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 6

“Varick, you startled Otilie by speaking to her so abruptly. Shouldn’t you greet her properly first?”

“My apologies, Mother. Her ability was simply too fascinating.”

After saying this to his mother, Varick gently took Otilie’s hand. Then he kissed the back of it.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Varick. The crown prince of this country.”

“…Pleased to meet you.”

Several seconds after Varick’s greeting, Otilie finally began to comprehend the situation.

(Huh? I was kissed? By Prince Varick?)

Though it was just on the back of her hand, Otilie had never dreamed she would receive such a greeting someday. …Even now, she couldn’t believe it. She felt both shocked and embarrassed. Her cheeks flushed bright red.

“Pleased to meet you, Lord Varick. I am Iama and—”

“Sorry. I’m speaking with Lady Otilie right now, could you wait your turn?”

Varick cut off Iama’s introduction.

“Wh…”

As Iama let out an involuntary sound, snickering laughter could be heard from those around them. Iama made a face as if she’d bitten into something bitter. Then she turned her face away from Varick.

[Why am I being put aside? The order should clearly be reversed! And what? Why do I have to be laughed at?]

While feeling confused, Otilie strained her ears and could hear the surrounding voices.

[How rude to His Highness] [Serves her right. Interrupting His Highness’s conversation] [No matter how much she wants to greet him, now isn’t the time, right?]

No one in the mansion ever spoke against Iama. This was the first time Otilie had ever heard Iama being criticized by anyone.

“So, Lady Otilie, I hear you can read people’s minds?”

“Y… yes. That’s correct. Um… I’m sorry about this somehow.”

Otilie hadn’t expected her ability to be exposed like this. While her family and servants who knew about it were one thing, she felt terribly apologetic toward the people who happened to be present tonight. Given that most of the nobles had disappeared from the surroundings, it was clear they found it creepy. Though she couldn’t hear Varick’s inner voice since earlier, wasn’t he thinking the same way?

“Why are you apologizing? I think it’s amazing. A wonderful ability that only you possess.”

Varick smiled. Otilie’s heart skipped a beat.

“Thank you. This is the first time anyone has praised my ability like that.”

“The first time? I can’t believe it. Even among the Einhorn family, born with abilities affecting the mind, yours seems like it would be highly valued.”

As he spoke, Varick glanced briefly at Otilie’s father. Her father gasped faintly and bowed his head slightly.

[…Now that he mentions it, it’s true. Why have I been dismissing Otilie as a failure? With proper use, she could have been an unparalleled trump card.]

(…Huh? That was Father’s voice, right?)

Listening to her father’s genuinely puzzled inner murmur, Otilie was utterly astonished. It was hard to believe he would think such a thing. It felt like a lie.

“By the way, how old are you now, Otilie?”

“Huh? Um… I’m sixteen, but…”

Wondering why he would ask such a thing, she answered, and Varick’s eyes widened.

“Sixteen!? Really?”

“My…! Are you eating properly?”

This time the Queen asked.

Compared to other young ladies her age, Otilie was extremely short. Her physique was naturally poor too, with bony elbows and knees hidden by her dress. They were probably worried about her appearance being so inappropriate for her age.

(I have been eating properly lately. Actually, the reason I only eat every few days is because I can’t bear hearing the servants’ inner voices.)

But she couldn’t honestly reveal such circumstances. On the other hand, she hesitated to lie to royalty. With her extremely limited social interaction, Otilie didn’t know what the correct response should be.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Otilie always eats meals with just the two of us. Right, Otilie?”

Iama cut into the conversation. Her expression carried strong pressure. Then came the inner voice [You know what will happen if you deny it, right?] and Otilie found herself nodding repeatedly.

“I see… Is that so.”

Varick smiled. He looked gently at Otilie.

[Lady Iama’s build is no different from other young ladies her age. Yet could it be that only Lady Otilie’s growth is extremely delayed? Tell me, are you really eating properly?]

Varick’s words echoed directly in her head. He was using Otilie’s ability to speak directly to her alone.

“Really! I’m fine. I just have a smaller appetite compared to my sister. Um, thank you for your concern.”

She mustn’t make them worry any further. Otilie bowed deeply to Varick and the Queen.

“Is that so? Well then… Actually, Varick, why don’t you take Otilie to have a meal over there?”

“Whaat!?”

It was Iama who was shocked. The Queen asked in a gentle tone, “Is something wrong?”

“N… no, I’m just worried my sister might do something rude.”

[More importantly! I haven’t had a chance to speak with Lord Varick yet. I can’t have you taking him away at this timing. Otilie, you refuse too! Quickly!]

Hearing Iama’s frantic voice, Otilie panicked slightly and spoke up, “Um…”

“As my sister said, I’m unfamiliar with etiquette, and having a meal with Your Highness is simply beyond me.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind such things. Besides, I’d like to speak with Lady Otilie a bit more leisurely. I’d be sad if you refused.”

“Huh…?”

A sad yet somehow cheerful expression. It seemed he was watching for her reaction. The trouble was that for some reason, she couldn’t hear his inner voice.

(What should I do? What’s the correct answer?)

Between Iama and Varick, the priority should obviously be Crown Prince Varick. But if she did that, who knew what treatment awaited her back home.

Iama glared sharply at Otilie. She froze in fear, but then noticed Varick looking at her gently and her heart jumped.

“Go ahead, Otilie.”

“Father!? But…”

“This is an offer from His Highness himself. Such an opportunity will likely never come to Otilie again.”

Her father placated Iama. Iama furrowed her brow deeply.

[What is Father thinking? There’s no need to give Otilie such an opportunity even once! More importantly, I haven’t had a chance to charm His Highness yet! This will only distance me from becoming his consort!]

Iama’s voice was almost a scream. Otilie trembled nervously while looking back and forth between Varick and Iama.

“Well then, we’ll take our leave now. Let’s go, Lady Otilie.”

Saying this, Varick quickly led Otilie away from the scene.