Chapter 16

Translator and Editor: Lea and Ishy

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Chapter 16

When Olivia fell into a deep sleep, the top floor of the Kravant estate was brightly lit.

Rather, it seemed the day was just beginning.

In the middle of the hallway was Lennox’s office.

“The one I asked about?”

Nishir did not delay in replying to his master’s incomplete question.

“There was nothing special.”

Data collected perfectly in not more than half a day were organized on Lennox’s desk.

The relaxed expression of the man slowly reading the file was lonely.

“Her debutante was only a couple of months ago.”

“Yes. It was quite late, so there were many disgraceful rumors. But of course, they have faded since the debut.”

“Understandable.”

Lennox laughed coldly. He was well aware of the behavior of the central aristocrats eager to find scapegoats to bite and tear.

“Rather, the peculiar thing is, the eldest was adopted by Viscount Brienne last year.”

Lennox’s smooth features narrowed into a frown.

“I wonder if that means she was adopted after she became an adult.”

“Indeed. Even rumors recently circulating say that she is not adopted, but an illegitimate child of Viscount Brienne before his marriage.”

“If that’s true, that’s a very chaotic story.”

Lennox lightly clicked his tongue.

“Is this all the data you’ve found?”

“Yes. I suspected it was too ordinary, so I investigated one after another…..”

“Then there won’t be a problem.”

Snapping the file shut, he leaned back against his chair.

The image of a beast resting in his boredom created a strangely decadent atmosphere.

‘It’s normal, I guess–‘

No, it wasn’t like that at all.

A determined woman suddenly offered a marriage proposal to a man she only met a few days ago.

She even proposed a deal using all the cards she could mobilize.

‘Olivia Brienne.’

At least she succeeded in imprinting her name on his lips.

‘I never thought I’d accept that suggestion.’

But in the end, he responded with,

“We end the contract after we get what we want,”

the moment he thought it would be okay for him to be in a relationship with a fixed deadline.

Before he knew it, he found himself agreeing.

It was an impulsive decision.

But he didn’t have any regrets or desire to go back on his word.

‘It’s only for a while anyway.’

She was the one who chose him.

If so, he had no choice but to be willing to enjoy a sweet deviation given for the first time in this never-ending prison of his life.

Lennox’s eyes slowly opened.

His drowsy gaze said that he was a little interested.

“Nishir.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The fascinating man had a faint yet perfect smile adorning his lips.

“Cancel all my schedules for the time being.”

Nishir had a surprised look in his eyes, but he dutifully bowed down.

He knew the rule as a shadow not to question his master.

However, he couldn’t help but be shocked to hear Lennox’s following words.

“I need to get ready to see my bride.”

***

“You’re very happy today, aren’t you?”

[Really? I guess it’s because I had a good rest.]

Perhaps because I overslept until midday after blushing throughout the night, Ash looked quite enthusiastic unlike me.

The bird asked cheerfully,

[But Olivia, how did you come up with the idea of marrying the Duke?]

When he sat on my palm and tilted his head, my eyes widened a little in surprise.

“Isn’t that why you brought me the newspaper article?”

[Me? N-Not at all! I just gave it to you because I thought you’d like it if you heard the news.]

Watching him give off an excuse desperately, I rested my chin on one hand.

“Was that all?”

[Yes! It’s true!]

“But wasn’t the timing of you dropping the newspaper so exquisite?”

[No!]

Ash, who was nodding his head up and down, quickly began to shake his head left and right.

A smile found its way on my lips at the cute appearance of his fluffy round head moving busily.

He was being obvious, but I wondered if I should let it slide this time.

“Okay, okay. I got it.”

I reassured, gently patting Ash from his head to his tail with my index finger.

At that, his stiff body slowly eased as a pleasant expression appeared on his face.

“Where did you get the article, though?”

Ash was enjoying my touch, drooping happily when his back hardened at the question again.

Looking everywhere but me and making awkward hand gestures with his wings, he stuttered,

[Oh, um, c-coincidentally?]

Although his expressions were too obvious, I decided to interrogate no further.

Anyway, I was deeply grateful to Ash for showing me a way to survive.

“Thank you. I was worried about my future, but you solved it.”

I put down my wrist that was holding my chin and shook it gently.

The ornament jingled inside the bracelet I was wearing.

Ash’s eyes twinkled curiously as he touched it with his beak.

[It’s amazing! The charm on the bracelet must have the power to protect you, right?]

“Yes. That’s what he said.”

I recalled last night’s conversation while gazing at the bracelet Lennox left me.

“Always wear this bracelet. The power contained here will prevent evil spirits from approaching you for the time being.”

“Is this bracelet effective?”

“They can locate the energy of your Epure. But if my energy from the bracelet is overlaid with yours, they’ll think I’m with you.”

“Oh? If I wear this bracelet…”

“Of course it’s only to trick their sensation, but it’s a temporary measure.”

Lennox had stated that coldly as soon as my eyes started to shine towards a different possibility.

‘That’s right.’

“But what if I get caught and attacked?”

“The bracelet should block a few attacks. Don’t worry, I’ll come to rescue you as soon as possible until all your powers awaken.”

Lennox said that I could detect an evil presence immediately if I honed my skills.

Until then, the minimum safety device was in place.

[By the way, would it be the right decision to wait like this?]

“Huh? What?”

[What if the Duke changes his mind? What if he suddenly starts to deny the contract?]

“I don’t think he will.”

I knew I didn’t know him well enough to say it. But at least, I believed he wouldn’t break his promise so easily.

I jumped up from my seat.

[Where are you going?]

“The study.”

[Why?]

I smiled as I rubbed the bird’s head.

“While Lennox prepares, we must do what is needed.”

***

I opened the door, sensing a different atmosphere down the hall of the Viscount’s mansion.

Sure enough, as I walked toward the central staircase, I encountered some busy employees.

“Lady Olivia.”

Mary quickly approached me the moment she found me.

“Where are you headed to?”

“I wish to read some books from the library.”

I wanted to go without catching anybody’s attention, but I failed.

“But, is something going on? Everyone looks busy.”

Outside the window, various employees were seen unloading several packages from the cart.

“Oh, that…”

Mary hesitated.

“Lady Carrine is returning from her medical treatment.”

‘Carrine?’

Was Carrine not feeling well?

I searched for clues in the original story, but nothing came to mind.

《 Reversed Lady 》was a story that took place from Olivia’s point of view, and it was in the second half when Carrine’s evil deeds were revealed to the readers.

‘Ah, that’s why I haven’t seen her in the meantime.’

How could I meet her when she wasn’t even in the mansion?

“Where is she now?”

“She appears to have gotten sick on her way, so she’ll be staying overnight at an accommodation nearby and reach the mansion tomorrow. Only her luggage arrived today.”

Mary carefully asked after explaining the situation.

“May I bring some refreshments to your study?”

“No, it’s okay. You must be busy.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

As soon as Mary’s steps disappeared into the distance, Ash’s voice flew in.

Olivia.

He was communicating through a method that delivered thoughts directly into the head instead of talking.

Thanks to him, I was able to have a secret conversation even when I was with someone.

I remember how surprised I was when he first used the method.

But now, I learned to communicate with him just by thinking.

Mary seems to know that you and Carrine don’t get along.

Did she?

She was being careful when she talked about Carrine. Didn’t you notice how many times she had been looking at your face?

Just in case, I scrounged through my memories.

‘What on earth fits with the original work here…?

In 《 Reversed Lady 》, Carrine pretended to be a good sister until her evil deeds surfaced later.

To be exact, Olivia was deceived by Carrine.

‘So when it turned out that Carrine was a villain in disguise, I felt so betrayed.’

I was just at the beginning of being in this world, and yet I hadn’t recovered from the shock of the reversal.

Anyway, Olivia allowed Carrine to rely upon her as an older sister and helper until the middle of the novel.

‘But here, we’re already at odds. To the point where even the employees are aware.’

I could not predict the future awaiting me.

So now, it was safe to say that the storyline differed from the main with the same exposition.

‘But why are the most important things the same?!’

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