I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 68

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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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“Yes, Cecilia.”

Just then, Count of Lusert, who had been browsing through the newspaper, smoothly joined the conversation.

“Looking stylish is nice, but your health is more important.”

What? It seems the Duke was unexpectedly listening to the family’s conversation too?

I widened my eyes and focused on one particular word the Duke had mentioned.

‘Health.’

Come to think of it, what was that conversation between the Duke and the physician about yesterday?

It feels a bit unsettling to just let it pass.

After pondering for a moment, I casually opened my mouth.

“Father.”

“What is it, Milena?”

The Duke’s expression as he looked at me was quite bright.

…Come to think of it, the Duke always smiles like that whenever I call him ‘Father.’

“Did you perhaps not sleep well last night?”

I couldn’t directly ask if he was sick, so I just asked in a roundabout way.

Right? When you’re not feeling well, you get tired quickly.

The Duke suddenly hesitated.

A look of bewilderment crossed his face.

But it was only for a brief moment.

The Duke, who quickly returned to his composed expression, asked me back.

“Not at all, I slept very well. Why would you think that?”

“Just because. You looked a little tired, so I asked.”

This wasn’t simply a lie to deflect.

Whether he really didn’t sleep properly, there were faint shadows under the Duke’s eyes.

‘Hmm.’

I slightly furrowed my brow.

Even without considering yesterday’s incident, looking back, the Duke’s study seemed to generally have its lights on until late.

Of course, since he’s such a busy person, that could be the case, but…

“Please don’t overwork yourself.”

I continued with concern in my voice.

“Of course I know Father is very busy, but still, health is the most important thing, isn’t it?”

“…”

For a moment, the Duke’s eyes deepened as he heard my words.

But that was also brief.

“Yes, thank you.”

The Duke, who showed a gentle eye smile, folded and put down his newspaper.

Then he looked around broadly.

“Ah, that’s right. I have something to tell everyone.”

“What is it, dear?”

The Duke picked up an elegant card envelope from the silver tray on the table.

“Rexler Hotel has sent an invitation for a spring outing party.”

“Oh my, Rexler Hotel?”

The Duchess smiled pleasantly.

The Duke nodded and asked affectionately.

“So, I was thinking we could all attend together as a family this time. What do you think, dear?”

“Of course I’m in favor of it.”

“The food there was delicious.”

The Duchess and the young Duke showed very positive reactions.

‘Where is Rexler Hotel?’

I looked back and forth between the three people with a puzzled expression.

Cecilia slightly tilted her head toward me.

“Rexler Hotel is the most famous luxury hotel in the Empire.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. It’s especially located by the riverside, so the surrounding scenery is very beautiful too.”

She quickly noticed that I didn’t know about Rexler Hotel and explained it to me.

Just then, the Duchess looked around at us with a smiling face.

“Yes, it’s about time for Milena to start showing her face at social events too.”

“Rexler Hotel is also invested in by our family, so it wouldn’t be bad as a place to make an appearance.”

The Duke quickly chimed in.

“The spring outing party is one where the hotel puts considerable effort into inviting distinguished guests, so there won’t be many uncomfortable people there either.”

“Ah, I see.”

The Duchess nodded and added an explanation.

“Of course, your formal social debut will take place at the debutante party, but it’s not bad to occasionally show yourself in public from now on.”

…Ugh, I don’t want to.

I tried very hard not to show my reluctant expression.

But I hate crowds, and I hate greeting people I don’t know!

I just want to lie at home eating delicious food!

But the Duchess, completely unaware of my inner thoughts, drove the point home once more.

“Cecilia, you should also get some new outfits made together with Milena. Since you’re going to a social event, you should dress up prettily, shouldn’t you?”

Here, my and Cecilia’s reactions diverged dramatically.

‘What? Make another dress?’

Unlike me, who was inwardly horrified, Cecilia’s eyes began to sparkle like stars.

“Yes, Mother.”

I squeezed my eyes shut.

Ha, fine. As long as you’re happy, Cecilia…

* * *

Honestly, when I was first semi-forcibly dragged to the dressing room by Cecilia, I was indeed rather unenthusiastic.

But.

‘This isn’t actually that bad?’

Visiting the dressing room in person had the advantage of being able to see numerous dresses at a glance.

And that advantage was…

‘It makes it easy to choose clothes that suit Cecilia, doesn’t it?’

That’s right.

As befitting the female protagonist of this world, Cecilia was one of the most beautiful women in the Empire.

And having such Cecilia try on various dresses was surprisingly very enjoyable.

Since she looked perfect in everything.

‘I guess I really am mother and daughter with the Duchess.’

Seeing how I can display infinite energy when choosing Cecilia’s dresses and accessories.

And so, currently.

“Now, Sister Cecilia?”

I turned to look at Cecilia, who was sitting quietly behind me with sparkling eyes.

Then I pointed to two dresses that the mannequins were wearing.

“Between this dress with red ribbon decorations and the sky blue dress, which one do you like better?”

“I think both are fine.”

…Somehow Cecilia seems half out of it, but that’s probably my imagination, right?

I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

“Sister, do you realize you’ve been saying ‘fine’ to everything since earlier?”

“But they really are all fine.”

Of course, Cecilia would look pretty even if we put a burlap sack on her.

But still, couldn’t you choose a little more seriously?

When will I ever get to enjoy another fashion show with our Cecilia as the model?

There’s only one person in the world who’s such a perfect model.

Only Cecilia!

Just as I was rambling on with all sorts of praise in my mind.

“…More than that, you.”

Cecilia opened her mouth with a strangely bashful expression.

“Are you planning to wear your brooch to this picnic too?”

“My brooch?”

“Yeah. We made matching brooches together before, remember?”

Why is she suddenly bringing up that brooch out of nowhere?

I looked at Cecilia with my head tilted, feeling a bit puzzled.

Cecilia quietly averted her gaze and began staring intently at the two dresses hanging side by side.

“I’m going to wear my brooch. So I’m trying to choose a dress that would match the brooch….”

Still avoiding looking at me, Cecilia continued speaking quickly.

“If you’re going to wear yours too, wouldn’t it be good to choose your dress carefully as well?”

Hm? Why my dress?

I couldn’t hide my puzzled expression.

Meanwhile, Cecilia was avoiding my gaze so intensely that she looked ready to bore holes through the dresses with her eyes.

“…Stop staring at my dress like that.”

As she said this, the tips of Cecilia’s ears had turned bright red.

‘Could it be that she wants to go to the picnic wearing matching brooches?’

As I blinked my eyes blankly, the corners of my mouth gradually curved upward.

Milena, how can she be this cute!

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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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