Good, I trust you and grant permission.

Starting with the fact that academic shopping was spreading like a trend among the major nobles of the capital, Claire convinced Ryan that the days when women just stayed home were over.

Initially skeptical, Ryan changed his mind after looking for investors.

Attempting to expand his business here, Ryan searched for investors, but not just the nobles of the capital; even capitalists who had some money were haughty. He realized how high the hurdles were to mix into the ‘central area.’

Certainly, it would make a difference if Riley married Gibnen, but that influence would disappear in case of a divorce.

Ultimately, Ryan was convinced by Claire. It was a win-win to marry her off to a good family, especially a noble family in the capital.

Of course, the hefty tuition was a burden on Ryan. There was no guarantee she would graduate right away, and even if Claire was qualified for admission, she was not going to be on a scholarship.

Still, he estimated that once Gibnen and Riley got married, he could easily secure the funding.

“Did you enjoy your visit?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“And?”

“Everything was as big and magnificent as I heard. I like it.”

At Claire’s words, Lady Marchioness sighed in relief.

“Do well. It’s a rare opportunity after all.”

“Of course, ah, I saw Riley today.”

“…Riley?”

“Yes, she looked like she’d eaten something awful when she saw me.”

Lady Marchioness carefully grasped Claire’s hand.

“Claire.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Stay away from your sister and quietly enjoy your academic life.”

“…”

“Your attendance at the academy is indirectly thanks to your sister, isn’t it?”

“Why? Unlike the parachuted Riley, I got in on merit.”

“The tuition comes from Riley.”

Claire twisted her lips in disbelief.

“She has a lot she should be thankful to our family for. We took her in when she had nowhere to go.”

“…Well, that’s true.”

“Isn’t it ridiculous? Did we torment her? Starve her? Her sense of victimhood is too much. She should be thankful for what we’ve done.”
Feeling ungrateful for not being treated well didn’t erase the fact that we’d taken her in, fed her, clothed her, and put her to sleep. This was Claire’s logic.

“Imagine what would’ve happened if we hadn’t taken her in. She’d be wandering the streets as a beggar or would’ve died by now. And then to act like she’s the victim while accusing us of domestic abuse, it’s disgusting. Look at her now. She found herself a man and is treating us like we’re disposable.”

“Just endure it for now; nothing good will come from being in Riley’s bad graces.”

“Mother, are you saying I torment Riley? That I hit her? Don’t worry. The general studies and the magic studies departments have different required courses, so we’ll hardly run into each other.”

Deciding to enter the academy wasn’t out of jealousy towards Riley.

Going to the academy had been a long-held desire for Claire. It was just that lack of money and unfavorable circumstances prevented her from showing it. Her dream of marrying into a prestigious family through her own growth and refinement was still very much alive.

Though furious at the decision of Riley’s and Gibnen’s marriage, she thought, on the other hand, what could Riley even do?

Claire could proudly say she’d lived her life diligently. She maintained top grades to avoid scorn from others, never neglecting her appearance. Not for a moment did she stop aiming high.

Being born into a middling family and leading a middling life left her discontent. She longed for a glamorous life, one that made everyone look up to her, a life filled with envy from others.

And for that, she had to become a capable woman.

Then wealth and honor would naturally follow.

“I’ll still make use of her to the fullest, because, you know, she’s my sister.”

Returning home in a cheerful mood, Riley hummed as she bathed.

‘…Friendship is much better than I thought.’

She felt closer to Hila after today.

Similar age, late admissions, both from outside the academy. Although she’d been a bit guarded, today’s event broke down that wall entirely.

“Miss, you seem to be in a very good mood.”

“Yes, I am. I feel so, so happy.”

At first, meeting Claire was disconcerting, but now, she felt it was a blessing.

Wouldn’t it have been more shocking and annoying to meet her within the academy?

“Are you happy because you get to spend time with the master today?”

“What are you talking about?”

“He said he’d be coming home early today, isn’t that why you’re so happy?”

“…I didn’t hear about that?”

“Really? He said he would be home before dinner tonight. He wanted to spend some quality time with you.”

“…Really?”

“Yes, I think he might even stay the night here.”

Come to think of it, she’d always dined out with Gibnen.

There were almost no instances where they had dinner together at home, let alone him spending the night.

Once, she’d asked him if he was getting enough sleep, worried. He’d replied that he’d either be working or meeting someone late into the night, or he’d catch a short nap at a hotel or his study.

She had thought that being the head of an organization would be a leisurely role, but he was an exception. Gibnen was busier than anyone.

He’d said it was because he’d recently taken on the mantle of the Matopju organization. That he’d have more time as he settled in. And so, she’d just gone along with it.

“He’s going to spend the night here?”

“Yes! Finally sharing the same bed.”

“…Huh?”

“Aren’t you excited?”
That day when they had arrived at the mansion, they had been instructed that they should sleep in the bedroom together with Gibnen.

Initially, Riley thought they would share a room only after marriage, but it seemed that Lady Sophia had assumed they would, since Gibnen had introduced her as his future spouse.

Of course, Gibnen rarely coming home meant that she had always slept alone in her own room so far. But would she have to sleep in his room tonight?

Riley felt her cheeks flush for no apparent reason and bowed her head.

‘No, there’s no guarantee that we have to sleep. Even if we share a room…there’s no assurance that we will be intimate.’

“Miss, your face is red.”

“!”

“How cute.”

Rachel burst into giggles, making a fuss.

Having heard that he would be coming, Riley had changed into a new outfit. It was a dress that Rachel had carefully chosen for her. The light pink dress was very much to Riley’s liking.

So, how long had she waited, filled with anticipation for Gibnen’s arrival? Then, there was a commotion outside. Thinking Gibnen had come, she went downstairs, only to be greeted by an unexpected scene.

“What are you doing! Quickly, take the master to his bedroom!”

There was an urgency. The faces of the household staff were unfamiliar, and Gibnen, who was being carried in on a stretcher, looked even more unfamiliar. His already pale skin looked even paler today.

Shocked, Riley followed those who were moving Gibnen, going as far as the bedroom.

“What on earth has happened?”

Sak, who had just entered the room, answered Riley’s question.

“He’s been poisoned.”