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 4

The hour-and-a-half journey from the manor to the royal palace was pure hell. Sitting across from her father and Iama, who were conversing happily, Otilie couldn’t utter a single word.

“Father, why does Otilie have to be in the same carriage? She doesn’t speak even when she’s with us, and she just ruins the atmosphere.”

“Ah, my apologies, Iama. I thought it would be wasteful to prepare a separate carriage just for her and there’s appearances to consider as well. Could you bear with it just for today?”

They probably knew that having a conversation would torment Otilie more effectively than cursing her in their minds. They deliberately criticized her right in front of her.

(I can’t hear this, I just can’t hear it)

It wasn’t as if she had asked to attend the evening party. The fault lay with the queen who had summoned her and her father who had complied. Being told now that having her in the same carriage was painful or bothersome wasn’t Otilie’s responsibility at all.

“Still, I’m looking forward to tonight’s evening party. While meeting Lord Varick is one thing, I’m also excited to see Her Highness the Queen. Both of them rarely attend these events.”

“Indeed. Opportunities like this are rare. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say most high-ranking nobles are banking on tonight’s occasion. And if things go well, we might even be able to get rid of the Otilie problem?”

“Eh…?”

Hearing her name mentioned so abruptly, Otilie’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Get rid of the problem? What do you mean?”

“Well, you know there are various jobs at the palace, right?”

“Of course, I know that. After all, even my brother works there as a civil official, and there are other positions like knights, ladies-in-waiting, and servants, aren’t there?”

“Exactly. With so many different jobs available, I thought there might be something even someone at Otilie’s level could do that we might be able to get her introduced to something. After all, she does have high status at least.”

Listening to their conversation, Otilie’s eyes began to sparkle.

(That’s right. If I could find work, I might be able to leave that house.)

She had never considered such a possibility before. She had been practically confined to her room, only leaving a few times a day, with no hope for the future and no mental energy to think of solutions.

(If I could go somewhere without my sister, there would be no one to look down on me. I hope)

She didn’t know how much her father and the servants were affected by the charm ability. They had been like that for many years now.

That said, it was possible they weren’t affected by the charm at all and had simply disliked Otilie from the beginning. But—

[How foolish. Dreaming of impossible things]

Iama’s voice echoed in her head. Otilie jolted and looked up.

“But that would require someone to find Otilie useful, wouldn’t it? That’s impossible. She’s gloomy and can barely hold a conversation, and even if she attends the evening party, she’ll probably just barely manage to stand there, right? No one would find any value in this girl.”

The cruel blade of words forced reality upon Otilie.

(My sister is right)

How many people in her life had ever recognized Otilie’s value? Even those who initially praised her quickly disappeared from her presence. Her recent etiquette instructor was a perfect example.

(No one needs me)

She probably wouldn’t find any work.

“Still, Iama, wouldn’t it be better than having Otilie stay at the manor forever?”

“We could just marry her off to some rich old man when the time comes. That would be much better for the family.”

Giggling cheerfully, Iama glanced gently at Otilie.

(That might not be so bad maybe)

Probably. It would still be better than staying here. …While thinking she could never say such a thing aloud, Otilie sighed inwardly.

(Still, I wonder what kind of person Her Highness the Queen is?)

According to her father, the queen was a blood relative of the Einhorn family—his cousin. Since she had Einhorn blood, she likely possessed some kind of ability, but Otilie hadn’t heard any rumors about it. …Of course, since Otilie had cut off all social interaction, her only means of obtaining information was through newspapers she secretly borrowed.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, the carriage entered the city district. Gazing at the beautiful streets of the royal capital, Otilie quietly caught her breath.

“Hey! Stop that! People will think you’re provincial!”

“Eh? Um…”

“That ‘amazing! beautiful!’ expression of yours. You look like such a country bumpkin, it’s embarrassing. It’s really irritating to watch. And you’re supposed to be my sister? If you act strangely, I’ll be laughed at too. Have more awareness of being a member of the Einhorn family.”

“…I’m sorry, sister”

Even if she was told that, this was Otilie’s first time seeing the royal capital’s streets, the outside world. It was only natural she’d feel somewhat excited. Still, it seemed she couldn’t show even a hint of such attitude while with Iama. If I can just get through tonight. Thinking this, Otilie’s stomach began to ache sharply.

“Well, we’ve arrived”

When they reached the palace, Otilie followed her father and Iama out of the carriage. The long line of noble carriages and the large crowd of people nearly overwhelmed her.

(No, no. If I show surprise or admiration, sister will scold me again)

Desperately maintaining her composure, she carried herself as her etiquette instructor had taught. Then she felt gazes from those around her particularly from the men.

[Whose young lady is she? …The fragile type you want to protect]

[She’s small and adorable]

[Her purple eyes are mysterious. I feel like I’m being drawn in]

Hearing these inner voices coming from the same direction as the gazes, Otilie’s heart skipped a beat.

“As expected, Iama, you’re popular wherever you go. I can already feel the heated gazes from the gentlemen.”

“Of course, Father”

(…What!? What are you misunderstanding!? It’s obviously my sister, not me!)

Indeed, Iama was smiling and waving slightly toward the men. She was a beautiful woman who could captivate men without even using her charm ability. She was fundamentally different from Otilie.

(How foolish. They don’t even have me in their sights)

Sighing secretly, Otilie walked behind her father and sister.

[Why is she waving at me? I was looking at that other young lady though.]

Several such inner voices arose. But they were drowned out by the voices of other attendees and never reached Otilie.