Chapter 46
No one, not Rodrigo, nor anyone else, could answer Clarissa’s question.
Most of those present were high-ranking nobles.
Which meant that these were people who would stake their lives on reputation and honor.
And someone of that status would know better than anyone else…
…that the words escaping Clarissa’s mouth could, at any moment, become “truth,” simply by her will.
Of course, if they invested enormous amounts of time and money, they might be able to restore a tarnished reputation.
But could a name once trampled truly shine as it once did?
And were they even righteous enough to restore their family’s sullied name with mere wealth and time?
The rumors Clarissa had just fabricated were unquestionably false—but the essence of the people involved was true.
That was why they were afraid. Why they were anxious.
Just how much did she know?
It seemed as if they were gripped by the thought that, at any time, anywhere, some rumor could expose their ugly truths.
Their complexions turned as pale as cold, forgotten food.
“If it’s only going to be this boring, who am I even bothering with?”
Clarissa opened her mouth again, forgetting even to snicker.
Though it felt a little satisfying, she had no intention of stopping there.
“If that story wasn’t enough, shall we move on to the next one? Let’s see… the Peridot family’s…”
“I-I have to go.”
“Me too…”
But before Clarissa could even begin, one by one, people stood from their seats.
It was just getting interesting.
“What a shame. There were even more interesting stories left.”
“Miss Lisette!”
Clarissa swallowed her disappointment, but she didn’t bother stopping those who were leaving.
Only Valeria, who had been silently watching the scene, twisted her face mercilessly and glared at Clarissa.
“Ah, Miss Fernandez.”
Clarissa deliberately narrowed her eyes.
“See? Space opened up, didn’t it?”
And in front of the now-empty seats, she spread her arms proudly.
“No need to wait long at all.”
Valeria’s teal eyes flickered sharply.
She no longer performed any petty act before Clarissa.
“You’ll regret what happened today…”
“Regret, huh…”
Clarissa blinked slowly. To feel fear from Valeria was impossible; she had already “created” far worse villains, and she had the wealth to pretend even a little if needed.
She nodded slightly, trying not to openly laugh at someone putting their all into a fight against her.
“Well, this is exciting.”
The garden of the Lisette household was warm but dull, and its owner, Clarissa, twisted restlessly in boredom.
After wreaking havoc at the Fernandez family’s dinner party, she was enjoying perfect peace—and she loved it.
‘You said you’d make me regret it… so why aren’t you doing anything?’
The royal visit had not been approved, and even the original story’s villain who promised to play along remained silent.
Ah, she was bored to death.
Clarissa buried her head in the table, longing for the days when she would cause chaos daily.
And it was a dazzling young man with silver hair who rescued her from the depths of her boredom.
“Clarissa!”
Even without looking back, she recognized the voice.
Naturally, a smile blossomed across her face. She opened her mouth to call his name.
“Aryan… you came…”
But before she could even take in Aryan’s flushed, red face, a huge white mass blocked her view.
Soft, fluffy touches brushed her cheeks. Only after tasting a few in her mouth did she realize what it was.
“Woof woof!”
“…Hugh came too, huh?”
Clarissa finally freed herself from Hugh’s embrace after stroking the white mass indiscriminately.
The blue-eyed creature, poking Clarissa’s cheek with its long snout, had grown into such a magnificent figure that it was hard to imagine it as the cute child it had once been.
“Royal water must really be good for you.”
Even this seemed to resemble its owner. Clarissa smiled with satisfaction as she stroked Hugh’s exposed belly.
Then, turning to Aryan, who had been watching her expectantly, she finally spoke what she hadn’t yet said.
“How have you been?”
Aryan swallowed his silent disappointment and nodded.
Quickly, as if afraid the conversation would end, he asked after Clarissa.
“And you, Clarissa?”
“I… had a very enjoyable time too.”
Clarissa answered honestly.
It was almost a shame not to tell Aryan everything, but she didn’t want to dirty his ears unnecessarily.
“I’m glad.”
Clarissa’s cheerful reply softened Aryan’s face.
His eyes, reminiscent of the spring sky and summer sea, gleamed brightly.
Under the blue sky, his long silver strands shimmered beautifully.
Clarissa quietly looked up at Aryan as if admiring a piece of art.
‘He really grew up well. Very well.’
Filled with satisfaction, Clarissa messed up Hugh’s fur.
Hugh didn’t seem to mind at all; his nose still tapped lightly against her hand.
Aryan, meanwhile, approached and cast a long shadow before standing in front of Clarissa.
Before his roughened hand touched Hugh’s head, Clarissa noticed an inexplicable discomfort and raised her head.
She quickly realized the source of the unease.
“By the way, Aryan. Did you grow taller?”
“Pardon?”
Clarissa stretched her arms above her head and puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
“Stand up!”
Aryan, unable to hide his embarrassment, obeyed Clarissa and straightened up.
Clarissa turned him around and pressed her back against his.
Feeling with the back of her hand, she let out a despairing voice.
“Ugh… lies.”
“Haha.”
Aryan couldn’t help but laugh at Clarissa’s grumbling.
Even bowing slightly and covering his mouth looked picturesque, but to Clarissa’s frustrated eyes, it was simply annoying.
“Do you like looking down on me that much?”
“Is it a problem if I’m taller?”
Aryan gently replied to Clarissa’s complaints.
As he said, his height caused her no trouble—she had prayed every night for him to grow strong.
“…Not exactly.”
Clarissa, unusually pouting, continued to glare at his smiling face.
Of course, it was largely thanks to her that he had grown so well, but seeing him grow day by day in places she couldn’t watch made her uneasy.
Finally, grumpy and playful, Clarissa waved her hand at Aryan.
Taking advantage of the slight bend in his waist, she placed both hands on his shoulders and pressed down as hard as she could.
Aryan, worried she might hurt herself, didn’t resist and sank to the floor under her weight.
In an instant, their positions swapped.
Satisfied, Clarissa opened her mouth.
“Looking down at you is so cute.”
“Cute…”
Aryan’s lips paused for a moment as he followed her words.
His blue eyes trembled faintly but soon settled.
Holding back the desire to return her words, he answered softly, the same gentle voice he used with Hugh.
“So… we’ll stay like this today?”
“Woof woof!”
But the first response came not from Aryan, but from Hugh.
Seeing him nuzzle under Aryan’s hand, Clarissa realized he must have mistaken her call as being for him.
While Aryan looked flustered, Clarissa’s eyes narrowed sharply.
Wait… was I just treated like a dog… no, like Hugh?
Suppressing her excitement, she moved her lips in a clearly sulking expression.
“…Fine.”
