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 17

Otilie left the remaining dress selection to Karan and headed toward Varick’s office.

She advanced through the vast castle, guided by Airny.

He glanced at Otilie’s dress and murmured to himself, “I see.”

“Does that mean it’s… satisfactory?”

The tailor had praised it, and Otilie herself liked it. But she still cared about others’ opinions. Especially Airny’s, Varick’s aide—she wanted to hear his thoughts beforehand.

“Yes. It suits you well and seems appropriate for working in the castle.”

“Is that so…! I’m glad.”

Leaving the dress selection to Karan had been the right choice. If Otilie had been alone, she would have just taken the shop assistant’s advice. She would have ended up satisfied with a dress that didn’t suit her.

“And it’s the kind of attire Lord Varick prefers.”

“…! R-really?”

In that moment, Otilie’s heart began to pound wildly. She didn’t want him to notice her agitation. So she lowered her gaze slightly.

“Yes. He has a fondness for lovely women like you, so it’s good you didn’t try to dress too formally.”

Airny said it so casually. But Otilie’s fluster only intensified.

(Lord Varick likes lovely women…)

But so what? Otilie shook her head vigorously, trying to stop thinking about it. Yet no matter how hard she tried, all she could think of was Varick.

“Um… When we first met, Airny, you looked at me and thought to yourself, ‘How like Lord Varick,’ didn’t you?”

Unable to think of another topic, Otilie mustered her courage and asked.

“…Yes. I did think that.”

“What did you mean by that?”

“Lord Varick adores cute things that make him want to protect them. Like kittens, puppies, little birds. It seems to stir his protective instincts. Thanks to that, there are quite a few animals he’s taken in being cared for in the castle. So when I saw you, I thought, ‘How like Lord Varick.'”

“I… I see. So that’s what it was.”

Varick must just be the type who’s naturally caring. That’s why he couldn’t leave Otilie alone, either. She was grateful… but at the same time, her chest twinged with pain.

(Why? Why do I feel this way?)

Otilie tilted her head slightly, careful not to let Airny notice.

“From here on is the administrative area, the Administrative Tower.”

Airny spoke. The atmosphere felt completely different from the servants’ tower, tense and formal. As Otilie straightened her posture, Airny narrowed his eyes slightly. Then she heard his inner voice: [Good attitude.]

Varick’s office was further inside, so Otilie continued walking with Airny.

“Official work hours begin at nine in the morning. It’s quite a distance from your room to Lord Varick’s office, so please make sure you aren’t late.”

“Understood. Um, what time does Lord Varick arrive at his office?”

“…Good question. Lord Varick is in his office fifteen minutes early.”

“I see.”

So, it would be best to arrive before he did. Otilie took notes, resolving to mentally simulate her future routine later.

“Well, this is Lord Varick’s office.”

Airny stopped before a door noticeably more imposing than the others. Knights stood guard outside, bowing respectfully as soon as they saw the two.

“Lord Varick, I’m coming in.”

After knocking, Airny announced himself. He opened the door with practiced ease and bowed gracefully.

“I’ve brought Miss Otilie.”

“Yes, thank you. Otilie, come on in?”

Hearing Varick’s voice, Otilie gulped. Steeling herself, she slipped quietly into the room from behind Airny and bowed.

“Lord Varick… Pardon my intrusion.”

Nervously, Otilie slowly lifted her face.

[Cute.]

Then she heard Varick’s voice, mixed with those of other aides. Otilie’s cheeks flushed red. Varick gazed at her, then smiled with satisfaction.

“Welcome… No, ‘welcome back’ is more accurate. From now on, this will be Otilie’s place to return to.”

“Welcome back…”

As she murmured it, warmth spread through Otilie’s chest.

There had been no place for her in her family home. She was always forgotten, shut away in her room. Even when she returned from evening events, no one ever greeted her. She couldn’t remember anyone ever saying such kind words to her.

“Come, over here.”

Varick beckoned to her. Glancing around the room, Otilie approached him.

The floor was polished to a shine. Just inside the door stood a reception table and leather sofa. In the center of the spacious office was the large desk Varick used. Nearby were a tall table and chairs. The wall was entirely windows, filling the room with light.

(…It really is incredibly luxurious.)

As expected of the crown prince’s office. Everything in the room was of the highest quality, undoubtedly astonishingly expensive. She felt anxious about scuffing the floor with every step and flinched at the thought of touching anything.

“Don’t worry. You might be nervous at first, but you’ll get used to it soon.”

“…Do you think so?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure of it.”

Varick laughed as he said it. Otilie’s heart skipped a beat.

“The aides generally work in the room next door. See, over there where all the desks are lined up? I’ve prepared a desk for you too, so check it out later.”

“Thank you.”

Varick pointed to an adjoining room without a door. It seemed she wouldn’t be with Varick all the time, and Otilie felt a little relieved.

(If my heart keeps pounding like this, I won’t last.)

Watching Otilie’s expression, Varick took her hand. As she flustered in surprise, Varick gently narrowed his eyes.

“Shall we have a meal soon? There are several things I’d like to discuss.”

“Ah… yes. Thank you.”

Even though she knew it was just for escorting her even knowing that, Otilie’s heart wouldn’t stop racing. Glancing up at Varick, she thought, (I really won’t last like this.)