Translator: Nox

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

~Chapter 24~

Bella’s words caused Harriet’s expression to shift subtly.

「If you’re referring to my life at Uncle’s house, yes, it was a hardship.」

Harriet’s response carried a note of pride, and Trisha let out a small laugh. As expected, her grandniece was no ordinary person.

『She seemed quite clever even as a child.』

Trisha still remembered the time thirteen years ago when Arthur’s family had come to visit her bedridden husband.

At the time, Arthur and Lilian had offered sincere comfort and support, and nine-year-old Harriet had been polite yet endearing.

「Auntie-Grandma, this is a lucky stone. I found it two years ago, and ever since I picked it up, only good things have happened to me.」

「Is that so? What a pretty stone.」

「I’ll give it to you, Grandma.」

「Hm? It’s something precious to you, so why give it to me?」

At that moment, Harriet had glanced briefly at Oster, Trisha’s husband, whose hands were held by Arthur and Lilian. Then she looked back at Trisha and said, 「I’ll give you all my luck. I hope Uncle-Grandpa gets better.」

For a moment, Trisha hadn’t known what to say. But the young girl, as if understanding something, placed the stone in Trisha’s hand and added, 「Even if my luck can’t save Uncle-Grandpa, at least something good will happen for you, Grandma. It really is a lucky stone, I promise.」

Perhaps that was why.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations that Trisha would be powerless after her husband’s death, she became the head of the Pellon family according to his will.

After that, amid hectic days managing the family and the business, she received word of Arthur and Lilian’s deaths.

She had lost contact with Harriet for several years, as Harriet was living with John’s family. Harriet’s name resurfaced three or four years ago, but it was far from a honorable situation.

『Wasn’t she called an arrogant scandal-maker?』

In the mature woman staring straight at her, Trisha saw the nine-year-old Harriet. The intelligence in those olive-and-brown eyes remained unchanged.

But even after exchanging several letters, Harriet had never once offered any excuses about the rumors surrounding her. Roxana, who had spent five months with her, had heard nothing about it either. Roxana had simply said,

「She seems to believe she did nothing wrong. Whether that’s because she’s truly innocent or just brazen, I’m not sure.」

Trisha felt she understood the situation, but asked again for confirmation.

「Won’t you tell me more about those hardships? All I’ve heard about you is that you ‘pretended to be cousins with Bella to seduce men.’」

As expected, Harriet’s expression darkened. But it wasn’t as if she were hiding something.

「I have much I’d like to say. None of it is true. I never did any such thing.」

「Is that really the case?」

「But no matter what I say now, it will sound like one-sided excuses. So……」

A sharp glint flashed in her eyes.

「Please watch my actions from now on. When you judge that you can trust me, ask me again then. I’ll tell you everything.」

Trisha was certain. It was no illusion.

Harriet was as clever and perceptive as ever, able to read others’ thoughts and feelings.

There must be a reason why such a brilliant child had been driven to become the laughingstock of society.

「You’re bold.」

「If that sounded rude, I apologize.」

「No, I meant you’re smart. If you handle things this way from now on, I won’t have much to worry about…… But……」

Trisha’s words trailed off. There was a hint that she had something to scold. As Trisha furrowed her brow and looked her over, Harriet tensed.

Trisha raised her index finger and pointed up and down at Harriet’s attire.

「We have to do something about your appearance.」

「Pardon? Ah……」

Harriet looked down at her clothes and felt her ears burning with embarrassment. She had thought they were plain but neat, but through Trisha’s eyes, she realized she looked like a fallen noble who had just arrived from the countryside.

『She’s not wrong.』

She had known she’d need new clothes eventually. But with little money on hand, she had to choose carefully.

Harriet began explaining her plan.

「First, I planned to observe the trends in high society and then have clothes made to match—」

「What nonsense you’re spouting.」

Contrary to her words, there was no amusement on Trisha’s face. Harriet swallowed dryly.

「Didn’t I make it clear? I won’t tolerate anything that tarnishes my name.」

「Yes.」

「Once it’s known that I’m your guardian, people will start paying attention to you—it’s only a matter of time. If you’re seen like this even for a single day, it affects my reputation.」

Sweat began to bead on Harriet’s palms. She had just secured a guardian, but if Trisha found out she didn’t even have enough for a proper outfit, wouldn’t she be thrown out immediately?

She wanted to ask for more time to prepare, but Trisha’s stern gaze was so intimidating that she couldn’t speak.

「I’m sorry, I…… I apologize……」

「So starting tomorrow, we’ll get moving right away. You must be tired from the journey, but you’re not here to rest, so brace yourself.」

「Pardon? I’m truly sorry, but…… may I ask what exactly you mean by ‘get moving’?」

Afraid of being scolded, but unable to hold back, Harriet asked. Trisha replied as if she couldn’t believe Harriet didn’t understand.

「I already told you! We have to do something about your appearance. When did you have those clothes made? Is that hat something you inherited from your mother? And those shoes…… Good heavens!」

Suddenly embarrassed by her worn shoes, Harriet tucked her feet inward. They didn’t look damaged on the outside, but they still bothered her.

「Everything about your outfit is a total failure! We’ll visit a dressmaker and shoemaker to get it all new. Don’t even dream of going out looking like this!」

Harriet’s lips went dry. The places Trisha mentioned couldn’t be cheap, so she realized she could hide it no longer. She had to confess her financial situation.

「Auntie-Grandma…… I’m truly sorry, but…… I don’t have enough money right now for new clothes and shoes. But I promise I’ll somehow scrape together the funds and get outfits that won’t embarrass you. Could you give me just a little more time?」

「What did you say? Did I hear that right?」

「I don’t mean I have absolutely nothing. If I sell my necklace and bracelet, I could afford one or two dresses and some shoes……」

「Good grief!」

Trisha shook her head in disbelief. Harriet squeezed her eyes shut, fearing the stroke of luck she’d barely found might slip away.

「Harriet Listerwell.」

「Yes, Auntie-Grandma.」

「What do you think a guardian is?」

「Pardon……?」

Trisha snorted.

「Does anyone in Genoa not know you have nothing left? Do you think I called you here to squeeze money out of you?」

「No, of course not……」

「Or did John demand payment every time he provided you with clothes?」

「Well…… no, he didn’t……」

「Then are you saying I seem stingier than John?」

「No! Absolutely not, Auntie-Grandma!」

Harriet waved her hands in a panic, but Trisha clicked her tongue in displeasure.

「Being your guardian means I’m responsible for everything you wear, eat, and sleep on until this arrangement ends. In the meantime, you just prepare to become fully independent as you promised. Understood?」

Harriet hesitated for a moment. Something didn’t quite click, and a question she’d meant to ask later slipped out unbidden.

「Then…… what do you gain from this, Auntie-Grandma? I mean, the reason you accepted my request to be my guardian……?」

Her voice grew quieter. It felt like far too out-of-place a question to ask now.

Trisha stared at her with an exasperated expression.

「Do I look so poor that I need to gain something from you? I simply have the means, so I decided to take in my poor grandniece.」

Then, as if struck by a thought, she added, 「Or you could say I’m repaying a debt to you.」

「Pardon? To me?」

Harriet wore a confused expression, wondering if she’d heard correctly. A faint smile tugged at one corner of Trisha’s mouth.

Did Harriet still remember that lucky stone in her jewelry box?

「Let’s say that’s the case. Anyway, you must be hungry, so go eat dinner. I’m heading upstairs.」

「Th…… thank you.」

「Esther!」

At her call, a maid with a calm demeanor appeared quietly and bowed her head.

「Escort Harriet to the room we’ve prepared for her. Oh, and since she’s my grandniece, make sure everyone treats her with the proper respect.」

With that, Trisha left the drawing room. As Harriet bowed in gratitude, the maid named Esther approached her.