“Oh? What a rare sight. You usually only stay up this late for work.”
The startled Jeanette glanced up at the sound of Claus’s voice. “Ah, I’m just thinking about some things...” she replied, tightening her grip on the mug of hot milk in her hands. Sara had prepared it for her a short while ago.
For some reason, Jeanette had been feeling restless and anxious all day. Uncharacteristically, she had decided to finish her work early and had been trying to relax in the living room, but it wasn’t really working.
Noticing the state she was in, Claus sat down next to her. “Are you still worried about your father? Or...maybe about Ariel?”
Jeanette’s eyes widened, but then she let out a resigned sigh. “You really see through everything, Lord Claus...”
“I’ve been watching you for many years now, you know? It wasn’t for nothing. Besides, you’re very easy to read.”
“What? Really?!” she asked in a panic, while Claus chuckled at her. Jeanette turned her eyes to Sara, who nodded as though the answer should’ve been obvious.
“You are very easy to read, milady,” the maid affirmed. “Especially when you’re feeling down. You get so quiet—it’s very noticeable.”
“N-No way...!” Jeanette exclaimed. I can’t believe my emotions are so obvious! This was the first she’d heard of this. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
Claus threw her a lifeline. “This only applies to those of us who know you well. Everyone else always struggles to understand what you’re thinking, so don’t worry.”
“Exactly,” Sara agreed. “For example, others wouldn’t realize that the reason your eyes twinkle when you look at a jewel is because you’re trying to ascertain its worth.”
Then I guess it’s fine... Jeanette thought hesitantly, still blushing.
“Anyway,” Claus said, getting the topic back on track. “A letter from Ariel arrived this morning, right? You seemed very happy about it.”
“Yes... In the letter, Ariel mentioned that the senile, lecherous Marquis Balladur had passed away and that his son has succeeded him. But the new marquis is prejudiced against her, so they had no wedding and no rings. They’re really only married in name. And apparently the staff are following the marquis’s example and treating Ariel badly,” Jeanette explained, frowning dejectedly.
It was just as Claus had said before. The new Marquis Balladur had only been willing to marry Ariel because she was a wicked woman. However...
“I thought it’d be fine since the lustful marquis is no more, so I didn’t object to sending her off, but I wonder if that was the right choice. Ariel mentioned she was relieved she doesn’t need to pay attention to him, but I’m still worried.”
I should’ve paid off that debt, even if I had to force Ariel to accept it. If I’d done that, she could’ve married someone more suitable. Jeanette couldn’t stop herself from having such thoughts.
While she racked her brain, Claus smiled softly. He wrapped his arm around her and embraced her tightly, his chin brushing against the top of her head.
“L-Lord Claus?!”
“You’re so kind, Jeanette. It’s very charming, but I’m jealous of Ariel, you know?”
“Of Ariel?!” Jeanette echoed. Ariel was a girl, and her stepsister to boot. What’s he jealous of, exactly?!
“Your father is finally back, and I thought that meant we could proceed with our wedding. But all you’ve been thinking about is Ariel,” Claus explained, inhaling deeply.
Jeanette let out a shriek when she realized he was sniffing her hair. “Ahhh! Lord Claus! I still haven’t had a bath today!”
“So? You always smell lovely, like sunshine.”
“Still!” Even Jeanette felt some shame as a woman. She protested frantically, until Claus finally gave up and released her. But his hand remained wrapped around her waist.
“Anyway, Jeanette... Setting aside the fact Leila sold Ariel off, her ending up in a bad marriage is her getting her just deserts, in a way.”
Jeanette moaned in resignation. Indeed, Ariel had garnered a reputation as a wicked woman because she used to genuinely slander Jeanette. It was simply the result of everyone finding out the truth.
“I know this may sound cold, but there’s nothing you can do for her, nor should you. I think Ariel has to overcome this trial on her own,” Claus opined.
“I...suppose...” Jeanette murmured with a dispirited countenance.
Claus laughed. “It’s like you went past being her sister and are acting like her mother now.”
“Ugh... Logically I know you’re right, but I was so happy when Ariel actually smiled at me back then...!” Jeanette confessed, fumbling with her fingers.
She had believed that Ariel would hate her forever. But at the time of their parting, Ariel had shown her a genuine smile. Ever since then, that smile had been glimmering within Jeanette’s memories.
“Well, that’s why I’m jealous of her. I wish I was the one on your mind all the time...” Claus said with an exasperated sigh. “But she’ll be fine, Jeanette. When Leila abducted you, you saw for yourself how Ariel defied her. I’m sure she’ll be able to carve out her own path in her new home.”
“You’re...right. She’s not a child anymore...” Jeanette couldn’t help but want to do something for her stepsister, but Ariel hadn’t requested her help. So for now, I have no choice but to grit my teeth and watch from afar. Jeanette tightened her fists, bracing herself.
“If you just can’t let it go, how about sending a gift?” Claus suggested.
“A gift? Like...an offering of money as a way of asking Marquis Balladur to stop bullying Ariel?!”
Claus burst into laughter. “No, not quite. Your idea is rational and realistic, which is very you. But it could have a number of both positive and negative effects, so let’s set it aside for now. I was talking about something more sentimental, though. For example, when sailors set out on a long journey on the sea, their family members give them protective charms as a way of praying for their safety, right?”
“Oh, I get it now!” Jeanette replied, reddening again. He’s got great ideas, as always! I shouldn’t be trying to solve everything with money!
“How about something that will make it clear that you’re on Ariel’s side? I think that should be enough for now.”
“Yes! I should definitely do that!”
I wonder what I should send her? Usually, I’d subconsciously choose something with practical daily use, but I should go for something more significant here...! Jeanette began umming and ahhing. Ariel likes gemstones, so maybe a piece of jewelry... But Gilbert mentioned that she really cared for her tulips too. Maybe I should send her a tulip as a way for her to remember me? Ahh, but she’s getting bullied by the servants. If they destroy the tulip bulb, that would just cause Ariel even more sorrow! How about something that’s difficult to break...? I hope nobody’s stealing her things...
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Jeanette hurriedly looked up to see a servant peering in.
“Excuse me, Count Guivarch. Baron Roussel is here. Would you like to see him?”
“Father?” Jeanette exclaimed, exchanging a surprised glance with Claus. It was already quite late, and early risers would’ve likely gone to bed already.
“I wonder what prompted this late visit?” Claus mused before addressing the servant. “Let the baron in.”
“Right away!”
When they came face-to-face with the baron, they realized he must’ve been drinking somewhere, as he seemed somewhat tipsy. With his cheeks slightly flushed, the man plopped himself onto the sofa.
“Father, what made you come here at this hour? Did you forget the way home because you were drinking?” Jeanette fretted, then asked the staff for a glass of water.
The baron laughed. “What a harsh welcome! I’m not actually that drunk, so don’t worry.”
“That’s what every drunk person says. Should I send mother a message?”
Her father shook his head at her concern. “It’s fine,” he said. “There’s no need. I mean, you couldn’t even if you wanted to. After all, Leila left the house today.”
“What?!” Jeanette clapped her hand over her mouth in shock. “Did mother finally dump you?!”
“No! It’s the very opposite, I tell you! I’m the one who asked for a divorce!” he clarified, roaring into laughter. Claus, who was sitting next to him, also began laughing joyously.