Riley hiccupped in surprise. Givnen gently stroked her back.

“Suddenly? Are those two meeting again?”

“It seems so.”

“But why…?”

“I don’t know. But it’s not a good direction for me or my sister.”

“…I don’t understand.”

“Honestly, I don’t understand the situation either.”

The two ended on bad terms.

Hadn’t they become incompatible after breaking off the engagement?

Ryan still had seizures of shame due to memories of being kicked and cursed at by Count Ermeints.

That day remains an unforgettable humiliation for Uncle.

“Could Count Ermeints be trying to harm Uncle out of resentment?”

“No, if that was the case, he would have done it then.”

“…”

“Why did he only kidnap my sister in the first place? Besides, no matter how out of his mind he is, he’s not so reckless as to cause such a commotion again in a situation where I’ve got dirt on him. Or has that old man really gone senile?”

“Could he still be holding a grudge against me and you?”

“Maybe. That old man, he’s like a corpse without his pride.”

Riley shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as if recalling old memories. Her body, warmed by Givnen’s temperature, felt like it was rapidly cooling.

Moreover, she was grinding her teeth not just from fear, but from a sense of betrayal.

‘Despicable…’

It’s an undeniably brazen move, to the point where one wonders if this is really the same person who handed over a contract to settle old emotions.

Whatever the circumstances, from Riley’s perspective, secretly contacting Count Ermeints was a situation that was utterly incomprehensible.

Thinking about why he would do such a stupid thing, the answer came quickly.

He had been afraid of retaliation since he pushed the contract.

He’s probably still anxious. The old emotions between them remain unchanged, and their twisted relationship hasn’t improved at all. He must still feel a sense of crisis.

‘Uncle still perceives both Givnen and me as enemies to be eliminated someday.’

It’s regrettable.

Although they’re still hateful and disgusting to see, there was absolutely no thought of personal revenge.

Revenge? No, even emotional expenditure on them was a waste. It would have been good enough to live like strangers, minimizing contact as much as possible.

Of course, I intended to shed the ‘legal family relationship’, but beyond that, I hadn’t thought of doing anything else…

“What should we do?”

“I think it’s rather fortunate.”

“…Why?”

“Because when two malfunctioning brains get together, they only dig their own graves. If they’re determined to cause trouble, that’s good for me. It gives me grounds to eliminate the baron and his family who are ‘in-laws’, and it will also help with the custody lawsuit in the future.”

Givnen seemed to take it lightly, but Riley was inwardly anxious.

‘Even if Uncle is stupid… he’s not the type to act without any thought. Especially if he’s communicating again with Count Ermeints, with whom there’s deep resentment… there must be something.’

Baron Ryan was skilled at exploiting others.

While gaining fame as a philanthropist in public, he was the type to privately monopolize all the funds gained by selling compassion.

He’s a man who only thinks about how to extract money from others’ pockets, and he’s devilishly good at figuring out methods.

Of course, from Givnen’s perspective, he might look like a pathetic fool… but since he’s not the type to recklessly act without any thought, it was inevitable to be concerned.

He’s the one who made us sign a ridiculous non-retaliation contract even while allowing the marriage.

Uncle is that meticulous and thoughtful. Such a person wouldn’t carelessly act without thinking.

‘I thought too lightly…’

I kept refusing meetings with Uncle with various excuses, and every letter from Aunt went straight into the trash.

Needless to say about Claire.

I just didn’t want to face or exchange letters with them who only think about how to exploit us somehow.

I was also busy with life at the academy. Perhaps this attitude increased Uncle’s anxiety.

He must have been anxious when he came all the way to the capital to try something but nothing worked out and I wouldn’t even meet him.

“I need to interact with my family more often. I’ve been too negligent with Uncle while focusing on academy life. I think I was too emotional.”

“Isn’t that thinking too seriously? There’s no need to force yourself to do something you dislike.”

“No, come to think of it, this was something I had to do anyway. It’s impossible to live like strangers with Uncle. Unless we completely sever this relationship and trample them… coexistence won’t be possible.”

Givnen showed interest in Riley’s words.

“You’ll interact with them to trample them?”

“Even if we proceed with the custody lawsuit in the future, we’ll need someone to prove that I was consistently abused. And we’ll need someone to keep an eye on Uncle and Claire’s movements. Wouldn’t it be easier if we bribe someone on Uncle’s side?”

Although it was disgusting to have to see those people I never wanted to associate with again, it wasn’t too much to endure that momentary disgust for the future.

“Interesting, you said you had no thoughts of revenge not long ago.”

“…Count Ermeints is someone who tried to kill me. Communicating with such a person again… it’s an action that doesn’t consider me and it’s no different from pointing a knife.”

I didn’t expect Uncle to show hostility this quickly, even if it was understandable for Claire.

To think he would secretly communicate with Count Ermeints of all people. The shock and sense of betrayal were great because the communication partner was none other than Count Ermeints.

Of course, I didn’t think he would stay docile and quiet.

Being a greedy person with ambition, I thought he would scheme to use and exploit me somehow.

That’s why I deliberately avoided his contact and didn’t meet him. I felt nauseous seeing his materialistic side.

Even so, to take such a directly! And so quickly! Threatening steps, I was flustered because I didn’t expect it.

I thought at least the moment he would reveal his foul intentions and threaten would be after quite some time had passed.

Wasn’t he in a position where he couldn’t even settle here properly and had to live cautiously for now?

“You know, until now I wanted to avoid unnecessary emotional drain and commotion as much as possible. Because the mental stress is considerable. So I always… didn’t try to do anything. I just endured even when provoked. It’s the same with this welcome party incident. I could have done something before Senior Van arrived, but I stupidly just waited for rescue. I didn’t think about resolving the situation. I thought if I stayed still, at least half would pass… I was afraid to try to do something. I’m a person more accustomed to avoidance than resolution.”

If it wasn’t for this welcome party incident, I might have just endured and avoided it like other times. Without doing anything and just leaving it to Givnen.

“But I realized that nothing changes if you just avoid. In the end, that can’t be a solution. I’ve only just realized this.”

So I don’t want to stay still anymore.

“Isn’t it right that I try to resolve my family issues on my own?”

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’ll have to think about that gradually. Of course, I’ll do it in a way that absolutely doesn’t harm you! So… please leave this matter to me.”

“…”

“You might not find me reliable, but… I’d like you to trust me.”

At Riley’s words, Givnen let out a laugh as if finding it absurd. Then he pinched her cheek.

“I can’t tell if you’re being bold or timid. Just do one.”

“…”

“As I’ve always said, do as you like, don’t mind me. And.”

“…?”

“I trust you.”

At the calm reply, Riley’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.

How could such a dry single word resonate so much in her heart?

Riley pressed her chest, suppressing the welling emotions. For some reason, tears came to her eyes. Was it because it was the first time someone had told her they trusted her?

“Why are you about to cry when I said I trust you.”

“…I don’t know, I just feel strange.”

“You’re such a fool.”

“Maybe it’s because it’s the first time I’ve heard such words.”

“…”

“I’m happy.”

Givnen stared at Riley smiling shyly for a while, then took something out of his pocket and handed it to her.

“This is from my sister.”

“What is it?”

“An invitation to a birthday party.”

“…”

“Should I not invite them?”

“No, it would be strange not to invite them. I’ll deliver it.”

“And this is an invitation for your friend.”

“Hila?”

“Yes, come together. I’ll have many guests to attend to, so I won’t be able to give you my full attention. You might get bored, so have your friend come and enjoy together.”

“Thank you. Hila will be very happy.”

Riley looked at the two invitations.

One for someone she never wanted to see, one for someone she felt good just delivering the invitation to.

Thinking how funny it was to feel ambivalent emotions over a single birthday party invitation.

[This is the timeline separator]

Riley stood at the entrance of the mansion and sighed deeply, leaning against the wall.

‘…What can I do?’

Although she told Givnen to trust her, honestly, she wasn’t confident. She habitually thought about running away.

The habit of thinking about enduring or running away rather than considering solutions when faced with uncomfortable situations was not easily corrected.

Perhaps due to nervousness, her stomach felt bloated.

‘I need to create an excuse to visit this place often in the future… or think of other solutions. First, I should look for someone who can be bribed.’

Although she came here with the pretext of delivering the invitation, her real purpose was different.

To scout for someone who could be used as a spy.

However, she doubted if there would be anyone suitable to be a spy. Everyone was Uncle’s people. They had worked here for a long time and moreover, they were all perpetrators to her.

‘…Would they cooperate docilely with me, whom they bullied, and betray their master?’

Riley first thought of MacDallin.

Come to think of it, it had been a very long time since she’d seen her. After the reception ended and the marriage was confirmed, she hadn’t shown herself at all.

She remembered that MacDallin had the lower servants take care of her while she herself stayed hidden and minimized her movements as much as possible.

So even when she briefly stayed at Uncle’s mansion, she hardly saw her.

“Haven’t I told you repeatedly? The strong are the ones who survive.”

Those were MacDallin’s words with a smile on the day she was devastated by the decision of marriage to Count Ermeints. That the strong are the ones who survive.

How cruel those words sounded at that time.

Realizing she was at the very bottom of that household, she had to acknowledge and accept her position as lower than an insect.

The strong survive, but I am not strong.

But now it’s different.

Riley Eadallin at that time was in a position worse than an insect, but now it’s different.

‘MacDallin, that bat, who would she cling to now?’

Although MacDallin is Ryan’s long-time confidant, she fundamentally has a strong bat-like tendency.

Her long-standing belief that one must cling to the stronger to survive was well reflected in her usual words. Perhaps someone like MacDallin might be more prone to betrayal.

‘…However, she’s a figure with too much risk.’

If not careful, Uncle would catch on. I need to observe MacDallin more carefully.

“You’ve come, young lady!”

An unnamed maid rushed out breathlessly.

As far as Riley remembered, she was a rather unremarkable figure. Since she mainly worked in the kitchen, there were hardly any occasions to encounter her.

“What brings you here?”

“…Do I need a reason to come to my own home?”

“Ah, no, that’s not what I meant! If you had sent word ahead, we would have prepared to welcome you…”

“I came because I have something to deliver. Is everyone home?”

“No, everyone is out… but Miss Claire should be back soon, would you like to wait?”

“Alright.”

As she entered the mansion guided by the maid, familiar faces appeared.

“May I look around? Last time I couldn’t properly look around because I was just eating.”

“Pardon? Ah, yes. Of course! Please look around as much as you like, young lady.”

While looking around the mansion, she observed the servants. Although she didn’t know their names, there were hardly any faces she didn’t recognize.

Usually when moving to a distant region, it’s common to send away most of the servants keeping only a few, but seeing that they brought all their usual servants, it seems they were too stingy to hire new ones.

These people must have been quite burdened to come to a foreign land leaving their families behind, so I guess they were persuaded with raised wages.

Of course, even the raised wages probably wouldn’t be half of what the servants here receive.

After all, the cost of living and wages in Blestidge are incomparably, unimaginably higher than in Lupla.

“This is the annex used by the maids.”

In the annex used by the maids, there were names attached to each door. Unlike the Eadallin mansion, it seemed individual rooms were provided here.

Riley looked around the annex, matching the names attached to the maids’ doors with the images in her mind.

Several familiar names were visible. The room in the farthest corner belonged to MacDallin.

“Is MacDallin not home either?”

“Pardon? Ah, no, she went out with the lady.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

I am curious about what expression MacDallin would make if she saw me.

“This is the young lady’s room.”

I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be snooping around Claire’s room.

Claire’s room was much larger and more lavishly decorated than her previous room.

I couldn’t help but laugh seeing the enormous bed that could comfortably fit five people in a room meant for one person. Well, she always insisted on a triple bed before.

The shelves were full of cosmetics. It was a dressing table befitting Claire, who loves to dress up.

There were so many types, including plenty of unopened cosmetics. Seeing the expensive brand products she’d never dare to buy before all lined up, it seems nothing has really changed.

Thinking that all this money came from Givnen’s pocket made me feel unpleasant.

“You’ve bought quite a lot.”

“The second young lady is quite extravagant…”

“Indeed. She’s bought many jewels and accessories too. Enough to last a lifetime and more.”

While examining Claire’s jewelry box, Riley picked up a familiar-looking brooch.

The rather old pearl brooch, compared to the other accessories, was a gift from Uncle on Claire’s 17th birthday that she treasured dearly.

Riley had unpleasant memories associated with this brooch.

‘Come to think of it, one of Claire’s personal maids once stole this brooch and planted it in my room to frame me. What was her name again…?’

Liz, it was definitely Liz.

As she stared at the brooch, a good idea suddenly came to mind.

Riley quietly looked around.

As soon as she saw the unnamed maid following her get distracted for a moment, she quickly slipped the brooch into her sleeve and left the room.

The following maid hurriedly came out after her.

Riley pretended to look around a bit more before deciding she’d seen enough and stopped.

“It seems everyone is running late, so I should be going now.”

“Pardon? Already?”

“Please give this to Uncle. It’s an invitation to my husband’s birthday party.”

“Ah! Yes, I understand.”

“And I say this out of concern, but don’t mention that I looked around the house, especially keep it a secret from Claire. Knowing Claire’s temperament, if she finds out I inspected her room, she won’t be able to control her fiery temper and will take it out on you all.”

The maid flinched at Riley’s words and nodded.

“I understand.”

She will probably coordinate stories with the others. None of the servants would welcome Claire turning the house upside down.

“Well then, I’ll be going now. No need to see me out. I have my own people waiting outside to pick me up.”

“Understood, young lady. Please take care on your way.”

Riley pretended to leave the mansion but quietly headed towards the annex.

The annex was empty as it was peak working hours for the servants. Riley entered the room with Liz’s name among the many rooms and pushed the stolen brooch under the desk.

Richelle greeted Riley as she hurriedly left the mansion.

“Are you finished already?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you’d stay longer.”

“No one was home.”

“I see. Please get in.”

Riley got into the carriage with Richelle. As the carriage departed, Riley lowered her voice.

“Richelle.”

“…Yes?”

“There’s something I need you to do from now on.”

As Riley’s voice lowered, Richelle’s face also grew serious.

“…What is it?”

“Come here every day and observe my family’s movements morning and evening.”

“…Every day?”

“Yes, there will be a big commotion soon. One maid might even be driven out. You keep watching and bring that dismissed maid to me. Can you do that?”

“I can do it. It’s a task that needs to be carried out secretly, right?”

“Yes, no one must find out.”

“It’s like a secret mission!”

“That’s right, you’re the only one I can trust with this task.”

Moved by Riley’s words, Richelle’s eyes welled up with tears as she grasped Riley’s hand tightly and nodded.

“I’ll work hard for you, young lady!”

“Yes, thank you.”

Riley looked out the carriage window, resting her chin on her hand as she thought.

‘…I’ll pay them back exactly the same way, one by one.’

If I repay them exactly as they did to me, they will start to fall apart at some point. A bit of appropriate discord.

Things I’ve learned from being repeatedly victimized by them. There’s no reason I can’t do it too.

‘Now… I won’t just live as a victim anymore.’

If there’s no one suitable to use as a spy, I can create one.

It was both absurd and bitter to find a clever plan from memories of past bullying. The situation itself of having to do exactly the same things as them was uncomfortable, but it couldn’t be helped.

‘…I hope things go well.’

Now that the bait has been laid, all that’s left is to wait.