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 27

After finishing their meal, Otilie and Varick headed into the city. However, their destination wasn’t the crowded shopping district but rather the outskirts.

“Lord Varick, what’s over here?”

“You’ve been diligently reading history books, haven’t you, Otilie? So, I thought we could visit some historical landmarks around the royal capital.”

At Varick’s words, Otilie glanced around the cityscape. Spotting a familiar building, her eyes inadvertently sparkled.

“Could that be the Twallier Temple over there?”

“Indeed. It’s the temple my great-grandfather had built.”

“If I recall correctly, it was constructed after a series of natural disasters and epidemics, with prayers for a peaceful world, right? I read that it houses a large statue of a saintess.”

As they approached the temple, they could see many people visiting to pay their respects.

“That’s right. Just as the temple’s prayers intended, my father’s reign has been peaceful. But we never know when another crisis might occur. That’s why I wanted you to see this place for yourself, Otilie. It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

The beautiful building had a different charm from the castle. Breathing in the clear air unique to sacred spaces, Otilie let out a soft sigh.

“It feels like my heart is being cleansed.”

Gazing up at the white porcelain saintess statue deep within the temple, Otilie gently pressed her hands together in prayer.

Seeing and feeling things with her own eyes made them feel much more personal than simply reading about them in books or looking at illustrations.

Above all, the expressions and demeanor of the worshippers were something she couldn’t grasp from illustrations.

(Everyone has such warm expressions.)

Combined with the building’s beauty and historical background, this place must be a spiritual sanctuary for the citizens.

“There are several other historical buildings around here. Would you like to visit them? Of course, if you’d prefer to do something else.”

“No! I was actually hoping to ask you the same thing. Um… if it’s alright with you, Lord Varick, I’d love to see the treasure hall too.”

“Of course. Let’s visit as many places as time allows.”

The two then walked around various locations. The gate that had been the stage for historical events, ancient royal tombs, natural parks with beautiful flowers and fountains. All places Otilie had wished to see.

(Lord Varick is much better at reading people’s hearts than I am.)

Even though she hadn’t asked to go anywhere, Varick was showing her the scenery she wanted to see. Taking her to the places she wanted to visit.

“I’d actually like to show you the old capital too. Judging by your reactions today, I think you’d really enjoy it.”

“The old capital! I’m very interested. If I recall correctly, the capital was moved there three hundred years ago?”

Capital relocations don’t happen often. But they occur when necessary such as when population becomes overly concentrated, or when disasters make the current capital unfunctional.

“That’s right. Do you remember the reason?”

“The reason was… I read it was because religious interference had grown too strong. Priests and nobles allied with them began meddling in politics. So, to break free from their influence, they moved the royal capital away from the old capital with its many large shrines and temples to the current location, right?”

“Correct. You’ve been studying properly.”

Varick smiled warmly as he said this.

“We don’t have much time today, but in three months, I’m scheduled to inspect a temple in the old capital. I’ll guide you then, so look forward to it.”

“Eh? Um, may I accompany you on the inspection?”

“Of course. You’re one of my important assistants, Otilie.”

Gently patting her head, Varick made Otilie’s heart squeeze. She was unbearably excited and happy.

“Well, since we’ve come to the city, let’s do some shopping too. There are many good shops near the square.”

“Yes! Please, I’d love to.”

After walking for a while, they reached the central part of the royal capital—Balgut Square. The square was teeming with people, and Otilie’s eyes widened in astonishment.

“…There are so many people.”

Though she knew the royal capital’s population, the numbers she usually handled were on a completely different scale, making it hard to visualize. Even understanding that this was just a fraction of that population, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

[Ah, that shop is cute!]

[Annoying. There are too many people. Don’t stop in a place like this!]

[I think there was a delicious donut shop over there.]

(As expected, with this many people, the mental voices become quite loud too.)

Otilie consciously distanced herself from the voices echoing directly in her head. If she listened to all of them, she’d likely exhaust herself halfway through.

“Are you alright, Otilie? Be careful not to get separated. Make sure to hold onto me.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Otilie placed her hand on Varick’s arm and walked closely beside him.

The square had street stalls that delighted Otilie’s eyes with every step.

[Ah, that scarf is cute. That handkerchief too. Is that a book cover?]

Occasionally stopping to look at merchandise, Otilie’s mood grew increasingly excited. Though they weren’t expensive items that a noble’s daughter would typically purchase, just looking at them was soothing and made her feel happy.

“They’re all lovely. They’d suit you well, Otilie.”

Picking up a hair accessory and holding it against Otilie, Varick smiled.

“Ah… thank you. They’re all wonderful, aren’t they? I’m completely enchanted. But I’ve hardly ever chosen things for myself. I don’t think I can decide which one is best. Even my dresses were chosen by Callan.”

Everything she used at her family home had been hand-me-downs from Iama. Still unable to get used to having the right to choose things for herself, Otilie hesitated.

“It’s fine. I’ll stay with you as long as it takes. Take your time and face whatever you truly like.”

“I-I can’t possibly do that. I can’t have you spending your precious time on such things. Um, perhaps shopping should wait until I’ve improved a bit more until I can choose things without taking too much time.”

Just as Otilie gave this response.

[Kill… I’ll kill every last one of you here.]

(Eh?)

An unknown man’s mental voice flooded into her head. She looked around nervously, but couldn’t tell who had thought it or where it came from.

(What should I do?)

Feeling at a loss, Otilie gulped hard.