Surviving as a Terminally Ill Heiress - Chapter 19

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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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Chapter 19

‘Someone who judges everything coldly and weighs its value, yet never turns away when a child asks for help…….’
It seemed obvious, yet it wasn’t.
At least not in my past life.
My wages from the Inn alone didn’t cover my living expenses, so there was a time I helped with the opening preparations at the Bakery.
I’d rub the sleep from my eyes before dawn and head out, kneading dough until my arms trembled.
Then, when Mother passed and Hui’s birthday came around—my first one without her—I asked the Bakery owner if I could take a broken cake.
After all, those things usually got eaten by the staff or thrown away anyway.
But that owner, who particularly despised me, showed his displeasure, and I backed off, afraid I might lose my job.
By the end of my shift, that cake was shoved into the garbage where I’d seen him dump it.
Such adults existed in this world.
The more I encountered them, the sharper my edges became, the higher my walls rose.
Of course, there were more good adults than that. I’d received help in countless ways, known and unknown.
But around them, my heart grew uneasy. As if I owed them something I had to repay in kind.
A faint light seeped from the Kitchen as I arrived.
Peering inside, I found Walter, the head chef, putting the finishing touches on his work.
“Miss?”
“Well, um…….”
Our eyes met, and my hands began to fidget.
Ugh. I’d marched in with such confidence, but it still felt awkward.
It was so much easier to snap at adults, or better yet, to give orders I’d grown accustomed to. But asking for help? That was different.
The words wouldn’t come out of my mouth.
‘What is this? I’m usually too honest for my own good, and now I can’t speak?’
But I’d always been cynical.
I’d almost never thrown a childish tantrum. Doing something I’d never done before twisted something inside me.
And standing in the Kitchen, I kept seeing that cake in the garbage, faint as a memory.
“I, um, I’m sorry it’s so late, but I wanted to make a Sandwich, and I was wondering if…….”
I hated the uncertain sound of my own voice, so unlike myself.
So I shut my eyes tight and forced it out.
For the second time today.
“Could you help me?”
“Of course!”
A cheerful answer that swept away all doubt.
And in the blink of an eye, an apron and all the Sandwich ingredients were laid out, smooth as silk.
Good heavens. Was it really this easy?
A hollow laugh followed, and my cheeks flushed slightly.
‘……I’m embarrassed.’
Each small act of an adult’s kindness was making me feel smaller than ever before.
Walter spoke with a broad smile.
“Let’s start by choosing the bread. As for cutting it in half, I’ll do that for you—the Bread Knife can be dangerous.”
I’d already handled every kind of blade.
But I swallowed my words and simply nodded obediently.
It was time to grow accustomed to acting like a child.
“Soft bread sounds best, doesn’t it?”
“As you wish, miss.”
“I’d like plenty of salmon and romaine inside.”
“Ah, that does sound delicious.”
Easy.
“What about Caviar as well……?”
“That would come to three dollars and fifty-four cents for a teaspoon.”
Not easy.

* * *

‘This really isn’t easy…….’
The day of the Dinner Party had arrived.
The past few days had passed in a blur.
I’d thought my work was done once I sent out the Invitation Cards and received confirmations from everyone, but it was a grave miscalculation.
When I relayed the schedule to the Kitchen, a flood of questions poured in.
‘How am I supposed to know the guests’ preferences? And I had to choose every Plate and piece of cutlery one by one…….’
I managed to pull it off only by clinging to those around me for help.
Beyond that, I had to worry about what to wear and small gifts, and time became even scarcer.
At the Baron’s house where I’d worked before, I’d never made such a fuss.
‘And I’ve spent a considerable amount of money because of all this.’
I forced my expression to stay neutral.
Either way, I had my own purpose for this gathering.
All I could do was hope tonight’s Dinner Party was worth the money and time it had consumed.
“Miss, I think it would be best if you went out to greet the guests now.”
“Yes.”
Before stepping out of my room, I took one last look at my appearance, then turned back to Hui and Dido.
“Does big sister look pretty?”
“Yes!”
“Mm-hmm.”
Hui and Dido nodded with gleaming eyes.
Then they waved their hands enthusiastically until the door closed behind me.
I laughed, feeling the fatigue lift a little.
Their support gave me strength.
‘……And just like that, the worst thing appeared.’
I ran straight into Scott in the hallway.
It was the first time I’d seen him since that day, and there was a faint bruise under his left eye.
Exactly where I’d slapped him with the Plate.
Hmph. That charlatan who didn’t even know what beeswax was—at least he made good Ointment. Shame he didn’t bother to apply it, but not my problem.
I frowned and turned my head away sharply.
Scott, seeing something he didn’t want to see, turned green and disappeared toward the Medical Office at the end of the hall as if fleeing.
For several days now, he’d kept quiet.
I’d half-expected him to run to Ambrose or cause more trouble, but it seemed he had no such intention.
‘Well, the fool has his own guilty conscience.’
Thanks to my restraint, that scoundrel’s tongue was still attached to his face.
I hoped he’d be grateful and stay humble.
Even when the person I’d summoned arrived at the Estate soon.
‘Ah, but I went ahead and boasted to that person about introducing them to the greatest master…….’
I wondered if a real genius physician would just fall out of the sky somewhere.
Lost in idle thoughts, I continued walking.
Then the maids behind me asked, puzzled.
“You seemed to like Physician Scott, but why so suddenly……?”
“Let’s not touch our dark history.”
I answered coldly and strode forward quickly.
As I led the bewildered maids to the front gate, Butler Fin and Head Maid Maya were already waiting outside.
“The first guest is arriving, miss.”
Just as Maya said, a Carriage pulled into the Garden.
I quickly straightened my posture, then smoothly returned to normal.
‘……Oh, it’s Ambrose.’
How disappointing.
The first major guest was that old man who’d been coming home early these days.
True to his name as the head of the Bee family, had he smeared honey on himself somewhere? Why does he always come back before sunset?
Still, thinking of his generous finances, I’d greet him with at least a little warmth…….
“You haven’t run away like a scared puppy, I see.”
“A tiger cub doesn’t fear a tiger—it bites.”
Snap!
Here we were again, right on cue.
I’d tell myself we needed to get along, but the moment our eyes met, that resolve vanished completely.
Why was that? Was it his terrible first impression? His consistently unpleasant manner of speaking?
The maids muttered behind me about self-loathing and such, but I ignored them.
Just then, a second Carriage carrying another guest was pulling in.
‘Ah. That’s the Carriage I sent.’
When I’d written the Invitation Cards, I’d added that I would provide a Carriage for everyone out of courtesy. Only one person had accepted without hesitation.
‘The Wagner princess…… her name was Clara.’
Squeak.
The Carriage stopped, and a girl two years my senior stepped out in attire befitting a Dinner Party.
Wow. Looking at her now, she really does look like a princess.
I cleared my throat and stepped forward.
“Welcome…….”
“Grandfather!”
Clara’s long hair swept past my cheek as she moved quickly.
She paid me no mind and went straight toward Ambrose.
“It’s been so long. I’ve missed you so much, Grandfather Gustav!”
Affectionate words and gestures. A comfortably familiar atmosphere.
And “Grandfather,” no less.
‘Anyone seeing this would think she’s his blood granddaughter.’
Whether intentional or not, Clara—who had been smiling prettily in front of the Duke—shot a mocking smile my way, one only I could see.
At that spiteful attitude, I simply…….
‘Fine.’
Went blank.
Go ahead. Do it all. I’m rooting for you.
I even offered a gracious smile before turning my head away.

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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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