Chapter 9

At dinner, the conversation revolved around Charles's debut in society, with Richard doing most of the talking to Charles.

"You will officially enter society at the upcoming royal ball. We will also host a party here, where you will be the main guest. You are the next head of the Villiers family. Fulfill your duties well."

"I understand, Father. By the way, what about Beth's engagement?"

Charles's question startled Elizabeth. What was he suddenly talking about?

"We haven't decided yet. Thanks to Elizabeth's good reputation, unexpected marriage proposals are coming in from various places."

"Is that so? I want Beth to be the happiest bride more than anyone. I want a man who loves her and cherishes her. I hope you prioritize that over titles and wealth."

Richard and Ophelia snorted at this statement. Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

"What are you saying, like a child? This is worrying for the future."

"Really, what a foolish child. Are you like your father? Huh?"

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"Brother, what are you saying so whimsically? How do you plan to identify a man who will treat a caught fish well before marriage? Once you catch a fish, it's best to enjoy it. Your thinking is too naive. Brother, it seems your head is in the clouds... Are you okay?"

The emotions of the three family members, excluding Charles, aligned for the first time.

That evening, Elizabeth did not say a word throughout the dinner.

Sighing, Elizabeth returned to her room and picked up the fourth volume of the Complete Herb Book. Maintaining a fishing rod is futile in an environment where you can't fish. Reading is good; it allows her to escape the troublesome secular world, even if only in her mind.

The former Elizabeth often used poison for various nefarious purposes. Although she disliked studying, her knowledge of poisons was recognized even by experts in the field. Good medicine can become poison, and poison can become good medicine.

Elizabeth saw herself in the poisons. The former Elizabeth was a potent drug. However, the current Elizabeth, while not a good medicine, wanted to be a useful one, like a mild laxative to relieve constipation.

The former me and the current me are indeed different. But the fact that I am the same person is undeniable. A single small choice can drastically change a person. If the former me had lived in Sutherland with my brother from a young age, I probably wouldn't have become such a terrible person.

The fourth volume of the Complete Herb Book she was reading also discussed herbs from the Eastern countries. It mentioned that not only herbs but also mushrooms can be used as medicine. The appendix at the end noted that in that country, insects are used as medicine.

Although the climate is different here, she dreamed of finding similar insects and mushrooms to use.

As she was lost in thought, Mary quietly prepared tea for her.

"Thank you, Mary. You can retire for the night. My head is full of mushrooms and insects! Hehehe."

Mary screamed. After the misunderstanding was cleared up, Elizabeth was sternly warned by Mary not to collect insects or mushrooms on her own.