Myers’s little feet pitter-pattered as he hurried toward a corner of the second floor. The moment the Count left the mansion, the boy ran straight for Jisen’s room.

　　Before, the hallway leading to Jisen’s room had felt strangely gloomy. But that oppressive atmosphere had changed significantly ever since the day Jisen shouted at the Count. At least, that was how Myers felt.

　　Knock, knock.

　　A moment later, the door opened as Susan greeted him.

　　“Young Master, what brings you here?”

　　“I came to see my sister.”

　　“Myers?”

　　Jisen’s voice called out from inside the room. Susan stepped aside as Myers walked in. Jisen gently stroked his soft silver hair. His purple eyes, so much like her own, were full of worry.

　　“Sister, did you eat anything?”

　　“Susan brought me something. What about you, little one? Is the Count giving you less food because I’m not around?”

　　“No, since you’re not there… he gives me even more.”

　　How infuriating. So that was how it was. Still, the silver lining was confirming she didn’t need to worry terribly about Myers’s immediate treatment. The Count harbored malice toward Jisen alone.

　　It had been quite some time since Jisen last joined them for breakfast. The Count only checked through Hatton whether Jisen was in her room, and that was all. It was far more comfortable for both of them not to see each other anyway.

　　Myers reached into his pocket and fumbled around to pull something out. Wrapped in a handkerchief was a crushed apple pie.

　　“What’s this?”

　　“The pie was good, so… I brought some for you. In case you didn’t get to eat.”

　　“…You brought food again? After your last scolding? What if you get caught?”

　　“I snuck it out really carefully this time.”

　　Thinking of the affection that drove her young brother to bring her this crumbled pie made her heart ache.

　　“Thank you. But Susan takes good care of me, so you don’t have to bring me food anymore.”

　　Myers nodded. Knowing that Susan had been close with Jisen lately gave him some peace of mind.

　　It would soon be time for Lady Baker to arrive. Myers left to prepare for his lesson, while Jisen remained seated, staring blankly at the squashed pie.

　　“Myers…”

　　Thinking of the child wrapping up the pie with his tiny hands brought tears and laughter all at once. Susan looked at Jisen with a worried expression.

　　“My Lady, are you alright…?”

　　“He’s so adorable… my little brother…”

　　“You’re crying again… Anyone would think Lady Baker’s lessons were on how to cry.”

　　Jisen buried her face in the handkerchief Susan offered and calmed herself down. Jisen, who used to express neither laughter nor tears, had grown noticeably more expressive lately.

　　When Myers’s lesson was nearly over, Jisen stepped out of her room. Lady Baker brightened upon seeing Jisen, who greeted her with a warm smile.

　　“Hello, Lady Baker, it’s been a while.”

　　“How have you been?”

　　The two exchanged brief greetings and sat down across from each other. Lady Baker spoke to Jisen with a subtle note of concern in her eyes.

　　“Are you feeling alright? You didn’t accept Marchioness Thomas’s invitation.”

　　“An invitation? When was it for?”

　　Jisen’s eyes widened, and Lady Baker opened her eyes wide as well.

　　“It was yesterday. I heard a formal refusal was even sent… Did you truly not know?”

　　“No, I had no idea.”

　　“The marchioness said she received a polite reply expressing regret that you could not attend due to poor health, despite wanting to. So I assumed that was the case.”

　　“the Count must have sent the response in my stead. I didn’t even know she had sent an invitation.”

　　“How could he…”

　　The two women fell silent. Jisen feigned shock as though she had been completely in the dark. Lady Baker was astonished to realize the Count’s interference was far worse than she had imagined. Jisen soon composed herself and spoke.

　　“I’m curious about yesterday. Won’t you tell me what happened?”

　　Never having attended such a gathering, she was genuinely curious. Taking a sip of tea, Lady Baker recalled the previous day. Oh, how long they had chatted passionately about Duke Spear alone! Remembering the excited faces of the young ladies, she smiled.

　　“Almost all the invited young ladies attended. Ah, but there was an unexpected guest. Duke Spear happened to drop by the manor to meet the marquis and marchioness, though he only greeted everyone before leaving.”

　　Jisen naturally recalled Dieren’s cold countenance. He was a man who knew how to smile more gently than anyone, yet rarely revealed his true feelings.

　　“I’m looking forward to seeing which lady the Duke will dance with at the banquet. If only the young princess were a bit older, she would have been the one.”

　　During the social season last year, Duke Spear had danced with the young princess and a noble from the Melkin Empire who had arrived as a diplomatic envoy. Everyone whispered among themselves, agreeing that it was a miracle the Duke had even attended the banquet.

　　“If you attend the ball, Miss Jisenberia, you’ll be able to see him yourself. In any case, before you can truly join the social season, we must pay our respects to the Empress. The guild has sourced the finest jewels, and I shall select the ones that suit you best.”

　　“For me? Then the rental fee…”

　　“It will be a gift from the Baker merchant guild. After all, I intend to make Miss Jisenberia Burnett, whom I am taking under my wing, the most beautiful lady in high society this year.”

　　Every time Lady Baker spoke, a blue light flashed before Jisen’s eyes. It signified a vow filled with complete sincerity. As Jisen nodded as if mesmerized, Lady Baker’s eyes sparkled.

　　“Miss Jisenberia, instead of just talking about it, why don’t you come with me to see the marchioness today? Are you well enough to go out today?”

　　“I am well enough, but… right now?”

　　“Yes. Right now.”

　　A blue light flashed once more. Realizing Lady Baker was truly proposing they head to the marchioness’s manor this instant, Jisen sprang up from her seat. Her chest heaved with every breath. Having missed the initial invitation, she had to grasp this extended hand of opportunity.

　　“I’ll go get ready.”

　　“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”

　　When Jisen reached her room, Susan happened to be tidying up the wardrobe.

　　“Susan, I have to go out right now.”

　　“Pardon? Where to?”

　　“I’m going to the Thomas estate with Lady Baker.”

　　Without answering, Susan narrowed her eyes sharply and pressed her lips firmly together. Her intense demeanor kept Jisen from even asking what was wrong. Susan pulled out one of Jisen’s only two outdoor dresses and helped her change into it.

　　Fastening the Countless buttons and laces with deft hands, she seated Jisen in a chair. She brushed Jisen’s loose silver hair, braided it on both sides, swept it into a circular bun, and finished with a ribbon.

　　“Your skin is fair and clear, Miss, but you look a bit gaunt…”

　　Susan applied red makeup to her cheeks and lips. Dabbing on just a small amount instantly gave Jisen’s complexion a healthy glow. As for Jisen, she sat wordlessly as Susan groomed her. When Susan stepped back, Jisen stared wide-eyed at her reflection in the mirror. Though it had only taken a short time, a few small touches had transformed her appearance.

　　Slipping on an outer garment, Jisen opened a drawer and retrieved a small bundle.

　　I’m glad I kept this ready.

　　Upon hearing about the invitation earlier, she had asked Susan to fetch it from the storeroom to keep on hand.

　　Lady Baker’s face brightened noticeably when she saw Jisen emerge all dressed up.

　　“Just as I thought…”

　　Smiling with satisfaction, the woman took the lead and headed toward the mansion’s main doors.

　　Just then, Chamberlain Hatton blocked Jisen’s path. Lady Baker looked back from the door with concern, but Jisen raised a hand to signal that she was fine.

　　“Where are you going?”

　　“Out for a moment.”

　　“Are you leaving without the Count’s permission?”

　　“What permission?”

　　When Jisen tilted her head and asked in a calm, matter-of-fact voice, Hatton was taken aback instead. He had blocked her path on instinct, feeling he must stop her, but in truth, he had no legitimate reason to do so.

　　“I am concerned because your health is poor, Miss Jisenberia. I believe it would be best for you to leave after informing the Count in advance.”

　　“What’s wrong with my health?”

　　“The reason for that is…”

　　“Who knows my health better than I do? Are you sick in my place, Hatton?”

　　“…”

　　“I am going because I am well enough to go out, and it’s none of your concern. If you’re so worried, tell the Count when he returns. Tell him his daughter suddenly went to the Thomas mansion, so he should come drag her back.”

　　With Hatton unable to even answer properly, there was no need to discern truth from lies. In any case, he wasn’t worrying for her sake, but out of fear of being scolded by the Count.

　　Jisen turned around and walked out of the mansion.

　　“That… Madwoman…”

　　Hatton stood staring at the closed door, clenching his fists tightly. In that brief exchange with Jisen, he realized he knew nothing about this family. He didn’t know why Jisen was sick, how sick she was, or why the Count oppressed her. Closing his eyes and plugging his ears had made life at the Count’s manor fairly comfortable, so he had never bothered to find out.

　　The memory of the Count gritting his teeth as he spoke to him made his flesh shudder. Not even the Count could have anticipated a turn of events like this.

　　“Report to me if that girl acts even the slightest bit strange.”

　　He could already hear the Count’s furious shouting ringing in his ears.