Episode 3
The world this novel was set in had highly developed magic that was applied to everyday life.
Thanks to that, I was able to wash myself thoroughly in warm water.
The soap Nana brought worked extremely well, too.
…Thinking about it makes me want to cry again.
Farewell, 5 billion gold.
I was happy for a brief moment just imagining you.
The debt collectors had even taken my nightclothes, but the bundle of undergarments Nana brought included a thin one-piece dress.
So I just put that on and flopped down onto the blanket.
Nana shrieked that it was improper, but what was I supposed to do?
The navy dress I had been wearing was filthy from all the running around.
Knowing that, Nana simply sighed and stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room to sleep.”
“Your room? There isn’t even a blanket in there.”
“I’m fine sleeping on the floor.”
At that, I stared at the floor in horror.
It was covered in dust and shoe prints.
She was going to sleep on that?
Letting her do that would be inhumane.
“Don’t do that. Sleep next to me.”
“How could I? If the Baron found out, he would have scolded me terribly!”
That blasted Baron.
In the novel, he’d always been wandering around outside in the name of research.
In the end, he fell ill with some mysterious disease and left nothing but debts behind.
If only that man hadn’t gotten sick, Daphne wouldn’t have pushed herself to borrow money!
“He’s already dead. What’s he going to do? I’m cold, so hurry and lie down next to me.”
I patted the space beside me.
Nana hesitated for a moment, but eventually removed her apron and lay down beside me.
She neatly adjusted the blanket I had thrown over us and spoke.
“I’m only doing this because you said you’re cold, Miss. Normally, something like this—”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Let’s just sleep. I’m exhausted.”
Honestly, she nags more than she looks like she would.
Cutting off Nana’s lecture, I closed my eyes.
How much time had passed?
Judging by Nana’s even breathing, she had fallen asleep quickly.
Well, she must have been tired too, even if she didn’t show it.
I quietly opened my eyes and looked at her back.
Nana, just wait.
I’ll definitely buy you an expensive new bed someday!
We’d only known each other for such a short time, yet I’d already grown attached to her.
Following her into sleep, I soon drifted off as well.
“Miss! Please wake up!”
I barely opened my eyes at Nana’s shout.
It was already morning; birds were chirping, and sunlight stabbed at my eyes.
Ah, no curtains. This is torture. The sunlight is blinding.
“Please get up!”
Nana grabbed both my arms and pulled me upright, then thumped my back to wake me properly.
“Go wash up! Quickly!”
Still half-asleep, I was dragged to the bathroom without mercy.
“Wait… I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m so tired.”
“I’d love to let you sleep longer! But we have a guest!”
“A guest? Who?”
“It’s Madam! Madam is waiting in the garden!”
At Nana’s words, my half-lidded eyes snapped open.
“What?”
I rushed to the bathroom window and looked out into the garden.
In the completely unmaintained yard stood a woman holding a dark green parasol.
Of all times, she had to come now! Did the letter say she was coming today?!
After hurriedly washing and brushing the dust off my navy dress, I ran to the entrance.
When I opened the door and stepped into the garden, the woman in a dark green dress matching her parasol looked at me.
“G-Good morning, Madam Rosanna?”
“…Is that any way for a noble young lady to look?”
I gave an awkward smile and glanced down at my clothes.
Well, I did look rather shabby.
“At least your face is still intact. You take entirely after your father.”
I let out a dry laugh.
Where do you think Baron Sein got the money for his expeditions?
From the pockets of nobles who had fallen for the appearance heaven had blessed him with—and Madam Rosanna here had been one of them.
Unfortunately, after marrying Baron Sein, her business had declined sharply.
When things worsened, the Baron began seeking sponsorship elsewhere. Madam Rosanna’s pride was deeply wounded, and she chose separation.
They had lived like strangers until the novel began.
I hadn’t expected her to come find me first.
“What brings you here?”
“This house has been sold. There’s no reason for you to remain. From today on, you’ll move into my estate.”
“But—”
“On paper, you are still my daughter. I have a moral responsibility for you. Do you wish to keep living in a house with nothing in it?”
I scratched my head awkwardly.
In the original story, Daphne and Madam Rosanna hadn’t gotten along.
Daphne had managed the household from a young age, while Rosanna, as the new mistress, had tried to establish authority. They often clashed.
Even so, she was willing to take in her stepdaughter.
She was far better than Baron Sein.
“You’re an adult now, so you might think of independence. But that requires money. At least until your debts are repaid, staying at my house is better for you. Understood?”
“Yes, I understand. I’ll pack my things!”
The moment I finished speaking, the front door burst open and Nana came out.
In her right hand was a small bag.
“Here! I packed everything!”
“Ah, but the blanket and—”
“Don’t worry, Miss! I’ll take care of it. Madam, may I come along too?”
“You may. Is that all the luggage?”
“Yes.”
With that, Madam Rosanna walked toward her carriage.
The coachman opened the door and helped her inside.
Before I knew it, I was helped into the carriage as well.
“Miss, I’ll sit with the coachman! Call me if you need anything!”
W-Wait.
You’re leaving me alone with Madam Rosanna?
The carriage began moving.
In the original story, there was mention that Daphne had briefly stayed at Rosanna’s house.
But I hadn’t expected it to happen so suddenly.
I glanced at Madam Rosanna sitting opposite me.
With a slightly sharp expression, she maintained perfect posture while reading a book despite the swaying carriage.
It felt like I shouldn’t start a conversation.
Looking out the window instead, I saw we passed the plaza I’d visited yesterday and entered an upscale residential district.
Hmm. Looks like a neighborhood where moderately wealthy people gather.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a clean three-story mansion.
Smaller than the Baron Sein estate, but neat and charming.
She says her business is struggling, yet she lives in a place like this. Truly, even ruined nobles last three generations.
The carriage door opened. Following Madam Rosanna, I entered the house.
From the entrance, maids and the butler stood in a row and bowed.
“Welcome home, Madam. Young Miss.”
Oh my. Young Miss?
That makes me sound like a real daughter of this house.
The title felt awkward, but I smiled brightly.
“Hello, everyone.”
Just smile.
First impressions matter!
The servants’ faces flushed red at the sight of me.
Uh… I didn’t expect that reaction.
The protagonist’s smile really is dangerous.
At that moment, Madam Rosanna spoke to two maids.
“Take her immediately and dress her properly. Throw away that rag she’s wearing.”
With that, she climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Left in the entrance hall, I pouted slightly.
Still, that was the nicest dress Daphne owned.
“Young Miss, we’ll assist you.”
“Please come this way.”
The two maids bowed politely and led me along.
I glanced back at Nana.
“Miss, I’ll go be shown to my quarters. Please take good care of her.”
“Don’t worry!”
“Our taste has always satisfied the Young Lady!”
Things are running smoothly even without my input.
And just like that, I parted from Nana and followed the maids.
“Oh my, Daphne! You’re still as beautiful as ever.”
“Hello, Maria. It’s been a while.”
After being dressed up for quite some time in an unfamiliar room, I met Maria in the corridor leading to the dining room.
Maria was Madam Rosanna’s biological daughter and Daphne’s stepsister.
“Have you been well? Mother was so excited about bringing you here!”
“…No way.”
“It’s true! If nothing else, she always liked Baron Sein—and your face.”
Maria laughed softly and touched the earrings I was wearing.
“She chose these herself, saying they’d suit you. She bought tons of jewelry and dresses besides this.”
“Really?”
“Yes! I’m so happy you’re here again. I even told my friends my little sister is coming back to live with us!”
With her reddish-brown hair tied up neatly and her brown eyes sparkling, Maria looked at me warmly.
She was known to be kind and easygoing, and she had gotten along well with Daphne.
Maybe that’s why she spoke so comfortably now.
I tried to hide my awkwardness.
It would almost be easier if Madam Rosanna disliked me and Maria didn’t welcome me.
The Daphne they’d been waiting for wasn’t me.
A guilt I’d never felt while talking to Nana pierced through my chest.
Maybe it was because they were Daphne’s family, even if not by blood.
The stronger the guilt grew, the harder I smiled.
Laughing and chatting, we entered the dining room, where Madam Rosanna sat at the head of the table.
“You’re late. Sit.”
“Yes~”
Maria sat to Rosanna’s right.
Where should I sit?
After a brief hesitation, I sat to her left.
It would be strange to sit far away when the seat beside her was empty.
But then Rosanna’s eyebrow twitched.
Oh no.
Did I choose wrong?
As I shifted nervously, Maria smiled and stopped me.
“Stay. It’s just the first time you’ve sat next to her!”
“Don’t say unnecessary things. Pay no mind and eat. It’s been a while since you’ve had a proper meal, hasn’t it?”
“Haha, yes. Thank you.”
I laughed awkwardly, but my gaze was quickly captured by the food before me.
Wow. It looks amazing.
I hadn’t eaten properly since transmigrating.
Yesterday, debt collectors had barged in while I was having breakfast…
Just smelling it made my stomach rumble loudly.
Right.
Who cares about awkward tension?
First, fill the empty stomach! That’s priority number one!
Among the many utensils, I picked up the smallest spoon first.
Thankfully, Daphne’s body remembered proper dining etiquette, so I was able to eat naturally.
I wonder if Nana has eaten.
While I focused on the food, Madam Rosanna and Maria began eating as well.
Soon, only the clinking of utensils filled the dining room.
After some time, Madam Rosanna spoke first.
“Daphne, I’ve been thinking about your debt…”
