Chapter 30

The book adaptation of a side story has been decided, so this is a celebratory update!

The letter from my father arrived about a week after that day.

This might be the first time I've properly seen my father's handwriting. It was meticulous, a bit neurotic, and beautifully neat, detailing everything over five pages of the letter.

To summarize the content... the divorce with my mother was finalized, and all the expenses up to now have been recorded separately to avoid touching the viscount's budget. They are demanding half of the amount my mother and sister spent.

The dresses and jewelry, which were custom-made for them, were sent to my mother's family's merchant house. Selling those items would cover the amount, but since the marriage was originally a contract to gain trust by having my mother, a merchant's daughter, marry the viscount (my father, who is not good at socializing, couldn't find a wife, and I resemble him in that way), they won't be able to do business with the nobility in the future.

My father also wrote that he hasn't been able to sort out his feelings yet.

He had accepted that as a wife, one must devote oneself to social activities, but on the other hand, he didn't realize the difference in treatment between Casablanca and me. He should have paid more attention to the household. Because he saw Casablanca as his real daughter, who was like her mother and excelled in social activities, he didn't hesitate to spend money on her. Conversely, he thought I was like him and not good at socializing, so he didn't hesitate to spend money on books and education for me.

I wasn't explicitly bullied. The servants treated us equally. However, it's true that my mother and sister dominated the household, leaving no room for my father and me to speak up.

My father is a viscount, a lower rank. He doesn't have a fief; his job is to manage the Norton territory, which is directly under the king, and he also works as a civil servant at the palace. He worked hard to support the social activities of two women and the expenses for books and embroidery for his other daughter, me, and to ensure I had decent dresses. He did all this alone. The household finances were managed by a civil servant he hired, not my mother, to ensure the budget was handled properly.

Then, the pre-engagement proposal for Casablanca... I can imagine how much of a shock it must have been for my father after the background check.

It's not Casablanca's fault. The worst part is that my mother was unfaithful. However, my father, who worked tirelessly, hired someone to manage the household budget and reviewed it himself to ensure there was no unfair treatment between his daughters, and he let us do what we loved.

My father wrote at the end that he should have paid more attention to the household, but I think no one is perfect.

I was pushed around by Casablanca and didn't rebel, instead escaping into the world of books and embroidery. But because there were people who praised my embroidery and I met others who shared my love for books, I don't think it was entirely bad.

As for Casablanca... I have no way of knowing what she thinks now. Social activities are a duty for noblewomen, but they can easily become uncomfortable if one makes foolish mistakes. It's a scary place. I doubt my mother, who came from a common background, could have taught us how to navigate it well, given her actions.

The scandalous behavior at the royal ball, where a viscount's daughter threw a teacup at an earl's family, is enough to warrant legal action, but the Chaltry Earl and I did not pursue it.

I can only be grateful to the Chaltry Earl, who arranged things with the king. Everything was done to protect the Norton viscount's family and territory, so the divorce was the only scandal. A scandal involving a lord would reflect poorly on the people of the territory. I really feel that he cares for us.

Since coming to the Chaltry Earl's house, I have changed. In a different environment, with different people guiding me, I learned that interacting with people can be thrilling. I also learned how to protect myself and that not protecting myself can hurt others. ...I made Alex Cheryl break his pen, but I think it was because I fought for what I loved, Alex Cheryl.

Today is the day that person is coming to return the handkerchief I gave them.

I put the letter back in the envelope and opened the box where I had stored the handkerchief I embroidered for them.

The daughter of the Marquess of Medea Rotton. Her deep blue hair and amethyst eyes, and her noble demeanor. My first impression of her was not good, but... I want to be friends with her.

With that in mind, I plan to give her a handkerchief embroidered with a blue rose, golden vines, and an amethyst design. After the Chaltry Countess delivered it, I received a letter asking about her schedule, and we made plans for today.

I would be happy if she likes it. As a fellow fan of the same author, as a benefactor who helped me, and as someone I clashed with for the first time.

I closed the gift box and placed it on my lap, smiling. Then, there was a knock on the door.

The daughter of the Marquess of Rotton has arrived. I told them to show her in and headed to the prepared salon.

I would be very happy if you could read the other story from the ranking tags as well! (The tone is different, but...)

Thank you very much!