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 35

After the misunderstanding was safely cleared up, Varick slowly broached another topic.

“Your elder brother, you say?”

“Yes. He’s scheduled to accompany us on the upcoming inspection. I thought it would be best to inform Otilie in advance.”

He was probably considering Otilie’s feelings, given her strained relationship with her family. Otilie replied, “Thank you,” while gently tilting her head to the side.

“To be honest, I’ve hardly spoken with my brother. There’s an eight-year age gap between us, and he left home when I was eight. He always gave off the impression that he didn’t want anything to do with me.”

Otilie’s brother, Aldrich, possessed the ability to never forget anything he’d seen once. He was somewhat different in type from both his father, the Marquis, and his sister Iama. Calm and composed, he rarely showed emotion, and gave Otilie the impression of indifference. He neither spoke ill of her in his heart nor protected her from their sister. Having virtually no experience conversing with him and few opportunities to meet face-to-face, Otilie’s impression was that she didn’t really know what kind of person he was.

“I see… Then, has he returned to the family home since becoming a civil official?”

“I don’t think it’s zero, probably. But I haven’t encountered him, so I don’t know. Why do you ask, though?”

“If he’s been away from the family home for that long, I thought your brother might be free from or have a weakened influence of Miss Iama’s charm.”

Otilie’s eyes widened at Varick’s response.

“I see… That could be a possibility.”

If her family and the servants hadn’t been under the influence of the charm, how would they have treated Otilie? Would they have smiled kindly at her, like they did with Iama? She’d imagined it a few times since coming to the castle. Though she never really believed such a day would come.

“Even if my brother is still under the charm’s influence, it’s work. I’ll handle it properly and keep it professional.”

If she let feelings like liking, disliking, or discomfort affect her, the work wouldn’t progress at all. Knowing that everyone working in the castle carried out their duties admirably while having various thoughts in their hearts, Otilie felt she must follow their example.

“Mhm, that’s a good attitude. But I plan to test beforehand whether my ability can nullify the charm’s influence, and during the inspection, interactions with Aldrich are expected to be minimal. Still, if it becomes painful, I’ll make considerations, so rely on me properly, alright?”

“But, Lord Varick, you don’t have to go that far.”

“I want to.”

Smiled at by Varick, Otilie’s chest gave a painful twinge.

He was a kind person to everyone. She knew that full well. But lately, she’d started feeling as if she were being treated specially, and each time, Otilie told herself, ‘It’s a misunderstanding.’ Varick simply had expectations for Otilie’s abilities. She was on the same level as the other aides, that was all.

(I have to work hard to be useful to Lord Varick.)

Pat pat, she slapped her cheeks and renewed her resolve.

A few days later, the day of the inspection at the temple arrived.

“Wow…! So, this is the Tioriolun Temple!”

The ancient building full of history, the unique scent, the massive stone pillars and marble floors. It was a structure with a different charm from the castle or the capital’s temples, and Otilie was deeply moved.

“Good work, Otilie. How was the journey?”

“Lord Varick! It was enjoyable. I had many conversations with Ms. Airny and Mr. Brad.”

It was her first time going out by carriage since her walk through the town with Varick. Gazing at the beautiful nature and townscapes while chatting with her colleagues felt like a small trip and was refreshing.

“I’m jealous. I wanted to join you all. It was so boring, so boring alone.”

Otilie let out a soft chuckle at Varick’s sorrowful sigh.

“If you were to get married, you wouldn’t need to ride in a carriage alone anymore,”

Airny murmured under her breath. Varick looked blankly surprised for a moment, then a faint smile appeared.

“That’s certainly true. After this inspection is over, I’ll have to discuss it with Mother as well…”

(Marriage…)

Otilie muttered inwardly, feeling somewhat unsettled.

As a member of the royal family, it was only natural that Varick would marry. He had originally said he needed to choose a queen consort within the year, and as an aide, she couldn’t avoid such topics. Rather, she understood she was in a position where she should actively assist in considering candidates and the necessary support.

(If he gets a fiancée, surely I won’t be able to spend time with Lord Varick like I do now.)

Thinking that made her feel a little… no, quite lonely.

Otilie liked Varick very much. She wanted to stay by his side forever. But if his marriage partner disliked having a female aide, a reassignment might be necessary. She might end up separated from Varick.

(If only… if only I had more ability and achievements. If I could make everyone think I’m indispensable as an aide.)

If so, could she remain as an aide forever? Could she stay by Varick’s side?

No matter how much she was praised or recognized, it still wasn’t enough. She couldn’t stay like this. It was just as Otilie thought that.

“Otilie?”

Someone called her from behind. It was a voice different from the aides or the familiar knights.

“Yes…?”

Turning around, Otilie caught her breath softly. A tall, slender man with black hair and purple eyes was staring at her. She wasn’t certain, but his face seemed familiar.

“Brother?”

Aldrich Einhorn. Otilie’s brother and the heir to the Einhorn Marquisate.

The last time they met was eight years ago, so some details differed from her memory, but his features were vaguely recognizable. Since he had called out to her, it was undoubtedly Aldrich… or so she thought.

[No way!? My little sister is so cute…!]

(Huh…? Was that, Brother?)

Was she hearing things? Otilie blinked and tilted her head slightly.

[Cute. She looks just like our late mother. Ah, why didn’t I meet her more when she was younger! Then I could have imprinted Otilie’s cuteness in my eyes.]

Covering his mouth with his palm, Aldrich continued to stare at Otilie.

(What do I do? Maybe he really isn’t the brother I knew…!)

Surprised and bewildered. Otilie stood frozen on the spot.