Chapter 15

Whether bad premonitions come true, or whether things happen as they are meant to, I was pondering such matters as I stood before her, who was standing like a guardian deity in front of me.

After finishing work without any issues, Wendy and I left the library. The reason our usual route home was different was because of the Baroness Kira Fritche waiting for us at the gate.

Her green eyes, which were supposed to be round, were now slanted, glaring at me with obvious hostility.

It wasn’t my fault, but I couldn’t help but sigh, thinking of the reasons why she might be directing such hostility at me.

"Alicia Bloom, you have some nerve to seduce Lord Felix."

Says you.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don’t play dumb. Lord Felix broke up with me, and it’s all because of you, isn’t it?"

"I haven’t done anything..."

"I was willing to accept you as his mistress. That’s why I hate greedy commoners."

As her harsh words flew around, Wendy and I exchanged glances.

'Is she okay?'

'Probably not.'

Without words, we somehow understood each other.

"I have also declined Lord Tostmann’s offer to become his mistress and have no intention of having any relationship with him beyond friendship. I don’t know what Lord Tostmann told you, but I am not aware of anything."

"Then why did I get dumped! You must know something, don’t you?!"

The sigh I let out disappeared into the night sky.

Adjusting the bag on my shoulder, I opened my mouth. I was getting tired of this.

"Please don’t misunderstand, but Lord Tostmann came to the library yesterday—"

I raised my hand to stop Kira from speaking and continued.

"—I have no intention of getting back together with Lord Tostmann. This is absolutely certain. Lord Tostmann said he broke up with you because you were only interested in his face and money. It’s not because of me."

"That’s obvious, isn’t it?"

Kira nodded vigorously, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

What is obvious about this? Is she really okay?

"If he’s only interested in his face and money, I’d like to know what else he has."

You? Oh, that’s scary.

Losing my words, I stared at her with my mouth agape.

"…So, you approached Lord Tostmann for his money and looks?"

"Yes, because he seemed well-off. By the way, who are you?"

"I am Wendy, the third daughter of the Count von Krenbeller. The Tostmann family was only well-off because of the Bloom Trading Company’s support. If you were after money, it’s fine that you broke up with him."

Crossing her arms, Kira listened to Wendy’s words.

Her thoughtful gaze shifted from the snow at her feet to me.

"Then, why don’t your family continue to support the Tostmann family? If they do, they’ll be well-off again. I can accept you as Lord Felix’s mistress."

Why does she think like that?

Wendy and I exchanged glances and sighed again.

"My family has no obligation to continue supporting the Tostmann family. I have no intention of becoming a mistress."

"Then introduce me to a wealthy man. Your engagement with Lord Felix was broken off because of you, so the support was cut off. It’s all your fault."

"Wait a minute. The one who broke the engagement was you and Lord Tostmann, wasn’t it? Alicia is the victim here."

"Hmph, you’re a noble, right? Yet you’re working in such a place, so of course you’d side with the commoner."

"I think I’m far more fortunate than a disappointing noble lady who can’t even serve at court."

Wendy retorted angrily.

Holding her back, I was at a loss for what to do.

Kira Fritche doesn’t listen to anyone, and I really don’t understand what she’s thinking.

I don’t want to get involved, but maybe I should call someone.

"Are you talking about me when you say ‘disappointing noble lady’?"

"Who knows? If it doesn’t apply to you, then it’s not, right?"

"…I’ll fire you. You and that commoner too!"

"We are here on the king’s orders. I don’t know what power you have, but I doubt you can interfere with the personnel here."

"Shut up! You’ll regret this later!"

Kira kicked the snow at our feet and ran off.

She’s quite… active, I guess. My head is probably just tired from all this.

"Wendy, I’m sorry. You got dragged into this too. You got wet, didn’t you?"

"Don’t worry about it. I understand your troubles now… It’s really unfortunate to be harassed by someone like that."

"It’s a relief to hear you say that. …I really hope this will settle down soon."

Brushing the snow off the hem of our coats, we started walking.

The sky above was covered with thin clouds, and the full moon was faintly visible beyond them.

"I heard from my brother that the two of them are being shunned in society."

"That might be because her sister is sympathizing with her. She’s very angry about this whole situation."

"Even without that, it’s clear who is being unreasonable. …It’s just a rumor, but it seems to be true… Kira Fritche is said to be in a bad financial situation. Her family is on the verge of ruin, and she’s using her body to get close to wealthy noble heirs…"

"Oh my…"

Regardless of the means, I think it’s not uncommon for someone to want to marry into a wealthy family to save their own. But being caught up in it is exhausting, and I just want it to be over.

"My mother’s family is talking to the Tostmann family. It might be a good idea to ask for help with the Fritche family too."

"For the sake of both our families, I think it’s time to put an end to this. By the way, did you hear? We’re going to be fired."

Wendy shrugged dramatically, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

It’s surprising to think that the people working in this library are under the king’s orders.

We undergo the same conduct checks as those who work in the royal palace and must maintain proper conduct. It’s an honor, but…

"Who does she think she can appeal to to get us fired?"

"I doubt anyone with that kind of authority is her acquaintance. Maybe she should be ashamed."

Wendy’s mischievous smile made me chuckle.

The snow falling from the sky was soft and fluffy, floating in the light of the streetlamps and accumulating on the ground. Our footprints remained on the soft snow as we walked.