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 21

After the workday officially began, Otilie’s duties commenced in earnest.

“Well, first things first, you must acquire at least the fundamental knowledge.”

Books and documents were piled up on the desk with a thud! Otilie blinked her eyes and responded with a quiet, “Yes…”

“I’ve gathered information on our nation’s laws, current affairs, geography, and history, along with details on influential nobles. There’s also a list of department heads and key officials we greeted yesterday. Unfortunately, we’re quite busy, so please start by reading these on your own. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. When it’s time to study specialized fields, I’ll call in officials who handle those matters. Do you know how to use a dictionary?”

“I’ll be fine. Thank you.”

Now, where to begin. Otilie decided to pick up the history book placed on top.

(…Being able to read and write is nothing short of a blessing.)

The time she had with a tutor was brief, and what she learned during that period was minimal. However, Otilie secretly collected newspapers that were about to be discarded at her family home and used them to practice reading and writing. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this was the only thing that distracted her from her monotonous daily life.

Opening the first page, she found a chronological table.

The history of the nation’s founding, dating back hundreds of years. It detailed how people lived back then, how the king came to be, the process of cultural development, the challenges of each era, the names of kings and retainers who brought significant changes to the country. All recorded in chronological order.

(This is what Lord Varick carries on his shoulders.)

She realized it wasn’t just the citizens and land of the present. What he must protect includes the citizens and culture of the past and future, as well as the very history of this nation.

(Oh? What’s this?)

Suddenly, she noticed a small note scribbled at the edge of the history book.

[Amazing. To be able to distinguish and listen to multiple people at once. Does the blood of the Einhorn family flow in this era’s king?]

The handwriting still retained a hint of childishness. Flipping through a few more pages, Otilie found another similar scribble.

[The king’s influence is even in the history of writing and literature. Maybe I need to think of something for the future too.]

[If there are multiple consorts, it’s only natural for their fathers to fight. Grandfather and Father only had one consort each, so I’d like to think they learned from history.]

[This era is marked by intense conflicts among nobles. The king isn’t functioning as a king. The burden on the people is too heavy. We must not repeat such history.]

(This is…)

Someone had studied using this history book before Otilie. Judging from the content, that person must be connected to the royal family.

(Could it be…)

“How’s it going, Otilie? Making progress with your studies?”

A voice called out from behind her.

“Lord Varick.”

“Ah, this brings back memories. I studied with this history book when I was little too.”

Varick peered over Otilie’s shoulder, narrowing his eyes gently.

“Um, are these notes yours, Lord Varick?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m not very good at remembering things. So, I thought if I wrote down my impressions like this, I might be able to internalize history as my own. …Look, here. I even drew pictures to imagine the situations.”

Flipping through the pages with a rustle, Varick smiled at Otilie.

(What should I do? His face is so close.)

Close enough that the slightest movement might make them touch. Varick’s voice resonated directly in her ears, making her heart race.

“—Lord Varick, time is pressing.”

“I know. Can’t you let me take a little break?”

Airny voiced her concern. Varick smiled wryly and gently patted Otilie’s head.

“Start with whatever interests you. It’s fine to skim the surface at first. Absorb all kinds of knowledge. Your curiosity will help you grow.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

He must have grown bit by bit in the same way. Otilie traced the childish handwriting of the young Varick, feeling inexplicably happy.

[Honestly. Lord Varick is incredibly indulgent with Otilie.]

She could hear Airny’s inner voice.

[We were actually supposed to give Otilie a brand-new history book. But Lord Varick insisted on giving her this one.]

Otilie’s eyes widened. Airny allowed a faint smile to touch her lips.

[Not just the history book, but the other books as well. Lord Varick was using them until just yesterday. Please take good care of them.]

(Lord Varick was using them…?)

The mountain of books and documents piled before her. If these were items Varick had cherished then the path Otilie was about to walk was connected to Varick. She felt that he was truly serious about nurturing her.

“Lord Varick, I’ll do my best.”

“Mm… I’m counting on you.”

Gazing at Otilie’s smiling face, Varick narrowed his eyes as if dazzled.