I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 17

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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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Elias, who had been striding up the stairs, subtly furrowed his brow.

And for good reason, since he had rarely met with Cecilia alone.

What was so difficult about asking after someone’s well-being anyway.

His fingertips curled inward for no reason.

‘At least it’s fortunate. The governess will be by her side.’

Father had said earlier that he’d sent the governess ahead, so surely she would help make things less awkward.

Also, by now Cecilia would have had time to compose herself somewhat.

If it was Mrs. Howard, she would certainly have taken good care of Cecilia.

‘No, wait. She might be acting difficult with the governess again.’

And for good reason, since Mrs. Howard had always complained to Elias.

She would say that Cecilia was so demanding and stubborn that she was difficult to serve.

Still, she always ended by saying reliably, “But she is the young lady of Lusert. I must serve her well.”

If she happened to be tormenting the governess again, this time he would definitely have to give her a talking-to.

“Ahem, hmm.”

Elias cleared his throat a couple times unnecessarily before knocking.

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

Cecilia’s characteristically calm voice came back.

When he opened the door, he could see her glancing back at him with an indifferent expression.

And then.

“What brings you… Oppa?!”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and Cecilia shot up from her seat.

“O-Oppa, what brings you here?”

“It’s fine, just sit down.”

Elias spoke while hiding his somewhat awkward expression.

“Mother told me to come check on how you’re doing.”

“Mother did?”

Cecilia’s complexion brightened as if someone had lit a lamp.

Elias glanced at Cecilia from head to toe.

She looked like she had just washed and changed clothes.

The ends of her wheat-colored hair were still damp.

However, her still pale complexion was concerning.

A faint note of worry crept into Elias’s voice.

“How are you feeling? Are you alright?”

“Of course, I’m fine.”

Was she really alright?

Elias looked at Cecilia carefully, but she only shrank her shoulders even more.

Well, at least she didn’t look like she was about to collapse.

“Good, that’s a relief.”

Elias nodded and gave her a scolding mixed with a sigh.

“Really, why did you run off in the middle of dinner like that? You scared us.”

“…”

At those words, Cecilia’s expression clouded over like an overcast sky.

She then quietly bowed her head.

“I’m sorry. This won’t happen again.”

“Yes, be more careful.”

An awkward silence followed.

“…”

“…”

Elias quietly chewed the soft flesh inside his mouth.

Actually, he hadn’t wanted Cecilia to prostrate herself like this.

It was just that the situation of seeing each other alone was a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

When Cecilia had disappeared, the family had been quite worried, so pointing that out…

‘My words came out too sharply.’

Elias, who was clicking his tongue inwardly, suddenly looked around.

The person he had naturally expected to be by Cecilia’s side was still nowhere to be seen.

“Speaking of which, where is the governess?”

At that question, Cecilia blinked her eyes in puzzlement.

“The governess? Why do you ask about the governess?”

“Well, since you haven’t been back long, it’s natural for her to be by your side monitoring your condition…”

Elias, who had been answering, suddenly furrowed his brow deeply.

Somehow the conversation felt like it was going in circles.

“Did the governess not come?”

“Huh? Well, that’s…”

Cecilia nodded and quietly gauged his reaction.

The furrow in Elias’s brow deepened even more.

“Father definitely said he sent the governess. So why isn’t she here yet?”

“Well, that’s…”

Her teal pupils shook violently.

Cecilia, who had been biting her lower lip, quickly lowered her head.

“I’m sorry, Oppa. Please forgive me.”

Elias paused.

“What?”

“If I did something wrong, I’ll reflect on it…”

“No, that’s not what I meant!”

Just as Elias, unable to bear his frustration, raised his voice.

Slam.

The door opened without even a knock.

At the same time, a sharp voice rang out clearly.

“Really, the young lady never stays quiet for even a day.”

It was Mrs. Howard.

She strode confidently into the room.

“How long do you plan to keep worrying your family members? The dignity of the Rusert Ducal Family…”

The lady, who had been glaring at Cecilia with her head held high, suddenly froze.

It was because Elias was standing beside Cecilia.

“Governess?”

Elias called Mrs. Howard with a suspicious voice.

Mrs. Howard’s eyes shook violently.

But that was only for a moment.

The lady quickly put on a full smile and spoke sweetly.

“My goodness, young master. Did you come to see the young lady? How affectionate of you.”

“Why are you only coming now, governess?”

Elias narrowed his eyes and stared at Mrs. Howard.

“Father definitely told you to stay by Cecilia’s side.”

“I’m sorry. The young lady asked me to do something for her…”

Mrs. Howard, who hastily started with an excuse, quickly signaled to Cecilia with her eyes.

‘Play along.’

At that fierce look, Cecilia’s shoulders stiffened with a start.

“A request?”

“The young lady asked me to bring her some hot lemon tea. She insisted that she absolutely had to have lemon tea.”

However, Elias’s furrowed brow showed no signs of relaxing.

“But why aren’t you carrying anything in your hands?”

At that question, Mrs. Howard smiled awkwardly.

“Well, it just so happens that the kitchen ran out of lemon tea.”

“….”

Cecilia bit her lips tightly.

And for good reason, since she had never even tasted lemon tea before.

Moreover, Mrs. Howard was visiting her bedroom for the first time today.

However, if she rashly said ‘Actually, that’s not true’ here…

“My lady, must you really say such things? Are you pleased to see me in a difficult position!”

The sharp voice reproaching her rang clearly in her ears.

That wasn’t all.

As revenge for this incident, Mrs. Howard would cleverly spread rumors about her.

The way her family looked at her would become even colder.

Most importantly.

‘Oppa… won’t believe my words.’

Cecilia gripped the hem of her nightgown tightly.

Her family had never once believed in her.

Even if she mustered courage again now, she would only end up hurt.

“Still, they say there’s cocoa instead of lemon tea. Shall I bring that for you?”

Just then, Mrs. Howard turned to look at Cecilia with a bright smile.

Cecilia clenched her molars firmly.

That nonchalant attitude, that smooth tongue, and that confident expression assuming she would naturally go along with her story.

It was truly resentful.

But.

“No, it’s fine…”

Just as Cecilia was swallowing her indignation and forcing herself to answer.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the door.

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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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