I Just Wanted Revenge, But Everyone Loves Me - Chapter 34

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 34
“Um, ah.”
At my words, my sister hesitated for a moment, then pulled the corners of her mouth upward in an awkward smile.
“You could say that, yes?”
“?”
As I tilted my head at her vague reply, she took my hand, saying she’d explain in detail. I blinked, grasping her hand in return.
Only for a moment.
‘She looked sad.’
As if suppressing her emotions with force.
Her eyes, touched with melancholy, seemed more sorrowful than ever before.

* * *

The tour of the library stretched on quite a while. The child had shown indifferent reactions elsewhere, yet her eyes sparkled with genuine light only in the library.
Of course, the manor itself lacked much to see, whereas the library held a diverse collection of books—more than enough to capture Carin’s attention.
She seemed to like it so much that before leaving, she even asked if she might read here often.
I wondered how many books a child could actually read. But on the other hand, it seemed better for someone to look at them than for them to gather dust unwatched forever.
‘I should ask the Duke about it.’
Yet I felt oddly certain.
I doubted he’d refuse library access—not to Carin.
There was something about her that made him soften, at least for her sake.
But precisely because she resembled someone—because that child now sat in the library like that—
My heart felt strangely heavy.
‘If the child had lived.’
Would I see such a scene? I knew it was impossible, yet I couldn’t help imagining it anyway.
With a bitter taste lingering in my mouth, I confirmed that Carin was busy eating her cookies before stepping out of the room.
‘Now that I think of it.’
My niece would be about Carin’s age now, if she’d lived.
‘Her hair color’s similar to Yulis’s too. And her features have that soft, gentle look.’
Leaning my back against the door, I narrowed my eyes. But I cut the thought short and lowered my head.
‘What am I thinking.’
No matter how similar, that wasn’t possible.
Yulis—my friend and my brother’s former wife—and that child were already gone from this world. No amount of comparing could make them the same person.
Besides, if she carried the Bancadium Bloodline, her eyes should surely be the same golden hue as ours. Yet Carin had the most beautiful lake-colored eyes.
There were far too many discrepancies.
I shook my head firmly and cast off the thought.
‘She’s someone else.’
No matter the similarities, I couldn’t afford to confuse them. It would be disrespectful to the child happily eating her dessert right now.
‘Let me go find the Duke first.’
I knew exactly where he’d be. No doubt he was buried in his Study, working as always.
I swallowed a sigh and forced my feet, which had stuck to the floor, to move.
My steps away from the room felt strangely heavy.

* * *

“…!”
He gave permission!
Reading the Duke’s letter once more, I broke into a wide smile. It contained only one sentence—go ahead as you please—but to me, those words meant everything.
‘I didn’t think he’d allow it!’
When I asked about the library, my sister’s face looked downcast for just a moment. So I’d assumed there was some history behind it, and I’d even prepared myself to be refused.
‘I should thank him properly.’
A library is a treasury of knowledge.
That such a place would be opened to me, who’d only recently discovered it, meant I absolutely had to express my gratitude.
“What’s written in the letter that you’re so pleased, miss?”
Mary, who had been gently brushing my hair, asked. I smiled broadly and showed her the letter I’d received from the Duke.
“His Grace has given me permission to visit the library!”
“…!”
At that moment, the brush froze in midair. In the mirror, I could see her expression shift to visible surprise.
It wasn’t just her. The other maids also looked quite startled by my words.
Confused by this unexpected reaction, I glanced between them. Before long, Io recovered and smiled as if she’d never been surprised.
“The library, you say? That’s wonderful, miss. Bancadium’s library holds many rare books from across the kingdoms, and it’s absolutely full of fascinating works.”
“Right, that’s right! It’s perfect for exploring to your heart’s content!”
“Shall we go right after breakfast? I’ll tie your hair up nicely so you can read comfortably!”
Starting with Mary’s remark, the others chimed in one by one, as if desperately trying to erase the reaction they’d just shown.
But at this point, there was no use pretending—
“What do you think of a lovely pink ribbon for today?”
“It would go so well with your hair color, and you’d look absolutely adorable.”
“Would you prefer something soft and yellow for your dress, or something cozy and sky-blue?”
It was obvious they were flustered.
Very much so.

* * *

‘There’s something about the library.’
Whether it was my sister Veronica or anyone else,
Whenever the library came up, everyone would show a moment of distress.
‘What could it be?’
If something in the library were truly forbidden, the Duke wouldn’t have given permission. Sitting in a corner, I swept my gaze across the expansive library and narrowed my eyes.
Yet no matter how hard I studied the books, I couldn’t understand why everyone reacted so strongly.
‘I’ll just stay quiet for now.’
Though I was curious,
‘It probably shouldn’t be asked about.’
Everyone looked sad whenever the library was mentioned.
It seemed like a subject they didn’t want to bring up, and I didn’t want to make them sad by pressing it.
‘If it were something I should know, they would have told me by now.’
The fact that they hadn’t meant I didn’t need to know. And if that was the case, there was no reason for me to ask.
What mattered to me now was clearing Bancadium’s name and achieving my revenge.
‘I’ll just focus on what I’ve been given to do!’
I clenched both fists tight.
I’d heard there was a snack time later, and I thought it would be nice if my sister Veronica could join us and the other maids in sharing something sweet, time permitting.
When you’re feeling down, something sweet can brighten your mood a little.
‘I don’t like seeing them sad.’
In all my life, the people of Bancadium were the first to treat me so kindly. My own family never did. They were always too busy chasing their own greed.
But Bancadium was different.
‘Everyone is so kind.’
I never expected such consideration.
‘The place I’m staying too…’
I would have been content with just an attic room. Even my clothes and food—a simple portion would have been enough.
I’d worried whether I was consuming too much of Bancadium’s stores—
‘Bancadium has plenty of money, miss! Truly so much that a stack of gold coins could disappear and no one would notice!’
‘W-well, of course it shouldn’t actually happen!’
They assured me there was nothing to worry about.
Instead, they even comforted me for my concern.
I’d only been here less than a week, yet I was already beginning to fall into this comfort.
But.
‘…I’ll have to leave here someday, won’t I.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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