Chapter 40
And, true to her words, Olivia came to my room that evening.
You didnt have your familys support, and even youre sick.
After sitting in a chair in my room, she raised her chin and spoke proudly. Her smooth legs were sensually twisted, visible through her open skirt.
What a totally gorgeous aunt can I wear heels at that age, too? How did she take care of her health? She looks amazing
Looking at her, I thought wistfully.
It creates an opportunity for others to come and try to bite you.
At that, Lisa and I, who were standing in front of her, were frozen after hearing her words.
Make your makeup a little darker. Raise your eyes up more.
M-Miss L-Larias T-that makeup doesnt look good
Lisa stuttered nervously while looking away from Olivias glare.
Who do you think would put on makeup to look good? Shes already married! She immediately cut off Lisas stammering words.
Do you want her to look like Matilda?
What do you mean, Matilda?
Eventually, I became a mini Olivia, imitating her looks.
Tsk
She smirked, although it seemed that she didnt particularly like the look.
You cant do anything right because you look like a pitiful little thing.
Well, I actually am The heroines husbands late ex-wife was a pitiful side character among all side characters.
What are you doing now?
Olivia yelled angrily.
Follow me right away!
Yes?
What do you mean a pitiful thing? Are you done talking? How beautiful does auntie think she is? Come on! Say it
Both embarrassed, Lisa and I peered at each other, not knowing what to do.
Thinking about all the wicked things they did to Matilda! I still cant sleep properly because of them!
After her words, Olivia threw away her embroidered fan as she couldnt calm her anger.
Everyones eyes went wide when they heard the rumors that she was sick. She wanted to be Duchess Icard! Even got pregnant with Evan with that body
Her red eyes seemed to draw tears slightly.
As doctors warned, there were many wicked women who wished for her to die in childbirth
I knew I had been mistaken. She didnt come running to the Duchy because she disliked me. It was because she heard Evans wife was sick, so she came because Olivia remembered the situation with Matilda.
When I think of how she laughed at them without being able to curse them just once, my stomach churns even now!
I glanced at Olivia quietly.
Wicked kid.
She couldnt get over the hatred she felt inside, she could only mutter angrily.
Sitting with her kind, gentle face, he just gave her affection and ended up being stabbed in the back.
I see
She was also one of the Icards people living under Matildas shadow. Somehow, my thoughts got a little mixed up.
All because of that naive child, the Icards Duchy was destroyed!
I guess thats why she said that he had been hit in the back of his head earlier and that nothing good happened to Duke Icard
I never thought she would leave the world before this old woman
Auntie
Thats because she was weak, so she died early, Olivia concluded her point with her overwhelming bloodshot eyes.
If you chew up all the wicked things like me, you live a uselessly long life. Of course, its not true, its useless.
In the end, Lisa quietly turned her head and wiped away her tears. She must be thinking of Matilda, too. At that moment, I thought how fortunate it was that Evan was still in the academy sword contest.
So, dont be like Matilda and live a long life. You should be ill-tempered like me, chew their words, and live a long life.
Her logic was a mess.
Ah
I knew she saw Matilda while looking at me.
Now, copy me. Come on!
Lisa eventually pulled out her handkerchief and blew her nose. Instead of following her reckless words, I approached Olivia calmly and held her hand.
Auntie. I smiled at her a little.
Mother never regretted not cursing at those evil things who treated her carelessly.
What?
Im sure auntie had already said it all on her behalf already.
Thats true.
If you had someone like auntie next to you, would you remember those mean words?
Mm
Frowns were visible between her brows after hearing me.
Even speaking pretty words, like Matilda
So, auntie needs to live longer and take my side.
Are you saying youre going to use me?
Ah I got caught.
So, thats why Kallaudin falls for you completely.
As expected of someone with a good sense
But auntie is so cool.
Nevertheless, I sincerely mean what I just said since I have long admired this rich evil woman. Even if my praises to Father and son werent that sincere, there was no reason to not sincerely price Auntie.
Theres nothing to be afraid of if someone like auntie is on my side.
Sweet words for the ear are bad for the body, child.
[ T/N: Its pretty obvious I think, but means that useless flattering does no good to the one hearing it. ]
Oh, she caught me flattering her and lying openly?!
Looking at me frozen, Olivia continued to speak softly.
But at my age, Im tired of looking for only good things for my body. So, try a bit harder.
For a few days, Olivia tried many different styles on me, although it all failed miserably Lisa even sometimes sighed and murmured quietly, Miss Laria doesnt look good on this.
Still, she couldnt do anything since it was Olivias orders.
There is nothing I can do about it.
Olivia said with determination.
Just be someone who just laughs in the front, and plays tricks behind their backs.
Thats already me!
In every single aspect, you act like Matilda. You wont be able to raise yourself this way.
Agreeing with her words, Lisa nodded slightly on the side as well.
You two look so much alike.
So, that means Ill need to give you some lessons. All right, listen up. Lets start with language interpretation first.
Language interpretation?
She gazed at me and spoke sharply.
Lets say youve been told, I think the Lady got married very well. Im still sorry the Duke because of the dowry.
Her red eyes flashed, and I swallowed dry saliva. No, I couldnt help feeling the pressure surrounding her
If you hear this it means, I heard your family went bankrupt, so you got married without a dowry? Do you understand?
Yes, madam.
Now then, interpret this. You must have a hard time socializing in the Capital since you cant leave the mansion that much due to your health. The news might be quite slow for you, right?
I then replied immediately with my hands together.
It means I know you dont know anything about the world, so dont even think about doing anything useless and just lay flat.
Youre very smart.
Olivia asked similar questions after that, and I answered appropriately every time.
Youre talented. Eventually, she smiled proudly and nodded.
I should have given Matilda a customary class like this.
I felt very sorry for Matilda. Because she was a really nice and kind person, there was no way she would have learned these negative phrases as quickly as I did.
Youre not going to be in the Capital at all, are you?
She would only go whenever there are important events, Lisa answered politely.
Once she feels much better, of course, she should do outdoor activities. Of course, she has improved a lot already.
Olivia nodded.
Then, each time, Ill have to go up to the Capital and teach you myself. Now, lets have dinner.
And so, I stayed by her side until our last dinner together. After dinner, I glanced and offered my shortcake dish to her.
Would you like mine, auntie?
With the obvious rate at which the dessert plate went empty, anyone could tell how much Olivia loved the shortcake. Probably because both the Duke and Evan loved sweets, her taste had also developed to it, too. Thats why sweets broke the first barrier between us.
At this age, are you trying to say Im crazy about sweets?
In addition, it seemed that, for some reason, all of them didnt want to admit their sweet tooth.
No. I apologize for my manners Its just because I dont really enjoy sweets.
No need for courtesy. However, we shouldnt waste food, so Ill eat it. She then haughtily pulled my dessert plate towards her side.
You.
She spoke while pointing her big fork towards me.
I quite like you. But you know what?
Yes?
Its hard for me to believe you because of the very fact that you enjoy Kallaudins nasty jokes. Its very uncomfortable.
Those who suck up to their boss excessively will perish because of it
As expected, I wasnt the only one who knew that the response to his humor was an excellent indication to figure whether I was being genuine or not. Laughing at his jokes definitely was a winning piece for the likes of me.
Olivia then spoke in a low tone, as if she was getting ready to show her flippers.
You said you think of Evan often.
It seemed that she remembered me mentioning Evan when we found Mr. Rollades books.
I know it was a political marriage you didnt expect, but is Evan an all right husband?
I nodded right away.
Of course. I sincerely want to get along with him very well.
You want to get along Very well.
She nodded slowly after hearing my sudden response. After thinking for a moment, Olivia opened her mouth again.
Its still hard to really like a thirteen years old kid.
Well, thats
Normally, noble young ladies of your age would fancy more mature-looking men. So did I.
I was going to say it wasnt like that out of courtesy, but the question that followed startled me.
Some of Evans angles do look fine, though. Which aspect of him do you like the most?
Like the most?
I was lost in thoughts. Evan had many traits. He graduated with the highest honor from the academy, the winner of the sword competition, and he was a bit old-fashioned. He had a good appearance and was the heir of the Icard Duchy.
However, a very unexpected remark came out of my mouth instead.
Cute.
It was something other people wouldnt be able to relate to at all.
To others, the word cute was the exact opposite of Evan. His expression hardened almost every day, and he didnt laugh all that much. Objectively, he resembled Duke Icard, but for a child of that age, he may seem somewhat creepy.
Realizing what I had said, I felt slight regret. Having such a deep affection for the Icard household, Olivia wouldnt like such a light answer about the sole heir of the great Duchy, right?
Really?
As expected, Olivias tone was slightly surprised by my answer. She didnt say a word until she emptied the dessert plate.
As expected, I told the truth for no reason. I should have just praised Duke Icard.
However, as I was about to correct my words, an unexpected remark fell.
Youll end up liking Evan.
Pardon?
Objectively, when a person whos not cute at all, looks cute to you, then its game over for you.
She smirked as though she was enjoying this and continued.
I can rest my mind at ease. No matter what happens, I think youll eventually choose Evan no matter what.
.
I went silent at her unexpected words.
No, I will not. In the end, I will only make choices for myself.
Evan was not sick, had a lot of money, and had a solid status. If I ended up making a choice for Evan at any critical time, it would literally be like a mouse thinking for a cat.
This is just an old womans insight. The only thing Ive improved with age is my senses. People said that even hypocrisy often becomes sincere when repeated.
It was a prophecy that was utterly out of reach with my true feelings. Though, strangely enough, it felt as if it was digging inside me.
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