Chapter 7
“They hung me up like this and said that since I’m not really Ignitus’ child but someone else’s, and I’ll be abandoned anyway, I don’t deserve bread. That’s why I showed them my power…”
I intentionally left out the part where I’d scattered chestnut burrs at the kitchen entrance.
“You… miserable wretches. I generously gave you jobs, and this is how you repay me? By running your petty mouths and insulting your master!”
Lord Tiberius exploded with rage after hearing me out.
Even I, who wasn’t truly a child, was taken aback by the sheer intensity of his presence.
“Gordio, shut down the quarry immediately and find those responsible. Imprison them. This was a task even slaves could’ve handled!”
Not just me—even the powerful Lord Abellus was overwhelmed and quietly lowered his head.
“And Calidora!”
“Yes?”
“Forget everything they told you. It was all nonsense, none of it true.”
“Yes!”
After taking a moment to calm himself, Lord Tiberius gave Gordio a few more instructions.
One of them was chilling: to seal the gap in the hall’s roof with molten lava.
At that point, Lord Abellus, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke.
“It’s ridiculous for someone like you to bear the name of Ignitus, Calidora.”
His words made me choke up a little.
It was clear from his expression that he wasn’t accepting this situation warmly.
Well, of course he wouldn’t. I keep dragging the family into gossip and scandal.
Still, that’s no reason to mock the name I carry.
Suppressing my personal hurt, I chose to speak against what I simply couldn’t accept.
“Ignitutu’s name doesn’t get belittled over something like this.”
“Gordio, hold on a moment.”
Lord Tiberius immediately interrupted.
“Ignitutu’s honor is worth as much as the goddess’s value.”
Hmph. I just said something really profound, but with this pronunciation, it doesn’t sound profound at all.
“You’re insolent, Calidora.”
Lord Abellus responded coldly.
“I do like you, Abellnutt, but wrong is wrong.”
Amazingly, Lord Tiberius stepped in then.
“Calidora is right, Abellus. In fact, what you just said was an insult to Ignitus. Even if the whole world scorns our family, you should be the one to uphold our honor. How can you, of all people, be the one to tarnish it?”
Lord Abellus’s eyes wavered.
“…I’m sorry, Uncle. I spoke without thinking.”
It didn’t seem like he was just cowed by a scolding—he genuinely looked remorseful.
Abellus was always so composed and grown-up, but right now, he just looked like any other deflated boy.
Feeling a little sympathy, I cautiously tried to comfort him.
“I’m sorry, Dyo-dang-nim…”
“Don’t talk to me.”
“…Yes.”
“You’re quite sharp, Calidora. Did your mother teach you that?”
“Ah, that was…”
As soon as I recalled who had said it, a chill ran down my spine.
“Respected Lord, why do you not grieve? Ignitus’ honor has fallen to the ground.”
“You ask a foolish question, my son. Our honor has never fallen, for it lies with the goddess Vesta.”
Those were the words of Marcus Ignitus, the 17th head of the family.
Which means… since the current 14th lord, Tiberius, is still alive, those words haven’t even been spoken yet in this timeline.
I’d unknowingly quoted a famous future line. Trying to cover it up, I quickly added:
“The adults said it that way.”
“…Then your mother’s words weren’t entirely false.”
The lord murmured softly.
‘What does that mean?’
Though curious, I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Instead, I reached for the snacks that had just been served.
It was a small, honey-glazed biscuit for children.
I used to love sweets when I was younger, but not so much now.
“…!”
One big bite, and my eyes widened.
It was delicious.
Meanwhile, in the quiet drawing room, two people remained.
Old servant Gordio, who was urgently drafting documents per the lord’s orders, and Lord Abellus, seated deep in thought.
Gordio, shaking an inkwell, glanced at the young master who had been lost in thought for several minutes with a curious look.
“What weighs on your mind, young master?”
“Nothing. Focus on your own work.”
The precocious heir of Ignitus never revealed his feelings to subordinates.
As a long-serving and loyal retainer of the house, Gordio knew that well, so he obediently fell silent.
‘Still… I can guess. No doubt it’s about the young lady. No way someone like him would ever think kindly of a child from that side.’
However, contrary to Gordio’s assumption, the thoughts consuming Abellus weren’t resentment—but genuine curiosity.
“I like Abellnutt, but wrong is wrong.”
‘…Why does she like me?’
The next day after meeting Lord Tiberius, the family assembly of the House of Ignitus was held two days earlier than originally scheduled.
Once again, the lord allowed me to attend.
I’d caused a commotion the first day, but he must have believed I wouldn’t do it again.
This family assembly involved all members and close affiliates of the Ignitus household.
Formally, it was for delivering the lord’s orders and discussing family matters, but for us, it was also a ritual to reinforce family unity.
“You may stand anywhere along this line.”
Though the servant said so, I found a spot in the corner where I wouldn’t stand out.
Soon, the lord and other members entered, filling the hall. Abellus and his closest allies gathered near the head seats.
‘I used to stand next to them once, too.’
I remembered standing right beside my father, assisting him during meetings. Now I should be thankful just to attend.
The memory made me feel a bit bitter.
The meeting began, filled with formal requests, approvals from the lord, and polite exchanges.
As it neared its end, I thought it would wrap up soon—until:
“If no one else has matters to raise, then let us now discuss Ignisia.”
‘Ignisia…?’
Ignisia referred to the daughters of the House of Ignitus.
As I mentally repeated the lord’s words, I suddenly froze.
Wait a minute—me?
Was I now the topic of this family meeting?
Others seemed equally surprised, and all eyes quickly turned to me in the corner.
My mind went into overdrive.
Were they going to punish me?
No way. I didn’t do anything that bad.
Okay, fine, I did set a tree on fire and cause some trouble…
But didn’t they praise me in the end?
Still, a single compliment doesn’t mean I’m actually useful, right?
As my thoughts battled between “I’m doomed” and “It’s probably nothing”, the lord spoke again.
“The grave wrongs committed by this child’s mother caused us deep disappointment.”
At the mention of my mother, my ears perked up.
Lord Tiberius had once been furious at the rumor that Calidora was born out of wedlock. But from what he was saying now, it seemed like she had indeed committed some serious fault.
I didn’t know what her actual crime was, so it was hard to judge. This wasn’t in any history book.
“We were enraged by her betrayal, and deeply grieved that her lies and insults shattered our unity.”
As he spoke, Lord Tiberius’s gaze lingered noticeably on Lord Abellus.
“I know that some among you avoid mentioning this out of despair. However…”
He looked around the room.
“Even if this child was involved in her mother’s crimes, they are not her crimes. Those who disgraced us have already been severed from this land. What we should remember when we see this girl is not the sins of her birth mother—but the face of Lucius, the family we once loved.”
“Therefore, I order you to remember only two things.”
His voice rang with power across the entire hall.
“This child is legally my daughter and shall enjoy all rights as such. And by custom, she is the heir to our house and will receive treatment befitting that role.”
“I understand, my lord,” said Abellus.
Then, everyone echoed in unison:
“We understand!”
