Chapter 6

Today, I have also posted two episodes.

Thank you for reporting the typos; I have corrected them.

Daria approached Tatsukatsukatsu and Edith with a satisfied look and gazed at Edith.

"Your engagement to Lord Lionel seems to have gone smoothly...! This is the first time you've been useful since you came to this house, Edith."

After saying that, Daria turned to her father with a frown.

"Father, why didn't you tell me in advance that Lord Lionel was in such a state? You must have heard about his condition, didn't you?"

"I didn't think Lord Lionel's condition was that bad. I intended to let you know that he was unwell..."

Daria glared at her father, unable to hide her frustration.

"If I had known that Lord Lionel was so emaciated and looked like Death itself, I wouldn't have pushed this engagement on Edith from the start!"

"But, now that you've asked me to do this today, the result is that Edith is engaged to him. This way, our family won't have to worry about finances for the time being."

With a relieved expression, her father raised the corners of his mouth. Daria continued, almost spitting out the words.

"What a disappointing match. ... Did you see his terrible complexion? It's impossible to be engaged to someone like that. He looked as if he was about to be called to the other world at any moment."

Unable to bear it any longer, Edith spoke to Daria.

"Sister! There are things you should and shouldn't say. I spoke with Lord Lionel, and even though he is ill, he is a kind and wonderful person."

At Edith's words, Daria narrowed her eyes coldly.

"Oh, how wonderful. For someone of common birth who is so insolent, you might actually be a good match. No matter how much he is the eldest son of a marquess, I absolutely refuse."

Daria snorted, and her mother smiled at her.

"Darling, I have another piece of good news. Edith will leave this house to support Lord Lionel. She will go to the Granville Marquess family tomorrow."

"Oh, that's great. Not only will the debt be cleared, but we'll also get rid of a nuisance. Two birds with one stone."

Daria's eyes sparkled as she looked at Edith maliciously.

"Try not to get kicked out of the Granville Marquess family for being unfit as a noble. If that happens, it could tarnish the reputation of the Oakridge Marquess family."

"From the state of Lord Lionel, even if Edith doesn't behave like a proper noble, it might be enough for her to be a conversation partner. More importantly, it would be troublesome if Lord Lionel were to pass away and Edith returned to this house."

Edith clenched her fists in anger at the sight of her stepmother and stepsister smiling at each other. She had reached her limit.

"Lord Lionel will surely, no, definitely recover. I will support him so that this can come true."

With that, Edith turned her back on her stepmother and stepsister and quickly left the room.

***

As Edith prepared documents and luggage for her departure the next day late into the night, there was a hesitant knock on the door of her small room. When Edith opened the door, there stood Laura, a maid from the Oakridge Marquess family. Edith, surprised but welcoming, invited her in.

"I'm sorry, Miss Edith, for disturbing you so late at night."

Edith smiled gently at the apologetic Laura.

"No, it's fine. What's the matter, Laura?"

Laura was one of the few allies Edith had in the Oakridge Marquess family. Currently, Daria acted like a queen, and anyone who spoke back to her or opposed her would face overt harassment. Many servants had quit because of this. Despite being a quiet girl, Laura had always supported Edith in secret. To avoid drawing Daria's attention, many servants pretended not to see Daria's harsh treatment of Edith and treated her as if she were a sore spot. Laura, however, had always quietly encouraged Edith.

When Edith offered Laura a chair, Laura bowed politely and sat down before speaking.

"Miss Edith, I have heard the news. You are to go to the Granville Marquess family tomorrow as Lord Lionel's fiancée, who is seriously ill, right?"

"Yes, that's right. You knew too, Laura?"

"Yes, news travels fast in this house."

Edith looked into Laura's eyes with gratitude.

"I am truly grateful for all the help you've given me, Laura. I wanted to thank you before my departure tomorrow."

"No, Miss Edith, I am the one who should be grateful. It's late, but I wanted to talk to you alone before you leave for the Granville Marquess family tomorrow, and I wanted to thank you again. ... Do you remember when you specially prepared medicine for my grandmother when she was ill?"