My Life Was Taken by My Charm-Wielding Sister—But It Ends Here (The Mind-Reading Noble Lady’s Journey to Happiness After Escaping Her Toxic Family) - Episode 10

The next morning, Otilie woke up earlier than usual.

(It really was a night like a dream.)

It felt as if her entire sixteen years of life had been condensed into that one evening. She had never dressed so beautifully before, never gone outside the mansion, and never had such a long conversation with anyone. Above all, Otilie was happiest about meeting Varick and hearing his kind words. She felt it was an irreplaceable experience.

Immersed in her happy memories, Otilie quietly opened her eyes. Gazing vaguely at the familiar ceiling, she felt as if a spell cast upon her was slowly fading away.

(Sister must be angry.)

It seemed Iama had been practically forced to return to the mansion. Even she, it appeared, had failed to charm Varick’s attendants into obeying her and had reluctantly left the venue.

As for Otilie, sometime after Iama had departed, she had set off for the mansion in a carriage arranged by Varick.

“Then, see you again.”

At their parting, Varick had said those words to her.

Not “goodbye,” but a promise of a next time. The thought of seeing him again filled Otilie with energy. It made her feel she could face anything, even if she was scared.

(It’s okay. I won’t lose.)

She wanted to become someone who could meet Varick again someday with pride. She wanted to be someone he would truly acknowledge. She wanted to be useful to him. To do that, she couldn’t run away; she had to hone her abilities.

Since the evening party was over, the maids would likely no longer visit her room. From now on, she would have to change her clothes and prepare her meals all by herself.

(Alright. First, I need to eat properly. Then, I’ll try hard to talk with the maids. It’s okay. I should be able to do it.)

Just as she finished getting ready and stood up to go down to the kitchen—

“Well, I never thought you’d come back. You’ve got more nerve than I expected.”

Bang! The door flew open with a loud noise, and Iama entered the room. For a moment, Otilie was intimidated, but she quickly turned to face Iama.

“Um… yes, I’ve returned.”

“Returned… is not the point! Are you stupid? I told you I don’t want to see your face! What’s the deal? Why would His Highness Varick even speak to someone like you!? It’s absurd, isn’t it!?”

“…………”

Iama lunged at Otilie. Without replying, Otilie stared intently into Iama’s eyes.

“What’s with that defiant look? Do you have some problem with me?”

“—I have nowhere else to go but this house.”

Slap! A sharp sound rang out. Her cheek stung with a burning pain. What had happened—looking at Iama’s hand, which had just been swung down in front of her, Otilie finally understood.

“‘Nowhere else to go but this house’? Huh? Are you seriously saying that? There’s no place for you in this house. I’ve never once thought of you as family! You should have just dropped dead somewhere! Really, how can you be so stupid? You idiot! Gloomy! Useless freeloader!”

Iama ranted, her face bright red. This was the first time she had ever raised a hand against Otilie. She had always tormented Otilie with words alone, never dirtying her own hands.

“Hey, you, you know why my ability didn’t work on His Highness Varick, don’t you? Tell me.”

“What… do you intend to do if you know?”

Iama lunged at Otilie again. Gasping for breath, Otilie looked up at Iama steadily.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’ll charm that infuriating man and make him my puppet! It’s the first time I’ve ever been made a fool of like that. My pride won’t allow this to stand! Ah, I can’t wait to see him on his knees begging for forgiveness! And then I’ll make him plead for me to become his consort! Just imagining it gives me chills.”

A pleased expression on her face, Iama’s eyes gleamed. She probably didn’t doubt for a second that she could ensnare Varick.

(Lord Varick.)

She believed he would be fine—but the thought of Iama making contact with Varick made Otilie’s chest tighten. What if he couldn’t completely resist the charm—? She didn’t want him to be hurt. She absolutely hated that idea.

“Please stop.”

“…………What?”

A low, threatening voice echoed through Otilie’s room. The Otilie of before would have been too terrified to utter a single word and would have run away immediately. But Otilie desperately steadied her trembling legs and looked Iama straight in the eye.

“His Highness is my benefactor who protected me. I won’t allow you to harm him.”

“Heheh… Ahaha! You won’t allow it? Don’t make me laugh. What can you possibly do!? You, whose only talent is shutting yourself in your room and moping! There’s no way you could stop me, right?”

“Because I can hear your inner voice, Sister… That’s why!”

Otilie declared. Iama flinched slightly in response.

“I can predict in advance what actions you’re going to take from now on. No matter what it takes, I will stop you. If I can’t do it myself, I’ll ask someone else for help.”

“…What in the world are you talking about? There isn’t a single person in this house who would listen to your requests!? Father, the servants, everyone—they all hate you! They don’t even want to see your face! There’s not one person on your side! You’re a person the world doesn’t need!”

“That’s not…”

It was sad that she couldn’t say “true.” Tears welled up in Otilie’s eyes.

“See? You can’t even argue back, can you? Don’t you know it yourself? You have no mAirnyng or value in living—that’s the kind of person you are. It’ll be the same from now on, forever. It will never change in your entire life.”

Iama shoved Otilie hard, sending her flying. Her back slammed against the bookshelf, and Otilie crumpled to the floor.

(It hurts… I can’t breathe properly.)

Her body ached. Just as the pain was beginning to subside, Iama grabbed her by the hair and pulled.

“You idiot! Don’t get cocky just because someone was a little nice to you. Know your place! Even if you tried to contact him, it would only be a bother to His Highness! He might be special to you, but to him, you’re just some little girl he talked to for a brief moment at the evening party! I’m sure he’s already forgotten you!”

“Young Lady, um…”

At that moment, Iama’s maid opened the door to Otilie’s room. She had a somewhat troubled expression.

“What!? Don’t you see I’m in the middle of something? Oh, or do you want to join in? Fine. You’re welcome to.”

“No, that’s not it…”

“Good day, Lady Iama.”

The one who appeared from behind the maid was Varick. After casting a sharp glance at Iama, he smiled at Otilie.

“I’ve come to pick you up, Lady Otilie.”

Staring at the hand Varick extended to her, Otilie began to cry.