Chapter 3

The baroness was embarrassed and couldn't help but stare at her since Citrina has never asked such questions before.

"Eh? Is that really you, Citrina?"

She really wants to break ties with her.

She decided to refrain from talking as much as possible.

"Ah, It must be because you're sick. You actually got better. Since Elena is still young, do you know how busy mother was these days? Elena sent a message that said she'll be having a vacation in a while. "

"... There's not much difference in age between Elena and me."

"Citrina, from a mother's perspective the youngest will always be a child."

The face of her mother grew warm when she thought of her daughter, Elena.

Compared to her father, her mother is a person who has 'senses and thinks rationality' to some extent, but why is it continually being buried in this absurdity? It doesn't even matter if she got angry or not.

From a third party's point of view, all discrimination and favoritism are apparent.

"Yes. It must be."

The bread has cooled down, and Citrina lost her appetite. She can't help but bite her lip. There's nothing to expect.

"I believe in you, my eldest daughter."

"Yes. You can trust me."

Since Citrina said so, she nodded her head in relief.

Citrina hid the contempt in her lips. 'Look carefully to how you compel the other party to break your relationship.'

"Okay, my daughter."

Citrina stood up and ignored her mother's reply.

She wore the old shawl that was across the chair, over her rag-like dress with worn-out sleeves and patches on some parts.

When she was heading for the door, her mother stopped her with a slightly higher pitch than usual, "Ah, Citrina."

Citrina turned around with the little patience she had left. That's right. She might want to impart some kind words to her daughter who is on her way to the infamous Duke's house.

"You didn't forget about Elena's tuition fee for the Academy, right?"

But her mother did not. Instead, it's still about Elena. Citrina bit her lips. In other words, she's working hard like a peasant only to give away all her hard-earned money.

"Ah."

"If Elena succeeds, all of the hard work will be rewarded, so try a little harder and remain steadfast."

When Citrina didn't reply, her mother began to frown again. Citrina bit her lips. If her mother wanted to persuade her, she would use the 'good daughter' card. (Author: If I read Citrina biting her lips again in this chapter, I swear...)

Back then, she blindly loved that word, but not anymore, since this time she knew everything.

'A dear good daughter? But you still want me to work my limbs off?'

Even if she didn't know the original novel, there are terrible rumors about the treatment of the workers at that house, in addition to the superstition that giving birth to twins was terrible luck. Especially, since the twin brothers' overflowing magic have chances of getting out of control, people were reluctant to get closer to them.

So when they heard about Cetrina, they thought they were in paradise.

"I'm going to live, and I'll make sure of it."

'I'm not coming back to this house.'

Her mother just smiled, not knowing what's going on in her daughter's mind.

After a quick silence, she ultimately left her mother alone on the table, who was taking deep breaths with her frowning face.

It doesn't matter anymore.

Finally, she has the chance to meet Aron, the male protagonist, and Desian, the villain.

***

Leaving behind her mother, she climbed inside the carriage and prepared herself for going to the Duke's house.

The carriage was speeding to the house of Duke Pietro. Citrina slowly leaned her back on the velvet lining of the carriage with her bags next to her.

She was sitting alone and looking outside the window, watching as the scenery change, her mind became a little clearer.

'If Desian was prevented into becoming a villain, he can be a genius official, a craftsman, or a magician.'

But if it was unsuccessful, the probability of dying will rise, since Desian will kill without hesitation.

He and Elena don't have a good relationship, so if she fails, there's a higher chance of raising a death flag.

"I still have time. I'll be fine."

Citrina was on her way to meet the ruthless villain. However, she has a good feeling that things will work out.

While she recalled the original story, the carriage was coming to a halt and she heard the call of the horseman, "We have arrived!"

Citrina elegantly stepped out of the carriage with her luggage in her hands, showing her bearing as a perfectionist.

Could it be because she mastered the art of survival? In her mind, she has the memory as Citrina Foluin and Kim Ju-yoen, so all the knowledge from the novel remained. She hardened her heart and felt everything got more easier.

"Lady Citrina Foluin."

Greeted the middle-aged man based on the gray hair on her head, as he made a gesture of honor with his hand, "Welcome to the house of Duke."

"I am this residence's butler. It's a pleasure to meet you." As he took the luggage that was in her hands, and felt her shoulder got a little lighter.

"I will now take you to the common room." She smiled lightly as he followed him.

It is the season where the grasses lightly sway and the wind blows. It's already late in the summer.

She might not be able to go back to her family again with her choice, but she regrets nothing.

***

The historical building of the Duke's mansion was elegant and majestic. After passing through the gate, they crossed the bridge embedded with pearls, and reached the twins' residence.

"Since you'll be friends of the two young masters, you'll be living together in the outer residence in a separate room."

Since it was common for high-ranked nobles to have subordinates and friends that match the personality of an aristocrat, it's only natural to have an empty residence reserved for them.

The butler was explaining various rules while walking ahead.

'I already know the rules. The main point is that it should not bother the Duke.'

Citrina kept walking as she listened.

The road to the room on the outer residence was wide and colorful. Five adult men can walk side by side.

'Where would the duke be residing in this kind of place?'

Citrina strolled on the marble floor while looking around.

'It's the difference of Heaven and Earth with the Baron residence that completely falling apart.'

Citrina passed through the hallway, colorfully decorated with the Duke's portraits, beautiful ceramics, and various artifacts.The butler remarked at my slow pace.

"Hm. Hm. As you may hear, Miss Citrina will only need the role of the two young masters' friend." He stopped in front of a white door in gold color stripes.

"Yes. I understand. I remember all the contents of the contract."

"...Ah, yes. This room is where Miss Citrina will stay." The astonishment reflected the butler's eyes briefly, and passed by the small stylish door.

"Your baggage will be here shortly after the maids make an inspection."

"Yes. When can I meet the young masters?"

The butler took a few steps without answering and stopped on another colorful door.

"Would it be okay for you if you meet them right now?"

"Yes. It's all right."

"Then I would introduce you to young master Aron first. As you may well know, he is the younger one of the twins."

I will soon meet one of the Pietro, the male protagonist in the original story. Citrina briefly recalled the content of the novel.

The Duke was strangely obsessed with Desian. She remembered that he used to abuse and beat him.

Perhaps Citrina will be able to meet Desina when the Duke is out for a long time.

Citrina shortly concluded and replied, "...Okay."

"Then you may go in."

To her response, the butler opened the door halfway and said in a deep voice, "As explained in the contract, and I will remind you again, you must take care of the young masters. When you break the contract, do you know the price?"

"I know. I am aware of everything." Citrina nodded with a relaxed expression.

All of the words from the butler were attributed to Pietro's 'curse' not to mind about the twin brothers' every move.

'I shouldn't care about what the Duke's doing, I can't. I don't have the power to save everyone.'

Even if the boy is being abused right in front of her, it's not like she can save him. She might even get themselves killed.

It's not in me to die while helping others.

"That sounds good."

'Let's just first meet them to make things easier.'

Citrina shook off the complicated emotions in her heart.

"Then, have a good time." When the butler's words ended, the door completely opened.

Citrina Foliun slowly walked inside.

It's time to meet Ivan Pietro.

When Citrina walked inside the common room, the butler looked at her one last time before closing the door.

*thud.*

Now there's only the both of them remaining in the room, Aron and her.

It's time to get a little bit of his affection.

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