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 43

Afterward, a large-scale investigation was conducted at the Margrave’s estate. Everything was thoroughly examined—from his private knight order to his personal chambers, office, reception rooms, servants’ quarters, secondary residences, and even his mistresses’ homes.

Although prior investigations had already confirmed he was the mastermind behind the rebellion, the evidence discovered within the estate—documents, weapons, financial records, and most conclusively, several treasures stolen from the temple vault—provided undeniable proof, allowing the kingdom to formally charge the Margrave.

The main issue then became determining who should be held accountable and to what extent.

It would have been easy to indiscriminately punish all his blood relatives and associates. However, punishing those who knew nothing was inappropriate, and there was also the risk of guilty parties falsely claiming innocence. Letting accomplices escape would only sow public anxiety.

This was where Otilie’s abilities proved invaluable. Using her power, she could easily discern people’s true intentions. With the aid of crystals, she could even investigate multiple individuals simultaneously.

As a result, the interrogations of the Margrave’s relatives and associates proceeded with unprecedented speed.

It was decided that the Margrave’s house and the Brandon barony would have their assets confiscated and their noble titles revoked. Other punishments would be determined later.

The remaining investigations were handed over to regular civil officials.

“It’s over,” Varick murmured.

It was late at night. The other aides had already finished work and gone home, leaving only Otilie and Varick in the room.

“…It’s over,” Otilie replied, slumping over her desk. She felt too exhausted to even lift a finger. She let out a long, heavy sigh.

“You’ve been working until nearly dawn for the past three months, you must be exhausted. Well done, Otilie.”

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Varick smiled at her.

Ever since their encounter with Jamie Brandon, Otilie and the others had worked tirelessly to investigate him and his associates without arousing suspicion. Even with leads, not knowing whether they would actually find evidence or assets, or how long the work would drag on, had taken a considerable mental toll.

But when they uncovered the truth that the Margrave was the mastermind, Otilie felt a sense of fulfillment that made all her struggles worthwhile. She would never forget the joy of that day when she and the other aides held hands, celebrating and exclaiming, “We’ve connected the dots!”

“I’m tired. But it was truly worth it. Our hard work paid off.”

This feeling of seeing her efforts bear fruit was not something she could experience so easily. She wanted to linger in this sense of accomplishment a little longer. Slowly, Otilie lifted her head.

“Um… Lord Varick, please go ahead and rest. I’ll return to my room in a little while.”

It was selfish of her to keep him here. She felt guilty for making her superior, Varick, stay with her. It would be better if he went ahead.

“No. I want to stay here by your side, Otilie.”

Saying this, Varick sat down beside her. Then, his expression softened slightly.

“I’m glad you’re here. Truly, from the bottom of my heart.”

“…Lord Varick.”

She had always wanted to become an irreplaceable aide to him that was what had driven her all this time. Though he had always needed her, she hadn’t felt she was living up to his words. But now, she could finally say with confidence that she had met his expectations.

“Yes.”

She gave a bright smile. Gazing at her, Varick took her hand.

“Otilie, I want you to stay by my side forever.”

“…Huh?”

Otilie’s heart pounded loudly. It almost sounded like a proposal. But she quickly dismissed the thought.

(After all, Lord Varick is the Crown Prince.)

He wasn’t in a position to say such things lightly. She mustn’t misunderstand. She reminded herself firmly.

“Thank you. I’m truly honored that you would say that. As your aide, I will serve by your side for the rest of my life.”

Embarrassed, flustered and not wanting him to notice her agitation Otilie gently lowered her gaze.

“As my aide, huh… Yeah, I thought you’d say that.”

Varick gave a small laugh, then continued to gaze intently at her.

“Um, Lord Varick?”

She wished he wouldn’t stare so much. Still looking down, Otilie stole a glance at his expression.

“One more time… Next time, I’ll make sure there’s no room for misunderstanding, and I’ll tell you properly.”

“Huh?”

His suggestive words and the gentle warmth of his hand on hers. A soft smack echoed faintly, and Otilie’s body grew hot.

(A situation with no room for misunderstanding. What does that mean?)

But she had neither the energy nor the will to ask. Her heart continued to race, thumping wildly.

Around the same time, a man visited the Einhorn residence.

“Long time no see, Brother!”

Iama clung tightly to her brother, Aldrich. Aldrich sighed and replied, “It has been a while.”

“I’ve been waiting for your reply for three whole months! What have you been doing all this time?”

“…Work has been busy. I haven’t had the time to write back.”

Aldrich was in charge of the temple investigation, so he had no time to spare for Iama. But because she had persistently sent him letters, he finally visited the estate tonight, now that his work was done.

“So? What about bringing Otilie back? How is that going?”

Iama’s eyes sparkled. Aldrich furrowed his brow and let out another small sigh.

“Iama—Otilie isn’t coming back here.”

“Huh?”

Aldrich looked at her with an expression that seemed both pitying and scornful. She had never seen such a look from him before. Overcome with an indescribable anxiety, Iama shook her head.

“That can’t be… Why? She’s just a plain, gloomy good-for-nothing, isn’t she? At the castle, she’d only be a burden.”

“A burden? Far from it. Otilie has been working splendidly as Lord Varick’s aide. Unlike a certain someone who stays cooped up in their estate, throwing their weight around.”

“Wh-what did you say!?”

Iama’s face flushed bright red at the sharp insult.

(What’s going on? Why isn’t Brother enchanted by me? Is it because we haven’t seen each other for a while? But I infused my letters with my charm ability too. I’m even staring into his eyes right now. Yet, it doesn’t seem to be working at all.)

It was impossible.

Until recently, there had been no one immune to Iama’s charm. She had always believed the world existed for her sake, yet lately, nothing was going right.

Recently, even the people in the estate had started challenging Iama’s words. The older servants weren’t so bad, but the newer ones treated her coldly—just as they had treated Otilie, or even more harshly.

And it all started after meeting Varick. Ever since that day when Varick remained unaffected by her charm, everything had gone wrong.

“Sorry, but I have no intention of bringing Otilie back to this house. She’s living happily by Lord Varick’s side now. And besides…”

“And besides, what?”

As she asked, Iama furrowed her brow. Aldrich narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Soon, she’ll be completely out of your reach.”

With those final words, he turned on his heel and left.

“Otilie out of my reach? …Impossible. What is Brother talking about?”

Muttering in frustration, Iama stared fixedly at Aldrich’s retreating back.