with Aria, might know the truth that he still had
a heart for her . So the Crown Prince might have sent the
knights to get him right away even though he was not the
prime mover . No, that would be true . Now Aria was too big
to reach out, but the Crown Prince still didn’t like him .
So, he came to the idea that the Crown Prince might have
wanted him to be executed for the same sin without
cooperating and taking sides with his sister and father . And
as if that were the right answer, Asher seemed to be
uncomfortable with the obedient Oscar .
“I hope you’re willing to cooperate with me, and it came

from patriotism . ”
“…!”
As he spoke, as if he knew that this cooperation had been

originated not from patriotism but from impure intentions,
the agitated Oscar swallowed his saliva, avoiding his gaze .
From the time he had known that Aria was the star of the
empire and that she was on the side of the Crown Prince,
Oscar had wanted the Aristocratic Party including the Duke
family to stop confronting the Crown Prince . He had hoped
they wouldn’t block her way .
She had made a great achievement now and had become a

woman who he dared not defy, but at least he did not want
to be an enemy . So he had tried to stop his sister and
father several times to stop this reckless thing, but what he
got was this misery .
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As he had voluntarily cooperated for Aria rather than for the

empire, he delayed his answer, pretending that it was not,
Asher laughed and spoke coldly after staring at him for a
while,
“Okay, whatever it is, I don’t need to be wary of you

anymore, so I’ll pass it on because she isn’t interested in
anyone anymore, except for me . ”
“…”
If he was not wary of him, he wouldn’t have to say that, but

the reason he had brought up Aria seemed to be for some
kind of warning and threat . It was a threat that Aria had no
heart, and he should not dream or imagine because he was
beside her .
He could nod to reduce the hostility of the Crown Prince as

he already knew it, but he didn’t . The reason he failed to do
so was because of his pride . Asher, who won the victory in
this childish emotional battle that could not be seen to be
between the Crown Prince and the successor of the Duke
family, turned to Oscar and questioned him as a sinner .
“So what are you cooperating with?”
“… I’ll tell you everything I know . ”
“What do you want to get by selling your family and

colleagues?”
“… Nothing . I just hope there are no more people who

disturb the empire . ”
He was sincere because as the empire was in peace, Aria’s
mind would be comfortable, but Asher tried to find an
impure intention that did not exist for Oscar .
“You are truly an opportunist . Unlike the Duke and Princess

Isis, you have been an outcast who has had no record on
any document, but you deserve the same punishment as
the heir to the rebellious family… but you are trying to avoid
punishment by taking the initiative and exposing the sins of
others . ”
Though his expression clearly explained that his manner

was not intended, Asher scolded him, because he could
avoid execution by revealing the traitors and cooperating
with them .
After he had spent a lot of time attacking Oscar with useless

words because he had much hostility against Oscar, Asher
brought out the main point as if he was satisfied .
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“We’re still at the beginning of the interrogation so stay in

the Imperial Castle and cooperate . I’ll send you the papers
soon . You better get the room here . ”
“… Yes . ”
“I’ve got enough data, but it’d be better if I add the

testimony of the successor of the Duke family of Frederick
even though the last name disappears . ”
Asher turned away with his last scornful words saying his
disapproval of Oscar and in a moment, he was left alone in
the quiet room . He let out a deep sigh and waited in
patience .
**
With the help of Asher, who had a tight trap that no one
could escape, and Oscar’s active help, the investigation to
the Aristocratic Party was conducted every day . At first, of
course, they all claimed their innocence but because of the
expense statements they had submitted, they could not
escape, and that was why those who had changed their
positions began to emerge .
“I had no choice but to live… I just pretended to! Whatever .

As the Duke and Lady Isis asked for it together, I couldn’t
have refused! I was going to betray them at the end! Please
think about me in common sense . How would I dare rebel
on the empire where I grew up?” cried Viscount Merriart,
and his voice was loud unlike a noble’s as he insisted that it
was unfair . Ten nobles insisted on the same claim as if they
had prepared together .
The reason for this, though the investigator was not

persuaded at all, was that there was no other way except
for doing it . They hoped that if they delayed things
somehow, they might find a way out of it .
“Hmm, I see . I’ll have to check the facts . ”
The investigator, who had found a solution, left the

investigation room for a moment as they had been the
same for three days . ‘How can he verify that no exact
evidence was found?’ Therefore, Viscount Merriart was
caught in doubt and waited for the investigator to come
again, but the investigator who appeared again was not
alone but with someone .
“Viscount Vika…!”
It was Vika, who knew everything about this . No, he knew

everything about the Aristocratic Party as well as this
because the nobles of the Aristocratic Party had always
been advised by Vika .
He had always given them proper and informative advice,

and everyone had relied on Vika, and he had known what
was going on, so he knew everything about the Aristocratic
Party .

possible .

218
Chapter 218: Chapter 218 - The Result Of Choice, Part IX

Result Of Choice, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, have I?”
It was a well-known fact that he was the Crown Prince’s spy

so that Viscount Merriart was very wary and looked angrily
at him .
“Were you going to betray them at the end?” Vika asked

while laughing and grinning .
“… Yes . ”
When the Viscount cleared his throat and affirmed, Vika’s

laughter thickened .
“Will you leave us for a moment?”
“… Who? Me…?”
The investigator pointed at him, and Vika nodded and said,

“Yes, it will be over soon . ”
“… Yes . ”
‘How dare he defy the Crown Prince’s closest aide . ’
The investigator left soon, and when the knight, who was
guarding the door was gone, Vika sat down in front of him
and said, “How long without an excuse… Do you really think
that would work?”
At Vika’s sneered question, the Viscount closed his mouth,

for he was only doing his last resistance, knowing that it
wouldn’t work, too . He knew that what he was doing
wouldn’t buy him time anymore .
“I’ll give you one advice for old time’s sake . ”
The Viscount looked at him with a wide-eyed look, as he

said he would help, but he quickly turned to the suspicious
eyes . He seemed to doubt that what advice he would give
after he had got them into this situation . Vika smiled softly
as if he had read his thoughts .
“Don’t you know I thought of you especially?”
“Especially?” Viscount Merriart was freaked out and asked .

‘What a weird word this is!’
“Oh, don’t be misunderstood . I mean, I was just looking at

you because you were good at business, so I gave you some
information . ”
Vika said with a serious face, and then the Viscount swept
his chest with an easy mind . He reminded him that he had
given him quite a bit of information in the past . Thanks to
that, his business had gone smoothly . When he relaxed a
little, Vika said, as he did not miss the gap,
“You know you can’t get out of it safely anyway, so you’ll
have to think about reducing the damage as much as
possible . ”
“… How?”
“It’s simple, you have to make a disclosure . ”
‘Disclosure? Who?’
Vika explained again when the Viscount blinked and did not
answer . “Disclose someone who denies the charges, as you
do . Disclose and get a reduced sentence . In other words, it
is called denouncement . ”
“… How, how could I do such a nasty thing?”
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The Viscount was angry and said firmly that he could not, as
if the words ‘disclosure or denouncement’ had roused
antipathy, and Vika, who saw it, clicked his tongue, saying
that he was so foolish .
“Even if you disclose, you are merely saying the sin as it is .

Wouldn’t it be nice to save your life while telling the truth
rather than be hanged without saying it? It’s a life that ends
if you die anyway . ”
“…”
When he mentioned the scheduled death to the foolish man,

the Viscount’s face became noticeably pale . Unlike when he
thought of it alone, the word “death”, which he heard from
the mouth of someone else, was enough to put tension on
him .
“Will you survive after disclosing what you know, or will you
resist this meaningless resistance and die?”
“…”
‘Death . I will die . If I do nothing, I will die . ’ The sweat,

which flowed from the forehead of Viscount Merriart, who
was lost in thought, fell down on the table, past his cheek
and chin . There was no answer, but he knew there was only
one way to live .
Before Vika left the room, he added a final advice to

strengthen his decision . “I heard that Oscar, the heir to the
Duke family of Frederick, was guaranteed his life since he is
willing to cooperate, and you’ve already known that . ”
‘Frederik Oscar! I heard the rumor, but did he truly survive

doing that?’ The Viscount remembered that he had been
furious as he heard that he had taken the Crown Prince’s
side and had been moved to the Imperial Castle . It had
been only a few days ago, and he had cursed Oscar as it
was a cowardly thing, but if he could save his life… wouldn’t
it be better?
“I am a traitor, but I do not want to lose you, so I hope you

make a good decision . And what the next generation
remembers is the survivors from the rebel, not the ones who
died of treason . Shame is for a moment, the Viscount .
History draws the winner favorably . ”
Vika left the words and left without regret . Then, without a
moment, the investigator and the knights returned
immediately, and the questioning that had stopped began
again .
“What did you say?” The investigator asked sharply . He

looked suspicious of his conversation with Vika because his
face was so different from before .
“… I, I’ll tell you everything . ”
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The investigator opened his eyes wide and asked as the

Viscount answered obediently as if he hadn’t resisted at all,
“I mean, what I’ve done . I’ll admit everything and repent of

my sin… and…”
The investigator nodded and waited for the words to come

out as the words of the Viscount didn’t end yet . At his
reaction, the Viscount swallowed and tried to read his
countenance for a moment and continued to speak,
“And… if I tell you the truth about what others deny, can
you live?”
The investigator managed to smile as the Viscount spoke

out what he had waited for .
“Maybe… because His Highness is a generous man . He is a

man who would forgive a mistake lightly, and it is
guaranteed by the laws of the empire . Those who
cooperate in the investigation are subjected to have their
sentences reduced . ”
The Viscount received the answer as a rope that would save

his life, and he made the face of the disclosure .
“Is this secret confidential…?”
“Of course, I must report to His Highness, and the paper will
have your name . ”
He was reluctant to put his name on a piece of paper, but he

thought it was natural that the Crown Prince knew he—the
Viscount—cooperated . If there was a little more time, and if
it was not for life, he would have carefully reviewed, but he
could not afford to think long because it was about his life .
“… Well, I’ll tell you everything . ”
Then his determined eyes became firm, ready to sell the

others and save his life . He didn’t know that his crime was
so great that it didn’t matter if his sentence was reduced .
With the satisfactory result, the investigator gave the sinner
a warm tea and the investigation began to run smoothly as
if it were winged .
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***
Rumors quickly spread to the people, who had been

arrested, that someone had sold them out; it was with
Oscar’s rumor that if he informed, he could live . The source
was unknown, but it was certain because the investigator
had the information that was never known until someone
had told him .
‘Who?’ It was a moment before the doubts grew toward

each other because they did not reveal their names .
Moreover, the situation became worse uncontrollably
because the Viscount, who was the informer, was furious
and angry, pretending not to be an informer .
And there were rumors that if they would cooperate like

Oscar, they might be able to save their lives, and the nobles
began to have a conflict . They also thought it would be
better to beg for their life by cooperating .
“… Oscar doesn’t know that we’re in a different position!”
Cain, who had heard the rumor, was furious, and his voice
sounded in the quiet corridor . There was a willingness to
never give in to his voice . It was his will to keep the
nobleman’s highness to the end . Isis, who had been in a
room quite close to Cain, heard his voice and squeezed her
fist .
“How dare you…”
There was a murderous spirit at the words she spoke herself

. She was betrayed by Lohan, her brother, and the nobles,
who had turned their backs against her, and she couldn’t
accept that .
“… This is all because of Miss Isis . ” Mielle, who had been

imprisoned in the same room kept harassing her, not
physically harassing her, but leaving all responsibility to her,
making her mind devastated day and night .
“From the beginning, I should not have resisted the Crown
Prince… sob . ”
Mielle looked badly ill . She was crying because of what she
did in the past that couldn’t be changed because she had
heard something from Aria just before she had been
imprisoned .
‘What does the wicked woman want? She said I wanted to

be taken cared of . But she is only the daughter of a
prostitute who has hidden her evil heart . ’
She muttered to herself that she would dry her up to death

after she chewed the words of Aria, who had defended her,
for days, and sometimes, she would wake up in a panic and
would not get a good night’s sleep .

possible .

219
Chapter 219: Chapter 219 - The Result Of Choice, Part X

Result Of Choice, Part X
Translator: Khan
“… if Lady Mielle had done well from the beginning what I

had told you, this would never have happened!”
If Mielle had dealt Aria well, the Crown Prince would not
have turned his eyes on her, and this work would not have
gone wrong like this, and Isis answered sharply,
“I shouldn’t have followed you… you ruined us all!” said

Mielle, with her eyes full of tears, as if she could not hear
Isis’s words . She seemed to be insane . It had been
repeated for days, and it was not new .
“… shut up!”
Nevertheless, Isis, who could not bear it, shouted, because

she was not in good condition . She had waited for a lawyer,
feeling her blood cooling in the situation that everything ran
according to the scheme of the Crown Prince, but no one
visited Isis .
No, she could not find anyone, because all those who had
gone along with her had already been in the same situation
. Moreover, like all other nobles, she had been taken all her
property . So she sat down like a broken doll and fell into
frustration with an unknown depth . But she suddenly heard
a familiar voice .
“Mielle . ”
Looking up, there stood Aria, who could be considered the

root of all this . She was now as beautiful as an angel from
heaven, wearing a bright dress that was not available to Isis
and Mielle . Even though she was a woman who had made
her fell to hell, at her absolute beauty she was speechless .
The rudeness and shame that she had never felt before
penetrated her whole body .
‘Why? She is a woman of humble origin, but why is she so

beautiful? It should be the woman who feels this feeling, but
why am I…?’
“Are you okay?”
“…!”
Mielle freaked out and screamed silently in the friendly tone

of Aria . It was as if she had seen a reaper .
“How poor you are… You’ve been hurt a lot . ”
It was definitely a voice of concern, but because she

couldn’t know the inside of it, Mielle had a great fear .
“You don’t have to worry now . How can I leave my only

sister like this?”
Aria smiled and beckoned to the knight who accompanied

her . He held the key in his hand to unlock the prison’s hard
cage .
“I want to get you out of here right now, but I can’t do it

until the sentence is made, because you committed a
crime…”
‘Then, what’s the key in his hand?’ Miele’s uneasy gaze

turned to the key, and Aria smiled and replied,
“I’m here today because I’ve been worried about how you’re
doing . How about drinking tea together?”
As soon as Aria was finished, the door of the prison opened

and a knight came in even if Mielle didn’t approve . No,
Miele’s permission was not needed . Now she had no choice
because she lost all such power and status .
“Tea, tea…?”
Mielle was embarrassed and asked, as Aria suddenly said to

drink tea with her, but Aria did not answer and walked out .
Miele was taken by the knight, frightened like a cattle being
taken to a slaughterhouse .
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“Where the hell are you taking me…?” She shouted but no
voice came back . The leading Aria just walked elegantly
and steadily, as if nothing was heard .
‘Perhaps…! Will you cut my head, though you said you

would drink tea with me…?’ She was dragged away,
struggling with fear, but she, fortunately, arrived in the
lounge, not the execution stand . As if prepared in advance,
there were steaming hot tea, cookies, and fruits . Aria, first
sitting on a soft and fluffy sofa, pointed to the other side
and said tenderly,
“Why are you so pale, Mielle? Do you think I am going to

harm you?”
Her long, rich eyelashes flickered like a tiny bird winged .

The green eyes beneath them had the intention to do
nothing .
“I don’t know why you’re so scared . Think about when I did

you harm . ” Aria said again . It was the face that gently
smiled and asked her sister’s health .
‘What the hell are you doing?’ Nevertheless, Mielle, who did
not let her guard down, sat carefully . Her mouth was still
shut .
Aria took a sip of tea and asked again, “Think about it . ”
“… I don’t know what you ask me to think . ”
As Aria’s question continued, Mielle could not grasp her

intention and said so, so Aria explained with a friendly face .
“When did I harm you? You are so scared, and I am curious .
I just went over when you tried to make a carriage accident
with Emma . Nevertheless, I gave you a necklace to relax . ”
“…!”
‘What…?’ As Aria suddenly took out her past fault, Miele

stupidly hardened with no reaction .
Then, Aria made her look back her past again, with a little
more kindness . “Obviously I invited you to my birthday, but
you lied that you weren’t invited and put me to shame in
front of the ladies . ”
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Aria smiled and said, “I was really surprised at that time . ”

It was when she had first invited ladies to a party in the
indoor garden . Mielle had deliberately attempted to insult
Aria in front of everyone, who pretended to be good, as she
hadn’t shown up on the pretext of illness .
‘It’s been a while, and it wasn’t a big deal, so I forgot… but

you remember it . And soon afterward, Oscar came to visit
and she was so angry with jealousy . So I forgot . ’
“And even when you poisoned my tea, you didn’t get

punished for anything else, did you? It’s you who really
abetted it . ”
‘You all knew that…? Poison . The poison Emma was

sacrificed . The case that the stupid Berry betrayed and
everything ruined! If only Berry had done well, it would have
succeeded, but she ruined everything like a commoner who
could not deceive her origin . If Berry had succeeded then, I
wouldn’t have been in this situation . And Emma also…
would have lived by my side . ’ Mielle thought it was fine
over time, but when she recalled Emma, her eyes became
hot . She was ridiculously the only one who had been on her
side and had disappeared by the execution .
Her emotions were filled with a complex mind . Aria, who

checked the wet eyes of Mielle, returned to her first
question and asked again, “Think about . What did I do
when you hurt me? Did I retaliate?”
“…”
Mielle finally understood Aria’s question and took a glance .
‘Revenge? No . you didn’t . All my attempts failed and I was

put to shame, but you did not execute revenge or you didn’t
do the same . I was just judged by the law as it was set . ’
“Or did I say something harsh to you?”
“…”
It wasn’t either . Even though there was a grumbling

nuance, she did not blame, curse, or cry . Mielle just
remembered that Aria had passed them over quietly . She
had always felt bad alone .
“Did I really act like a wicked woman of a rumor?”
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“…”
It wasn’t either . At some point, she had looked right like a

real aristocrat and had not been abusive to anyone . On the
contrary, she had made a strong relationship with the
servants of the mansion and created new forces .
Of course, it had been all built up to destroy Mielle

thoroughly, but Mielle was embarrassed to hear Aria
because Mielle did not know Aria’s inside .
“The case of pushing father off the stairs was so big that I
couldn’t help, but I didn’t revenge or payback, using it . ”
As Aria mentioned that far, the shocked face of Mielle

became pale . She had been trapped in her own way, as she
said, but hadn’t been hurt at all . Besides, she had insulted
Aria as a wicked woman many times, but in fact, it was all
fabricated .
‘The wicked woman who acted as if rumors spread all over

in public…’
As soon as Mielle’s complexion became pale as if she were

about to fail, Aria reached out . With a small table in
between, her hand reached out to Mielle’s cheek .
“Mielle, are you all right? Your face is pale… Do you want
me to call a doctor?”
She started to pull back, suddenly touched by her hand, and

then stopped her moving, slowly shaking her head, in her
anxiously warm tone . It was so tender to such an extent as
to forget her origin .
“I’m glad if so . I was so happy to have a younger sister, but

it hurt me as you kept misunderstanding . ”
‘Is this true? No matter how I look back on the past, I just
tried to hurt you . ’
At her suspicious eyes, Aria continued, “So you don’t have

to be so wary, and although we aren’t affectionate sisters, I
don’t want to abandon you who became my younger sister,
and I came to save you . ”

possible .

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Chapter 220: Chapter 220 - The Result Of Choice, Part XI

Result Of Choice, Part XI
Translator: Khan
‘I thought it was to punish me more than death . I thought

you would . Why do you keep saying that?’
“Then, are you really going to get me out of here…?”
“Yes . I can’t lose my only sister so easily, and I have

enough power to save you, so I must . ”
There was no falsehood in her gentle smile .
“… did His Highness allow it?”
‘You gave me a look of such contempt… and You sold the

empire and committed a serious crime… but you don’t even
regret it . You just feel that the rebellion failed and that it
was unjust . ’
“Yes . He also allowed me to meet you and drink tea, and

fortunately, he likes me so much that he cannot refuse my
request . ”
It was a statement that could be regarded as pride, but it
would not be a lie because she was drinking tea with her in
such a relaxed shape, who was enough to be executed
immediately . And Mielle had also seen the loveliness that
could not be controlled in the eyes of the Crown Prince
toward Aria .
“So don’t worry . You’ll be out of jail soon . You’ll get some
punishment, of course, but it’ll end with punishment, not
execution . ”
That explanation made her wonder more than reassurance .

‘Why? I have just bothered you as you said . So you should
laugh at me, who is being punished and in pain, but why do
you whisper that you will get me out of the pit of hell?’
“… why?”
“Huh?”
“I did something bad to you as you said… and I deserve to

be punished… and why… why do you want to help me?”
So when she asked, Aria, who smiled as if she had been

waiting for the question, took Mielle’s hand and answered,
“There’s a lot I haven’t done for you yet, and I couldn’t bear
it because it remains in my mind, because I thought you
didn’t know anything, for you were young . I decided I’d
have to teach you one by one . ”
At the innocent answer, a little of her anxiety and doubt

only then faded, because there was something that seemed
strange, but Aria had never actually hurt her, and now she
was trying to help .
It was awkward that she dared to teach her with a humble
origin, but she had to live . She had to be commuted . She
couldn’t die without measuring her current status and
position .
“… I see . ”
Then she finally nodded, understanding it, and Aria’s

laughter grew thicker . Mielle asked Aria carefully, “What
about my brother…?”
“… brother? Ah, are you talking about brother Cain?”
“Yes . Are you going to help my brother, too?”
Mielle thought Aria would naturally help Cain as she saved

her, and asked so . Then, Aria replied making an inscrutable
smile .
“My mother got a good lawyer, and you don’t have to worry
about it, and I’m sure he can get a reduced sentence . ”
“Then I’m glad…”
When she was relieved to be told that she would also take
care of Cain, Aria stared at her for a long moment in silence
.
“Then I’m going to go, and please be well until I see you
again . ”
Aria stood up without hesitation, and Mielle followed her .

Compared to when she had first met Aria, her face was
totally different .
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“… you’ve got a pretty bright look . ”
When she returned to the prison, Isis said to Mielle, who was
looking as steady as she had been when she had left . It was
an indirect question about what had happened .
“I think I’ll take a different path from you,” said Mielle,

lowering her eyebrows, as if to pity her . And Isis felt as
unpleasant as she could .
“Do you really think she’ll help you?”
“Well, it’s not your concern because you will be severely

punished . ”
“… what a fool you are!”
Isis, who answered so, seemed not to be jealous of the fact

that Mielle would survive alone, but it was genuine .
“There’s a chance that she’ll give you hope now and betray
you at the end . ”
Mielle, who was anxious again in the possible future, replied

casually, pretending she was not .
“… if you’re trying to scare me, stop it because she said that

a lawyer would help my brother to get out of here . ”
“Then I can see the vulgar woman’s intentions . ”
Isis sneered, and Mielle’s anxiety grew even more, but as

she laughed at Isis’s sneer, the Countess’s carefully
selected lawyer came to Cain shortly afterward .
“Did you hear that my brother has a lawyer, Lier!”
The rumor spread quickly because the lawyer had visited

the prison and interviewed Cain . He was one of the most
capable lawyers in the empire, rumored to be doing what
the employer would do, and he was enough to shake off
Miele’s anxiety .
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“…!”
So Isis, who had laughed at Mielle, could not argue anymore

.
“Unlike you, my brother and I will survive!”
“…”
Mielle fully trusted Aria as if she had never cursed her . But
the cold gaze was still on, and when she realized that she
was too excited, she pretended to be calm, lowering the
corners of her mouth .
——————————-
21 . Self-destruction
The nobles, foolishly led by Viscount Merriart, had accused

others of reducing the weight of sin; they would have
reconsidered if they were sane, but they were forced into a
corner .
Some of the families ran away, like Viscount Merriart’s,
soldiers of the Kingdom of Croa had disappeared with all the
money, and all the lands and their mansion were tied to the
country . Above all, it was the presence of Cain’s lawyer,
Lier, who put them in a more difficult position . The empire’s
lawyer, Lier, had spent a long day in prison and had tried to
find a way to save Cain .
“Master Cain, I have found the data you mentioned earlier,

and I will make other evidence in your favor as much as
possible . ”
“… please . ”
When he had first heard that the Countess had arranged

him a lawyer, he doubted the intention and did not uncover
the proper information, but he was able to be convinced by
the letter through Lier from the Countess .
[Cain, how can I abandon you, even though you are not my
own child, but we spent many years as a family? And if you
are convicted, the count family will be ruined, and I can’t let
it go . ]
‘How could I not understand the letter she wrote without

any decorum?’
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If he was convicted of treason, as she had said, he would be

confiscated and deprived of property, and if something went
wrong, all of the Roscent family could be punished .
And the fact that Aria had supported him for the lawyer’s
appointment fee made Cain more cooperative, because she
had paid it for him, and he couldn’t make it useless .
“I’m almost ready for what the Countess ordered, and now
you can feel free to wait for it . ”
“… yes, thank God . ”
Lier and Cain’s voices echoed in the quiet corridor .

Everyone in prison was paying attention to their
conversation, and the man who had the same sin but who
had the hope of escaping made the nobles impatient . They
thought that if they didn’t do anything, they would die .
So they tried to save their life by admitting their own sin

and accusing others, and the investigation was very smooth
except for one person, Isis .
She was not even given the opportunity to speak in the first
place, because there was no need to let her confess and
confirm her sin . The statements and evidence that existed
from the other noblemen were enough to execute her . In
addition, Oscar, who had watched all of Isis’s atrocities,
actively made a testimony and they did not need anything
more .
The adult ceremony, which had been scheduled to be held

at the beginning of the year, was delayed, and the Marquis
of Vincent and Sarah delayed their wedding to spring .
Because of this, the people were reduced and the streets
were empty, and the guilty spent the winter trembling in
fear .
So, at the end of the harsher and colder winter than ever,
the punishment of the sinners was decided . The property
was confiscated and they were officially deprived of their
title . It was inevitable that no one could escape . Without
giving any specific sentences to them, the confiscation of
property began .
“Honey, I think we should divorce before they take away the

property you have hidden in my name! Aria said that she
would defend us if we get divorced . ”
The Countess spoke to the pale-faced Count . The

confiscation of property did not start, but he had already
received a notice that he was depriving the title of the
Count .
“… how could this be…?” The Count moaned and deplored

at this terrible situation .
“I’ve already prepared the papers, so you just have to sign

them . ”

221
Chapter 221: Chapter 221 - Self-destruction, Part I

Chapter 221: Chapter 221 . Self-
destruction, Part I
Translator: Khan
The Count had not yet answered, but the Countess handed
him the divorce papers, and the count’s eyes shook like
waves as he confirmed that all but his signature had been
filled .
She was the only woman who had protected him from
suffering from his children, and he seemed to hesitate to
sign divorce papers, no matter how much she wanted to
protect her property .
“I need money to live with you in the future . You are not in
good health, and the cost of treatment is enormous . If
you’re so lost in your mind, you might really have to sit on
the street . ”
But the Countess’s continued persuasion forced him to lift

his pen . ‘How could I not sign the papers to live with you?’
“… how do I submit it? And I need the consent of His

Highness…”
“When you were a nobleman, you needed it, but I found out
that you are now a commoner, deprived of your title, so you
just need the confirmation of a person who is in charge and
a witness . ”
At the same time, as she was finished, two strangers

entered the Count’s room .
“… who are they?”
“They came out of court . You couldn’t move, so they came

to the mansion themselves . They are very kind . And this is
Lier, a witness . ”
Asher was especially careful about this so that Aria was not
to be damaged . Of course, it was ridiculous to divorce to
get away with the property ahead of a major ruling, but it
was possible because of Asher’s permission . A fairly old
person checked the divorce papers completed by the
Count’s signature and finally confirmed them .
“Does your mind remain unchanged in divorce?”
“Yes, please, finish it as soon as possible . ”
Unlike the determined Countess, the Count seemed to

hesitate a little . It was so strange that as soon as she
brought up the divorce story, all the documents, as well as
the lawyers in charge, appeared . It was as if she had been
doing this for a long time .
“Come on, honey, you have to think about our future . I feel
sick too . ” The Countess took the Count’s hand and said
softly, “There is no other way,” and persuaded him .
The Count, knowing it, hesitated a little, but nodded and
affirmed .
“OK, and I’ll finish the divorce procedure with this, and you
are now legally separated from this moment on . ”
The Countess let go of the count’s hand without hesitation

as soon as he said that . The Countess, who had changed
her face to the cold one, said her last goodbye to the Count
. “I’ve been so grateful, financially, but I’ve never been
satisfied with anything else . ”
With the cold face of the Countess, which he had never seen
before, his eyes were wide and hardened .
“You, Cain, and Mielle have always ignored me, but I have
tried to neglect for money, but you have not a penny left, so
isn’t it natural that we should divorce?”
Her honesty made the Count barely speak, unable to control

his trembling body . “What do you mean? No, no pennies?
You’ve prepared a villa and some real estate for the future!”
“Yes, under my name . It’s my share, not related to you

anymore . Don’t be so unfair . Even if you want to have
them, they will be confiscated into the empire . You can
think of it as alimony… for my troubled life . ”
The Countess, who had left the words, was about to turn
and leave as if she had no more business .
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“How, how could you do this to me?”
The Count shouted with all his might to her back . He had
been betrayed by his real family, and he was now betrayed
by the last one, and he shouted with a sick body as if he
were insane .
The Countess turned and said her last words,
“Well, you should have been good around when you had
much, not after you became partially paralyzed . Are you
sorry now that you lost all your family?”
The Countess thought that the Count was responsible for all
this . He was the root of all these problems . If he had only
been good to Aria and her mother when they had first
entered the Count family in the first place, this terrible
catastrophe would not have happened .
‘They are of humble origin, but they are a family now, so

let’s get along . ’ If he had said something like that and
comforted his own children, he wouldn’t have faced this
terrible catastrophe .
But he had ignored the Countess of humble origin without

realizing it and had not stopped Cain and Mielle’s rudeness,
and so the whole house members seemed to think that it
was the right thing to do . It was too late for the Count, who
had become so lonely after the Countess had left .
“Wait, wait! Don’t go! Please! Please! Please don’t leave

me! I’m sorry about everything!” In the empty room where
no one was, only the cries of the Count came up .
***
The divorce of the Countess had led to Aria and the
Countess’s move .
There was no reason to live more in the Count’s mansion,

where only terrible memories were all . It was smaller than
the Count’s, but the beautiful house was made up of the
Count’s money and became their new home .
The precious ornaments in the corners of the mansion

showed how rich the owner was . Aria, who had been living
on the third floor, was hurrying to prepare for going out
ahead of important work, and Annie, who was helping her to
get changed, said excitedly, “How can I thank you for
bringing all the servants of the Count’s?”
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“That’s right . They are well paid than before and everyone
is so happy . ”
Jessie added the words, and Annie agreed with her .
“All the mansions of the other nobles who have committed

treason are in a mess, and we are the only ones who are all
right!”
Aria replied as if she were tired of hearing that, when Annie

was so happy, taking a good side .
“Annie, if I hear about that a few more times, it’ll be a

hundred times . ”
“Miss, that’s because I’m so happy! They’re only all quiet in
front of you and the master, and do you know how much
they’re talking about behind you? You and the master must
be saints!”
At that, her mouth went up, and the long shadowy title of
“the wicked woman” was now perfectly changed to ‘the
saint’, and it followed her, and even her mother, who had
brought all the servants .
Aria’s gaze fell on the hourglass in the cabinet, which had

been first used to splash water and laugh on Mielle, but she
had not used it at some point . And that was when she had
begun to feel happy, when she had started living a life loved
by Asher, recognized by others, and respected by someone
without using the hourglass to go back to the past .
‘If life lasts forever without the use of the hourglass…’

Hoping that, she said to Annie, “My mother would be happy
to hear that . ”
“Do you think she would? Shall I tell her?”
“You’ll do that, and if you talk as you pass, she’ll blush . ”
She had never heard that before . ‘A prostitute becomes a

saint… It is a contradiction . ’ Aria was laughing at the
thought, but she heard a voice outside the room .
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“Miss, the wagon is ready . ”

It was almost time to finish the preparations and comb her
hair, so she finished and got up and checked through a large
mirror .
She could not decorate herself because it was a place where

someone was executed, so she refrained from decorating
herself as much as possible, but she did not like it when she
checked it in the mirror . It was the place she would meet
him for a long time because she had not seen Asher who
had been busy .
Now her appearance was not the only thing that she could
impose, but sometimes it had been fun to see Asher’s eyes
that he couldn’t help himself as he was not able to be
attracted to her beautiful appearance, so she thought it
would be better to dress a little more .
“Shall I bring the headdress?”
“… yeah . ”
Jessie, who quickly grasped her expression, prepared a

small tiara, and though she still did not like it, she finished
her dress, saying it was better than before .
“Isn’t it too simple?”
The Countess, no, Carin said, who was waiting for Aria,
when she went downstairs .
‘Carin’ was her real name that had been hidden under the
pseudonym, ‘Apple,’ which had been named by people
around when she had been a prostitute . After becoming
alone, she regained her original name and was called Carin,
and she was dressed as if she were going to a party .
possible .

222
Chapter 222: Chapter 222 - Self-destruction, Part II

destruction, Part II
Translator: Khan
“Mother… are you going to a party somewhere?”
At the question of Aria, she replied, laughing loudly .
“Then what else would it be?”
“You are right . ”
‘Yes, yes, I am going to the place where Isis would mourn

loudly and disappear, whom I had to turn the hourglass to
be able to talk when I first met . Isis would be beheaded so
ugly, like my old self . ’ Aria, who smiled a little and affirmed
this, climbed into the carriage with Carin, and a splendid,
luxurious carriage, which could not be considered a
commoner’s, ran quickly toward her destination .
The mansion was located near the busy street, and it was
not long before it arrived in the square . There was still a
little time until the beginning, but a crowd of people surged
toward it, and each one started to look at the colorful
carriage that did not have a stamp on .
“Oh, my God, it’s Miss Aria!”
“I thought I’d see her when I come here, but I can’t believe
she really came!”
“How beautiful she is!”
“I can’t believe she’s a commoner now . ”
“What do you mean? She’s a commoner for a while, for

she’s so well with the Crown Prince! Soon she’ll be the
Crown Princess!”
And as she got out of the wagon, the bystanders raised their
voices and couldn’t hide their admiration as if their guesses
were correct . Aria waved and greeted them with a big,
happy smile, and their voices grew louder and her ears
ached .
“Huh…”
So Carin laughed, covering her mouth with her fan, and was
about to follow the knights who were waiting in advance .
“You’re here . I was waiting . How can you make a king of a

country wait?”
A familiar voice sounded and Aria turned her head, and

there was Lohan, smiling and standing there .
“… Mr . Lohan?… didn’t you go back to Croa?”
“I can’t help but come on such an important day . ”
It was Lohan who answered so, but he smiled a faint smile

as if he was planning something else . And…
“… Chloe” murmured Carin with a surprise, who stood
beside Aria, looking after Lohan .
‘Chloe? I’ve heard of the name somewhere…’ So Aria also

turned, following Carin and she hardened as if time had
stopped .
He looked so beautiful enough to admire . ‘Why? Why does

someone exist who resembles me so much?’
It was strange indeed . Their gender and age were different,

but it was as if she was looking at herself in the mirror . Aria
was staring at him with a shock, lost her words for a
moment, and carefully asked Chloe’s identity .
“… who are you?”
“Well…”
Carin, who was beside her, hesitated to answer as if it

hadn’t been planned in advance, and Chloe, the person
directly involved, looked a little embarrassed .
Lohan asked Chloe, furrowing his forehead . “Did you come

to tell her?”
“… I told you before, but I didn’t mean to talk about it on

the street . ”
It was a space where they had prepared to help Aria to park

her wagon, and had arranged knights, but it was open
without being closed, and the gaze of the spectators
followed .
And even though she was a humble woman, she had a great
success which would last long in history and had a scandal
with the Crown Prince . Therefore, they were paying much
attention to her every insignificant move .
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“I never meant to rush out like this . ”
“That’s because Lady Aria showed up but you were just

watching from afar . ”
“… Your Majesty, as I said, I was going to ask for her

understanding and move to the other place . ”
So when he answered with a tone that said he’d ruined, he

twisted his eyebrows subtly .
“Yes, I see . You mean, I’m not needed now that you’ve
found her . ”
“…”
“That’s too much! I found her!”
When Chloe didn’t answer as if it was true, Lohan was

angry, but none of them was soothing him, and he had to
remit his anger himself .
“…no way, I don’t suppose . ”
Aria couldn’t hide her surprised face, as if she had guessed,

after hearing their conversation . It was because she had
just remembered the story of her biological father Carin had
asked .
“Mother…?”
Aria called Carin to get her confirmation . Even though the

answer was fixed, she hesitated to answer, because she
didn’t want to say it so suddenly . As she hesitated to
answer, Chloe also dared not to speak .
There was no answer, but Aria was convinced that she did
not deny, tried to say something, paused and looked around
in strangely silent surroundings .
“… yes, that’s right . If I’m right, it’s not something we

should talk about here . ”
Everyone was listening, even the knights who were waiting

on a little distance . They might have the same thoughts
about Chloe and Aria, who looked so much alike .
“Well, you’ll have to talk about going back to Croa, so it’s

hard to tell the story here . ”
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“… going back to Croa? Who?”
“Who else could it be, except you two?”
“Me and my mother…? Why?”
Lohan, who had delayed the answer, smiled lightly and Aria
frowned, and now she realized that Lohan had called Chloe
as an heir of someone .
‘Is he a nobleman? He moves with a king of a country and is
he of quite a high status? But why is he called an heir, not
by his title? It is common to inherit a title, after five to ten
years since someone becomes an adult . ’
‘So, did Carin ask me what if I had my biological father who

would help me?’ It seemed more complicated than she had
thought . She was curious enough to want to postpone
seeing the end of Isis .
“Lady Aria? What are you doing here?”
As she passed the time, Asher approached her as if he had

arrived in advance, because despite the fact that the
protagonist of the day was not her, but the crowd was
looking at her .
Asher, who had been waiting impatiently for this day with
great expectation, approached Aria with a very pleasant
face, and quickly hardened his face when he found Chloe
and Lohan . And Aria realized that he also knew everything .
“… Mr . Asher, you even knew it, too . ”
Asher swallowed, embarrassed by the cold words of Aria,

and Carin hurriedly defended him .
“I asked him to pretend not to know it, as I’ll tell you . I think
you should hear this kind of story from me . ”
“… I suppose so . ”
It was better to hear the secret family story from her mother
than her lover . Aria understood the situation that when
Carin had worried about when to speak and had only set a
date, but Lohan, who could not bear it, had come out and
created this fuss . Her mother had been busy with a lot of
work in the meanwhile, so she had to worry and be careful
enough .
“Okay, I’ve finished guessing, but after seeing the end of

the bad guys who I have waited for years, we’ll talk about it
. I think our new mansion would be good for it . ”
Chloe’s face brightened at that, because of the joy of

visiting the place where the woman and his daughter he had
so painted, lived .
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“May I come with you?” Asher asked cautiously, looking

quite worried .
He seemed to be worried about Aria, who suddenly had a

biological father, and about what she would do after hearing
that . Perhaps Aria would go to the Kingdom of Croa like
Lohan’s wish .
“Yes, if you have time, as long as you don’t care . You are
also involved in this matter . ”
‘You might soon be a family . ’ As she affirmed, Asher’s

expression brightened .
“Now the sentence will be executed soon, so you’d better

move . ”
As Asher said, they could see wagons carrying sinners, and

the crowd of spectators threw stones and cursed, but there
was no sound from inside as if they had suffered a great
deal of hardship in prison .
“There are some people who will be executed, and will you
leave first, after seeing the sentence?”
Asher asked her because the sight of another’s head falling

might later be a trauma . Among the knights, there were
several who saw someone die and suffered from mental
suffering .
“No, I appreciate your concern, but I’m as excited as you are

about it, so I can’t leave first . ”
‘I had an experience that my head was cut off, but what is

the big deal?’ After Aria’s answer, they moved to a place
where they could see the execution well .
***
It was decided to publicly punish the sinners without

informing them of what punishment they would have . The
execution was carried out at the same time, to inform the
rebels that the miserable end was waiting .

possible .

223
Chapter 223: Chapter 223 - Self-destruction, Part III

destruction, Part III
Translator: Khan
Despite the number of sinners, there was only one guillotine

installed in the square a few days before the execution and
rumors were saying that Isis was being executed alone . Isis
had not slept yet after hearing it somewhere, and her look
was getting haggard as days went by .
“Come out . Move . ”
“…?”
Dozens of knights, who had come in without a word, opened

the door of the prison and pulled the sinners out . The
sinners were all dragged out of fear because they did not
tell them what punishment they would have .
In the meantime, the meals had not been provided in time

and the heating facility was not installed even in the middle
of winter, so they were not good as well as Isis . There were
a lot of people who were sick of the harsh environment they
had never experienced before, or who were unable to walk
properly due to frostbite, and that was also true of Mielle .
“My head hurts so much… My feet, too…Sob…”
Cain rushed to support Mielle, who was stumbling . It was an

unacceptable act because they were moving in a line, but it
was not stopped because it was clear that Mielle would fall
and become more annoying if they left it .
“Just hold on, Mielle . We will be back in the house soon . ”
“Brother…”
Cain was convinced because he believed in his lawyer and

Aria . He didn’t know that Aria was the starting point of this
incident .
All of the prisoners were taken to the square by wagons

made of iron that they had ridden when they had been first
taken to prison . Whether the fact that today was the day of
execution had spread throughout the capital, there were
plenty of spectators on the way to the plaza .
“You bastards!”
“You are the shame of the empire!
“All the goodwill you’ve enjoyed so far is from selling the

empire!”
The onlookers threw stones or cursed at the traitors who

had lost their titles, and the carriage moved slowly as if to
fan the flames . The sinners were not even able to refute, so
they waited quietly for the carriage to stop .
“Get out . ”
Then in the square, a huge crowd was waiting for them . It
was like everyone in the capital gathered there . They had
not made any other space to block the spectators, so as
they got out of the wagon and moved, hands that stretched
out somewhere tormented them and grabbed their hair .
“Yaaah!”
Isis was pushed to the ground by someone’s hand . She

glared at the person who pushed her with her malicious
eyes . No matter how haggard she was as a sinner, she had
been living as the supreme noblewoman in the empire for
nearly twenty years . The person who met her eyes quickly
lowered his head and avoided her gaze .
“Brother!
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Mielle, who had felt such strong hostility for the first time,
was terrified by Cain’s arms, and Cain followed the man in
front of him, protecting his sister as much as he could . They
moved for a moment and was able to reach the execution
hall in the square .
“All sinners, stand in line . ”
The high-ranking nobleman, who had stood on the side of

the royal family for a long time and had been confronted
with the nobles of the Aristocratic Party, ordered . The
sinners with hostility hesitated and did not move, and
eventually, the knights who were waiting around used force
.
Some of the nobles who fell under the strong power of the
knights cried out that their arms were hurt . But then they
closed their mouths again, looking at a knight that came up
with a harsh expression and went back to their place in a
hurry .
“You still think you’re a nobleman, and if you know what

punishment you’re going to get, you’ll faint with surprise,”
the nobleman said as if he was so pleased to punish the
sinners .
‘What kind of punishment would it be?’
The nobleman had been always anxious to kill them, and if

he wanted to, the punishment would come close to
execution . And the sinners, who believed that there was a
chance to get out of this incident, began to tremble in fear,
and Lohan intervened to mediate that he should stop
harassing them .
“I fully understand why the Count is happy, but I have

something more important to do than this, so I hope you’ll
get it done quickly . ”
Everybody’s eyes turned to Lohan as he said that there was

something more important than the lives of dozens of
people, but he looked bored by the troubles of another
country .
“Mr . Lohan, don’t say that because it’s important to

someone . ” Aria, who was next to him, scolded him, and
their gaze moved naturally to her .
Aria laughed slightly as if she was laughing at those who

had accused her of being a prostitute’s daughter, and now
she was laughing at Isis, who was about to face the same
fate as her miserable past . At her smile, which she
deliberately provoked, Isis gritted her teeth .
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“… How dare you, you woman of vulgar origin…”
So, as Isis, who had not overcome her anger, as usual,

accused Aria, and Lohan rose from his seat, wondering how
she told such thoughtless words even as a sinner .
“You’re still saying that . ”
He seemed quite annoying to hear that because Aria was

now the star of Croa, not of the empire .
“Lohan . ”
He would rather have a knight shut up than deal with such

an ugly woman . As he stepped out of his seat and
approached Isis, Asher gave him a small warning, but he did
not stop; he went quickly to Isis, looking rather glad .
“Look straight, Isis, the one beside Lady Aria, who you
always laughed at because of her humble origin . ”
He went nearby and ridiculed, pointing quietly to Aria’s seat

in a voice that only Isis could hear .
“…!”
Isis, who had been shriveling as if she thought he was going

to hit her, suddenly moved her eyes in the direction he
pointed . She was a bit relieved that she could move her
eyes somewhere else .
There was a very unexpected figure there . A nobleman who

had suddenly disappeared when Lohan had visited the
Duke’s mansion, saying that he had a business to do .
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The nobleman who looked very much like Aria, who she had
asked for an answer from Mielle but who had made her feel
uneasy because Mielle had said that she did not know… He
looked more like Aria than he had been away from her, like
a family .
“… No way!”
“Yes, you’re right . Now you are downgraded as a

commoner, so don’t you dare say that she is vulgar . ”
As if she had recognized Chloe’s relationship with Aria, she

shivered so much that she couldn’t control herself . It meant
that the only flaw in Aria was no longer a flaw .
“Don’t be surprised yet . Do you know which family and

Lady Aria are connected to? You’ve met, too . It is Marquis
Piast . And Chloe, who is next to Aria, is the only son of the
Marquis, and at the same time, the son of Violet, who was
once a royal family, and you should know this before you die
. How much you’ve been making fun of your tongue wrong!”
‘Is that man the son of Violet and the Marquis of Piast, who
had been royal in the past…?’ Isis was able to recall the
rumors about Chloe; it was a very old story, and she could
not think of it properly, but she remembered that a woman
from the Kingdom of Croa had a child, who had an
extramarital affair . So she was banished from the empire
with her child .
Isis blinked her trembling eyelashes and put her mind

together . ‘… So, Violet, who had been married to the
imperial royal family in the past, had an affair with the
Marquis of Croa, Piast, and the child they had was Aria’s
father, Chloe… and he is a nobleman?’
If that was true, Aria, who was a commoner because the

Roscent family had disappeared due to treason… was not
married yet, and would follow her father’s blood to become
the lady of the Marquis of Piast, unlike herself, who had
been moving nonstop as the eldest daughter of the Duke
family, but had fallen into hell because of the Crown
Prince…
Boom! Isis’s heart sank at once . But at the same time, she
wondered . ‘Why? How could he say that she was the blood
of the Marquis of Piast?’ By all means, Aria’s mother was a
humble prostitute . A vulgar woman who had spent her
nights with a lot of men . She was not a woman who
continued to have a sexual relationship with one man .
“How do you check the blood of a prostitute…?”

possible .

224
Chapter 224: Chapter 224 - Self-destruction, Part IV

destruction, Part IV
Translator: Khan
So, when she asked, Lohan looked at Isis with a look of pity .
“Don’t you see that they are a father and a daughter after
looking at their faces? Even a dog that passes by can see it
at once . Well, if not, there’s another way . You don’t know
because you have never been invited by Asher to the pond
of the Imperial Castle, but it’s very easy to judge the royal
family . ”
“… What is it?”
“Well, it’s not a secret that is needed to be hidden so much,

so I suppose I can tell you . There’s a pond in the Imperial
Castle, which only those who have succeeded the royal
blood or who have been married and drunk holy water can
enter . You know that . Of course, the child born by the
woman who drank the holy water can also be recognized as
a royal and enter it . They said that anyone couldn’t take out
the holy water out of the pond without the Emperor’s
permission . ”
“… You mean that that woman has been in that pond…”

“That woman? Don’t talk too freely . Are you insane?”
“How, how do you believe such a ridiculous superstition?

How do you know that, above all, as the king of another
country?”
Lohan said with a sigh at Isis’s reaction that she could not
believe anything . “You still don’t feel how close I am to
Asterope . It was when Asher was about ten years old .
Asher was nearly killed by your noblemen, and he’d been
hiding in Croa for years . And of course, thanks to that, I saw
a wonderful sight . ”
Isis’s eyes widened as she heard the story for the first time
even if she was a member of the Aristocratic Party .
And then, as if he had made a mistake, Lohan covered his

mouth, and as he thought of the end of Isis, he whispered
secretly, reading Asher’s countenance .
“Only my father and I know that when they die, the royals in
crisis would have a strange power to be manifested . You’ve
heard of it . ”
Isis opened her eyes wide .
When he knew it was a secret, he seemed to have fun

teasing Isis, and then he paused and said carefully, “The
power of Asher that Mielle kept insisting on . The ability to
suddenly disappear… Most curiously, it really came down to
the royal family . How could Asterope have come to Croa in
his dying condition, who was just ten years old?”
Isis said, stuttering at his secret confession, “You’re kidding

me, right?”
“Why would I be kidding now? I don’t have enough time just
to tell you the truth, who is going to die . By the way, I was
so surprised that he suddenly appeared in the middle of the
garden, and I knew that . In fact, the Aristocratic Party has
done a great contribution in the manifestation of Asher’s
ability, which is manifested only in a few royals and which
most do not know . ”
‘Was that true…? Was what Mielle said true? She was not
insane… Or is Lohan crazy, too? Or is he just joking…?’ Isis’s
mind was cast adrift . Her lips trembled, not knowing how to
take his words .
“Think about it . Didn’t Asterope do it all even though you

guys tried to insult and demand so much? Besides, how do
you think they could keep the empire and the royal power
for so long? Do you think there were only one or two people
who were blinded by power like you? Don’t you think it’s
because when they’re in a crisis, their strange abilities are
manifested?”
Lohan’s words were credible . She had thought that the

Crown Prince would not do it, and she had let him do a lot of
work around the border areas to insult him . But the Crown
Prince had done all the work in a mysterious way, even
visiting there himself . It was impossible unless he had the
ability to move the space . She remembered that they had
said that there were two Crown Princes in fact .
‘So, was it real?’ Lohan tried to explain to her in detail so

that she could believe it, and she looked at him in
astonishment .
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Lohan read the hope of telling her that he was lying, in her
eyes, and he laughed at it and finished . “Well, it doesn’t
matter to you what it is anymore . You guys will die, and
Asterope will take care of you and become the emperor of
the greatest power of all time, and in a while, Lady Aria will
be the Crown Princess . He will remain at peace for a very
long time with the nearest nation, leaving behind the great
accomplishment of dealing with the evils that had dared to
challenge the imperial authority . ”
Lohan, who had left, turned away with a fresh face as if he

was no longer frustrated, and Isis was left with a pitiful face,
knowing the incredible truth . Her eyes fell to the ground .
Isis had treated Aria as a thorn in her eyes, saying that she
was vulgar because of her humble origin, but it was Aria
who took all the light of the world, and the Crown Prince
who she had said that she would make him regret would be
honored . And all that remained with Isis, who had always
thought of them as hers was… despair .
She saw a guillotine in the middle of the square, and though

there was still time before her sentence, she was already
strangled by the guillotine in front of her .
****
“I’m going to sentence you because we’re running out of

time . ”
As soon as Lohan was gone, one of the causes of the delay,

the nobleman pretended to be in a hurry; a long piece of
paper was in his hand, which seemed to be a document of
the punishment of the sinners .
The nobleman once scanned the paper and looked back on
top of it, checking the contents and slowly walked among
the sinners . Where he arrived was beside Viscount Merriart,
who was the first to sell out his colleagues through Vika’s
tricks . There was a certainty of faith in him, and the
nobleman glanced at him who had been a little more stable
than the others and sentenced him with a serious face .
“I sentence the sinner Viscount Merriart to be decapitated .

All of his properties will be confiscated, and his title will be
deprived . ”
It was a cold tone, not even with any feeling as if it were

obvious .
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The nobleman’s voice that resonated in the square made

him sank down as if he couldn’t believe it . It was as if his
face showed why he was being punished like this, and he
felt like this was unfair because he had tried to reduce his
sentence by informing on the others .
From the beginning, beheading was decided to be his

punishment, and the spectators began to murmur . Usually,
it used to be sentenced a light sentence at first and the
heavier they were after, and if it started with a beheading
from the beginning, they would rarely get mercy in the
future .
The Viscount asked the nobleman with his own eyes that
were shaking .
“What about commutation?”
“Commutation?”
“I heard there’s an imperial law that gives me remission if I

inform on the others, but…”
The sinners’ eyes were drawn to the word ‘inform’ of the

Viscount because they had thought that all the sinners in
this place could be saved through informing on the others .
‘Why is he going to be beheaded even though he informed

on the others?’
The nobleman, who received their gaze fixed with question

and fear, replied, “Of course, you should be fully considered
because you gave important information and testimony, but
the crime you committed in the first place is treason, and it
was too great to be reduced . ”
It was a cold reaction not to even speak . At this, the

Viscount swallowed his breath .
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“Yes? That, that means…”
“If you can’t prove that you’re not a traitor, then you can’t
get the remission even if you do anything . You should think
you will be done with a beheading, but if not, your whole
body will be torn off and become food for the beasts . ”
“… Huh?!”
The Viscount’s body collapsed to the ground, and he
seemed distracted by the incredible reality . He thought he
could avoid beheading, but how could this be?! Something
must have gone wrong . If it’s Vika, he might have a solution
because he had suggested that he should inform on the
others at first .
“Please call Viscount Vika…”
“Why Viscount Vika?”
“He, he was sure I would get remission…”
When he found Vika, squeezing his last remaining strength,

the nobleman laughed and said, “Are you still looking for
Vika? Do you think he really helped you? Was every sin
proved enough by informing on each other, not to be able to
get remission? Now you should recognize who would most
benefit from the advice of Vika . Why are you being
betrayed twice?”

possible .

225
Chapter 225: Chapter 225 - . Self-destruction, Part V

destruction, Part V
Translator: Khan
“… No way!”
As soon as the aristocracy was finished, several sinners,

including Viscount Merriart, fell to the ground . They had
been hoping for a little but realized that it was a trap, not a
hole to escape .
“Urgh…!”
Viscount Merriart had a grotesque groan, realizing that Vika

had deceived him again, and he did not ask about his
sentence, as if he had lost all his will . The nobleman, who
looked down at him with cold eyes, looked at the sinners
who were in a panic and said, “Next!”
Since the first sentence was a beheading, the other

noblemen waited for their turn while feeling nervous and
trembling out of fear . And whenever their names were
called, they would faint . The eyes and mouth of the
nobleman were ruthless .
He sentenced a beheading without mercy on anyone in
succession, and he finally came to Mielle .
“Sinner, Roscent Mielle . ”
Mielle, who had been called by her name, took Cain by the
arm in surprise . Her trembling appearance was pitiful .
Mielle turned to stare at Aria before she was sentenced .
Like those who had been sentenced to death, she was afraid
that she would be betrayed .
“Since you are young and did not do any serious treason
that would harm the empire, I sentence you to fifty years in
prison . ”
‘Fifty years in prison?’ It was lighter than beheading, but it

was the same since she could not leave prison for life . After
being imprisoned in a short period of time, Mielle realized
that she would not last fifty years in there .
It was difficult to spend some time in prison even when she

was a noble . She would definitely not survive there as a
commoner . She thought that not only her body would rot
but also be mentally devastated, and she would go crazy .
She would rather die .
‘You said you’d save me! You said you’d save me! Why do
you let me spend fifty years in prison? You’re trying to
imitate a saint by just letting me live!’
Mielle was about to curse Aria, who had put her in hell, with
resentment, but the aristocrat did not move and said again,
“However, the petitioner’s plea and the contents of the
petition were very legitimate, and we shall make an
exception . If she is willing to be monitored all the time, she
can leave the prison . If she tries to escape, she will be
executed immediately . ”
“…!”
‘What is that… sound?’ Mielle, who could not understand

except that she could get out of prison, stared at her
brother Cain for an answer .
Cain had been holding his hard expression, but now, there
was a smile on his face .
“Brother, what does that mean…?”
“Aria must have helped you as promised, and if you were

with her, you could get out of jail . It means you could live a
life as you have been if you stick with Aria . ”
Cain’s eyes turned to Aria, and he expressed his utmost

gratitude to her .
‘Really? Is that what it really means? Did Aria really helped

me, unlike Vika who betrayed the others?’
“Aria must have submitted the petition . ”
“Yes . Aria is the only one who can help that wicked b*tch as
the Roscent family has been broken up and scattered . ”
“Oh, my God! She is so kind . ”
“But is it all right if Lady Aria does good for such a wicked
b*tch like this?”
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“Well, wouldn’t Lady Aria make her a normal person?”
All the watchers were making fun of Mielle, guessing, and

the sinners envied her .
After confirming all of this situation, Mielle was barely

convinced because of her incompetence and looked back at
Aria, who had saved her life . Aria’s face, smiling brightly as
she was satisfied, was filled with pureness and with no
malice .
‘Why did I want to hurt such a good woman?’ Her eyes filled
with tears of regret and joy, and it was very warm and
transparent tears . It was like Aria’s goodwill .
“Sinner, Roscent Cain . ”
The next was Cain . He was close to Mielle’s side, so it was

enough to turn his head . He was there with Mielle, who had
Aria’s help, so Cain’s face was not dark either .
Rather, his face seemed bright . He might be thinking that

he could be saved, too . It was plausible because his lawyer,
Lier, had been in and out of prison several times .
“You are going to be beheaded . ”
What fell to him was a beheading . Cain’s eyes were fixed,

unbelieving . ‘Why? My lawyer has destroyed the evidence
with all his effort, so why?’
“No way! Brother!”
Mielle, who was relieved since she avoided a beheading,

took Cain by the arm in surprise, and his face turned pale as
if he was about to faint .
“Why did you change your mind now?” Carin asked Aria in a
very low voice as she looked at Cain’s pale face .
Aria replied as if she was very happy . “I think that with

losing all her family, Mielle would be crazy, and I wouldn’t
be able to achieve what I want, and if Cain were alive, I
might have used him somewhere . ”
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“… My God, how did I give birth to this scary child? I am

cold-hearted, but I’m not as hard as you are . ”
She glanced at Chloe, who was seated beside Lohan,

admiring her, because Aria didn’t look like her, and Chloe
was the one left to resemble .
Of all occasion, Chloe was looking at her, and he met her

eye . Carin looked at him with a bad intention, but Chloe
smiled as he was so happy, and she looked away while
pouting her lips a bit .
At the same time, the aristocrat had a sentence that was

not yet finished . “In fact, it is appropriate, but according to
the documents submitted by the lawyer, there is a reason to
reduce the sentence, so I sentence you to life imprisonment
. You will be a servant of the Imperial Castle, considering
that you have a sick, single father and a sister who would
live the same prison sentence . ”
The aristocrat, who had finished the sentence, turned away

without hesitation . Although it was not a decapitation, Cain
sank down on the ground with a devastating face because
of the disastrous sentence he got even after hiring the best
lawyer in the empire . And there was something strange
about the sentence… ‘A single father? Why did he address
my father as single?’
“Brother, I’m glad you are saved…” Mielle, who did not
know what Cain is thinking, tried to comfort him, looking
relieved that her only brother was not dead .
Cain, who had been comforted by Mielle, furrowed his

forehead . He thought for a moment and asked her,
“Why, why did he called our father single?”
“… Yes?”
“He said they had considered I had a sick single father!”
“… Did he say that?” Mielle, who had forgotten the

nobleman’s words in the joy that Cain was alive, asked
back, blinking .
Cain looked back at Aria and Carin, where he was faced with
a bright smile that greeted him . The smile that he could not
understand made him confused . ‘What is going on?’
“I’m glad you’re alive, anyway . Look, we’re the only two
who have survived here . ”
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Mielle raised her voice with joy, and it caught the sinners’
fierce gaze . Naturally, those looks were not of joy because
she had expressed that she was pleased to survive alone in
front of people that were being sentenced to death .
However, Mielle did not conceal her joy by facing all sorts of
looks gallantly as if she had decided to trust Aria, who had
saved her, and to abandon them, who had been praising her
.
“How could she…”
“I didn’t know her bad temper at all…”
“How could such a bitch survive and I…! No matter how

young she is… Oh, I really haven’t helped much!”
The knights used force to keep the screaming sinners quiet .
But to the sinners who were about to die, the knights were
no longer fearful; some sinners rushed to Mielle, saying that
if they were to die, they would die with her .
“Yaaah!”
“Stop it!”
But their attempt was overpowered by the knights easily

that the sinners with the broken arm and broken leg fell to
the ground, and Mielle shivered in Cain’s arms .
“It’s a terrible sight . I doubt that they were the nobles of

the empire until not long ago . ”
Asher watched this and clicked his tongue . Then, he leaped

from his seat as if he could no longer watch this mess and
came up to the sinners . “I’m tired of watching you explain
the same things to them because you’re all going to give
the same sentence . ”
Asher looked really bored as he said so because the
nobleman would continue to sentence a beheading . Asher
held out his hand to the aristocrat who was sentencing .

possible .

226
Chapter 226: Chapter 226 - Self-destruction, Part VI

destruction, Part VI
Translator: Khan
“I’ll sentence . ”
“… Yes?”
“My father told me to finish quickly and report, so we have

to hurry . The important thing is not to execute them but to
support their manor . ”
That was why the Emperor didn’t attend here .
“So I’ll take care of it all at once . ”
Eventually, the aristocrat, who knew the character of Asher,

handed over the papers as if it were inevitable, and Asher,
who received them, began to call the names that were not
yet called .
“… In this way, I sentence all thirteen of you to be beheaded

.”
There was silence in that uncompassionate tone, and the

square was filled with only the cold air that came out of
Asher’s cold expression . Even Aria, who had seen his cold
look in the past, was surprised by his cold voice .
“And the two are left, the former Duke and Princess
Frederick . ”
Unlike the other sinners, as the two were the main

instigators of this rebellion, they seemed to be getting a
separate sentence . Or maybe he had taken the papers from
the nobleman, presuming he was feeling bored to give them
the final sentence .
“I’m sorry for the Duke . Even though it had been a long
time ago, your family has succeeded the royal blood, but
you’re done with the end of the only historic Duke family in
the empire . ”
He said he felt sorry, but the Duke swallowed his saliva

because his expression was cold .
“Sometimes a man has to cherish what he has, and then he

gets something unexpected and precious . ”
Asher said that and glanced over where Aria was as if she
were a precious person he had unexpectedly acquired .
Asher continued, “Now that I think about it, I should be
grateful for the Duke, for you have been a good help in
many ways since I was very young . ”
The Duke’s face was cold, and the winter was not over yet .
The cold air was still in full bloom, but he got a cold sweat .
‘Why did you do such a terrible thing if you are frightened

like this?’ Asher ridiculed the Duke and continued to
sentence him . “For the Duke of Frederick, his sentence is
beheading, and his body will be hanged at the entrance of
the capital for a month . ”
The Duke closed his eyes tight . Nevertheless, he was not

surprised, so he seemed to be prepared . It was not
desirable, but nothing was scarier than this, so he walked to
the last sinner, Isis .
“Frederick Isis . ”
Isis’s body was trembling from time to time as she saw him
for a long time . It was a different appearance when she had
faced Lohan; it was full of malice .
Asher said as if he was disappointed when he saw that she

abandoned herself to despair and had a desperate face .
“You were frightening since you married a king of another

country and sold the empire . ”
What he said was true . ‘How could you have thought of

treason? No matter how much you hated me, even if you
were the Duke’s eldest daughter, you should defend the
empire . ’
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“If you weren’t that bad, why did your brother betrayed your
family? I am so sorry to see your despondent face . ” Asher
pointed to the stands and whispered .
As she followed his hand, Oscar, a pale man, was watching

his father and his only sister nervously .
For betraying his family, he looked as if he would fall out of
worry; there was no shadow of a traitor on his face; there
was only one face of his own brother, who was worried
about his family and regretting . She had thought that if she
met him, she would try to remind him of the terrible things
he had done . “Why make that face?”
Isis asked, “What will happen to Oscar?”
“Well, he’ll live like a commoner, whom you hated so much .

”
“…”
“He’s the one who put his family in hell, but you’re pretty
relieved . ”
“…”
‘What else could I do? I would not live properly if I lived with
his mercy . If I could go back to the past…’ Isis, who knew
that it was a foolish delusion, waited for her last moments to
come without any further ugly outburst . It was all over .
She couldn’t even scream because she was caught in a trap

as he had intentionally driven her into the corner . The only
good news was that Oscar survived . She had never thought
about the welfare of her brother like a scarecrow, but when
she saw his face, she thought it was good that he was alive .
Asher smiled at this and said to himself in a low voice, so

Isis would be the only one to hear it .
“You make a stupid decision to the end even if you succeed

the very light but royal blood . ”
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And before she could even realize what that meant, he

sentenced her .
“The sinner, Frederick Isis, is sentenced to beheading; the

body, like the Duke, will be hanged on the walls of the
capital for a month . ”
As soon as Asher’s sentence was over, the sentence was

executed .
The first one to be sentenced was the Viscount of Merriart,

and his head was cut off . The sinners waiting for their turn
for the only guillotine was either crying, peeing themselves
or expressing their fears . Asher had prepared that on
purpose .
Death unfolding before them was enough to make them lose

their minds, and the knights would break their limbs
whenever they faint so that they would wake up .
“What’s the last thing you want to say?”
Asher asked Isis, who watched the knights collect the head
and body of the Duke who had been executed just before
her . Although she submitted to her fate, it was hard to see
her father’s head separated from his body . She shook her
head with her eyes closed tightly . Her arms and legs were
like thin leaves; they already lost their function and could be
shaken by strong winds .
“I hope you won’t be reborn as a human being in your next
life . ”
Thud! The guillotine blade fell, and the head of Isis, who
closed her eyes tightly, fell to the ground . It was such a
lonely death for the evil woman who had shaken the empire
in her hand and harassed the Crown Prince .
As soon as the last sinner was executed, shouts came from

the crowd . It was the condemnation for the greedy
criminals who had dared to swallow the empire and the
praise for the Crown Prince who had overpowered them all
in advance without bloodshed .
****
“It ends so easily,” said Aria, who had seen that Isis’s head
was cut off, in a rather hollow voice . Isis was a high-ranking
noblewoman who Aria had never dared to see her face in
the past, but her end was so futile .
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The high-ranking noblewoman, as high as the sky, was

treated like a trivial thing, and she thought that her old self,
whose head had been cut off by Cain, would have been
nothing . She would be treated like trash . If the world was
still there and was turning except for the wicked woman
whose head had been beheaded .
‘If it wasn’t for the hourglass…’ If it hadn’t been for the

hourglass, she wouldn’t have seen this precious sight .
She had promised to get revenge, but it seemed to be too
much easier than she had thought, and on the other hand,
she felt strange .
Even Mielle and Cain, who had looked so great in the past
when she had nothing, were only seen in Aria’s eyes as very
shabby, humble sister and brother . Of course, it wasn’t
completely over because the highlight still remained, but it
was different from the time when she had aimed at the right
time and built up her force, being nervous . Now all that
remained was to enjoy their slow and painful death .
“That’s what I’m saying . Who knew that the great nobles of
the empire would be like that?”
Carin agreed, watching the dead bodies being collected

while frowning as it wasn’t nice to see .
But it was simply because of the terrible scene, not a pity

for the sister and brother, who had not treated her as their
mother even though she had been a fake . The frightened
sister and brother were shaking with their pale face because
of the dead bodies in front of them, but no one paid
attention to them .
“Now that the entertainment is over, I think we should go to

her mansion . ” As if he didn’t care about the scene, Lohan
leaped from his seat and said . It seemed like he wanted to
take Aria to Croa as soon as possible after he revealed her
identity .
“… Yes . ”
Chloe rose in agreement . It was more important for him to

speak with his daughter and a woman he had longed for
rather than with nobles of another country who he had no
acquaintance with .
possible .

227
Chapter 227: Chapter 227 - Self-destruction, Part VII
Chapter 227: Chapter 227 . Self-destruction, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Since there was no reason to remain, there was a positive

expression on Carin’s face, too . Chloe, watching it, held out
his hand to her, as if he were considering her to grab his
hand and to get up .
As it had not been a long time after her divorce, she did not
grab his hand easily with hesitation . Somehow, she was
wary of Aria .
‘How can I object as he reaches out to my mother with a

friendly face?’ When Aria got up and pretended not to know
and to trim her dress, and then Carin stood up, taking
Chloe’s hand .
Aria was about to leave the execution square, but Mielle,

who was taken by the knights’ strong hands and dragged to
the prisoner’s wagon, shouted in a hurry,
“Uh, sister! Sister! You must take me, too!”
It was because Aria had not mentioned anything . Mielle

needed Aria’s help as she could go out of prison when she
was accompanied by the petitioner who had submitted the
petition .
At the urgent voice, Aria slowly turned her head . She looked
surprised as if she hadn’t thought about it .
“Mielle . ”
“Sister!” said Mielle, as if excited to hear her name, and she

seemed to think that she could get away from this terrible
hell . But unlike Mielle’s expectations, Aria could not get her
out .
“I’m sorry . I’m not the one who filed the petition . ”
“… yes?”
Mielle stiffened at that, and she looked asking what she

meant .
What if it wasn’t Aria who submitted the petition? Whether it

was unexpected for Carin, Lohan, and Asher who was a little
further away, all looked forward to Aria’s next words .
“Of course, it was me who asked to write it, but… I didn’t

have time to write it myself, so she sent the petition under
her name because I didn’t write it . So you’ll have to ask
her, not me . ”
‘She? Who the hell is that?’ With the nervous look, Mielle
asked, and Aria smiled softly and answered, “I’ll tell her to
pick you up as soon as I get back, and don’t worry . ”
But Mielle’s anxiety was aggravated when Aria said that she
had to wait for a moment instead of giving the exact name .
‘Who the hell is she?’ She was about to ask again, but Cain,
who was next to her, asked something else earlier .
“I heard that my father was a widower . What the hell

happened?”
He seemed to mind the strange explanation to the Count all

along . They wouldn’t use the word widower to a man with a
wife . He asked Aria, but the answer was replaced by Carin .
“That’s a foolish question, Cain . You know that your family

lost the property as well as the title, because of you . If I
hadn’t divorced him, your whole family would have been the
street tramps, instead of arranging a lawyer to you . ”
“…!”
“Didn’t you see other sinners die without a lawyer? Reflect

on your behavior before you worry about the Count . ”
He didn’t know that it was the result of divorce, and Cain,

who had been shocked and speechless for a while, asked
again,
“… then, what happened to our father now? Are you only

divorced in form, and are you with him?”
Cain asked so as if he wanted that, but Carin responded

with a little displeasure as if she had heard some nonsense .
“How can a man and a woman who are not married live
together?”
“Then, where is he? Where is he?”
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“Don’t worry because he’s in a safe place . I’ve taken care of

you who ignored me so much, and do you think that I threw
him away? It was Aria who had cared about him, but Carin
replied, emphasizing the favor to the Count .
Cain shut his mouth, when he had nothing to say, and Aria
relieved him of his concern before leaving .
“You are now a servant of the Imperial Castle, so you can go

out . Don’t worry, you can check it yourself because he gets
along well . ”
He couldn’t check it out now, but he nodded as if he thought

that Aria, who had saved himself and Mielle, might not have
left his father alone .
“Move . ”
As Cain was talking to Aria, the knight couldn’t intervene,

but as he confirmed that the conversation was over, he
pushed the back of Cain .
Cain had to rejoice that he had been saved, but there were
too many things to think of . Then, the brother and sister,
who survived the execution, barely moved to the cold
carriage again .
***
“Aren’t you the petitioner?”
“Yeah . I’m not . ”
Carin asked Aria in the carriage back to the mansion .
“Then, who the hell is she? No, why did you do that?” Carin
had a puzzled face because she had thought Aria would
carry Mielle by herself .
Aria smiled pleasantly and replied, “I’m just going to do the

same thing . It was the worst and most resentful thing . ”
“The worst and the most resentful thing…? Are you talking
about the last thing? Do you meant that Mielle framed you?”
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It seemed to mean the incident that Mielle had pushed the

Count from the stairs . Anyone who would know the nature
of Aria and the whole story of the incident would naturally
think that she would take revenge .
Aria gave an ambiguous answer that was neither positive

nor negative . “Well, maybe . ”
“Whew, do you make me so frustrating?”
“You didn’t even tell me everything . You’ll soon find out,

and don’t worry . ”
“You didn’t tell me what to do with Cain…”

Carin glanced at Aria whether she felt sorry, as Aria was
doing many things alone without telling her anything .
But to start the explanation, Aria had to start by saying that

her head had been beheaded and she had turned back the
time, and of course she couldn’t explain it . Because of that,
Aria just laughed and evaded the answer, Carin’s eyes
became bitter .
“You also have something to hide from me, and don’t be too
hard on me . ”
‘Like right now . ’ When she mentioned Chloe, heading to

the mansion in Lohan’s carriage, Carin closed her mouth,
realizing that she also had something to hide .
They were able to reach the mansion shortly, likewise, they

had gone to the square . Naturally, the servants of the
mansion, who thought that only Carin and Aria would return
home, found out two more carriages decorated brilliantly,
entering the mansion, and politely greeted them in
astonishment .
“What a beautiful mansion this is! You have a very good eye
. ” Asher purely admired, and Lohan agreed . “Well, it’s
enough to meet the Crown Prince and the king . The
servants are good too . ”
The servants opened their eyes wide, pretended to be calm,

and thought to themselves . ‘I know the Crown Prince as I
saw him a few times, but the king?’ But because they
couldn’t ask, and there was no one to give an answer, they
hid their frustrations and served them sincerely . It was
clear that Annie, the informant, would ask Aria and bring the
answer .
The attendants quickly served them the carefully prepared
tea and fruits, and despite the fact that the visitors were the
Crown Prince and the king, Carin was confident to guide
them to the parlor .
“… I’m so glad that you live well . ”
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So Carin, Aria, Asher, Lohan, and Chloe sat in the parlor,

drinking tea, and Chloe first spoke to Carin . He was
sincerely happy that she lived well .
Carin replied with a cold face . “Every time you meet me,
you say that . ”
“I was really worried . There were so many unexpected

things that I couldn’t go…”
“I didn’t expect . There were not a few men who said the
same thing as Mr . Chloe . ”
In response to the guilty Chloe, Carin said as if she didn’t

expect it at all . But her shaking eyes proved that her
answer was false .
Of course, there were many men who had spoken the same
words as Chloe, even if they had used both hands and feet,
but there had been no man who had promised the future by
expressing with his whole body that she was so adorable .
She couldn’t guarantee it because it had been so long and
old, but she might have expected it a bit . Except for him,
others had only enjoyed the situation .
“Let’s stop the introduction, but get to the point quickly . ”
They’d already talked through letters several times, and

they acted as if they met again in a few years, and Lohan
got angry .
“Mr . Lohan, why don’t you go to another room? You don’t

have to be here . ”
When Aria said that it would be better for Lohan to leave

now, he was frustrated and replied with a very sad face,
“… you don’t know how much I’ve played a major role in

this . Think about it, Lady Aria . Who brought Marquis Piast
and his son, Chloe?”

possible .
between chapters .

228
Chapter 228: Chapter 228 - Self-destruction, Part VIII

destruction, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
“I see . Thank you . But you’re not related to me by blood,

so you don’t have to be here . ”
“The same is true of Asher!”
“No, Asher is my lover . ”
Asher firmly grabbed a mug as Aria referred to him that he

was her lover casually . The tips of his ears were also a little
red .
“… You can have a relationship with me as a lover, too . ”
But soon Lohan started to talk nonsense, and Asher, who

had a cold face, was annoyed and joined the conversation .
“I want to break my promise, and please shut up . ”
“Aren’t you treating the promise of two countries recklessly?

”
“The great nation decides whether they would keep the
promise . ”
“…”
It was unfair but right, and Lohan shut up . Since a long time
ago, the empire had the greatest power on the continent .
When Lohan closed his mouth, the conversation which had
stopped continued again,
“… I’m sure you would guess since I’ve mentioned blood

relations . This is your biological father, Piast Chloe . ”
“I see . ”
Unlike Carin, who carefully introduced, Aria’s answer was

calm, as if it was not worthy to her .
She had heard of the last name, Piast, somewhere, but it

was nothing new because even if she had a biological
father, her life would not change .
“… Aren’t you surprised?”
“You have given me a lot of hints, and I can’t be surprised .

”
‘Besides, his face looks so similar to me, and what do you

think it is?’ Carin had a pretty embarrassing look if she
forgot that Aria had mentioned about the blood relation .
“It’s not strange to have a biological father because I

couldn’t be born alone . By the way, why are you here?”
‘You didn’t come until I was seventeen years old . Why do

you come now? Is money your purpose?’ Her exact wealth
was not known, but the fact that Aria had accumulated
considerable wealth had already spread throughout the
continent . The businesses she invested in were originally
successful ones, and they were far more successful than in
the past, with the halo of Aria now .
Especially for the items used by women, the rumors of

whether Aria used them circulated in public and they were
very popular . They thought that if they used the same item,
you could be as beautiful as hers . Thus, Aria could not greet
the presence of her biological father who appeared after she
had gained such wealth and honor .
Now that she had done everything anyway, there was

nothing her biological father could do for her . Rather, she
felt that he would have more to gain from her .
Of course, if Carin liked him, she was thinking about

cheering for a reunion . As she had looked at him for a
moment but from a distance, she felt that Chloe loved Carin
pretty much . That was how Aria felt about her biological
father, Chloe, who suddenly appeared .
“That’s all my virtues, Lady Aria . ”
Lohan replied confidently to Aria’s question . He behaved

that he should be praised with glory to reunite a long-
separated family .
“Why?”
Sponsored Content

“I persuaded Chloe and his father, Marquis Piast, who did
not believe in your existence . ”
“… my existence?”
“Yes . Chloe was looking for a long-awaited lover, but he

didn’t know your existence . ”
‘If so, didn’t you come to me because of my famous name?’

Aria, who once thought of his tender gaze that had turned to
Carin, finally relaxed . If her mother liked him, she would
have agreed for her mother to remarry and minimize the
relationship with him, but it didn’t seem necessary .
“You must have been surprised, after hearing that you

suddenly got a seventeen-year-old daughter . ” Aria stared
at Chloe and was about to ask like that, but she was
surprised .
‘Since when did you look at me like that?’ He had the same
gaze which had lovely looked at her mother . It was an
expression that the Count hadn’t given to Mielle and Cain .
It was a very sweet and tender father’s face, which Aria did
not comprehend .
So it was hard for her to stick to the wall-like attitude at the

friendly face of her biological father as if she were treating
others . Aria tried to make a casual look .
“To be honest, at first… I visited the empire to find Carin

rather than Lady Aria . She is a woman I’ve been looking for
a long time . My father told me that he found her and I
rushed to come without hesitation… I had little interest in
the existence of a daughter . ”
Chloe pondered Aria’s title for a while and read the

countenance of Aria, then he called her a lady . He was still
careful because he didn’t know what she was thinking .
“But when I meet you like this… I feel so strange . No,

maybe I’m impressed . And it also brings a lot of regret and
disappointment for myself . ”
“… regret and disappointment?”
“I haven’t seen Lady Aria’s childhood as you are nearly an

adult, and why I didn’t find you a little earlier . ”
“I assure that Aria was a shining child compared to any

other children . ”
“Right . Well, she is so beautiful that she must have been

outstanding from birth . ”
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“Of course . She resembles someone . ”
“The color of her hair and eyes look like Carin . ”
“Her features look like Chloe . The two of you look like a
father and a daughter, even if anyone sees . ”
“… I’m happy then . ”
“…”
Aria lost word in the dialogue between Carin and Chloe . No,
she wasn’t able to say anything exactly . She had heard the
words that she was beautiful or shining, so many times, but
it was the first time from her parents .
Aria’s face grew redder and redder . Even her ears got red,
too . Clearly knowing that it was clear, she couldn’t conceal
it, because she had to leave the room to hide it .
Asher, who sat down next to her, took the hands of Aria . He
should be happy if she would find her family, but this was
not what he wanted . If Aria liked Chloe like this, there was a
possibility that she could follow her father to Croa .
He had been really busy, but he hadn’t talked about it in

order to avoid this situation . ‘What if he came and shake
Aria’s heart?’ Not surprisingly, Lohan watched this and drew
out what Asher feared .
“Are you not interested in Croa?
“… Croa?
“Yes . It’s my country and Chloe’s . You were born in the

empire, but you are a child of the noble of Croa . Isn’t it
natural that you should stay in Croa? I’m sure your mother
is going to marry Chloe again . ”
Carin had never said such a word, but no one denied

Lohan’s words . No, rather, Aria also wanted Carin to marry
the man who truly loved her .
Sponsored Content
She’d only been through him for a very short time, but
Chloe was a good fit . It was because he had deeply cared
for Carin at each of his eyes and actions . In the past, Aria
had thought that her mother was very wise, because she
had chosen money and status, but she was a little different
now . Aria realized that she could not be happy with that
alone . This was the result of Aria’s experience of returning
the hourglass back to the past .
“Well . I appreciate your suggestion, but I can’t leave here .

”
Aria dragged Asher’s hand and put it on her leg .
That alone was enough . This was especially true for Chloe,
who had long missed Carin .
“Is it only one year anyway? I think it’s a good idea to stay
in Croa until you’re an adult . After that, even though you
want to live together, you can’t . ”
Lohan did not give up and continued to persuade Aria, with

words that seem there would be no chance if it wasn’t now .
And Aria smiled softly, and said, “If he marries my mother

as you say, I will visit anytime . I’m not a child, so I don’t
have to live with them . ”
At her answer, Asher’s expression lightened . Then he

stepped into the conversation as if he had gained
confidence .
“Right . You can visit them by trip and vacation? It’s not so
far away, so if you want to see them, you can take a trip
once a month . Use me . I can save one day for you . ” Asher
added, and Aria laughed a little .
‘You love me so much, and how can I say that I will go to

Croa?’
“I don’t feel like having to live together . And I don’t decide
whether to remarry or not . ”
At the final words of Carin, Lohan looked devastated . Then

he hurriedly looked at Chloe and urged him to do
something, with his face .
“I respect Carin’s opinion . ”
“… how stuffy you are!” Eventually, Lohan became angry

and left the parlor, but no one stopped him .

possible .

229
Chapter 229: Chapter 229 - Self-destruction, Part IX

destruction, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Rather, thanks to the disappearance of the interrupter, they

could talk even more freely .
While drinking tea for a while, Chloe explained why he had

been kicked out of the Imperial Castle, why he couldn’t have
picked up Carin, and why he had later tried to find Carin but
hadn’t found her . He included that he had missed her so far
. Carin wiped her tears in the pathetic story, and Aria’s heart
moved .
“… If you’ve been faced with such a big thing, you wouldn’t

have been able to stay sane . I would have had aphasia . I
understand . ”
“… Thank you for your understanding . I tried to find Carin

late, but I couldn’t find her because there were so many
similar names . Besides, it’s a little bit… my condition
wasn’t good either . ”
“I may be like that, if you go to Croa . ”

As she said he understood Chloe, Asher intervened in the
conversation with a serious tone . She had no intention of
going, but he kept on begging not to go . She wanted to
make fun of him .
“It’s true . You will absolutely miss me . ”
“Lady Aria…!”
But Aria was satisfied with Asher’s frown face, and turned
the subject, as he told her not to say such a joke .
“Mother, what are you going to do now? I’m big now and I
will respect whatever you do . ”
“Me? I’m not sure . Even if we have a child, it’s strange to

get married…”
Carin glanced at Chloe as she spoke . It seemed that he

should catch the sign of her intention, and that he should try
his best effort to get her heart .
Chloe, who had come to the empire in search of Carin,

replied that it was natural . “I will try to get your heart . I will
come to the empire over and over again . Getting a mansion
near you is the first step . ”
Chloe answered Aria sincerely, and Carin was drinking tea

quietly, but in his very enthusiastic aspect, her cheeks got
red and asked what she had been curious about, as some of
their conversations were sorted out .
“Well, did you say that you’d help Mielle when you get back
to the mansion and that you’d send someone? Then, I’m
sending someone . Who is the woman who is going to take
Mielle with?”
“Ah, I did . You’ll soon find out because she will bring Mielle .
Well, it’s not bad to be a little late . She will be more
desperate than that . Wouldn’t that be more fun?” Aria
replied imagining Mielle, who was crying uglily .
‘It must be a masterpiece that I want to leave as a picture . ’

If I saw it myself, it would be great, but unfortunately, there
was someone else to see it . ’
They sat down in the parlor and talked about Chloe being
her biological father, and arranging the family register
would be good after Carin’s decision, and after that, Lohan
returned to the lobby and they finished the conversation in
no time .
“… Why do you finish the conversation when I come?”

Lohan asked with a displeased face .
“It wasn’t because of you . We were trying to end the

conversation, but you didn’t come back, and we’ve waited
for you to come back . ”
Chloe replied casually . It was a bright face that he was no

longer upset .
“… Chloe . You stayed in the room crying because you

couldn’t find Carin, but now you talk quite a bit . ”
Lohan was annoyed, but they did not continue the

conversation which had already ended .
After that, Asher left the mansion and Chloe, who suggested
a date to Carin for a walk, stayed in the mansion and waited
for her to be dressed . Lohan, who had not gained much
harvest, left with all kinds of irritation to go back to Croa
first, and Aria, who was going up to her room, ordered a
passing servant to call her maid to send to Mielle .
“Where is Annie? Please tell her to come up to my room
because I have something to say . ”
At the instruction of Aria, the servant bowed to her and

disappeared to call Annie .
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Without waiting too long, Annie quickly came to Aria’s room

. There was a lot of curiosity on her face, wondering the
conversation they had just had in the parlor, and the
identity of the unidentified guests .
“Miss, did you call me?”
Annie squeezed the curiosity into her heart and asked Aria,
pretending to be casual . She seemed to think that Aria
would tell her when the time came anyway .
It was obviously seen, and Aria smiled softly and gestured

her to sit on the other side .
“Sit down . ”
“Yes, Miss . ”
At Aria’s hand gesture, she ran and sat down at the other
side, and Annie’s face was very excited . Instead of having
her do something, she told her to sit on the other side as if
she was talking about something . And Annie’s prediction
was such a hit .
“I have something to tell you . It’s very important . ”

Annie shined her eyes and opened her ears . It meant that
she was ready to hear anything, without missing any words .
Aria continued to say, “You need to go to jail . ”
“… Yeah? Jail, Jail?” But it was not a funny and interesting

story, but she was surprised and misinterpreted that Aria
would put her in jail, like Mielle and Cain, and asked back,
“You don’t have to be surprised that much . I’m not saying

you will be put in jail, but I’m asking you to bring Mielle . ”
Then Annie swept away from her heart as if she was

relieved and asked why she would visit,
“Why am I going? Weren’t you her guardian?”
Sponsored Content
“No, you are the guardian of Mielle . You filed the petition,
although I called the contents . ”
“That’s… that’s what you told me to do? I just did what you
told me…”
As Annie said, she had only written as Aria had told her .
But it was definitely Annie who had submitted it, and the
person who would be Mielle’s guardian was the one who had
filed the petition, so Annie was legally the guardian, though
Aria had ordered her to do that .
“So you don’t like it?”

“… Yeah?”
“I mean, do you hate bringing Mielle?”
Aria’s question darkened Annie’s face a little . Annie didn’t

say she didn’t like it, but it seemed to be very disgusting .
She was foolish indeed . It was a rare opportunity Aria had
prepared, and it meant that Mielle, who had no status as a
commoner, would belong to her own right .
“Then they said Mielle couldn’t be apart from her guardian,

and she would be executed immediately upon departure . ”
“… yeah?”
“So she may die if she goes afar from you . I mean, Mielle
shouldn’t be apart from you . No matter what happens . ”
Annie’s expression became mysterious . It was a face that

seemed to grasp something in Aria’s useless explanation,
but she was not certain .
And Aria continued, “Besides, she has fallen to the common

people for the price of rebellion, and she is in the same
status like you . It’s different from the past when she did
nothing pretending to be a noble, but a commoner isn’t like
that . A commoner works and gets paid for each day . ”
“…!”
Sponsored Content

Mielle was now a commoner and could not be separated
from Annie by anything . And Mielle, who was no longer
aristocrat, couldn’t live simply by staying . She was not a
noble who led an elegant life with the estates she received
from the country, but she should work hard every day like
the common people .
Annie’s eyes glistened as she understood this . Though she

understood Aria’s words, she was looking for a little more
confirmation .
“Besides, is it time for you to think of marriage with Baron

Burboom? If that happens, you’ll become the Baroness, so
you’re better off getting used to having a maid . As you
know, I had a hard time at first . ”
“…!”
So Annie, who confirmed the hidden meaning of having

Mielle like a maid, jumped out of her seat with a smile . She
wanted to get Mielle out of jail right now and make her do
all the hard work .
But in order to do that, she needed the permission of Aria

who had called her . Annie waited for her answer, feeling
nervous as if urging her .
“Go and take her . ”
“Thank you! Miss! I’ll get back soon!”
Annie went out of the way and soon knocked on the door
again . She couldn’t have been there already, so Aria
answered with a mysterious voice, and Annie carefully
asked Aria with a reddish face .
“Miss… Miss… I’m sorry, but can I dress up a bit? I think I
am dressed so simple…”
Annie seemed to be very firmly prepared to master Mielle .
‘It will also hurt Mielle . How would you react if Annie, a
maid, appeared beautifully in front of you?’

possible .

230
Chapter 230: Chapter 230 - There Is No Mercy, Part I

Chapter 230: Chapter 230 . There Is
No Mercy, Part I
Translator: Khan
It was a good reaction, so Aria nodded and gave her one

more gift . “Take a colorful wagon . I don’t mind the carriage
used by me and my mother . ”
“… Are you sure?”
“Of course . Did you see me say something empty?”
“Oh, my God, Miss…! I never imagined I would ride such a

precious carriage! Thank you so much!”
Even if she was impressed, her eyes were full of tears, so

Aria rebuked her to go quickly .
“Yes! Yes! I’ll be ready and get back soon!”
Annie’s hands moved quickly, and soon afterward, she was

able to go to pick up Mielle with a gorgeous appearance that
was no short of anything, as if she were a noble .
————————
22 . There is no mercy
When returned to prison, Mielle rapidly lost her weight for a

very short time . As soon as Cain was brought to prison, he
was taken to the Imperial Castle, and all who had been
imprisoned were executed and she was alone . Waiting
alone for someone to take her out of the dark and cold
prison was difficult even if it wasn’t Mielle .
‘Aria said she would send a person right away, but I haven’t
heard any news from her for three hours…’
She was worried that no one would come . She was afraid
that she might have to live fifty years in this old, dirty,
uncomfortable prison . Aria might leave her here .
Mielle crouched roundly . Because it was hard to overcome

the cold, worry, and fear . As soon as her face was buried in
the arms on her crouched knees, she waited for her only
sister to send her a person as promised without betraying
her .
Mielle, who had endured such a long cry, believed that a

person would come, and waited for the unknown . Suddenly,
the tough footsteps gradually came to Mielle, and shortly
afterward, the footsteps stopped before her prison .
“Come out . ”
Mielle looked up her head in a flash, as she heard a voice .
It was one of the guards who guarded the prison . The guard
who furrowed her forehead glanced over Mielle’s shabby
and miserable appearance, and said once again, opening
the door with a key .
“Come out . ”
“… Me, me…?”
“Then, who else is here?”
‘Did Aria send anyone?’ If it weren’t, he couldn’t tell her to

come out . ‘Is there anything better than this?’ The joy was
as big as the wait was long .
It was not easy to stand up because she had been crouching

for a long time, but he seemed to leave himself if she was a
little late, and she gave her feet full of power and got out of
the terrible prison .
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“Who, who is here?”
Mielle, who couldn’t stand the curiosity while walking down

the hall, asked the guard . Her steps were painful and bitter,
but it was buried in joy and she didn’t care .
At Mielle’s question, the guard answered as if he was

disagreeably surprised .
“Lady Mielle . No, you are not a lady anymore, but a sinner,
Mielle . Do you think you are still in a position you dare to
ask that question yet?”
His tone was pretty harsh and rough . The guard showed
great disgust at Mielle who had joined the rebellion . She
had been feeling that since she had become a sinner, but
her whole body trembled with disgust toward herself . The
physique of the guard also played a part .
“Go quietly . You have no right to say . ”
“…”
Mielle closed her mouth at the guard’s murderous warning .

This was because it was a scary figure that seemed to wield
violence if she said something more . Anyway, a little
further away, she was able to get out of this damn prison
and from the terrible guard . If she would just stick to the
side of Aria, she would never have to come back here .
So hopefully, Mielle headed to the lobby behind the guard

but hardened without any reaction to the unexpected figure
she met there . In the lobby, an unexpected figure was
waiting for Mielle .
“You waited a long time . Would you take her right away?”
“Yeah . I’ll do that . ”
Annie’s face was so beautiful that the guard blushed a little .

The smile she had learned from the side of Aria as she had
spent with her, helped her to emit a charm that surpassed
her appearance .
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‘Why, why is Annie here…? No, is that even Annie? The poor
maid became so beautiful like that?’ Mielle, who watched
her for a while, looked down and confirmed his miserable
appearance .
Her skin and hair were messed with the black dust, and her
feet and legs were swollen and worse than the commoner
women . Her face would be messy without having to check .
Maybe it might have a scar . As soon as her thoughts
reached that point, she felt ashamed and humiliated, and
she would die right away .
It would be OK if the person were Aria who she couldn’t beat

by beauty, but she was worse than Annie who had a
freckled face…! So she couldn’t lift her head and hid her
terrible face .
Annie called Mielle’s name . “Lady Mielle… Oh, not anymore,

because you’re a commoner . Is it right, Mielle?”
Annie omitted the honorific title and simply called her name
. Mielle’s body was shocked by not only her appearance but
also her tone of speech as Annie imitated Aria, but she
didn’t lift her head, so Annie called her again . “Mielle, did
you break your neck? Why don’t you raise your head?”
Mielle squeezed her fists and shook her fists, as Annie asked
though she knew why she could not lift her head . She
wanted to get angry, but it was anger for herself that she
couldn’t .
Annie said, mocking her again, “Miele, why don’t you lift
your head? I have to check your face so that we can go out
together . I can’t take the dirty girl without confirming her
face . ”
The words that followed were enough to make Mielle more

miserable . It would be miserable for Annie not to be
dressed up in splendor, but it smashed Mielle’s pride
because it came out of her beautifully decorated mouth .
“What shall I do?” Nevertheless, Mielle didn’t raise her head,

so Annie asked the guard for help . The guard sighed at
Mielle’s pathetic behavior, and he forcibly grabbed her head
to look up .
“Yaaah!”
It was so sudden that Mielle screamed, and Annie opened

her eyes wide, covering her mouth with a fan in her hand . It
was not because of his harsh acts against Mielle, but
because of Mielle’s ugly and miserable appearance .
“… oh, my God, I wonder if this is really Mielle . ”
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“She is Mielle . It’s hard to confirm her because she’s been

imprisoned and couldn’t wash, but she is Roscent Mielle .
“It’s hard to believe . Lady Mielle was always beautiful and

elegant… as soon as she was degraded her status, she
became so shabby like this… Nobody is going to call her a
lady now . ”
Mielle’s eyes turned red with continued insults . She could

bear to be humiliated because she had really sinned, but it
was hard to bear the thorny words of Annie, who had been
her maid .
“Stop… stop…!”
So when Mielle squeezed out her wet voice, Annie was
surprised and asked the guard, “Did, did I do anything
wrong? I don’t know why Mielle is crying…!”
The guard shook his head and comforted Annie, “No . Since
she entered the jail, she was a little crazy . She was
laughing alone . In the meantime, the state seemed to have
gotten worse . So please don’t be bothered . ”
“I see… She was once the most elegant aristocratic lady in

the empire… I admired her the most, but now I can’t find
any traces of it anymore and I’m so sorry that she is out of
her mind . ” The two approached the incredible conclusion,
staring at Mielle very pitifully .
The sympathetic eyes ripped Mielle’s pride without leaving

any trace .
***
“… The procedure is complete with your signature . In the

future, you can easily leave or take her at any time with a
simple procedure . ”
Mielle’s two fists were squeezed in the look of the guard

who explained as if she were taking her luggage . However,
the reason she couldn’t say anything was that it was
insulting but the guard’s explanation was appropriate, and
she was also too scared of him .
She was also afraid that she would be put back in prison . It
was still painful as he had grabbed her head like a beast’s .
Now the Count or Cain could not help her as in the past, she
had to deal with all kinds of hostility alone, but she was not
confident . That was why she couldn’t resist at all, nor got
angry .
possible .

231
Chapter 231: Chapter 231 - There Is No Mercy, Part II

No Mercy, Part II
Translator: Khan
It was too much pain for a young girl who had run with only
the hope of delusion . So, if she waited as if she were dead,
she could get out of this prison only with a bad feeling, so
she shut up and waited for the conversation to end .
‘… I have to go back quickly and meet my elder sister, Aria .

’
‘I couldn’t help it now, but if Aria knew this wrong

treatment, she wouldn’t let it pass . She must be sad, and
she would bitterly scold Annie . While saying she was a
presumptuous maid, Aria might kick Annie out of the
mansion . ’
‘Now Aria and I are both commoners, but in the past, we

were both nobles and were attended by Annie . ’ Aria had
saved Mielle and her brother, Cain, who had committed
treason, and she would punish Annie and take her side
again . It was clear because Aria was her only elder sister .
“Let’s go, Mielle . ”

“…”
After the conversation with the guard, Annie started to walk

elegantly with her back straightened up as if she were a
noblewoman . She was following Aria’s example but in a
much shallower movement . Her anger and fear
disappeared and a laugh came out .
‘Aria was not that much . No, in retrospect, Aria was elegant
enough to admire . Who dare would be so elegant and
would catch her? No one could find fault with her elegance .
’ Even though they were both commoners, Annie was far
different and Mielle furrowed her forehead .
‘If I just go back…! I will tell Aria all about it, and let the
stupid maid who imitates the aristocrat taste reality . ’
Pledging again, Mielle quietly followed Annie . Fortunately,
Annie’s footsteps were a bit slow to imitate the noble steps,
so there was no need to suffer when she walked .
As she walked away from the terrible prison, a gorgeous

wagon she could not even dare to make was waiting for
Mielle . Naturally, Mielle, surprised by seeing Annie get on
the carriage, opened her eyes wide and asked, “… Annie,
did you ride this when you came here? ”
“Well, what else did I ride?”
She didn’t care about Annie, who replied as if she

disregarded her . The carriage was gorgeous and shocking .
What a gorgeous carriage it was! There had been no such
carriage in the carriages of the Roscent family . No, to be
exact, she had not thought of decorating it that much .
‘Why did Aria give Annie such a carriage…?’

At best, she was a maid . Obviously, it was too much for a
maid to ride . No, most aristocrats couldn’t afford such a
carriage . It was not a carriage for a maid . ‘But why…? Why
did Aria give it to Annie…?’
“Miss Aria is waiting for us, so we have to go back quickly…

but I feel a little bit uncomfortable riding with you . ”
At Annie’s words, Mielle felt some unknown displeasure and

had a lot on her mind . At that moment, Annie spoke
suddenly to Mielle as she was about to climb into the wagon
. Annie furrowed her forehead and looked at her with a face
that seemed to not like something .
“It’s a little bit displeasing to get on the same carriage with

you… Mielle, you should sit next to the driver,” Annie said
something ridiculous .
With this, Mielle was surprised and asked, “What do you

mean? Why should I sit next to the driver? Didn’t you come
to pick me up?”
“You’ll have to lower your head and check your appearance,

Mielle . What if you dirty this fancy carriage? This is a
carriage provided by Miss Aria, and is it all right if you get it
dirty?”
Annie pointed to Mielle’s dress, which was like a rag . She

seemed to be displeased, even pointing at her with her
finger .
Mielle had already checked her dirty, miserable appearance,

so even if she didn’t lower her head, she could guess her
condition and her face became red . It was no different from
a beggar on the street, but she didn’t want to sit next to the
driver, so she made an excuse .
“… Someone can clean up the carriage later . ”
“Who? You? You don’t mean to let a servant do it, do you?

There’s no servant left to do such work for you anymore . ”
“…!”
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“Of course, it’s the same if you sit in the driver’s seat . Wipe
out the dirt from your body by yourself . All the commoners
do that . I’ll excuse you first because you smell terrible . ”
Annie, who said those words, left Mielle and got into the
carriage alone . It meant that Annie would not permit Mielle
to get in the carriage, no matter what she said .
“How dare you say it without going crazy…!”
As she could not let it go any longer, Mielle, who was about
to open the door of the carriage and go wild, suddenly
stopped . She was afraid that Annie might want to put her
back in jail here .
Without Annie, she could not get out of jail . She had to go
to Aria for now, whatever she did . If she went back and
informed Aria and accused Annie of her arrogance, she
could not help but solve this ridiculous thing .
“Would, would you like to ride next to me?” The driver

carefully asked Mielle, who was struggling to calm herself
down . He had also worked in the Count’s mansion and
came to Carin’s mansion, and so he remembered her
character so well when she had been a noblewoman . She
was not a girl to be treated like this . As a result, he couldn’t
talk down to her like Annie . He took off his hat, which he
had been wearing, and responded in a polite manner .
“… I would . ”
Mielle responded with a deep sigh . She seemed to soften

her anger a little by his polite treatment . Very kindly, he
made a place for Mielle, laying his old handkerchief himself,
and since she had no choice, she sat on it .
Perhaps because Mielle sat by, the wagon started to run

very slowly and smoothly because the wagon was quite
uncomfortable as compared to the inside of the wagon,
surrounded by soft cushions . It was even more so for the
unfamiliar Mielle to sit . That was why he continued to watch
Mielle’s complexion .
“Are you okay?”
“… I’m fine . So please drive the wagon a little… no, very

fast . ”
Mielle, however, did not care about that . To return to Carin’s

mansion, she had to go through the square, and on the way
through the square, a large crowd looked at her with
hostility .
“You b*tch!”
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“Ugh . Lady Aria has taken you out of prison . ”
“You tried to sell our country, and you are the worst and the
most wicked woman in history . Chut chut!”
“Look at that and who thinks you were a noble in the past?
It’s so ugly . ”
“Why are you alive?”
Mielle lowered her head, closing her eyes because of the

unbearable insults . No matter how shabby she was now,
she could not hide her original features and hair . In
addition, it was also known that the dazzling and colorful
carriage was Aria’s . So the people’s eyes gathered by
themselves, and they did not hesitate to blame and swear
at Mielle, so it was more uncomfortable to slow down the
wagon to get a little easier, but it was better to speed up
and avoid it .
“Ah… Alright . You might fall, so hold on tight . ”
The driver seemed to have noticed that, and only then did
he sped up the wagon and quickly exited the square .
Therefore, their swears were buried in the noisy sounds of
the wheels and hooves of the carriage, and she no longer
heard the people’s insulting words .
***
“… This is my sister’s new house?”
“Exactly, it is Mrs . Carin’s residence . ”
“Carin…?”
“I heard it was the real name of the Countess . She is no
longer the Countess, and we now call her Mrs . Carin . ”
“Ah…”
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Mielle’s eyes shook upon seeing the beautiful mansion that

was getting closer . She did not hear the voice of the driver,
explaining that Mrs . Carin had brought all the servants from
the Count’s mansion .
It was simply unbelievable that the frivolous whore lived

with so much wealth . Apparently, all the Count’s property
must have been taken, and where had she collected it?
“Oh my gosh . It’s Lady Mielle . ”
“No, she is not a lady anymore . It is Mrs . Carin who has

hired us . ”
“That’s right… But it’s been over fifteen years since I’ve
called her Miss, and it’s weird to suddenly talk down to her .
”
“Right… Though she became a commoner, it’s a bit strange

to talk down to her all of a sudden . ”
“But look at her appearance . How can that be?”
“It’s more comparable because she’s next to Annie . ”
“She committed treason, and it’s natural even if she gets

like that . ”
“Shh! She’s looking at us . Turn your eyes!”

possible .

232
Chapter 232: Chapter 232 - There Is No Mercy, Part III

No Mercy, Part III
Translator: Khan
Each of the servants, who watched Mielle descend from the

carriage that arrived at the mansion, spoke a word, and
Mielle looked angrily at them .
“You guys have a foul mouth . Is it because your master has

changed from an aristocrat to a commoner? How did you
endure in the meantime?”
Then, she said a harsh word, and Annie, who got out of the
carriage late, replied with a smile,
“Oh my God, do you think you can scold them? Why are you
getting angry when they’re telling the truth?”
‘Although I was downgraded to a commoner, how could you

insult me openly?’
The surprised servants began to whisper to each other, and

Mielle, who had come to Aria, was about to be angry with
Annie .
“How dare you talk like that even though you’re just a
maid?”
“Annie, you did a good job . Mielle, are you here?”
Aria came out of the mansion as if she had waited . She

smiled brightly and greeted Mielle, and Annie reported to
Aria with an innocent look as if she hadn’t done such a thing
.
“Miss! They said I can leave and take her at any time in the
future . ”
“Really? That’s great . ”
Annie flattered Aria as if she was shaking her tail if she had
it, and Aria stroked her head, saying that she did a good job
as if to praise her behavior .
‘Is that how she got her favor?’ It was indeed disgusting, but
Mielle was about to act like her, so she swallowed her saliva
. She cleaned up her messy hair and approached Aria .
“Sister!”
“Mielle, you look sick, are you okay?”
“… I, I’m fine . ”
In the sweet voice of Aria, she felt a sense of injustice

before she even said what had happened .
‘How could you be so generous?’ It was quite different from

the image that she had thought of ‘the daughter of a vulgar
prostitute’ in the past . Indeed, Aria was a beautiful woman
with a very elegant, loving and warm character . She was an
angel who reached out her hand to the ones who were
harmed .
‘Aria can certainly deal a hard blow to Annie who uses bad
words and actions . Annie became my protector, so I had to
change her by scolding and fixing her stupid and foolish
behavior . ’
Mielle rubbed her glowing eyes once and talked to Aria, “I

have something to tell you . ”
“To me?”
“Yes! You must listen . It’s about a bad kid who doesn’t know
who she is and runs wild . I’m worried that she will be
troublesome to you . ”
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At those words, Aria raised her eyebrows and was surprised

. “Is there a child like that? I didn’t know at all… It seems to
be a very important issue, so I must listen to you . ” Mielle
then nodded in agreement as she was greatly disturbed .
“Miss, don’t you think Mielle should wash her body first? I
think she should change her clothes, too . I can’t let her talk
to you like this . She seems to be smelly too . ”
Annie didn’t know that the protagonist of the conversation

was her and once again insulted Mielle . Mielle expected
that if it was Aria, who was like a fox, she would read her
intention and scold Annie, but Aria unexpectedly agreed
with Annie’s suggestion as she felt Mielle was pitiful .
“Annie, you are her guardian . She may get sick because of
the dust so help her . You are a good woman, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Miss . Do not worry . Trust me and rest assured that I’ll
take care of Mielle . You’re very busy . You are not the
person who will care about this little thing . ”
“Thank you, Annie . Mielle, I’m glad Annie will help you . See
you later . ”
Then she left, leaving only a soft smile . Mielle was ashamed
of her hand which was going to say wait a while since it was
colorless . ‘Why…? It was clear that Annie’s tone was
insulting and sarcastic . Did Annie ever mentioned if she
was worried about me?’ As she was speechless, Annie with
a triumphant face approached Mielle .
“Well, Mielle . You have to take a bath . All of them are

looking at you, frowning . ”
As Annie said, all the servants were watching her . The eyes
of curiosity, pity, and ridicule gathered in one place . Aria’s
permission had fallen, and there was no hesitation in their
eyes .
“Hey guys, tell Mielle where the bathroom of the maids is .

We can’t dare let her use the bathrooms our masters use . ”
“Okay, Annie . ”
“Okay . That suits her . ”
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A few laughter burst out from some of the maids running
out as if they were waiting . They were the maids who were
attached to Aria .
***
“… How do I do that?”
Though she was pushed into the bathroom by rough hands,

Mielle, who should have a bath alone for the first time since
she was born, stood in front of a huge bath basin with a
small bucket and expressed embarrassing words; she didn’t
know what to do .
She thought about how it would be like to wash herself with

the water in that big basin and put her hand into it . The
cold water temperature that was like ice was creepy .
“Oh my! It’s so cold!” Startled, Mielle hurriedly pulled her

hand out and wrapped it .
Though winter had passed and it was already early spring, it

was not a temperature one should bathe in without heating
the bath first .
‘Do all the maids take a bath using this cold water? Do
commoners always do this? How can they take a bath with
this cold water and don’t get sick? If I wash my body with
this water, I think I’ll catch a cold and fall down right
away…’
It was clear that it was obviously not . No, she was sure .
And even if the common people bathed in cold water, she
did not want to do it herself . Even if she understood she
should wash herself, she could not take a bath with such
cold water . ‘I think it’s okay to warm it up a bit, and why
should I take a cold bath?’
When she threw the basin as she thought it was nonsense
and opened the door to get out of the bathroom, the maids
were waiting at the door . Somehow the dissatisfied
expressions of the maids seemed to be due to Mielle, who
had left the bathroom without even bathing properly .
“Miss, why did you just come out? … Oh, no, hmm, why did
you get out, Mielle?” A maid, who was still unfamiliar to
talking down to Mielle, asked, correcting her words . She
was quite awkward with her arms folded . It was because
she had to flatter Mielle in the past . Nevertheless, the
maid’s eyes were as cold as Annie’s .
Mielle replied with an angry face, “… How can I take a bath

with that cold water?”
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“Cold? It’s normal water . ” Mielle’s resistance did not work

at all, and the other maid answered in a natural way .
“Normal? That may be true for you guys, but not for me . I
can’t take a bath with that cold water, so bring me hot
water . ”
“What? Do you think you can warm up the water and wash
yourself like a lady? Now figure out who you are and your
position . ” The face of the maid was colder than the water
Mielle had to bathe in .
Mielle lost her words and bit her lips . ‘Why are they harsh
to me? At one time they had been her maids who had
praised her as the most beautiful and elegant lady . As the
maids of the richest family in the empire, they had been
always proud of themselves and never lost their pride, but
why are they now stupid and stuck to the common people?’
“… I was trying to talk to you because you were the maids

of the family of Count Roscent, but I was a fool . I should tell
my sister . ”
Mielle sighed as if it was not worth it to have a conversation

with them . It seemed that she was getting this kind of
treatment since she was now just a commoner, but she was
not from a lowly background to be treated like this unlike
them .
‘I am the daughter of the mansion’s owner and the younger

sister of Aria in the first place . If I talk to Aria, this would all
be over . ’ Aria would be very sad if she knew about this . It
was funny that she, who was born as a noble, had a
haggling with the maids with these trivial problems .
In addition, Mielle had no energy to argue with them now .

Rather than wasting her time in such a trivial thing, she
wanted to quickly wash her body, eat a nutritious meal, and
lie down in a cozy bed to sleep . Because of that, she tried
to get out of the bathroom and go to Aria, but one of the
maids grabbed her shoulder and prevented her from doing
so .

possible .

233
Chapter 233: Chapter 233 - There Is No Mercy, Part IV

No Mercy, Part IV
Translator: Khan
“What!? Where are you going? You were ordered to take a

bath!”
“… Didn’t I tell you? I’ll go to my elder sister . ”
“Are you going to Miss Aria with that dirty, miserable

appearance? Are you sure?”
The maid blatantly looked over Mielle and asked . Mielle’s

face was reddened by her dirty and ugly appearance .
“You are shameless . You don’t even know it gets dirty every
time you walk . ”
“Even the stable keeper won’t be as messy as you . ”
“Miss Aria is busy, but you are rude to interrupt her . ”
Mielle, accustomed to the elegant narration of the

aristocracy, trembled with shame at the maids’ one-sided
insults . ‘You do not know who you are . ’
It was the maids, not herself, who had to know their own
self . So she was going to be angry but realized that she was
not in a position to confront these vulgar maids and cleared
her face .
“That’s not a matter for you to care . Besides, I’ve been so

annoyed that you have talked down to me even if I was
downgraded to a commoner . I was your master, and I am
even the younger sister of Aria . You’ll definitely be punished
if my sister knows of this . ”
She shouted as if she was above the maids, and the maids
hardened like ice water in the bathroom for a while .
Mielle calmed herself as if she thought she had given a fatal

blow at them and regained her lofty look, which did not suit
her appearance . But she was mistaken . The maids looked
at each other and soon laughed as if it was ridiculous .
“Did you hear that? Oh my god, she must be crazy . ”
“Did she say she is Mrs . Carin’s daughter and the younger
sister of Miss Aria? She is just talking about the story of the
past . ”
“You’re still saying that with that dirty, miserable

appearance… Excuse me, Mielle, have you forgotten that
Mrs . Carin has divorced the former Count?”
Then, as if waiting, the mockery followed, and it meant that

the Count and Mrs . Carin had divorced, and she had no
relationship with them now; before Mielle retorted, the
maids spoke again, “You believe the rumor in public, don’t
you?”
“… Rumor?” Mielle asked, being agitated without her
recognition at the evil face .
“The rumor that Mrs . Carin temporarily divorced the former

Count to protect his property . ”
“…!”
“It wasn’t absolutely true . Mrs . Carin is still young,

beautiful and rich, so why would she marry the sick old
Count again? There’s nothing left for the former Count . ”
Another maid agreed with those words, which were perfectly

reasonable .
“He’s sick, and he has children who committed the heavy

sin of treason . One of them is right in front of us . ”
“She is an evil being who can be called the source of all

this,” said a maid, pointing her finger at Mielle .
No one could deny it; all the Count could have boasted of
was property and title, and now that he had lost all and
even his health, who else would stay with him? And it was
Mielle who had made him lost everything; her stupid
behavior had led the family of Count Roscent to be torn
apart, and the former Count also lost his health .
“This wouldn’t have been the case if the former Count

hadn’t been pushed down the stairs . ”
If Mielle hadn’t pushed the Count down the stairs, the

situation would not have gone this far .
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When the maids agreed, Mielle’s complexion was pale

because the source of all this was really her . What she
knew for herself and what she heard from someone were
quite different . The latter was much more shocking to her .
“That, that…”
When they asked for the responsibility she had intentionally

turned away from, she stammered .
‘What else can I say?’
They didn’t have to hear her excuses because it had clearly

come to light . So it was about the time when the maids,
who had taken the side of Aria and was hostile against
Mielle, began to mock again .
“What are you doing?” Annie, who had been gone for a
moment, appeared and asked . She looked at the maids that
gathered and frowned at Mielle, who was still unwashed and
dirty .
“What are you doing here? What about your bath?”
“Well, she used to be so clean before, but now she may not .
We don’t know what she wants as she complained about the
water . ”
The maids pretended not to know, and Annie, who had

made the ridiculous situation by giving a word in advance,
clapped her hands and said, “Ah, I suppose she doesn’t
know how to wash herself after she’s become a commoner,
so why don’t you help her?”
“… What?”
‘Do you mean to attend me?’ The maids, who didn’t

understand Annie’s intention because they didn’t hear her
since she was far away, looked at Annie . Mielle, not
knowing what she was doing, looked at her, too .
“What are you doing? Miss Aria is waiting . ” Annie,

laughing, took Mielle’s arm and dragged her to the
bathroom .
“Wait, wait!” Mielle shouted . She was surprised, but it was

after Annie had already held a small basin in her hand .
“Wait! Wait! Annie! You! You! With that water…!”
Sponsored Content
She had not said what she was going to do! Annie, who
pretended not to see Mielle’s embarrassment, immediately
poured the cold water over Mielle’s head without hesitation .
“Yaaah!” Mielle, surprised by the sudden cold water

baptism, sat down and screamed . It was the same with the
maids, and they swallowed their breath out of surprise .
Cold water in this cold weather! In fact, no matter how

common a person was, it was common to use warm water
on such a cold day . Moreover, there was more firewood
than needed in the mansion, so they could heat the
bathwater at any time .
If it was not hot, it would be better to postpone the bath
because it was easier to get sick when they bathe using cold
water .
So the maids, who expected Mielle to take a bath slowly,

watched the situation with their mouths covered in surprise
when Annie had put the cold water on Mielle’s head . It was
also a difficult situation to interfere .
“What are you doing, guys? Help Mielle, who can’t even
bathe alone . ”
“… Annie…”
Annie was pushing Mielle hard as if she was a real villain,

and the maids hesitated because of what Annie was doing .
They were quite reluctant to do something bad against
someone, apart from what Mielle had committed the sin and
become a commoner . It was not even comparable to hurt
her a little bit with words .
“What are you doing?” Annie asked again, but the maids
still lingered and were not active .
Annie, who sighed loudly that the bathroom sounded, filled

the small basin again and urged the maids .
“Miss Aria is waiting . ”
“…”
But how could they ignore the name ‘Aria’?
They had also heard that Aria asked them to take care of
Mielle, so they came to Mielle, who had sunk down, reading
Annie’s complexion .
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“I thought it would be a lot sooner for a lot of people to do

than wash her alone . ”
Annie said, smiling broadly, and Mielle, who was shaking

because of shock and the cold water baptism, shouted,
“Stop it . ”
“I’ll, I’ll do it! So please…” She no longer said she would go

to Aria . No, she seemed to have decided she would wash
herself because she realized that she could not go without
the harassment of the maids .
Annie put down the basin in her hand for Mielle’s wise
choice, and the maids, who almost baptized her with the
cold water, had a sigh of relief .
“All right, I hope you will not bother us any further, Mielle .
You have to get dressed up and visit Miss Aria . Besides, Mr .
Cain… No, he should only be called Cain now . Miss Aria
called Cain, so please clean yourself up . ”
At the words that Aria had called Cain, Mielle’s hand, which
was trembling, grabbed the basin . Annie saw Mielle rubbing
her body with her other hand, and she was soon satisfied,
and the maids who had squinted at Mielle followed Annie
out of the bathroom .
***
Unlike Mielle’s expectation that she would see Aria after

taking a bath, she could not easily meet her because she
was busy .
“Well, Cain… is coming to see Miss Aria tonight, and she

said that she would meet the two of you at the same time .
She has a lot of work to do . ”
If it was Mielle who was still young and small, it was fine to
talk down to her, but it was still awkward to call Cain
without his title . Annie paused for a moment and then went
on .

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234
Chapter 234: Chapter 234 - There Is No Mercy, Part V

No Mercy, Part V
Translator: Khan
Mielle, who confirmed the words again which she had heard
as she had been bathing, was surprised and covered her
mouth .
“… My brother Cain too…”
“There is no reason to call you alone! I think she’ll have

dinner with you two . She ordered two more meals . That’s
ridiculous . ”
Annie had a feigned smile as if it was ridiculous, and yet

Mielle was relieved that Aria was for her and Cain .
Aria’s mother was divorced on paper, but they were still a

family, and Mielle didn’t like the simple uniform and room
that could be seen as a commoner’s, but she was satisfied
with this arrangement .
Of course, she did not intend to remain still and keep living
as a commoner even if it was so . She was going to ask for a
change in something she didn’t like .
“Anyway, Miss Aria has a lot of work to do, so enjoy your
time . You may not have spare time anymore . ”
“… What is she doing?”
Mielle asked a question as Annie tried to turn around

because she suddenly wondered . Aria had always been
busy doing something without having anything . As a result,
she had invested in promising young businessmen, enlarged
wealth and power, and made all the servants of the mansion
be on her side .
Mielle had thought of Aria as a trivial thing, and that

everything she had been busy with was no good, but she
didn’t think like that anymore . So Mielle asked, and Annie
looked genuinely surprised and asked, “Although you were
in jail, don’t you know that?”
“…”
Mielle had been told that she was the most intelligent of the
noble ladies until recently, but she knew nothing as Annie
said, so she had no other words to say . What Mielle had
known was nothing more than manners .
So when there was no answer, Annie, who put her hand on

her waist, began to talk as if she were proud of herself .
“Miss Aria is in touch with the people who will fill the post on
behalf of the nobles who committed treason, and with the
Imperial Castle . There are a lot of vacant lands and
government jobs . ”
“Why does my sister do that?”

She asked as it was an unexpected answer, and Annie
answered as if it were natural,
“The nobles she invested in will be there! They will not be

granted the estate because they have no special
accomplishments, but they will be given similar power
because they have to manage it . She’ll be filling the labor
shortage of the Imperial Castle with capable men from the
academy, and she will let them learn the lack of skills in the
academy . In many ways, they need the help of our lady .
No, the empire will be ruined without her now . ”
Annie said with exaggeration but to some extent it was true

. Because a lot of nobles of the empire had been executed .
All of those who filled the vacancy were lower nobles who
had a relationship with Aria . The most competent of the
commoners were to be put into filling the vacancy where
the Aristocratic Party had been kicked out .
It was already publicly spread, and there was no need to

hide it . Some had already been appointed formally . It was
easy to do so because Aria’s side was also on the side of the
Crown Prince, and it was also easy to take strong power,
similar to the previous Aristocratic Party trying to neutralize
the imperial power by concentrating their forces on the
power institution .
“So, is my sister doing it in the middle?”
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Aria was doing something more than she thought, and she
could not hide her surprise, and Annie, excited by this,
boasted of Aria, pretending to know the details .
“There are many others and so many that you dare not
imagine . So she has taken the Crown Prince’s heart, unlike
you, who was abandoned by your fiancée . ”
‘Despite the difference between the heavens and the earth

between the origin and the learning…’
“Well, anyway, you have to thank her for your rest and wait
quietly because it’s not too long before you’re so
comfortable . ”
She left Mielle’s room, leaving a meaningful word for

whether this was all she had to say or whether there was
nothing more to be scornful about .
“Is my sister… the center of power like Miss Isis in the past?
She is a commoner… and the daughter of a prostitute .
However, Miss Isis doesn’t even … exist in this world
anymore . ”
Unable to realize Annie’s mocking, Mielle was shocked by

the new information about Aria and spoke to herself,
keeping her eyes in the air for a long time .
***
Dinner was late . They didn’t know what the main reason
was . Thanks to that, Cain, who had been taken to the
mansion for dinner, had to have the eyes of servants in the
front hall for a very long time . There were a lot of things
about Cain that would interest them . But what really caught
their attention was Cain wearing the uniform of a pageboy .
As he was older, he was not a pageboy, but now he just

entered the Imperial Castle, so he had no choice . It was
because all the servants entering the Imperial Castle were
selected at a young age . There were a few that went there
after adulthood, so there was no dress for him .
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“Is that really Mr . Cain?”
“I feel like I saw something I should not see . ”
The one, who they had served as their master, appeared in

a dress of a pageboy, not a commoner’s dress, so they
could not believe what they were seeing and was
speechless . Nevertheless, the reason why they could not
move their eyes off of him was that it was quite funny and
strange that an adult was dressed in a pageboy uniform .
If he wasn’t really a crazy person, a grown man wouldn’t

wear a child’s clothes, and no matter how the uniform fitted
him, the shape and the pattern were the pageboy’s . Cain
knew it, too, so he tried to pretend not to know, but
eventually, he warned them to stop staring at him as if he
didn’t overcome his shame .
“… What are you looking at?”
But it wouldn’t work . No, some of them had really moved

their eyes off as it was shortly after their master had
changed, but most of them looked at Cain with wide-opened
eyes . It was because there was a man behind him like a
watcher and because they thought he might overpower him,
in case . The role of the watcher was that .
The servants now seemed to be in touch with the fact that

Cain and Mielle had rebelled and that the prestigious family
of Count Roscent had been ruined . However, Aria had not
come down for long, and their mockery and curiosity
continued for Cain, and it was not until late at night that
Aria came down from her room to the first floor .
“Oh, my God . When did you come, brother? I didn’t know I

was busy . ”
She approached Cain with a soft step, pretending not to

know it even though Jessie reported it to her several times .
“You must have a hard time coming here . I think we should

eat quickly . Unfortunately, my mother is out, so we should
eat first . Jessie, can you get me Mielle?”
The expression of Cain, who was ashamed, was loosened by

her soft tone .
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‘You saved me from the execution, who had participated in

the rebellion, and made a way for me to live in the future, so
how can I not be happy?’
“Let’s go to the dining room, brother . ”
Aria’s soft smile lightened his steps to the dining room as if

he were a nobleman in the past . Shortly after Aria and Cain
arrived at the dining room, Mielle appeared . As Aria saw her
panting, Mielle seemed to have waited a long time for this .
“Brother! Sister!”
Mielle raised her voice with a flushed face, and all the
attention of the servants was focused on her . Although
there was no aristocrat in this place, it was a frivolous
behavior . She had been a beautiful noblewoman in the
past, but she was so excited that she could not care about it
. She hugged her brother Cain once who glanced over her
with his surprised eyes and turned around to Aria .
“My elder sister, I wanted to see you . ”
“Is that so? I’m sorry, I’m so busy… Just sit down . Let’s
have dinner . ”
She had a lot to say, but suddenly, she could not talk about
it, so she nodded and sat down after finding her place .
“It’s already too late, but we’ll talk about it while we eat,”
said Aria, putting the salad in her mouth .

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235
Chapter 235: Chapter 235 - There Is No Mercy, Part VI

No Mercy, Part VI
Translator: Khan
She seemed to be busy and hurried, but it was so elegant

and natural that it was enough to impress the viewers .
‘How can our lady be so elegant?’
“… Most of all, I want to thank you for saving us . ”
It was Cain who noticed Aria’s busy meal and spoke first,
and he thanked her for her hard work .
“It wasn’t a big deal . ”
When she answered that it was not a big deal, Cain’s face
darkened, because he realized that she has become so
much of a being .
“… Thank you for what you have done for our father . I
heard all the explanations, and now that I know all about it,
and my position is more than I deserve . ”
Mielle, who did not know the circumstances, turned to Cain

as if she were asking for an answer, and she was surprised
at her situation and did not think of the Count, because she
thought Aria had given him any help .
“You are welcome . It’s not me, but you who is going to
carry the burden . ”
“… But it was all thanks to mother and you . ”
But instead of answering, the ongoing thank-you sign went

on, and Mielle eventually asked why,
“What is our father doing now? Is he in the mansion?”
She was the one who had put the Count in a terrible
situation, so it was strange to ask herself, but Cain
explained it kindly,
“Our father is in a… medical facility, because even the

mansion of Count Roscent was reverted to the empire, and
he has no place to go . ”
“… I see, but it’s fortunate . ”
Now Mielle knew the situation of the Count, and had a relief
as if she thought it was really fortunate . She had thought
he had been abandoned after divorce, but now found out
that he was OK .
But there was something she still didn’t know, so Aria told
her, “Well, my mother and I have nothing but to move him,
but you have to pay for all the costs and future costs . ”
“… Well, I heard that the Imperial Castle would pay, so I

would handle it anyway . Besides, Mielle will soon become
an adult . ”
So it would cost a lot of money, but he seemed to pay it
back with Mielle, for the rest of his life, until the Count was
dead .
“Brother, brother, what are you talking about now…? You’re

not saying you’re going to pay it back with me, are you?”
When Mielle, who had never imagined that she would do

work for her lifetime, asked again with a pale face, but when
no answer came, she stood up and raised her voice, “Why,
why doesn’t your mother married my father again?”
The words chilled the atmosphere in the dining room . It was

because there were several maids who had seen Mrs . Carin
go out with a man who had looked like Aria . They had
looked quite friendly and sweet .
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There was such a man next to her, who was so young and
handsome and friendly, and who would remarry the former
Count who could hardly move? Besides, he looked so much
like Aria that no one could think but her biological father .
Cain didn’t even know Chloe’s identity, but he didn’t say

anymore whether he was convinced and understood that
she no longer had any reason to look for the former Count .
“What do you mean, brother? I can’t stay away from Annie!

Work?” Then Mielle shouted again, and Annie dared to
intervene in the conversation, “I’m sorry, Miss, but can I say
something?”
If it had been in the past, Aria would have scolded how she
dared to intervene as a maid, but now they were all of the
same status and Annie was also involved in this
conversation, so no one could criticize her .
“Yes, Annie . ”
“I’m getting ready to leave the mansion too, so why don’t

you take Mielle as a maid instead of me? Anyway, she’s in a
position to stay with me and make money . ”
When Aria’s permission was given, Annie quickly unraveled

what she had prepared . It was also the beginning of the
final movement, in which only Aria knew the end . She had
waited long for a chance, and it was her goal .
Aria smiled brightly and praised Annie for speaking out what
she had ordered to say as if it was her idea .
“That’s a good idea . It’s a good idea that even the former
Count, Cain, and Miele can all be happy in the future . ”
And it must have been Aria who would be the happiest .
“Well, I…!” Because everyone put a silent pressure on her to

become a maid of the mansion, she stammered .
‘How can I say I will do such a vulgar and uncivilized work?’

It was totally unacceptable . But she couldn’t say that
because her father, who had been pushed down the stairs
and crippled, was taken hostage .
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“You can’t stay away from me anyway, so you don’t have a
choice, do you? Besides, those who don’t work in this
mansion can’t eat . Look at Miss Aria . She’s working till late
at night . ”
Except for Mrs . Carin, the owner of the mansion, all the
servants, as well as Aria, were working . Like the nobility,
nothing was created for free because there was no land
granted by the country .
In addition, no matter how hard she tried to deny, she had

no choice but to work as a maid . Now, Mielle was neither a
noble nor a daughter of the noble, just a child and a sinner
who was responsible for her sick father without holding
anything in her hand .
She had to work even if she didn’t have to stay next to

Annie . Since there was no one else to support her
education, she had to work with gratitude for the years she
had spent . She had to repay the former Count for raising
her so beautifully and gracefully .
“… well, it’s…”
‘So, how can I complain any more?’ There was no room for
denial because no one else was responsible for her .
“Mielle, don’t worry . I’ll pay you enough . How can I treat
you so badly?”
“Sister…”
As Mielle tried to deny it right away because her salary was

not an issue, Aria took a sip of the drink and added, “You will
have a social experience for the future and get used to it a
little bit, for your poor father, who can’t move because he’s
sick . ”
‘For your father who you had made like that . ’ Aria’s eyes
were thinning out when she made Mielle recognize the
heavy price for her sin again .
“Whenever you feel uncomfortable, let me know . I should

do that for you . ”
Aria, who had said so, wiped her mouth with a napkin and
got up from her seat . I didn’t eat much, but I was about to
finish .
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“I still have work to do, so I’ll have to finish my meal .

Brother, Mielle . I hope you enjoy your meal slowly . I’m not
your family now on paper, but I think of you like a family, so
just relax and go . ”
Mielle reached out to Aria as if she still had something to

say, but Aria, who no longer had any reason to be here,
quickly turned and left the dining room . And there was
silence in the dining room for a while, where Roscent’s
brother and sister were left, and a moment later, it was Cain
who broke the stillness .
“Mielle, by the look of your face, I know how much you have
a grievance, but thank her for her goodwill and humbly
accept it . ”
“… Brother?”
Mielle stared at Cain with an incredulous look . ‘Why does

Cain even ask me to be a maid?’
“… We made our father like that, so we should take care of
him . It’s time to face reality . We don’t have any other
options anyway . ”
Exactly, Mielle had done it, but he could no longer hurt his
sister and swallowed his words .
‘What on earth have you heard from the Imperial Castle,

and in a short time, you have changed so much . ’ Mielle
glanced over her brother in disbelief, but felt that he no
longer had the will to talk about the topic . So, she tried to
say something but dropped her head .
***
“Miss, will Mielle really listen to you without any

resistance?” Annie, who secretly brought a simple dinner to
Aria who had returned to her room, asked her very privately
.
Aria replied as if it was natural . “If she says she can’t do it,
I’ll have her do it . You’re doing great, so do as I tell you . ”

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236
Chapter 236: Chapter 236 - There Is No Mercy, Part VII

No Mercy, Part VII
Translator: Khan
“I get it, Miss . By the way, what are you going to do to

make her a maid? I don’t think it’s very useful, and I’m also
wondering why you should make such an arrogant kid as a
maid . Don’t tell me I have to take her out, right? Annie said
that because Mielle had to stay next to her .
Aria replied with an unexpected smile to the worried Annie .

“Don’t worry . That’s not going to happen . ”
To be exact, it was highly likely that everything would be

sorted out before Annie would marry and leave the mansion
. Annie cocked her head at Aria’s vague answer, but she
nodded, thinking she might have a deep thought .
“Well, as you said, I’ll be hard on her starting tomorrow! I’m

actually having a little fun . I think this is why the nobles are
harassing the maids . ”
Aria lightly smiled as Annie looked as if she would do what

she didn’t ask her to do . She also wondered if Annie, who
chose to bully others for fun rather than for a reason, was
even worse off .
The proclamation to afflict Miele was not empty talk, and
from the next day, Annie harassed Mielle with great severity
. No, everything Mielle did as a maid was a pain for her,
even if Annie didn’t do anything .
Mielle had to wake up early in the morning, eat breakfast in

a hurry, and clean the mansion, but be scolded several
times by Annie . Of course, she protested her strongly at
first, but she was forced to reduce her malice with the
secret weapon Annie had prepared .
“Mielle, are you stupid or do you want to die? If you want to

go back to prison, keep rebelling that way . ”
“…!”
“Do you really like that prison? No matter how much the
weather is getting warmer, the prison would be cold without
a thin blanket . It looks like you can’t even eat right there . ”
“You, you…”
It was not even her sick father who had made her surrender,
but the prison that had made her suffer, not even her
brother, who had turned to give up less than a day later .
This was because Mielle spent more of her feelings worrying
about her own safety than understanding and sympathizing
with the pain that others suffered .
“You? I told you to call me Miss Annie . There’s a class

among maids . Besides, I’m not like the average maid . I am
a maid who can stand next to Lady Aria . ”
“…”
“You didn’t forget that the maids put ‘Mrs . ’ on Emma when
they called her, right? So please watch your mouth, unless
you want to be put back in jail . ”
To Annie, who turned around again referring to the prison,

Mielle could not rebel at all . Instead, she sneaked into Aria’s
room to escape the public eye .
She believed that Aria would rebuke that presumptuous

Annie! She tried to meet Aria several times, but she couldn’t
. Besides, when she barely met her, she was smiling merrily
with Annie next to her .
“What’s the matter, Mielle?”
“Uh, sister…”
‘I’ve come to accuse Annie, but why is Annie next to Aria?’
It was quite natural for her to be Aria’s maid, but for Mielle,
who had barely met Aria, felt as if the sky had collapsed .
“Sorry . An important letter has arrived . Can you wait for a

moment?”
“Yes? Ah, yes…”
Mielle, who was so obedient, stood still at the door, waiting

only for the end of Aria’s business . Not surprisingly, she
was not asked to sit down, and Annie, who was talking to
Aria, sometimes glared at her, so she couldn’t even say
she’d sit down .
“Is this a formal invitation?”
“Yes, it was originally planned for winter, but now it’s going
on . ”
“Now that the empire doesn’t have the Duke family, the
Marquis of Vincent and Sarah are the highest nobility, so all
the nobles will gather, right?”
“It’s very likely . ”
“What about His Highness the Crown Prince?” asked Annie,

her eyes shining . She asked if Aria would attend with a
whim to the place where all the nobles of the empire would
gather .
Then Aria took out another letter that had been placed
under Sarah’s invitation . “His Highness said he would
attend in person . ”
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“Oh, my God… then this will be your first party together

with His Highness!”
They had met at Sarah’s engagement ceremony, but it was

the first time she officially accompanied him to the party .
They might get more attention than Sarah, the main
character of the wedding . Still, Sarah must have been
pleased, not caring .
“Then the time is running out, so you’ll have to prepare your

dress right away! Should I call in a designer? Something
fancy would be better, right?”
Aria shook her head and lifted the letter so that Annie could
see it better .
“Read it . ”
Annie quickly began to read the letter before her eyes .
‘Would you like to come with me to Marquis Vincent’s

wedding? It’s a good opportunity in a long time, and I’ll send
you a dress and shoes if you allow me to do . ’
“Oh, my God . Does it mean His Highness is sending you the

dress himself?”
“Yes, so don’t prepare anything . ”
Annie grasped her hands with an ecstatic face as she

finished reading the letter .
It seemed that she had already imagined Aria and Asher

that would show off their beauty at Sarah’s wedding . It
wasn’t her own business but Annie reacted with great joy,
and Aria smiled briefly and asked Annie if Annie had been so
cute .
“What about you?”
“Yes?”
“Are you not attending with Baron Burboom? I think he also

received an invitation . ”
Then Annie opened her eyes in a circle and said to Aria in

surprise . “I got it, but… I thought I should go with you . ”
“If you follow me, I’m sure Mr . Asher will get angry . ”
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So when Aria asked her to go with Baron Burboom, a big
smile came to Annie’s face .
“Can I really do that?”
“Yes . You say it like I never let you go . ”
“Thank you so much! Miss!”
“I’m not the one to prepare for the dress, but you’re the one
to do it . ”
“… In fact, Baron Burboom said he would send someone . ”
‘Did you hide it after hearing it?’ Aria looked a little

dumbfounded .
Annie scratched her on the cheek and avoided Aria’s eyes .
“It’s… it’s tomorrow, and I haven’t given him a definite

answer yet . May I go out?”
“Tomorrow? If I tell you not to go out, I’d be a bitch . Go out

and come back safe . ”
“Yes, Miss!”
Annie gasped out of the room, and only then Aria beckoned
Mielle, who was standing by the door .
“Did you come here because you wanted to say something?

You must be having a hard time with your work . Your face
has become quite emaciated . ”
Then, Mielle slowly approached Aria with her mouth shut

and a dark look on her face .
‘I came here to complain, but how can I say that to Aria,
who had just talked about the sweet time ahead?’
As she thought of herself, she was so humble . She was in

the same position as Aria until recently . No, she was much
nobler and more graceful than Aria was .
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‘But what about now?’ She was in a position to clean up the

floor that was passed by others, being abused by the maids
. ‘I’m sure Aria doesn’t care as much about those trivial
things . ’ Aria, who noticed the will of Mielle, who didn’t
open her mouth easily, spoke in a soft tone, handing over
the tea that had been poured for Annie’s share .
“If you have a hardship, let me know, Mielle . ”
“…”
It was like a friendly word that noticed Mielle’s heart . Mielle

slowly opened her mouth and carefully accused Annie of
what she had done .
“It’s… it’s hard for Annie to be so mean to me, sister…”
“My God, I see . Oh, poor girl . ”
When Aria didn’t listen to Annie, stood on her side, and

didn’t hide her sad face, Mielle, who gained confidence,
confessed what Annie had been harassing her .
“She even spilled water on the hallway I had already
cleaned up . And sometimes she kicked the water that I had
brought, and she dusted the windowsill . Even she
threatened me that she would send me to prison if I hurt her
feelings a little bit…”
“… How could she have done such a wicked thing…?”
Aria clasped Mielle’s trembling hand, admiring the traces of

Annie, who had indeed harassed her enough .
“Not only that but other maids…”
“I was told that… they were being naughty to a newcomer,

but I didn’t even know they would do this . ”
“Sister…”
“I must have been too idle . Don’t worry, I’ll give them a
harsh scolding because you’re my sister . ”

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237
Chapter 237: Chapter 237 - There Is No Mercy, Part VIII

No Mercy, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
Mielle burst out into tears when Aria brought up what she
had been waiting for . It was not thanks to Aria . It was
simply because of the joy of punishing maids who didn’t
know who they were now .
Aria, who gave Mielle a handkerchief, said in a bright voice,

“Mielle, why don’t you go to Lady Sarah’s wedding for a
change of mood?”
“… me?” Because she had no acquaintance with Sarah,

Mielle asked back with tears hanging on her eyes .
Aria smiled brightly and affirmed, “Yes . If you are alone in

the mansion, you will feel depressed . ”
‘But the wedding between the Marquis of Vincent and

Sarah… There must be a lot of people who were on the side
of Aria and the Crown Prince, but how can I go there? I
might be insulted to the point of no comparison with the
bullying at the mansion . Moreover, my status has been
lowered and I have to participate as a maid, so why are you
suggesting such a proposal?’
Aria read Mielle’s complexion that she didn’t like it, and said
again, stroking her hand . “And besides… you can’t continue
living with this misunderstanding, so I think it’s necessary
for you to meet people again . ”
“… misunderstanding?”
“Now you don’t have a bad idea anymore . You were too
young to judge . Everyone makes mistakes when they’re
young . ”
Of course, Mielle of the past hadn’t changed since she

became an adult and had become more vicious, taking the
life of Aria, but Aria smiled softly but did not mention such a
useless explanation, for her cause .
“Misunderstanding…'”
‘Who would have covered it up as her childishness, though

she could have ruined the empire?’ Mielle still stuck to her
anxious look .
“Why don’t you stay near me if you’re that nervous? You’ll

just have to make an acquaintance with them a little bit . ”
But the persuasion of Aria continued to the point that it

would not end if Mielle did not give her consent .
“Why don’t you wait in the carriage, in case? You can go

back first, if you don’t want to . There’s a constraint on
being next to Annie, but if I say it well, they’ll overlook it . ”
‘So how can I not nod?’ Mielle slowly nodded when Aria said,
“You can go back first if you don’t want to . ”
Then Aria smiled on her face with great joy . “You made a
very good choice, Mielle . I’ll tell Annie well, so don’t worry .
”
And that smile of Aria was enough to give Mielle credibility .
***
Whether Aria had really given Annie a hard scolding, Annie’s

behavior harassing Mielle suddenly stopped . No other
maids openly bullied her either . It was because Annie was
the main driver of the harassment in the first place, and
because Annie stopped harassing Mielle, they didn’t have to
harass her first and do anything evil .
“Mielle, do you see these dusts? Are you really reporting

that you cleaned them all?”
“…”
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Of course, Annie didn’t pass Mielle’s mistake, but she just

stopped finding fault with something for no reason .
Sometimes a significant smile followed, but it was much
better than when she had been harassed . Rather, Mielle
regained the confidence she had lost, feeling that Aria was
taking more care of herself than just a maid, Annie .
‘Now that I have sinned, I can do nothing, but if I would go
back to the same place as the original in a little while, I will
never let go of Annie and other maids . ’
It was sometimes included in Aria’s advice to Mielle . Of

course, like herself of the past, Aria sent her maid to melt
her frozen heart .
“Are you all right? Why don’t you take a break? This is from
Lady Aria . She said she is worried and you need a little
rest…”
It wasn’t because of the sweet snacks Jessie brought, as

Mielle’s eyes had tears . It was because of Jessie, who had
been with Aria’s side for the longest time, brought it .
Jessie looked pitifully at Mielle, who was really suffering .

Although she had been harassing and sinning against Aria, it
was very miserable to see her fall so far, as she was not yet
an adult .
Although Mielle didn’t like the sympathetic look of the maid,

she realized that Jessie had a good relationship with Annie,
and soon lowered the tip of her eyebrows and bit her lower
lip to make her face look pitiful .
“Jessie, thank you . You’ve always been very friendly . In the

past, I used to order you as a noblewoman, but now my
status is low, and you are the only one that looks after me,
even if everyone hates me . ”
Although it was not simply because of her lowered status,

but because of her past actions, Mielle criticized the maids
who harassed her, to win Jessie’s heart full of compassion
for herself . The confusion was to make it so .
“… it’s not because your status has been lowered, but
they’re good people anyway, so it’ll be better soon . ” So
Jessie, sensing a bit strange in Mielle’s answer, corrected it .
“Yes, Jessie . You’re right . They’re all good people .

However, they find fault with anything without reason . They
just take advantage of being on their own ground over a
newcomer . ”
When she was told that they find fault with anything, Jessie
recalled Annie’s face in an instant . Jessie, who had seen
Annie harassing Mielle, also thought she was a little too
much .
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The other servants of the mansion were so easily swept

away, and they would change their attitude if the mood
changed, but Annie was a little different . She harassed
Mielle as if she were planning to .
Of course, considering what Mielle had been doing behind

their back so far, Jessie thought it was deserved, but when
Mielle made a pitiful look before her eyes, her heart shook .
It was Jessie who had been against Aria in the past, unlike
others . Of course, the wicked Aria had thrown her away, but
she had not given up on her will until the end . That was
why Aria chose Jessie as the one to deliver refreshments .
“… don’t worry . The lady is taking care of you, so you’ll be

well soon . If it’s hard to tell the lady, you can tell me . ”
As Aria wished, Jessie sympathized with Mielle and gained
her trust little by little . Sometimes Jessie brought snacks
Aria wanted to deliver, and took the initiative to listen to her
troubles .
“… Does Annie hate me? She is kind to other people…”
Of course, Mielle had intentions that were slightly different

from those of pure Jessie . She tried to undermine the
relationship of Jessie and Annie, by disparaging Annie in
secret .
“I’m sure she won’t do it anymore when you get used to it .

Annie is a good girl . ”
But that shallow trick didn’t work for Jessie, and to make
matters worse, it seemed like the little ruse of Mielle was
being carried over quietly because Annie no longer had any
fault with her .
“My God! You look better in your clothes…!”
“Really?”
“Yes! You’re always so beautiful, but I’m speechless when

you are in such a well-decorated dress!”
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“At this point, I’m worried that Miss Sarah will be

uncomfortable!”
Aria, wearing the dress that Asher had sent, could only be
described as a real beauty itself . The embroidery, placed in
gold on a soft pink dress, was shaped like a tulip
symbolizing the empire, and the star-storied jewels at the
base of the dress glistened softly as if each boasted its
value .
It was not a taste of Aria, so there were no cumbersome

decorations, ribbons or frills attached, but it was not too
much to say that she was more beautiful than anyone else
just with their rich-looking skirts and unexcessive jewels .
“Sarah’s not such a petty person, so she won’t mind . I also

don’t want to ruin Sarah’s wedding, so I’m just going to say
hi and stay quiet . ”
‘Of course, being quiet does not mean that their eyes will
not gather, but those with sense will turn their eyes . Sarah
is not such a woman who will care about such trifles, so I
don’t have to worry about it . ’
“Annie, you look great too . ”
Aria said to Annie, who was combing her hair . Annie also
dressed up in the dress sent by Baron Burboom . Although
her beauty was not close to Aria, she was a noticeable
figure among the maids . Perhaps Annie was proud of
herself, but she raised her chin to the fullest extent and
laughed as she covered her mouth .
“Thank you, Miss . It’s all thanks to you . ”
“It’s not thanks to me . You made it yourself . ”
“I’m shy…”
Unlike her shy red face, her eyes were full of confidence . It
was not a cover for humility, so it was passed on to other
maids .

possible .

238
Chapter 238: Chapter 238 - . There Is No Mercy, Part IX

No Mercy, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Until just a year ago, she had been a cheerful girl who had
been covered in freckles, but now she was far from the past
as a real Baroness .
Of course, there were the maids who were envious, and

they also added commitment to their loyalty to Aria in order
to live a better life like Annie . It was to be picked up . But
Aria no longer intended to take care of the thin-eared maids
who had helped Mielle in the past and laughed off the
insidious behavior of the maids who did not know that .
Mielle, who was watching this from the corner without

saying a word, sighed and turned her eyes out of the
window . In the past, Aria’s place had been for her, but now
it was not, so she had a burning feeling .
Now no one gave Mielle that look . No, rather, they treated
her as an invisible human being who was nowhere to be
found . They had used to flatter in front of her that Aria was
vulgar .
In the eyes of Mielle, a splendid carriage entered the
mansion, which must be the Crown Prince’s that had tried to
somehow show off his presence with Aria from the past .
“Uh, the carriage of His Highness has arrived!”
Other maids also raised their voices with their eyes wide
open as they were leaving the window open . As a result,
the touch of the last decoration had quickened, and Aria
was able to get ready and leave the room before he got off
the wagon .
“Have you come?”
“… I thought you were coming down from the sky . ”
Aria laughed a little in his response that seemed sincere and

not as an exaggeration . Unlike the pretentious smile she
just made, it was a sincere one .
“Oh, my God, look at the clothes worn by His Highness the

Crown Prince…”
A maid, who was watching the scene from afar, spoke in a

very low voice to another maid next to her .
“Did he arrange them as a set? It’s just like a set . ”
“I think so . The embroidery on the collar is the same . ”
“So did he send it as a gift to our lady?”
“Oh, my God, with those splendid appearances, guests will

get confused about who’s getting married . ”
As the maids said, the clothes of Asher had the same

embroidery as Aria . Whether Aria also noticed it, she
passed Asher’s hand, which politely reached out, and
touched his collar .
A beautiful embroidered gold thread without any

misalignment was touched by Aria’s fingertips . As she liked
it, and made a gentle smile, Asher’s smile deepened, too .
“Shall we go?”
When asked again with his hand out, Aria nodded and held
him gently this time . When he was about to escort her
straight to the carriage and leave the mansion, Aria
stopped, as if there was something she had forgotten .
“Do you have anything you’ve forgotten?”
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“No, it’s not an item, but it’s a person . ”
Aria’s eyes headed toward Mielle, who was located a little

distance away . Then, as if waiting, Mielle, who came
forward, bowed her head in front of Asher .
“I’ve decided to go with Mielle . It’s for a change for my

mood . ”
“…”
As a natural result, Asher’s face, which had just been filled

with joy and satisfaction, stiffened . His face showed why
this criminal interrupted his time with her . ”
It was not only Asher that thought so, but the servants
around them also took a sigh and cursed Mielle, who was
trying to intervene between Aria and Asher .
No matter how much Aria had recommended, she should

have rejected it with keen notice . ‘How dare you intervene
between us even if we meet in a long time?’ At Asher’s cold
blue eyes, Mielle shrunk . It was only then that she regretted
that she would attend the wedding .
Aria, who had expected this from the beginning, called out
Asher’s name as if she did not know .
“Do you really have to ride with her in the same wagon? I
wanted to go alone with you . ”
So far, only two people had moved, and the maids had used
a separate carriage or they had not taken any maid at all .
Asher appealed her with his eyes . Aria, who was speechless
with surprise because she didn’t create the situation to see
him like this, suddenly came to her senses and brought up
what she had prepared to do when she heard him calling
her name .
“Lady Aria?”
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“I must have been a little careless . I’ve never done that

before . I’m sorry, Mielle, but would you like to take Annie’s
wagon? I’ve ordered them to give Annie the most
spectacular carriage in the mansion, so it shouldn’t be
uncomfortable . Besides, you had to move with Annie
anyway . ”
Aria was sure that the Baron Burboom would come to pick
up Annie, but Aria smiled and said, pretending not to know
it . The sudden load made Annie’s face look gray, but only
her lips clenched and muzzled .
‘How can I complain about her giving the most splendid

carriage in the mansion?’ Even if she did not give such a
carriage, she could not vent any complaints on Asher’s face
as if he were very satisfied . It was Mielle, not Aria and
Asher, where Annie’s irritation headed, who would ruin her
date in a long time, was directed .
“Then Annie, please take care of Mielle well . ”
Aria, who smiled as if she didn’t know Annie’s irritation as

Annie was surprised and couldn’t speak, got into the
carriage with Asher . Annie and Mielle, both of them looked
stunned by the shock . Asher, who thought strangely of Aria
who glanced out the window with a significant smile, asked
her if anything good had happened .
“Yes, I’ve only had good things lately . I think it’ll continue to
be like that in the future . I think something fun will happen
soon,” said Aria . And Asher smiled and laughed as he was
flushed by her words .
“Is it related to me?”
Then he asked with a certain look of expectation . He

expected that when it came to Aria’s ‘future,’ he would
naturally be included .
Asher would be in the joy of her future, but he had nothing
to do with this work at all, so when Aria refused to give an
answer, a question came to his face . ‘What makes you so
happy?’
“It has nothing to do with you, but I think my long-awaited

work will finally come to an end . ”
“If it’s something you’ve been looking forward to…”
As he knew all about Aria’s situation, he omitted his words .

For some reason, he thought it might have something to do
with keeping Mielle alive .
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Aria continued, “It is as you guess . It’s revenge for the

woman who put me to death . The last thing I’ve ever
wished for is coming . ”
“… I see . May I ask what you’re going to do?”
“There’s nothing special . I’m just giving it back the way

Mielle did to me . Just like she did to me, I’m going to return
it back to her . ”
Aria’s words reminded Asher of the past she had confessed

to and what misfortune Mielle had inflicted on Aria . In the
past, Aria, who had been horribly killed, was only at the end
of death to see that the nature of Mielle and the whole
situation that cost her own life had been set up by Mielle .
It was the past when she had crawled into a trap without
even knowing she was going to destroy herself . As soon as
he realized that such was what Aria had prepared and
expected, he held her hand gently with some regret .
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“… No, I just want you not to hate me like this . ”
Although she had lost her life by Mielle, she was still alive at
this moment . However, it didn’t mean that what she had
experienced was gone, but she could have mercy on Mielle,
who had nothing more to lose and had nowhere to fall . But
Aria didn’t want to do that . Although the frequency was
lower than before, she used to wake up even when she was
sleeping with a cold sensation around her neck . She
wondered if this moment was a lie, and she doubted that it
was a dream .
So she had to give back Mielle the same pain to prove that
this moment was not a lie . Simply losing her life was not
enough . She had to see clearly that it was none other than
Mielle who was tricked by the maids and would make her
crazy .
That was how she felt her life would be in the original place,
not as a wicked woman who had ended her life stupidly in
the past, but as a newly born and recognized Aria .

possible .

239
Chapter 239: Chapter 239 - . There Is No Mercy, Part X

No Mercy, Part X
Translator: Khan
“As I told you, there’s no way I’m going to hate you for that .
Rather, you are so cleverly organized that I feel relieved,”
said Asher, as he held Aria’s worried hand more tightly .
“I’m just a little worried that there’s nothing I can do to help

.”
“Don’t worry . Everything is going smoothly . When this is

over, everything will go back to normal . ”
‘My nightmares will also come to an end . ’
“If you need me anytime, let me know . Whatever it is, I’m

willing to help you . ”
“Thank you . I haven’t seen you in a long time, but I’m

making the mood weird . ”
“It’s not weird . No matter what the story is, I enjoy every
moment with you . ”
“So do I . ”
Aria regained her smile again and made a bright one to
Asher . She could only smile that bright because she was
really running toward the end . Soon everything would be
arranged, and she would have a new life .
***
“… Because of you!”
Annie, who had been unable to move for a while after the
carriage left, soon vented her anger on Mielle . She thought
she would wear a dress prepared by Baron Burboom and
play the noblewoman, but she had to take such an intruder
with her!
“… I don’t want to follow you, Annie . ” Mielle also spoke

very coldly, apparently not wanting to accompany Annie .
But the two, who were unable to convey the words to the
very person who had made the situation this way, gritted
their teeth with sharp hostility toward each other . And
unfortunately, the Baron of Burboom arrived at the mansion
before things were sorted out .
“You’ve already come out . ” Even the Baron of Burboom,

who confirmed that quite a crowd had gathered in the
garden, asked with a very surprised look .
“… Baron Burboom!”
Annie hurriedly changed her face and smiled broadly to

greet Baron Burboom . In this exciting situation, the
servants began to observe Annie, Baron Burboom and
Mielle, holding their breath without returning to the mansion
.
“You’re as beautiful as I thought . ”
“Thank you… You look great, too . ”
“That’s a great compliment . ”
Like other lovers, Baron Burboom, who showed his love for
Annie, said that they were running out of time and reached
out . He meant to start . If it had been, as usual, she would
have raised her chin to the fullest extent and held his hand
as if to boast to everyone but not now . The matter with
Mielle remained .
Aria had left after asking for a favor, but Annie couldn’t take
Mielle with her, but if she took Mielle with her, her date
would be disturbed, and she didn’t like that .
As the silence continued for a moment, Jessie, who had

been wary of the situation, stung Annie on the back and
spoke quietly to her privately, “Annie, our lady asked you to
go with Mielle . Don’t cause unnecessary trouble… It turns
out that Mielle is a good girl, too . ”
Jessie was the one who had had counseling in Mielle’s

distress, and she also had sympathy for her . As she sided
with Mielle and urged Annie, Annie, who had no other
choice, rolled her eyes and breathed a small sigh as if she
had made up her mind .
“… I’m sorry, Mr . Baron, but we should give a ride to a maid

.”
“I see . You can do that . ”
‘I thought you were going to say something about

interrupting our time . ’ Unlike the Crown Prince, who had
pleaded and complained to Aria, Baron Burboom
immediately answered that she could do that, and Annie’s
discontent grew .
“… Let’s go, Mielle . ”
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“… Mielle?”
So when she called Mielle’s name in a feeble voice, Baron

Burboom stared at Mielle with a look of surprise .
The look of the Baron of Burboom stiffened as he saw the

Mielle of the rumor following Annie . ‘Why does Mielle
accompanying Annie?’ No, it was a face full of questions as
to why she became Annie’s maid .
It was Annie, who noticed that, but was so upset by her

irritation with Mielle and her disappointment with Baron
Burboom that she didn’t add any other explanation, and no
conversation was exchanged in the carriage until they
finally arrived at Sarah’s wedding .
***
Starting late, Annie and Baron Burboom’s carriage arrived at

the mansion of Marquis Vincent before Aria and Asher’s .
This was because Baron Burboom, who failed to overcome
the silence, urged his driver .
It was also thanks to Aria and Asher who had deliberately

circled the capital once . Then Annie, who got out of the
carriage in an unpleasant mood, had to be distracted by the
fancy carriage that had just entered the Marquis’s mansion .
“Oh, my God, look at that wagon . Whose wagon is it?”
“Isn’t it the Crown Prince’s carriage? Look at the emblem!”
“Oh, it’s true!”
“So are they in that carriage, His Highness the Crown Prince
and Lady Aria?”
“This is their first time attending a place like this, right?”
“I’m more excited!”
It was quite natural that everyone’s eyes were on the most

splendid wagon in the empire . Visitors, who had arrived
first, were clamoring for what Aria and the Crown Prince
would look like . And the visitors, who had gathered, opened
their eyes wide by Aria’s figure, who got off the wagon,
escorted by Asher taking his hand and couldn’t hide their
admiration .
“Oh my God… I don’t know if it’s because of her coming of

age, but she’s literally shining . ”
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“She’s not even a noblewoman anymore, but how can she

be so beautiful?”
“That’s a natural beauty, regardless of status . ”

While they were looking at Aria and Asher, envy was added
to their matching outfits . As she watched from behind,
Mielle spoke to herself so quietly that it could only be heard
by Annie .
“She is the same commoner, but she’s so different from you

.”
“… What?”
Of course, Annie was angered by what heard, and Baron

Burboom, who had no knowledge of the reason, opened his
eyes wide and looked at Annie .
“… That’s…!”
‘How can I say that I was angry because I was compared to

Lady Aria?’
It was very sarcastic but not wrong . Annie would look like a
fool if she told the truth . So when she couldn’t say
anything, she could see Mielle smiling contentedly . Mielle
looked as if she felt relieved since she was able to bully
Annie little .
‘How dare you . Unlike Mielle, who has fallen into the abyss,
now I will be a Baroness!’ Annie, who had lost her patience,
raised her voice as if she had a good idea after shaking her
fist .
“Mielle! Lady Aria is here, so go see her . ”
Annie shouted Mielle’s name so loudly that everyone around

them looked at their direction and was startled .
“Did she say Mielle…?”
Someone mumbled, asking if what she heard was right . And

Annie again called Mielle’s name in return .
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“Mielle! Mielle! What are you doing without answering?”
It was in a flash that the eyes of the congregation turned

sharp . Everyone’s murderous eyes began to focus on the
wicked woman, who had dared to lay the sin on Aria and
tried to sell off the empire .
“Mielle!”
The voice reached Aria, who was far away, as Annie called
her name again in the quiet garden .
Mielle became pale because she was being criticized by

everyone, and Annie was smiling calmly as if she knew
nothing . And Aria bit her lip and managed to hide her
feelings because she felt like she was going to burst into
laughter at the scene that was beyond what she had hoped
for .
“How could such a wicked woman be in such a sacred

place…!”
“She has no shame . ”
“Don’t tell me she’s going to do something to harm Lady

Sarah this time, isn’t she?”
“I guess that’s what she is trying to do . She looks vicious . ”
No one could stand the torrent of abuse . Mielle, who had

become pale, took hold of her head and began to tremble as
if she were about to fall, and Baron Burboom beside her was
embarrassed and rolled his eyes, not knowing what to do .
Aria, who had been watching this for a while, laughed .
‘What are you afraid of so much? In the past, you have

repeatedly criticized me . Not long ago, you invited the
young ladies to the mansion to insult me or show up at my
birthday party to make me feel embarrassed, asking why I
didn’t invite you . ’
Thinking of those memories, Aria was wondering if she

would let this continue until Mielle fainted, but soon she
decided to quit the idle entertainment because of Sarah’s
embarrassed face and called her name .
“Mielle! You’ve arrived here first . It’s a fun day after a while,
but you don’t look so good . ”
As Aria, who held Asher’s hand, took a step, the crowd

began to open up a way for her .

possible .

240
Chapter 240: Chapter 240 - There Is No Mercy, Part XI

No Mercy, Part XI
Translator: Khan
The eyes that had focused on Mielle began to scatter away

at Aria, who took a graceful step as if nothing had happened
.
“What’s the matter? Huh? Mielle?”
Then Aria, who took her hand away from Asher as she
arrived at her destination, touched Mielle’s pale cheek . Her
eyes were full of anxiety . ‘Who made you so humiliated?
Don’t you think you should take revenge as you always did?
I know how to do that; how you make a very stupid choice
and destroy yourself like me in the past . ’
“Hmm? Mielle?”
When she called Mielle’s name with all her heart, she took
Aria’s hand with tears in her eyes . “… Sister!”
Aria found a servant to help her as she pressed her heart to

drop the hand of Mielle who cried and held her . If she
dropped her hand here, everything would be in vain .
“Mielle is not feeling well, so she needs some time to rest . I
brought her out after a while, but it hurts me to see how
sick she is . ”
The confession that it was Aria, who had brought Mielle,

took a touch of sharpness from the eyes of spectators .
Instead, it was the lamentation and admiration for Aria .
‘How can she take care of the person who tried to hurt her?’
In the meantime, the butler of the mansion appeared,

dispelling the commotion . It was the wedding of his master
that he had prepared with great care, and he did not seem
to like the unpleasant situation that happened suddenly .
“Ah… Mielle is not good . ”
The look on his face made Aria feel sorry for ruining the
wedding, but it was a trivial matter that would not remain in
everyone’s memory anyway . Today’s main character,
Sarah, would not know this trivial matter that would soon
disappear .
“Can I borrow a carriage if you have one left? I think I’d have
to send her back to the mansion . ”
So when she told him she would let Mielle go back to avoid
further damage, the butler bowed politely and quickly
disappeared as if he was waiting for the words .
“All right . I’ll be ready soon . Please wait for a moment . ”
“Mielle, wait a little bit . ”

At Aria’s worried words, Mielle, who closed her eyes tightly,
nodded . She looked very pitiful, but no one sympathized
with her because she had done so much in the meantime .
The butler, who reappeared very quickly, was with the

carriage . What he brought was a luxury carriage for the
guests of the mansion . It was a carriage that was not
suitable for Mielle, who was a commoner, but it seemed to
have been prepared to make Aria look good .
“Thank you . ”
Aria, who admired the butler’s sense, briefly thanked him

and helped Mielle into the carriage .
“Mielle, go back to the mansion and rest . Tell the butler to

call the doctor . Okay?”
Although Mielle asked for a doctor, the butler would not

listen to her . Aria closed the carriage without giving her any
more words . That way, she would get even sadder .
Then, as if waiting, the carriage set off, and at last, the real
wicked woman disappeared and the bright laughter slowly
began to reverberate in the mansion of Marquis Vincent,
and it was entirely reborn as a place of blessing .
“I hope Mielle is safe…”
As Aria sounded worried, Asher put his hand on Aria’s

shoulder . He consoled her, so she would not worry . In fact,
he knew she wasn’t worried about Mielle
“She must be surprised . She’s been fine in that poor prison,

and I’m sure she’ll be fine . Please take away your worries .
”
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“I’m glad then…”
“Ah, Miss . Instead, you should visit the Marquise! I’m sure
she’ll be waiting for you!”
And similarly, Annie, who knew Aria wasn’t worried about

Mielle, changed the subject, to change the mood .
“Shall I? Sarah must have been waiting for a long time,

right?”
“Yes! You’re best friends with the Marquise!”
Aria took the bait and changed her expression as she did
not want to put any more emotion into Mielle .
“The Marquise asked me to let her know as soon as you

arrive . I’ll guide you right away . ”
When even the butler also informed that, the traces of

Mielle, who had been trembling, disappeared completely,
and instead, there was the beautiful star of the empire that
would be the Crown Princess in the future, whom everyone
admired wherever she took a step .
***
“Aria!”
“Sarah…”
Sarah greeted Aria’s visit with full joy .

She turned around quickly, apparently worried that Aria
might not be able to come because of something
unpleasant . There was relief in Sarah’s eyes when she saw
the image of the harmless Aria .
“Congratulations on your marriage . You are beautiful!” Aria

looked at Sarah and said with sincerity .
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Sarah was dressed in a classy, elegant dress that really

suited the only mistress of the Marquis family of the empire
. It was perfect except for the tiara whether she had already
been ready .
“Thank you . I don’t know what to do as you say so . ”
“Should I call you the Marquise now?”
“I think it would be a little sad to be called by you that way,

so please call me Sarah as you always do . ”
‘Usually, people change when they take over a higher

position . ’ However, Sarah, who had become the only
Marquise of the empire starting today, had very pure and
innocent eyes, just as Aria had seen at first .
There was not an inch of doubt or mistrust in the eyes of

Aria who had just appeared before her after acting to drive
Mielle to the brink of the cliff . Aria faced her pupils for a
moment, hoping that Sarah would not know her plan until
the end, and suddenly, Sarah grinned and opened her
mouth .
“By the way, there’s something Lady Aria can do for me . ”
“Me?”
“Yes, and it’s also what I want to do at Aria’s wedding,” said

Sarah, pointing to a tiara in front of her .
A maid, who was waiting next to her, carefully picked up the

tiara and brought it to Aria .
“I want you to put this tiara on my head . ”
“… Me?”
“Yes . I wanted to arrange the dress and think about it

together, but we couldn’t because we were too busy . So I
want you to put the tiara that completes me today on top of
my head . I want you to do it by yourself . ”
“But this is…”
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It was common for a mother to put a tiara on the bride’s

head . As for clothes and ornaments, close acquaintances
would help her, but not with a tiara . So when she hesitated,
Sarah began to urge Aria, saying she had no time, even
though it wasn’t a very short time .
“Come on . We’ll be late for the wedding ceremony . ”
Sarah didn’t know if she had just caused a little disturbance

at this elaborate wedding .
Aria carefully reached out her hand and held the tiara in her
hand . The tightness of the luxurious jewels weighed more
than it looked . It was like Sarah’s character of much
consideration, unlike she looked outward .
As Aria was slowly taking it over Sarah’s head, Sarah

lowered her head a little to help her . When she put the tiara
on her hair, maids fixed it as if they had waited . It was
because there was a superstition that if it fell by mistake,
the bride would suffer bad luck . The flashy tiara seemed
unlikely to match Sarah’s simple and graceful face, but it
suited Sarah better than Aria thought .
“Thank you . I think this will help me finish today’s wedding

safely . ”
‘How can Sarah always trust and like me?’ There was no
need to take advantage of Sarah anymore, but Aria, who
recalled her approach to Sarah with impure intentions from
the start, put her hand on her chest . Somehow, she felt a
tingling sensation . Sarah, who did not know that, was still
looking straight at Aria with a look of trust .
“… Sarah, you are my dear friend throughout my life . ”
She was a dear friend who would never be seen again

throughout the past and the present . It was a sudden and
unexpected remark, but it was sincere .
“You too . ”
With a gentle nod to Aria’s most serious face, Sarah still

responded with a bright smile .
***
Sarah’s wedding, like the only Marquis’s wedding in the
empire, was very grand and splendid . Even the emperor,
who was extremely careful and was not going out, briefly
showed his face, and the visitors were also splendid .
The ceremony began, and Aria saw Sarah and Marquis

Vincent put a ring on their finger, of which the size and
beauty were unusual, and she said quietly, holding the hand
of Asher sitting next to her .
“I like blue . ”
“… Yes?”

241
Chapter 241: Chapter 241 - Reverse Destiny, Part I

Chapter 241: Chapter 241 . Reverse
Destiny, Part I
Translator: Khan
When she suddenly said that she liked the color blue, he
asked again as if he didn’t know what she was talking about
. Still, he did not forget to give strength to his hand holding
Aria’s .
“Ring . I’d like a blue color that looks like Asher’s eye color .
Everyone’s going to envy me, right?”
So when she told him for sure, he paused and stared at Aria
after he understood what she meant . Aria, watching
Sarah’s wedding, was talking about her future wedding with
Asher . ‘So how can you not be lovely?’
Asher answered, nodding and reddening his ears to

uncontrollable loveliness . “I need to prepare the most
beautiful blue one in the world . ”
He looked as if he had been possessed . Aria, staring into his

eyes, whispered quietly in Asher’s ear, as if she were telling
a secret,
“There would not be one like Asher’s eyes . ”

The clear voice of Aria tickling his ears shook Asher’s eyes
briefly, and his answer was a little late .
“… Then, should I pull my eyes out and give them to you?”
“If there’s any spare, that wouldn’t be too bad . ”
His eyebrows bent as Aria smiled after saying that in a low

voice . It was a smile that looked happier than Vincent
Marquis who was welcoming the real bride .
“I have to search the world and find something similar

because I don’t have any spare . ”
“I’ll look forward to it because it’s not going to be that long .

”
Indeed, as Aria said, her eighteenth birthday was just a few

months away . It might come while he got rid of Mielle and
promote the well-being of the empire . As soon as he heard
that the day he had waited for so long was not far off, he
swallowed his saliva and showed signs of nervousness .
“… I suddenly feel a rush . ”
‘Oh, how much I like the way you react to every word I say!’
“Let’s get out of here right away and hurry to get ready for
the wedding,” said Asher, and Aria laughed a little while her
mouth was covered as she touched the tip of Asher’s
reddened ear .
“I’m not running away anywhere, so please don’t worry . ”
‘How dare I run away when my lover is the Crown Prince of

the empire? No, I didn’t even think of leaving you in the first
place . You are a precious treasure who has come to me with
Sarah . ’
As she instigated his mind instead of calming down, Asher

narrowed his eyes . He gave her a short grunting sound and
kissed her on the cheek with his hand on her waist .
“… Mr . Asher!”
Surprised, Aria wrapped around his cheek and called out the
name of Asher in a low voice . ‘How can you act like this
when all eyes are on us?’ However, Asher acted as if he
didn’t care what the eyes of others were seeing .
“I hope the Marquis’s wedding will be over soon . ”
“… After the ceremony, I have to go back to the mansion . ”
Aria expressed a firm refusal to his suggestion, saying,

“Let’s go together somewhere else after the ceremony is
over . ”
“Don’t you have a minute?”
“You may have seen it, but… I have to finish something

quickly . ”
There was something she had to do before Mielle’s anger

cooled down .
‘Why is my lover so busy?’ The eyes of Asher were filled

with indescribable regret and sorrow, and Aria, who read it,
looked around for a moment . They could not look at the
Crown Prince and Aria openly, and they were glancing at
them . When she realized it, she did not intend to act as
bold as he did, and she pretended to whisper, blocking
people’s vision with her fan, and softly kissed his cheek .
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“I like a man who knows how to wait . ”
“…!”
‘How can I complain about this?’ Eventually, as he lost his

words, he ended up with a deep sigh with his hands on his
forehead .
————————————
23 . Reverse Destiny
As a matter of course, Mielle, who had returned to the

mansion, could not see a doctor . The butler shook his head
firmly and did not even give an answer even though she
said it was an order from Aria .
“You don’t look so bad, so take a rest . I’ll talk to you again
when our lady comes back . ” The butler, who left those cold
words, turned away as if he was no longer in business .
“Boo-hoo…”
It was none other than Jessie who consoled Mielle, who shed
tears in sorrow and anger . She seemed to have been
paying attention to the situation since she had sensed a
serious atmosphere when she had gone out .
“Mielle! I got a doctor from town . ”
Jessie personally called in a doctor from the village to help

examine Mielle’s condition . Not long ago, Mielle had been a
noblewoman, and Jessie knew that she wasn’t very strong .
“I think she was very surprised at something, but she’s fine

with her health . She’ll feel better if she rests a day or two .
”
“Thank you, sir . ”
Jessie was relieved at the diagnosis that she had been

surprised at something, but she had no problem . However,
her worries were not over, as Mielle appealed about her pain
.
“You have to be stable… what the hell happened?”
Sponsored Content
“… Jessie…! Annie… Annie…!”
Mielle cried out, calling only for Annie’s name, and from
experience in the past, Jessie could see that Mielle was
humiliated by Annie .
“Oh, my God… Don’t cry, Mielle . I’m sure you’ll be all right .
Let’s talk to our lady . ”
‘No matter how bad the things Mielle might have done in
the past, why is Annie doing this? Even Aria is trying to help
Mielle . ’ Jessie sighed as if she was frustrated .
Jessie, who was lucky enough to spend her time freely

because Aria was absent, stayed by Mielle’s side until late
at night, and she, judging that Annie had acted too badly,
visited Aria’s room as soon as she returned home .
“… Miss, I’m really sorry as you just came back, but do you
have a moment?”
It was a little late because of the long wedding, so Jessie’s

voice was very cautious . She was worried about Mielle and
angry at Annie, but she looked worried that she might
bother Aria .
Aria knew Jessie would say this . No, she had been waiting
for this, and she hid her smile and replied with a slightly
troubled look,
“I’m sorry . I’m worried about Mielle, who I sent back to the
mansion alone in the morning, so I’ll have to meet her first .
Is it important?”
“Yes? Oh, no! It was about Mielle . ”
“Really? Then would you please call Mielle into my room?

She didn’t look well, but I’m worried she’ll be able to come .
Do you think I’d better go find her?”
“Not that bad . She was just a little surprised, and the doctor
said that she just needs to relax . ”
“Really? I was worried that she might be very sick, but thank
God . ”
Aria, who had returned to the mansion, was genuinely

worried about Mielle and found Mielle right away, and
Jessie’s expression became softer .
“I’ll be right back!”

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Jessie, who had disappeared with such a bright face,

immediately appeared again with Mielle and brought tea
with great joy at Aria’s request .
“Well, I’ll go out . Talk to her . ”
Then, when she was about to bow politely and leave the
room, hoping that Aria would help the poor Mielle, an
unexpected voice caught Jessie .
“Are you going to leave now? Why don’t we have a

conversation together? I think you’re closest to Mielle, so I
think you can help…”
Jessie had to be a witness in the event that would soon

happen, so Aria would not be accused of anything .
“… Me?”
When Jessie dared to ask her if she had the right to join
them, Mielle also nodded and affirmed as if she felt relieved
.
“Please do that, Jessie . ”
“I’m not sure if I can help, but… I see . ”
As Jessie finally sat down, Aria drank a little tea and stayed
still before she asked Mielle what had happened today .
“I was so far away that I didn’t know what happened there .

Did Annie get you in trouble?” Her inquisitive face was very
careful .
Then Mielle, who seemed to be reminding herself of the

situation, answered, shaking her hand which was holding
the cup,
“… That’s right . Annie got me in trouble . It even seemed

intentional . She didn’t have to, but she called my name a
couple of times so that everyone could hear it…”
The words alone made Jessie, who had guessed what

humiliation Mielle might have been, surprised . Jessie
covered her mouth with her hand, and Aria’s face also
became dark .
As a matter of fact, Mielle had a bad rumor . In the

meanwhile, her name had been called several times before
all people without any preparation, and the sharp eyes that
had been directed only at Aria would have gathered on her .

possible .

242
Chapter 242: Chapter 242 - Reverse Destiny, Part II

Destiny, Part II
Translator: Khan
“The other day, I gave Annie a warning, and I thought that

she had a better relationship with you…”
Aria’s voice sounded as if she was regretful of something,

and it rang in the silent room . She also said that she had
tried to correct Annie’s behavior, by scolding her . And there
was her lingering feeling that the method was no longer
useful .
“… She did whenever you’re not looking . ”
As Mielle brought up the answer she had been waiting for,

Aria sighed heavily and threw a small bait, “Everybody
doesn’t know until they’ve had their own experience…”
Of course, there were people who experienced and did not

know, like Mielle . They were people who only suffered from
the pain they suffered . So, she didn’t remove the malice yet
.
“There’s a problem that’s not solved by being still…”

Jessie, who had been agonizing for a while, said, “I agree
with you . That’s what I think, Miss . Mielle is in so much
pain that she can’t seem to let it go . Although Mielle is
lower than Annie as a maid, she doesn’t have to endure it
all, so I think Mielle has to say what she has to say, not stay
put . ”
“Do you mean Mielle has to argue with her, even in anger?”
“That’s right . In fact, servants and maids often run into

each other on business, and it often causes trouble . People
help them to solve that trouble around, but the quickest
solution is to have a conversation among themselves . ”
“What do you think, Mielle?”
Whatever the opinion of Aria and Jessie was, it was up to

Mielle to decide . Because of the insidious nature of Mielle,
she would not stay still .
“… But what if Annie sends me back to prison?”
Finally, it was Annie who held Mielle’s leash . If she would

rebel and avenge her, she would be returned to prison…
Nothing could have been more terrible than that . And
Annie, who was well aware that Mielle was most afraid of
the situation, had been using the threat properly, so Mielle
had endured even if she had been humiliated .
Aria said, furrowing her forehead, “What are you talking

about, Mielle? Although Annie is your guardian on paper,
you know that she can’t do that without my permission . ”
When Aria told her that even if she would avenge her, she
would never return Mielle to prison . Mielle’s face was bright
. Jessie also looked relieved as Aria showed an attitude of
active involvement .
“So don’t worry, and you can raise your voice when you’re
treated unfairly . Oh, the tea is a little cold . Jessie, can you
get us new tea?”
“Yes! Miss! Shall I bring some fruit?”
“Yes . Bring different types of fruit . ”
Aria let her out of the room before bringing up the main
point that Jessie should no longer hear because she had laid
all the bases .
Aria, who erased an elder sister’s look that was worried

about her younger sister as soon as the door was closed,
suggested one trick to Mielle, who was agonizing over how
to get revenge on Annie with an evil look .
“Mielle, I don’t think it’s a good idea to argue with words

because your reputation isn’t good enough . ”
In Aria, who turned into a plausible evil woman’s face, Mielle

asked back cautiously, startled,
“… What then?”
In the first place, Mielle was not a person who could fight
head-on . She wasn’t a character of speaking without
reserve .
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“You can do what you’ve been doing . ”
‘Yeah, just like you’ve been doing . ’
Mielle’s specialty was to use others to harass someone while

she was completely out of it . In the past, she had urged her
maids to do evil by putting them to Aria, and even killed her
by pretending that she was the victim . It was the way that
she had tried through Emma, Berry, and Annie not only in
the past but also after Aria went back in time .
Mielle’s face turned pale again when Aria mentioned the

way she had sacrificed Emma who had helped her . She had
been trying to calm herself down, but it seemed to remind
her of Emma’s death again .
Moreover, she seemed to have no more courage to do such

a daring thing . Aria, who noticed this, said with a smile as
to show how seriously worried she was,
“What are you so worried about? I don’t mean to make

things big . It’s enough to make just a little surprise . A cute
little prank will be fine, like putting a drug in the tea which
will cause a stomach-ache so that no one can accuse you . ”
When she was told to play a trick that would only lead to an
upset stomach at the most, Mielle forced to make a laugh as
if it was ridiculous .
That much was a piece of cake for Mielle . She was the one
who had tried to kill people many times . On the contrary, it
was a laugh about whether such petty pranks would be
revengeful, so Aria added a word, as if she was thoughtless,
with a soft smile .
“Of course, if such a light prank is repeated several times, it

will cause great fear . No matter what she eats, if her
stomach hurts, she might not be able to eat anymore . She
might suspect that she has a mysterious disease . ”
“…!”
It was a very small prank, as Aria said, but it was only a

stomach-ache, so it was clear that the first few times would
be overlooked, and if it were repeated, Annie would doubt if
she was ill . However, as a result of a playful stomach-ache,
doctors would not be able to seek special causes and
measures, but if the stomach-ache would continue, she
would not be able to live with a peace of mind .
Mielle might reach the thought in her mind, and she came to
imagine some pretty plausible tricks . It was simple and
small revenge, but she thought the effect would be very big
.
“In fact, I didn’t like Annie’s interference as a maid, and I’d

be very happy to see her complaining of stomach-ache . ”
Sponsored Content
Moreover, Mielle’s face was all smiles as Aria said that she
would remain an idle onlooker . Mielle seemed to want to do
it right away because she thought it was a small prank
compared to what she had done so far .
Aria, who confirmed it, smiled since it was finally time and
opened her mouth to Mielle very privately and carefully .
“Why don’t you use the Inducing Flower?”

“… Inducing Flower?”
“Yes, Inducing Flower . It’s a flower that is relatively easy to

get . The flower can be poisonous or medicinal depending
on how you use it . ”
“But that’s… a little dangerous, isn’t it?”
It was so toxic that it could cause death if she used it in the

wrong way . Soon after returning from a terrible death, Aria
had decided to become the flower to deal with the lily-like
Mielle .
“It’s dangerous, but if only a very small amount was used,

one will only end up with an upset stomach or vomiting .
The Inducing Flower is also a medicinal plant, so you can
make an excuse when caught . ”
“…”
Of course, even the smallest amount of flowers could lead

to death if Annie were unlucky, but Aria did not say such a
thing . It would not be her or Annie who would drink the
poisoned tea anyway .
“… I think it’s a good idea . ”
“You thought very well . I’ll find a place for you to get the
flower . ”
At the same time as Mielle nodded, Jessie’s voice was heard,

saying she had brought new tea outside the door . It was
perfect timing .
Sponsored Content

“Come on in . ”
As soon as Aria’s permission was given, Jessie looked

pleased as she looked at Mielle, who looked clear of worry
as if she was no longer worried . Mielle didn’t even know she
was caught in a trick that had driven a stupid wicked woman
in the past .
————–
“… Sister, I got the Inducing Flower from where you said . ”
Mielle quickly followed her and said as Aria was walking up

the stairs after breakfast . It was very cute of her to talk
secretly, covering her mouth for fear of being caught .
Aria wondered if Mielle didn’t know that what she was doing
looked more suspicious . It had only been a day since she
had told her where to find the Inducing Flower, but how
urgent she was to get it already!
Of course, Aria tipped Annie off to keep Mielle from

changing her mind . If Annie didn’t keep Mielle to obey her
instruction now, she might stand against her later, so she
had to give her a hard training . As if to respond, Annie, who
was coming down from upstairs, found Mielle and began to
push her hard, glaring at her .
“Miss, you said that you were going out, didn’t you? Please
go up quickly . Mielle, have you finished cleaning? You’ve
got piles of work to do . What the hell are you doing here?”
“…”
possible .

243
Chapter 243: Chapter 243 - Reverse Destiny, Part III
Chapter 243: Chapter 243 . Reverse Destiny, Part III
Translator: Khan
But now that Mielle knew Annie could no longer send her
back to prison without Aria’s permission, she chose not to
listen to what she said, but to fight with her, looking angrily
at her . Mielle, who had got the Inducing Flower, was no
longer the former Mielle .
“Are you crazy!” Who are you staring at?”
That kind of behavior by Mielle roused Annie’s anger, and

the relationship between the two became so bad that it
couldn’t get any worse .
No matter how much Aria had allowed it, it was not an act to
do with her master in front of her . After seeing Annie roll up
her sleeves to see if she might even have a fight, Aria cut in
between the two .
“Annie, I need you to help me get ready to go out . And,
Mielle, can you get me a cup of tea this afternoon?”
“Yes…? Yes!”
Aria had always drunk tea, but there was only one reason
why she asked her to prepare it . It was a signal to get ready
and poison the tea .
Knowing this surely, Mielle replied with great joy .
“I’ll start getting it ready right away!”
“So be it . ”
Then she disappeared like an air .
“… Why is Mielle preparing for teatime from now on?”
There was no visitor, and at best, Aria and some maids were
all present . Annie’s expression was like asking, “Why are
you making such a fuss?” A couple of hours was enough
even if they prepared it very carefully .
Aria explained the reason for her inquisitive face .
“We will have a guest . ”
“A guest?”
“Yes . A guest that Mielle would love very much . ”
Annie, who was convinced of Mielle’s behavior when she

heard she was going to have a guest, erased the question
from her face .
“Ah, so it was . By the way, who the hell is the guest Mielle
will like? Is there anyone like that?”
“There is, of course . ”
‘Of course, Mielle doesn’t know the person will visit . ’
“I need to have a tea time in the afternoon anyway, so I

have to get moving busily . Can you help me get ready?”
“Yes! Miss . By the way, may I join you at the tea time, if you
don’t mind? I am wondering who Mielle is waiting for . ”
To Annie’s naive question, Aria answered with a smile of her

own accord .
“Yes, do it . It’s nothing new . ”
In the first place, the question was not worth worrying about
because it was tea time, which would not be established
without Annie . As Annie didn’t know it’s tea time to tease
herself, she hummed, helping Aria dress up .
It was Baron Burboom’s building where Aria dropped by

after being dressed up . There was no room to step in
because of guests that flocked due to the Baron’s thriving
business, students at the academy, and businessmen
wanting to participate in the new gathering .
“… I am ashamed to serve you this way . ”
The Baron bowed his head and apologized to Aria, as she

opened her eyes wide when she got off the carriage
because she didn’t know it was too crowded .
“No, you are taking care of my business, instead of me . ”

Sponsored Content
But it was Aria, not Baron who had to apologize . Because

he had helped Aria, who had been hiding from the
beginning, with all his best, he naturally managed the
people involved in Aria .
“It’s going to affect Baron Burboom’s regular work, so we’d

better buy a suitable building . ”
“I’m very fine . I don’t care . ”
Perhaps he was worried about Aria’s care for nothing

because of him, and Baron Burboom shook his head firmly
and enthusiastically appealed that he was okay . “I’m glad
Lady Aria didn’t bring Annie,” he replied with a small giggle .
“It’s not just because of the Baron . I feel the need for it . I
can’t rent the Baron’s office forever . ”
Because of the exponential growth in wealth, she needed

someone to manage it; she would buy a new building, hire
someone and he would manage her work and property .
“Then, shall I find out which building is good?”
“Do you have time to do that?”
“Of course, I do . ”
‘I don’t think so . ’ Annie’s grumbling came to her mind that

the Baron was too busy to meet her . If was not only that,
and as she saw the Baron’s building, she was sure because
it was extremely crowded with people .
Aria shook her head slowly, thinking that his loyalty was too
much . If she would leave her job to Baron Burboom, he
would have to die from overwork .
“It’s okay . It’s not that difficult, and there is a building I’ve
already thought about . I have something to do right now, so
I’m going to buy it later, so I’ll decide slowly . ”
Besides, it wasn’t today’s business . The purpose was to

sign a document recommending a person to fill the vacancy
in the imperial palace . This was because she had received
an official letter asking her to recommend those who had
performed well at the academy as low-ranking officials of
the royal family .
And the list included Hans, who had been killed in a wagon
accident in the past . However, he now achieved the best
performance at the academy with Aria’s full support and his
own efforts and became an important person who Aria was
unable to keep away from . Furthermore, he was also close
to Jessie .
Aria checked that his name was included in the document,

and signed it with admiration that there were many things
that had been changed because of the hourglass .
“Are you sending it to the Imperial Castle right away?”
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“Yes, I am . ”
“Then please send another letter, too . I want you to send it

to the Crown Prince . ”
“… to His Highness?”
‘Why don’t you deliver it yourself?’ Aria, who read the

question, personally explained why .
“I’ve got a schedule for this afternoon . It wasn’t supposed

to happen, but it suddenly happened . So I want you to send
both of them . ”
“I see . ”
As Baron Burboom had handled Aria’s business without

saying anything, he sent his servant to the Crown Prince to
deliver her letter .
In the meantime, while talking to promising businessmen

about their business and working on her schedules, a letter
from Asher arrived quickly .
[All right . But I’m a little upset because you found someone
who’s not me, so I ask you to explain it later on and why . ]
Aria laughed a little in the cute reply, and returned to the

mansion, after finishing her schedule .
Mielle must have waited for Aria to come back, and the first
face she saw as soon as the carriage stopped was none
other than her .
“Mielle, are you ready?”
Mielle nodded with great joy at the question . “Yes! Of

course . If I just bring the tea in, it’s over . ”
“You know you have to control the amount, right? It’s going
to be a big problem if it’s too much . ”
“… don’t worry . ” At the secretly whispering voice, Mielle

replied confidently, “Just trust me . ”
‘Well, you have to be careful . You don’t know who is going

to drink that tea . ’
Sponsored Content
While Aria changed her out-of-town clothes and rested for a

while, refreshments were served at the garden table on the
second floor . Normally they would unify the color of the
cups at tea time, but this time it was a different color to
indicate which tea was poisoned . Annie’s teacup was full of
colorful flower decorations, and it was a colorful teacup she
might like .
Mielle, who had poisoned the bottom of the teacup in

advance, asked one thing to Aria for her successful plan .
“Don’t let Annie see the empty teacup . ”
At the words, Aria could tell how much poison Mielle had put
on the teacup . If the purpose was to have an upset
stomach, it would have been difficult to tell the difference
with the naked eye . But the only reason she was saying
that was because…
‘How regretful you will be when you find out later . ’
Despite several warnings, Mielle chose to do so herself .

Now that she had ruined her life by making the wrong
choice several times, she would deserve to realize it now…
“It’s not difficult . ”
It was a piece of cake . In addition, Mielle’s guilt could be

heavy . Aria rose from her seat when she realized it was
time after hearing a carriage outside the open window .
“Then, shall we go down to watch the fun sight you have

prepared?”
Aria stepped forward, hoping for the last of Mielle, who had
made a foolish choice until the end .
***
The table in the garden on the second floor was a little too
small for tea time, perhaps because Mielle had fully
prepared . It was also because it was not the purpose of
enjoying tea in the first place .
Aria, who was the first to visit the garden on the second
floor, took a seat after checking the poisoned teacup .

possible .
between chapters .

244
Chapter 244: Chapter 244 - Reverse Destiny, Part IV
Chapter 244: Chapter 244 . Reverse Destiny, Part IV
Translator: Khan
Aria brought the hourglass with her just in case . If she

would do something wrong, her life would be lost .
When she looked down and checked the teacup, there was
some clear water in it, since it was melted . She could see it
with her naked eye . It was enough poison to kill someone .
‘I don’t know if you don’t know the meaning of the small

amount or if you’re going to kill Annie . ’
Annie’s sin was not so heavy, but it was foolish of her to

simply take Annie’s life just because she had been harassing
her .
At Aria’s call for tea-time together after a long time, Jessie

and Annie came running, and Mielle poured tea into the
teacups pretending to be all right .
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a tea time . ”
“You know what? It’s because our lady has been busy lately
.”
“You must have been sorry for that, right?
“Yes! Nothing can be happier than having tea with you,”

Jessie answered merrily, and Annie also burst into laughter,
sympathizing .
No one had touched the tea yet because Aria hadn’t drunk it
. Mielle had been glancing at the poisoned teacup all the
way to see how to get Annie to drink it . While having such a
brief conversation, Aria, who was packing the hourglass she
had put on the table, overturned Annie’s cup of tea,
pretending to have slipped her hand .
“Yipe!”
“…!”
“Annie!” The hot tea poured into Annie’s dress, and the
startled Jessie jumped up and examined Annie’s safety .
Mielle was also in a situation she had never expected, so

she just stared at Annie who was screaming not knowing
what to do .
“Oh, my God! Annie! You need to change your clothes now!

Mielle, will you help her?”
“… yes?”
At Aria’s remark, Mielle was embarrassed and asked back
stupidly . She had to get Annie to drink the tea, but she
didn’t know why she was in such a strange situation .
“Come on! Annie’s going to get burned! Are you saying it’s
okay?”
“Yes? Yes, yes…!”
But soon after, at Aria’s scurrying voice, Mielle unwillingly

helped Annie out of the garden, thinking, ‘I’m sure Aria has
something on her mind . ’
“Are you all right, Miss?”
“I’m fine . ”
Aria answered Jessie’s worried question with a nod . As if

she was relieved, she wiped the spilled tea and cleaned up
the table .
‘It’s about time for him to come . ’ As soon as Aria thought

about it, a servant showed up in the garden on the second
floor with Cain . She had said in the letter, “Don’t wait, but
just bring him right to where I am . ”
Cain was now in a position where he could no longer be

active, and he asked her with his facial expression why he
had been called into Aria’s mansion .
“You’re here . I invited you because Mielle said she would

prepare a tea time like this . Since it’s the first tea time she
prepares it, I thought it would be better for you to join us . ”
“… I see . ”
So when she added the explanation, Cain nodded, saying
that he understood .
“Sit down . Mielle’s got a little problem and she’s gone now,
but the tea’s now ready . ”
Aria, who said so, guided Cain to the seat where she had
just been sitting .
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“You must have had a hard time coming all the way, and
drink tea and relieve your fatigue until Mielle returns . ”
It wasn’t a long way from the Imperial Castle to the

mansion, so he had no fatigue, but Cain, who blushed at the
warm kindness of Aria, nodded calmly without answering .
***
“Oh, I almost got in trouble . ”
Despite the hot tea that had just been poured in, Annie
didn’t get very upset, because it was no other than Aria who
had spilled tea . ‘How dare I can be angry with Miss Aria?’ It
was obvious that she would not be angry even if she pushed
her into the fire .
Moreover, she was wearing a thick fabric interior suit

because it was still cold, so she didn’t get any serious burns,
and she was sure that Aria would buy a new one, saying,
“I’m sorry . ” It would be very expensive and luxurious .
Annie’s face was bright as if to expect this . Her hands
changing her clothes were light and soft .
“Why are you standing there so absent-minded?”
Contrary to Annie, Mielle looked as if she were out of her

mind . It was quite a natural response, as she had
encountered an unexpected situation just before she had
performed a dangerous and insidious act .
There was the same anxiety that something had gone

wrong several times in the past, and Mielle was worried if
Aria would change her seat, when Annie was not there .
However, Mielle tried to make herself feel good, because
there was no other way . ‘What else can I choose?’
“I’m all dressed up, so let’s go back . ” Soon after, Annie,

who had applied medicine and changed all her clothes, said,
Mielle quickly walked as if she had waited . ‘I have to go

back quickly . It’s a big problem if you ask for a replacement
because your tea is cold while you’re away . ’
Fortunately, Annie’s actions and steps were so swift that she

could return to the garden without delay, and Mielle’s
anxiety gradually subsided .
“Miss! I’ve changed my clothes and come back . ”
Annie had been nearly hurt but she was happy . She came
into the garden with a big smile but stopped with the same
posture as she opened the door .
“… uh?” Then she sounded strange .
‘What the hell is going on?’ Mielle was following Annie so

she could check in the garden a step later than Annie .
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“…?” When she checked inside, she was so surprised that

she forgot to even breathe . It was because she faced Cain,
who had no reason to be here . Cain even sat in the seat of
the poisoned tea, where Aria had just sat .
Cain, who saw his sister without knowing what was in front
of him, greeted her in a very relieved way . “Mielle . ”
‘Why is Cain here? And in front of the poisoned cup of

tea…!’
Aria, who glanced over the stupidly hardened Mielle who did
not understand the situation, asked Annie with a very
worried look . “Now you’re here? Are you all right without
burns?”
“Oh, yes! Miss! Luckily, I wasn’t hurt . That’s all my dress

that was just damaged . ”
Annie, who described the dress as “damaged,” which had

been only soaked in hot water at best, returned to her seat
that had been cleaned up, with a light step .
“Really? I’m sorry . It’s my fault, so I’ll give you a new dress
.”
“Hoo, I’m so sorry, if you say that, then . ”
It was obvious for Aria to see that Annie was thinking of

which dress to ask for, but Annie, who pretended not to be,
asked, pointing to Cain sitting next to her .
“By the way, why is he here?” She asked why he was here,
who was no longer relevant .
“Oh, I thought it would be better for my brother to join us,

since Mielle has prepared this place for a long time . ”
As Aria, who answered, took a sip of the tea in front of her,

Cain also nodded, lifting the tea naturally in front of him and
bringing it to his mouth .
As a result, Mielle, who had been standing in a fool’s way,

jumped into the garden, being startled . “No! You can’t drink
it! No!”
She shouted that in a hurry, but it was too late . This was
because the poisoned tea that she had prepared with all her
heart for Annie changed its destination and went down
through Cain’s neck .
Clash!
The cup Cain was holding fell to the floor and sounded a
sharp rupture, and Cain’s face suddenly turned pale after
drinking the tea . The poison of the Inducing Flower, which
could kill a human being in the smallest amount if used
incorrectly, began to kill Cain as if it had met a long-awaited
opponent .
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“Yaaah!”
Cough cough!
Annie screamed, startled by the sight of Cain falling
sideways, bleeding from his mouth, with the sound of a
cough, and Jessie, who had become pale, fell backward .
Faced with a situation that she had never imagined, Mielle

approached her brother and began to cry, checking his
condition .
“No, brother!”? Brother! Why, why are you here?”
“… Mi, Mielle, ugh… Mielle…”
Cain looked as if he was in a critical situation . All of them

stopped breathing and stared at him with astonished faces,
as blood was mixed out of his mouth .
“Oh, my God! Somebody! Somebody, help him! Call a

doctor!”
Even Aria, who had expected a terrible situation to happen,

was speechless for a moment because the amount of poison
that had been checked in advance was significant . At the
sound of Mielle’s crying voice, Aria rose from her seat in a
hurry and asked for help .

possible .
between chapters .

245
Chapter 245: Chapter 245 - Reverse Destiny, Part V

Destiny, Part V
Translator: Khan
“Miss!”
Fortunately, when he heard Aria’s urgent voice, the butler

rushed straight in, but he could not cope with the
unexpected calamity which was unfolded in the beautiful
garden and swallowed his breath .
“What, what’s this…?”
“Hurry up, doctor! Call a doctor!”
“… yes, yes!”
Aria ordered the butler to hurry up and call a doctor . In

response, the butler left the garden, running hurriedly, and
the maids who entered the garden screamed as they
belatedly sensed the disturbance .
“Aaaaaah!”
“Oh, my God!”
“What can we do?”
“Get the towel!”
The amount of blood Cain vomited increased, and everyone

screamed in panic, and Mielle’s crying grew louder .
“Sob sob! Brother!”
“Ah, Miss…! Are you all right?” inquired Jessie, who had
become pale of the unbelievable horrors, looked into Aria’s
complexion, because she had been drinking the same tea at
the same table, just in case .
“… I’m fine . ”
Aria, who answered so, was able to slowly regain her

reason, unlike others who were panicked . No, she could feel
a growing mood . It was because, after a decade or so, she
could finally achieve what she had hoped for .
‘It would have been better if Mielle had had a past memory
like me . ’
If she had had so, Mielle would have had to take back what
she had done in the past, and her resentment would have
multiplied . She might have found it the natural
consequence of her own deeds before she would die . But it
wasn’t bad to face death without knowing anything as it was
. That way, she would feel even more unfair . She might
have shed tears of resentment against the wicked woman,
saying that even Cain, who had not committed such a great
crime, lost his life .
Thinking that she wanted to see it as soon as possible, Aria

pretended to be scared and looked after Cain .
“What the hell is this…?! Brother! What can I do? Are you
okay?”
Aria had the audacity and was the one who had made Cain
drink the poisoned tea . At Aria’s detestable appearance,
Mielle, who had been tearful, opened her eyes angrily and
shouted at her,
“Why! Why did you let him drink that tea? Why! Because of
you…! Because of you, my brother…drank the poisoned tea
that Annie was supposed to do!”
Jessie and Annie cocked their heads for a moment, frowning

at Mielle’s cries, which implied that it was someone other
than Cain, who would drink the tea and vomit blood .
“What are you talking about? Mielle? Are you saying that I
let him drink the tea…?” Aria asked back with a very
perplexed look as if she didn’t know what she was talking
about .
Aria began to pretend not to know anything, and Mielle was

unable to speak even if she tried .
“Why…? Why are you asking me that? Don’t tell me… was
there something in the tea that someone shouldn’t drink…?
It’s not, right?”
With the question, Cain coughed heavily, and a terrible

amount of blood back-flowed . It seemed to indicate the end
of Cain, and the garden was filled with screams .
“Yaaah!”
“What should I do? Oh, my God! Mr . Cain…!”

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“Mi, Mielle…”
And Cain called Mielle in a feeble voice that seemed to

disappear soon . His voice was so lifeless that it was his last
will . Mielle answered with tears in her eyes, startled at the
sound of his dying voice at any moment .
“Yes…! Say it!”
“It, it wasn’t… right?”
It was a question without a subject, but Mielle stopped

breathing when she realized in one breath what it meant .
“Well, I… I… uh…!”
And Mielle’s subsequent unclear answer was enough to

bring disappointment and sadness to Cain . Cain’s eyes lost
their destination and shook like a small boat that met the
waves .
Disappointment and grief for his sister were his last feelings,
Aria, who thought it was a fitting death for Cain, who had
cut her head in the past, consoled him by holding on to
Cain’s cold hands .
“Brother…! Mielle…! Mielle wouldn’t be such a bad girl…!”
Then Aria pretended to cover up for Mielle, reminding him

how horrible her misdeeds had been . So that Cain could not
face death with any relief . Aria let him remember that
Mielle had been wicked enough to maim her father, pushing
him down the stairs, and her immoral act of feeding him the
poisoned tea to death .
As soon as Aria’s words were finished, Cain’s eyes slowly

closed . From his closed two eyes, regret flowed down a
tear, and strength was drained out of his cold hands . And
his head was dropped helplessly as if it were to mark his
end, his last in a miserable way by his past karma .
“…!”
“Oh, my God! A doctor doesn’t come here yet .
“Oh no, what can we do?”
“No, brother! No, no…! No! No! No…!”
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Mielle wailed as if it was unbelievable, and shook Cain’s

shoulders very hard many times so that he could open his
eyes again .
“Come on, brother! Please…! Please open your eyes!

Please!”
As if she could not send him like this, Mielle shouted

desperately, until Aria, who couldn’t bear it anymore,
blamed her foolish act she had committed herself to Mielle’s
ear .
“That’s why I told you to control the amount well, Mielle . ”

“Yaaah!”
At the voice, as if in a sneering whisper, Mielle finally began

to struggle like a madwoman, and some of the maids, who
were in a panic and watching, overpowered her .
“Because of you! Because of you! If it wasn’t you!”
‘What are you talking about, Mielle? It was all because of

you . ’ Aria shrugged her slender shoulders and trembled as
if she had been hurt by Mielle’s words, and sobbed, covering
her face with her palm . It was because she could not
manage her expression when she saw Mielle who had
messed up everything by herself and ran wild .
Aria thought she was strange that she couldn’t control her
joy in a situation that Cain might have lost his life, but she
also thought it was natural because it was the revenge she
had hoped for so long .
“… that’s right . It’s all my fault . If I had behaved well, this

wouldn’t have happened…!”
“Yaaah!”
Because of Aria, who only spoke what she could not bear,
Mielle could not bear her anger, struggled running wild, and
finally lost her mind . But no one was willing to help her fall,
and instead, only a look of contempt and anger poured over
Mielle’s tiny body .
“… Mielle, how did you…!”
Especially Jessie, who knew that the tea Cain had just drunk
belonged to Aria, was terrified of anger, betrayal, and fear
that she might have nearly lost her precious master .
After repeated follies, no one sympathized with Mielle even
a bit .
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***
It was not long before the butler returned to the mansion

with a doctor . It didn’t take very long, but Cain couldn’t get
help from the doctor because of the significant amount of
poison Mielle had put in the tea . He lost his life like that .
The criminal was undoubtedly named Mielle, and the

unconscious Mielle had to be locked in her room . It was the
death of a servant sent by the Imperial Castle, so naturally,
the investigation of this terrible incident was conducted by
the Imperial Castle .
“Are you all right?” Asher came running to Aria’s side in one
step, leaving all his work behind . He was with the imperial
investigation team in charge of the investigation .
Aria smiled awkwardly at his worried look . “I’m fine .

Brother Cain was the only one who drank the poison . ”
‘I designed it all, and I couldn’t have been harmed by

anything . ’
With her unobtrusive answer, he seemed to guess the truth,

but he looked at Aria’s face for a long time, perhaps still
unable to dispel his worries .
“I am really fine . ”
As Aria smiled back and emphasized it again, only then
Asher was relieved .
“… I’m glad then . I was worried that you might have been
damaged . ”
“I have the hourglass . If there’s something going on in

case, I can use the hourglass . ”
It happened that the hourglass was on the table . This was

because she had not yet taken it away after she had taken it
out for use at tea time . So Aria said, “Don’t worry,” but
Asher’s face darkened again .
“… The ability is not everything . Besides, you have to pay

the big price . You’re not going to die, but I hope you don’t
use it if you can . It’s a very rare and unusual case of using
the ability, and it’s even more so that no one can guarantee
the outcome . ”
Aria had had the very least chance of being awakened to be

able to use the ability and had to pay for it as soon as it was
used, differently than the real royal family . So said Asher,
who had not been relieved of his worries, and because it
was a part Aria was also aware of, she nodded calmly to
affirm it .

246
Chapter 246: Chapter 246 - Reverse Destiny, Part VI

Destiny, Part VI
Translator: Khan
Of course, this was the biggest part of Aria’s life, so it didn’t

matter if she paid the very high price for turning the
hourglass hundreds of times, but she didn’t bother him to
say that, because she didn’t want him to worry anymore .
“And please use me instead of using the hourglass . I’m

more capable than you think, and I’m always waiting for
your call . ”
His dark blue eyes stared at Aria and said so . There was not
a speck of falsehood in his eyes .
Aria, who felt her heart overflowing when he said he was

ready to move for her call at any time, nodded with a little
blush .
“This is about a servant who went out on my permission, so

I’ll give the final instructions . Please don’t worry, because I
will make sure that they will not neglect the investigation
and to give her the appropriate punishment . ”
‘Oh, you wanted to show it to me . It wasn’t a long way from
the Imperial Castle, so you didn’t have to accompany the
knights . I wondered why you’d have to waste your time…
This is why I like you . As you know my past, you seem to
know that this is not a natural happening, but you take my
side and fully support me . ’
“I’m relieved to hear you say that . I’ll cooperate with the
investigation so that you don’t have to worry about it . ”
However, even if he didn’t use his power for this case, she
didn’t have to go to any trouble because she had already
planned it perfectly without any holes to get out of . Perhaps
he felt this way, Asher smiled brightly for the first time
today . It was a very pleasant smile, even though he had
nothing to do and was tacitly denied help .
“It’s hard for me to endure because you keep doing this . ”
“… it’s hard?”
“I throw away everything I’m doing, and I just want to have

a conversation with Young-ae . ”
As he said so, he gently touched a long stretch of Aria’s hair

. It was inappropriate to have a short conversation .
Although she was a little agitated by the touch that
smoothed her hair, she realized that she was not in a
situation to be like this, and broke the weird atmosphere he
created .
“I don’t like people who forget their duty and fool around . ”
“… I can’t stay here any longer if you say so . ”

Eventually, Asher, who was reminded of his busy reality by
Aria, had to stand up from his seat . His face was filled with
regret, but he had no excuse to stay because she said she
didn’t need his help . As the house was in a disorderly state,
Asher, who would get her seeing off in her room instead of
the entrance door, was about to open the door and tried to
go outside, but he stopped and turned around .
“Well, I’ll go now . Please call me whenever you need me .

And…”
As Aria waited for the following words, as he blurred his

words, and what had happened was the soft lips that
touched her forehead . When he was waiting outside the
door, a knight saw it and opened his eyes wide and blushed
. Soon after, he turned his head hurriedly, expressing that
he saw something he should not have seen .
His lips, which had been touched briefly and then dropped,
did not retreat, but again touched Aria’s cheek . Now they
were quite used to it, and neither of them ever had their
faces dyed red . They just stared at each other in the eye
and promised to meet again .
“Please don’t overdo it . ”
“… I get it . ”
Asher gave the firm instructions to the knights and

investigators who would stay at the mansion to verify the
case and conduct the investigation thoroughly and fairly
and left the mansion, and the faces of those who were
looking into the case were full of spleen .
“Did he fall down right after drinking tea?”
“Yes! As soon as he drank, he collapsed throwing up blood!”

Sponsored Content
Annie replied excitedly to the question of a knight . She

even imitated to collapse as if she were re-enacting at that
time .
“Did Lady Aria have tea, too?”
“Yes! Lady Aria also had tea, but she was fine . Cain was the
only one who fell . ”
At Annie’s statement, the knight nodded with a very serious

face . He wrote that if they had drunk the same tea, but he
had fallen alone, Mielle would have poisoned a teacup, not
tea .
Jessie, who had been in the garden from beginning to end

with Aria, had the same answer, except for only one thing
that there was someone who had changed the seat with
Cain .
“You mean the seat has been changed?”
“… Yes . Actually, that was the seat of Lady Aria . ”
“…!”
As she replied, Jessie’s face was dark . It was because of the

betrayal, disappointment, and anger that she had ever
believed Mielle, but she had done this .
As the knight had an unexpected piece of information, he

hastened Jessie’s next words . “Please tell me in detail . ”
“… Originally, Lady Aria was sitting there . I poured tea into
the teacup . Our lady overturned the tea of Annie, who was
sitting next to her and the seat was changed in the
meantime . It happened without Annie and Mielle, who was
away for a while to change Annie’s clothes . Then Cain
arrived at the mansion and took the seat of our lady . And,
and…”
When Jessie, who had finished her long explanation, failed

to get the last words, the knight was briefly speechless by
the shocking testimony that replaced her answer .
“Cain came to drink the tea that originally belonged to Aria,

while the woman who had prepared the tea disappeared…”
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“… that’s right . ” Jessie, who was affirming that, looked as if

she were about to cry .
The expression of the knight, who outlined Jessie’s

testimony, was also in shock . If Jessie’s testimony was
true… Mielle tried to kill Aria, who received great attention
in the empire and a lover of the Crown Prince .
“Do you think so, too?”
“… Yes? What…?”
“I’m asking you if you think that her real target was not
Cain, but Lady Aria . ”
“…”
There was no other sign of affirmation, but the frown of
Jessie and the firmly closed lips were replaced by the
answer . Jessie’s testimony added rigor to the investigation,
which had been thoroughly investigated due to Asher’s
advanced instruction .
Even disdain permeated the eyes of the knights and

investigators who were supposed to carry out the
investigation fairly and calmly . After a series of emotional
investigations, they got Annie’s testimony and found out
that the seat had been changed, and found Aria in a rage .
“We heard it from witnesses . Is that true?”
“… is that what they said?”
Aria, who was choosing what to say to the question of a

knight, sighed with affirmation . She looked as if she had
been caught a secret she didn’t want to tell .
The knight said with a regretful face . “You were a family in

the past, so I know you wanted to cover it up… but it is not
once, and there is a limit to forgiveness . She had to pay for
this horrible thing . ”
He misunderstood as if Aria was trying to cover up Mielle’s

nasty sins . The eyes of Aria, who enjoyed the desired
response to the fullest, grew red . She looked as if she would
shed tears if she moved her long, rich eyelashes a few times
.
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Somehow, he seemed to have seen a face he shouldn’t
have seen, so the embarrassed knight hurriedly pulled a
handkerchief out of his arms . It was a handkerchief his lover
had given him, so he could not lend it to anyone else, but he
could not afford to pay attention to it .
“… Thank you . You are so kind . ”
“Oh, no . I’m so sorry… I think I said something rude…”
“You aren’t rude . I’m stupid… I feel guilty that this

happened because I’ve been covering up for Mielle mistakes
. I have a guilty conscience . ”
“What a guilty conscience! It’s bad of her who yet couldn’t

reflect even if you have shown mercy!”
Aria, who touched her eyes for a moment to his perfectly

self-interested answer, smiled a little sadly as if she was
okay .
“It’s a little comforting for me as you say that…”
“I’m sorry to say this to you, Lady Aria, but this time she will
have to pay for her sin without mercy . ”
Aria nodded slowly after delaying her answer .
“… I suppose so . An innocent person lost his life because of

my useless interference . Now I will cooperate without
hiding it . ”
Aria pretended that she hated it and she was sad, but she
couldn’t help it anymore, just like she chose it .
When Aria decided to punish Mielle severely, the

investigation was smooth and quick . Testimonies were
secured from everyone in the mansion, and evidence left in
the garden and the body of Cain were also collected and
sent to the place for analysis .

possible .

247
Chapter 247: Chapter 247 - Reverse Destiny, Part VII
Chapter 247: Chapter 247 . Reverse Destiny, Part VII
Translator: Khan
It didn’t take much time because they were simple and clear
circumstantial evidence that they had nothing to worry
about . All this happened while Mielle was unconscious and
locked away in her room .
There was no chance for Mielle to plead because there was

so much evidence and many witnesses . In the past, Aria
hadn’t had any chance to appeal, but now Mielle did .
Everything was Mielle’s fault and what she had made up,
and Aria was just a benevolent, pure saint who had been
bullied and harassed by the vicious wicked woman .
***
It was after dark that Mielle woke up .

Mielle opened her eyes in the black darkness because they
had blocked all the windows and did not come in a single
light, and she stared blankly at the darkness for a moment .
‘I think something big must have happened…’
She couldn’t remember anything as if she had stopped

thinking about what had happened so suddenly . She
remembered that she had talked to Aria secretly after she
had got the Inducing Flower, but she couldn’t remember
anything at all as if what had happened since then had been
erased from her head .
She was looking back at the past for quite some time and
trying to recall her memory . She then suddenly heard the
sound of a chain outside her room as if someone was
opening a door that was locked using a chain .
‘What the hell is going on here?’ Not yet able to get her
memory back and get ready to accept reality, Mielle
watched where the noise was coming from, trembling all
over at the unexpected situation .
“You were awake . Tie her up!” Suddenly, several knights,

who came in the room, began to tie up Mielle .
“Hey, what are you doing?”
She shouted, embarrassed by their acts, but no one

answered her . Rather, they only added strength to their
hands, saying that she was making a noise .
“No, set me free!”
She ignored her downgraded identity in embarrassment and

resisted by speaking informal languages, and a knight, who
furrowed his forehead to the fullest, browbeat Mielle .
“Shut up! You’re a sinner . How dare you!”
‘Even though I was a sinner, I was out of jail after the right
process, and why are you being so violent to me?’ Though
her memory of a day faded, it was incomprehensible for her
to be tied up without doing anything .
“Call, call my sister! Call Aria!”
So she tried to appeal to her for their wrongdoings as she

called Aria in, all she got was ridicule and a cold stare .
“What face are you looking for, Lady Aria?”
“… What face?”
“You don’t know who you are . ”
“You are so shameless!”
Even the knights who had been silent in captivity helped to

insult Mielle . They seemed to have a lot of bad feelings
toward Mielle, who had tried to kill Aria, who had shown
mercy several times .
“How do you still have the nerve to find Aria after what
you’ve done?”
“I’ve seen so many sinners, but I’ve never seen such a fool .
”
“Let her stand up . ”
‘Such a fool?’ As soon as her body was forced to rise, she

remembered several scenes that had been shattered in her
mind . She prepared for tea time and put something in a
teacup . And later, even the sight of Aria sitting in front of
the poisoned teacup .
“… So, is Aria dead? Is that it?”
‘Otherwise, why should you treat me so badly?’ She asked in

a quivering voice, and the knights that were in Mielle’s room
were speechless as if they interpreted her words wrong .
“I’m afraid she’s quite fine, contrary to your wishes . ”
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Soon after, he gave a sneering reply, and Mielle made a

facial expression that she couldn’t understand . ‘If Aria’s
fine, then why? What the hell happened?’
“Then why? Why are you binding me up? If she’s fine, why?”
“… Ha . ”
Seeing Mielle’s frustrating response, the knights again lost

their words and could not help but laugh, dumbfounded .
They interpreted Mielle’s question as ‘Why do you tie me up
when someone else died because of a mistake, but Aria did
not die?’ even though the victim was her own brother .
“Sure enough, it is the question of the one who pushed her

own father down the stairs . ”
“… What’s that supposed to mean? Why are you talking

about my father all of a sudden?”
“Stop talking and take her . Don’t make any more noise in
the mansion . ”
She inquired back as she couldn’t understand the reason for

all of this, but it was a rough touch that came back . They
pulled hard at the rope which tied her up tightly . Mielle’s
fragile body was simply pulled away .
“Yaaah!”
It was so suddenly pulled that she almost fell down, but the
knight beside her clicked his tongue and raised her so that
she wouldn’t fall .
“Walk faster . Don’t bother Lady Aria and the house

anymore . ”
“What did I do? What did I do wrong?”
Her shameless reaction continued, and the knights went

wild to treat her . That drove Mielle into terror, and her
rebellious voice grew smaller and smaller .
“Let me meet my sister! Please… Please!”
Still, she did not stop asking them to let her meet Aria . It
was because, just as Annie had harassed her, Aria seemed
to solve this strange situation .
“Even if you don’t beg, Lady Aria is here to say goodbye to

you . ”
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“… How sweet she is! How did she come out to meet this
guy again?”
As the knights said, Aria was waiting for Mielle in the lobby
of the mansion .
Unexpectedly, she was with her mother, Carin . And next to

her was a man who she had seen several times . It was
Chloe, Aria’s biological father . As if she heard the news late,
Carin was staring at Mielle furiously in Chloe’s arms .
“Uh, sister! Mother!”
When Mielle, who was being dragged, called Aria and Carin,
Carin answered with a sigh of embarrassment .
“Mother? Why are you calling me mother? What the hell?!”
Mielle, startled by the sound of her voice, crouched her

shoulders .
She was no longer her mother, but why should she react so
violently? Chloe, who wrapped Carin’s shoulders, also
displayed a lot of white porcelain and showed hostility
toward Mielle . Only Aria, who was standing next to them,
had a look of pity for her, and Mielle called her name again .
“Uh, sister! Sister! I think something is wrong! Please help

me!”
Aria narrowed her forehead a little bit at the unexpected

reaction of Mielle . She should say, “How dare you deceive
me?” But she was only asking for help from her .
“What do you mean something is wrong?”

“I, I don’t know! I have only a few memories . Anyway, it
was you who sat in front of the tea, and you’re just fine!”
“… Do you have only a few memories?”
“Sob sob… Yes! Yes!”
“Do you mean you don’t remember anything you did?”
Looking at Mielle, who nodded hard with tears, Aria opened

her eyes wide with her hand covering her mouth . It didn’t
look like a lie .
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‘… How fun it is to be given the chance to have my revenge

at you in the end?’
How unfair it would be to be interrogated in that state . If

she even returned her memory in the middle, she might go
mad with shock . It was because everything had already
been confirmed that Mielle had tried to kill Aria . They
wouldn’t even know that she was an accomplice in this .
Still, it was not fun to see such a shameless face, so Aria

made a sad face and said, thinking that Mielle should know
that Cain was dead, “So… Does it mean that you don’t even
know that your brother Cain is dead?”
Quite naturally, the words startled Mielle, and it made her

unable to breathe . She was stunned . Her face was asking,
“What the hell does that mean?”
Aria personally explained how Cain died .
“… Your brother Cain drank the tea you had put poison
into… He vomited blood… and…”
When she hid her face in her palm as if she couldn’t speak
anymore, Mielle stammered in disbelief .
“What, what do you mean? Why did my brother drink that

tea? There was no reason for him to come here in the first
place . ”
The knights’ expression grew quite serious at Mielle’s cry .

She didn’t deny putting the poison in the tea, but she was
making a confession . There was no need to interrogate her
.
“Because it was the first tea time you prepared… So I

invited him, but he drank the tea that was before my seat!”
As soon as Aria said that, Mielle’s face collapsed in an

instant as she remembered Cain throwing up blood and
dying .
It wasn’t clear whether it was not because she had lost her
memory in a physical shock or because she had just fainted
just for a moment, but Mielle was partially regaining her
memory every time Aria mentioned what had happened .
“No way! It can’t be!”

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between chapters .
248
Chapter 248: Chapter 248 - Reverse Destiny, Part VIII
Chapter 248: Chapter 248 . Reverse Destiny, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
‘What good is it for you to deny that?’ Cain was gone . A

knight guessing that the conversation was over pushed her
on the back, and she took a step, reflexively .
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you this time, Mielle . ”
Aria shed tears, and everyone’s anger toward Miele grew

except for one person, Mielle, who thought this situation
was very strange and weird .
“Mielle, I trusted you… I believed that you would no longer

do anything bad! How could you…”
As Miele, who was pushed out of the front door by the

knights, was about to go out, she heard Jessie’s resentful
voice . Jessie must have truly believed that Mielle could
become a new woman like she had expected Aria in the past
.
“…!”
At the voice, Mielle completely collapsed, and she was

pulled helplessly out of the front door, and soon left the
mansion in a carriage carrying a sinner . As she had already
said what she had done in front of the front door, like
confessing, there would be no questioning or investigation
to confirm the facts .
Evidence and witnesses were also clear, so it was not

necessary . It would just end up browbeating Mielle in denial
and embarrassment . In the meantime, Mielle would regain
her memory and insist that she had not tried to kill Aria and
Aria was also an accomplice, but no one would listen, no
matter how much Mielle insisted . Rather, she could have
been beaten up for talking nonsense in order to avoid
punishment . The execution would be decided right after
that . No, she might face a harsher sentence than execution
.
Aria, who looked sorry for not seeing the interrogation scene
in person, called out Jessie, as the maids left cursing and
swearing at Mielle .
“Jessie . ”
“… . Yes? Ah, yes . Miss…”
“It’s very late, but why don’t you have some tea with me?”
“… Tea?”
There was a sinful mind on Jessie’s face . She seemed to
have the idea that she had defended and embraced Mielle,
and it had created this situation . She didn’t even know she
had been used by Aria .
“Yes . I’m upset, and I don’t think I can fall asleep . I think
you will be the same . ”
“… Ah, yes… I’ll be ready in a minute . ”
Jessie’s face was completely darkened when Aria said she

couldn’t sleep . Jessie uncharacteristically prepared a
refreshment with a clumsy hand and went into Aria’s room .
“… Miss . ”
Jessie’s voice was very cautious when she called Aria . Aria
smiled softly at Jessie, asking her to sit opposite her .
“Sit down, Jessie . I’m lonely, so let’s drink together . ”
“…”
‘How dare I be entitled to that position? With a dull

sympathy, I almost put my master to death . ’
“Come on . The tea is going to get cold . ”
But Aria did not give up and urged her to sit, so in the end,
Jessie sat opposite Aria, and the two savored the tea without
a word for a moment .
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“I don’t think you’re bad for caring for Mielle . ” Then
suddenly Aria came to the point .
Jessie, who was startled, stared at Aria with her eyes wide
open .
Aria still had a soft smile . “There are so many people in the
world who regret and repent for their sins . ”
Of course, there were those who did not, like Aria and
Mielle, who had afflicted Jessie in the past and had kicked
her out .
“So I don’t think your behavior is wrong . It’s just…”
Aria, who paused, took a sip of tea and said, “I want you to
be a little more careful in what you say and do . Don’t show
your true intentions to others . ”
“… What do you mean?”
“As long as you don’t completely believe in others, don’t

show your true intentions to them . If you do, you will be the
one who gets hurt . ”
Aria, who spoke that way, had a serene face that was
completely different from the look she had just shown to
Mielle as if either one was a lie .
“If you don’t, you’ll either get hurt yourself like you are now,
or you’ll regret hurting someone . If you keep meeting with
Hans, you’ll need the art of how to get along in the world
more and more . ”
Hans was still on the winning side, and at this rate, his lover
Jessie would have to step into the social world as well . Aria
no longer wanted Jessie to sacrifice herself and be hurt for
others . Aria didn’t want Jessie to think that she could at
least trust and improve others, even if she didn’t become a
wicked woman like herself .
Jessie looked down as if she had learned something from

this incident and nodded in silence, biting her lips .
***
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Since then, Jessie had had a moment of solitary thought .
Jessie seemed to think over Aria’s words . If it had been any

other advice, she might have taken it immediately, but it
was hard to change her attitude of trusting others in an
instant that she had held on for twenty years .
Aria left Jessie alone without urging her to think hard

enough and choose . Still, she thought it would be better for
Jessie to doubt others a little more for herself, who had
committed visible misdeeds like Aria and Mielle . That was
the only way for her to avoid what it had been like in the
past .
Of course, in case Jessie was hurt because she trusted

someone, Aria would not let the other person go, but she
wanted Jessie to learn how to get along in the world a little
more so that her being hurt would not happen in the first
place .
In the meantime, as Aria had hoped, Mielle had lost her

chance to explain herself and had to wait for her end in
prison . At first, investigators asked several questions,
saying, “It was a fact check,” but soon after, they stopped
visiting her as if they were tired of Mielle’s absurd claim
after she regained her memory .
“I’m not, I’m not! Everything is done under the instruction of

Aria… No, it was Aria the wicked bitch who set it up! How
many times do I have to tell you? Please, please believe
me!”
After a few days, an investigator and a knight came to check

on Mielle’s condition, but they clicked their tongues as soon
as they found her, who shouted, squeezing all her strength .
They wondered how she still had such strength because
Mielle hadn’t eaten any food throughout the investigation .
They hadn’t wanted to waste any food because she would
be executed anyway . Of course, a small amount of water
had been given to prevent her from dying .
It was a better treatment . Other criminals facing execution

so far had been subjected to severe beatings and torture,
but Mielle, who had not yet reached adulthood and was thin
and weak, had been very fortunate to avoid suffering
because she was likely to die after being tortured once .
“We don’t need to hear any more, so we’d better report to

His Highness now . ”
“Yes, the circumstances and evidence are clear, and there is

still no sign of reflection . ”
“It feels terrible to even breathe the same air she’s

breathing . ”
“That’s right . How many times has she committed such a

horrible crime while still being so young? We have to get rid
of her as soon as possible so that no one else can be
harmed . ”
After watching Mielle’s frantic struggle for a while, they

turned away without hesitation, as if she didn’t deserve to
live anymore .
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“It was not me! It wasn’t the wicked woman who I tried to
kill, but it was Annie who was just a maid! That’s why she
gave me the Inducing Flower! Please!”
The investigator furrowed his forehead in Mielle’s confession

from behind as he was leaving the prison and asked the
knight, “Can I add it?”
“Well, I’m sure she’s lying, but let’s do that for now . ”
But even if that was true, nothing would change .
What good would it be even if she said who the target was
when a person had been already dead? Moreover, it had
already been widely rumored that Mielle had tried to kill Aria
. Now, if they declared that the target was Annie, no one
would believe that . It was clear that no one would believe
that because Mielle had already lied to lay the guilt on Aria .
Nevertheless, the investigator had to report directly to the

Crown Prince, so he visited Asher with a report compiled by
himself, which drew up all the details at a glance . Asher
received the report with a substantial amount of detailed
testimony or analysis and read them without missing a
single word . It was to make sure that Aria was no longer
bound to the past and to eliminate the cause of long-
suffering .
“It was Annie, the maid, not Lady Aria who she tried to kill .
”

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Chapter 249: Chapter 249 - Reverse Destiny, Part IX
Chapter 249 . Reverse Destiny, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“Yes! That’s what she said at the end . But I don’t know if
it’s real or not . ”
“I see . ”
Asher answered while laughing a little bit . It was more of a

sneer at Mielle . As soon as he looked through the papers
again, he rose from his seat .
“I will directly go face to face with her . ”
“… Directly, sir?”
“I’m in charge, so I will do it . ”
“Ah…!”
The servant, who was waiting in the corner, rushed to fetch
Asher’s robe . As soon as he was ready with the help from
his servant, he left his office with the report . It was an
unseemingly step that did not seem to have been under
heavy pressure for a very long time .
The investigator followed him with a puff . The investigator’s

face was filled with satisfaction when he saw the report in
Asher’s hand . As they walked along the corridor of the
Imperial Castle in such a quick and large stride, the man
from the other side suddenly came in and was surprised at
the sight of Asher .
“Your Highness? Where are you going?” It was Vika . Instead

of asking for his destination, he asked why he was leaving
the Imperial Castle in such a hurry .
Asher answered with displeasure, “To jail . I got a report on

the case . ”
“… Jail? You mean now? Pinonua will be here soon . ”
When Vika said that Pinonua Lane was coming back, Asher
rolled his eyes and did not answer . It was because he had
forgotten him for a while since he had been in the
countryside . Lane was one of the few close aides of Asher
that could move away from the eyes of the Aristocratic Party
.
It was partly because he had met people using various

aliases, and because the Pinonua family itself did not have
much influence, he was not very close to the nobles . He
was similar yet different to Vika, the spy .
That was why he had let Lane run to every corner of the
empire to keep track of the situation and keep getting
reports . However, today was the day he should come back .
So, Asher, who had been agonizing for a while, made a
decision soon and said with a different face, “I can’t
postpone my schedule and stay in the Oval Office to just
wait for his return . Tell him to wait . ”
“… Yes . ”
“I have received all the important reports in writing, so I

don’t have to meet him . ”
As Asher said, Lane had reported all the information he had

obtained from traveling around the empire through a letter .
The only thing he could share with Lane, who was back in
the capital, was a welcome greeting for his return or
consolation for his hard work .
“Or just tell him to go home and rest . I’ll call him later . ”
“… Your Highness Asterope!”
Besides, he must be tired because he had been around the

empire for a long time . So, as he pretended to be
considerate, Vika called out Asher’s name with a look of real
disappointment .
“He’s been out for a long time, but you are being too hard
on him . I think you should meet him and tell him that he
has done a good job…”
“Doesn’t he feel comfortable without me? That’s strange .

I’ve thought so far . ”
It had been different depending on the situation, but it was

real . So Vika couldn’t answer and closed his mouth . It was
partly because the investigator behind Asher added an
explanation that it was about Aria, and he should shut up
with his mouth shape and gesture .
As Vika was forced to show acceptance without further

questioning, Asher left his last words and hurried again .
“If he has anything else he needed to report that he did not

mention in his previous letter, ask him to leave a document
.”
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“… I see . ”
Unlike when he had met Aria, Asher rode a wagon which

was so simple and light that they did not know if it was
really from the Imperial Castle . He headed straight to the
prison where Mielle was imprisoned .
As no one had visited the prison since the last investigator

had visited, Mielle was lying helpless on the floor as if she
had given up on everything .
She did not look strange even if she died right away . It was
partly due to the fact that the only thing that was keeping
her alive was water since that was the only thing that was
given to her for several days . Nevertheless, as she heard
the footsteps of Asher and the investigator, she raised her
stiff head in surprise .
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince…”

But when she realized that the man who visited her was
Asher, she looked as if the sky had collapsed because Aria’s
lover would never listen to her .
“What a pity . I can’t imagine the woman who tried to sell

the empire by clinging to Lohan would end up like this,”
Asher gave a sour and frank impression to Mielle .
‘Who can think of the most graceful lady of the empire when
looking at this ugly and miserable appearance?’ Asher
looked down at Mielle’s ugly appearance .
“I’m… I’m not really… Sob . That woman… that woman

ordered me to do this… The worst woman is not me, but…!”
And Mielle, unable to bear the stillness, told Asher, still

hoping that someone would believe her . She also lamented
that he should realize the identity of a truly evil woman .
Asher answered with a funny smile, raising the corners of

his mouth, “So?”
“… Yes…?”
“So what? I don’t care . ”
Mielle, who thought Asher hadn’t quite understood what she

meant, again revealed Aria’s identity . “The, the wicked
woman, has done so many terrible things so far… Well, Your
Highness can’t imagine… She pretends to be good on the
outside, but she always wonders how she can do bad things
inside!”
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“That must be you . ”
But Asher did not listen to what she said until the end but
immediately answered with a cold face, and Mielle
swallowed her breath in surprise as if she had been struck
by lightning .
“You said that you did not do it, but you pushed Count
Roscent down the stairs . You even blamed Lady Aria for
that crime . ”
“That’s, that’s…!”
“Other people couldn’t see the scene, but I saw it clearly .

As you said, I moved the space and appeared there . So I
think you’re the villain you’re talking about, not Lady Aria . ”
“…!”
Because it was the last time, Asher mentioned his own

ability .
“Then, what I saw…!”
“Yes, that’s right . However, it doesn’t change anything . ”
It was not only Mielle who was surprised, but the

investigator opened his mouth and his eyes wide . As soon
as he noticed it, Asher urged him to leave the prison .
“Besides, I don’t care who Lady Aria is . It doesn’t matter if

she’s the horribly wicked woman as you say . No, it may be
better if she’s willing to deal with women like you and
survive . ”
Asher added that Aria deserved to pay back what she had
been afflicted and harmed and said, “It really doesn’t matter
what kind of character Aria has .
‘What kind of answer can I give to this man?’ Now that there
was no one else to listen to her, Mielle fell to the floor .
Her arms that were supported by all her strength left were
out of function . She did not even have the strength to
squeeze her tears out anymore, and soon, she breathed out
like a crumbling dead woman . At that moment, the sound
of footsteps approaching began to be heard gradually .
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When she turned her eyes to see who had come to mock
her, it was unexpectedly Pinonua Lane, who Mielle thought
was a servant of a great and rich man; the servant of the
master who had sent a lot of gold and silver treasures to her
and expressed his favor .
“Lane, Mr . Lane…!” Mielle called out Lane’s name with a

glimmer of hope that the rich man might have sent him to
save herself!
“Oh, my God . You look terrible . ”
Before he pretended to know Asher, Mielle called his name

anxiously, and he answered with a very sad face .
“You are here to help me? Right?”

“… Huh?” However, in her sudden, unexpected words, he
opened his eyes wide and asked again, “What does that
mean?”
Hastened by this, Mielle was very excited and hurried to

speak .
“The master of Lane expressed his favor for me… Please get
me out of here… I’ll give everything he wants…! He can do
that at least…! Come on, please . Please…!”
She seemed to think that he had such great wealth so that

he must have the ability to bring her out and give her a
chance to defend herself
‘You don’t know who he is . ’ With a funny smile, Asher

stared at Lane .
As he didn’t know that Mielle would say such things to

himself, Lane, who was genuinely embarrassed by the fact
that he didn’t know how to answer it, was in trouble,
frowning .

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between chapters .

250
Chapter 250: Chapter 250 - Reverse Destiny, Part X
Chapter 250: Chapter 250 . Reverse Destiny, Part X
Translator: Khan
He was not in trouble as he couldn’t help her . Lane was

offended as she pleaded with him to save her so much
because he was the one who had spoken to Mielle and Aria
himself and had experienced Mielle’s two-sided character .
Soon after, he noticed that Asher was watching this
situation with interest and opened his mouth as if he had no
choice .
“… I’m sorry, but my master… His Highness Asterope . ”
“… Yes?”
“The treasures and favors that my master had sent you

were actually not meant for you, confusing you with Lady
Aria . At first, without knowing the name of Lady Aria, he
only knew she was the lady of the Roscent family . ”
Lane, who answered so, left Mielle, who stared at him with
her weary eyes, behind and greeted Asher .
“I’m sorry I’m late to greet you . She just talked to me, so…
I’m back from all the work you’ve asked me to do . ”
“Good job . I told Vika to tell you to go back to your mansion

and rest, but I don’t know why you came here and got
embarrassed . ”
“That’s what I have been told, but I came here because I

thought I might have forgotten your face . ”
He quickly changed his face not to offend Asher’s mood

since he had been grumpy without fear .
“If your business is finished, would you like to go back

now?”
“… You want me to go to work . Did Vika say something?”
“…”
Asher and Lane, who had helped drive Mielle into despair,
exchanged jokes in front of her who could not get out of the
pit of despair right now .
“All right, I’m done here . Let’s go back . I have nothing

more to say to the sinner, and nothing to find out in the first
place . ”
As if he had let go of the troublesome work, he said with a

refreshed face . If the work of Mielle was finished, Aria would
be able to escape from the past and live with himself in the
future .
“Think that it is the natural consequence of your misdeeds .
You did the same thing to Lady Aira in the past . No, it’s not
the worst . At least your body is fine . ”
“What are you talking about?”
Asher turned coldly, leaving Mielle who had a look of

incomprehension because of despair .
He wanted to cut off her tongue as Aria had been afflicted in

the past, but he struggled to keep his impulses, thinking
that Aria might want to talk to Mielle for the last time .
“Have you decided on her sentence?” Lane asked quietly to

Asher, who climbed into the returning carriage and stared
out the window .
“Well, shall I tear her limbs?”
“Isn’t that too cruel?”
“It’s not even a drop in the bucket compared to what Lady

Aria suffered . ”
Lane cocked his head to question the answer . “I’m sorry if I

said that it was wrong, but I don’t think she has been so
badly treated . Of course, Mielle tried to spread malicious
rumors or make her drank poisoned tea . However, that was
trivial compared to death or tearing off her limbs . The crime
of treason should only be imprisonment . ”
Asher’s eyes deepened when Lane said that he had been

punishing her too severely as his emotions had intervened .
However, Asher knew what had happened in the past . He
thought that it was not an excessive punishment .
Rather, he wanted to burn all her hair after torturing her
with all sorts of things if he could . But if he really did, he
would be told he was the mad Crown Prince, so he said,
“What about tearing off her limbs?” But Asher swallowed
the truth as Lane was surprised and refuted .
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“If you’re going to be so reluctant, why would you ask? If I

can’t tear her limbs apart, there’s only one punishment left .
”
The way was to put her head on the guillotine as if he had

executed the nobles of the Aristocratic Party . It was the
same way Aria had been treated in the past . It was to insult
her by reciting all her sins in front of everyone and then let
her die while everyone cheered .
“I asked because I was afraid you’d forgive her again just

like last time . ”
“Such a thing will not happen anymore . It’s all over . Maybe
.”
If Aria’s vengeance was over, there would be no more mercy

.
As soon as he returned to the Imperial Castle, Asher said

that he needed time to think for a while after dealing with
urgent matters and let all the servants in the office retreat .
It was already sunset and the darkness was falling . He
moved the space to Aria’s mansion .
“May I go out, Lady Aria?” Said Asher in a small room
attached to Aria’s room as he made a sign that he was by
the door .
The room was built by Aria for Asher . It had a single sofa
and a table . It was to make sure that they wouldn’t be
caught by anyone, and so Aria could enjoy a private life and
Asher’s visit anytime .
“Mr . Asher?”
As if she had been in the mansion, Aria replied in a startled

voice upon hearing Asher . As soon as he found Aria in the
room, he opened the door carefully and went out .
“It’s a very useful room . ”
“It’s good to have made it . ”
Aria, who welcomed Asher with a smile, called a maid and

ordered her to serve another cup of tea .
Aria couldn’t show her the room inside, so she said, “Leave
it outside the door,” and her maid cocked her head . But she
soon realized there was a reason, so she put down the tea
outside the door and left .
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“What brings you here at this hour when you’re so busy?”
“The investigation is over . Only her punishment is left . ”
“… Ah… That’s why you’re here . ”

He came to ask for her last permission . When Aria noticed
the intent of Asher, she took a sip of tea . She was lost in
her thoughts for a moment and slowly opened her mouth .
“I’ve paid back everything that I had been treated, so I don’t

have any regrets anymore . I’ve been harassing her enough
. I don’t have to let her live anymore . Maybe she paid too
much . ”
There was no sadness or regret in Aria’s expression . Now

that she had just finished all her work, she felt like she was
ready to forget about the past .
“I see . Then I will deal with it according to the laws of the

empire . ”
Asher answered with a face that he could finally finish what

he had hoped for .
“I don’t want her to live a minute longer, and I’m thinking of

executing her at dawn tomorrow, but… Well, is it okay for
you to not see Mielle for the last time?”
“Finally… You’re right . ”
As he said, if she were executed by dawn tomorrow, she

would no longer be able to see her .
Besides, there were some questions she wanted to ask . She

wanted to ask her all the time before she had turned back
the hourglass . She didn’t think that she would get the right
answer, but she wanted to ask .
As soon as Aria’s permission fell, Asher, who rose from his

seat, reached out his hand . As it had been for several
times, Aria also rose from her seat and took Asher’s hand as
she knew his intentions .
Then it was in a flash that her view changed . Aria, who
arrived in a dirty prison that was wet and shabby and
dependent on a few torches, sighed with relief as she looked
down on her feet . She was glad she was wearing indoor
shoes .
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“…?”
Turning to the sound of surprise and swallowing, there was

Mielle, who was locked in a cramped, messy prison . She
looked shocked when Asher and Aria suddenly appeared .
“Why are you so surprised to see this already?” Aria asked .

Asher stepped outside, saying that he would leave her alone
for a while . He thought Aria wanted to have a casual
conversation without being disturbed by anyone .
“… How could you do this to me?” At last, Mielle asked with

a weak, yet cold tone of voice, realizing that Aria had driven
her to the brink of the cliff .
“I wonder why you did that to me?”
“… What did I do?”
But rather, Aria asked in a wondering voice . Then Mielle

replied with a scornful look, “I didn’t commit such a great
crime, but why have you afflicted me so much?”
In response to Mielle’s scornful look, Aria said, “At first, you

were about thirteen when you did something wrong to me .
You sent your maids to me and told them to urge me to do
bad things . You wanted me to be a wicked woman just like
the rumors you made . ”
It was the same in the past and the present, so Mielle was
surprised and swallowed her breath .

possible .
between chapters .

251
Chapter 251: Chapter 251 - Reverse Destiny, Part XI

Destiny, Part XI
Translator: Khan
“And I was so stupid that I did something mean to you as

the maids wanted . I couldn’t even figure out what they
were doing, so there were more people who thought I was
the wicked woman in the rumor . ”
But from here, it was a story she didn’t remember, so Mielle

furrowed her forehead . ‘What on earth are you talking
about?’
Aria continued, “Everyone praised me that way . They

blamed me for being a stupid villain inside, but on the
outside, they praised me that I was more beautiful than you
. In fact, I was just a puppet with nothing but appearance . ”
“I, I don’t know what you’re talking about…!”
“So I became more and more crooked, and I became a

wicked woman who bullied my sister and filled my inferiority
complex . It was all thanks to you . ”
Aria’s expression of composure soon collapsed as she said

that far .
She pretended to be lucky all the time and to be OK, but she
was caught in resentment and anger by looking back on her
horrible past .
Turning back the hourglass had not erased the experience of

her mother’s death . The experience of beheading had not
been lost either . The misery, inferiority, anger, and injustice
had been all clearly carved into Aria’s head and chest, with
everlasting clarity .
“… I wouldn’t have come back like this if you had done that
far . I would have ended after living foolishly and just being
a stupid villain! Why did you make me and my mother so
miserable? What the hell is the status…? What is that? You
made me turn the hourglass with a resentful and unjust
mind…”
The mourning in her heart, which had been waiting for a

very long time, reached the ears of Asher who was a little
way beyond the prison . It was lamentable enough to break
the heart of Asher who had never experienced it .
But it was an incomprehensible cry for Mielle, so the cry of

losing its destination went around the prison and quickly
died down . It was a useless cry .
“You wouldn’t know if I said this . Before I turned the clock, it

is the past you don’t know . It’s the miserable past that only
I know . ”
Aria said while brushing her own cheek as if she were taking
off her feelings . And Mielle stared at her with a face as if
she were seeing a crazy person .
‘The wicked woman is really gone mad . She is delusional

and has lost her mind . ’
“Are you just saying that you’ve made me do this with that
delusion?”
When Mielle asked about her injustice, Aria, who had

dispelled all her dirty feelings, made a face again that had
always kept herself, telling the truth if Mielle knew or didn’t
need to know .
“Delusion? You may not understand if I explain it hundreds

of times, but I have the ability to turn back time . Everything
I say now is what happened in the past . It happened before
I turned back the clock . What the elegant lady of Count
Roscent did to kill the dumb villain . ”
“… You’re really crazy! You can’t just talk like that without
being crazy…!”
Then Mielle exclaimed as if she had been brought to this

situation by the delusion and madness of Aria . Rather, she
seemed to be the one who was unfairly treated . She still
thought lightly of her sins and that she was being treated
unfairly .
“There is the ability to move space, and what’s the big deal
with the ability to turn back time? If you don’t believe it,
think about it . Like you said, how could the daughter of a
stupid prostitute suddenly build her power and amass her
fortune as if she had become someone else overnight? If
she had the ability to turn back time, wouldn’t she have
been able to predict the future and do that?”
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“… what…?”
Aria, who was no longer worthy of dealing with Mielle

because she let go of her old feelings and poured out all she
had to say, moved to the place where Asher had gone with
the last words . She had no more regrets . She had avenged
enough, poured out all she wanted to say, and, above all,
she had formed personal ties with good people she couldn’t
even imagine in the past .
Although Mielle might find it unfair until the end, it was a

satisfactory result . It would be more miserable, painful, and
terrifying to die crying out in resentment than to be
convinced and regret the past .
“… Will you go back?”
“Yes, thank you . ”
At Aria’s expression that she had no regrets, Asher’s

expression of holding her hand was also satisfying . It was
because now, after really finishing everything, there was a
future waiting for her to move away from the past and live
for herself alone .
***
The next morning…
As soon as the darkness was lifted and the sun rose, a

guillotine was set up in the square again . It was so rare to
execute someone in front of everyone and those who heard
the news gathered in the square in a hurry, shaking off their
drowsiness from early morning .
They all expected and imagined who had committed

something terrible and why the guillotine had been built in
the square . Unfortunately, the execution was so sudden
that not all the high-profile nobles were present as was the
execution of the Aristocratic Party .
It was partly due to the fact that it was no longer a serious

issue . This was because it was the execution of a small,
humble girl who had been downgraded to a commoner at
best . No one cared about the little girl .
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Even so, the girl was related to Aria and some nobles who
respected Aria and showed kindness sat in the seats next to
the execution table, and onlookers who would enjoy others’
misfortunes and deaths for entertainment filled the square .
Aria also waited for Mielle, preparing to let go of the terrible
past .
Looking forward to seeing what Mielle’s face would look like,

she wiped her eyes with a beautiful handkerchief gifted from
Sarah with a very sad face, just as Mielle had done in the
past .
And Mielle, who appeared with a noisy iron carriage, had a

more dazed look than Aria had expected . It was a miserable
face worth telling the truth last night .
“Get down!”
Mielle pulled out from the carriage by the coercive power of

a knight; she was dragged onto the podium, being hit by
stones and garbage thrown by bystanders . Now that she
had no one else to be her shield, she had to deal with the
violence alone .
“I can’t believe that bitch committed another crime!”
“What the hell did she do again?”
“I don’t know . But she must have done something terrible

and ugly!”
People’s anger flared against Mielle, who was twice brought

on the podium .
Mielle wondered if she would be excused for not having

done it again . She thought she’d make an excuse that she
had just done what her sister had ordered to do, but
unexpectedly, she looked up and looked at Aria, and she
opened her mouth with a very desperate face .
“She, she really turned the time… Yaaak!”
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However, she was unable to speak and rolled over the floor
as the knight pulled the tight rope that was holding her, and
he said she should be quiet .
“Time…?”
Aria, who recited Mielle’s words, thought for a moment .
‘A desperate look, and time… Do you really want to believe

all the stories I told you last night and ask if I really turned
back the time? Why are you going to check the truth now?
Just blame yourself and die without hiding your anger . ’
“You have committed to killing Aria, who had shown mercy

several times . You tried to poison Aria, but killed your
brother with the poisoned tea!”
And, quite naturally, time which was on her side did not help
her enemy, Mielle . Poorly, Mielle had to be sentenced to
death to decorate her end, lying on the floor . The executor
continued without giving a moment’s notice .
“In accordance with the laws of the empire, I sentence the

sinner, Mielle, to be put to death!”
Unlike the last time when he had instilled fear in criminals,

he seemed to be in a hurry, so he might have been ordered
by the Crown Prince to remove her from his eyes
immediately . Asher was watching it from the top seat, and
raised the corners of his mouth, as the executor was dealing
the work in an instant .
“Oh, no!”
Mielle, who touched the floor and lifted her upper body,
raised her voice, at the horrible last sentence, which was
suddenly announced . But the man who sentenced her gave
Mielle a cold stare with a stiff mouth, and the spectators
also raised their voices of reproach and urged him to cut her
head in haste . In the end, the place where Mielle looked at
was none other than Aria .

possible .

264
Chapter 264: Chapter 264 - Extra Story I: In The New Future,

With Someone She Loves, Part I

Chapter 264: Chapter 264 . Extra
Story I: In The New Future, With
Someone She Loves, Part I
Translator: Khan
She had thought she would get the ring right away, saying
yes if he proposed to her, but she couldn’t do it right away
in the great joy she had never tasted .
The eyes of Asher, which were always shining, came to her

mind . And then slowly emerged in turn, with Sarah and
Carin and other precious beings, her forces sending endless
favors, and finally the entire capital city being decorated
with tulips .
Unlike in the past when there had been nothing, there were
so many precious things that made her heart warm just by
thinking . Even when she closed her eyes, the touching and
beautiful scene was vividly spread and she seemed to pour
tears into it .
Now that she had no more ugly feelings, appearances,

people, she faced the future she had never drawn even in
the dream, opened her eyes slowly and hugged him with
her arms, who knelt on one leg, with her face as if she were
about to cry .
“… Of course . ”
Before Aria could finish her answer, Asher hugged her in his
arms . Thanks to that, the ring he was holding rolled onto
the ground, but no one cared .
————————
After her birthday, Aria became an adult and naturally lived

in a busy whirl of business . It was because she couldn’t
move only for her own benefit, as she had done in the past .
Now she had to manage her own forces that had become
pillars of the empire while filling the vacancy of the
Aristocratic Party, and also to manage the mansion and
property because her mother, Carin, had left the empire and
she had taken over them .
In addition, she had a close relationship with the academy,

so she had to be briefed on the students’ achievements
from time to time and to identify the best in the class and
invest in funds or provide a better environment .
This alone would lead to a busy day, but she had something
more important than all of them combined . It was the
preparation for a national wedding .
Thanks to Asher, who had made a big proposal on a large

scale by laying flowers across the capital as if to show off to
everyone, Aria and Asher’s national marriage was receiving
great attention from people of other countries beyond those
of the empire . Therefore, she was even busier because she
had to prepare for a national wedding that everyone envied
and admired without making a mistake .
Of course, the preparation of the ceremony was taken care

of by the Imperial Castle, but it also required a lot of Aria’s
efforts, such as choosing a dress or studying the order of
the ceremony and etiquette .
“Miss! The dresses we ordered have arrived!”
Annie knocked on the door, making a great fuss, and Aria,

who was writing a letter to a newly-invested businessman,
went out of the room, arranging it . Right in front of the door
was Annie, with her eyes glistening and flushed . Aria smiled
briefly and asked Annie, because she was more excited than
herself, even though they were not her dresses which had
arrived .
“Where are they?”
“They are in the lobby! I think they have brought almost a

hundred dresses! More than twenty servants followed them!
I caught a glimpse of them as they moved them, but my
eyes were so dazzled that I was speechless!”
‘A hundred? The designs I chose and described was almost

twenty . I thought they are going to bring some extra
dresses other than the designs I ordered, but I didn’t think
they’d bring a hundred dresses . ’ So Aria just shut up .
‘Of course, what kind of complaints can I make, as they

brought more dresses? On the contrary, I could choose the
dress that would suit me best and brighten me up first
among the countless dresses . ’
“I can’t wait for you to try it on! How beautiful would you
be? I’m sure it’s beautiful enough to go down in the history
of the empire . You are dazzling enough, even when you’re
dressed in a dressing gown like this!”
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Annie spoke to herself in ecstasy, as if imagining Aria in a

colorful, elegant dress . She added the natural words that
men from all over the empire would fall in love with her .
In the lobby where she arrived with such a tumultuous chat

from Annie, nearly a hundred dresses, as she said, were
waiting for Aria’s choice, showing off their beautiful selves .
The designer, who was in a hurry to clean up the mess

because the amount was so large, and the servants who
accompanied her hurriedly took a courtesy when they found
Aria . Aria could see the designer’s troubled expression after
she deeply bent her head . She seemed nervous because it
was Aria who would soon become the Crown Princess .
“We are sorry, we are not ready . ”
Jessie, who led the visitors to the lobby, spoke to Aria

casually, speaking on behalf of them .
“Miss, you came down early . I think it takes time to clean

up more than a hundred dresses . Would you like to wait
while you have tea?”
It was also because unlike ordinary aristocrats, she knew

that Aria would not be angry about such a trifle . Busy Arya
did not do anything stupid to waste her feelings on
unproductive things .
Aria answered Jessie’s question with a shake of her head .
“No, you don’t have to clean up in detail . Anyway, they
have to take them back . So, I think I should try on the dress
while I’m waiting for tea . Besides, they’ve prepared a
hundred pairs of them, so it might take me a whole day to
look at the design . ”
Her voice was so soft that the servants, who had been
bowing their heads to the full extent, lifted their eyes to
check Aria’s expression, and as she had such a gentle
expression as her voice, they swallowed a sigh of relief .
“I don’t know why they brought so many dresses… There’s

no reason to feel bad as there are many dresses I like, even
though I’ve only looked through once . ”
Then the designer was encouraged and talked about the

reason because Aria seemed to like them rather than upset .
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“His, His Highness the Crown Prince ordered it . He asked

me to create as many dresses as I can so that Lady Piast
can be satisfied . ”
“Did Mr . Asher do that?”
Aria asked back with a wide-open eye . ‘You must be

spending your busy days as much as I am, but you’ve paid
attention to such trivial matters . ’
Moreover, dresses and accessories were not part of Asher’s

involvement . It was not something that he should not be
involved in, but it was usually a part of women’s affairs .
Moreover, few men were interested in women’s clothing
because it was usually a part of women’s care, and it was a
trivial thing .
“Yes . His Highness also told me to prepare dresses that

would suit the beauty of Lady Piast . ”
“…”
‘You don’t even want to give me a chance to regret

something I haven’t met you because I’ve been busy . ’
Asher often left Aria speechless like this .
‘You are so devoted to living far away, so how about living

together?’ As if to imagine the imminent future, Aria’s eyes
began to tremble slightly .
“Ah, and there’s a dress that His Highness designed himself

.”
“… Designed himself?”
“Yes! Would you like to take a look?”
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The designer, who said that, told the servants to bring the
dress that was foremost in front of them . Of course, she
was full of confidence as if she was sure that Aria would see
it . ‘Who can just pass on a dress that her lover prepared
himself?’
As Aria nodded slowly, the designer had a good complexion
. “His Highness ordered a white dress that is proper and
regular . He said he’d dress in a formal white one and it
would be matched like a tailored one . Instead, he said that
because Lady Piast is excellent in appearance, I must
prepare the splendid decorations suit for it . ”
Then the designer instructed the maidservants who had

brought the dress to spread it out to Aria so that it would be
seen well .
As she explained, it was a dress of pure white color, but it

could only be described as the ultimate in harmony with
mysterious pearls that glowed in five colors, brilliantly
reflective diamonds, and pieces of lace that must have been
touched by craftsmen .
‘Who would dare wear such a colorful dress for her only
wedding?’ It was clear that the main character would be
transformed into a dress, not a bride . It was a colorful dress
that no woman would dare to digest . But Aria wasn’t .
“Would you like to try it on?”
“Okay . ”

possible .

265

With Someone She Loves, Part II

Someone She Loves, Part II
Translator: Khan
As soon as Aria’s answer was finished, the waiting servants,

with deft touches, helped her change her clothes . The
elegant yet simple interior suit had been transformed into a
colorful dress with Asher’s utmost sincerity, and the dress
that no one seemed to be able to digest became part of Aria
and made her look stand out .
“Oh, my God, Miss…! You, are so beautiful…!”
It made Annie’s constant babbling stop and she stuttered .

Annie wasn’t the only one who thought so . Everyone who
saw Aria in her dress could not speak in admiration, even
the designer who was worried as she had made the dress
that Aria’s appearance might be buried in it .
“I don’t have to try on another dress . There is no need to fix

it . As I like it, I’ll do with this dress . ”
As she really liked it, Aria raised up the corners of her mouth
to the fullest and said, checking herself in the mirror . She
might remember receiving a similarly colorful dress as a gift
in the past and said that she might know Asher’s taste,
occasionally smiling .
There were still a hundred dresses left, which they had

made day and night, but no one was disappointed by Aria’s
statement that she would not check them . It was then that
everyone accepted that it was a very natural result .
“Ah, but wait a minute to clean up . There are still some

people left to choose dresses . ”
“… Yes?”
Aria, who uttered the unexpected words, looked at Jessie

and Annie with a smile on her face . They were like the main
characters of the words she just brought up .
“You are my precious maids who’ve done your best for me,
and of course I should give you this much . ”
“Miss…”
“…!”
As Aria had found her mate, they had also found theirs, so it
must be a short time left before they could be congratulated
by all . So when Aria said she would give them a present for
the occasion, the designer was very embarrassed and
stammered and dared to argue back .
“But, but Lady Piast…! This dress is specially made for the
royal family or for the one who will join the royal family, and
it is a little too much for a commoner…!”
However, in Aria’s chilly eyes that soon returned, the
designer was forced to keep her mouth shut, unable to
speak until the end .
“Don’t worry too much . I’ll let them have a big wedding fit
for this beautiful dress, so please refrain from saying
anything unnecessary . ”
Aria, too, had half the blood of the common people, and she
spent her childhood in a vague origin of commoners . Even
she was a daughter of a prostitute, they could find fault with
anything if they tried .
The designer did not refute the idea anymore if she recalled
this . Even so, she could not hide her disgruntled expression
perfectly, if she didn’t like this situation .
Sensing this, Jessie, feeling anxious, hurriedly waved and

tried to say she was fine, but Annie, who was in ecstasy,
drew attention with a small shriek earlier than that . “Are
you serious? Can I choose a dress that I really like?”
“Well, isn’t it a dress made for someone to wear?”
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“Oh, my God . . , Oh, my God . I can’t believe I could wear

such an elegant and beautiful dress!”
As soon as Aria’s permission was given, the excited Annie

began to wander among the dresses and find the most
beautiful dress that would suit her . Like the designer, the
servants who were proud of their work disapproved of it, but
they quietly waited on Annie without expressing it otherwise
.
“Jessie, what are you doing? Why are you not choosing a
dress?”
“Miss…”
In the meantime, Aria approached Jessie, who was

hesitating and was wary of others . She pushed her on her
back and urged her to pick a dress .
“But, but… It’s too much for me… And I feel like I’m going to
be troublesome for you…”
Aria pointed out Jessie’s foolishness with a very significant

smile, as she might expect the tearful answer .
“Jessie, I know what you’re worried about, but… do I look so

easy?”
“… Yes?”
Jessie looked up at Aria with a twinge in her eyes because it

was a question that was completely incomprehensible .
“There’s nothing for you to worry about . No, something

worrisome will not happen . You know… I’m not a very good
person in the first place, am I?”
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After a long period of time, she had overcome villains who

she thought she wouldn’t dare fight against, and she had
managed to get the people she liked, and she could not be
wary of others who were low and insignificant like these .
“Miss…”
“I hope you realize that it is more humiliating and insulting

for me to not listen to me here and to be wary of them . ”
Aria urged Jessie again . It was an elegant and gentle

expression like the first time, but its meaning was very
significant . No matter how famous and great the designer
was in the empire, nothing could be more disgraceful than
that if it happened to defy the instructions of the soon-to-be
Crown Princess .
When Jessie realized this, she bit her lip and moved slowly
toward the dress as if she had no choice . This was because
she knew that this kind of action from Aria would bring bad
results, but she had no other choice .
Eventually, Aria presented Jessie and Annie with two dresses

each, and she also picked a few more extra dresses for
herself .
“I will charge them to the Imperial Castle . ”
Aria shook her head when the designer said so, because it
was a considerable sum for an individual to pay, although
she was a noble .
“No, I’ll pay . There is a share for Jessie and Annie, so you
can’t charge them to the Imperial Castle . ”
At her beckoning, Aria’s maid, who was waiting beside her,

took out gold coins and paid for them . There was no
hesitation because it was Aria who had accumulated a large
wealth beyond the financial power of the Roscent family
which were once known as the richest in the empire .
The designer, who had an impure look at cash payments,

not a cheque, recognized who she was and changed her
face . She showed courtesy and left the mansion . The
designer experienced the unexpected event that hurt her
pride as just maids wore the dresses she had made with all
her heart . However, it was nothing to Aria .
Sponsored Content
Aria was a woman who had built up her force and gained
great wealth since she had been regarded as a villain and
would soon become the Crown Princess . Even she had a
strong foreign force existing in other countries . Unlike in the
past, when she had been ignored for nothing she had but
her appearance, she didn’t have any enemy anymore, so
the designer didn’t have to be hated by Aria .
After everyone left, Annie, who had an unexpected gift,

circled the lobby, wondering if she was dreaming . “I can’t
believe I got this fancy dress…! No matter how much Baron
Burboom succeeded in his business, he wouldn’t be able to
give me such a great dress!”
“… That’s right . I don’t know where to wear it . ” Unlike

Annie, who was just excited, Jessie was somewhat uneasy
and unsettled .
Annie criticized Jessie as if she had lost her excitement with

this . “It’s a gift for us after a long time . Why do you have
such a terrible face? You can wear it at the wedding of our
lady, so what are you so worried about? There will be your
wedding, too . ”
“But I’m just a maid… These dresses are only for a few
nobles to wear . I’m sure I’ll be laughed at by someone . ”
“… What? Were you worried about that?”
Annie laughed loudly at Jessie, saying she was worried

about nothing and asked,
“And… Did you say that you are just a maid? Do you think
all the maids are the same? Don’t you know whose maid we
are?” Annie showed her dumbfounded expression about
how foolish Jessie was .
“We are maids of Lady Aria who is the Star of the Empire
and will be the Crown Princess . We are even maids of the
Crown Princess! Even the nobles dream of it, right?”
“That’s… right… but…”
It was not easy to work near a noble, but she was even a
maid of the Crown Princess . It was so foolish of Jessie to
demean herself and show an uneasy attitude even though
she had taken on a position that ordinary citizens could not
dare dream of .

possible .

266

With Someone She Loves, Part III

Someone She Loves, Part III
Translator: Khan
“Who’s worried about who now? Even if what you’re worried

about is happening, do you think our lady will let it go? Does
she look like that? Well, all right . If you want to worry and
get hurt, do as you please . I’m going to get my share as I
get a lot of favor from our lady . ”
“Annie…”
Annie, who left her words, left the room as if she no longer
wanted to mix words with Jessie . Jessie, left in the lobby,
sighed and controlled her complex emotions alone .
***
Not long after that, people from the family of Marquis Piast
arrived from Croa to attend the wedding . It was an urgent
visit with only a few days left before the ceremony .
Upon arriving in tears, Violet, who took Aria’s hands, began

to apologize, saying she was sorry for coming late . “I’m
sorry I’m late . Even though I was in a hurry…”
“No, thank you for coming . ”
Aria’s answer was sincere . She hadn’t thought it was very

important for her family to attend, but when the time was
about to run out, she had to worry about it .
“We were going to come early, but it took us more time to

succeed to the title than I thought,” said Carin, pointing to
Chloe .
Aria had heard it in a letter that Chloe had inherited the title
of the Marquis .
Now she had become perfectly the Marquise, Carin was truly
elegant, beautiful and relaxed enough to suit her status .
There was nowhere for her past sight to be seen, which she
had to be always wary of the former Count and curry below
the knee .
Though she wasn’t worried about her mother, Carin seemed

to be doing better than she thought, and the relieved Aria
led Violet and Carin into her room, saying she had
something to show them .
“What is it?”
“You’ll be surprised when you see it . ”
It was so rare for Aria to behave this way that Carin had an
interesting look on her face, not to mention Violet, who was
happy even if Aria hadn’t said anything about it .
And then a little while later, in a fairly large box which Aria
had a hard time bringing, Carin and Violet opened their eyes
wide and asked Aria for an answer as if what this was,
“It’s heavier than I thought . It’s the dress I will wear for the
wedding . ”
“Oh, my God!”
“Oh, my God…” Violet could not speak with a very

emotional look as if she had not expected to see it until the
wedding day .
Carin asked Arya, “Can I open the box?”
“Of course . Please open it . ”
As soon as Aria’s permission was given, Carin quickly

opened the lid of the box .
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The dress folded neatly in the box was a beautiful dress that
was close to an art piece at a glance .
“How can such a dress be this pretty?”
“Would you like me to wear it?”
When Aria asked so, Violet and Carin could not answer as if
they asked she dared to do it . It was because it was a dress
that was so precious for Aria to wear in the national
marriage . ‘What if it’s ruined?’ It wasn’t that easy to break,
but it was natural to be bothered anyway .
So they were worried about even sneaking it out like this,

but Aria said she would even try it on . When the two failed
to answer readily, Aria asked them to help her wear the
dress as she took it out of the box .
“Why didn’t you answer? You don’t want to see it? You didn’t
see the dress when I chose it, so you should see it now . I
want you two to see it before anyone else . ”
Originally, when choosing the dress, it was essential for

female relatives to be present . But Aria remained alone in
the empire apart from her family, so she had to do
everything by herself .
At the time, she had thought it was not a big deal, but when
she faced Violet and Carin, she thought, somehow, she had
to show them the dress before showing it to others .
“Are you really not going to help me?” So when Aria asked
again, Violet quickly approached her and began to help her
put on the dress . ‘How can I refuse my lovely
granddaughter’s request to see it before others?’
So was Carin . She helped Aria wear the dress, thinking that
her daughter seemed to have changed so much from a few
years ago . It took a lot of time because it was a very careful
touch, but soon Aria was able to change into a beautiful,
colorful dress .
“… You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen . How can
such a fancy dress go well with you? This beautiful girl is my
grandchild!” Violet, a tearful woman, said, wiping the
corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and Carin nodded
as if she agreed . “You are a child I gave birth to, but you’re
a beauty that’s really hard to find . The dress looks very
good on you, too . I don’t know who made it, but it’s not
enough to give a prize . ”
At Carin’s words, Aria mentioned who had made the dress
as if she had waited .
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“Well, why don’t you say a few words when you meet him at
the wedding? I heard that it’s a dress Mr . Asher instructed
by himself . ”
“… Who?”
“Mr . Asher . I guess he loves the colorful thing . He sent me

this colorful dress before . That’s why I couldn’t try it . ”
“…!”
‘Is this a dress ordered by the Crown Prince himself?’ The

look on their faces was as if they couldn’t believe it, though
they didn’t ask again .
How could the Crown Prince order a dress himself…! It was

even a fancy and delicate dress that suited Aria so well that
they could clearly see how much effort he had put into it .
‘Oh, my God . He is a guy who only thinks of his lover . ’

Extending his hand to his lover’s dress, he would have been
seen as not a desirable masculine figure to be spoken of in
public . Of course, it was the evaluation among men, but it
was a totally different assessment among women . A woman
would be proud if someone she loved would give her this
much care .
‘How can they not be glad that Aria in the distance is loved
by her lover?’
Aria, who once again saw her beautiful figure through the
mirror, smiled and said to Violet and Carin . “I can only show
you this because only the dress arrives here . They are
making jewelry fit for my dress . They said it would be here
in a few days, so I hope you’ll watch it with me then . ”
“Yes, of course . It’s an honor for me to choose jewelry with

Lady Aria . ”
Very naturally Violet answered yes, and Carin also gave a

look of affirmation, though she did not answer otherwise . It
seemed as if the conversation was coming to an end so
warmly, but Aria, who looked displeased with Violet’s
answer, said, staring at Violet as if she had realized the
reason right away,
“Mrs . Violet . Why don’t you stop calling me Lady?”
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“… Pardon me?” Violet was quite embarrassed by the

sudden question, and Aria, finding out that she did not
understand her question, opened her mouth again . “When
someone calls me, it’s right to call me Lady, but… Mrs .
Violet is my grandmother, right? It’s weird even if I think
about it for so many times . ”
Only then Violet, who understood Aria’s intentions, blinked

her eyelids quickly . Unlike in the past when she had been
nervous as if she were walking on glass that was about to
break right away, Aria cared about and questioned even a
trifle thing, and Carin watched Aria with a smile from a
distance .
“Just like my mother who doesn’t call me Lady, I think it’s

strange that my grandmother calls me Lady . Of course, it’s
my first time having a grandmother, so I don’t know exactly
. Maybe it’s natural and normal for you to call me Aria just
like my mother and father do, but… I’m sorry if I’m wrong . ”
“…!”
In other words, Aria meant that Violet should call her

comfortably and easily . But Violet was overwhelmed and
was embarrassed since it was an unexpected request . And
Carin, who was still watching it, added a word for Violet and
for her daughter .
“Yes, Aria, you’re right . Usually, family members call each

other unless they have something special to do . Unless
they want to show that there is a wall between them as they
are in a bad relationship . ”
“Well, we aren’t in a bad relationship, so we don’t need to

call each other using our titles . ”
“Yes . ”

possible .

267

With Someone She Loves, Part IV

Chapter 267 . Extra Story I: In The
New Future, With Someone She
Loves, Part IV
Translator: Khan
After the conversation, Carin and Aria looked at Violet . They

came to the conclusion that there was no need to do so, so
it meant that she should call her by name .
However, Violet, who received the attention, was frozen in a

nervous state, not knowing how to answer . There was a
question on her face that she didn’t know if she really
should call her by name .
“… If you really want to call me Lady, I can’t help it . ”
As Aria tried to change her dress by speaking carelessly as if

it were her last chance, Violet, who was startled, stammered
by the end, calling her name,
“A… Aria!”
“Yes… grandmother . ”
And Aria also called her “Grandmother” instead of “Mrs .

Violet . ” It was an unbecoming title for Violet, who looked
pretty and young for her age, but Violet began to cry as if
she liked it very much . If she left her alone, she would cry
out, so Carin broke in between the two as soon as possible
and changed the subject .
“Now that you’re done with the title, why don’t you take a
look at the mansion? This is the most beautiful house, not to
be compared in the empire . I had put much effort and
money to decorate it and it was a pretty good place to leave
it like this . ”
“You’d better do that, grandma . The indoor garden my

mother carefully decorated is also quite worth seeing . ”
However, despite changing the subject, Aria failed to stop

her tears by calling Violet grandmother again . Still, Violet
replied with a very bright and sweet smile, so Carin and Aria
responded with a gentle smile .
***
The ornaments tailored to the dress did not arrive, even

though there were only a few days left for the national
marriage . It was because of the late completion of the
dress due to the excessive demands of Asher .
If he had set the sufficient days to the national marriage in

the first place, it would not have been so tight, but the
minimum date to the national marriage had been set due to
the strong demand and insistence of Asher that the royal
family should receive the Crown Princess as soon as
possible and find stability .
In the meantime, Aria put off all her schedules and had a

good time with her family, who had visited the empire in a
long time . She didn’t do anything special . She was just
taking a walk, drinking tea and having dinner together, as
much as she had been in the mansion of the Marquis of
Piast .
Nevertheless, it was about time that she felt sorry that this
simple joy would come to an end soon .
“Miss! You have a visitor! They’re from the jewelry store!”

Annie came running up and announced the visitor in a voice
of exhilaration .
“The jewelry store?”
“Yes! They brought along several large boxes!”
“Really?”
‘Are the ornaments finished?’ Aria, who had been worried

that the ceremony should be held without jewelry because it
was such a short schedule, hurried a little bit, feeling it was
fortunate .
“I was worried about the time, but I’m glad they have
arrived . I led them to the lobby . ” Carin said as if she might
have come down first .
Violet also appeared, following her . This was because she

promised to drink tea while enjoying flowers in the garden in
the midst of spring . Violet might have heard a visit from the
jewelry store, and she urged Aria to go to check with a
twinkle in her eyes .
“How many large boxes did you bring? It’s going to be fun
choosing . ”
“Should I choose the ornaments, wearing the dress?”

“I love you would do that, but I’m afraid it’s going to be
broken . It was a very delicate dress . ”
When Aria asked if she would choose the ornaments,

wearing her dress, Violet replied with a very worried tone .
Nevertheless, her expression was so bright that she looked
really strange .
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And Carin agreed with Aria . “It’s a pure white dress, so you
don’t have to wear it . White will match any color . ”
“That’s true . ”
Though it was a short distance, Aria, Violet, and Carin talked

about what ornaments would suit her best, while they
moved to the lobby . Then they soon came to the conclusion
that Aria would be able to digest anything elegantly and
beautifully, and it was a very fast conclusion .
“Please come in, he’s waiting inside . ”
When they reached the lobby, a man who seemed to be a

servant from the jewelry store bowed deeply and greeted
the three . Though it was a bit strange to say that his dress
and speech tone was from the jewelry store; the three were
distracted by the ornaments they were about to meet soon,
entered the parlor with great excitement, not feeling
strange about them .
“Lady Aria . ”
“…!”
And the unexpected figure in the lobby made Aria stiff as a

stone .
“Why, why is Your Highness here…? So on behalf of Aria,

Carin asked why Asher had visited the mansion .
“I came to see you . ”
“… Oh, my God . You have a short temper even though the

wedding is just around the corner, and you should see the
bride dressed up on the day . ” When Violet smiled softly
and gave a rather complaint, because his answer was so
impassive, Asher made an excuse, “Among the ornaments,
there are some which were made by my instruction, and I’ve
come to check on them, so please don’t be so angry . The
time was urgent, and I couldn’t help it . ”
“Did you instruct the ornaments after the dress? What if

there was a rumor?”
“That’s what I wanted . I hope no one doesn’t dare to look at

you because of the rumor . ”
As he answered with a certain impudence as if he would

make a rumor, Violet laughed in the end . The laughter
included a relief to confirm that Asher was a good person to
really care for Aria . It was the same for Carin, and she
smiled softly and urged him to check the ornaments .
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“It’ll take a while to check all these ornaments, and I think
it’ll be done until the day of the ceremony . ”
“Well, you’re right . There are so many of them . ”
While Carin and Violet were hurrying to check the

ornaments, Aria, who had been watching quietly until then,
approached Asher and asked him in a very low voice how he
had come here, leaving his job behind .
“You were busy, weren’t you?”
“I’ve done all the urgent work and came here . ”
‘Does it meant that other people are handling the rest of his
work that is not urgent?’ Aria, who had interpreted the
hidden meaning of Asher’s words, sighed inside, saying that
many people were suffering because of her .
“Oh, look at this, Madame Marquise . Do you think this

emerald would look good on Aria?”
“That’s true . The sapphire earrings tailored to the ring will

look good matched . ”
“It wouldn’t be too bad to wear a red diamond to attract

people’s eyes, would it?”
“It would be good to be a point!”
“It’s not bad to dress up all in pure white, and I can’t say
what the best thing is, because all of them are going to look
good for her . ”
“I agree . ”
As if they were wearing it, Carin and Violet carefully checked

each ornament, and Aria who had watched it for a moment
said that there was no need for that .
“Why?”
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“Come and check on them, Aria . ”
“No, I have an ornament and I’ve already decided . ”
“Without looking?” Violet and Carin stared at her and asked

for more details .
Aria answered, glancing at Asher once . “I’m going to decide

the ornament Mr . Asher instructed . ”
“… Did you see it in advance?”
“No, not really, but I thought the jewelry might be the right
design for the dress he ordered himself . ”
It didn’t matter if it was a design that didn’t fit the dress, but

there is a further significance that Asher had prepared
himself even though he had been busy .
Besides, it was a wedding that might be once in a lifetime,

and she thought it would not be too bad to wear a dress and
ornaments decorated by her lover . Of course, all of these
decisions were possible because she was confident that she
would digest anything beautifully and elegantly .
“… I thought His Highness is the only one, but Aria, you

also…”
‘A stupid donkey!’ Carin didn’t mention it, but everyone in
the lobby could expect the omitted words .
‘How are they madly in love with each other?’ He hadn’t

been afraid to show her off as if he hadn’t been shy, and
Aria hadn’t also expressed her feelings, but she had seemed
to enjoy it .
This was the case when Asher had been riding in the most
splendid carriage in the empire to advertise meeting Aria in
the first place, and he hadn’t said anything, but he had been
eager to talk about it all the way around the neighborhood .

possible .

268

With Someone She Loves, Part V

Someone She Loves, Part V
Translator: Khan
Even now, it was as such, though they were spending days,

being away from each other, and they could not even
imagine what it would be like if they stayed together after
the wedding ceremony . The only thing they knew for sure
was that people around them would get pretty tired .
“I’m sure it must be very good for Lady Aria . ”
“Is it? I look forward to it, Mr . Asher . ”
Whether she didn’t remember Carin and Violet had carefully

chosen the jewelry, she smiled brightly at Asher’s words
that they would fit in . Then the servants took out the
ornaments Asher had prepared as if waiting for her reaction,
and they were slightly different from the other boxes in
shape and color .
“… That’s so beautiful . ”
“That’s right… you should have shown us this first . I feel

like we’ve done the unnecessary work . ”
And the ornaments Asher had prepared were so bright and
beautiful that Carin and Violet could not complain about it .
Whether he had really wanted to turn Aria into a pure-white
bride, the jewelry was mostly based on white and
transparent diamonds, but each detail was delicate enough
to impress .
“… I don’t know if I can say this, but Your Highness the

Crown Prince maybe a designer as a side job . ”
“That’s right . I’m sure you’ll make it big all along . You’re
probably busy with bookings, and can I reserve one, too? I’m
going to buy a new headdress . ”
At the question of Carin, mixed with mischief and sincerity,

Asher replied with a look of apology . “Thank you for your
kind words, but I don’t want to make jewelry for women
other than Lady Aria, so please understand my mind . ”
“… I see …”
“… Ah, yes…”
They were Arya’s mother and grandmother, and if he made

an agreeable response, it would be very good… but he
firmly refused it . Nevertheless, the reason they did not hate
him was that they felt that Asher was hanging on Aria as
much .
“Mr . Asher…”
The child they loved and cared about met such a good man,
but how could they hate him? Eventually, Violet and Carin,
who had reached a positive conclusion, laughed a little at
the sight of Aria, who was hitting Asher’s arm with a little
embarrassment .
“It was decided, but why don’t you try it?”
“Yes, Aria, I’d like to see you wearing these pretty

ornaments . It would be good if my husband and Chloe
would see it, but I don’t know what makes them so busy
that they go out every day . ” Violet sympathized with the
two men, saying that they would be sad and regretful to
hear that Aria had worn the ornaments, as they returned in
the evening .
“I also want to see you wear it . ” As he watched, Asher was

also pleased and affirmed .
And Aria, too, decided to wear the jewelry and check it, so
she nodded and walked toward the ornaments .
However, Violet, who suddenly approached Asher, gave him

a bright smile and said him to go out .
“I’m sorry, but Your Highness must leave now . ”
“… What do you mean?” When Asher asked, embarrassed,

Violet answered, as if it was very natural . “Isn’t it the
empire’s tradition not to see the bride until the day of the
ceremony? I don’t know the commoners, but I think the
nobility is doing it . How sad it would be if Your Highness the
Crown Prince of the empire broke the tradition to fill his
selfishness, as all of them kept it? I’m sure they’ll be
unhappy . You’re not the only one who wants to see a pretty
bride quickly . ”
“…”
“I remember you said you were here to confirm, and if you

did, you should return . ” Violet spoke like a quick-speaker,
unlike her .
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There was such a tradition, but she could not know if

everyone kept it, and not even Asher, who had been in the
empire all the time didn’t know it . No, he wasn’t even
interested in that . Perhaps not only Asher but also everyone
was not interested .
‘Nevertheless, why does she say I have to return…? Is it

because I firmly refused as I am not intended to make an
ornament for a woman other than Aria? Is it an act of small
revenge?’ Still, the shock was great .
“That’s right, I think Your Highness should leave now . ”
“…”
Asher wondered what to say, because he had not thought of

it, and even Carin helped Violet to drive him to the edge .
“Lady Aria…”
Eventually, Asher gave Aria a look of salvation, and before

she could answer, Carin answered,
“There’s nothing as unscrupulous as showing piece by

piece, and since there are not a few days left, I think it’s
better to show him a perfect dress, jewelry, hair, and
makeup . When you do that, His Highness will be moved,
and if you show him too much at a time, his mind will soon
cool down . ” Carin, who added so little that Aria could only
hear, waved her fan in a casual way .
‘How can I not let Asher out when these two speak so
feverishly?’ It was nothing but a little thing to see herself
wearing jewelry .
It was not that important . Violet and Carin wanted her to be

on their side so much, so there was only one choice . It was
a small request that Aria could do before she left the
Marquis family of Piast before she had the wedding
ceremony .
“I’m sorry, Mr . Asher, but you’ll see it on that day because

they say there’s such a tradition . ”
Asher looked sorry for her answer, but then he agreed and
nodded as if he could not help it . It seemed that he would
return like that, but…
“Oh, my God . ”
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“… Oh, my God!”
He kissed Aria briefly on the cheek as if he couldn’t just go .
“… I’ll see you on the day of the wedding . ”
Then he said goodbye to Violet and Carin politely, who had

been surprised and covered their mouths, as if nothing had
happened, and left the lobby . While remaining, Aria put her
hand on the cheek and blushed . Violet and Carin smiled
shyly like girls, and they were excited about the story of
Asher, who had already gone .
“Who dares to imagine that His Highness the Crown Prince
is such a man?”
“… Yes, I’m surprised to hear and see it from time to time . ”
Time flew by as quickly as ever until the day of the wedding,

with the regret of Asher .
***
The wedding of Asher and Aria attended not only the nobles
of the empire but also foreign nobles and royals . It was very
natural because it was the wedding of the Crown Prince who
would be the next Emperor, not the ordinary royal family
away from the center of power .
And Aria was the Star of the Empire and the noble of Croa,
and even all the nobles of Croa were present because she
was known to be a lady of the Marquis family of Piast . They
brought a vast amount of gifts to be seen good and Aria,
and the servants of the Imperial Castle had to deal with
them without a break .
Of course, it had been expected because she had sent an

invitation and received a reply, but they had sent too many
gifts, so the servants stayed up all night trying to organize
even days before the national wedding .
“I’m done with my share, and can I help you?”
“Already? Hans! Your job speed is so fast! Then I’ll ask for
the next one!”
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“Yes . ”
Hans was no exception who was working in the Imperial

Castle .
He should have been at the wedding with Jessie, but they

couldn’t let him rest as they were so busy . So he was
absorbed in his work without showing off his mind and Jessie
had to wait on Aria by her side . Of course, serving at the
wedding of the Crown Princess was a very glorious
experience and it was an honorable place, but it was not as
good as blessing her master with her lover .
Aria, dressed by the maids from the Imperial Castle, was

wondering about Jessie, who was in between them and
being decorated, and asked, “Jessie, isn’t Hans still here?”
“… Yes?”
“I heard Baron Burboom would be arriving soon, but Hans

isn’t still here . ”
Aria didn’t seem to know that Hans was working in the

Imperial Castle . She would never have imagined that Hans,
who she had supported so much, would not be able to
attend the wedding but organize the presents .
“Jessie?”
Aria asked Jessie carefully, with her eyes wide open, as if

she reached an extreme imagination .
“… Don’t tell me, you didn’t break up with him, did you?”
“Oh, no! It can’t be…! How nice of him to me!”

possible .

269

With Someone She Loves, Part VI

Someone She Loves, Part VI
Translator: Khan
“Really? Then, why are you doing this alone? Annie left for
the Imperial Castle with Baron Burboom, saying she was
going to show off in the dress I gave her from the morning…
well, didn’t you like it?”
“No! I love it so much! It’s not the reason…”
“Then?”
‘If not, why?’ Aria asked, blinking her eyelashes which had
become longer and richer with makeup .
But Jessie did not answer, and one of the maids who had
been aware of it said carefully on her behalf . “Well—Your
Highness the Crown Princess, if you don’t mind, may I
answer for her?”
With the full support of Aria, and with his excellent

competence, he became a famous person, even though he
was a commoner, and the maid of the Imperial Castle
seemed to know his whereabouts .
“Do you know Hans?”
“Yes… I’m really sorry to hear that, but I didn’t dare ask for
permission and opened my mouth first to do anything to
help you . ”
Aria stared into the eyes of the maid, who were really sorry
for her answer because they looked like Annie, who was
looking for a chance every time . The maid seemed to want
to take this opportunity to impress Aria with this because
she had heard that all her close maids had been well-fed
and had a good favor of Aria .
“… Really? Jessie won’t answer, so will you let me know?”
And Aria didn’t hate such people, because it was easy to get
the relationship as someone wanted to receive some price,
rather than kindness without paying .
As soon as Aria’s permission was given, the maid’s eyes

shone and she answered with a quick, unscrupulous
expression . “Yes, I believe he works in the Imperial Castle,
and I heard he’s organizing gifts to be given to the national
marriage . ”
“… Is he organizing the gifts?”
“Yes, I believe that too many gifts have been brought in and
all the remaining personnel has been mobilized . ”
“Oh, my God…”
‘He’s working now . ’ She was surprised to hear that as if

she could not imagine that he was working until today, even
though she had heard that he was so competent that he
was asked for help here and there .
“… What’s your name?”
“I’m Seg Ruby . ”
Seg Ruby . She seems to be a lady of the Viscount family of

Seg . Since she was the maid serving the Crown Prince in
the Imperial Castle, it was no wonder that the noblewoman
would fill the position .
Ruby, who had so much desired attention from Aria, waited

for her next words, with her eyes shining . “Okay, Ruby, go
tell Hans I’m looking for him . ”
“I see, Your Highness the Crown Princess . ”
In addition, she got an order separately, and she went out of

the mansion in a hurry with a happy face .
“What are you going to do, Miss?”
Jessie, watching it, asked Aria, embarrassed and not

knowing what to do, though she knew that if she called
Hans, who was busy, to the mansion, there was only one
thing left .
“Hurry up to be dressed up and get a makeup . Don’t tell

me, you’re going to attend my one-time wedding in a maid’s
uniform . There are so many maids to replace you . ”
“…”
“And Hans is an old acquaintance and I don’t have a mind to

retrieve my order, so if you don’t want him to attend alone,
get ready now . Even if you’re going to be there like that, I
won’t stop you . ”
It was half-threatening, but the meaning was so sweet, and
none of the people who heard Aria’s words felt it .
“Miss…”
“But if you go there in that uniform, the dress that I bought

for you will probably be crying in your closet . The dress was
maid elaborately… How sad will the designer be? Poor thing
.”
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With Aria’s encouragement to go on and get ready for the

wedding, Jessie, who was at a loss and didn’t know what to
do, nodded slowly .
“… Thank you, Miss . ”
“Stop thanking me, but just go and get ready . ”
Then Jessie ran to her room . After Jessie disappeared, the

maids who were helping Aria’s dress up smiled inwardly and
praised her good heart .
A few moments later, Hans came to the mansion as he

heard Aria was looking for him, but he looked serious,
worried that something was wrong . Now that he could not
dare to go inside and face Aria, he stood before the door
and asked her, in a very urgent voice,
“I heard you found me!”
“Yes, I did, you left Jessie alone . ”

“… Yes?”
“You have been working on a day like this…Do you need to

organize the gifts so quickly? They’re not going anywhere . ”
They didn’t run, but the amount was too much and they had
to be dealt with urgently . That was what Hans had done .
But as he seemed concerned that he was not able to attend
the ceremony with Jessie, in the corner of his mind, his face
became brightened as Aria blamed him .
“Then, the reason you called me…”
“I’m sure she’s ready by now, so take Jessie with you, and if
you don’t have a carriage, you can borrow it from the
mansion, the prettiest carriage . ”
“…!”
When Hans was unable to speak to Aria’s consideration and

did not go away, Aria rebuked him again, asking him what
he was doing without going .
“Jesse is my favorite maid, and I hope you will treat her

without any shortage . ”
As Hans’s ability was outstanding and he was an

acquaintance of the past, she cared for in many ways, but
the bigger reason was that Hans was Jessie’s lover .
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Aria hoped Hans would be successful and make Jessie happy
. For Aria, his success was not a priority but Jessie’s
happiness . Therefore, it would be troublesome if he would
just concentrate on his work and leave Jessie alone .
“Oh, I see!”
When she heard Hans walking away with his answer, Aria
saw herself in the mirror with a sigh of relief .
From the past to the present, the face that had fascinated
countless people was truly beautiful . It was so beautiful
that it was incomparable to anyone, but as it was carefully
decorated for the ceremony, it was like a picture .
‘I hope Asher likes it . ’
Even if she hadn’t dressed up, he had loved her as he had

secretly reddened his ears, but as she decorated herself like
this, she hoped he would openly express his mind in public
once .
“How pretty in the world…”
“There’s no such thing as an angel from heaven . I gave

birth to you, but the admiration comes out naturally . ”
In the meantime, Carin and Violet came to Aria’s room, after

they finished their preparation . It was time to get ready to
leave . The Crown Princess’s tiara would be raised by the
Crown Prince, during the ceremony, and only the jewel pins
that would fix her hair were waiting for their turn .
This was usually done by the bride’s mother, and Carin tried
to get the pins in her hand as if she had thought she
deserved it, but then…
“I’m sorry, mother . I have someone else to put in the pins .
”
“… Eh?”
‘Violet?’ Carin’s eyes turned to Violet and Violet opened her

eyes incredulously, but neither of them could not put the
pins on her hair .
“Then who…?”
‘Who on earth is putting pins in Aria’s hair, beating Carin

and Violet?’ As if the maids were also curious, they all held
their breath and waited for Aria’s answer .
“My dear friend . ”
Sponsored Content
‘So, who is it?’ In exchange for an answer, Aria’s long-

awaited “dear friend” arrived at the mansion shortly after .
She was known by the servants of the mansion, Carin, and
by the maids of the Imperial Castle except Violet .
“Sarah!”
It was Sarah who had become the Marquise of Vincent .
“Aria! Oh, my God, how can you be so beautiful? You’re so

pretty that I don’t even dare be jealous!”
She wanted to keep Aria’s beauty somewhere in secret if

she could . Carin was a bit despondent but laughed
helplessly at the fact that Sarah was the one who would put
the hairpins on her .
“She’s my grandmother . You haven’t seen her before, right?

This is Sarah, my best friend, Marquise Vincent . ”
“I see . You are Aria’s dear friend… Nice to meet you, I’m
Aria’s grandmother . ”
“It’s an honor, ma’am . ”
Sarah greeted Violet with an immaculate, respectful gesture

. She was a prominent figure among the nobles . Violet
smiled as softly as she did when she was dealing with Aria,
whether she liked the noble and elegant Sarah very much .
It was also thanks to that she was the most precious friend
of Aria .
“Sarah, I want you to fix my hairpin . ”
“… It’s an honor, Aria . ”
Aria had replaced the role of Sarah’s wedding .

possible .

270

With Someone She Loves, Part VII

Someone She Loves, Part VII
Translator: Khan
As if to recall the promise at that time, Sarah lifted the

hairpin with a soft smile . It was pinning the already fixed
hair into it, but it was too delicate and prudent to touch it
for fear of making mistakes .
“… I’m done . ”
“Thank you . ”
It was very simple and quickly over, comparing to the long

waiting for their turn, but Aria and Sarah were able to
confirm their friendship again .
Aria, who had finished her final preparation, stood up and

checked her dress one more time, and gave Sarah, Carin,
and Violet a very long, soft look .
After a long journey, a woman finally became an adult from

a child, and it was the last goodbye to leave her family and
move on to a new path .
It was an inexplicable emotion not to be able to express with
words . Nevertheless, it was also a warm feeling that
everyone understood and wished for happiness .
***
Before Aria, who had finished her preparations, left the

mansion, she put her eyes briefly on the carriage that
looked out of the hall window .
The carriage sent to Aria for today was a colorful one

decorated with tulips and jewels . The white body reflected
the warm sun and glistened . The light seemed to bless
Aria’s future .
Now if she would put herself in the carriage and start, she
would no longer return to Carin’s mansion . All the important
luggage had been sent to the Imperial Castle in advance,
and the maids who were to be brought along today were
also scheduled to enter with her . So there was no more
reason to return to the mansion .
“Miss…”
“What are you talking about? Now she is the Crown

Princess, not our lady . ”
“… I can’t believe you won’t come back anymore…!”
“Miss… I hope you get along well in the Imperial Castle!”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine!”
“Please don’t forget us!”

The ownerless mansion must be a paradise on earth, but
the servants of the mansion wept for Aria to leave for some
reason .
When Aria had first entered the mansion of the former

Count, they had cursed her so much, saying she was
shallow and humble, but now they had already grieved for
her absence with deep loyalty as if they hadn’t done that . It
was a quick turnaround in posture . In the past, not only
these people but also the children on the streets had cursed
Aria, but now that she was loved by everyone, it was ironic .
‘… I’ve only changed my outward attitude . ’
Her inside still thought about how to fill her own gains . For
her purpose, she hadn’t cared about the means and
methods . Moreover, she had been a wicked woman who
gave death to those who harmed her .
‘But now that I think about it, not just myself but everyone
did . Don’t the servants feel good only to the masters who
gave benefits to them?’ So there was no need to feel guilty
about acting selfishly for her own benefit, for her happiness
. Of course, it had been a long time since she didn’t feel
guilty or remorse, but she just thought of it all of a sudden .
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“See you at the castle . ”
Just before leaving the mansion, Aria said so to her family .

It was because the people of the Marquis family of Piast
were to head to the Imperial Castle together in another
carriage that would follow her carriage .
Aria’s carriage, accompanied by knights riding white horses

back and forth, would slowly circle the capital before
entering the Imperial Castle, where the wedding would take
place, followed by the carriage of the Marquis family of Piast
. And it was in order for Asher to greet Aria who would get
off the carriage; it was the schedule for the future .
“… Yes . ” Violet’s expression of the answer, in a very

natural order, was faintly lonesome .
Carin then took Violet’s hand and consoled her . “Now we

ride a carriage separately, but we can see her again when
we go to the Imperial Castle . And since Aria said she would
come to visit often, please wait happily . Go ahead, Aria . ”
“Yes, I will . ”
She seemed not to want to spoil the mood because she was
in a situation where only congratulations were not enough .
Aria agreed and ended her last goodbye with great
politeness and grace .
Still, Violet could not erase her lonely face, so she turned
her body to start before the gloomy mood continued, and
the servants opened the front door of the mansion as if they
had waited . It was time to get on the wagon .
So, she was going to, but…
“Mr . Asher…?”
‘Why is Asher standing in front of the entrance to the

mansion as he should greet her in the Imperial Castle?’
Surprised, Aria stared vacantly at Asher for a moment, who
was waiting for her .
She looked at him, measuring Asher was a reality as he was

seen in front of her . There was no wonder because Asher
was dressed in a white suit, and she could not feel him real .
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“I’m here to pick you up . My lovely princess . ”
Then Asher reached out to Aria . It seemed to mean that she

should hold his hand .
At this scene, the servants who had come to the hall to see
Aria off, responded by blushing or covering their mouths
with their hands, bringing to their eyes what they would
never see again .
“… How much he would like to see her…” Carin spoke to

herself quietly, unnoticed by anyone . The purpose of the
visit was obvious because it was Asher, who had visited the
mansion on the pretext of jewelry a few days ago .
Besides, he said ‘My lovely princess . ’ Although it was not

wrong because the wedding ceremony was scheduled
today, it was not yet done, so it could have been premature
to call her that way .
However, if she pointed this out, he would certainly make

excuses for calling Aria princess for various reasons . And no
one pointed out the excessive behavior of Asher, because it
was so good to see him being a dull fellow to no one else
but Aria .
Aria, whose face was blushing, called Asher’s name . Even

though she was called a shameful title in public, she did not
seem to dislike it . No, she would rather express that joy,
but she didn’t know how to express it, so she seemed to
have replaced it by calling his name .
“Please hold my hand . ”
At the urging of Asher, Aria slowly took his hand . Unlike his
nonchalant attitude and way of speaking, he had a strong
grip on his hand . Nevertheless, he did not show anything
outwardly and walked out of the mansion with Aria and got
into the carriage .
It seemed that they had decorated elaborately not only on

the outside but also on the inside as the Crown Princess
would ride . As they sat in a cozy chair, the carriage began
to leave as if it had been waiting . It was a very slow move
for a hurried start .
It was to inform the people of the empire that a new Crown

Princess was born, rather than to let Aria see the scenery
outside the window . Aria, who was watching the servants of
the mansion bowing down in unison and showing their
respect to her, turned to Asher soon as it faded away .
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“How did you get here? Shouldn’t you have waited in the
Imperial Castle?”
“… I wanted to see my princess as soon as possible . Didn’t

you kick me out coldly the other day?”
“But what shall I do if you broke the order and came here?”
‘I’ve been studying hard . I filled my knowledge day and

night for fear that I might be laughed at by any small
mistake . But if Asher breaks the order so easily, why did I
study so hard?’ So when she asked back, complaining a little
bit because of unfairness, he could not hide his
disappointment as if his unfairness was more than Aria’s .
“Is it important to be in order, or am I important?”
“… Yes?”
‘What’s this question all of a sudden?’
“I’ve been running this fast, hoping to see my princess as

soon as possible . Is the order more important?”
“That… of course not . How can I compare the order to Mr .

Asher?”
It was a question of no value, so she answered it in a hurry,

and Asher said, taking Aria’s hand and putting it on his
cheek . “I knew you’d say that . ”
With his words, Aria’s heart melted away though she had
wanted to complain . It was because he looked and talked
as if he only wanted her to think about him, not only now
but also in the future .
possible .

271

With Someone She Loves, Part VIII
Chapter 271: Chapter 271 . Extra Story I: In The New Future,

With Someone She Loves, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
It was amazing to have melted her mind at an instant . As

Aria, with a look of relief, stared quietly into the eyes of
Asher, he slowly kissed the palm of her hand that he was
holding .
There was no young man who had just been longing for
affection . It was just her palm at best and above her glove,
but his kiss was dense and subtle, and her cheeks were red .
“Ah, Mr . Asher…”
‘Is it okay to do this in a carriage on the way to the

wedding?’ On the lips that passed through the palm of her
hand and rose to her wrist, Aria called Asher’s name, but he
did not stop his daring acts .
Rather, he had the audacity to look up at Aria without

blinking an eye and gave her a look that seemed innocent .
As if determined, his ears were no longer red .
‘What shall I do?’ She had seen a lot of men who were more
aggressive than this and knew how to refuse it without
difficulty, but somehow, she couldn’t do it to Asher… No,
she didn’t even think about doing it .
So she left Asher, who was winding his hands around her
waist, unsure what to do, and it was not Aria but others who
unexpectedly stopped him from doing it .
“Waaaah!”
“Hurrah for Her Highness the Crown Princess!”
“May you bring prosperity to the empire!”
It was the voices of the people who started to shout out of

the window . Everyone who found Aria’s procession blessed
her as loud as they could, as the carriage that had escaped
Carin’s mansion had entered a busy place .
“… . ” So, as hard as a stone, Asher could not ignore the

voices of the people outside, who spoke to the wagon, no
matter who he was .
“… I don’t know why I’m annoyed when they’re celebrating .

”
“You can’t say that because they’re the people of the

empire . ”
“I know that, but…”
‘Until the day of the wedding, why would his people disturb
him?’ Asher, who wanted to say so, straightened himself
and moved to the other side of Aria . She watched him do it
quietly, and he asked Aria if he could open the carriage
window, adjusting his dress .
“May I open the window . It is the Crown Prince and Crown

Princess’s duty to greet them today, isn’t it?”
It was exactly what Aria should have done, getting into the
wagon and traveling to the Imperial Castle, but Asher
shamelessly included himself . He seemed to have not
forgotten to greet the people of the empire while he was
annoyed . As expected, he was the Crown Prince .
“Yes, please . ” Aria laughed small and allowed it, and the
carriage window opened . Then, a huge voice that had a size
she didn’t know when the window was closed poured into
the carriage .
“Oh, my God! How beautiful!”
“That beautiful lady is about to become the Crown Princess

of the empire!”
“Please make the empire happy for a long time!”
They blessed today with bright faces and voices in unison .
It was she who was getting married, but it was so strange

that so many people were happy and were congratulating
her that Aria waved her hand with an awkward face .
“Oh, oh! She waved her hand!”

“I think the Crown Prince is there, too!”
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!”
“Please make this country, the empire, a good place!”
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Aria could not hide her joy as if she had been blessed by
God . This caused a responsibility that she had never
thought of because she realized that this marriage was not
only about Asher and her own but about everyone who had
grown up in the empire .
Their lives could change in the future, depending on how

she and he were determined . She could make a lot of
children and make their childhoods as unhappy as she had
been, or she could not .
She couldn’t make it disappear completely, but she thought

she could keep it to a minimum, just as investing in the
academy to fill her private appetite had become a hope and
a light for some .
“Mr . Asher . ”
“Yes . ”
“Do you mind if I keep doing everything I’ve been doing so

far even after becoming the Crown Princess?”
When she asked him what he would allow, he said, with a

smile far more intense than she had expected,
“Of course, you can do everything you want to do as the
Crown Princess, besides what you’ve done . ”
‘How could I not do anything that would help you, who

believed in me without asking, without questioning, and
trusting me?’ She could have ignored the people and lived
like a stupid villain in the past, but she did not think of it at
all when she faced those who cheered enthusiastically .
“I see . ” Aria’s answer was buried in the crowd’s shout .
It took a long time for the wagon to reach the Imperial

Castle, but there was no place where the people’s shout
couldn’t be heard .
***
The carriage turned very slowly around the capital,

informing everyone of the birth of the Crown Princess, and it
headed for its destination, the Imperial Castle . The carriage
was so slow that a procession of people followed it .
Even though it was a carriage that turned a long way to its

destination, people quietly followed the carriage without
showing a single sign of hardship . It didn’t take too long
before the wagon arrived at the Imperial Palace . Some
nobles, who knew the order of the national marriage,
expressed their curiosity since the Crown Prince, who should
have welcomed Aria, didn’t appear .
“Why does His Highness not come out?”
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“And now the Crown Princess would get out of the wagon
alone?”
“Oh, my God, this is such a shame . ”
“I’m so sorry to hear that she’s waiting here alone…”
“He should have come out as soon as the wagon came up in

the distance…”
Asher was not there because he had gone to meet her

arbitrarily, and it was unusual enough that no one would
dare imagine . So they were sorry for Aria, who was waiting
alone in the carriage without the Crown Prince, and one of
the knights who escorted the carriage opened the door .
“No way, she’s going out alone . ”
“Oh, poor lady…”
And, of course, once again, the sympathy for Aria was

pouring out, and it was not Aria but Asher who broke all
their expectations and appeared out of the carriage first .
“…!”
“… Why is His Highness there…?”
It was also the place even the royal families of foreign

countries were in attendance, and it should be more than
ever worthy of formality, but what was happening?
“Please get off . ” Then he reached inside .
‘Don’t tell me, he came in the wagon together before the

ceremony was officially held!’ Of course, it was not
considered as a taboo for a man and woman to ride a
carriage together, but today was the day of the national
marriage . With hundreds of thousands of people watching
the face of the empire, it was not a matter for the two to
boast proudly that they had broken the order and even
ridden a carriage together .
Because of that, some nobles, calling it an international

disgrace, repeatedly denied it, but without waiting, Aria
finally took Asher’s hand and got out of the carriage .
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“… How could His Highness have done this…?”
‘Why did he do such a scandalous act in public…’
But unlike the reactions of some of the nobles of the empire,

the majority of the people and foreign nobles laughed
happily .
This was especially true of the nobles from Croa . It had not
been long since Aria had been a lady of the Marquis family
of Piast in Croa, but they had identified themselves with Aria
because she had been so powerful that the rumors about
her had spread quickly beyond the empire and Croa to other
countries .
The nobles of Croa seemed to be quite pleased that the way

Asher was hanging on Aria and behaving as if he were a dull
fellow, in violation of the order and the etiquette of the
ceremony . They thought that Aria, a noblewoman from
Croa, was treated well . Of course, it was not a wrong idea .
Asher thought he would do it for Aria if she were to ask him

to propose to her again right here, right now . Above all, the
character of Lohan, the King of Croa, was quite free-spirited,
and he had often shown manners that had been far from
being graceful, and they were not in a position to blame
others .
“Well, it could be . ”
“He is quite normal compared to Mr . Lohan . ”
“Yes, he is . What is the matter with the order? Wouldn’t it

be important to have a national wedding?”

possible .
between chapters .

272

With Someone She Loves, Part IX
Chapter 272: Chapter 272 . Extra Story I: In The New Future,

With Someone She Loves, Part IX
Translator: Khan
“When will Mr . Lohan grow up into such a figure and

marry?”
“Unfortunately, he’s already grown up . ”
“Oh, that’s very unfortunate . ”
Lohan was seated in the hall where the ceremony was to be

held, so the nobles of Croa did not hide their words . Since
they could not enter the Imperial Palace, hundreds of
thousands of commoners gathered outside the gate,
cheering for Aria and Asher . Their fondness for Aria was
enough to overflow .
‘On top of that, how can they see the Crown Prince who
does not value the etiquette very much and who shows
mercy for themselves on the surface?’ As if he had not
intended to break all the order, Aria and Asher had come
out of the wagon and slowly followed the path that was
filled with tulips . The scent of fresh tulips filled the Imperial
Palace in the warm breeze .
With the warm gaze of hundreds of thousands of people who

did not spare their congratulations to herself, and of the
nobles who had only cursed and abused in the past, and
Asher, who held her hand and walked side by side with
her…
‘Is it OK to be so happy?’
Aria took a deep breath, as she felt her heart swell, more
than she had expected, and she even blinked several times
to see if it was not a dream, and at the same time, she also
felt anxiety since she was under pressure . Her lips were dry
with tension .
When he glanced at her, he gave a little strength to his grip

and asked Aria in a very worried voice . The voice outside
the castle was quite loud, but his voice was a little louder .
“You don’t look very well . Are you feeling any pain?”
“No, that’s not it…”
“Then why…?”
Asher’s face darkened as Aria said no .
He seemed to be worried that her mind had changed as she

remembered his shortcomings that she had never known
before . If it was, as usual, he would have noticed in a single
moment that it was not, but he was also as nervous as her .
It was not like a contractual marriage with Isis, the eldest
daughter of the former Duke of Frederick, but a wedding
with a woman who he was truly in love with . It was natural
that he would be irritated if she showed any signs of anxiety
.
Aria, who confirmed it because it appeared on Asher’s face,

realized that he was in the same condition as herself and
regained stability on the other hand . It was because she
realized that it was natural to be nervous Then Aria, with a
soft smile, gave a little strength to her hand that was held
by Asher .
“I’m worried that you changed your mind . ”
She opened her mouth with composure as if she was fine

now . As always, she meant that there was no need to worry
. Still full of tension, Asher made a desperate excuse he
would never do as he took it seriously .
“I don’t know why you’re worried about that . Of course, I

would not… I don’t know what kind of distrust I have dared
to give, but I hope you’re not angry and understand my true
intentions . I’m never going to change even after I’m dead
and my body and soul are gone . ”
“Even after you die?”
“Yes . ”
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‘How can you be so sure of that?’ It was a ridiculous excuse
and insistence . ‘Nevertheless, how can I bully you much
more than this when you declare that it is so natural?’
Now that they were close to the hall where the ceremony
was going to take place, they couldn’t talk anymore . She
could not go inside with him while feeling nervous, so she
smiled and said, “Please do so!”
“Don’t worry . I’ll do it even if you ask me not to . ”
Having relieved their worries, the two continued to walk and

entered the hall . The inside of the hall was very quiet and
pious, unlike the outside, where the voices of hundreds of
thousands of people were making their ears hurt .
The selected high-ranking nobles and officials from other

countries, and Annie and Jessie, who Aria had specially
asked for a seat, and Baron Burboom and Hans were there .
Focusing their eyes at her, Aria walked slowly forward with

Asher . Soon, once she walked to the front podium and put a
tiara on her head, she would be recognized as the Crown
Princess . She was nervous again when she thought about it,
and her back was stiff . But no one noticed that Aria was
nervous because it had created an elegant and dignified
posture .
And then, under the podium, Aria and Asher stopped

walking . It was a destination that she arrived across a truly
long and arduous road . It was a moment when the woman
who was considered the most vulgar in the empire, on the
continent, transformed into the noblest woman .
Aria, who recalled her past and what had happened so far,
slowly looked up toward the sound of footsteps coming
toward the podium, swallowing her surging emotions . She
wanted to see the high priest that would appear with the
tiara he had prepared .
However, there was someone else there whose face she had
seen before but only for a little while . This was the first time
that people would see him as the high priest .
“… The Emperor… His Majesty?”
He was the Emperor whose face she had only briefly seen at
the execution of the traitors . It was not strange for the
Emperor to appear at the royal wedding, but it was a
surprise that the Emperor, who was so careful that he was
not showing himself, had now appeared .
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“I guess my father is finally relieved . In the meantime, he’s

been inside the castle for fear that he would be threatened
by any of the nobles . ” As if he thought Aria would be
surprised, he whispered very quietly in a voice that would
only be heard by Aria .
It had been a long time since the traitors had been

executed, and now he showed up . ‘Isn’t this saying that he
enjoyed a comfortable life in the Imperial Castle, leaving all
the difficult tasks to his son? If he had helped Asher at all,
the rebels might have ended sooner . ’
Aria thought she would have a hard time facing the

Emperor, but that thought of hers was so foolish . And it
occurred to her that she might have been unhappy because
she had lived under such an Emperor without knowing
anything .
Soon after reaching the podium, the Emperor began to utter

congratulatory remarks prepared by himself at the very
sight of the new Crown Princess, most of which was to wish
for a bright future for the empire and its prosperity .
He couldn’t make it, so instead, Asher had done in the past .

As she listened to the congratulatory message, thinking
that, Asher secretly held his hand and whispered to her very
quietly,
“My father said he would step down soon and leave the
capital . ”
‘Is he saying that he will step down after realizing his

position? No, as she looks back on what has happened, it is
fair to say that he is stepping down to save his life . Now,
they say that the peaceful era has come after defeating the
traitors, but they may show up again to threaten the
imperial power at any time . ’
“Give me the tiara . ”
The Emperor said in a solemn voice after a congratulatory

speech . He took the tiara of the Crown Princess from a
servant waiting behind him and handed it back to Asher . He
looked as if he was blessed in spite of not having helped to
build such a peaceful empire .
As soon as he received the tiara, Asher turned toward Aria .

Aria lowered her head a little so that he could put the tiara
on her head . With great care, if time had stopped, Asher
slowly put the tiara on top of Aria’s head . It was a very
caring touch, making sure that the tiara would never fell off
.
Even if he didn’t do so, the maids who were standing next to
her would make sure that it would not fall off, but he was
determined not to create such a situation .
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“Blessed be the birth of the new Crown Princess!”
So as the tiara was put above Aria’s head, the Emperor

spoke out and made it known to the hall that a new Crown
Princess had been born . There was still an order to
exchange rings and drink holy water, but this alone seemed
to have moved the people there already, and Carin, Violet,
and Sarah, who was sitting far away, began to cry .
When Asher and Aria exchanged a ring made of jewels in

the color of each other’s eyes, even Annie, who had been by
Aria’s side to fulfill her self-interest, took out her
handkerchief to wipe her tears .
They did not spare any congratulations on the birth of the

new Crown Princess and the companion of the Crown Prince
.

possible .
between chapters .

273
Chapter 273: Chapter 273 - Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part I

Story II: Jealousy, Part I
Translator: Khan
The birth of the new Crown Princess and the Crown Prince’s
wedding were a celebration not only of the royal family but
also of all the people of the empire . It also meant that the
next Emperor was ready to replace the current Emperor,
who had not taken any action under the pressure of the
influence of the Aristocratic Party .
After the ceremony, the commoners, who gathered in front

of the Imperial Palace, went out to the streets, rejoicing that
they entered a new era, accompanied by alcohol, singing
and dancing, and the nobles also stayed on the Imperial
Palace to discuss the future of the empire .
“Where are His Highness and Her Highness?”
“Well, I’ve been looking for them for a while, but I can’t see
them . ”
“Where the hell have they been?”
“What’s clear is that they are not in the garden . ”

“They didn’t go back to their room, did they?”
“Well, if they did, someone would have seen it . ”
Of course, the greatest purpose of the nobles was to meet

today’s main characters, Asher and Aria . Despite the fact
that they had already been in the same boat, there were a
lot of people who wanted to meet them face to face and talk
to them to build friendship .
Even if they were the party of the Crown Prince, who were
against the Aristocratic Party, the nobles were the nobles .
Unable to completely rule out self-interest, they found Asher
and Aria .
Of course, unlike them, there were also Sarah and Marquis

Vincent, who waited for Aria with pure intentions, but
somehow they could not meet Aria, either .
“I don’t think we can meet her . ”
“It’s the first day of the ceremony, so it’s worth it . They’ve

broken down the great wall and managed to get married, so
why didn’t they run away just because they wanted to be
alone?” At Sarah’s very sad voice, the Marquis replied with a
tone of voice that he understood . He looked as if he was
sad, too .
It was none other than the Crown Prince and Princess of the
empire who ran away . Even if they disappeared without
meeting the waiting people, who would dare to criticize
them?
Perhaps as if he had expected this, Lohan left the empire

early, leaving only a short letter . In the first place, he could
not leave Croa for a long time .
After a brief face-to-face talk with Aria’s kinsman, the
people of the Marquis family of Piast, they returned to
Carin’s mansion without wasting their time in the Imperial
Castle . They said they knew it would be difficult to meet
Aria from now on, so they would take a break at the
mansion and return to Croa .
It was unexpectedly the Imperial Castle’s garden where

Asher, who had left everyone and even his servant out, fled
with Aria . It was a place where Aria had also visited before .
“It was a busy day . ”
“… Yes . ”
As he said, Aria answered, looking at the calm pond .
As he said, it was a very busy and hectic day . It was also a

busy day where they might have collapsed if they had
stayed in the garden and worked on all their schedules . In
consideration of her, he brought her to the garden of the
Imperial Castle, where people could not enter except if their
part of the royal family .
“You’ll be busy in the future, will you be okay?”
“I’ve been more busy than this . Enough to turn back the
time . ”
Although using the hourglass required a full day’s sleep, she

had used the time she had turned more preciously . Besides,
since no one had been willing to hurt herself for trivial
reasons anymore, even though she had been busy and
tired, she hadn’t been very tired mentally . That was enough
.
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“I must have dared to underestimate my princess . ”
“Yes, so don’t worry too much . I think you’re more tired

than I am, so why don’t we go back to our bedroom?”
When Aria asked if they would go back to their bedroom,

Asher furrowed his forehead . He had a face that reminded
him of something he hated very much . ‘Why are you
reacting like that when I say, “Let’s go back to the
bedroom?”‘ As she could not understand, she blinked and
waited for his answer .
“Our bedroom… must have been crowded by people now . ”
“… . Crowded by people?”
‘In someone else’s bedroom? Why?’ Aria waited for a reply

again .
He hesitated for a moment but slowly replied as if he could

not help it .
“… It’s the first night of the royal family . It’s a custom for
them to watch us . ”
“They will watch us, won’t they?”
Aria raised her voice and asked back, shouting . ‘Why are
they going to watch the first night? Is that what it’s like to
get married?’ Aria was so shocked that she became
speechless . Her eyelids trembled, and her eyes wandered
from place to place . She looked more embarrassed than
ever .
“The royal wedding is mostly a political marriage, so they

want to make sure they really spend the night together .
They have to have a baby for the future generation… I think
it’s good to be here, because you are so upset . ”
“… That was an excellent choice . It’s a terrible thing . Why

is there such a strange custom…?”
‘What could be worse than having our first night in the

presence of someone? It would be embarrassing to
remember, and that shame won’t subside until I go to the
grave . But what I hate is what I hate, and I can’t stay here
forever . The bride who held the ceremony would not spend
the night in front of the pond . What could be more
unfortunate than that?’
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“Well, what now?”
Asher carefully suggested an alternative to Aria’s question .

He seemed to have something in mind . “Would you like to
go to my villa which you’ve been to before?”
‘The villa of Asher?’ At the words of Asher, Aria could

conjure up his villa, which had been placed in the woods in a
single stroke . It was obvious that no one would come there .
Aria was about to nod her head, but Asher quickly added the
following words, “But we have a problem . ”
“A problem…? What problem?”
‘I think there is no one there . Surely, no one is waiting for

this kind of situation . ’ She urged him to answer quickly, as
she thought so, and he slowly answered her question after
staring at her with his dark blue eyes for a moment .
“You know, there’s nobody there except us . ”
“… What? Why is that a problem…?”
Aria, who asked so, could not finish her speech and became
stiff . It was because she realized that his words did not just
imply that there would be no one to see them .
It could be seen through Asher’s sunken eyes . He married

the woman he had hoped for and would spend the night
alone in a place where no one could come, so it was clear
that he had only one thought .
“… Then let’s go quickly . ”
That was also what Aria wanted . As soon as Aria’s answer

fell, Asher opened his eyes wide . It seemed like an
unexpected answer .
“Don’t you want to go?” This time Aria asked Asher .
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‘No way . ’ Asher soon took Aria’s hand in a hurry, and the
two of them disappeared from the garden without a trace .
***
As he said, the villa was empty, not even a butler was there
. No, maybe they didn’t have time to check it out . Asher,
who had always moved into the woods near the mansion,
somehow moved into the mansion, inside the bedroom .
It was a palace garden with no one in it, but when he moved

from an open field of view to a blocked room, it was quick to
change his eyes and behavior . She didn’t even prepare
anything, but Asher’s hand was wrapped around Aria’s waist
. The other hand swept Aria’s fluffy, soft cheeks . It was a
touch asking for permission .
‘I can’t believe you ask for permission even in this situation .

’ Aria soon closed her eyes with her arms around his neck,
thinking that he was a really kind and generous man .
Then their lips were overlapped in a flash . The polite asking

of her will was nowhere to be seen . ‘Now you don’t have to
look at anyone’s interruptions or notice . ’ His behavior was
so impatient .
It was because he had been patient for a long time, ignoring

Aria, who had repeatedly provoked him playfully several
times so far . When she felt like she was going to be eaten
by Asher without even leaving her bones behind, she
shivered . She felt all the more so because she felt power in
the hand of Asher, who had wrapped her waist .
“Aaah…”
When their lips moved apart for a moment, there was an

inexplicable burst of breath . Somehow she was a little shy,
but she put her hand on his shoulder then she wrapped it
around his neck, but suddenly her view changed and a fluffy
quilt touched her back .
possible .

274
Chapter 274: Chapter 274 - Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part II

Story II: Jealousy, Part II
Translator: Khan
After that, the hands that was around her waist brushed her
cheek, and they were now busy peeling off the cumbersome
piece of cloth that had been wrapped around Aria .
“Wait…”
She wanted to tell him to wait . However, she couldn’t finish

what she wanted to say because of the soft touch that kept
her from making a sound out of her mouth, so she just held
on to his shoulder .
The sensation climbing up her spine made her head

disturbed . She gulped helplessly to the strange sensation
that she felt in the first contact of this lifetime . A little more
impatient, Asher left Aria’s lips and bit her neck .
“Aw…!”
The feeling of it, which was never light, made Aria raise her
voice briefly . It was not only once . Asher put her in a
corner without giving her a moment’s rest .
Asher kissed her deeply again, throwing off his cumbersome
dress . It was a rough and hasty touch, and it was a time
when he had been wasting his time a few times .
“Wait, wait a minute!”
Aria, who was able to relax for a moment, was so

embarrassed that she pushed Asher’s shoulder away . Aria,
who was feeling hot with her cheeks dyed red, stared at
Asher with a gasp that she had not yet cleared .
But it didn’t seem very helpful for Aria, who pushed him
away to ask something . Aria, who saw Asher frowning,
hurriedly opened her mouth .
“Why, why . Why are you so… so…?”
‘Like this? If you want to ask me something, do it quickly . ’

Asher sighed deeply and urged her to talk .
“So?”
“How are you so… skillful?””
The question of Aria, which was urged in such haste, was

enough to freeze Asher, who was so excited and was giving
off a fierce glare .
“What’s that…?”
“I’m sure there were no other women except me, but…!”
‘But how can you make me such a mess although I have

lived ten years longer than you? How did you make my soul
escape? This was a strange act that even I did not know . By
the way, how are you so skillful?’
When Aria asked in doubt, Asher’s eyes narrowed . His eyes
deepened again . He brushed her cheek and asked her back
in a very threatening voice . “Isn’t that a question I should
give to the Crown Princess, who knows if I’m good or not?”
“What, what do you mean…? I’ve never had a deep

relationship with a particular man…!”
Then Aria replied, stuttering uncomfortably, and Asher

smiled and kissed her cheek .
“So do I . I have just learned it as part of my education . I’m

glad it made my princess happy . ”
“… From whom?”
“From the books handed down for the imperial family… and
from the one who explained it . ”
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“… Are you so skillful because of the books and this

person’s explanation…?” Aria blinked and asked him back
as if she didn’t believe it .
Then Asher replied with a significant smile, creating a long

shadow over Aria . “Yes, it’s true . So would you like to test
how far I could satisfy you? Me who just learned through
books and explanation?”
However, his eyes still looked hideous . They were full of

pressure, urging her to answer quickly . ‘So how can I not
answer you to do that?’
“… If you’re lying, I’ll be angry . ”
At the answer, the smile disappeared again from his face .

His stretched hands were still rough and impatient, but they
were enough to drive Aria into a corner so that she could
hang on only to him .
***
Asher, who had disappeared from the Imperial Castle with

Aria, stayed in the villa for three more days, and soon
returned to the Imperial Castle quietly as if nothing had
happened . It was only three days in a small villa, but it was
the happiest and most enjoyable time ever for the two of
them .
There wasn’t much to do . There was nothing to do . They

were almost confined to the bedroom, except to quietly eat
the food the butler had prepared . That was enough and
overflowing .
Asher wanted to live in the villa for years, but he knew

better than anyone else that he couldn’t do that, so he
finally managed to get rid of his lingering regret .
Not that he hadn’t told anyone, of course, but he had told

that he would leave the Imperial Castle for a while, as he
had sneaked out of the bedroom and moved the space
secretly while Aria was asleep . Thus, the escape of the
Crown Prince and Princess on the day of their national
marriage ended quietly without much fuss .
“It’s already morning…” And after a while, in the sunlight

that began to seep through the window, Asher spoke to
himself quietly, staring at Aria, who was laying on his arms .
It sounded that he was annoyed, as he said that he didn’t
know why morning was coming so quickly .
This had been the case ever since he had returned to the
Imperial Castle . There was more time away than with Aria .
But it couldn’t be helped . It was also intended by himself . It
was because his work had been delayed by the national
marriage, and he had fled to the villa with Aria after the
national wedding and hadn’t returned for days . Three days
was plenty of time to push Asher into the abyss of work .
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Asher was soothing his irritation, staring into Aria’s face,

and then she slowly opened her eyes as it was morning
already . She called out his name, looking into his eyes .
Then, as if he had never been irritated, his heart was filled

with pride . He was really happy compared to the past when
it was hard to see her once a month .
“… My princess is awake . ”
“Yes . Good morning, Mr . Asher . Did you have a good

dream last night?”
‘A good dream?’ In fact, he didn’t sleep very long and spent

most of his time staring at Aria . But it was a more satisfying
and precious time than just dreaming .
“Yes . I had a very good dream . Did the Crown Princess had
one, too?”
Asher answered yes and kissed Aria’s forehead briefly .
Then Aria grinned and said, “Yes, Mr . Asher . ”
‘How could it be so lovely?’ It was amazing and mysterious .

‘I can’t believe I’m feeling so happy with just this little talk .
’ With uncontrollable emotion, Asher hugged Aria to his
bosom tightly . He thought he wanted to spend all day like
this if he could .
Before long, however, he had to let Aria go, as the maids,

who made an indication of themselves being around to mark
the beginning of the day . Suddenly, his mood plunged
down again in an instant, as if he had never been in a good
mood . Even changing his clothes after washing his face was
really annoying .
It was because he had to stay away from Aria for a long

time now after breakfast .
So he tried to delay the time, having a meal so slowly, as

slowly as he could, but Aria ended her meal as usual and
held the tea her maid brought in as if she was different from
his mind .
“It smells good . ”
“It’s a tea made of fruit fit for the season . ”
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“It smells like sweet peaches . ”
“Yes . It’s a peach tea, Your Highness the Crown Princess . ”

“Really? It tastes good too . ”
“It’s an honor that it tastes good to you . Should I put it on

for lunch?”
“Please do that . ”
Aria’s praise made the maid blush .
Unlike Asher, who didn’t want to be apart from her for a

moment, Aria, who had become the Crown Princess, seemed
to have adjusted well to life in the Imperial Castle more than
he had thought . It was because the servants followed Aria
quite well, and she also spared no effort to adapt .
Of course, there were difficulties, such as learning new

etiquette, learning what the Crown Princess should do or
figuring out many people, but Aria worked hard without
complaining, so most people were happy enough to help
Aria adjust to the Imperial Castle .
Everyone liked her enough to laugh lightly at Aria’s little

mistakes, even though they were the people of the Imperial
Castle, who set strict standards on etiquette .
“See you tonight, Mr . Asher . ” Aria smiled softly as she

kissed Asher’s cheek after eating .
He wanted to split his time and dine with Aria, but the
people around wouldn’t let him and Aria go .
It was because the Imperial Castle was crowded with people

who wanted to meet Aria whenever they had the chance .
Aria, who spent most of her time studying because she had
a lot to learn, had to deal with visitors as well, so she also
did not have much time, just like himself .
“Yes… I’ll see you tonight . ”

possible .

275
Chapter 275: Chapter 275 - Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part III

Chapter 275 . Extra Story II: Jealousy,
Part III
Translator: Khan
He should be glad that the person he loved was doing well,

but it was strangely regrettable . And he was annoyed .
“Your Highness Asterope . A report has arrived that outlines

the situation in the south . Shall I let him in?”
“…”
“… Your Highness?”
So he was in no condition to focus on his work at all, even

though things were going to explode even if he just slept a
little and worked . ‘I’ll have to do it as soon as possible to
meet Aria…’ He couldn’t concentrate on his work because of
the thought on this and that, so all he had to do was go over
the documents at a slower pace than usual .
“… Let him in . ”
“Yes . ”
It was only a long time after the servant informed the visitor
and Asher’s permission fell . Clearly, if he received those
documents, it would increase the number of jobs that he
could no longer escape, but there was nothing to be done
about it .
“You don’t look so good, Your Highness . Is there anything

wrong?” Lane who brought the report examined the visibly
bad face of Asher and asked .
‘It’s not been so long since you got married but you’ve
already had a damned face . You have been madly in love
with each other, and you can’t have hated the Crown
Princess overnight, and what’s going on?’ As Asher did not
answer his question as he furrowed his forehead, Lane let all
the servants step back and asked him why,
“I’ll help you if I can . I have to stay in the capital for a while
anyway . ”
“Really? Then will you go over the documents for me?”
“… Yes? If so, I will . ”
As if annoyed more by the answer, Asher threw the pen on

the desk . It was because Lane answered that he would, as
knew he couldn’t . ‘Does the Crown Princess know the bad
temper of the Crown Prince? I’m sure she may not know . ’
Lane quietly thought of why Asher was angry .
‘He has been busy all the time but all of a sudden he’s so
irritated that he asks me to work instead…’ Lane could
reach a conclusion without much thought . It was because
he had experienced it several times before .
‘He is dissatisfied with the fact that he’s too busy with work
and can’t see the Crown Princess often . In addition, he
would have heard rumors that the Crown Princess is doing
very well in the Imperial Castle . No matter how high an
aristocrat her father is, she is loved by all, even though her
mother is a lowborn prostitute . Compared to Isis, who was a
candidate for the Crown Princess before Aria, the difference
between them is like night and day . ’
Nevertheless, all the attention of the empire was on Aria,

and he could not help but hear it even if he didn’t want to .
So he could find a very appropriate conclusion without
having to worry too much .
It was obvious that the disappointment of not meeting Aria

and the jealousy of those who would be meeting her on his
behalf . It would be a strange feeling for the Crown Prince,
who only knew about his work, but that was all he had . In
the very familiar state, as he had done, Lane came up with
an alternative as usual .
“Do you want me to go and see her?”
“What?”
“I am talking about Her Highness the Crown Princess . I have

nothing to do until you go over the report and give me the
following instructions anyway . I can pretend I am the
flaneur walking around the Imperial Castle because You
Highness can’t go . ”
“…”
“It wouldn’t be too bad to pretend to be a servant . Not

many people know my face . ”
‘I’ve already had such a record several times . ’ It was
nothing new . It was Lane’s responsibility to follow Aria and
report on her condition . So, when the Crown Prince had
misunderstood Aria as Mielle, he had been the first to know
who she was .
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“… Report every hour . ”
“Yes, sir . ”
Eventually, as usual, Asher’s permission fell, and Lane left

the office straight away . He hummed, saying, “I should use
a trick to relieve his feelings at once . ”
***
“Oh, my God, aren’t you Mr . Lane?”
“No, I am not Mr . Now just call me Lane . ”
Aria welcomed him with delight on Lane she met after a

long time . She greeted him with a bright smile as if she
were an angel who had come down from heaven .
‘Due to her beauty, there is no wonder for the Crown Prince

to be worried . ’ Lane gave Aria a smile back, thinking that
he understood Asher’s feelings a hundred times .
“I am afraid if I come here for nothing as you are busy . ”
As he said, Aria, surrounded by a group of noble ladies,

looked really busy . They were all wives of noblemen who
were quite high in the position in the empire . Now that the
new Crown Princess was crowned, they deserved to come,
whether it was a test or a friendship . As Aria tried to
introduce him, Lane began to introduce himself more
quickly .
“I stopped by the Imperial Castle for a moment on my

master’s errand . I’ve known Her Highness the Crown
Princess for a long time, so I’ve stopped by to say hello .
This is Pino Lane . ”
“I see . ”
“Somehow I’m used to that name . ”
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“So am I . Pino… Pino… where did I hear it?”
Aria opened her eyes in a circle at the introduction . She

asked him if he was still hiding his identity . It was about
time that he would reveal his identity . It was also a
question of why he had not yet been identified while he had
been actively traveling around the empire .
“By the way, did you hear the rumor?”
“The rumor?”
“Yes . Rumor has it that a new designer is in the spotlight to

make a very beautiful and fresh dress . ”
“Is there someone like that?”

“Yes . The Crown Princess must know her . ”
“Does Her Highness the Crown Princess know this woman?”
‘She knows someone like that . ’ Everyone’s eyes were on

Aria .
‘When did he hear such rumors?’ It was only a few days ago
that she had decided to support and sponsor her . When she
had chosen a wedding dress, the designer had said
thoughtless words without knowing who she was, and Aria
intended that the designer would pay a price for that, but
how did he get the news?
Aria, who looked askance at Lane with that look, naturally

confirmed Lane’s words with a face that he must have an
underhand scheme .
“… Yes . Well… maybe it’s the designer I’ve been eyeing

on… I decided to invest in her this time . ”
“Oh, my God . If there were such a designer, I wish you had

told me before . ”
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“It’s not too late now . Please go ahead and tell us what kind
of designer she is . ”
Lane, who brought up a topic that would draw the ladies’

attention at once, naturally went into between them and sat
down . He didn’t ask for permission, but it was quite natural
.
“She’s still unknown in the capital, but she’s quite a well-
known designer in the south . ”
In order to hold out among the ladies a little more, Lane

began to tell them what he knew . There was nothing much
to hide . The designer had been also delighted after she had
been invested by Aria, and she had made a boast of herself
here and there as she could not hide her joy .
It was not long ago, but there were already a lot of rumors
in the south . What she had been favored by Aria meant that
she had been recognized for her ability and at the same
time she had the opportunity to make her name known
throughout the continent . So how could she not brag?
Lane, who thought it was lucky to hear that as he was

coming up from the south, gave them the information
moderately and took a sip of the tea in front of him . Then
he handed over the baton to Aria . Lane did not come here
to chat, but he wanted to watch Aria from a little distance
and get information from her .
“… She is scheduled to visit the capital later, so I’ll formally

introduce her to you then . You may be disappointed
because she is still a little inexperienced . ”
“That’s not impossible . I’m really looking forward to it . ”
“I think so too . The more people who make beautiful things,

the better . ”
“Yes, I’m so glad that we have a wise Crown Princess who

knows a lot of things we don’t know . ”
They did not seem to have come for the test, but they
seemed genuinely fond of Aria . They could not have hated
her because she was the one who had brought them up to
this point, who had been quietly oppressed by the
Aristocratic Party in the first place .

possible .

276
Chapter 276: Chapter 276 - Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part IV

Chapter 276 . Extra Story II: Jealousy,
Part IV
Translator: Khan
Aria was also carrying the power of Croa on her back, and
most of the commoners were on her side . Moreover, since
she was ardently loved by the Crown Prince, how could they
hate or reject Aria? They deserved to be seen as good to
Aria . They deserved to be on her side . Even if they didn’t
like her, she was a being that they couldn’t show it .
“It’s an excessive compliment . I have a lot to learn . ”
When Aria answered with a little blush, the ladies covered

their mouths with their own fan and could not hide their
favor for her . It was a face to bewilder them without
distinction of sex or age . It was a lovely face that fascinated
the ladies as if she were determined to .
The eyes of Lane, who faced the appearance that evoked

even the fondness, wandered for a moment before heading
to the teacup, with a sigh that the Crown Prince deserved to
be worried .
“You’re humble . ”
“We seem to have a lot to learn from Your Highness the
Crown Princess . ”
“I agree . ”
“How blessed His Highness the Crown Prince is!”
“So is the empire . ”
Thanks to this, the conversation went smoothly, and a

friendly atmosphere continued .
This was a very good situation for Aria, who had just
become a Crown Princess, but it would have caused Lane a
great deal of trouble . It was clear that if he reported as it
was, it would increase Asher’s irritation .
As he had long been so, Asher had a keen interest in the

people around Aria, in a bad sense . In the past, as he had
been far away from her, and it had been hard to see her
directly, the degree had been weak, but not now . How
could he not be offended when there were so many people
who praised and liked Aria before his eyes?
If Asher had enough time to see Aria, he would be OK, but

he would be angry because he had too much work to do and
had no time to see her often . So Lane had to deal with it
wisely, just as he had corrected Asher’s confusion between
Mielle and Aria in the past .
‘However, may it be enough to take an act of small revenge

on Asher, who has let him work in the far-off provinces so
distantly? I would delay time a little bit so that he couldn’t
catch it . ’
This was only an act of small revenge when he thought of
Asher, who had let him work like a dog . After thinking about
it, Lane quietly called Aria, who saw off the ladies who were
leaving the tea party .
“Your Highness, the Crown Princess, I have something to tell

you . ”
“I have my next schedule . Will it be long? Did Mr . Asher

send you?”
“Yes . ”
Aria was as busy as Asher, but she nodded calmly as if she

were waiting for the timing of the conversation because she
thought Lane would never have come for nothing .
“I hope to see you again . ”
“Me too, ma’am . ”
“May you be at peace by then . ”
Aria, who had sent the ladies out first, returned to her neatly
arranged table . Lane, who followed her to the other side,
said to Aria with a very serious look .
“His Highness… is concerned about you . ”
“Concerned about me?”
“Yes… he is worried if the Crown Princess has any problem

or is getting well . ”
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It wasn’t wrong, but the meaning in it was quite different . It
sounded as if he came to watch her if Aria was doing well
and if she was performing her duties well .
“…”
Then Aria shut up her mouth . She must have grasped

exactly what Lane was trying to convey . Lane hurriedly
added an explanation before Aria doubted his words,
“His Highness Asterope has a terrible regard for the Crown

Princess . So he takes care of you while he is busy . He sent
me here if he can’t work as usual . Of course, you seem to
be doing very well, so I think I can make a report
comfortably . You haven’t been here long, but you’re
amazing!”
It was a very long explanation . The remark was prolonged

for fear of being doubted, but fortunately, it was not a look
of doubt . It was the opposite, but it was so brazen that Lane
answered with a very satisfied look .
Of course, it was a satisfying situation, because he himself

had made this set up .
Now Aria would try harder to keep the Crown Princess’s true
duty and learn what she lacked by easing Asher’s worries .
That would take away her time more to see Asher .
Lane smiled as much as he could, saying, “I will run out the

time between the two and try to clear up the
misunderstanding later . ” It was the lewd smile of a
schemer .
“Then, I’ll go report to His Highness . I hope you’ll give favor

to me as I may see you again . ”
“… Yes . ”
Aria briefly lost in thought at Lane’s words, soon nodded

and left with the maids to attend the next schedule . The
move was a step that was both impatient and determined to
do well .
Then Lane, who had left room for sabotage and would come
back again, headed toward Asher’s office with a light step .
There was a feeling of satisfaction in his footsteps . Knowing
a solution that could solve everything, he had nothing to
fear .
“How is she doing?”
Reiterating to report, he urged Lane to tell him what he had

seen, in haste . It was only an hour, but he looked impatient
as if the hour were close to a billion years .
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“She is doing very well . She’s had all the love of the noble
ladies . You don’t have to worry . ”
“…”
Lane pretended not to know anything and gave an answer

that would upset Asher, and Asher furrowed his forehead .
And Lane continued, “It seems to be a big factor in the fact

that the Crown Princess drove out the traitors of the empire
with her accomplishments . They asked nothing and didn’t
argue, but they just followed . And she is wise! She
mentioned a new designer who she is going to invest, and
she got the noble ladies’ attention all at once . ”
“…”
“Isn’t this all because she wants to help you? I’ve been
thinking about her for a long time, but she’s a great woman
. You must be confident . ”
Lane had always understood Asher’s condition very well and

gave an appropriate answer .
‘Why are you doing this today?’ With such an expression on

his face, Asher looked down briefly at the pen he held in his
hand . The pen didn’t make it that way itself, but his
expression was filled with resentment as to why it did this
as he had just had a national marriage .
As Lane watched it swallowing his laughter, Asher again

opened his mouth whether he had come to his conclusion .
“For the time being, I’m going to have to forbid anyone else
from entering the Imperial Castle . ”
“… Pardon me?”
“I can’t take her time with the useless outsiders, because

my Crown Princess is working so hard . ”
Then he took a sip of the tea with a more relaxed look as if it

was a very satisfactory decision . It seemed like a strategy
to keep others from meeting her if he could not meet her .
And Lane was dumbfounded . No matter how uncomfortable

he was, how could he make such an extreme choice…? Lane
managed to close his mouth as it opened naturally .
“Are you really going to do that?”

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“Yes, it’s a busy time, so we don’t have to bring in any

visitors . ”
It’s not because of a busy time, but it’s just that you don’t
want Aria to see other people, and that some people who
like her were around .
“… I see . ”
As if it was not empty words, Asher called in a person and

instructed him not to let in outsiders starting tomorrow .
Although it was simply a visit for friendship, the servants
who had to cancel it was busy because all of them had been
prearranged and scheduled .
“Then go see and come back at what the Crown Princess is

doing . ”
“… Yes . ”
“Come back in an hour and report . ”
“… Yes . ”
Somehow Lane thought it was going in a strange direction,

but he felt sorry to come up with a solution now . When he
saw the more agonizing and struggling Asher, he could ease
what he had been badly treated in the meanwhile . If it was
not this time, there would be no way he would ever
embarrass the Crown Prince again .
So he went back to Aria, and Lane saw that she was
learning the history of the Imperial family .
If she was not good at memorizing, Aria looked at the

nobleman with a troubled face, who was listing the names
of all the Imperial family members and explaining their
achievements .

possible .

277
Chapter 277: Chapter 277 - Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part V
Chapter 277: Chapter 277 . Extra Story II: Jealousy, Part V
Translator: Khan
“… So, His Majesty Franz Homukiden, the first Emperor,

unified the world and established an empire, created the law
of the country, and achieved the unity of the nobility, and
the second Emperor…”
Still, as she did not intend to give up or throw away, she

slowly memorized the names of the royal family and asked
questions from time to time . It really seemed
incomprehensible why such rumors had circulated in the
past .
It must have been the same for the aristocrat that taught
Aria history, but his eyes were tender, even though she
must have performed slower than other nobles he had
taught .
She looked totally different from himself, who had fled every
day while fighting with his tutor in his childhood, even
though it was he who had grown up to be a real nobleman
“Yes, you did very well . ”
“Isn’t it slow? I’m a little slow in memorizing…”
“Well, you’re a little slow, but you certainly remember what

you learned once, and I can’t just say it’s slow . ”
Aria smiled relievedly at the remark . Aria took another

thirty minutes of history class and put down the book in her
hands only after finishing the set amount .
“Did His Highness send you to me again?” Then she asked

Lane, who watched the class from a distance .
He hesitated to answer because it was so conscience-

stricken figure, but he soon regained his composure,
thinking that he had no chance but now .
***
“His Highness Asterope has barred outsiders from entering

so that Her Highness the Crown Princess can concentrate on
her studies . Now you just need to relax and concentrate on
your studies . ”
Aria, who recalled Lane who left with a smile, entered the
dining room with a little frowning .
“Good evening . ” As usual, Asher who had arrived first

welcomed Aria with a smile . It was with a happy smile that
he finally met her .
“You came quickly . ”
“I can’t make you wait for my Crown Princess . ”
As he answered, he kissed Aria on the cheek and took out

the chair himself . It was the job of the servant, but it was
always the case, so no one thought it strange . As soon as
Aria sat down, Asher returned to his seat . It was the
beginning of the dinner .
“I heard you banned visitors . ”
As soon as the servants served the pre-dinner drink, Aria

asked Asher . Lane had been talking for a long time, so it
was nothing to hide . Asher also brought up the prearranged
answers, reminding him of what Lane had said .
“Yes . I heard that the Crown Princess is concentrating hard

on learning, and I can’t let the useless visitors interrupt your
focus . ”
“Not that much . It’s not necessary to ban all of them . ”
“You are the Crown Princess, so you don’t have to curry

favor with the nobles . You can say that you’re okay now,
but I’m sure you’ll be bothered later . ”
‘Does Asher really think that I am short of knowledge?

Maybe that’s why he banned the visitors until I master all
the duties of the Crown Princess . ’ Suddenly Lane’s advice
came to her mind . ‘He couldn’t say it, but does he actually
feel ashamed of myself for not yet perfecting the
manners…?’
Aria, who thought so, soon furrowed her forehead as if it

were strange, for it couldn’t have been . Others might do
that, but Asher could never have done it . Just by looking at
his face she encountered every day, she could know that
much .
“Your Highness must be busy… why did you care about such
a trifle?”
“It’s not a trifle . There is no little thing that is related to the

Crown Princess . It’s all important . ”
“…”
She could know from the look on his face as he answered

with sincerity .
‘How can such sweet and kind-hearted Asher think such a

profane idea? So did he really ban them with pure intent?
Did he really do that to help me study?’
Upon reaching that conclusion, she could no longer refute

what he had done . It just occurred to her that she should
study harder than now and repay his heart .
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“Thank you, Mr . Asher . ”
“No, please don’t overdo it . The Crown Princess is the most

important to me in the world . ”
So Asher wished that she would not overdo it, not study
hard, and not mix with people and not get much love from
them . Contrary to his wishes, and as Lane had planned a
minor prank, Aria devoted herself to studying day and night
.
“… Have you already memorized all this? Have you been up

all night?”
“Oh, my God, how did you learn the etiquette of the Imperial
family so quickly…?”
“Are you going to study a foreign language? Now…?”
The nobles, who taught her were surprised .
“Did you hear that Her Highness the Crown Princess is

engrossed in her studies?”
“Yes! I heard that! She’s already learned enough, but she’s

been studying day and night, saying she wants to help His
Highness . ”
“That’s right! She even started to learn a foreign language

because she wanted to know more about distant foreign
countries now!”
“How amazing…!”
“When I heard the rumor, I honestly didn’t realize it, but I

think she’s even better as I serve her . ”
“I agree! Her Highness the Crown Princess must be having a

hard time studying, so I’ll have to bring her a sweet
dessert!”
“What are you talking about? I’m the one in charge . ”
The servants who followed her were astounded .

“… The Crown Princess didn’t even sleep last night . ” As he
put down his pen, Asher said with a sigh . He looked really
sad and miserable . She seemed to study day and night, as
the servants said .
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While watching this, Lane swallowed his laughter which was

about to burst out and answered back calmly, “If it is that
much, you would be worrying a bit . ”
“Of course . It’s not just about worrying… the Crown

Princess doesn’t look at me at night . ”
‘It’s time to enjoy their honeymoon, but she doesn’t even

look at him at night . ’ There was nothing the Crown Prince
directly mentioned, but it was a lament that meant a lot .
“I don’t understand why she’s working so hard . ”
“Have you shared the conversation?”
“Well, every time I did that, she just said she wanted to do
her duty as the Crown Princess as soon as possible . ”
“…”
‘How is it going to be so fun?’ Lane clenched his fist at two

people who were more willing than he thought, so he
wanted to dance for joy . ‘Shall I tell the truth now? No, it
would be better to solve the problem since I would certainly
be in trouble later . ’
But if he thought about it, it would not be too bad to make
the Crown Prince feel anxious for a few more days . As he
suddenly felt a strange look and came to his senses, Asher
was staring at him .
“What makes you so worried?”
“… Yeah? Ah… I was thinking about how to handle this . ”
“Really? Did you come up with any solution?”
“Oh, no, not yet… Shall I meet the Crown Princess?”
“…”
At the question, Asher’s eyes narrowed again . Due to his

experience and instinct in the meanwhile, Lane recognized
what it was . It was evident that Asher was doubtful . It was
dangerous .
“Yes, good . I can hear the news of the Crown Princess even
though I’m busy . Find out . ”
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However, the warning, which sounded dangerous to him,

disappeared as Asher had just relaxed his face and
expressed his trust . ‘To which tune do I have to dance?’ Of
course, it was a dangerous situation because it was true
that he was suspected . He needed to resolve it quickly and
he left Asher’s office to visit Aria, who was studying hard .
“You’re here today again . ”

Perhaps the class was over, so Lane could meet Aria, who
was just covering the book . Now that his visit was part of
everyday life, she greeted him naturally .
“I have something to tell you . ”
“Please do it . ”
The nobleman who had taught Aria had already bowed and
left . Having found no one around except for a few distant
wait-and-see maids, Lane insisted that she would stop
concentrating on studying and neglecting Asher .
“What do you mean? Didn’t you say Mr . Asher wanted you

to see me if I had any problems and if I was doing well? You
checked me every hour and you’ve reported that to him . ”
“That’s true . However, I think it’s going to be okay now . ”
“What do you mean that I’m okay now?”
‘Because Asher has been in enough trouble until now, and I

think I’ll get caught . ’
There was no worse than being caught and finished . It was

necessary to disguise himself as if he had quickly cemented
the relationship between the two .
“I mean, you’ve become such a great lady that His Highness

Asterope wouldn’t worry about . So that’s enough…”

possible .
between chapters .
278
Chapter 278: Chapter 278 - . Extra Story III: A Wicked

Woman Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part I
Chapter 278: Chapter 278 . Extra Story III: A Wicked Woman

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part I
Translator: Khan
It was when he was going to say again, “Wouldn’t it be

good?”
“It was you . ”
Lane could hear the voice of an envoy who brought death

nearby . His back stiffened .
“Mr . Asher? You must be busy . What brings you here…?”
When Aria confirmed his name, Lane’s face fell down . It

was only a minor prank, but the forthcoming price was
clearly expected to be comparable to the extreme
punishment .
“It was you who played one against the other between me
and the Crown Princess . ”
Aria asked with her eyes wide open . As Aria had a face that
she didn’t know anything, he was angry and flashed into his
eyes, he urged Lane to confess his sins .
“Did you enjoy my panicking?”
“It’s not that…!”
That was right . It was so much fun for Asher to be panicking

. If he could, he would have stuffed it up in his bedroom and
watched it whenever he was depressed .
However, if he said so, there was a chance that he would die

for contempt of the royal family and he had to make an
excuse in a hurry, an excuse he would not die, an excuse for
trying to keep them close to each other and not alienating
them .
As he rolled his head so desperately, he suddenly had a

good idea . He thought he could run away even if he didn’t
get a compliment .
“Well, I was just trying to find a way because Your Highness

Asterope was jealous of all the people in contact with the
Crown Princess! Didn’t you feel jealous of the noble ladies
who visited the Crown Princess to chat with?”
So Asher had taken the extreme action, which had

prevented even visitors, and it might be mean and get a
swear . The sudden confession gave Asher a deep frown .
“What? You…!”
Lane hurried on because Asher seemed to have omitted his

words, “Do you want to die?”
“Your Highness abandoned your work then and you only

thought of the Crown Princess… and I wanted to help you,
but it didn’t go well…!” Then Lane gave Aria a look of help .
It was a pleading look as if he had had no choice because
Asher had only though of Aria and acted like an incarnated
being of jealousy .
Aria, who blinked her eyes several times in surprise, soon

regained her original face and smiled . “What were you
going to do while throwing away your work, Mr . Asher?”
She seemed to like it . She must have liked to hear that

Asher had been jealous of the noble ladies who had visited
the Imperial Castle .
“…” Asher was ready to yell at Lane right away, but he shut
up .
Taking advantage of this, Lane began to step back slowly

and very quietly . It was a golden opportunity to run away .
“What kind of jealousy did you do to the noble ladies? The

noble ladies were not important to me, compared to you… I
only talked with them for an hour or two, and it was all for
you . ” Aria said teasingly . With this, the angry look left
Asher, whose ears were flushed with embarrassment .
“You said you are busy, but you are out of your office now…
what are you going to do?”
Aria looked at Asher’s reddish ears and asked if he had been

very cute . Due to Lane who left the unexpected bomb and
fled away, Asher was still not able to answer and was
avoiding her eyes .
It was a disgrace that he had been jealous even to the noble

ladies and blocked the visitors from entering the Imperial
Castle; moreover, it was shameful for him to be caught what
he had done so that he could not express it .
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“If you’d only told me that you missed me, that you had
done it out of jealousy… I would have been closer to you all
day . ”
But Asher’s eyes flashed on the words that followed right

behind .
“What were you talking about…?”
“I’m not happy to be away from you . If I could, I would like

to change my position and become an aide who is closer to
you all day . ”
Aria described her mind in her own words and touched the
ears of Asher, which had been dyed red . She even kissed
them with tiptoe, saying, “It’s so cute and lovely to see
them at any time . ”
“My princess…”
As if he couldn’t bear it, he hugged Aria’s waist tightly .

Then he kissed her hair . It would not be strange to knock
her down on the table right away . There were no more of
Lane’s pranks left between the two .
“I have a favor to ask Mr . Asher . ” When they hugged each

other for so long, Aria suddenly opened her mouth .
“Just say anything . I’ll bring it to you, though I would sell

the empire . ”
“I can’t expect such a great thing . It’s a very small one . ”
No matter how blind he was to a woman, the servants who

were waiting were stunned by the words of selling the
empire .
“Like I call you by your name, Asher… I want you to call me

by my name . Being called the Crown Princess is not bad,
but… compared to the past when you called me Lady Aria, I
somehow felt the wall . ”
‘Isn’t it a very cute request?’ As if he really couldn’t control

his love for Aria, he bit his lower lip . He put more strength
on his hand which wrapped her waist .
He was about to drop all his schedules and move into the
villa in the forest, so she asked for one more favor,
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“Anything . I’ll do whatever you want . ”
“You must punish the sinner who escaped . ”

“… Ah, yes . Don’t worry . I’ll make Lane be punished
enough . ”
Though they solved all this misunderstanding, he was the

very person who had bothered Aria and Asher for days
anyway . They couldn’t standstill .
“Of course, I will,” said Asher and he asked Aria in a quiet

voice, as he kissed her on the cheek . “I’ll take care of it
well, so why don’t you go to the villa for a while before I do?
If I don’t visit there now, I’m going to go crazy . ”
It was the same with Aria . Due to Lane’s scheme, she had
spent all her time with study . Aria, whose eyes were gently
bent, nodded silently . At the same time, Asher had all the
servants step back .
As soon as the servants who disappeared while blushing

closed the door, Asher and Aria disappeared as if they had
waited .
Extra Story III: A Wicked Woman Is A Wicked Woman Forever

.
While Aria was adjusting to the new environment, Jessie and

Annie, who followed her to the Imperial Castle, also had to
adapt . This was because the etiquette of the Imperial
Castle was different from those of the Count family of
Roscent .
The work of Count Roscent had been often accompanied by

a large number of aristocrats, so the servants had also been
thoroughly educated, compared to other families of the
Count . However, the etiquette of the Imperial Castle was
incomparably difficult and complicated . That was why Jessie
and Annie also had to learn it day and night with the
mindset of learning new etiquette, but…
“Jessie, how about this dress?” Annie took the bottom of her
new dress and spun around and asked .
At a glance, the delicate lace and frills seemed to be a high

price that only the nobles could wear it . ‘How did you buy
such an expensive dress? No, why are you bragging about
such a dress now?’ Jessie frowned gently . “… Well, a little
bit…?”
“Why? What? Is it weird?”
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“No, rather than being weird… it’s too much . You’re not
even a noble…”
‘You are just a maid . How do you expect to work in such a

dress?’
When Jessie answered, Annie rather frowned this time .

“What are you talking about? Who are we? We’re the Crown
Princess’s maid, aren’t we?”
“What’s more, we’re not a maid doing chores, but close

aides of the Crown Princess, so shouldn’t we be dressed like
this?”
Jessie shut up, unable to answer Annie’s question . She was
right . They didn’t have to wear a maid’s uniform because
they were not the common maids, but the closest maids
who Aria had brought to the Imperial Castle . In addition,
they weren’t cleaning and serving food .
It wasn’t because Aria was the Crown Princess, but that was
what all the aristocratic women with beloved maids were
doing . There were also aristocratic women who dressed up
their beloved maids like themselves to show off their
affection and wealth .
And it was Jessie and Annie, who were especially favored by

Aria and had their own room unlike any other maids .
Therefore, it was not strange even if they would wear a
dress like noblewomen . In addition…

possible .
between chapters .

279
Chapter 279: Chapter 279 - Extra Story III: A Wicked Woman

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part II

Story III: A Wicked Woman Is A
Wicked Woman Forever, Part II
Translator: Khan
“This dress was bought by our lady, no, with the permission
of the Crown Princess!”
“Did Her Highness the Crown Princess permit…?”
“Yes! She paid for all the expenses . Why should I restrain
myself when Her Highness the Crown Princess allowed me
to do this?”
“…”
As Annie said that it was a dress that Aria had given her
permission to buy, Jessie could no longer blame her . So
Jessie stopped answering and glanced over Annie’s dress
and closed her mouth . It was a look that Annie’s dress was
still too much .
Annie, who regained her bright expression after Jessie had

stopped blaming her, looked at the mirror but soon clapped
her hands as she thought of something .
“Come to think of it, there was your share! I forgot!”
“… My share?”
“Yes . Your share of the dress . I put an order as I pleased,

with the permission of Her Highness the Crown Princess
because it was obvious you would say no anyway . ”
Annie brought out a dress that she had put in the closet . It
was just as fancy, dazzling and expensive as the dress she
was wearing .
“… I can’t believe that’s mine?”
“Yes, I didn’t know your taste, so I picked it out . It’s a trendy

design,” said Annie proudly, raising the dress to be seen
well .
‘How do you expect me to wear such a dress?’ The cold

sweat had already soaked her back . Of course, it wasn’t
that she had never worn a very fancy dress . She had
experienced wearing one on Aria’s wedding .
But it was now different from then . At Aria’s wedding, no

matter how much she had been dressed up, she hadn’t
been noticed, and she was able to finish it with a small
burden because it had been a place where everyone was
dressed up and attended but not now .
Now they might curse her, saying, “You don’t know who you
are, and you’re a bit pretentious . ” Rumors might be
circulating that she was a wicked maid who wasted the
Crown Princess’s property . This was also true . It was
nothing more than a pretentious act without knowing who
she was . That was why Jessie didn’t dare wear a dress
Annie had bought at Aria’s expense, unlike Annie .
“… I can’t wear this dress . ”
So Jessie thought Annie was going to blame her, but Annie

nodded unexpectedly and hurriedly dressed herself up,
putting the ornaments on her head and ears . She didn’t
seem interested anymore .
“I knew you’d say that . So I asked for your share because I

would be seen as strange as I bought it alone . You’re not
greedy for this . ”
“…”
“Then can I have your dress, too? Actually, I picked it for my

taste . ”
“… Yes . ”
Annie, who had finished saying that she was kicking her own
blessing, hummed as if she were excited as she saw herself
in the mirror while she was putting on a hairpin .
Jessie watched this, and she looked somewhat dubious .
***
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Jessie and Annie acted separately from Aria even though

they were close maids of the Crown Princess . It was partly
because Aria was busy . As soon as she entered the Imperial
Castle, Jesse and Annie couldn’t keep up with Aria because
she was immersed in her studies day and night .
Of course, they followed Aria at first, and she needed only a
few maids that could do chores that didn’t require
conversation . Therefore, Jessie and Annie had been
naturally excluded .
It was also Aria’s consideration that they didn’t have to

follow her because they had to stand there constantly
without doing anything . Rather, Aria advised them to
prepare for their future at that time .
This was because Aria wanted Jessie and Annie to get

married as soon as possible, just like her . In the first place,
they had delayed the timing of their marriage though they
had been able to get married first, saying, “We dare not
marry earlier than our master . ”
So when they were unable to follow Aria, Jessie and Annie,

who were quite free, spent leisurely meeting Hans and
Baron Burboom as Aria asked or wandering around the
Imperial Castle .
It was unimaginable for a maid . Some of the maids who

saw Annie in the colorful dress would politely give their
courtesy to her and not to Jessie, who was in plain clothes .
“… Have you seen it? At this time, they’re leisurely having

tea… I thought some noblewomen were here again,” said
one of the maids who caught sight of Annie and Jessie
drinking tea on the terrace of their room .
And one of the maids who were cleaning together whispered

quietly as if it were a very secret affair .
“I asked them with great curiosity, and they said, ‘Her

Highness the Crown Princess has given us permission . ’”
“I heard that, too . I heard all the expenses for the dresses
and ornaments were paid by Her Highness the Crown
Princess’ own money . ”
“Oh, my God, they have no shame . I mean, if they’re

noblewomen then it’s fine, but they’re commoners . ”
“Noble? Don’t say such a funny word . They are just

commoners among the commoners . They are commoners
who met a generous master . ”
“At this point, it was not Her Highness the Crown Princess,
but the maids who had a rise in status . ”
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“As Her Highness the Crown Princess is generous and kind,

she allows them to do that out of consideration . However,
they don’t know who they are, and they are doing such
things . They should be ashamed . ”
“Yes, you’re right . It’s really too much . ”
“They might have been like that around the Crown Princess,
who was still young, luring her with sweet words . ”
In fact, it was the opposite, but the current Aria was not that
image, so the maids who were cleaning up had
misunderstood . They concluded and gossipped about Annie
and Jessie . There was no need to keep their mouths shut
unless they were a noblewoman .
Besides, it wasn’t just the maids who didn’t like their
existence . Aria, who was about to leave after class, was
caught by a nobleman who was hired as a teacher .
“Well, Your Highness the Crown Princess . If you don’t mind,

I’d like to ask you a question . ”
He was a very young aristocrat .
“What is it?”
“I’ve heard that you have two maids who you have brought
from outside, but I don’t think I’ve seen them . ”
When the nobleman asked that because he heard nothing

but rumors, Aria replied, thinking that it was weird, “… Yes, I
have two maids . I told them to act freely because I don’t
think they have to be here while I study . ”
“Oh, you did . ”
The expression of the nobleman, who answered, so was

unclear . And Aria’s face was filled with deep suspicion .
‘Why are you asking such questions even though they are
just maids, not others?’
“Why do you ask me that? Did my maids give you any

trouble?”
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The look on Aria’s face was very cold . It was partly due to
the misunderstanding which had happened between Asher
and herself under the leadership of Lane .
“Oh, no, no . I just wanted to know why you didn’t bring

your maids who you had brought in with you . ”
He did not know that Aria would react like that, so the
nobleman rushed to explain and made an excuse, waving
his hands . He seemed to finally realize that he had asked a
presumptuous question because she had been so kind and
generous .
‘What the hell are you up to?’
“I see . If you can’t get an answer to your question, it’ll be

toxic . ” At his violent reaction, Aria gave a bright, soft smile
again, as if she had never had a cold face . She looked
forgiving of anything .
The nobleman, who was unable to catch the hidden

meaning that hid a poison to know the truth, soon dismissed
Aria’s cold expression as an illusion and laughed at her .
“But if you ask me, I think you heard something somewhere

. ” Aria, who said so, looked at the nobleman’s face and
continued . He didn’t seem brave, so she was afraid he
would run away, being scared .
“I haven’t seen them for nearly a month, but what

happened to them in the meantime?” Aria asked, looking
like she didn’t have much of a relationship with them . Since
she was not very attentive to them, she wanted him to tell
her whatever it was .
“Are you not meeting them often this month?”
“Yes, I still meet them most of the time . However, since I

entered the Imperial Castle, I didn’t have to call them in for
work because there were so many other talented maids . ”
“Oh, you did . So…”
There was something really going on . Aria narrowed her

eyes for a moment to gauge his intention but soon smiled
again .

possible .

280

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part III

Wicked Woman Forever, Part III
Translator: Khan
“Yes, they were the maids from the mansion of the former
Count, so they didn’t even know what to do . So I wanted
them to adjust themselves to the Imperial Castle, while I
was studying… Wasn’t that right?”
Aria asked as if she knew nothing, and a pity crossed the

face of the nobleman . It was also the face of her maids
making very big mistakes . Aria, feeling uneasy about this,
struggled to open her furrowed forehead and asked the
nobleman again . She didn’t know what was going on, but
she had a hunch that she would have to solve it quickly .
“So let me know if you know anything . If anything

happened… It’s awful . I brought them here, so I have to
take care of them . ”
‘How could anyone not want to help her when she said,
worrying about her maids would solve problems if anything
happened without knowing anything about them?’
Moreover, contrary to the rumors of the distant past, it was
Aria, who was favored by the people of the Imperial Castle
with kindness and benevolence . It was natural to confide in
everything he knew .
Of course, that was why there were people who dared to

speak out about Jessie and Annie who she had brought in .
“Well, actually…”
The aristocrat opened his mouth to the questions of Aria

that followed several times, and the expression of Aria after
hearing that became cold right away .
***
“There are rumors that the maids, who the Crown Princess
brought in, are doing something beyond what they’re
supposed to do, not knowing who they are . They wear
fancy dresses, they have tea time, and they play aristocrats
. There’s also a rumor that all the expenses come out of
your pocket… There are not a few people who see them
with an ax-eyed eye . ”
Aria, who recalled what the nobleman had said a little while
ago, took a sip of the new tea the maid had poured . It was
a very elegant and noble gesture .
As Aria drank tea, the noble ladies on the opposite side also
picked up their tea with a very graceful gesture . They
looked happy as the ban on visits ended, which had been
temporarily imposed due to the plot of Lane and the
misunderstanding of Asher, ended .
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment… I’m so

surprised not to see Your Highness the Crown Princess . ”
“So am I . You are the very person I can’t easily see . So I
was surprised when a visit ban was issued . ”
“Me too . It’s a little late, but it’s an honor to meet you like
this . ”
Some of their favorite maids were waiting for the noisy

noble ladies . Unlike other maids who did chores, they were
handsomely dressed . They were the children of a noble
family who had little power . They volunteered for their
families to become maids of powerful families .
One of those maids had met eyes with Aria, who was
drinking tea . Aria looked so clear that she felt Aria’s eyes,
so the maid turned away her gaze .
As if she did not dare to see the Crown Princess, she smiled
and bowed her head to take a courtesy . It was a very
natural routine for her to flatter others . It wasn’t bad to
change her face skillfully for her future .
“What a beautiful child they are . ”
As Aria opened her mouth while looking at the maid, one of

the noble ladies smiled with great pride and affirmed .
“Is that what you see, Your Highness the Crown Princess?
How can I be so happy? She’s my favorite . ”
In the past, Aria had had little interaction with women and
had been treated with contempt and had never thought of it
because she had been a member of a rich family, but it was
natural to increase personal connections with a combination
of a pretty maid and a noble lady in power .
Even though her status was a noble, if she was a girl from a
powerless family, she was able to gain power with the
support of a noble lady, and for the noble lady, she had her
own kind of person and could increase her force . It was
called mutual help .
“Yes, she looks smart and can be a great help to you in the
future . ”
“As you tell me that, I am deeply ashamed of myself . ”
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The praised lady blushed a little to not fit for her character .
“Isn’t it your wish for her to have a happy future?”
“Yes, there is nothing better than when a child I like is happy

.”
This was the same for Aria . And for herself, the children
were Jessie and Annie . She hoped that the girls, who had
helped her, get to this position would be happy .
Of course, she was a little affectionate and interested in

Jessie who had never changed, but she didn’t intend to
abandon Annie, who had the same kind of character she
had . She must be the one who would help her in the future
because she had a character who had no hesitation to fill
her self-interest .
“I suppose everyone is the same . ”
“… That’s right . ”
“I’m sure you are the same, right?”

When Aria said that to the other woman, she nodded as if it
was right .
“Yes . ”
“Yes? Oh, yes . Of course . ”
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“… Of course, so am I . ”
As the same question continued, the noble ladies had a look

that she was really strange . It was a simple and strange
conversation that was not appropriate for the noble ladies to
share . So they were wondering, and Aria, with a different
expression, said with a straight face,
“But why are they gossiping about my favorite girls?”
“…?”
“… Yes?”
There was a momentary silence in the lobby . To ask what

she meant, it had been long ago that rumors about the
Crown Princess’s maids had already passed beyond the
Imperial Castle .
There was no one who did not curse Jessie and Annie, who
dishonored the name of Aria, who had won the love of all
and ascended to the throne . It was the same for the noble
ladies who were now here .
Surprised by Aria’s sudden remarks and cold eyes, the noble

ladies closed their mouths with their eyes wide open .
Because of her cold expression, they seemed to be unable
to close their mouths .
Some people even blinked, thinking if she was the real

Crown Princess . Even though she couldn’t understand how
the Crown Princess looked at them with such a hideous look,
they couldn’t bring up a proper word . That sudden change
in Aria’s expression was enough to shock the noble ladies .
“…”
Aria, who had been leisurely spending time, taking a sip of

tea, made a friendly and gentle expression again as if she
had never had a cold face . She shouldn’t get angry in a
hurry . Now this was just a warning . It had to be collected at
this point .
“Oh, I made a mistake . I’m not saying that you did . I just
heard some backbiting that followed . I wonder why only my
maids are being gossiped about when all of you are making
such a generous, unsparing investment in them . How odd is
that?”
“… Ah…”
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“…”
Of course, the answer was fixed . Just as Aria had been
humiliated for no reason in the past, the reason Jessie and
Annie had to hear some backbiting was because they were
from humble origins, even though they had Aria’s
permission .
‘It’s more than just ignoring Jessie and Annie, and it’s turned
out to be ignoring me . ’
‘I can’t let it go . No, I will not let it go . If I pretend to be

good like Mielle, it won’t be any good to me . ’ Aria put down
the cup she held in her hand . Then she wiped her mouth
with a handkerchief her maid handed over to mark the end
of the short meeting .
“I don’t feel well . I have to get up now . ”
‘We have finally met the Crown Princess after waiting for a
long time . We can’t believe that she’ll be ending this
meeting even though nothing’s started yet . ’ When Aria
said that she would end the meeting in ten minutes at most,
their expressions disappeared from their faces .
‘However, what can we say as the Crown Princess says that

she doesn’t feel good?’ Besides, they were the ones who
saw Aria’s face, which was colder than ice, even though it
was only a moment . It seemed to be an illusion, but it was
a very cold face that they didn’t want to see again .
‘Maybe she’s really not feeling well . Maybe that’s why she
couldn’t manage her facial expressions . ’ The noble ladies
managed to understand that it would not be a rebuke to
them and asked her to call them back next time .
“I hope you get well soon . ”
“I hope to see the healthy Crown Princess next time”

possible .

281

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part IV

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part IV
Translator: Khan
After such a brief meeting with the noble ladies, Aria went
straight back to her room .
As soon as Aria sat down at the table, Ruby brought out the
tea right away . However, her expression was strange,
though she would have heard the whole story . Aria hadn’t
been long with her, but for her character, she had grasped
for days . She absolutely wanted to talk about something .
“Did you know that?”
“Yes . ”
So when asked the truth, Ruby quickly answered yes . She
looked as if she had waited to be asked to herself .
“I was the only one who didn’t know even though it’s about
me . Is there another Crown Princess who is more foolish
than this?”
“I didn’t know when to tell you . I’ve been waiting for the
right time . ”
Ruby’s answer to the self-criticizing Aria had no hesitation .

It was as if she was looking at Annie, who had become a
little bit more intelligent . She seemed to want to take this
opportunity to become her source of information .
It was not a bad idea to have even a maid who had her roots
in the Imperial Castle . No, she needed a maid to deliver the
news quickly before something as unpleasant as it was now
. Yeah, Ruby would be perfect for it . She was looking for a
chance to squeeze in from the start .
“Tell me . ”
So when she allowed the role, Ruby, whose eyes were

glistening, began to tell her everything she knew, to sell
someone like Annie to gratify her self-interest .
***
“Aria?”
It was an unexpected person who welcomed Asher, who had

finished his work in the evening and left the office . Aria
moved to his side and made a smile with her eyes .
“You’re out now . ”

“…”
Instead of asking why she had come to meet him, how long
had she been waiting, or why hadn’t she made an indication
when she had come, Asher chose to embrace her with his
hand around her waist .
“I wish you had sent someone to tell me in advance . ”
“I just arrived . And sometimes it wouldn’t be bad for me to

wait for you first . ”
“…”
As he was speechless at the words, he stared silently at Aria

in his arms . ‘Is there anything else I can say about my
lovely wife?’
“Was it bad that I waited at will?”
Aria asked Asher, deliberately blinking up and down with her

rich eyelashes . She looked so pretty .
“… Hah . ”
Asher made a brief grunt and answered by putting his lips to

hers .
“What if someone sees you?” Aria tapped him lightly on his

chest and grumbled .
But it wasn’t because she didn’t like it, even if anyone saw it
. In the first place, it had happened at any time, and when
the two had been together, they had never cared about the
eyes around them . So none of the servants, who followed
Asher and Aria, blinked their eyes .
“As I’ve said, I would like everyone in the empire to see and
recognize this if possible . ”
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‘Wasn’t it Asher, who crossed the capital in a dazzling

carriage?’ Aria, who recalled the past scene, buried her face
in Asher’s breast and laughed in a low voice . It was a smile
saying she was pleased .
With her lovely figure, Asher kissed Aria on her head . It

wasn’t a conversation in which they talked about important
things, but it was a precious time .
Asher and Aria, who had been spending such a short time
together, soon joined hands and headed for the dining room
. It was quite a long way from Asher’s office to the dining
room, so everyone could see the two walking hand in hand
around the Imperial Palace .
It was not appropriate for the Crown Prince and Crown

Princess, who should always keep their elegance and
antiquity, to act that way, but no one cared because it had
already become common to hold hands when they were
heading somewhere .
“So, you didn’t answer what I asked . ”
Halfway to the dining room, Aria said to Asher, faintly giving

her hand strength .
“What?”
“I asked you if you felt bad that I acted at will . ”
“Oh, you mean the first question you asked me . ”
It was a question that he didn’t have to answer .

Nevertheless, Aria still needed an answer from Asher . She
was sorry for him, but it was because she had gone all the
way to the office to hear the answer .
“I can’t be in a bad mood, no matter what you do, no matter

what you say . ”
“What if I become the wicked woman again as I behave at

will and not the generous and benevolent Crown Princess,
like the rumors in the past?”
“You mean your true self? I’d love that . That way, no one
will stand in our way . ”
Of course, it was a prerequisite that it didn’t ruin state

affairs, but it seemed to be true that he wanted Aria to
become the wicked woman of the rumors and only see him .
“… You should not change your mind . ”
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Aria, who got the long-awaited answer, left a very significant

answer . Her other hand tickled his fingers and urged him to
promise .
“… Aria . ”
However, the actions of Aria brought about a crisis rather
than a definitive answer from Asher . A crisis of skipping
dinner and going back to their room right away .
“Shall we? Sometimes eating in the room is not a bad idea .

”
But the crisis was also what Aria had hoped for, and she
smiled softly and leaned on Asher’s arm . Asher quickly put
his hand around Aria’s waist and turned toward his new
destination .
***
After finding out that Jessie and Annie were listening to idle
gossip, Aria began to act with them in a showy manner . She
had been busy, and she had been intentionally separated
from Jessie and Annie, but it had become toxic, so it was
natural for her to come with them .
In addition, unlike when they had just entered the Imperial

Castle, they had some adaptation and had no need to move
apart from them because she had some spare time .
“You don’t have to get me a dress like this…” Jessie seemed

unfamiliar with her handsome features, and she omitted her
following words . Her face was full of awkwardness . She
was a woman who knew her place, so she tended to be
overburdened with luxury .
But Aria didn’t think so . “Jessie, it’s natural that you can’t
adapt overnight . But don’t you have to adapt for Hans?”
“Hans…?”
“Yes, Hans . ”
Jessie blinked and asked Aria for an answer as if she didn’t
know why she was mentioning Hans . ‘What does Hans have
to do with my flashy outfit?’
Aria gave Jessie the answer in person . “Even though you

are of humble origin like me, you deserve to be dressed as
the lover of Hans, who is only recognized for his ability in
the Imperial Castle . ”
“But Hans…”
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Even if his abilities were outstanding, a commoner was a

commoner . He was a commoner who was recognized only
for his abilities . No matter how rich and powerful a
commoner might be, excessive luxury gained nothing but
jeers .
‘Why should I dress like a noblewoman, who is not even a

commoner in wealth and power, but a lover of a man who is
recognized only for his ability?’ Jessie seemed to be
incomprehensible .
Aria asked as if Jessie was foolish . “Jessie, why do you think

Hans will remain a commoner all his life?”
“… Yes?”
Jessie opened her eyes wide as if she didn’t know what that
meant . The commoner had always been a commoner .
They had been a commoner all their life unless their status
was elevated by marriage . That was impossible for men but
possible only for women .
But Aria had no intention of letting Hans stay in that status .

It was natural for the commoner to be a commoner forever,
but not by law . A commoner could become a nobleman at
any time if he was granted land with a big accomplishment .
Of course, this had been only in the early days of the empire
that the situation had been unstable and war-prone, and it
was almost impossible now that the aristocrats with power
and money were in full, but it was not completely impossible
now even if there was support from a powerful figure like
Aria .
Had it not been for rumors, she wouldn’t have thought of

turning Hans into a nobleman but not now . She thought it
would be better to turn Hans into a nobleman because she
knew how unfair and bitter it was to be discriminated
against by his origin .
‘Jessie, you don’t know how I think . ’ Aria stared into

Jessie’s eyes, which were still full of questions .

possible .
between chapters .

282

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part V

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part V
Translator: Khan
‘If you are a maid of the Crown Princess and have a talented
lover, it wouldn’t be weird if you act like Annie . ’
She had been consistent from the past to the present . And
Aria really liked it . ‘So how can I not bear a little trouble for
your future?’ She wanted to explain everything, but there
were a lot of listeners in the Imperial Castle . She stroked
Jessie’s head, refraining from saying anything .
“… You don’t know how the future will change so be

prepared . Besides, I want my maid to be the most beautiful
in the world . Especially Jessie, my favorite girl, you must . ”
“…”
‘How can I be so grumpy when she says things like that?’
Eventually, Jessie shut her mouth tight, and they continued
to walk to the garden where the noble ladies were waiting .
“We see Your Highness the Crown Princess . ”
As Aria entered the garden, the noble ladies hurried to pay

their respects and bowed down . Unlike every day she had
met other ladies, they were the same noble ladies she had
seen last time . They were unable to hide their glowing
faces as if they thought they had been favored by the Crown
Princess to visit the Imperial Castle again .
It was not different from the faces of the nobles of the

Aristocratic Party of the past . Although they were on the
side of the Crown Prince, the nobleman was a nobleman . All
of them were interested in following the tide and fulfilling
their self-interest in seeking power .
As Aria sat down, the maids rushed to pour the tea . It was a
natural and fast reaction as if the water were flowing . Aria,
who had a sip of tea that had fallen to a good temperature
after waiting for a while, opened her mouth to the noble
ladies who had been bowing down, taking etiquette by then
.
“Get up . ”
Instead of giving the usual greetings as soon as they took a

courtesy, she told them to straighten up after a long time as
if she had tortured them, and the women’s flushed faces
were nowhere to be seen . As the noble ladies were unable
to erase their faces stained with displeasure, Aria asked
them with a puzzled look .
“The tea tastes good . Why are you not drinking it?”
“… Yes . ”
Aria had a face she did not do anything wrong, and the
noble ladies could not ask anything and had to bury what
had just happened .
“Yes? Ah, yes . How have you been, Your Highness the
Crown Princess?”
“I manage to get along . ”
“…”
‘How can you react like that? We had barely driven out the
Aristocratic Party, who had eaten away the empire for a long
time and gathered together among those, who had a single
heart . ’ The faces of the noble ladies grew colder and colder
to Aria, who treated them as if they were criminals of
treason .
Aria, who didn’t even care about it, said, pointing to a

prepared table a little away, “Annie, Jessie . You guys sit
down there, too . ”
“… Yes?”
“… Yes?”
“Don’t you think you should taste the sweet tea since it’s
been here for a long time?”
Aria’s words hardened the noble ladies, stopping their

movements . ‘How dare you let the maids sit at the table
next to the meeting of the Crown Princess and the noble
ladies?’
Of course, it was not unusual . This was because most of the

maids were nobles, so there were also cases of sitting at the
same table . Therefore, even though they were maids, they
often received the treatment as a noblewoman . Such girls
were treated completely differently than ordinary maids . It
was not strange to sit at the next table as Aria said .
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But Jessie and Annie were not . ‘Aren’t they really from
humble origins?’ It was unparalleled to receive the same
treatment as the nobility-born maids . To think so was the
same as the maids of the Imperial Castle, and no one
prepared refreshments even though Aria had already asked
for it .
“What are you doing?”
“… Yes?”
“What are you doing not getting tea ready?”
“Ah, yes…”
Aria pointed to one of the maids and asked, and only then
did the maids rush to prepare a table for Jessie and Annie .
In the end, Jessie and Annie sat at a table prepared for

themselves . Therefore, the noble ladies, unable to control
their facial expressions, closed their mouths and stared at
them . Their expressions showed that it was hard to believe
.
“All of you don’t have bright faces,” Aria said to the noble
ladies .
It was because they expressed their feelings on their faces

due to Aria’s rude behavior . They did not even think about
taking care of the situation .
“…” ‘What else can we say?’ The noble ladies still remained
silent and could not hide their discomfort .
Then Aria laughed in a low voice and asked them, “Are you
doing this because my mother is of a humble origin?”
Of course, everyone who heard Aria’s question was stunned

and gasped . As if it was insufficient that Aria mentioned her
origin, she sought the answer from the noble ladies .
At this, the noble ladies hurriedly denied, shaking their

heads . “That can’t be!”
“What makes you say that?”
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“Who would dare have such impure thoughts on Your

Highness the Crown Princess…?” They wanted to prove their
innocence by opening their heads if they could .
‘But is that really what you want?’ Aria didn’t think so .

“Really? Then I’m glad . I must have misunderstood . I was
wondering if you were very uncomfortable because my
origin is not so good . It’s really weird, isn’t it? In the past, I
never had a hateful look on my face at the folly acts that
the late Princess Frederick did to me . ”
Isis had once asked about tea to test Aria during a visit to
the mansion of the former Count . It had been set up to
laugh at the stupid villain . But Aria had turned the
hourglass back to deal with it calmly, and in the end, she
had been able to pass on quietly without being laughed at .
It was an ordinary world . A world in which those who truly

held power must be treated well with a smile no matter
what unfair treatment they received .
‘But what about now?’ The noble ladies clearly showed signs
of displeasure in front of Aria, who they could say had
reached the highest and noblest place among all women,
despite it being a trivial thing .
All of the things they were displeased of were very trivial

things, and they could smile and pass lightly . ‘If the Crown
Princess were Princess Frederik, could they have taken such
an action?’ Aria, who thought they would never have done
it, continued, “But you were so honest about your feelings
that I couldn’t help but think so . ”
“…!”
“Look, you still can’t hide the look that you got pricked at,
can you?” Aria, who said so, added a word after a leisurely
sip of tea with a smile . “This makes me misunderstand . ”
“…”
There was a silence in the garden . It was only then that
they noticed Aria’s anger even though she was smiling . It
was the same for not only the noble ladies but also the
maids .
“I’ve been thinking about it lately after hearing some bad

rumors . ” As all of them were speechless, Aria spoke again,
“If it had been the eldest daughter of the Frederick family,
not me, would it have been this rumor even if her maids had
done the same thing?”
‘Bad rumors?’ Everyone could think of one thing without

having to ask .
‘Is that why you brought Jessie and Annie?’ Only then did
they knew what Aria, who had brought the maids, who had
been missing for a while, meant; the Crown Princess used
them to test the cause of the rumor and warn them!
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“… That’s, that’s a misunderstanding . ”
It was not a misunderstanding . It was true . Contrary to the

past rumors, she was no longer a villain but Aria herself, so
she could show her dislike .
Of course, it was not very irrelevant to Aria’s origin . As she

said, it was clear that no strange rumor would have
circulated if Princess Frederik had been the Crown Princess,
who had taken the elite course .
“I’m glad then . I was also wondering if my background and
my fragile appearance had misled you . ”
“…”
“I did it because I thought anyone would not spit on a

friendly person, but I was about to change my mind because
I didn’t think so . But as you said it’s a misunderstanding,
I’m in conflict . What kind of attitude should I take?”
She told them to be wary of her and curry favor with her .
She said that they would not try to climb up and eat quietly
when she was good to them .

possible .
between chapters .

283

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part VI

Wicked Woman Forever, Part VI
Translator: Khan
It was also a warning that she would be changed like a

wicked woman of the rumor again at any time .
***
Since then, conversation with the noble ladies had become

a very informative time for Aria . It was because she realized
that no one would be making rash remarks anymore . On
the surface, she still smiled benevolently, but as they
noticed that every single word she uttered was giving them
a big warning, there was no more talkative person,
compared to the first meeting .
Aria showed unsparing kindness to the noble ladies, saying

that she liked it . That was enough to deal with them .
Of course, there were some noble ladies who had been

dissatisfied with the pressure on them, as soon as Aria, who
had spent her days only in business, was crowned as the
Crown Princess, but she knew the most effective way to
control them .
“… By the way, I’ve reconsidered the documents that I’ve

put off to adjust myself to the Imperial Castle for a while . I
found a very interesting business there . ”
It was information that would satisfy the noble ladies’ self-

interest . Even though she had become the Crown Princess,
she found an interesting business after reviewing some
documents, not false, because there were no other
sanctions for doing her own business . And no one knew
that all the business Aria had worked for was a great
success, so it was enough for the noble ladies to put down
their pride and bury it .
“… What kind of business is it?”
“I am curious . ”
Several noble ladies asked Aria about the business she was
interested in, and this fixed their eyes on Aria, quietly
affirming as if other noble ladies were the same .
Aria, facing the look, said with a gentle smile . “I should tell
you that you’re curious . It’s a project to collect new jewelry
from special places . ”
“New jewelry?”
“Yes, it is said to be a jewel as beautiful as the sea . You can

grind the jewelry and scatter them on your hair or dress to
give off a subtle glow . ”
The jewel, as beautiful as the sea, was a priceless treasure

to be collected from the sea . Because they were only found
deep in the water, it was impossible to collect them without
special technology and devices .
Aria, of course, did not confirm for sure but decided that it
would not be much different from what was written in the
letter because the person who proposed the project was
none other than the owner of the jewelry store .
Even so, the jewelry store’s owner would have no difficulty

in collecting and selling jewelry alone without getting
investment . Nevertheless, the reason why he had sent the
business plan in the letter and asked for help was quite
obvious .
‘He’s thinking of taking advantage of my reputation . ’
Jewels invested by the Crown Princess; Jewels worn by the

Crown Princess…
He could probably get a few times more expensive than the

right price . It would also be easy to interact with other
countries .
She had thought she’d refuse it because he had planned to

use herself to make profits several times, but she had
replied that she’d soon look at the real thing and make a
decision .
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‘If it was a business for the common people, I would have

refused, but it was a business for the nobles . ’
The money of the nobles was overflowing . Furthermore,
many nobles found it a pleasure to buy and show off
something a little more expensive and rare than others had
.
‘So, wouldn’t it be appropriate to offer expensive and

precious items as they wish? By investing the money I earn
through the investment for the common people, I will be
able to protect the dignity of the Crown Princess . ’
“Have you seen it yourself?”
“No, I’ll see it this time . ”
“Ah… I see . ” The noble ladies’ eyes quickly clouded by the

news that she had not seen yet .
‘What a fool . ’ Aria released another valuable piece of

information to give them hope . “But I think it’s a very
beautiful jewel . It’s a secret, but… because the man who
sent the letter runs the largest jewelry store in the empire .
He would not have talked nonsense because he has a sharp
eye . ”
‘The person who runs the largest jewelry store in the

empire?’ The eyes of the noble ladies began to shine again
because they seemed to recognize him, though she had not
mentioned where the jeweler was or had not mentioned his
name .
“… When can we see it on the market?”
“Well, I’ll have to see him first . No matter how trustworthy

he is, I can’t confirm my investment until I see it . ”
“Are you going to call him to the Imperial Castle?”

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“I suppose so . I still don’t have much time to go out . I’ll

have to look at it closely . ”
At her answer, the noble ladies began to drink tea, clearing

their throats for nothing . They seemed to want to see first
before coming out in the market . They looked impatient to
ask her to call them again .
“I’ve heard that since the collecting site is a special place, it

is edible in a small amount . Besides, it will be perfect for
decorating . ”
At the words, Countess Corgiene opened her eyes wide . It

was because her husband, Count Corgiene, had a business
selling jewelry or gold-sprayed desserts . Of course, as he
even used bad jewelry not to be edible, they had only been
used as decorations to entertain parties, not for the purpose
of cooking . Nevertheless, the price was higher than the
gems, so they had no difference from expensive ornaments
. But the edible jewelry?
“I’m really looking forward seeing it because it has many

colors . ”
“… Your Highness the Crown Princess!”
When the last piece of information was leaked for her,

Countess Corgiene called Aria in a very impatient voice .
She didn’t say anything else, but she seemed to be called in
as soon as the jewels entered the Imperial Castle .
“Oh, I’m afraid I’ll have to finish today’s conversation now . I
still have a lot of business under review . ”
‘But I can’t . If I give you an easy answer, it’s not fun to

make you roll on my palm . ’ As Aria announced the end of
the conversation, there was regret on the faces of the noble
ladies .
Although they received information, they only got a few .

Still, the information was not negligible, and because Aria
left an aftertaste to release the information that would
benefit them, they were more anxious .
“It is a little short meeting, but it’s not your first time to see
me, so I’ll see you next time . ”
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Aria, who had planted a glimmer of hope for the noble

ladies, left the garden without regret . She didn’t even look
at the noble ladies who were quick to salute her who was
leaving . Though she had acted rudely from beginning to
end, no one complained to Aria . Rather, they had a very
bright look on their faces in hopes she had instilled in them
at the end .
‘I’ve been too much tender after the revenge, even though
it is most effective to coax them on the premise of benefit,
whether they are originally a noble or a commoner . Even if
they are a family, they can betray one another, but they
don’t do that if they have some relationship in money and
benefits, as long as they can gain profits . ’ And it was also
best suited for Aria .
Jessie’s eyes were a bit uneasy as she looked at Aria, who
had unilaterally ended the conversation . In the past and in
the present, she was always full of worries about Aria .
It was partly because Aria had taught her a lesson that

people could betray at any time, using Mielle . Aria said
nothing to Jessie because it was easier to cope with the
crisis when she was worried than just being optimistic .
Unlike Jessie, Annie looked triumphant . She seemed

pleased that Aria had made the arrogant noble ladies quiet
in a few words . It was the same with Ruby . Aria had been
showing only benevolence ever since she had entered the
Imperial Castle, so Ruby had no idea that it would be so
easy to solve it .
“What is left now is the servants?”
Punishment remained for fools who dared to talk rashly

about what happened in the Imperial Castle . She wanted to
find them one by one and make them pay for it, but she
couldn’t find all the numerous servants that spread across
the Imperial Castle, so she decided to let it go quietly just
once .
If she found each of them and scold them, she would only
get the stigma of being the Crown Princess who tormented
the servants . Rather, it was better to raise the value of
Jessie and Annie so that no more backbiting could come up .

possible .

284

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part VII

Wicked Woman Forever, Part VII
Translator: Khan
Furthermore, looking at Ruby’s expression, it seemed as if

she was going to instigate the servants of the Imperial
Castle like Annie before .
Public opinion changed rapidly after so many times of

meetings with the noble ladies . It was not because she had
leaked different information to the noble ladies, but because
she gave the same information over time for them to
compete with one another .
It was the purpose of the noble ladies to get information

that others did not know by showing a little better to Aria .
Not only that but also occasionally, she had leaked
information to male aristocrats, to create a situation for
them to scold their wives .
“These days, I’m just told about the Crown Princess

everywhere, and I feel really strange . ”
Asher, with a very sour look, said to Aria as if he was
annoyed . It was not because Aria had created competition
among the nobles, but simply because they had mentioned
Aria . He seemed to be irritated .
“It was the only way I could feel at ease . ”
So Aria replied, a little troubled, and the eyes of Asher

turned grim .
“Shall I get rid of them then?”
“Get rid of them?”
“If the Crown Princess feels comfortable at home, I should

get them out of your sight . ”
“… The noble ladies?”
The look was so serious that she asked him, and he soon
nodded .
“If you want, I should . ”
“Oh, my God… If you do that, you will decorate a page of

history as a rare tyrant, so I’ll just have to take care of it . ”
As soon as she answered so with her fork down, Asher gave

a very pleasant laugh . Fortunately, the expression on his
face seemed to be a mixture of lies .
“I see . You’re so worried, and I’ll have to restrain myself . ”
“Don’t even think about it in your dreams . ”
“I hope you pay much attention to me not to think of it . ”

As if it were his true heart, Asher’s eyes grew thicker . It was
because she left Asher too much to gain the upper hand in
the relationship with the nobles .
She didn’t become the Crown Princess to fight the nobles .

She had married Asher because she had wanted to be
happy, and as he had been the Crown Prince, so somehow
she had become the Crown Princess, but her position had
already turned around .
“… I’m sorry . ”
“You don’t have to apologize . I loved that figure, too . Do as

you please . Instead, don’t leave me too alone . I might feel
lonely and dry . ”
Aria, who eventually stopped eating at the words, moved to

the side of Asher . As if he no longer had an appetite, he
also put down his fork and took Aria’s hand .
“Shall we go up to the room?”
“We’d better do that . The meal… we can have it upstairs

later . ”
As Aria brought up the words he had been waiting for, he

was quick to move as he rose from his seat . It was an
agility not easily seen . As if he liked everything about Aria,
she also loved even his haste, saying that it was so cute,
and she rose from her seat following him and called him as
if she had a good idea .
“Mr . Asher . ”
“Yes?”
“You want me to take care of this quickly, don’t you?”

“Yes, and I’d like you to look at me . I don’t like someone
who talks about you . ”
As if to tell her if there was a way to speed things up, Asher

urged her to answer .
“Well, do as I say . ”
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“How?”
“Don’t blame the person who tells my story . ”
“…”
She didn’t want a way to solve it, but she wanted him not to
disturb her .
When she said so, he looked reluctant, apparently unwilling,

because he must have blamed the person who had told her
story .
“You want me to talk about you with someone else? Do you

want me to play with someone who praises you?”
“I don’t want you to play with them, but please don’t stop
them from bringing up my story . ”
“…”
‘Don’t you think I’ll have to finish the job only if the rumors
spread quickly?’ As Asher furrowed his forehead a little bit
without answering, Aria said, as if she could not help it .
“If you keep it until it’s done, I’ll grant you a wish . ”
“… A wish?”
“Yes, a wish . ”
“… Any wish?”
“Anything I can do . ”
Only then did the dissatisfaction that had settled on his

forehead disappear and his eyes began to shine . Even
though she did not attach such a condition, he was willing to
do anything if she asked for it .
“All right . Just trust me . ”
Naturally, Asher answered that he would do it . And

fortunately, with his determination to make a wish to Aria,
he clenched his teeth and endured the annoying moments
as the story of Aria had been exchanged numerous times
among the nobles, and Aria was soon able to get the
situation she wanted .
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***
“Her Highness the Crown Princess cannot have a meeting

today . ”
“What? Why? I made a reservation a week ago and I was

told to visit today…!”
Annie’s stern words startled the nobleman, who had been
waiting for his turn for a long time in front of the reception
room . When she checked the list she was holding, his name
was written as he said .
Annie realized that he had been omitted by her mistake and

rolled her eyes for a while with her mouth shut . ‘What shall
I do? I should have handled it as I was told . ’ However, the
reception had already been completed .
Aria had committed the work to her as she had trusted her .
But even though she was worried about it, the situation
didn’t improve . ‘Let’s call the nobleman again next time . ’
It was possible because she had a strong background called
the Crown Princess . Annie answered vaguely as if nothing
was wrong .
“Are you sure you have a reservation? That’s weird . I don’t

think so… Why isn’t your name written on it?”
“What are you talking about…?”
‘What nonsense!’ Apparently, he had visited the Imperial

Castle in person, made a reservation and even received
confirmation . That was why he was able to get to the
reception room!
The nobleman was so unhappy that Annie cocked her head

and pretended to look at the list again . However, when she
soon shook her head and gave a negative answer, the face
of the nobleman turned blue .
“Please check it again! I’m sure the Crown Princess wants to

meet me!”
“…”
The nobleman desperately clung to Annie for confirmation .
Then Annie looked perplexed by this . It was because it was
heartless to treat the person so coldly, who had waited for a
week and barely faced his turn . For a nobleman, he looked
desperate and she tried to pass on, but Annie went into the
reception room as it was right that she had made a mistake
.
“… Your Highness the Crown Princess . Can you give a

person about ten minutes?” As soon as the door was closed,
Annie with a very troubled face asked Aria .
Aria, who was about to leave the reception room, folded her
eyes and asked Annie at the familiar question .
“Who is it?”
It was because Annie had made many mistakes on the

visitor’s list . Annie, who had a short temper, often made
mistakes . If it wasn’t for her connection in the mansion of
the former Count Roscent, she wouldn’t have given her eyes
to her .
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She had put the job to her, in high esteem for her ability to
identify and properly deal with people in a short time . Annie
had made frequent mistakes, but she had been so good at
coping with the mistakes, and Aria thought that she would
soon attach a meticulous person to Annie . So she asked his
name as if she would allow it .
“He’s Viscount Straw . ”

“Viscount Straw?”
“Yes, I thought he had something important to talk with you

.”
There had never been a case as those who wanted to meet

Aria had no trivial matter . Everyone came to see her with
an important purpose to satisfy their self-interest .
Annie, who thought this would be the case again as it had

been usual for her to meet one or two more people even if
she had made a mistake, was unexpectedly rejected .
“Reject it . ”
“Yes…?”
“I won’t meet him . ”
“…?”
‘Why?’ Annie opened her mouth wide when she suddenly

got into trouble .
Jessie, who was waiting behind Aria, also opened her eyes in
a circle and wondered .
Annie, who thought there must be a reason for this, asked .

“I… I… I’m sorry, but can I ask you why?”
“He is a remnant of the Aristocratic Party . He had a very

good relationship with the former Count of Roscent . He
managed to escape punishment . ”

possible .
285

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part VIII

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part VIII
Translator: Khan
He was a man who had frequently met with Count Roscent

on business . Aria remembered seeing him in the mansion
several times . Only then did Annie raise her voice, clapping
her hands, remembering how many times she had seen him
in the mansion .
“My God! I remember him too! But why is he so old? I think

it’s only been a year…!”
She made a fuss as she hadn’t recognized him because he

had been looked older for ten years . It was probably
because he had been through a lot . He must have run away
desperately so as not to be caught .
Jessie also raised her voice as if she remembered . “To think
of him, I remember, too! Oh, my God . How is he still in the
capital? I thought he would have been punished…”
“So did I . Why didn’t he get caught and punished?”
“Well, was the charge light? Maybe it’s just a relationship

that had been keeping a deal…”
Given the lack of clear memories, it was highly likely that he

had been involved in a really insignificant level of work .
Maybe that was why he had escaped without punishment .
However, if she was determined not to meet him, Aria urged
Annie to go out soon .
“Ah, and you can handle this kind of case from now on . If
it’s not a big mistake, you don’t have to report it . ”
At the very least, it was only a meeting order . It was all

right to adjust the order on Annie’s position . Aria didn’t
want to get involved in such trivial matters anymore . Even
if mistakes were frequent, there was not much damage .
And since it was Aria who had decided not to play the
benevolent Crown Princess anymore, she thought it was
okay for Annie to misplace the meeting order and go against
the minds of the nobles and other visitors .
“Don’t do anything against the law, though . Just act only

within my range to save you . ”
Annie nodded quickly at the remark . That meant that the

slightest of the offenses were to be saved . It was good to
hear .
“Don’t worry! I’ll take care of it well, even the work of

Viscount Straw, in my position!”
Annie, who gave a bold answer, left the reception room
immediately . Then, Viscount Straw who had been waiting
for Annie, rushed to her and urged her, “What happened?”
Annie shook her head with her arms folded . “I can’t help it .
”
“How come?”
“You should know that better . ”
“… What?”
Annie’s eyes were very cold . ‘You would know your sin very
well . ’ However, as he maintained that he still couldn’t
understand, she was forced to add an explanation .
“Even though the places were different, you had seen the
Crown Princess a lot in the past, so you don’t need to even
have an interview with her . ”
“…!” At the words, the eyes of Viscount Straw were bulging

out . “Well, that’s a thing of the past! I only helped the
former Count to make a deal! How can a nobleman not have
made a deal with Count Roscent? And as you can see, I
wasn’t even punished…!”
“You don’t think you’re forgiven for not being punished, do

you? Her Highness the Crown Princess does not want to
meet anyone who has been badly involved in the past, so
please go back quietly . ”
“…!”
The head of Viscount Straw, who was making a passionate

speech, fell helplessly at Annie’s stern answer . He seemed
to think it would be okay because he had not been punished
.
And he had been given permission… While the disheartened

Viscount Straw stood in raptures, Annie went past him and
said, “Ah, I’m thirsty . I wish someone would bring it .
They’re all busy, so I don’t have anyone to order . ”
“…!”
It was like asking him to listen . As a result, the eyes of

Viscount Straw were shaking relentlessly . He seemed to be
in conflict . It was because he had to give up the pride of the
nobility .
But in the end…
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“… Wait, wait a minute . ”
Viscount Straw abandoned his pride and hurried out of the

front of the reception room . Not like a nobleman, his steps
were very hasty . Annie’s mouth slowly rose as she watched
in a daze as if she didn’t know it would work . The existence
of a nobleman was so easy to deal with…
It didn’t take long for Viscount Straw to bring a cool drink for
Annie .
***
“It’s more precious than I thought . ” Aria smiled
contentedly as she touched the jewel brought by the
jeweler’s owner .
It was a precious and beautiful jewel that was rarely seen .

The blue-centered color of the jewel, which was mined in
the sea, attracted her attention . There were also yellow or
red, but the most beautiful of all was blue, which looked like
the pupils of Asher’s eyes .
Looking at it for quite some time, the jeweler’s owner’s face

had a satisfying smile .
“Is it edible?”
“Yes, it’s harmless unless they eat a lot at once . ”
“If they don’t eat a lot…” Aria was in trouble . The price was
high, and it would not be enough to eat in large quantities,
but it must have been impossible to avoid responsibility if
anyone ate in large quantities, just in case .
“What if they eat in bulk?”
“Nothing has been confirmed yet . ”
“Then set the correct standard . If there’s any damage, I’ll

be held accountable as well . ”
“All right . ”
“How much are you going to give to the market? What’s the
price?”
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“I’m going to release it at a very high price . It’s a premium
by name . ”
“I see . ”
It was desirable because when he released it at a small

amount at a high price, it would increase the price, and the
value would increase and everyone would like it .
“So I hope your Highness will help me make a bigger profit .

”
“Me? What?” Aria asked back, knowing what he was going

to ask .
“I’ll give you first all the jewelry I’m going to bring in, and I
hope you’ll wear it . ”
‘Who else can see great results from promoting as much as

the Crown Princess?’
Aria replied, raising her lips when he asked for a promotion

instead of offering jewelry .
“Thirty percent of the sales . ”
“… Yes?”
“Donate thirty percent under my name . ”
“Donation…? Where…?
“To my facility that I’ll build in the future . ”
When asked to donate thirty percent, the jeweler’s owner

was in agony . He seemed to calculate how much influence
he could have .
Aria continued as if he was foolish, “I already know you’re
making more than half the profit, so don’t pretend to worry
about it . ”
Sponsored Content
The jeweler’s owner laughed that he couldn’t help it

because he was actually earning nearly sixty percent of the
profit . It was not a bad deal because using Aria’s
reputation, anyway, he would have made more than sixty
percent of the revenue . In addition, she was a woman who
had made her name known on the continent beyond the
empire, so there was a possibility that he could reap the
profits he would donate .
“I see . I will do that . ”
“Please bring the contract next time you visit . You have to
fill out everything I said . ”
“Yes, I’ll see you soon after I’ll fill out everything . But what
kind of facility do you mean that I have to donate so much?”
Jewelry sold at a jewelry store was accompanied by

craftsmanship, and the amount was inexplicably high . So
thirty percent of the sales must have been a huge sum .
What kind of facilities are they going to spend such a large

sum into? Aria replied with a silly smile on her face to a man
who seemed to have a dangerous imagination .
“You don’t have to worry . I won’t allow any dangerous

facility . It’s the only facility that can keep my place stable
right now . ”
Meeting people’s expectations was exactly what Aria chose

to keep her place .
Aria built a facility by combining all of her wealth with the

maintenance fee of her dignity paid to the Crown Princess .
There were three facilities she built, the first thing she
planned was a medical institution, followed by a school and
the last one was a library . All of these were facilities that
were available for free to the commoners . It was another
facility than the academy, which required conditions .
For the medical institution, in particular, a huge amount of

money was expensed in their medical staff and medicine
compared to other institutions, but Aria also had a lot of
money in the first place, and people who were willing to
donate money poured in from all over the place and she
didn’t have to worry at all . No, it had reached the point she
had to think about receiving whose donation .
“If this keeps going on, they’ll say, ‘It’s better for the Crown
Princess to be the Emperor . ’”

possible .
between chapters .

286

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part IX

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Asher said, sitting next to Aria . It was a patter of grumbling,

but his expression was soft . He had said he really wanted
her to be a wicked woman and be isolated, but he also
seemed proud of Aria, who was loved and supported by
everyone .
“That’s impossible . It’s a great and difficult place, and who

dare say that? If they did, it would be a joke . ”
“No, I’m sure you’ll do well . ”
“Then I’ll have to think about it . The seat . ”

“Haha, I got it . I’ll be ready to give you the seat any time . ”
After a moment of pleasant conversation, as if there was
really a separate matter, Asher opened his mouth with a
serious look . “I think the department you suggested will be
created soon, under the name of the Crown Princess’s
business . ”
“Oh, my God . Really?”
“Yes, so now you won’t have to accept the donation . ”
It meant that the facilities created by Aria would be

registered as official facilities of the empire and that they
would establish a department to support the operating
expenses under the name of the Crown Princess . There was
nothing new because there was no Crown Princess or Queen
who had not run a national business until now .
It was nothing special except that it wasn’t a business that

had been poured out a huge amount of money like Aria .
Thus came the department for the Crown Princess, and
support was possible without difficulty .
“No, I’ll keep getting the donations . There’s a business that

I’ve allowed for . ”
“Then why don’t you divert the donations to another place?”
“No, I’ll keep putting them into the facilities . We need a lot
of money to make sure that no one gets discriminated
against . I don’t want to see my facilities tremble and be
hard on money . ”
She didn’t like to waste too much of it, but she hated it all
the more if it lacked and didn’t work to its original purpose .
“In addition, I think we can manage our budget
transparently because the department has been established
in the Imperial Castle . We can recollect the rest of the
budget together and respond to natural disasters like
infectious diseases, so there’s no reason to stop receiving
donations . ”
‘No rich country has ever had a natural disaster . It is simply

the will of heaven . ’ Aria had prepared a budget for this, but
if she could help just in case, it would have been better . In
her stern answer, Asher took her hand without further ado .
“I was stupid . You’re wise, as expected . ”
“You’re not stupid . I’ve only just realized as I’ve been with
you for a long time . ”
After all, all that remained during the conversation, which

ended with praise for each other, was a smile .
“I have to go back to the Oval Office now that my break

time is over… What’s your following schedule like?”
“I’m going to look around my facilities . They’ve just opened

. I’m going to look around to see if the new building is also
going well . ”
“I see . I’ll have to put a firm guard on you . ”
“Oh, come to think of it, what happened to the person in

charge I asked you for?”
“I’ve taken care of it well as you asked, of course . ”
“Then I’ll have to look around with him . ”

It was none other than Hans who Aria asked Asher to
appoint as the head of the department to work with her .
There had been a limit to his promotion because he was a
commoner and a poor background among the commoners,
but with Aria’s full support, no one could stop him from
rising .
“It’s, it’s an honor, Your Highness the Crown Princess! I will

do my best!”
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Hans, who dared to put even the nobles under his feet,
bowed down to Aria, unable to hide his tension .
“Hans, I hope you do so, so that there are no more people

living unhappy lives . ”
“I’ll, I’ll keep it in mind!”
Standing behind Aria, Jessie watched him with a tearful face

.
And Aria called her, “Jessie . ”
“… Yes?”
“I can’t go to the facilities every time, and I’m busy with

other things, so make sure to stop by the facilities
frequently in the future . ”
“… Me? But I…”

‘I am just a maid . ’ Anticipating Jessie’s following words,
Aria answered without hearing them . “Yeah . You’re the only
one I can trust, right? And Hans, Jessie is still immature in
this kind of work, so I hope you’ll take good care of her . ”
“… Yes, yes!”
Hans would be even busier from now on, so he wouldn’t

have time to meet Jessie . It was to be considerate and to
give Jessie a seat like Annie to solidify her position . The two
were involved in a project that a huge amount of money had
been invested and would continue to be praised in the
future, thus promising a bright future .
New medical facilities were being built, so until completion,

they had been operating in existing buildings . When she
opened the medical facility’s entrance door, it was crowded
inside because of a long line of commoners from the
entrance .
When she visited to see if they were handling it without any

problems, people running around sweating on the soles of
their feet opened their mouths wide and fell flat on the floor
.
“I’m, I’m seeing Your Highness the Crown Princess!”
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“… Did he say that she is the Crown Princess?”
It was only a matter of time before even the sick

commoners lay face down on the floor .
It was not long since it had opened, but no one complained
about it because of the rapid pace of patient care with huge
capital injection .
‘The Crown Princess who truly cares for the common

people!’ Her rumors of an unhappy childhood had already
spread across the empire and the continent . So how could
they not have a sense of intimacy unlike other noblemen
and royal family members?
Moreover, as Aria smiled benevolently at everyone, their

affection and admiration became more maximized .
“I wonder if there is any difficulty . ”
“Of, of course not! As it’s just the first time, we’re busy with
people, but I think we’ll find some stability in a little
while…!”
At Aria’s question, a medical staff answered as if he was

much grateful . This seemed not to be his own idea, but no
one refuted it .
“I’m glad then . But just in case, I’ll let you know the contact
person . It’s Jessie, my favorite and trusted girl . ”
Aria’s explanation drew everyone’s attention to Jessie .

Jessie blushed as if they were seeing her as a great woman .
“Jessie will stop by here once a day, so please tell her if you
need anything difficult or necessary . ”
“Thank, thank you!”
So Jessie, who was just a maid, became a preacher of the

great work of the Crown Princess, and the ones who would
degrade her were gone, so Aria’s worries disappeared too .
‘Besides, how can I continue to worry because Jessie has
done better than I thought she would do?’ Adhering to
principles and being virtuous, Jessie was the most
appropriate person for her duty . It was a bit difficult
because it was a matter of being independent, not serving
someone, but she did her best with all her heart .
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Jessie looked so bright and cheerful that she couldn’t be

compared to herself just like in the past, as she met Hans
once a day and was doing something that was rewarding .
“There’s a lot of praise for Your Highness the Crown Princess

.”
“I told you not to call me ‘Your Highness the Crown

Princess’, Sarah . I don’t want to call you the Marquise,
either . ”
“How dare I call the name of Your Highness the Crown

Princess . ”
“Please call me by my name when we’re alone . ”
As if they had met for the first time, Aria acted like a child
and asked her to do so, Sarah smiled helplessly and called
her name . The corners of her mouth were filled with smiles
.
“I get it, Aria . I’ll do that only when nobody’s around . ”

It wasn’t just to talk to her that Aria called Sarah to the
Imperial Castle . She wanted Sarah to be the headmaster of
the new school .
As Aria had already mentioned it in a letter, there was no

need to repeat the explanation . Aria just waited for an
answer that Sarah would do it . If she accepted the job as
the mistress of the Marquis family, who now held the
greatest power in the empire that had no Duke, the Imperial
Authority would be strengthened, and no one would be able
to easily spread rumors about Aria .
Of course, Aria had self-interest as well . To Sarah, a teacher

who only had one class a week that was not suited for her .
She needed to play in a little bigger board . Sarah had the
kindness that could correct a perverse child like Aria .

possible .
between chapters .

287

Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part X

Wicked Woman Forever, Part X
Translator: Khan
The most appropriate place was to go to the school of

commoners founded by Aria, as a principal . Although it was
a commoner’s school, it was founded by the Crown Princess
. No one could easily regard her, so all that was left was
Sarah’s permission .
“But I have to look at the work of the Marquis family, so I’m

not sure if I can make it . ”
“You don’t have to worry about it . It’s enough to get a

report and look around the kids . Rather, you’ll have more
time than you have now . ”
Of course, if Sarah really became the principal, she would

be too busy not to be compared to a teacher at the
academy, but Aria convinced her that she would never be .
“And Sarah’s about to have a baby, right? I’m sure Sarah’s

kid would be proud to know that you are a principal who
takes care of so many children . ”
‘Sarah is going to have a baby sooner or later . No, it is a
little later than expected . ’
“It’s clear that not only Sarah’s child but also all the children
in the capital will follow you like a mother . Sarah is the only
one who can make them happy . ”
“…”
Finally, as Aria touched the heart of Sarah who loves a child,

her lips hardened .
She looked determined . Since it was also the best job for a
woman to climb to the top, she would be greedy . What was
more, she had dreamed of being a teacher since she was a
child .
“… I get it . But I need my husband’s consent . I’ll tell him

because I’ll have to vacate the house often . ”
“Sure . Go ahead . I’m sure the Marquis of Vincent would be

happy to accept it . ”
As Aria said, the Marquis of Vincent didn’t refuse Sarah’s

request, and it didn’t take much time before it became
known that the headmaster of the school the Crown
Princess had founded for the common people was the
Marquise of Vincent .
***
“Your Highness the Crown Princess! Your Highness the

Crown Princess! Look at the newspaper I brought!”
Now that it was time to stop her frivolous behavior, Annie,

who appeared, panting with a quick step, handed Aria a
newspaper . It was a newspaper that the common people
read .
In the past, she had seen it often to predict the future, but
since Hans had entered the academy, she hadn’t looked at
it any further because there was no need to predict the
future anymore .
‘What kind of news is there that you forget the aristocratic

play and behave in an undignified manner?’ As Aria
accepted the newspaper, Ruby, who was waiting nearby,
furrowed her forehead .
‘The most respected figure for the common people is not

the Emperor, but the Crown Princess!’
When she saw Aria read an article that decorated the center
of the newspaper, Annie said with a rising smile, “It is
natural, but no matter where I go these days, there’s
nothing but a story about Your Highness the Crown Princess!
All of the people are praising you for doing a good deed, and
they are sure you are an angel from heaven . ”
Annie kept on saying that the support for Aria was almost
beyond the Emperor . She said something quite natural,
though everyone knew it, even if she didn’t have to show it
through the newspaper .
“I don’t think this is why you, a bride-to-be who should be

busy preparing for the wedding, delay your schedule
because of the hustle and bustle . ”
Aria had even given Annie a vacation because she had

looked very busy . So when Aria pointed this out sharply,
Annie closed her mouth and rolled her eyes . She looked
embarrassed because she was caught off guard, but she
soon blushed and looked at Aria’s eyes because it had been
a frequent occurrence .
“Actually… I came to see you so shamelessly for a favor . ”
“What do you want?”
There was nothing new, but Aria asked back, putting the
newspaper down on the table . It was expected . There was
so much she needed for a wedding that she would need
help with it .
Sponsored Content
“I’ve been wondering if you could introduce to me the

designer you invested in last time . I’ve personally checked
other designers, but it’s more expensive than I thought, and
I don’t like their styles…”
Before the words were finished, Ruby opened her eyes wide,
and Aria’s mouth went up .
“Ruby, show Annie what I’ve prepared . ”
“Yes, yes . ”
“What you’ve prepared for…?
Annie, who had a puzzled look, quickly followed Ruby’s hand

gesture as to asking what she did instead of following her .
“I think Her Highness the Crown Princess knows you really

well . That’s why she’s prepared it in advance . ”
“… What do you mean…?”
Annie was going to ask Ruby, but she couldn’t talk because
she reached her destination . No, Ruby opened the door and
Annie could not keep on saying at the landscape that had
unfolded .
“Oh, my God . What’s all this…?”
“That’s what Her Highness the Crown Princess has prepared

for you two . ”
Amazingly, Aria had ordered a dress from the designer in

advance, judging that Annie would make such a request .
Annie, with her mouth wide open, looking at the room

packed with dozens of dresses, slowly entered the room .
They were all too colorful and beautiful compared to the
dresses Annie had separately checked . ‘Aria has prepared
all of these dresses !’ She was so moved that she could not
speak .
“These are the dresses she ordered for you and Jessie to
wear . If you choose a dress you like, the designer will adjust
it to your size . She said you could take several dresses . ”
Sponsored Content
“You are so blessed even if you are just a maid,” Ruby said
quietly to herself .
‘You are right . I am so blessed even if I am just a maid . I

was very good at choosing Aria after abandoning Mielle,’
Annie thought so a thousand times .
“Her Highness knew you’d come to ask her and prepared

them a few days ago . However, I’ve never thought you’d
come to ask her . ”
‘How dare you? You are just a maid and a commoner . ’
“You don’t recognize who you are,” Ruby complained

several more times and quietly asked Annie, who was
watching the dresses without caring what she said next to
her, “… Is Her Highness the Crown Princess often give gifts
to maids?”
“Of course . Do you ask for it while seeing what she’s

prepared? I don’t even ask her if she’s not this kind of
person in the first place . I have a sense of shame . ”
‘I thought you were shameless . ’
Ruby’s expression was changed at Annie’s reaction that it

was not worth talking about . It was because she was also
an opportunist like Annie . Aria’s devotion to the maids was
too much to be seen or heard .
“… Really? What kind of maid does Her Highness the Crown

Princess like?”
Ruby’s pride was hurt, but when she asked Annie how she
would satisfy Aria’s mind, Annie answered frankly because
there was nothing to hide .
“A maid who does her orders well . ”
Ruby furrowed her forehead at such a simple and clear

answer . “… That’s it?”
“Then what more could there be? You’ll know once you do it
.”
“… It doesn’t seem like you’re doing a good job with her

orders . ”
Sponsored Content
‘How many times have you made mistakes when she

assigned you to a reception job?’
When Ruby pointed this out, Annie pouted her mouth for a
while and said that there was one thing she had missed .
“Ah, Her Highness the Crown Princess likes a maid who is

good at what no one else would do . ”
“What is it that no one would do?”
“Well, it’s hard to give an example . Well, you’ll find out

when you get a chance, or maybe you’ll never know . ”
Annie hummed and watched the dresses after leaving a

meaningful comment . If she liked any dress, she called
Ruby and told her to put it aside .
“I’m not your maid…!”
‘I am not, right?’ Ruby, who was about to get angry, closed

her mouth, recalling the advice she just heard from Annie .
She thought, ‘This would be something no one would do . ’
“… I get it . ”
Ruby, imagining the sweet price Aria would give, nodded
silently . It was enough to make her take care of a humble
maid from the common people .
Annie chose several dresses, and Ruby quietly followed her .
***
It was their marriage that remained because Aria had had a

national marriage and adapted to the life of the Imperial
Castle, and the future of Annie and Jessie had been
guaranteed . They had deliberately delayed their marriage
for Aria, and they took the wedding day as something really
important to them .
It was Jessie who had a wedding first among them .

288
Chapter 288: Chapter 288 (END) - . Extra Story III: A Wicked

Woman Is A Wicked Woman Forever, Part XI

Wicked Woman Forever, Part XI
Translator: Khan
Annie was supposed to hold the ceremony first, but when

Aria’s support, including the dress, began, she prepared a
new ceremony, canceling everything she had decided and
prepared .
In contrast, Jesse only received Aria’s necessary support and

used what she had prepared as scheduled . In the first
place, she was burdened with too much and tried to refuse
it, but she was forced by Aria to accept it .
“How can this be a commoner’s wedding? Only the rich

nobilities can afford this . ” Despite Jessie’s refusal, Aria
decorated the wedding hall more beautifully and visitors
were astonished .
“Her Highness the Crown Princess is behind her . Jessie is

not an ordinary commoner . ”
“That’s what I think . Besides, it’s only a matter of time

before she gets the title because her husband’s abilities are
outstanding, and he’s in the right position . ”
“Although the precedent is rare, it is possible . ”
“His Highness the Crown Prince is very much in love with

Her Highness the Crown Princess, so he will listen to
anything she wants . ”
“I’m sure His Highness will be an emperor soon, so it may

be simple . ”
“She would be the luckiest woman in the empire . ”
“Isn’t she now?”
Those who talked about Jessie and her husband were nobles
who were not very close to her . They seemed to have
attended the event to get a good impression from Aria if she
would attend . In addition, they believed that Jessie, a
favorite maid of Aria, would soon rise to her status, so they
even gave a warm greeting to Jessie’s relatives .
“Oh, my God . Her Highness the Crown Princess has really

come here!”
And just before the ceremony began, as expected by the

audience, Aria appeared with Asher . Though Jessie was the
most beloved maid, Aria was expected to come alone
because she was a commoner, but Aria appeared with Asher
and everyone was once again convinced that Jessie and
Hans would rise in status .
Aria, who had not exchanged greetings with anyone,

immediately visited the waiting room where Jessie was
waiting and greeted her .
“Oh, you don’t have to come…”
“How can I miss your wedding?”
‘You kept saying the right thing to me, the wicked woman . ’
Although she had had a miserable end for not following her
words, it had rather hardened her trust in Jessie through
them .
As he also knew it, Asher was willing to follow Aria to show

his face to the wedding momentarily .
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“You will have a long vacation, so you can have a good and
relaxed time with your husband . When you get back, you’ll
have to suffer from a heavy duty again . ”
Even though she said so, the edges of Jessie’s eyelids were
red because she knew that having a job to return to was a
blessing by Aria’s favor . What kind of maid could go on
vacation just because she was married? It was a job that
they had to take a wedding ceremony on a holiday that
came once a week .
There were a lot of people who couldn’t even do it . No,

there were a lot of maids who could not get married . It was
a job if they got married and couldn’t take care of their
family . With marriage, more people chose to retire because
they couldn’t go back .
“Well, I’ve seen your face, so I’ll go back now . I can’t stay
long because I’ve split the time I don’t have . ”
“No, thank you . It’s more than enough that you came . ”
It was already an honor that Aria showed her face even

though she didn’t stay until the end of the wedding . As a
result, Aria looked slowly at Jessie’s unflattering appearance
and turned her steps without hesitation .
“I feel weird . ”
At Aria’s words, which she uttered on her way to the

carriage, Asher cheered her up, giving a little strength on
the hand he held .
“You’ve seen the maid for a long time, so you deserve it . ”
Sponsored Content
“Did you also feel this way when your close associate got
married?”
“Are… you talking about me?” However, he could not easily

answer the question that Aria asked him .
He never seemed to feel that way . As he comforted her, he

could say, “Yes” or “You’ll get better after a little while . ”
It was at a time when she tried to regain her original

condition, taking off her strange feelings, seeing that he was
speechless and was worried about what to say . Somehow
the hall was crowded and bustling . There were so many
people who were so huddled that they did not notice the
passing of the Crown Princess and the Crown Princess .
Their eyes were mingled with envy, jealousy, and
displeasure . Annie gave her a secret look so that they
couldn’t notice it .
‘What’s the matter? Why are they looking so impure at

Jessie’s wedding, which deserves only a blessing?’ To
confirm this, Aria turned her eyes, and unexpectedly, there
was Baron Burboom and Annie . She was wearing one of the
dresses she had received from Aria, surpassing the nobility
and second only to the bride . As such, she seemed to have
drawn the attention to herself even though she did not take
any noticeable action, and it seemed to have offended the
nobles .
‘I thought they stopped being offended by Annie and Jessie .

’
‘Although Annie is a commoner, she is in such a position

that they can’t swear openly and talk behind her back . No,
they are not far from Annie’s back . Isn’t this far enough for
even me to notice?’ It was tantamount to a rebuke that
barely covered Annie’s eyes .
There was no need to win love and respect from all, but it
was unpleasant to be scolded as if it were not in such a
short distance . In addition, it reminded Aria of nobles who
had used to laugh at herself in the past . Because of that,
Aria’s expression changed after watching the scene for a
while . It was similar to her face in the past when she had
just gotten the hourglass in her hand and plotted how to get
revenge on Mielle . She also looked as if she still had a long
way to go .
“I was about to go back to the Imperial Castle right away…
But I think I should stop by the hall for a while . ”
After watching the mood of the hall and the changes in Aria,
Asher nodded as if he had no choice . As he had already
said, “It doesn’t matter what your attitude is,” he seemed to
have no intention of stopping her .
Sponsored Content
Aria’s step toward the inside of the hall was light . The
nobles, who had so far secretly blamed Annie, began to
politely salute her in her imposing and elegant appearance,
as if they had never done so, wondering how they could be
seen better .
‘Yes, that’s where you’re supposed to be—where you’re

sitting . ’
But she didn’t think they would do that, so she had to tame
them, not to repeat the past again .
“Annie . ”
Aria called Annie’s name . Annie, who had not noticed her
approach, smiled to the fullest and took a courtesy . She
was like her stupid self in the past .
“No matter how much you like Baron Burboom, shouldn’t

you at least say hello to the nobles who are paying attention
to you? Sooner or later, you will become a member of the
aristocratic society . ”
The faces of the nobles began to turn pale when she gave
out the nuance that she had been watching them all . ‘If you
are all scared now, then you shouldn’t have been offended
in the first place . ’
Aria smiled, checking the faces of the nobles one by one . It

was also a confirmation process to check everyone’s faces .
Aria, who checked their increasingly frightened expressions,

checked Annie’s face and slowly opened her mouth .
It was time for her to let them know who they were .
-The End-

epilogue
Chapter epilogue: Chapter 263 - Epilogue, Part XII

Chapter 263: Chapter 263 . Epilogue,
Part XII
Translator: Khan
“Welcome back . Lady Piast . ”
As she entered the capital, dozens of knights politely

greeted Aria . They were dressed in a white uniform that
they wore only during official ceremonies, even though they
were Royal Knights . It seemed that they had been waiting
for a long time, and there were also many spectators
wandering around pretending not to be .
“The walls must have been the beginning…!”
In addition, as if the tulips surrounding the walls were only

the beginning, tulips were everywhere in contact with the
eyes, except for pathways and roads for carriages .
While Aria was unable to speak in alarm on the path of the

tulips, knights surrounded Aria’s carriage as if they were
escorting her .
“His Highness is waiting . ”

A knight’s voice was heard through the open window, only
then did Aria came to her senses and nodded . Then the
knights and carriage began to move slowly to their
destination .
“Didn’t you say he returned last night? How on earth did he

prepare all this in one night…?”
The entire capital, as well as the walls, was so splendid that

it was almost impossible to decorate it within a night . It
took at least a week to gather a lot of people’s help .
“I’m sure His Highness has prepared it a long time ago! Just
in time for your return!” Annie answered as if it was natural
. It had been Aria’s idea to return home on her birthday, and
it was a natural and right guess .
‘Wasn’t it Asher who had promised to use all the empire to

propose splendidly?’ It was not the whole empire, but he
was keeping the promise he had made to Aria using the
whole capital .
“Oh, my God… Then is it that flower? The flower our lady

has received before . ”
“Aha! The flower that won’t wither!”
“How romantic he is…”
“That’s right . I hope Baron Burboom will see and learn . ”
While Jessie and Annie were beside her and admired each
other, Aria was moved by the flowered path Asher had
made and said nothing .
The scene that she had criticized him just last night was
nowhere to be seen . She realized that he had gone back to
check and prepare for this, and she couldn’t have any more
of that feeling .
The carriage passed the entrance to the capital and over

the square to the Imperial Castle . She couldn’t take her
eyes off because there were beautiful places in every corner
of her eye . Moreover, no one cared about the flowers, as
Annie said as if they had been decorated for a long time ago
.
Instead, Aria’s carriage, escorted by the Royal Knights, drew

more attention . Every passerby stared at Aria’s carriage
with a face full of joy . Some expected that at last there
arrived something to come .
“Oh, my God, how beautiful she is…!”
Sponsored Content
“She is such a sweet, clever woman, and His Highness is

proposing something great like this, right?”
“Yes . She’s not the usual noble lady . She’s a lady who can
be called the power of the empire!”
“His Highness has cleaned up the deep-rooted evil forces,

and he even got the wise and beautiful Crown Princess, so
the empire must be safe now . ”
They praised Aria and rejoiced with one heart . There was
hope that the empire would be a little better . They also
expected that Aria, born of humble origin and reached the
top of her career, would do something for them .
The knights and carriage marched slowly through the capital

as if to show Aria the sincerity of Asher . All the people of
the empire stopped what they were doing and followed
them behind .
They followed, imagining what the Crown Prince, who was

waiting for Aria, would look like because he was the first to
hold such a grand and spectacular event .
As she arrived at the Imperial Castle, there were more

people waiting than the spectators Aria had brought . Rather
than following the horse-drawn carriage, they seemed to be
planning to take a good seat in the Imperial Castle and
watch the Crown Prince’s proposal .
Although so many people gathered, the door, which had

always been tightly closed, was wide open, and the knights,
who controlled and confirmed the visitor with their stern
faces, bowed deeply without asking anything, welcoming
Aria’s arrival .
“Welcome back, Lady Piast . ”
“Please go in . ”
With that permission, the carriage entered the castle

without delay . There was no interruption or trace of anyone
on the way of the carriage as if emptying all of the huge
gardens of the castle for today . Even the birds, who were
always singing at the top of their voices, quietly watched
this scene .
Sponsored Content

The place where the carriage stopped after a long journey

was in front of a huge fountain located in the middle of the
garden . There was Asher waiting for her, dressed in colorful
clothes that she had never seen before as if he had been
tailored for today .
“We’re here . ” A knight, who was escorting the carriage,

opened the door, and Aria, with her cheeks blushing,
carefully got out of the carriage . Her heart was pounding as
she stepped forward .
During that time, dozens of knights guarding the carriage

lined up beside either side of the road and raised a sword
marked by splendid workmanship . It was a beautiful scene
that could only be seen at the royal official ceremony .
Of course, that was not the only thing . As soon as Aria was
about to step toward Asher on the other side, he suddenly
lowered his position and fell on one knee . Jessie and Annie
went out of the carriage . They covered their mouths and
twisted their whole body as if they wanted to scream .
The same was true of the onlookers who were watching .

They wanted to scream and respond to the Crown Prince’s
romantic appearance right away, but they tried hard not to
break the mood and shook their fists .
“If you cross this road, you will never return again . ” When
Aria, who had paused for a moment in surprise, tried to walk
again, Asher, who broke the stillness, opened his mouth
quietly and slowly . It was a warning and a piece of advice,
and lastly, a declaration . It also meant that she should think
carefully because he was giving her a last chance .
Nevertheless, he had no doubt that Aria would come to him
without delay . It seemed that if she changed her mind after
all and tried to leave him, he would mention the past and
hold her . It was a way to blame her on why she would
abandon him after she had made a promise .
When Aria noticed this, a deep smile came to her face .
‘You can’t go back,’ that was what she wanted to say . There
was no regret or hesitation in her steps . It was totally
different from the appearance she had when she got off the
wagon .
It seemed as if it was Asher to wait for the proposal, and

Aria was going for it . As a result, Asher smiled a little,
saying, “It is really like her, let alone displeased . ”
“Are you sure you will not regret this?” Then Aria, who
arrived in front of Asher, reached out her hand and asked .
She asked as if she would give Asher a last chance . And he
took her hand and kissed her on the back of her hand .
Sponsored Content
He answered without hesitation, “That’s a question I don’t

even have to think about . ”
“You have to keep it . If Mr . Asher would betray me, I would

be willing to turn back the hourglass . ” She didn’t know if it
would be possible, but she was willing to do so, even if she
had to break the hourglass and bring it back to the distant
past .
Because of Aria’s frightful threat, he replied as if he also
could not be defeated, “Please do so . No, I hope you will .
I’ll follow you no matter how much you try to get away with
the hourglass . Unlike Lady Aria, I can use my powers over
and over again . No matter how much time you turn back,
you will never get away . ”
Aria smiled contentedly at the reply, which was dotted with

that terrible obsession . ‘What a better future could be, not
being able to escape from Asher!’
When she looked as if he needed no more words, he took

out the ring he had prepared and said to Aria, “Will you
marry me, if you don’t mind?”
The ring with the mysterious and beautiful jewelry that she
had never seen anywhere was shining in blue . It was like
the eyes of Asher, proposing . As she had wished, he had
really prepared a ring that resembled his eyes .
Those watching the two from afar swallowed their saliva, at

the moment they had expected . Aria closed her eyes for a
moment and took a breath, receiving the gaze of those who
hid in the Imperial Castle and watched it .

possible .

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“I want to become a very elegant person, just like my sister, Mielle.”

The Villainess turns the Hourglass 악녀는 모래시계를 되돌

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My First and Last Man(Ongoing)

Chapter 1 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part I

Title: The Villainess Turns The Hourglass

Genre: Romance Fantasy

Aria’s mother is a prostitute and marries a count, and Aria

Aria lives a life of luxury, but is killed by a plot by her sister,

“I want to be a very elegant person like my sister, Mielle . ”

To deal with a wicked woman, she has to become more

The story about the thorough revenge on those who drove

It is the new way of life that Aria chose .

A woman more wicked than imagined, that’s how the story

A meticulous revenge play hidden within deadly beauty!

1 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass

“Lift her head . ”

At Cain’s command, Aria, whose hair was strewn about the

Aria’s hair, which was soaked in blood, was raised to midair

“Do you know what your sins are?”

That white, gray, salt-stained tongue was ﬁlled with

Though she felt betrayed and bitter, there was nowhere to

“Brother, I have one last thing I want to say to Aria . ”

The saint, who had been victimized countless times by the

Cain shook his head and said, “No . ”

How could she be so benevolent to the wicked girl who had

Eventually, Cain gave his permission, and Mielle, like a poor

“These words, which I have contained within me for all this

Mielle slowly wiped away the transparent tears stuck to her

Her sudden action frightened much of the audience, and

Aria’s eyes widened as if they would burst out . She slowly

Aria blinked quicikly, unable to understand the nonsense

Mielle read her expression and explained it again, “The

Mielle barely contained the unendurable laughter that

At this moment, she smiled brightly, as if Aria’s tears made

“I had thought of poisoning you like I did to your mother, but

Before Mielle could ﬁnish, Aria’s body spasmed, and she

Mielle ﬁnished her speech and stood up . Looking back at

Everyone who had gathered there was worried about

Since there was no one else who had anything to say to

And that light grabbed Aria’s attention, and she began to

“Kyaak!” a person’s scream echoed as Aria’s head rolled

‘I want to go back . Again… To the old days . I want to turn

‘How come she’s become such a small child?!’

From what Aria remembered, Mielle was twenty-three years

Unable to comprehend the situation or ﬁnd a way to cope

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Chapter 2 . The Villainess Turns The Hourglass, Part II

Did Aria think that she was at a dining room? A mess of

‘I haven’t committed such an act since my sixteenth

As the glass bottle shattered, the sharp pieces wounded the

‘I had no inkling that all those people were Mielle’s

‘It can’t be…’

Aria awakened to the unbelievable possibility that might

It wasn’t a dream or a hallucination . The pain from the

It was her mother, who was sitting next to her, so Aria

A room of frustrated glares was aimed at her, who stared

Aria closed her eyes quietly . She pondered for a moment

“Jessie, give me your handkerchief . I think I may have hurt

It was a calm response that betrayed everyone’s