Due to the aftereffects of motion sickness, the late dinner was a simple affair. Eleanor felt sorry that even her aunt was eating modestly because of her, and she wore a gloomy expression.
“I’m fine, Aunt. Please have some more food,” Eleanor said.
“As you get older, eating less is healthier anyway. And this is plenty,” her aunt replied.
Eleanor looked down at the table set with a mild mushroom soup, soft white bread, and tomato juice.
No matter how frugal her aunt was, she normally wouldn’t eat such a meager meal. Because Eleanor’s stomach was upset, she had tried to be considerate, which ended up making the dinner rather modest.
Seeing Eleanor’s sulky face, Stephanie smiled and gently stroked her niece’s head.
“You won’t collapse just because you eat like this once. Don’t worry about me; just eat as much as you can.”
“Yes…” Eleanor took a warm spoonful of soup. She hadn’t been able to eat anything on the train due to the motion sickness.
Warm food entering her half-day empty stomach calmed her queasy feelings.
She tore off small pieces of bread and ate little by little. The Baron Pomfry, who had been watching his niece eat as if she were a mother bird watching her chick, also began to eat.
After a while, the only sounds were the busy noises of eating. Eleanor took a sip of tomato juice and then spoke.
“Thank you for inviting me like this. I couldn’t even leave the mansion in Bayrn, after all.”
Eleanor was not at fault for breaking off the engagement with Edward. If anything, the only fault was that she hadn’t been honest about the reason for the breakup.
But such little lies were commonly told by other nobles to protect their honor.
Even when a noblewoman was rumored to have an affair with the coachman and later divorced, the official reason was “irreconcilable differences.”
Because the woman’s family was more influential, they told lies to at least save some honor.
However, it was Eleanor, not Edward, who had been unable to go out.
Because of her two broken engagements, the social convention that broken-off noblewomen must keep a low profile, and the scandal involving her younger sibling.
“I saw your news in the papers. That Earl’s foolish son must have made things difficult for both you and Lydia,” the Baron Pomfry said with a sigh. When her aunt mentioned Lydia, Eleanor instinctively clenched her fists.
So her aunt only worries about Lydia after all.
Everything that started with Eleanor as an extra lead eventually revolved around the heroine Lydia.
Only Stella and Lisa had genuinely worried about Eleanor amidst the chaos caused by Edward Hans.
Eleanor tensed, fearing that her aunt’s next words would be all about Lydia. She had heard too many times how the focus was only on Lydia after introducing Eleanor.
“How lonely you must have been alone in Bayrn.”
Her aunt’s words were different than what Eleanor had prepared for. Eleanor blinked and looked at her aunt.
“Actually, Lydia is also from Lydian, and she was more worried about you than anything else. Her fiancé liked your younger sister, and he ran around crazily without caring about your honor, while the worthless newspapers eagerly spread that news. It’s too much for one person to handle alone.”
Stephanie’s dark brown eyes looked at Eleanor with a tender light.
Since Lydia was the one who had always received that kind of gaze, Eleanor felt a sting in her nose. Her aunt’s gentle and concerned feelings seeped into her.
“That’s why I purposely asked you to come. There are things to talk about, and I wanted to see my eldest niece after a long time.”
“Thank you. If it weren’t for you, I would have been stuck inside the mansion indefinitely,” Eleanor said sincerely, moved. Knowing there was someone besides Stella and Lisa who truly cared for her stirred something inside her, making her feel soft like a wobbly pudding.
“No way my niece would be harmed by such a half-witted fellow. Eleanor, stay here and rest your mind.”
The Baron Pomfry gently held her niece’s hand. Though some warmth had returned, she could still feel the faint chill of Eleanor’s slender and soft hand. The Baron’s heart ached imagining how much mental suffering she had endured alone.
After finishing the meal, the two moved to the living room to share tea. It was pleasant to chat with her aunt while drinking herbal tea that soothed the mind and body.
The early summer night breeze was still cool, gently drifting through the half-opened window, making it feel nice.
Finishing the last of the tea, Eleanor yawned.
“You must be tired from coming all this way. I’ve held you up too long.”
The Baron Pomfry put down her cup, looking apologetic. Eleanor shook her head.
“No, I wanted to talk with you, Aunt. I really enjoyed spending time together.”
“You speak so prettily. Now go get some good sleep.”
“Oh, what was it you wanted to tell me? I want to hear that before I go.”
Eleanor started to get up but stopped and asked. She had been curious about what message had been mentioned since the letter, but the conversation distracted her and she forgot.
Seeing Eleanor’s half-closed eyes, the Baron waved her hand.
“We can talk tomorrow. You must be tired from the journey, so go rest.”
She was indeed exhausted from the long train ride and motion sickness, so Eleanor didn’t refuse. She was so sleepy that it was hard to keep her head steady.
“Good night, Aunt. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sleep well, Eleanor.”
After greeting her aunt, Eleanor went to the room assigned to her at Oclama Castle, helped by Lisa. It was the room she always used when staying at Oclama.
After washing up and changing, Eleanor lay down on the bed. While Lisa tidied the curtains briefly, Eleanor fell asleep. Her quiet breathing confirmed she was asleep.
Lisa, who had come to greet the young lady, quietly covered her with a blanket and quietly left the room after seeing her deep asleep.
Dragging her tired body from the trip, Lisa went to her own assigned room.
The morning at Oclama was very different from Bayrn.
It was noisy, lively, and full of energy.
When Eleanor drew back the curtains, morning sunlight filled the room. Opening the window, she heard birdsong that was unheard in Bayrn.
Below the window, the sounds of horses and footsteps of mansion servants echoed busily.
Still a bit dazed, Eleanor got out of bed. The room wasn’t familiar, only vaguely so, which felt strange amid her unsettled mind.
After washing her face with lukewarm water, her mind became clearer.
“Miss, you’re ready,” Lisa said, looking satisfied after skillfully braiding Eleanor’s hair with the sky-blue silk.
Her skill in tying the ribbon at the end without letting the hair loose was impressive.
Eleanor went down lightly to the dining room.
Baron Pomfry was already there waiting. Eleanor lightly lifted the hem of her dress with both hands.
“Good morning, Aunt.”
“Did you sleep well? Was your bed comfortable?”
“Yes. I guess it felt comfortable because it’s the room I always stay in when I come,” Eleanor smiled lightly. The Baron smiled back relieved and went to her right side. Eleanor glanced briefly to the left seat she had noticed when entering.
There sat a girl she’d never seen before, quietly sitting.
Though Eleanor had never been to Oclama before, she had also never met this girl. Her hair and eyes resembled the sunset glow.
Curious about the girl’s identity, Eleanor sat down. When she took her seat, the waiting maids began to bring dishes one by one.
“Eleanor, you haven’t seen her before, right?” the Baron said as the appetizers arrived before the main course.
Eleanor nodded with curiosity, looking at the girl across from her.
“Is she from another noble family?”
Judging from the neatly kept hair and tidy dress, Eleanor guessed so, but the girl suddenly furrowed her brows.
With eyes full of displeasure, Eleanor flinched, wondering if she had made a mistake.
However, when Baron Pomfry turned his head left, the girl’s face changed to a calm expression as if nothing had happened.
The expression shift was so complete that Eleanor was slightly startled.
“This is Vanessa. She’s a child I sponsor.”
“Sponsor?”
“Yes. I’ve supported her for a long time, and since late the year before last, she’s been living with me here at Oclama.”
Since the year before last, Eleanor wouldn’t have seen her. She had visited Oclama the summer before last and hadn’t come down last year since her aunt went to the capital.
Now that she thought about it, Eleanor recalled hearing that her aunt supported several children.
It was common for nobles to sponsor children. The Stikov family also sponsored several children as a family.
What was a bit surprising, though, was that she had the sponsored child sit at the same table. Usually, sponsored children were commoners.
Sometimes, nobles sponsored children from fallen or poor noble families, but if that were the case, her aunt would have surely introduced their family name as well.
But since only her name was introduced, it must mean she was a commoner.
Even though Eleanor had long been possessed, she didn’t usually show class consciousness.
Still, it was very rare for a noble to share a meal with a sponsored commoner child, so she was somewhat surprised.
“She’s a child I cherish and treat without discrimination. She’s very capable and will be a great help to Oclama and Pomfry in the future.”
The Baron Pomfry’s praise made Vanessa blush and shyly smile.
Since the owner of the estate herself praised her, Eleanor had nothing to say.
Instead, she gave a kind smile and greeted her.
“Nice to meet you, Vanessa. I’m Eleanor Stikov, your Aunt Pomfry’s niece. I thought there were no peers my age at Oclama, so I’m glad to see you. Please take care of me.”
Eleanor finished softly and waited for Vanessa’s response. She had expected Vanessa to smile back warmly.
But Vanessa just stared at her.
Her eyes, like the evening sky, pierced Eleanor like a sharp spear.
“What’s wrong?”
Just as Eleanor’s smile was about to fade, Vanessa bowed her head.
“I’m Vanessa. Though I’m lacking, please take care of me, Miss.”
Her polite tone and greeting sounded well-educated. The reply was rather stiff considering Eleanor had spoken kindly, making Eleanor feel awkward.
Still, she responded gently with “Yes.” Baron Pomfry smiled in satisfaction.
“Vanessa is two years younger than Eleanor, so you two should get along well.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
“Yes, Baron.”
Hearing Vanessa’s obedient reply, Eleanor was overcome by a strange feeling.
She couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but it was a strange yet familiar sensation.
That feeling dominated Eleanor throughout the meal.
From the main dish to dessert, Vanessa showed Eleanor only a peculiar attitude.
It was hard to explain exactly what was strange; it just felt odd to Eleanor.
Even while agreeing with her aunt’s remarks and engaging in friendly conversation, she couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling.
It felt like she was missing something. But since neither her aunt nor Vanessa showed any sign of it, Eleanor found it hard to bring up.
“What are the plans for today?”
“I’m planning to visit Lake Nipla in the afternoon. Since I haven’t been in a while, I want to go.”
“Vanessa likes that lake too. How about you two go together?”
“That sounds great,” Eleanor replied, glancing at Vanessa. Vanessa was staring at her expressionlessly.
When their eyes met, Eleanor smiled politely, but Vanessa turned her head coldly and smiled at the Baron.
“I’m honored as well.”
“That’s good. How about Vanessa showing Eleanor around Oclama? Since you’re the same age, it’ll be more fun if you go together.”
The Baron subtly pushed for them to get closer. If Vanessa’s attitude were cooperative, Eleanor would have been very glad, but Vanessa’s strangely stiff face made Eleanor uneasy.
However, before her aunt, Eleanor could not show her discomfort. They both smiled with matching smiles to keep up appearances.
“If Vanessa is okay with it, I’d really like that. I was planning to go around with Lisa.”
“I wouldn’t refuse a chance to be with you, Miss. I know Oclama better than anyone, so leave it to me.”
Baron Pomfry smiled happily, oblivious to the odd tension between the two girls. Seeing her so satisfied, Eleanor decided to change her mind for her aunt’s sake.
Yes, maybe she’s just shy.
Even in Bayrn’s social circles, many people were reserved and distant. Not everyone is naturally good at getting along with others.
“Eleanor, after the meal, could you talk with your aunt alone for a bit?”
The Baron asked, neatly wiping her mouth with a handkerchief.
“Of course. If it’s just talking alone with you, I’d gladly come even at dawn.”
“You’re so cute. Let’s have some tea together. I’ll prepare your favorite chamomile tea.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
Eleanor smiled and turned her head. For a fleeting moment, she caught Vanessa’s twisted smile.
It was as brief as a leaf brushing across a hand, but Eleanor saw it clearly.
“That looks familiar…”
Looking at Vanessa, who wore the face of a gentle lamb, Eleanor’s uneasiness grew.
Where had she seen such a smile before?
Oh boy