Unfriendly Stepmother

Belladonna, the Magpie Duchess.
Having sacrificed everything to repay the Duke’s favor for saving her, she was no longer as kind as before after her return.
ㅡㅡㅡ
She wanted recognition in everything related to the Duke, desiring to be embraced as part of his family. With one life to give, she had done her best for the Duke’s house and had died doing so. So, she did everything she could.
“Good.”
What needed to be unraveled would be unraveled, and what needed to be kept would be kept. Following the Duke’s last wishes, she would protect the Duke’s estate until Kaelan came of age.
And in three years, she would leave this place without any regrets.
So, my dear children.
For you, this should be good news.
You will no longer have the attention that you have always rejected.
ㅡㅡㅡ
“…Why aren’t you scolding me?”
I smiled gently at the wicked child who asked me with a trembling voice.
“I already told you. Reina.”
“…”
“I don’t plan on scolding you.”
“Why?”
I don’t want to do anything that would relieve your burden, and I don’t want to help you anymore.
“Just because.”
I no longer want to help you.
ㅡㅡㅡ
“I want to be happy.”
“Is that all?”
“I’m not sure. What makes people happy?”
“Family, delicious food, loved ones, and… things you want to have? You can be happy even with small things.”
“What do you want then?”
“I… well. I just… want a pretty hairpin.”
The child, momentarily distracted by a bright smile that didn’t match the current situation, suddenly spoke with determination in her voice.
“A hairpin. I’ll give you one.”
And the long-forgotten connection from the distant past slowly approached like flowing water.