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 52

Then, in the blink of an eye, several days passed. Otilie continued her peaceful daily life as usual, serving as Varick’s aide.

…There was so little change that she sometimes wondered if that proposal had been a dream.

(Though, that’s not really true.)

The reason Otilie could even think that way was because Varick was being extremely considerate.

He never rushed her for an answer, and he’d probably asked the other aides to do the same. The only time marriage had been mentioned even in thoughts was the day after the proposal. He must be curious about it, really… She felt a little guilty about that.

Still, Otilie hadn’t been able to come to a decision yet. Not being pressured for an answer was something she was truly grateful for.

“What exactly do you intend to do?”

Hearing a voice from behind, Otilie flinched and her shoulders trembled.

(Ah… It wasn’t about me.)

Looking over, she saw Airny talking with another aide, and Otilie breathed a sigh of relief.

Even so, she knew she shouldn’t drag this out too long. Even if her answer wasn’t decided yet, she couldn’t bear to make Varick wait much longer. …In that case, should she refuse? A sharp pang went through Otilie’s chest.

(If I turn him down, what kind of reaction would Lord Varick show?)

He was such a kind person. A gentle, warm person. She felt that no matter what choice she made, he would respect it.

But would that really be for the best?

Imagining Varick’s face as he replied with a troubled smile, saying “I understand,” Otilie clenched her fist tightly. Would it be right to make her beloved Varick make such an expression? Would she truly not regret it? More fundamentally, why was Otilie so conflicted about this…?

“Miss Otilie, would you like to talk for a bit after work?”

“Eh? Ah… Mr. Airny.”

Airny called out to her. While looking at Otilie, he continued, “How about some tea for a change?”

(Mr. Airny inviting me…)

This was the first time he’d asked someone out privately. What did he want to talk about? Even without hearing his inner thoughts, she could guess.

“If it’s alright with me, then by all means.”

“Then, let’s do that.”

After giving his reply, Airny immediately returned to work.

After work, she followed Airny out of the castle. After a few minutes in the swaying carriage, Otilie found herself in front of a certain townhouse.

“This is…?”

“My residence. If we went somewhere else, someone might overhear our conversation, and we wouldn’t be able to speak calmly.”

When they entered the parlor, maids promptly brought tea. Once they were alone, Airny immediately got to the point.

“What do you intend to do about Lord Varick?”

Being asked so directly made Otilie’s heart skip a beat. Until now, no one—not even Varick—had brought it up.

But if she talked with Airny, she might reach a conclusion she couldn’t arrive at on her own. Otilie hesitantly raised her face.

“…I know I shouldn’t make him wait too long. So, um… I was thinking of refusing.”

Hearing Otilie’s reply, Airny’s eyes widened.

“Why is that?”

“Eh? Why, you ask…”

“You do know how much Lord Varick cares for you, don’t you?”

Airny’s expression as he spoke was pained. He seemed to feel the pain Varick would soon experience as if it were his own. Otilie replied “Yes” while bowing her head slightly.

“Then why is there any need to hesitate? Lord Varick may not say it aloud, show it in his actions, or even think it in his heart, but he’s waiting for your answer. He wants you to respond to his feelings. He’s hoping you’ll say ‘I’ll marry you.'”

Her chest tightened painfully. Otilie replied, “I see.”

“But, I’m sorry. Perhaps I—I just don’t have confidence.”

“Confidence?”

When Airny asked back, Otilie nodded with an “Mm-hmm.” He tilted his head and leaned forward slightly.

“Is that about the duties of being his consort? If so, I don’t think there’s anyone more suitable than you. You have a track record as an aide, and your adaptability and ability to learn are impeccable. You have the unique ability to hear inner voices, and if it’s you, Miss Otilie, you could handle being consort perfectly well. We aides also believe that we could serve you wholeheartedly.”

“Mr. Airny…”

Hearing his true feelings for the first time, that he thought of her that way made Otilie feel like crying.

“Thank you. But that’s probably not it. What I’m anxious about isn’t that.”

“It’s not? Then what is it?”

The shape of Otilie’s vague ‘anxiety’ was gradually becoming clearer. Because Airny had brought it to light, she felt like she might finally reach a conclusion.

“I just… I just want Lord Varick to be happy. More than anyone, more than anything, I want him to be happy. So… so…………”

Putting it into words brought tears to her eyes. Airny’s eyes widened slightly, then he smiled ruefully.

“I see.”

His voice was gentle. Airny probably understood Otilie’s feelings painfully well. More than anyone else in this world, surely. Because his own wish was the same as Otilie’s.

“Alright. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, Miss Otilie. But please convey those feelings to Lord Varick soon… as soon as possible. I think right about now, he’s surely wondering why you’re hesitating… why you can’t give an answer. He may seem capable of anything and strong, but he has surprisingly fragile parts.”

“Lord Varick does?”

She couldn’t see him that way at all. When Otilie looked surprised, Airny gave a small nod and said “Yes.”

“Honestly, he could have just ordered ‘Become my consort’… But I think Lord Varick truly wanted your heart. I believe he wanted you, Miss Otilie, to choose him of your own will.”

Airny’s words made her chest ache. It was as if she were hearing the inner voice Varick was hiding. But the truth was, she wouldn’t know unless she asked him directly.

(I have to talk with Lord Varick.)

She was unbearably anxious about what kind of reaction she’d get. But as Airny said, she ought to convey her feelings.

“May I ask one last thing?”

“Yes, what is it?”

When Otilie asked back, Airny smiled gently and softly took her hand.

“Miss Otilie, I wish for not only Lord Varick’s happiness, but yours as well.”

“Mr. Airny…”

Why do people wish for others’ happiness? —Otilie narrowed her eyes and replied, “Thank you.”