GAVAF 11

Chapter 11

The weather was beautiful.

After that tearful embrace with the Marquis of Jurn—or rather, Dad—we had grown closer. Even though we were family, the slight distance that had remained between us completely disappeared. Only now did it feel like we had become a real family, closer than just acquaintances.

I resolved to be good and never hurt my dad again, who had gone through so much emotional strain. Of course, suddenly changing completely might feel strange, so I dialed my Harna act down to about 50 percent.

I got less angry, and only occasionally made annoyed faces.

I forbade the servants from kneeling in front of me, and even when mistakes happened, I just glared and let it slide. Thanks to that, I could feel myself getting closer to the household staff little by little.

Since I had already changed, I thought that if I ever received invitations and went to social gatherings, I would act as the calm, well-behaved noble lady and make Dad happy. Yet strangely, no invitations had come since Seara’s tea party.

“Well, it can’t be helped,” I thought.

Even if I didn’t attend social gatherings, I was busy and enjoying life, so there was nothing to regret.

“Hans, how about planting flowers over here?”

“It would get more sunlight if planted over there.”

“Really? Then plant them there. And when will the tree swing I mentioned be ready?”

“I heard from Thomas that it’s almost finished. Once the work is done, I’ll bring it over to show you.”

“Great, I’m looking forward to it!”

I smiled at Hans the gardener and encouraged him, then strolled through the garden. Looking at the garden, which was finally starting to look nice, I smiled with satisfaction.

The weak grass had been replaced with lush green, and the once empty garden now had tables I had personally chosen. Cushions were placed on the chairs for comfort during long sitting.

We even installed a canopy to block rain or intense sunlight. Colorful flowers were planted all around, and the trees were pruned into the rounded shapes I wanted, thanks to the excellent gardener Hans.

As I admired the garden, now almost as beautiful as Seara’s, I heard a familiar voice from behind.

“You’re here again today.”

“Ah, Dad! You’re here?”

With a bright smile as vivid as my orange hair, I ran to my dad and hugged him.

Even this kind of physical affection felt completely natural now. My dad, who used to furrow his brows constantly, now laughed so much that I worried about the wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.

“I can’t have wrinkles on my handsome father…”

I was thinking this silly thought when I saw Dad open his arms to hug me, and I couldn’t help laughing. Oh dear, this wasn’t the time to worry about his wrinkles.

“Lately, he’s been laughing so much his wrinkles will deepen.”

I decided I should worry about my own wrinkles first.

“Did you come from the palace today?”

“Yes, I had some business there. Did you have a good day today?”

“Yes! The garden is finally starting to look really nice.”

I stepped out of his arms and pointed to the tables around the garden.

“You’ve done a wonderful job. Well done.”

“No, it’s nothing. I do it because I enjoy it.”

“Alright, shall we have dinner together today? I have something to discuss as well.”

“Sounds good! Shall we eat in our garden?”

“That’s perfect. Eating in the beautiful garden my daughter has arranged… I’m looking forward to it.”

Seeing Dad’s handsome middle-aged smile, I instinctively placed my hand over my chest. Whoever’s father he was, he looked truly amazing. Absolutely.

I brought a few roses I had grown myself and arranged them in a vase on the garden table. Delicious food was set atop a beautifully laid tablecloth.

“Thank you, everyone.”

“You’re welcome.”

I expressed my gratitude to the maids who had prepared the meal, and they stepped aside with smiles. As I waved lightly to them, I noticed the proud smile on Dad’s face.

Feeling a little embarrassed, I put my hand down and began the meal.

“Don’t you get bored staying at home all the time?”

“With Dad here, Vera around, and having fun decorating the garden, it’s fine,” I answered.

Still, Dad’s expression darkened.

“Then that’s good to hear.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

I nodded bigger than necessary to show I was truly fine. Dad’s face brightened a bit, but he cautiously spoke as if he still had more to say.

“Haren will be coming back soon.”

“……”

I couldn’t reply immediately, only rolling my eyes. Calm, Fina. The way he used Haren’s name showed they were familiar with each other. And saying he’s coming back meant…

“Ah! Haren is Harna’s older brother!”

Dad looked worried, his eyes dropping as he observed my detective-level deduction.

“So you’re still upset, huh? Because Haren took your jewels?”

I thought about the three large jewel boxes in Harna’s room, frowning. Dad misunderstood my gaze, thinking I meant something else, and continued speaking.

“You remember Haren taking the necklace that belonged to the maid’s late mother, right? It must have been upsetting and infuriating, but it was all for your benefit.”

My slightly open lips snapped shut. I had no words. Harna, of all things, coveting someone else’s mother’s heirloom? If you were my sibling, I would’ve shaved your head and sent you to a monastery.

Haren only confiscating the jewels wasn’t really punishment. I smirked at Dad, waiting for me to respond.

“I was wrong. It won’t happen again.”

“I’m not blaming you. I just worried you were still angry at Haren… I said it knowing you’ve matured.”

Dad gently stroked my head, looking proud and affectionate at my immediate apology.

A few days later, news came that Haren would be visiting the Marquis’ residence, and the staff became extremely busy tidying the mansion.

According to Vera, Haren was returning three months after the incident where he took all of Harna’s jewel boxes following her shameless treatment of the maid. My cheeks burned again hearing of Harna’s disgraceful behavior.

Harna was like an onion—peel away layer after layer, and more wicked deeds appear.

“What happened to the maid whose necklace was taken?”

“I believe the Marquis and Haren personally apologized and gave her a large sum of money before sending her away.”

“Oh, that’s right. I momentarily forgot.”

No matter how much I worked at the Jurn residence, if Harna noticed me, she wouldn’t have let it slide. That must have been the best choice.

“Miss, this embroidery is crooked.”

“Ah…”

I paused, annoyed, and glared at the embroidery Vera pointed out.

“Ugh, this is frustrating.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pointed it out.”

“No! It’s not you, Vera. I’m just frustrated with my own clumsy hands… ah, never mind. I’ll take a short break.”

Feeling a little guilty, I lay down on the bed, rationalizing that a little wickedness now and then was fine.

I was embroidering a handkerchief for my older brother Haren. Although I had been an acting genius as Yoon Seung-ah, my manual skills were poor. Playing professional roles required painstaking effort, even for imitation.

“Even if I’m clumsy, I have persistence. Let’s do this!”

After staring at the ceiling for a while, I sat back down. Thankfully, Harna also lacked embroidery skills, so my clumsy work wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Stitch by stitch, I thought of meeting Haren soon. My relationship with Dad had improved, and I got along well with the staff. I wanted to reconcile with Haren, and Vera suggested a handkerchief gift.

Like Dad, the second commander of the knights, Haren was a knight guarding the royal family. Currently, in the empire, it was fashionable for family or loved ones to give handkerchiefs to knights to tie on their sword hilts as a charm.

Knowing my lack of skill, I eagerly took up needle and thread. I learned from Vera, though the flowers turned crooked, making me shake my head.

“It’s okay. The effort counts more than perfection.”

I embroidered Haren’s name along with the flowers on the white handkerchief. The red rose petals spread unevenly, the stems thickening and thinning—a truly special handkerchief.

After glaring at it fiercely, I folded it neatly and placed it in the box Vera had prepared.

“As I said, it’s the thought that counts, right?”

I deliberately left the box at a distance and lay down on the bed again.

“Long time no see, young master.”

Haren, exiting the palace, turned at a familiar voice. Behind him were the Marquis’ coach and the usual coachman.

“Sent by Father?”

In a bad mood, Haren muttered.

“Yes. He asked me to bring you here.”

“Your expression is quite pleasant, though.”

“Oh? I’m just feeling at ease these days. Hehe.”

The coachman opened the door with a smile on his wrinkled face. Haren silently stepped into the carriage and leaned back.

Watching the coachman gather the horses, Haren muttered to himself.

“Feeling at ease?”

He reflected on the words. The staff at the Marquis’ residence had always been uneasy. Due to Harna’s wild behavior, each day felt like walking on thin ice.

Three months ago, Haren remembered Harna playfully taking a young maid’s necklace.

“Even if it’s your mother’s heirloom, you’re my maid. If the mistress wants it back, shouldn’t you give it?”

“Miss, that’s impossible. Please return it.”

Seeing Harna spin the necklace around her wrist while teasing and the maid kneeling on the floor pleading, Haren lost all composure. He overpowered Harna, retrieved the necklace, and ignored her shouting, returning it to the maid.

He then went to Harna’s room and took out her precious jewel boxes. Harna ran after him, screaming curses as he walked away. That was the last memory of his sister.