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Chapter 4
Ayla had no intention of standing by and watching that happen.
She had already given up expecting anything from the rest of her family, so their actions no longer wounded her deeply.
But her mother was different.
Ayla did not want to see Irene attacked by her hotheaded brothers.
If that happens, I might forget all about my goals and completely lose control.
Just as Irene was about to open her mouth and refuse Rosia’s request, exactly as she had in the original story—
Ayla spoke first.
“I’ll leave the family.”
Kalios frowned and stared at her.
Throughout the entire meal, the family had not paid Ayla the slightest attention.
Now, for the first time, all eyes were on her.
The irony almost made her laugh.
Kalios addressed her.
“What are you talking about, Ayla?”
“I’m saying that I will leave the family, Your Grace.”
At the formal title she used, Kalios’s expression hardened.
To avoid the conflict between her mother and the rest of the family—and to spare herself an endless supply of bitter suffering—Ayla had already decided to leave.
Compared to everything that would happen in the future, losing her seat at the breakfast table was nothing.
Rosia would attack her in far more vicious ways going forward.
And as long as the bloodline-testing artifact declared that she was not the duke’s biological daughter, Ayla would have no way to defend herself against those attacks.
After a long, intimidating silence, Kalios asked,
“Why do you suddenly wish to leave the family?”
“Because even Your Grace must find my presence uncomfortable. Someone who isn’t truly a member of House Blanche has no place here. I don’t want to make everyone uneasy.”
Ayla lowered her eyes obediently as she spoke.
The first rule of regret-novel heroines:
Even when their families despise and mistreat them, they stubbornly remain by their side and endure endless humiliation.
Ayla intended to break that rule first.
Besides, if I stay here, all I’ll get is more misery.
The key to avoiding a tragic heroine’s fate lay entirely at the Academy.
“If you would arrange a room for me in the Academy dormitory, I will quietly leave the family and stay there.”
At least in the dormitory, she wouldn’t have to constantly worry about everyone’s opinions.
Life would actually be easier.
In any case, I’ll eventually be driven out of the family anyway.
That was what Rosia’s schemes and Kalios’s future decision would lead to.
So Ayla intended to leave before they could throw her out.
“You truly believe you can survive at the Academy?”
Kalios frowned deeply.
“The Imperial Academy is one of the most prestigious institutions in the Empire. The only reason you’ve attended without trouble until now is because you were Lady Blanche.”
He continued, unable to understand her thinking.
“But now you’re a commoner. You’re saying you’ll continue studying among the heirs of powerful noble families? And that’s despite possessing less magical talent than most commoners…”
That part was true.
Ayla’s magical knowledge was exceptional.
However, she suffered from mana insensitivity and could not perceive mana at all.
Lowering her gaze, Ayla adopted another sorrowful expression.
“I’ll figure that part out myself. I’m already grateful enough for everything this family has done for me. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Kalios grimaced as though she were giving him a headache.
Her brothers looked much the same.
“Ayla, Father is right. You know what kind of treatment commoners receive at the Academy.”
“Exactly. Haven’t you seen how they’re treated? Even your friends will change their attitudes toward you.”
As the entire family expressed concern, Rosia apparently could no longer remain silent.
“If you’re doing this because of me, then you don’t have to leave, Lady Ayla.”
Her eyes and cheeks reddened.
Moments later, tears began streaming down her face.
“I already felt guilty. It feels like I ruined the atmosphere of this family. I was sorry just for sitting in that seat…”
The moment Rosia started crying, the brothers who had been firmly opposing Ayla fell completely silent.
Ayla knew exactly why Rosia had stepped in.
She can’t afford to lose even a little of my brothers’ attention if she wants to keep her magic working.
The intention was painfully obvious.
Still, Ayla simply smiled calmly and shook her head.
“No, Rosia. You have nothing to apologize for. I was never meant to be here in the first place.”
Her voice was gentle, yet carried a faint loneliness.
“Seeing you feel this guilty actually makes me feel worse. You’re the rightful owner of this place. So you should be more confident.”
Rosia’s expression twisted slightly.
It was exactly the reaction Ayla expected.
Of course she’s annoyed. A girl who just became a commoner is telling her to be confident.
But in this situation, Rosia had no suitable response.
In the end, she chose silence.
A strange atmosphere settled over the table.
Kedrick, who had ignored Ayla until now, merely bit his lip.
Gerat sat in silence, his utensils frozen in his hand.
Only Duchess Irene continued staring at Ayla with tearful eyes.
Meeting her gaze, Ayla spoke softly.
“I’m really fine. I’ll do well at the Academy. So please don’t worry too much.”
Ayla looked completely calm.
As though she had already accepted everything.
At last, Kalios seemed to make up his mind.
“Very well. Go.”
“…”
“It would be best for you to live separately at the Academy. The time has come for everyone to return to their proper place.”
He turned toward Rosia.
“And you, Rosia, should begin learning how to manage the affairs of the family.”
Well done, Rosia.
Ayla smiled inwardly.
If Rosia had not intervened, Kalios might not have agreed to let her leave so easily.
After all, I was still a useful daughter.
Rosia, unaware of the truth, was probably delighted.
She likely believed she had successfully pushed Ayla out of the family.
But that was Rosia’s mistake.
Because her actions had planted guilt and remorse within the hearts of the family.
And that will become an obstacle when she tries to completely take control of them later.
In any case, Ayla needed to leave before Kalios changed his mind.
She quickly spoke up.
“Thank you. Then I’ll prepare to leave for the Academy immediately.”
“Immediately…?”
“Yes. The new term will begin soon anyway. Besides, there’s no longer any reason for me to stay here.”
Kalios looked as though he wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
Before he could change his mind, Ayla hurriedly rose from her seat.
“Then I’ll take my leave. I shouldn’t interfere with family time. I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”
* * *
The moment she returned to her room, Ayla immediately began packing.
She took nothing that had been given to her by the Blanche family.
Except for one thing.
Her herbs.
Those were different.
She had gathered them herself over many years.
In truth, Ayla possessed extraordinary talent in potion-making.
Although she couldn’t sense mana, her understanding of magical theory and herbology was exceptionally advanced.
I’ll use these to build connections with people who can help me. If I do that, eventually I’ll find an opportunity to expose Rosia’s true identity.
For now, she couldn’t do anything against Rosia, a powerful mage.
But things would be different if she herself became an outstanding mage.
Her eyes gleamed as she carefully checked her belongings several times, making sure she hadn’t forgotten a single herb.
Once her luggage was packed, Ayla finally paused to catch her breath.
…Who would’ve thought Rosia would actually be useful someday?
Kalios believed that as long as Ayla remained in House Blanche, Rosia could never truly be recognized as the family’s legitimate daughter.
That was why he had already been considering expelling Ayla eventually.
But since I’d been managing much of the family’s internal affairs all this time, he couldn’t simply throw me out immediately.
