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 44

A month had passed since the temple affair was settled, and Otilie had been enjoying peaceful days.

(It feels like a lie that I was ever so busy.)

She was delighted to be able to face her paperwork slowly, without being chased by time. She wasn’t the only one who felt this way. The other aides felt the same.

“That’s a relief. It looks like I’ll be able to attend tonight’s soirée as planned. Now I won’t be scolded by my fiancé.”

“I’ll sleep well when I get home.”

“There’s a play I want to see.”

The backlash from having thrown her private life away for three whole months was immense. It was only natural that she’d be a little distracted.

(Alright, that’s all the paperwork I need to finish today.)

There was only a little time left until the end of the workday. Otilie let out a sigh and stretched her arms high above her head. Just then, Varick returned to the office. He approached the aides’ workspace and smiled at Otilie.

“Otilie, do you have a moment? There’s something I’d like to ask of you. It won’t take much of your time.”

“Lord Varick! Of course, anything you wish.”

Urged to move to the sofa, Otilie sat down across from Varick.

“Actually, I’d like you to help my mother starting tomorrow.”

“Help Her Highness the Queen?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and Varick nodded slightly.

“Well, it’s the height of the social season. She wants to host a tea party and invite many young ladies.”

“I see… Understood.”

Even as she replied, Otilie tilted her head slightly in puzzlement.

(I don’t mind helping, but… doesn’t Her Highness already have many capable civil officials and ladies-in-waiting? Is there really a need for me to go? I haven’t heard anything about a shortage of hands either.)

Perhaps sensing Otilie’s doubts, Varick let out a wry smile and leaned forward slightly.

“Mother says, ‘The best way to understand young people’s sensibilities is to ask young people.’ There aren’t many people around Mother who are our age, you see.”

“Ah… I see. But if that’s the case, then am I really the right person to help? I’m not very knowledgeable about fashion, and I might not be of much use.”

Otilie had lived secluded in her room until she began working as an aide. Even now, her dresses and hairstyles were coordinated by her maid, Karan, so she didn’t think her sensibilities were close to those of an ordinary young lady. Wasn’t there someone more suitable? Otilie hesitated.

“Actually, this tea party is being held for Lord Varick’s sake,” Airny, who had been waiting nearby, spoke up.

“Eh? For Lord Varick?”

When Otilie asked, Varick nodded, averting his gaze slightly.

“…Yes. It’s about time I decide on a fiancée.”

“Ah…”

With everything that had happened, she had forgotten, but Varick would soon be turning eighteen. While he didn’t need to decide on a fiancée immediately, it was about time to at least narrow down the candidates.

In other words, the main purpose of this tea party was to gather young ladies of marriageable age and find one who met the approval of both the Queen and Varick.

“We couldn’t possibly leave everything to Her Highness the Queen. So, it was decided that the best person to ask would be you, Otilie—both Lord Varick’s aide and a young woman.”

“I see…”

As she replied, Otilie glanced softly at Varick.

(Lord Varick’s fiancée… So, the search for candidates is finally beginning in earnest.)

It was a reality she had been avoiding for the past three months. A sharp pain pricked at Otilie’s chest.

That night, Varick had told her, “I want you to stay by my side forever,” but what if the woman he chose disliked the idea of a female aide working by his side? Although Otilie’s standing had risen due to the temple affair, there were plenty of civil service positions available even if she weren’t the Crown Prince’s aide. If she were told, “It would be better somewhere else,” that would be the end of it. There was no way her wishes would be heard.

(I don’t like this.)

Muttering to herself inwardly, Otilie shook her head with a start.

Finding a lifelong partner for Varick was an important task for his aide. She shouldn’t be sad or reluctant about it.

(What’s wrong with me?)

She felt disgusted with herself for thinking such things.

Clenching her fists tightly, Otilie slowly raised her head.

“Understood. As Lord Varick’s aide, I will do my very best.”

“Mm… I’m counting on you, Otilie.”

Varick said this while staring intently at Otilie. His gaze, filled with a certain intensity, left her slightly flustered.

(Does he have something else he wants to tell me?)

…That’s what she thought, but she couldn’t hear the voice of his heart. Perhaps it was something he didn’t want her to hear. Concluding as much, Otilie left Varick’s office.