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 48

“Alright, finished!”

Staring at the final invitation card, Otilie broke into a beaming smile. Having written them continuously between meetings, her wrist was bordering on tendinitis and she was covered in ink stains. Still, the sense of accomplishment from completing a task was immense, leaving Otilie feeling refreshed.

“Thank you, Otilie. You’ve truly worked hard.”

“Your Highness! Not at all. I’m the one who should apologize for making you wait.”

Handing over the completed stack of invitations, Otilie bowed to the Queen.

“Not at all. I’m truly delighted you finished each one so carefully. But it’s a shame. To think I have to send you back to Varick tomorrow…”

The Queen sighed as she spoke.

Otilie had been asked to compile the guest list, arrange the tea party details, and even write the invitations. The Queen’s aides would handle the remaining preparations, like the day-of setup. This meant Otilie could finally return to her official duties as Varick’s aide.

“Say, Otilie, why not work as my aide instead? Things go so much smoother with you around, and above all, it’s really enjoyable.”

The Queen smiled at Otilie, who couldn’t help but widen her eyes in surprise.

(To think Her Highness feels that way about me.)

She was genuinely happy. Even so, Otilie shook her head slightly.

“Thank you. But I am Lord Varick’s aide.”

She wanted to return to Varick quickly. She couldn’t help but want to be of use to him.

The Queen smiled gently and replied softly, “I see.”

“If anything happens, you can always rely on me. I cherish you as if you were my own daughter, you know?”

“Your Highness…”

Under that nurturing gaze, Otilie’s eyes grew hot with emotion.

“Yes! I’ll take you up on that.”

After a firm handshake, Otilie left the Queen’s office.

Returning to her private room, her maid, Karan, greeted her.

“Lady Otilie! I’m glad you’re back, I’ve been waiting. Actually, a gift has arrived for you. It’s this one here.”

“A gift?”

Staring at the large box with its cute wrapping, Otilie tilted her head slightly.

“From whom, I wonder?”

“I don’t know. There’s no message card… But since a knight delivered it directly, I don’t think it’s anything suspicious.”

“A knight?”

The knights Otilie was acquainted with were limited to Philip and Varick’s guards, plus a handful she’d interacted with for work. Still, she didn’t think she was on such terms with any of them to receive gifts.

“What could it be?”

Tilting her head curiously, Otilie began unwrapping the package. Opening the box, she couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

“Wow…!”

“It’s beautiful…”

Karan was the first to exclaim, followed by Otilie’s own gasp of admiration.

Inside was a beautiful dress. An elegant and adorable piece lavishly adorned with frills and lace, making Otilie let out a soft sigh.

“Really! It’s super cute. This will absolutely suit you, Lady Otilie! The sender must know you very well.”

The white blouse fabric with pale purple ribbons and a deep purple skirt matched Otilie’s aura perfectly. It was a dress one couldn’t choose without knowing her.

(More than that, this is definitely an expensive item, isn’t it?)

The vibrant, beautifully dyed fabric with delicate embroidery. It seemed like a design favored for noble parties or outings.

Then, spotting a card beneath the dress, Otilie picked it up. Instantly, a familiar perfume scent tickled her nostrils, making her eyes grow hot.

“…Karan, I’m going out for a bit.”

“Huh? Ah—have a safe trip.”

Even though she hadn’t read the contents yet, Karan tilted her head but smiled warmly, seeing Otilie off.

(I have to hurry… He should still be in his office now, right?)

Just as Otilie left her room, a familiar knight—one of Varick’s guard knights—stopped her.

“Ah, um… I’m in a bit of a hurry right now. I was heading to the office.”

“If it’s Lord Varick, he’s in his private quarters. I’ll guide you, please come this way.”

“…!”

It seemed her destination had been anticipated. …Or rather, he had been waiting here specifically to escort Otilie. Though bewildered, Otilie followed behind the knight.

After walking for a few minutes, they entered the royal family’s living quarters for the first time. The atmosphere was more solemn than the work area, making Otilie gulp nervously.

“This is the room.”

Arriving before the door, the knight informed her. But she couldn’t muster the courage to knock.

This wasn’t the office; it was Varick’s private space. Normally, as his aide, this wasn’t a place she should enter.

(But…)

She had to see Varick quickly. Otilie gently tapped on the door.

“Yes.”

Varick’s voice replied. Otilie took a deep breath.

“Um… It’s Otilie. I wanted to thank you, Lord Varick.”

Had he been waiting? The door opened immediately, and Varick invited Otilie inside.

“Lord Varick, that dress…”

“I have something I want to give to Otilie.”

“Huh? But…”

She had already received the dress. That dress was undoubtedly a gift from Varick. That’s precisely why Otilie had come here now—to confirm Varick’s true intentions, to see if it was really okay for her to accept it.

“Will you take this?”

“Huh? This is…”

What he handed her was a plain, unremarkable envelope. …But Otilie recognized it all too well. Because it was identical to the ones she had been addressing over and over, just moments ago, before entrusting them to the Queen.

“I wrote it.”

Varick said. Otilie’s name written on the envelope’s front. Opening it, she looked inside. An invitation to the tea party, the same wording Otilie had been writing for the young ladies.

“I want Otilie to come to the tea party.”

“Lord Varick…”

“Let me be clear, not as my aide, okay? That’s why I had you come all the way to my room.”

Her heart pounded loudly.

(But I’m not on the guest list…)

After all, this was a tea party to choose Varick’s fiancée. It wasn’t a place Otilie should be invited to. She should return the invitation to Varick right here. That’s what she should be thinking, yet her hands, her mouth, wouldn’t move as she wished.

“I want you to wear the dress I gave you and come to the tea party, Otilie.”

At Varick’s words, her throat tightened with heat. Her chest felt hot and unbearably painful. She couldn’t let Varick see her like this. Otilie kept her head down and muttered softly, “But…”

“It’s meaningless without you, Otilie.”

Their hands joined. Otilie could hear Varick’s heartbeat in her ears. It was as fast as hers, or faster. A desperate, pleading feeling— [Please don’t refuse]—came through so intensely that Otilie nearly burst into tears.

“I’ll go.”

Because it was Varick’s wish… Making that excuse to herself, Otilie replied.

“Okay. I’ll be waiting.”

Gently embraced, Otilie squeezed her eyes shut.