Chapter 10

"Since she is the only beloved daughter and younger sister of the Raspade Marquis family, I believe it would be appropriate to formally adopt her into the Raspade family. Raspade, who is very fond of her, will be a strong support, and I think the marriage with the royal family will proceed smoothly."

Bertie smiled at Minori.

"His Highness is very unfaithful to his fiancée, but that is only towards the political marriage partner. Since you will be a love marriage, you will not be treated like me, so please rest assured. He will surely be even more gentle and cherish you, like a prince in a fairy tale."

It seemed that Minori could not interpret these words as encouragement or congratulations, and she gasped. Her eyes reflected something akin to fear.

Ustashe glanced at Minori and then stared at Bertie with his blue eyes. He seemed to be filled with self-reproach and could not be harsh with Bertie, wanting to say something but unable to speak. He was probably choosing his words carefully.

"I will return this."

Without waiting, Bertie took something out of her pocket and placed it on the table. The thin chain made a tinkling sound.

"As for the other... the things formally given to me during the engagement, I intend to give them all to my current maid. The things given to Minori over the past six months are not mine, so please confirm her wishes."

"This is..."

Seeing the pendant placed on the table, Ustashe was taken aback. He raised his head with a look of shock, his lips trembling as he spoke.

"Impossible..."

What he thought upon seeing this pendant was not important at all.

"For the past six months, I have only harbored hatred towards you. It was already over by then."

She realized that clinging to them was futile, that seeking affection was foolish, and that she could not avoid the awareness of her own impending death. By the time she realized that her precious time was being wasted, it was already too late.

"I have adored you. Please be happy."

It was not sincere. It was just sarcasm, with the meaning of a final farewell.

As Bertie stood up and took a step towards the door, she was grabbed by the arm by Ustashe.

"Wait—"

"Ah, cough..."

Suddenly, Bertie bent over, coughing from the pain in her upper body. Her hand, which she pressed to her mouth, was covered in blood.

"Bertie!"

"Bertie!"

The twins shouted, and Ustashe was momentarily stunned by the sudden event.

Bertie, feeling the taste of blood and frowning, looked at her blood-stained hand.

(That's too early...)

She no longer believed in God, but she felt abandoned by Him. It seemed that Bertie was thoroughly disliked by everything.

(I thought I had a bit more time...)

Since Minori's soul had taken over her body, her illness had improved miraculously. However, before it was completely cured, Bertie had returned to her own body. She had forgotten about this over the few days since regaining consciousness. The doctor had indeed said it was improving.

When Minori was expelled and the healing power left her body, the illness rapidly progressed and consumed her body.

She had noticed it. Even though she noticed it, she did not report it to the doctor or seek treatment.

"Bertie, hold on!"

"Why... the illness was almost cured!"

As her body lost strength and she could no longer support herself, Ustashe, who had been frozen in shock, suddenly came to and lifted Bertie, letting her lean against his body. Without caring that the blood was staining his expensive clothes, he desperately called out to Bertie and laid her on the sofa where Minori and Ustashe had been sitting.

"Get a doctor! No, Minori, can't you heal her!?"

In her dazed state, she faintly heard the voices of her brothers, who were desperately asking Minori for help, which appeared blurry in her vision.

The choice to rely on Minori's power in this situation would naturally be the first thing to come to mind. It was very fortunate to have someone with healing powers nearby.

However, reality does not always work out so conveniently.

"I, I can't control my power well yet, and my injuries heal on their own... I've been training, but I can't heal other people's injuries."

Minori's words, spoken with a pale face and trembling voice, filled her brothers with despair. Bertie, who had anticipated this, felt no disappointment.

Even while possessing her body, Minori could not use her power on others. This might be because Bertie's body, which was not originally suited for healing, could not properly use the power, but she thought it would still feel strange since she had only been back in her own body for less than three weeks.

Moreover, healing an illness is much more complex than healing an injury. It would be impossible for Minori.

In the first place, even if she had seen a doctor immediately when she first noticed the changes in her illness, the chances of her being saved were very low. The progression of the illness was too abnormal, and there would be no way to treat it.

She was destined to die six months ago. It was just that an unexpected event had occurred, leading to the present moment.

"Bertie, Bertie!!"

Tristan was repeatedly calling Bertie's name. Casimir had probably gone to ask a servant to call a doctor, as he was not visible from where Bertie could see.

Leander's face—she could not see it clearly. He seemed to be staring at her, but her vision was not sharp enough to discern his expression.

Her hand, which had lost sensation, was being held by Ustashe. Even though Minori was right there, it seemed that Ustashe was still fickle.

"Don't touch me."

"..."

"Don't act like a fiancé now. Don't make that family face."

This was directed not only at Ustashe but also at her brothers, father, and the entire Raspade family.

"I hate you, I hate you so much."

Her disdain for them, who had been unfeeling and had accepted others.

"Hating is not just your right."

Her hatred for them, who had treated her unjustly.

"I will never forgive you."

No matter what they did to make amends, it would never disappear.

Even if Bertie lost her life.

"Bertie..."

"You are not my family—cough, cough."

"Bertie!!"

She coughed up more blood, and her breathing grew weaker.

The symptoms were similar to when she had collapsed six months ago. The difference this time was the emotions of the people around her.

The reality that she was never accepted until the end would be a significant burden for them now. They should suffer from guilt and be crushed by it until they die.

Despite facing death, there was no fear in Bertie's heart, only a sense of relief.

She was finally being freed from these detestable people and from a life filled with nothing but pain and rejection.

—That's what she thought.

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