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Chapter 5
The Mad Rosetta
“Those Who Obey Don’t Get Punished” (1)
The moment I entered, they subtly criticized me for arriving later than Father, implying I was simply being lazy.
They even suggested that if I wanted to act like an invalid, I should have stayed locked in my room.
Their shameless expressions sent a chill down my spine.
In the past, I had truly believed—foolishly—that although they were only family by legal contract, they cared for me sincerely.
Now that I looked again…
So I was the idiot all along.
The hostility was so blatant it was almost laughable.
I hadn’t intended to start a confrontation from the very beginning…
But since they struck first, I had no choice but to hit back three times harder.
I decided to bring up the issue that had irritated me from the moment I entered.
“But Bonita, there doesn’t seem to be a seat for me.”
As I spoke, I looked down at Odette.
She muttered as if confused, then quickly realized what I meant and flinched.
At the dining table, Father’s seat was at the center.
To his right sat Lianna, to his left sat Odette.
“Could you move, Bonita?”
A mere second daughter—
Was sitting in the place reserved for the direct heir.
Odette’s eyes wavered as she looked toward Lianna, silently asking for help.
“…It’s just family, Rosetta. Does the seating really matter? Isn’t it better not to change things now?”
“Mother, I understand you don’t want to scold Bonita because you’re fond of her.”
“Th-That’s not what I—”
“But! If you truly care for her, isn’t it more loving to teach her properly when she makes mistakes like this?”
“….”
Ah!
Lianna’s supporting ship has been sunk!
Completely shattered!
Her tightly painted lips pressed shut.
I gave Odette a pitying look and then gently took her hand.
“Bonita. Even if you’re a little informal at home, no one will blame you. But you’ll soon enter high society. If you make mistakes like this there…”
“L-…L-Lady Rosetta?”
“And if you end up so embarrassed that you cry… I would regret not teaching you today.”
Cry? Go ahead.
That’s exactly what you’re good at, isn’t it?
I didn’t say it aloud, but my gaze made the meaning clear enough.
Odette’s mouth opened and closed helplessly like a fish out of water.
She had probably been sitting there confidently since I was absent from breakfast.
But now that the true owner had arrived—
She had to move.
“Bonita. What are you doing?”
“P-Pardon?”
“Food hasn’t even been served yet. Return to your seat.”
At Father’s calm voice, Odette quietly stood and moved.
She bit her lower lip hard.
Clearly displeased.
That alone was new.
Odette had always smiled gently or cried pitifully whenever I raised my voice.
So this expression…
Ah. So she only acted calm when things were going her way.
I calmly took my seat on Father’s left.
Sing, meanwhile, gave me a thumbs-up as if watching a fascinating drama.
What nonsense is a faceless ghost even thinking…
I scoffed inwardly.
Soon, dishes filled the table.
But the only thing placed in front of me was a light vegetable soup.
Still, it was beautifully prepared—clearly arranged for someone who often skipped meals.
Father… you really are something.
I picked up my spoon.
And paused.
…It’s good.
I felt like I hadn’t eaten properly in days.
Well, not long ago I had been poisoned and crawling through the Montague estate’s backyard.
Warm food suddenly felt precious.
As I silently ate, Father cleared his throat awkwardly.
“C-Coco. That dress you’re wearing today is quite lovely.”
At his words, Lianna and Odette’s eyes shifted toward me.
The only person who could have sent such a dress without a note was Father.
I casually adjusted my sleeves like a child showing off.
“Yes, isn’t it? I couldn’t find a single proper outfit in my room, so I chose this one that happened to fit me perfectly.”
Dad, someone stole all my clothes.
I said it while glancing at Odette.
It wasn’t like I only owned Father’s gifts.
Many expensive items were constantly sent to House Benetra’s direct line.
But I had never cared before—I had always rejected anything too fancy.
Odette, however, had clearly been eager for them.
“Then why would you say you have no proper clothes? You’ve been sent so many things.”
“That is…”
I trailed off, pretending hesitation.
Father immediately frowned.
“Bonita.”
Odette flinched.
“I only gave them to her because she said she needed them…” I added softly.
“L-Lady Rosetta! That’s not true! I never asked for them! You just said I should have them because they suited me better!”
Lianna tried to intervene again.
But Father raised his hand.
“Enough!”
The table froze.
Odette looked like she might cry.
Honestly, she really did look like she was about to burst into tears.
Father looked deeply displeased.
Whether it was the petty dispute over clothes or something deeper—I couldn’t tell.
He sighed heavily.
Then turned to Odette.
“Bonita.”
“Y-Yes…”
“Didn’t you go shopping with Lianna often?”
“…”
“I’ve paid for every receipt you brought me. And they were all disguised as donations?”
“D-Dear!”
Lianna panicked.
But Father wasn’t finished.
“I promised to take care of you without lacking anything… but it seems I may have spoiled you too much.”
“From now on, restrict unnecessary luxury purchases.”
Lianna cried out again.
But he ignored her.
I almost laughed.
“Greedy little thing”—
That was the first time I had ever heard such a word directed at Odette.
Sing leaned closer, whispering theatrically.
“Look at that greed… how ugly.”
I nearly burst out laughing.
“Rosetta.”
“Yes, Father.”
“You too. As the elder sister, you must act properly.”
I nodded.
But I understood his meaning.
This wasn’t a scolding.
It was guidance.
“Don’t give away your things so easily. You may help your sister, but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.”
The atmosphere had grown awkward after the confrontation.
Father cleared his throat again.
“Still… it’s rare we eat together like this. Don’t let it end on a sour note.”
“I’ll send both of you new dresses later.”
The meal ended without further conflict.
Lianna said nothing about the earlier incident.
Perhaps even she knew pushing further would backfire.
I wiped my mouth slowly.
Good start.
