At the stern voice from behind, Isabelle halted abruptly. Ariana also stopped and slowly turned around.

Catherine was standing there, arms crossed, looking at them with an angry expression.

Isabelle gave an awkward smile.

“Grandma…”

“Where are you taking Ariana?”

“Her clothes are so bad. She’ll be ridiculed by the nobles if she goes out like this.”

“She looks pretty to me.”

“Being pretty in Grandma’s eyes is useless. You’re old, Grandma.”

Ariana was at a loss for words at Isabelle’s rudeness. To say such a thing so openly.

However, it seemed like a common occurrence; Catherine’s expression didn’t change.

“Don’t you know Ariana shouldn’t stand out right now?”

“So what? Her hair is sky blue, so unless someone tells them, no one will think she’s from the White family. I can’t bear to see my sister go to the festival like this. I’ll buy her a dress.”

Isabelle seemed determined to take Ariana with her. Finally, Catherine chuckled and said.

“Fine, we’re in the final stages anyway. Take an escort. Don’t go anywhere dangerous.”

+++

Seojehu received a report that the Chief Investigator of Westton City had secretly contacted an outsider.

“He appeared as a merchant, but his aura was different. We followed him as he left the city gates but lost his trail not too far off.”

Since Ariana’s disappearance, Seojehu had also been concerned about her whereabouts. Though she was still a child who knew nothing, her loose tongue could tarnish not only the reputation of the Bronthe family but also of the Ovlen family.

Rachel reported that Dongjehu had responded ‘No’ to the message asking about Ariana’s whereabouts, but Seojehu didn’t believe it. Therefore, he sent skilled individuals to infiltrate Elles City.

‘Young ones inevitably seek their parents. Dongjehu, being sentimental, must have taken my daughter in.’

In that case, Dongjehu’s next move was obvious.

He would gather evidence of abuse to reclaim custody of Ariana. Hence, Seojehu had placed surveillance on people who might testify.

Leading them was the Chief Investigator from the Empire.

A man personally selected and sent by the Emperor, his testimony could determine the outcome of the custody battle.

‘He’s not someone to be moved by money; elimination is the only option.’

Killing an officer from the Empire was a big risk, but it was unavoidable. He couldn’t allow the family’s reputation to decline any further.

‘If custody of that young girl goes to Dongjehu, the spreading rumors will become the truth, and even those who weren’t interested will become interested. I have to do something before that.’

Seojehu gave the order to his confidant.
“Keep an eye on the Chief of Investigation, and kill him just before he sets foot on imperial land. Disguise it as the work of a Paganus or a thief.”

+++

During the carriage ride, Isabelle, who was sitting across with her arms folded, asked Ariana.

“Your mom really abused you that much? Is it true?”

“Yes, it’s true.”

“Did she hit you?”

“Yes. She even locked me up for days without food.”

“Damn. Doing that to her own daughter?”

“Exactly. Even to her own daughter.”

Isabelle, who chuckled at Ariana’s reply, stared at her intently and asked.

“So, we can’t be trusted either? You think we’d lock you up and beat you like that crazy woman?”

Ariana only smiled and did not respond.

How could she explain? Her past life, where she was exploited by everyone and then discarded.

Those who were sweet had hidden motives, and those who were kind had secrets. They were at fault, but so was she for naively believing them.

She shouldn’t have trusted anyone. She should have guarded her heart against everyone to protect herself.

So she decided to live her current life that way.

Without receiving love from anyone, without giving love to anyone, she resolved to protect herself behind a sturdy wall.

“Well, okay. I understand. But I won’t hit you. She may look scary, but she’s very kind. She’s emotional, too. She’s been wanting to see you so much.”

Lies.

Ariana looked out of the carriage window.

If she had really wanted to see me, she would have come, even if it meant walking through fire. She would have saved me from that hell somehow.

If she had even attempted, I would have walked through worse hells for you.

Isabelle closed her mouth at the lonely smile that spread across Ariana’s lips.

She didn’t know what comforting words to offer Ariana, who felt more mature than her despite being smaller and younger. Even for Isabelle, who had lived as she pleased, it was difficult to act carefree in front of someone with such a smile.

But after a moment, Isabelle burst out.

“Hey, don’t be so self-conscious.”

“Huh?”

“Be angry if you want to be angry!”

Isabelle stretched her hands and pinched both of Ariana’s cheeks.

“Swear if you want to swear! Stop forcing yourself to smile.”

“Sister.”

“What?”

“It hurts.”

“Oh, sorry.”

Ariana found Isabelle, who quickly withdrew her hands and pouted, somewhat cute.

After a long journey, the carriage stopped in front of a dress shop. The escort knight opened the door, and Isabelle stepped out first, followed by Ariana.

A man standing in an alley watched the two young ladies holding hands as they entered the dress shop.