Chapter 4

"Even though Lady Maruka has been protecting this baronial family all by herself for so long—why? Why only today must she be treated like this!"

Ami accused them harshly.

"Despite the huge debt left by the head of the household, we were able to live without selling this mansion, without worrying about where to sleep, what to eat, or what to wear!"

The secret of this family, which had been hidden for so long, was suddenly exposed, and my mind went blank for a moment.

"…D-debt…?"

"What do you mean? What are you talking about!?"

"Maruka! What have you been hiding from us all this time!?"

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Sharp gazes filled with various emotions flew from my two sisters and mother.

"Silence—. The person here is Lady Maruka Sarge Perle, the new head of the baronial family, as of today."

Sebastian pulled out a document from his pocket.

From the envelope sealed with the baronial family's wax seal, he retrieved the contract I had signed when I decided to inherit this family.

"Five years ago, the head of the family, who was burdened with a huge debt, decided to take in Lady Maruka as an adopted daughter due to her recognized talent."

"Sebastian!"

Following Ami, Sebastian also started revealing secrets, which made me panic.

"Lady Maruka agreed to a contract where, in exchange for bringing in her mother and Lady Melodia into the baronial family, she would take on the responsibilities that Lady Lilianna would have had to bear after the head of the family's death."

However, he explained our contract with the baron in a very clear and straightforward manner, ignoring my concerns.

The duke, whose expression had turned stern, silently signaled his subordinates to retrieve the contract.

The contract had already been fulfilled, and I had become the head of the baronial family at midnight today.

Even if the contract were to be handed over to the duke, there was nothing that could be done about it.

With so much exposed, I had nothing to say.

No, with everything so unexpected, I couldn't even find the words.

"…It seems to be true."

After a moment of silence, he spoke.

"What do you mean by a huge debt!?"

Understanding the duke's words, my mother turned pale and collapsed on the spot.

Lady Melodia, trying to support her, also knelt on the floor.

The sudden realization of the future's uncertainty must have overwhelmed them.

"The debt has already been paid off."

Ami, glancing at them, answered succinctly.

"Rigare Communications. It's the company Lady Maruka runs."

A murmur ran through the room.

Not only my sisters but also the knights of the ducal family were shaken.

Fortunately, the company had grown to the point where almost no one was unaware of its name.

It seemed they understood that we would not be lacking in assets.

"…Then, why were you always in the study instead of your room…?"

"Because she was working."

"What about when you went out with Sebastian!?"

"Because she was working."

"Why didn't you come to the dining table at mealtime? Why was the light on in your room at night?"

"Because she was working."

Ami answered all the questions from Lady Lilianna, Lady Melodia, and my mother with the same response.

"Why didn't you tell us!?"

To my mother's legitimate question, I flinched.

"…Of course, because I knew it would only make things worse if you found out!"

Ami stated it bluntly.

"That's why, until today when she came of age, she worked hard alone to fulfill her promise to the head of the household… and yet!"

She gritted her teeth.

"Did Lady Maruka ever mistreat Lady Lilianna? Yes, her words were cold, but if you had looked at her properly, you would have noticed her consideration…!"

"Ami. That's enough—"

"Not enough! You were almost killed!?"

I gasped, having never been reprimanded before.

"Lady Maruka was careful not to upset your mother and Lady Melodia while reaching out to Lady Lilianna. Before inheriting the baronial family, she prepared everything for Lady Lilianna's happiness, even at the cost of her own, to fulfill her promise to the late head of the family—!"

"Ami!!"

I shouted, but it was too late.

"…I see."

The duke spoke.

"Everything was your doing, then."

He had figured it out.

No, anyone would have realized after hearing that much.

"You proposed that I marry Lili in exchange for the information I wanted, didn't you?"

Lady Lilianna looked up at the duke in surprise.

Her gaze suggested that while she had suspected there was more to it, she hadn't known the full extent of the situation.

"…I won't apologize."

I made up my mind.

If this caused a rift between Lady Lilianna and the duke, I would have to take responsibility.

No, if it didn't work out, I had already planned to find a different person or place for Lady Lilianna. In the grand scheme of things, it was within my expectations.

I wouldn't apologize.

I had started this on my own, and I had no ill intentions, just like my mother and sisters. Perhaps, in the end, blood is thicker than water.

"Yes. Don't apologize. I won't either."

And that was his response.

The duke raised his hand.

It was a signal to retreat.

"…Take the belongings in the basement with you. They all belong to Lady Lilianna."

I didn't call her "sister."

After all this, I couldn't call her that.

Lady Lilianna probably disliked or even hated me, and there was no point in forcing a relationship.

"…Maruka…"

"If there's anything, please request compensation."

I told the hesitant Lady Lilianna.

"…And, could you let Ami stay with me? I'm sure you can find a replacement maid quickly, Duke."

"No problem."

Hmm. I was right to leave Lady Lilianna in his care.

Even in this situation, he didn't want to leave her.

"…There won't be a next time. Make sure to tell your mother and sister, who are sitting there, that, Lord Head of the Household."

"I will remember it well."

That was the end of Maruka Sarge Perle's sixteenth birthday party.