CHAPTER 24

The meal that was served wasn’t luxurious, but it wasn’t plain either. There was bread, cooked sausages, two types of mashed potato dishes, soft-boiled eggs, and vegetables mixed with different sauces. The food was light, but required effort to prepare.

“You’ve come?”

From the Count’s grumpy expression, I could tell that he had been expecting to eat with the young viscountess.

‘Serves you right.’

I acted like I didn’t notice and quietly ate, waiting for the Count to bring up the topic first. He poked at his mashed potatoes a few times, then finally opened his mouth.

“Did the conversation go well?”

“Thanks to you.”

“I wonder what you talked about to make the viscountess so cheerful. I could hear her laughter all the way in the study.”

I almost laughed out loud. He must have been pacing nearby anxiously. There was no way her laughter reached the study—or even the hallway.

“Oh, we just talked about business.”

I answered vaguely, and the Count responded by roughly clattering his utensils. The clinking sound was annoying.

“Looks like you’ve made peace with both His Majesty and the viscountess?”

“I’m happy to know you’re so interested in me.”

I gave a short answer. He clearly eavesdropped on the earlier conversation and was trying to probe me—it was irritating.

While I continued cutting the vegetables on my plate, I could feel him staring at me, as if waiting for a confession. I spoke first to end the useless conversation and go back to my room quickly.

“His Majesty said he wanted me to take charge of a new business.”

The Count looked surprised, then gave a sarcastic laugh.

I glanced at him coldly and continued eating. But he didn’t stop talking.

“Don’t trust her just because she’s your sister. That woman is all talk. Business should be done with someone reliable.”

He went on and on, bad-mouthing the viscountess—how terrible she was at business, how many people she fooled with her sharp tongue.

All the while, I kept chopping the vegetables. I had diced them so finely they were barely recognizable. Then I stuffed them in my mouth with mashed potatoes.

After a drink, the Count started talking again.

“I just can’t understand what His Majesty is thinking. Giving you a business? If I had been there, I would’ve opposed it.”

He looked me up and down arrogantly.

“You know as well as I do. You’re… not suited for this. Don’t take it the wrong way. Business needs boldness. But you’re too cautious. Though I actually like that about you. A wife should be obedient—like a servant of God.”

His voice was overly dramatic, and what he said was ridiculous. I decided to see how long he would continue with this nonsense, so I kept eating my mashed potatoes.

Then I looked him over carefully. His face was neat, but not likeable. Especially those sneaky eyes and that greedy look.

“You, doing business? That’s absurd. Truly absurd…”

He kept saying there was no way I could handle business.

“How about this? We run the business together, under both our names. That way, His Majesty won’t object. Of course, I’ll handle most of it. But I want to give you a little credit.”

My jaw dropped.

‘Is he serious right now?’

Even in this world, anyone would know business isn’t child’s play. It was obvious he just wanted to take over the work the King gave me.

Then, using a more serious voice, he continued. When you want to avoid useless talk, blaming a higher-up is always best.

“I’ll ask His Majesty about that.”

The Count raised both hands, flicking his index and middle fingers.

“Yes, of course. We need Her Majesty’s approval.”

I wanted to smack that smug face of his, but I held back the urge.

“It would be wise to speak seriously.”

The Count smirked.

“It’s time I settled down properly, don’t you think? Especially with ‘our child’ coming. The seasons will change soon. And it’s been a while since I last visited your room.”

His words made me clench my fists. Carla would’ve nodded at that. She probably wanted his child. It was a disgusting and cowardly threat.

“I’ll be more careful this time. A true man of the house should fulfill his duties.”

Then he gave me a slimy smile. I felt frozen from the toes up. Damn it. I finished eating, not even knowing whether I was swallowing food or my own anger.

As soon as the meal ended, I gave an order to Bell.

“Bring me some stationery. Pick a nice design. And bring plenty.”

I was planning to write to the viscountess right away. She said she’d contact me, but I couldn’t just wait around. Life is a battle—and if you want to win, strike first.

Theodore followed behind and asked,

“Are you all right?”

“There’s nothing wrong.”

I slowly tilted my head, then returned it upright. It was a deliberate movement—I needed to get some information from him.

Once we entered the room, I grabbed a stack of invitations from the dressing table. I was going to ask Theodore which nobles were friendly with the King. But before I could even start, he spoke first.

“Lady Carla, you’re trembling.”

“Oh, am I?”

I laughed and looked at my hands—and sure enough, I was shaking slightly. I froze, surprised, and then Theodore gently took my hand.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

He lightly held my hand. His fingers were rough with calluses. His hands were hot, like they could burn me.

‘Or maybe… my hands are cold.’

We looked at each other silently. My lips wouldn’t move, as if frozen. Time felt strange—it seemed to drag on forever and also fly by. At last, Theodore spoke.

“I can’t imagine what you’re afraid of, but if I can help in any way…”

He went on, saying he would do anything for me. That melted the tension between us.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’m really not scared.”

“When people are scared or nervous, their body temperature drops.”

Theodore insisted. I calmly pulled my hand back from his. The warmth from his hand stayed, so I hid my hand behind my back.

“I’m not scared. Why would I be?”

The shaking had already stopped. If I was truly scared of the Count, I would’ve given up a long time ago. No—this wasn’t fear. It was rage. Hatred. I gave a small scoff. Theodore cautiously asked,

“I may not understand everything… but I know you’re carrying a burden you shouldn’t have to. Why don’t you run away?”

That was the same question I had asked myself ever since arriving in this strange world. I could answer it in my sleep.

“Why should I run away?”

I didn’t choose to be in Carla’s body—but I did choose to live her life. I didn’t run with the jewels. I decided to take revenge on the Count. Of course, I hadn’t expected him to be this much of a monster.

“I’m not running. I still have things to do.”

I was scared enough to think about making drugs to avoid sleeping with him—but I still wanted to keep my pride. I clenched my fists. I didn’t want to show weakness again.

The light caught in Theodore’s blue eyes, making them sparkle. They were so clear, like opals, that I couldn’t guess what he was feeling. Then he bowed politely.

“I spoke out of turn.”

My trembling stopped completely. He didn’t need to apologize, but I accepted it anyway—since I had a job for him. I handed him the stack of invitations.

“Can you help me find a good party to attend?”

He looked blankly at the invitations, a bit flustered—maybe even surprised.

“Am I allowed to look at these?”

“I’m giving you permission.”

He slowly looked through them. In his hands, the ivory-colored invitations looked elegant. He picked out four and handed them to me.

“If I may, these four seem best.”

The invitations were from Marquess Verner, Baroness Yvonne, Baroness Michelle, and Count Johan. I didn’t really know any of them, but I had at least nodded at Baroness Yvonne once—if that counted as knowing someone. Carla wasn’t close with many people anyway.

“Can I ask why you picked these?”

Theodore explained how each of them was politically connected to the King. He spoke very softly, like he didn’t want anyone outside to hear—and his whisper made my ears tickle.

“Marquess Verner supported the King’s rise. He used to be on the second prince’s side, but his son—sorry, his brother—became a servant of God, so he switched.”

That made sense. If his son was serving in the temple, he couldn’t risk going against the King.

That meant his whole circle probably supported the King too. It would be good to be on their side. I nodded, and Theodore moved on to the next.

“Baroness Yvonne… had a falling-out with Count Icarus. They played cards, and the Count cheated. She’s proud, so she pretends she’s fine, but it’s well known that she’s been sensitive about card games since last year.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If she knew Carla hated the Count, she might take my side.

She was older, and I wasn’t sure we could become close—but the party seemed worth attending.

“Baroness Michelle is neutral. But I’ve heard… she wants to build a friendship with His Majesty.”

So she was someone I could probably persuade. Theodore scratched his neck shyly. I guessed all this information came straight from the King.

“What about Count Johan?”

Theodore looked at the last invitation. He hesitated, then finally spoke.

“Count Johan… has one of the most beautiful gardens.”

“And?”

I was waiting to hear his political value, but Theodore just shook his head.

“That’s it.”

His cheeks turned red. He looked down and confessed quietly.

“I just wanted to show you something beautiful. Even though… I know you don’t like flowers.”

That was it? I let out a small laugh. Sometimes Theodore acted like a boy with his first crush.

“Sounds good. The timing works too. I’ll think about the last one. Thank you, Sir. You may go now.”

“May the Great One protect you, Lady Carla.”

As soon as he left, Bell and Liza entered, like they were switching shifts. It looked like Bell had dragged lazy Liza back in. Liza pouted, looked at me, and then her eyes widened.

“My lady, are you hot?”

I turned to look in the mirror—and saw that my ears were completely red.