Chapter 8

I can assure you, she really didn't feel like talking to anyone.

She wanted to ignore it and just turn around.

However, Infrik was one of the few people who somewhat understood her, even if it wasn't entirely satisfying.

"Why? You look tired and want to rest."

"I heard that you got scolded by your father this time because of some matter. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I apologized for that."

"Abelia often falls ill, so your father is very worried. I understand."

Karina frowned at Infrik's words.

I understand. I've understood, so I've been patient, apologized, and bowed my head.

"I know."

"You look upset. Actually, it's frustrating when someone tells you to understand everything. If you're upset about your birthday, you can say so."

"What's the point of saying it? Even if I do, it won't change anything."

No one will listen.

No matter how much I say, I'll only get scolded for being immature, just like always.

Of course, she didn't actually hear such words today, but Karina was afraid just thinking about the possible responses.

Because it wouldn't be much different from her imagination.

"Don't forget that both your father and mother love you."

"Father and Mother love my brother and siblings, not me, who has no health or outstanding talent."

"Karina."

At Infrik's scolding tone, Karina pressed her forehead.

It was the last dinner. She thought she should leave with at least one good memory.

Still, as family, she wondered if she should say a few words before leaving.

But all those thoughts shattered.

"Brother, my head hurts. Let's talk next time."

"Let's go on a picnic together."

"No, I don't want to. I won't go."

Karina waved her hand at Infrik's suggestion.

She lifted her head and looked at him. His honey-colored hair and blue eyes.

He always looked like a prince from a fairy tale, gentle and neat.

He was always at the center of social circles due to his many talents.

"They love you too."

"I'm their child, so of course they love me in some corner of their hearts. I don't deny that like a child."

Karina nodded obediently.

Her sharp gaze was uncharacteristic of her.

Infrik's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at her fierce eyes.

"But when you bite, the more painful fingers are Abelia, Ferdon, and Brother, not me."

"That's not true."

"No, it is. Please just leave me alone. Let me be by myself."

Infrik's words used to be comforting, but not now. Karina realized she was at the edge of a cliff.

"…Karina."

"Please!"

Karina shouted. Her throat hurt from the outburst. She rubbed her throat and contorted her face.

"I'm saying please."

"…Alright. Let's talk next time."

"Okay."

She left Infrik behind and headed straight to the second floor.

It felt like someone had slapped the back of her head, punishing her for her foolish thoughts.

'I thought I wouldn't be sad.'

It was her birthday, maybe the last one. Why wasn't there even a word of apology?

His attitude, believing she would naturally agree, was heartbreaking.

'Why is my last memory so terrible?'

She threw off her shoes and buried her face in the blanket, entering her room and locking the door.

'Maybe I wouldn't have been lonely if I had become famous as an artist.'

If she had made friends, she wouldn't have clung to her family or felt so hurt.

Karina laughed bitterly.

After all, how could she have made friends when she couldn't properly attend her peers' tea parties because of taking care of Abelia?

A lonely sob echoed through the night, with no one to hear.

While she couldn't sleep, the last dawn at the mansion arrived.

After a brief deliberation, she decided to leave a short note saying she was going on a trip.

She didn't want to cause rumors of kidnapping or to be followed by soldiers.

She also didn't want to write a long, detailed explanation.

So, in the end, she wrote only one line.

Karina put on a robe she had bought in advance and left the mansion during the guard shift change.

Thanks to her careful planning, she managed to avoid showing her swollen, red eyes to anyone.

She boarded a pre-arranged group carriage. The carriage was heading to the imperial capital, Aios. From there, she would change to a carriage going to Linrock, a hub town.

From there, she would have to borrow a merchant's carriage or a small private carriage to head north.

She let out a trembling, long sigh. It was the beginning of a long journey.

* * *

The doctor's medicine was very helpful for the long journey.

As he said, her body worsened over time due to the cold wind and uncomfortable carriage rides.

However, after taking the medicine, she could sleep better at night, reducing the time she felt pain.

So, Karina had almost become addicted to the medicine.

But taking the medicine didn't mean she could eat well.

Most of what she could eat was well-cooked porridge or boiled vegetables, so it was natural that she became thinner as the journey continued.

Still, Karina was happy.

Thinking it might be the last trip of her life, every landscape seemed new and exciting.

She had to work as a helper for travelers or merchants, but she was respected.

Everyone treated her normally.

She wasn't an invisible lady, a creepy woman, or a boring person.

She was just Karina. Everyone treated her that way.

Karina walked the long journey to its end. That's how she arrived at the duke's residence.

* * *

"Bang, find a suitable empty room for her immediately. And tell the maid to prepare a bath for her."

"Understood."

"Milady, please wash up and then we can talk."

Karina nodded obediently at Millian's voice, which sounded a bit reluctant.

During the two-month journey, her personality had changed a bit.

Originally, Karina was quiet and often held back, but the long journey made her more willing to speak her mind.

There was no special training.

The merchants and carriage drivers were very busy and indifferent to others, so if she didn't speak up about her needs or discomfort, no one would listen.

But when she spoke up, they always turned to her and listened to her.

Karina thus realized the importance of communication.

"Milady, the only room ready for immediate use is next to the Duke's. Is that acceptable, Lady Leopold?"

"Karina is fine. Any room is fine, but if possible, I'd prefer a separate cottage. I came unexpectedly, so the Duke might be upset."

She said, looking around the clean mansion, which matched his meticulous personality.

"Once you've rested, I suggest you ask the master about the cottage."

"Alright."

She nodded lightly.

The room was very clean. Unlike the marble exterior, the room she was led to was made of wood.

The scent of wood filled her nose.

"…Interesting."

"This room is used by the master when he wants to calm his mind. It's always well-prepared for his comfort."

"Ah, I see."

Indeed, the scent of wood in the room made her feel calm.

Karina nodded.

"I'll send a maid to help you bathe soon."

"No, that's okay. I'll rest and leave in an hour. Can you come back then?"

"…Can you manage without help?"

At Bang's puzzled voice, Karina rolled her eyes and nodded.

She didn't need unnecessary help and wanted to check her remaining medicine, so she didn't want anyone touching her luggage.

"Understood. If you need anything, just pull the bell."

"Alright."

She nodded, and Bang hesitated for a moment before leaving the room.