Episode 14
As I followed the maid waiting by the door toward the room, I slowly organized my thoughts.
Like the Grand Duke Crighton, had Brian also failed to be wary of Daniel?
I couldn’t believe that Brian had taken Daniel’s side.
Brian was the legitimate son of the Grand Duke Crighton.
If the Grand Duke were to die without incident, all of his inheritance, his title, everything—was meant to pass on to Brian.
So there was no need for him to join hands with Daniel. In the first place, there was no reason for him to split his share by cooperating with Daniel.
And it wasn’t as if Brian lacked power or influence either.
He was the Grand Duke’s son, and in his youth, he had been the hero who led a major battle against monsters to victory.
His Majesty the Emperor had granted Brian the title of Duke, and not only that, but also awarded him territory to govern.
Because he frequently traveled between the capital and the border regions, it seemed someone else managed his land in his stead—but the important thing was that he had no motive to kill the Grand Duke.
Moreover, the relationship between the Grand Duke and Brian didn’t seem bad.
If anything, it was the opposite.
Although he didn’t show as much affection as he did toward his mother, whom he had reunited with after ten years, there still appeared to be deep trust and affection between Brian and the Grand Duke.
Thinking back on their conversation at breakfast this morning, my assumption wasn’t unreasonable.
Their exchange had been casual, natural, and even cheerful.
To suspect their relationship felt wrong.
Then… had Brian simply failed to realize anything until the very moment Daniel took control of the Grand Duke’s household?
That might not be entirely incorrect.
After all, he spent more than half the year stationed at the border.
While Brian was away, Daniel must have taken control of this mansion and set everything in motion.
Of course, I couldn’t say my assumption was perfectly accurate.
But considering everything I had seen, the conclusion pointed to only one enemy of the Grand Duke’s family—
Daniel Crighton.
Passing through a brightly sunlit corridor and turning around the left corner, I could see the entrance hall where we had first entered the mansion.
But strangely, the servants and maids were lined up in rows. I knew there was a reason for it—it was a formation I was already familiar with.
They were waiting for someone to arrive.
I tried to pass by at a distance so as not to disturb them.
But at that moment, the front doors opened, and someone stepped inside—a face I could never forget.
Even in my dying moment, I had etched into my mind those snake-like, cunning eyes that tilted upward.
The man who killed me, who killed the Grand Duke, who crushed my mother’s hopes without mercy—
Daniel Crighton.
“Welcome, Lord Daniel.”
The head butler at the front bowed politely and greeted him.
Daniel casually removed his hat and handed it over. A servant approached from behind and helped him take off his coat.
Now lightly dressed, Daniel suddenly noticed me standing off to the side and widened his eyes.
“Oh? I haven’t seen this child before…”
“She is the eldest young lady’s daughter.”
The butler who had taken his hat added the explanation.
“Oh, I see. I heard Cornelia had returned, but I hadn’t heard she had such an adorable daughter.”
Daniel let out a low chuckle, speaking in admiration.
But I knew he was lying.
There was no way my mother’s letter hadn’t mentioned me.
Though her letter had been an apology, it must have also asked that I be taken care of above all else if something were to happen to her.
And Daniel, who had intercepted all those letters, claimed he didn’t know about me?
Watching him lie so calmly while meeting my eyes, I frowned.
Unbothered by my wariness, Daniel smiled gently and bent down on one knee, as if trying to meet me at eye level.
“If you’re Cornelia’s daughter, then I suppose I’m your great-uncle. Child, won’t you come here?”
“……”
He opened his arms as if ready to embrace me, but I remained rooted to the spot.
Knowing full well what kind of schemes he had, I had no desire to run into his arms like a naive child.
When I only stared at him in silence, Daniel gave an awkward smile.
“She must be very shy. I suppose we won’t get close today, will we, Barden?”
He asked the butler beside him.
“It has only been a day since the young lady arrived at the mansion. She’s probably still unfamiliar with everything.”
The butler answered kindly.
“I see. I heard she arrived yesterday—that makes sense.”
Daniel withdrew his outstretched hands, though he didn’t stand up.
It seemed he still wanted to talk.
“Then, child, won’t you tell me your name? I’m your mother Cornelia’s uncle… or perhaps that’s confusing? I’m your grandfather’s younger brother. My name is Daniel Crighton.”
His sharp eyes looked especially kind when he smiled.
Even now, his expression resembled that of a gentle old man you might see on the street.
If I hadn’t experienced the future, I might have been fooled by that smile.
Had he reassured the Grand Duke with that same cunning expression?
With such a kind and humble demeanor, it was no wonder the Grand Duke never suspected him.
I wanted to ignore him outright, but instead, I chose to play along.
“…My grandfather’s younger brother?”
I looked at him cautiously.
At least for now, it would be easier if Daniel and his followers believed I was just an ignorant child.
“That’s right. So there’s no need to be afraid.”
I glanced back at the maid behind me.
She caught my look and gave a small nod with a smile.
“That’s correct. He is the younger brother of His Grace the Grand Duke.”
Only then did I let out a sigh of relief and looked at Daniel again, pretending to relax.
Being in a child’s body felt frustrating—but at times like this, it was the perfect disguise.
“My name is Mirabel.”
I introduced myself in a timid voice.
“Mirabel, is it? It suits you very well. Did Cornelia name you?”
“Mom and Dad chose it together.”
“Your father… that knight, I presume. Well, come here.”
At his call, I hesitantly stepped closer.
When I stood before him, Daniel raised his large hand to pat my head.
Instinctively, I avoided his touch, then quickly looked up at him.
I had meant to play along, but the disgust had made me recoil without thinking.
Still, since I had already acted shy, he didn’t seem to find it strange.
As if to confirm that, Daniel simply withdrew his hand and nodded.
“Nice to meet you, Mirabel. We’ll be seeing each other often.”
“…Yes.”
“Ah, I came to see your grandfather. Do you know where he is?”
I nodded in response.
“Then will you guide me? It would be nice if you led the way.”
Me?
Though puzzled, I nodded anyway.
Guiding him wasn’t difficult—and since I had just come from the Grand Duke, retracing my steps would be quick.
Still, it felt odd that he specifically asked me.
I glanced back at the maid, silently suggesting she could do it instead.
But she seemed to interpret it differently.
“It seems Lord Daniel wants to get closer to you, young lady.”
“With me?”
“Yes.”
“That’s right, Mirabel. That’s why I’m asking you. Will you guide me to my brother?”
With even Daniel agreeing, I had no reason to refuse.
So I nodded and began walking ahead of him.
“You really resemble Cornelia when she was young. Though your shyness is nothing like hers. Is it because you’re not used to this place yet?”
“The young lady will grow accustomed to it soon.”
“Well, it’s only been a day. After living as a commoner, coming to such a grand place must be overwhelming. It’ll take a few months to shake off that rustic air. Still, she’s quite pretty—if properly raised, she’ll make plenty of men cry.”
At Daniel’s rude remark, the butler gave an awkward smile, avoiding a response.
Though he knew the comment was inappropriate, he didn’t have the courage to challenge Daniel.
I, too, felt anger and humiliation at his words—but for now, I held it in.
There would be time later for revenge.
First, I needed to find the traitor who had stolen the letters under Daniel’s orders.
Once the Grand Duke—and Brian—trusted me more, it wouldn’t be too late to expose Daniel’s schemes and make him answer for his insolence.
