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Chapter 39
In the Blanche mansion’s drawing room, while having dessert with her parents, Iva set her teacup down and said,
“I want to go down to the countryside.”
At the sudden statement, her parents widened their eyes and looked at each other, then broke into wide smiles.
“Oh, our darling must have been going through a tough time lately, huh? You must need some rest. When would you like to go? Can you clear your schedule too, dear?”
“For my wife and daughter, I’ll make time anytime. Iva, just tell us the day.”
Their affectionate reaction only made Iva feel heavier. After hesitating, she corrected herself.
“Not with you, Mother, Father. I want to go alone.”
“You want to travel alone? Oh my, since when did our little girl become so grown up…”
“And it’s not a vacation. I want to live independently.”
“What?!”
“W-what are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Her shocking announcement made her parents nearly spit out their tea—no, they actually did a little.
They pulled out handkerchiefs to wipe each other’s mouths and asked again.
“What are you saying? A young lady living alone? That’s unheard of in the history of the Vegen Agaei Empire.”
“I know, Father. That’s why I want to be the first to try it.”
“Are you saying you want to get married?”
“No, Mother. I have no intention of getting married.”
Even though they were sitting across from each other, the conversation felt like talking to a brick wall.
“Then what kind of life do you plan to live?”
“I want to move to the countryside, not marry, have several lovers, and spend money freely.”
“Oh my! That sounds like such a happy life—”
“Honey, what are you saying?”
“Oh no, I mean—of course, that’s not something to admire. I misspoke.”
Her mother caught herself, flustered by the idea.
“Are you saying all this because things have been hard lately? Was working at the palace too much for you?”
“That was tough, too, but I just want time to be alone. I think it’d be better for everyone.”
“We enjoy being with you, you know. Didn’t you?”
Her father’s voice was both hurt and saddened, making it hard for Iva to answer.
Of course she wanted to be with her family. Why would she want to leave her parents, who had never once blamed her—even at the execution site?
She knew how fortunate she was to be the beloved daughter of a count, surrounded by love and comfort.
But that was also why she wanted to protect it.
The moment she heard that Claude wished to take her as his consort, her first thought was to run away.
If she entered the palace—where all the main characters of the original story gathered—it would only be a matter of time before she died.
“I enjoy being with you too. But I want to have some time to myself. It’s not something I say lightly.”
“Even so, going to the countryside alone is not an option.”
“I’ll live safely. I’ll send letters every week, and come back every other week.”
“At least get married first and move there with your husband.”
“I don’t want to get married.”
“A noblewoman not getting married? You know that’s unheard of.”
Without marriage, noble ladies couldn’t even travel alone. After a brief pause, Iva hesitated before speaking.
“…The representative of the Penet delegation offered me immigration.”
“What? Immigration?!”
“I turned it down once, but if I write again, they might approve it.”
“You’re saying you want to leave the country?!”
Her father’s voice rose in anger.
“You have a perfectly fine country, and yet you’re thinking of immigration just because you want to be alone?!”
“That’s how much I want to get away from here.”
“Absolutely not. Immigration is out of the question! The countryside too!”
“Dear, calm down. Iva, let’s stop here for today. Go to your room.”
With no choice, Iva rose, but she kept talking.
“I know it’s a shock to hear all this suddenly, but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”
“Iva, that’s enough.”
“I didn’t say it to get your permission.”
“Iva Blanche!”
“Even if you object, I’ll go.”
For everyone’s sake. That last part, she muttered silently to herself.
In the end, her father, unable to take it anymore, stood up abruptly.
“How could you say such things…! That’s it! From today, you’re grounded for a week! You’re not stepping a foot outside this mansion!”
It was rare for her father to raise his voice, and Iva felt equally upset.
It was the first time she’d been scolded since possessing this body. She felt like crying, but bit her lower lip to hold it in. After bowing her head, she trudged to her bedroom.
“So this is the life of a villainess. Doing as you please despite everyone’s disapproval. If that’s what it takes to keep everyone alive, I don’t mind being hated.”
Back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed. Just then, Jane knocked and entered.
“Miss? I thought I heard the master raise his voice. Is everything alright?”
Such a rare event in the Blanche household had clearly surprised Jane.
“I got scolded. I’m grounded.”
“Grounded? All of a sudden? Why?”
“I said I wanted to go to the countryside, unmarried, and just collect lovers.”
“Oh my…”
Jane always thought her lady was eccentric, but this level was unexpected.
“People need to let go of the idea that women have to get married at a certain age.”
“You don’t seem very upset for someone who’s grounded.”
“You don’t get it, do you? To a homebody, being grounded is a treat.”
“A treat? Should I bring you some honey water?”
“No, no. I’m just going to stay home and rest. I’m tired.”
Jane, who knew just how busy Iva had been lately, nodded sympathetically.
“Shall I prepare you some dessert?”
“Sounds great! And a glass of wine too.”
“Miss! It’s still daytime.”
“So what? I can’t go outside anyway. And day drinking is the best. Jane, I’ve been scolded—are you really going to be strict with me today?”
“Haa… Just one glass.”
“Yay!”
“Hic… Jane, I’ve worked so hard. I dare anyone in this world to say they’ve worked harder than me!”
“Miss, we agreed on one glass.”
“But the wine was right there! Jane, wine exists to be drunk. Drink some with me!”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
One glass became two, then three, and before long, Iva had emptied the whole bottle on her own.
“Why is life so hard? Is it because I’m just too beautiful?”
“Please, miss. You need to sleep now.”
“No! I’ve got a whole week of house arrest—what’s the point of sleeping early?”
“You still have responsibilities, even at home. Keep a proper sleep schedule.”
“Ugh. Jane, just comfort me tonight, no nagging.”
Iva lay down and rested her head on Jane’s lap, acting spoiled on purpose.
It was rare for the usually confident Iva to act vulnerable, so Jane stopped nagging and gently pulled a comb from her pocket, brushing Iva’s hair.
This was the most peaceful time for both of them.
“You must have been struggling a lot lately.”
“Don’t even ask. Honestly, when I went to meet His Majesty, I really just wanted to run.”
“Fufu. I thought you might.”
“What? Then why did you dress me up so happily?”
“It was a request from your parents. And no matter where you go, you have to be the most beautiful one. I couldn’t help myself.”
Jane combed with genuine care. Iva turned her head and looked up at her.
“Jane.”
“Yes, miss?”
“Have you ever thought about doing something else?”
“Something else?”
“I mean living your own life. Not one where you’re always taking care of someone else.”
Iva worried that Jane might be tied to her just because of her role as a maid. Maybe if Jane stepped away from her, she could avoid the danger that followed Iva.
“Hmm… Taking care of you is my purpose and joy.”
“…Really?”
“Of course. If I hadn’t taken this job, I wouldn’t have met you. My life would’ve been so dull.”
“Do the other staff feel the same?”
“Absolutely. Everyone cares for this house deeply. The master, madam, and you—you’re all good people. I feel lucky to work here.”
You’re the good ones, not me, Iva thought but didn’t say aloud.
Get it together, Iva Blanche. Everyone’s life is at stake based on your choices.
The burden of that responsibility was so heavy, she couldn’t even look at Jane anymore and closed her eyes.
“Are you sleepy? You should lie down properly.”
“I just want to stay like this a bit longer.”
“Alright.”
She stayed still, letting Jane’s gentle brushing lull her to sleep.
“Jane.”
Iva’s voice was drowsy. Jane noticed and answered in a whisper.
“Yes, miss?”
“Did I get any letters lately?”
“If it’s tea party invitations, they come flooding in daily.”
“Not those.”
“Then what?”
“…From the Castro family.”
Lai wasn’t someone who would lie about sending a letter, but Iva had never received one. It lingered in her mind.
“From Duke Lai, right?”
“Yes.”
“The staff inspects the mail carefully every day, just in case. But I haven’t seen anything from him.”
I knew it. He said he sent one, but none arrived.
Why lie about something like that? Iva couldn’t understand Lai’s actions, and the alcohol made it harder to care.
“I’ll check again tomorrow, just in case.”
“No, forget it. Just forget I said anything.”
That was the last thing Iva said before she drifted off. Her body, exhausted, welcomed the deep sleep.
Jane gently helped her lie properly on the bed and quietly left the room.
Snore…
Iva’s even breathing filled the room quietly.
Until—
Tap!
Tap, tap!
Something tapped against the window.
“Ugh…”
The noise stirred Iva from sleep. She instinctively turned over.
Tap, tap!
The tapping grew louder.
Tap-tap-tap-tap!
“What the…?”
As the aggressive noise made it sound like the window might shatter, Iva cracked one eye open and glanced toward the window.
