I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 13
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Cecilia watched with trembling eyes as the doctor from House of Tranciere examined Milena.
‘What should I do?’
There wasn’t a trace of color in Milena’s face as she lay on the bed.
Cold sweat beaded on her pale forehead.
The teal eyes watching that sight darkened.
‘If Milena becomes seriously ill because of me…’
But then.
The doctor who had been examining Milena let out a short sigh and raised his head.
Cecilia asked urgently.
“How is that child’s condition?”
“Oh, she’s fine. She just seems to have overexerted herself a little.”
“But she collapsed…”
The doctor reassured Cecilia again as she trailed off worriedly.
“It’s simply because fatigue caught up with her. She’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep, so don’t worry.”
Cecilia’s face brightened at that answer.
She quickly nodded.
“Yes, that’s a relief.”
But that was only momentary.
Cecilia’s expression clouded over again like a stormy sky.
She bit her lower lip and stared at Milena, who had her eyes quietly closed.
‘Is it really… a relief?’
Her mind was completely complicated.
Her heart beat anxiously.
Brilliant golden hair like finely spun gold thread.
Vivid green eyes resembling lush foliage.
These were all characteristics of the ‘real princess’ that House of Lusert had supposedly lost.
Of course, it would be too hasty to be certain of blood relation based only on hair and eye color.
But.
‘That wind…’
That wind that had saved her.
That wind had definitely come from Milena.
Also, Cecilia knew about it.
About the existence of House of Lusert’s ‘blessed child’ that was rarely born through generations.
‘What if that wind was Milena manifesting her ability?’
Cecilia clenched her fists tightly.
Her chest stung as if she had swallowed a handful of sand.
What if Milena really was the biological daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Lusert?
Then I am…
“…my lady.”
“…”
“Princess!”
Suddenly Cecilia snapped back to attention.
The doctor was looking at her with a puzzled gaze.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Cecilia hurriedly shook her head.
The doctor who had been staring at her asked carefully.
“More importantly, are you alright, Princess?”
“Me?”
“Yes. Didn’t you almost have an accident as well? You must have been very frightened.”
At that worried voice, Cecilia reflexively straightened her back.
She pulled her chin in slightly and wore a gentle smile on her face.
There wasn’t even a trace of the anxious expression from just moments before.
It was truly the flawless appearance of a noble lady.
“A princess of House of Lusert must always maintain a perfect appearance.”
Mrs. Howard’s sharp voice echoed in her ears.
‘If I make a mistake, I’ll disappoint my family again.’
She must show a composed appearance anytime, anywhere.
She must not let others worry about her.
The obsession with ‘being perfect’ carved into her bones bound her without fail.
After taking a short deep breath, Cecilia answered gracefully.
“Well, I’m fine.”
“But…”
The doctor slightly furrowed his brow.
And for good reason, as Cecilia’s complexion wasn’t good either.
Earlier, it seemed like she had been limping as well.
But Cecilia quickly waved her hands dismissively.
“I’m really fine.”
“…”
Since Cecilia herself was being so adamant, the doctor couldn’t recommend that she receive further examination.
It had been the same earlier.
When House of Lusert’s servant had asked about Cecilia’s well-being.
She had insisted she was fine then too.
Finally, the doctor nodded with an unconvinced expression and stood up.
“Yes, then I’ll take my leave now.”
Just as the doctor was politely bowing, it happened.
Bang!
The door opened.
The people who appeared beyond it were none other than the House of Lusert family.
“Oh, Father? Mother?”
Cecilia, who was startled, started to jump up from her seat but bit down hard on her molars.
A sharp pain shot through her leg.
At least she was fortunate not to stagger.
If she had, she might have been scolded again for behavior unbecoming of a princess.
“That, that child?!”
The Duchess cried out in a shrill voice.
The Duchess hurriedly entered and stopped in front of the bed.
She looked down at Milena with trembling, earnest eyes.
Sparkling golden hair.
Delicate features like a porcelain doll crafted by an artisan.
It was so similar to the grown-up appearance of her biological daughter that she had always imagined.
The Duchess couldn’t contain her anxiety and whirled around to face the doctor.
“This child, where does it hurt? Hm?!”
“She, she’s fine.”
The doctor answered quickly, glancing at Cecilia with a puzzled face.
‘Princess Cecilia of House of Lusert is right there, so why are they so concerned about a mere maid?’
As soon as he had that thought, the doctor was startled.
And for good reason, as Cecilia looked like she would crumble at the slightest touch.
However, the ducal family had no capacity to care about others’ attention.
The Duchess gently stroked Milena’s hair with trembling hands.
“O-our Chesha too… had hair that sparkled golden like this.”
Meanwhile, Cecilia gazed at her family members with a vacant stare.
Her chest ached.
No one was looking at her.
As if she had become invisible… this intense feeling of alienation.
Then the Duke’s gaze fell upon Cecilia.
“Cecilia.”
“Yes, Father.”
Cecilia reflexively straightened her posture.
Her blue-green eyes sparkled faintly, holding a feeble hope.
At least Father spoke to me first.
‘So perhaps… he might be worried about me…’
But contrary to such hopes, the Duke let out a deep sigh and opened his mouth.
“What on earth were you thinking, running out like that?”
“…”
“As a daughter of House Lusert, you must always present yourself with dignity.”
Cecilia gripped the dust-covered hem of her dress tightly.
Even while being scolded, she found herself pathetic for taking comfort in the words ‘daughter of Lusert.’
She bowed her head respectfully.
“I apologize, Father.”
“…”
At that response, the Duke looked at Cecilia with complicated eyes.
Then he asked in a voice mixed with a faint sigh.
“Your complexion doesn’t look good. Have you been examined by a doctor?”
“I’m fine, Father.”
“…”
The Duke’s gaze deepened.
Her haggard face.
Her completely disheveled hair.
Even the dark shadows cast under her eyes.
‘She nearly got hit by a carriage, they said.’
She must have been quite shocked herself.
Rather than scolding her further, it would be better to reassure her a little.
Most importantly…
‘Milena.’
He needed to learn more about that child.
For now, it seemed better to dismiss Cecilia and focus on Milena.
The Duke, who had been glancing at Milena from the corner of his eye, nodded.
“Very well, go and rest now.”
In that moment, Cecilia’s eyes shook violently.
‘As expected, Father… is only interested in Milena.’
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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