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 14

Upon arriving at the castle, several servants came out to welcome Varick and Otilie. As she looked at the servants lined up along the driveway, Otilie couldn’t help but sigh.

(That’s right. Lord Varick is the crown prince.)

He was someone who should have been far beyond her reach. Yet his approachability, his warmth, the hand he extended, his gentle smile. All made her feel as though he were incredibly close.

“Come, Otilie. Watch your step.”

“Ah, thank you.”

As Otilie was helped down from the carriage by Varick, a man with platinum silver long hair stepped forward and bowed respectfully. He had fair skin, delicate features, and an androgynous face as refined as a woman. Combined with his hair color, he looked like an exquisite ice sculpture. He appeared to be a few years older than Otilie? He gave the impression of a composed adult man.

“Welcome back, Lord Varick.”

“I’m home, Airny. This is Otilie.”

“I see, so this is the lady.”

The man called Airny observed Otilie intently with his ice-blue eyes, then muttered quietly to himself, [I see, very typical of Lord Varick.]

(Huh? What does that mean…?)

She couldn’t tell at all whether his feelings were favorable, disdainful, or something else entirely. Of course, Otilie, having just met him, couldn’t understand the nuance behind the words “typical of Varick,” but she couldn’t help being curious.

“Otilie, Airny is your colleague—one of my aides.”

“Is that so? It’s nice to meet you.”

When Otilie bowed her head, Airny raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Um… excuse me?”

What kind of emotion, what kind of expression was that? Could it be that he disliked the idea of working with Otilie?

While glancing at the perplexed Otilie, Varick smiled at Airny.

“Airny, have you arranged for the tailor?”

“It’s done. They should be arriving here shortly.”

“What about Otilie’s employment contract?”

“That’s also ready. I’ve also prepared all the documents to be sent to Marquis Einhorn.”

“What about the schedule for this afternoon?”

“I’ve already notified all relevant parties. The documents are here as well.”

“Hmm, perfect.”

Varick said this with a grin. Otilie was taken aback by their seamless coordination.

“Otilie, Airny might seem like the unexpressive, hard-to-approach type, but he’s actually very kind. He’s the one who prepared everything for your arrival today.”

“Ah… I see. I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

“Not at all. It’s my job, so it’s only natural. Besides, from now on, you’ll be working like a draft horse for Lord Varick’s sake.”

“A… a draft horse?”

Otilie’s expression tightened slightly. Varick chuckled and shook his head.

“Don’t worry. Airny tends to exaggerate a bit. But it’s true that my official duties are busy. That’s exactly why I wanted to increase the number of aides to lighten Airny’s burden even a little.”

“I see.”

As she replied, Otilie smiled warmly.

(Even though he’s busy, he’s thinking about reducing his aide’s workload. Lord Varick really is kind…)

[Ah, Lord Varick… what a kind person he is.]

Just then, she heard what sounded like a delighted voice, and Otilie’s eyes widened in surprise.

(That was Airny’s voice, right?)

But contrary to the voice in her heart, Airny’s expression remained cool. Perhaps she misheard? Otilie tilted her head slightly.

“So, you see, Airny isn’t disliking the idea of working with you, so rest assured.”

Varick said. When Otilie cautiously glanced at Airny, he gave a small, expressionless nod.

“He even arranged your room and maids in just half a day.”

[It’s only natural, since it’s Lord Varick’s wish.]

“When I told him about your situation, he called the tailor.”

[I couldn’t let someone standing beside Lord Varick look shabby.]

“He always anticipates and prepares for various things in advance. He’s truly an excellent aide.”

[I am Lord Varick’s aide! It’s only natural!]

As Otilie listened alternately to Varick’s voice and Airny’s inner thoughts, she couldn’t help but be impressed.

(Airny holds Lord Varick in high esteem and affection.)

No, perhaps “worship” would be more accurate? Otilie herself felt boundless gratitude and genuine admiration for Varick, but compared to Airny, it felt like a difference in magnitude. The intensity was on another level.

“Um, Airny, are you aware of my abilities?”

“Yes. I’ve heard from Lord Varick. It seems you can hear others’ inner voices.”

Airny replied without any sign of agitation. MAirnyng he didn’t mind if his inner thoughts were heard.

“That’s right. You know, I’m really curious about what Airny usually thinks. He only says the bare minimum. Otilie, will you tell me later, secretly?”

“Eh? Well…”

From their interactions so far, it was clear that Airny admired Varick. However, he didn’t seem to express those feelings directly in words. If Varick learned of Airny’s inner thoughts, he’d probably be pleased, but…

“There’s nothing that should concern Lord Varick. I make it a point to voice everything I think.”

Airny interjected smoothly, glancing briefly at Otilie.

“Well, that’s true. It’s Airny, after all. When I told him about you, he even said, ‘That’s an ability I’d definitely want,’ so he’s a very honest and sincere man. Plus, he points out things others might hesitate to say, and I really appreciate that.”

Varick smiled. Then, Airny’s emotions, as if about to soar, flowed into Otilie.

[Lord Varick praised me! Me!]

His inner ecstasy was unimaginable from his cool expression.

After basking in his emotions, he turned back to Otilie.

[Miss Otilie, Lord Varick is truly wonderful. He was worried about you and insisted on going to pick you up himself. He said if we didn’t hurry, you might suffer at the hands of your family, so he spared no sleep making arrangements personally. To keep you from feeling burdened, he made it seem as though I handled everything… He really is a kind person.]

Airny remained expressionless as ever. But though it didn’t show on his face, his heart was very warm.

“So, that’s why I’d like you to get along well with Airny.”

Varick said this with a somewhat uneasy expression. Otilie smiled and nodded firmly.

“Of course! Lord Varick, I’ve come to like Airny very much.”

“…Eh? Like? Very much?”

Varick asked. Otilie nodded firmly once more.

“Yes! I like him.”

“Why? I haven’t even gotten you to say that to me yet!?”

As she watched Varick tilt his head in surprise, Otilie and then Airny both chuckled softly.