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Chapter 25
Chirp, chirp, chirp.
The bright morning birdsong rang through the air, and I instinctively pulled the blanket over my head.
“Ugh… so noisy… Mom, just a little more sleep…”
I whined out of habit—then froze.
A chill ran down my spine.
The blanket… was far too soft.
And a faint fragrance brushed against my nose.
It wasn’t the simple, sun-dried scent of bedding warmed by sunlight.
It was something more refined.
Like rosewater infused with dried petals… or a few drops of expensive perfume scattered through the air.
“Waaah!!”
I shot upright in panic.
My eyes darted around the room.
An unfamiliar sight greeted me.
An ornate vanity, luxurious wallpaper, furniture that screamed I am expensive at every corner.
Even the nightwear on my body was incredibly soft.
Honestly, it looked more expensive than my usual outdoor clothes… but that wasn’t the point.
Because—
The clock showed ten in the morning.
I had slept until after ten?!
No way. Impossible.
This is insane.
I swallowed dryly and grabbed the silver bell on the table.
I had been told before—if I needed someone, I only had to ring it.
Ding—ding ding.
The clear sound echoed through the room.
Almost immediately, footsteps approached from outside.
Knock knock.
A short, precise knock followed.
“You may come in.”
I quickly straightened my clothes and spoke as calmly as I could.
The door opened silently.
A maid stepped inside with quiet grace and bowed respectfully.
“Have you awakened, young lady?”
“S-sorry… I overslept. I didn’t mean to…”
I fidgeted nervously, watching her reaction.
But the maid answered flatly.
“It is alright.”
Huh?
I blinked.
That felt strangely… distant.
As if a line had been drawn between us.
The maid continued in an even tone.
“The lady of the house instructed us not to wake you, as you seemed tired.”
“…I see. That’s… thoughtful of her.”
I nodded slowly, though my feelings were oddly unsettled.
The maid then added,
“She also asked me to inform you that a tailor has been summoned from the dress atelier. Once you wake, you are to proceed to the reception room.”
“….”
What?
I stared at her.
“A-a tailor was summoned?”
“Yes, young lady.”
“So… the Duchess is waiting for me right now?!”
My voice rose without meaning to.
So I had been sleeping peacefully while a duchess was waiting for me?!
My stomach dropped.
The maid, however, remained calm.
“Yes. She is currently discussing dress designs with the Madam.”
“…Alright. I’ll go right away.”
I scrambled out of bed and headed toward the washroom.
At least I should wash up first.
Then—
Ah, right.
A thought struck me.
I peeked my head back out.
“Hey… could you ask the Duchess something for me?”
“Yes, please speak.”
“Would it be alright if Cecilia came as well?”
If we were doing this, it might be better if Cecilia joined too.
The maid blinked.
“Lady Cecilia?”
Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at me.
…Huh?
Why did she look so surprised?
As if it was strange for me to even mention Cecilia.
“I just thought she might help with the dress too. Is that not okay?”
“Ah—no, that is not what I meant.”
The maid quickly lowered her head again, expression smoothing over.
“I will relay your message.”
“Thanks.”
I nodded and closed the door.
Inside the washroom, I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
My brows were tightly furrowed.
…What is this strange feeling?
After quickly getting ready, I followed the maid toward the reception room.
Along the way, I passed other servants in the corridor.
“—and then Peter said…”
“Oh my, really?”
They had been chatting lightly, but the moment they saw me, they stiffened.
They immediately bowed.
“Lady Milena.”
“Lady Milena, good day.”
Perfectly polite.
Yet something felt wrong.
Too rigid.
As if they were handling something fragile—something that might break at any moment.
And that was strange.
Yesterday wasn’t like this.
Yesterday, they had been warmer.
More natural.
At least until my identity was confirmed, there was no reason for their attitude to change so suddenly.
“…Something’s definitely off.”
But I was already late.
I couldn’t afford to linger on it now.
I forced it to the back of my mind and continued forward.
Ahead, sunlight spilled through the reception room windows.
Around a refined table sat several people.
One unfamiliar person—likely from the dress atelier.
The Howard Lady stood stiffly behind the sofa, chin raised.
The Duchess, the young lord, and—
My eyes landed on her.
Cecilia.
My expression brightened instantly.
Even though she looked a little awkward, gaze lowered and fixed on her teacup.
Still—she was here.
That was enough.
I stepped inside lightly.
“I’m terribly sorry I’m late.”
“Oh, no. I should be the one apologizing for calling you so suddenly.”
The Duchess welcomed me warmly.
So warmly, in fact, she even stood up.
…No, really, there was no need for that.
“Since you’ve only just arrived in the capital, you must be tired. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Yes, I did. And you, Duchess?”
At the word Duchess, her expression flickered briefly.
Then she smiled again.
“Yes, I slept very well.”
And then she added softly,
“Waiting for my late-sleeping daughter was quite enjoyable.”
“….”
I froze.
Daughter.
That single word echoed in my mind.
I could feel it—beneath her gentle tone, the lingering ache of a lost child.
And also… the warmth of someone trying to embrace what remained.
But I’m not even confirmed to be her real daughter yet.
My chest tightened strangely.
It felt uncomfortable, heavy… and yet somehow bittersweet.
Uncertain. Guilty. And, against my will—
A little happy too.
