HBTSS 02

CHAPTER 02

I sat beside Melin in the dining room, waiting for Artur, but he never came.

The seat next to the head of the table, however, was occupied—by a middle-aged woman with a head of luscious golden hair.

I asked her,
“…Where’s Uncle?”

“Who knows? The master of the house is always busy, isn’t he?”

The golden-haired woman, Lisette, replied with a sweet smile.

It was easy enough to explain who she was and why she was here.

She was the mistress Artur had brought with him.

Technically, both of them were thrown out and ended up here.

Five years ago, after being divorced by Lady Mirabelle, Artur had been kicked out of her house with nothing to his name.

He’d never had money or ability to begin with and had only been leeching off his in-laws. Then, when he heard of his brother’s death, he saw an opportunity—dragged Lisette here, and played king of the empty house.

“Has Melin always been eating this kind of food?”

I frowned as I compared the meals on the table—Lisette’s food versus the one set before me and Melin.

What was before us was so pitiful, you wouldn’t believe it belonged to a noble household.

The bread was dry, and the soup gave off a faint sour smell—on the verge of spoiling.

‘Is this why Melin’s been losing weight…?’

She’d never complained once, so I hadn’t known she was eating food like this.

Even during holidays, I’d only stop by for half a day before returning to the academy.

My only loyal aide, Agathe, was the same. She’d pretended to accompany me to the academy but had really been helping me search for Lennox.

“Melin’s such a picky eater, she always wastes food. That’s why I asked the cook to serve smaller portions,”
Lisette said sweetly.

Anyone who didn’t realize that was just a pretty excuse would be a fool.

‘This is practically starvation disguised as a meal.’

I struggled to keep my expression neutral, but at that moment, a commotion broke out at the dining room entrance.

“Why the hell are you calling me again?!”

The slurred voice didn’t need to be identified—it was Artur.

“But, sir… The young lady has returned today…”

A maid was anxiously wiping sweat from her brow beside him. He was at it again, tormenting the staff.

“What? Clara came back?”

As Artur entered the room and spotted me, he cleared his throat and suddenly, as if nothing had happened, sat at the head of the table.

The moment he did, a lavish meal was brought out just for him.

I worked hard to control my expression as I looked at the table, buckling under the weight of food.

It was meant to be his last supper—but the desire to flip the whole table surged inside me.

“It’s been a while, Clara.”

He laughed heartily, pretending to be pleased to see me after so long.

Even after all this time, his drunken face was flushed and greasy.

“Her name’s not Clara, it’s Clemence…”
Melin muttered under her breath.

Artur shot her a glare and coughed awkwardly.

“Ahem. Has it been a year?”

No, it’s only been three months, you idiot.

‘Well, maybe that’s a good thing.’

The fact that he knew nothing about me meant he didn’t care—just as I’d intended.

I’d acted meek and obedient all this time to avoid drawing Artur’s suspicion.

With a well-practiced smile, I replied,
“Have you been well?”

“Ahem. Busy with the affairs of the family, as you can imagine.”

He shook his head like a man carrying the weight of the world.

“As head of the household, there’s so much to be done.”

“Doing it all on your own is truly impressive, Uncle!”

“Hah! It’s nothing, really. Just fulfilling my duties.”

Artur beamed at the praise, puffing out his chest like a rooster.

I watched coldly, then continued to make pleasant small talk.

Melin, bored, fidgeted with her cat plushie. She seemed sulky—likely because her older sister hadn’t paid her any attention.

Not that I was enjoying this either.

“So, didn’t you see any good prospects at the academy?”

We were now wasting time on pointless conversations like this.

His intentions were obvious—marry me off and eliminate the possibility of another heir so he could cement his control.

“Oh, they’re all very fine young men. I’m just not sure any of them would choose me,”
I replied with a modest smile.

I saw the caution fade from Artur’s expression.

“But recently, I’ve taken a liking to Young Master David. I think he changed his cologne—it suits my tastes perfectly.”

I kept rambling. From the look in his eyes, filled with contempt and mockery, I could tell he wasn’t taking me seriously.

“So, when are you planning to return to the academy?”

I caught a flicker of anxiety on his face. While eating dessert, I calmly replied,
“I’m not planning to leave anytime soon.”

As expected, Artur jumped in surprise. His face twisted with confusion.

“What? What about your studies?”

“Honestly, the academy’s pace doesn’t suit me anymore.”

“Quitting because it’s too hard? Don’t be stupid!”

His scolding slipped out too quickly—revealing more of his true feelings than intended.

But even without words, it was written all over his face: “Stupid girl.”

He was trying to play the part of a concerned uncle, but I had to tread carefully.

‘He’d faint if he found out I already completed the highest-level coursework.’

Before I came back, I had knocked on the academy office’s door.

“You want to graduate early?”
“I heard early graduation is possible if I pass the final exam.”

I couldn’t afford to be tied down to the academy forever.

If I waited until the official graduation, Artur would strip me of every family asset.

So I chose early graduation.

“But the exams are notoriously difficult.”
“I understand, but I’d like to try.”
“Clemence… I know you’re diligent, but still…”

My homeroom teacher’s skepticism was expected.

After all, I had purposely kept my grades average—or lower—to avoid Artur’s suspicion.

“…A perfect score?”

The teacher had reluctantly handed me the exam, and thirty minutes later, sat there with his mouth hanging open.

“That’s a relief. Then, professor—I have a favor to ask…”

I asked him to keep my early graduation a secret until the end of the break.

And so, other than me and my teacher, no one knew the truth.

Naturally, I said nothing to Artur either.

“Besides… I worry about leaving Melin alone at home.”

“Do you not trust your uncle?”

Of course I didn’t. But I swallowed that thought and shook my head.

“Of course not. I’m always grateful for how you care for us like your own daughters, Uncle. In fact… there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

“Do you have a moment?”

“Something troubling you?”

Artur narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

He wasn’t as oblivious as I’d hoped.

“Actually, something happened at the academy that’s been hard on me.”

“Tell me what happened.”

His tone was kind, but his eyes gleamed with eagerness—hoping to find some flaw he could exploit.

“It’s not something I can say in front of Melin.”

“Why not? I want to stay with you, sister…”

Melin pouted, but I signaled Agathe to take her back to her room.

“Sorry, Melin. I’ll come see you in a bit.”

Once we reached the study, Artur immediately asked,

“Is it… a scandal?”

He sounded worried, but there was a thrill in his voice—like he was hoping for one.

If I confirmed it, he’d probably rush to marry me off to the man in question and use the scandal to his benefit.

I could clearly see his revolting little scheme.

Feigning ignorance, I opened my mouth.

“Uncle… actually… There’s a rumor going around the academy… that you drove our father out and took over the family.”

Artur’s face stiffened.