Because of the lingering motion sickness, dinner was served late and kept simple. Eleanor looked apologetic at the modest meal laid out before them, guilty that her aunt had reduced her own dinner on Eleanor’s account.
“I’m really fine, Aunt. Please eat something else too.”
“At my age, eating lightly is healthier anyway,” Stephanie replied gently. “And this is more than enough.”
Eleanor lowered her eyes to the table. There was mild mushroom soup, soft white bread, and tomato juice.
No matter how frugal her aunt might be, she normally would not eat such a sparse meal. The simple dinner existed purely because Eleanor’s stomach was unsettled.
Seeing the gloom settle over her niece’s face, Baroness Pomfury smiled and stroked Eleanor’s hair.
“One meal like this won’t make me collapse. Don’t worry about me and just eat as much as you can manage.”
“Yes…”
Eleanor carefully lifted a spoonful of the warm soup to her lips. She had been unable to eat anything on the train because of the nausea.
As the warm food settled into her half-day-empty stomach, the queasiness gradually eased.
She tore the bread into tiny pieces and ate slowly. Watching her niece chew little by little like a mother bird watching her chick, the baroness finally began her own meal.
For a while, only the quiet sounds of eating filled the room. Then Eleanor took a sip of tomato juice and spoke.
“Thank you for inviting me here. Honestly… I couldn’t even leave the estate back in Bayern.”
The broken engagement with Edward had not been Eleanor’s fault. If there was any wrongdoing on her part at all, it was only that she had not revealed the true reason for the engagement’s collapse.
But such lies were practically common among nobles trying to preserve their honor.
Even when a noblewoman divorced after running away with her coachman, the official reason had merely been “irreconcilable differences.”
Her family had held more power than her husband’s, so the lie had been allowed to preserve at least a shred of dignity.
Yet despite everything, it was Eleanor—not Edward—who had been forced into isolation.
Partly because she already had two broken engagements behind her name.
Partly because society believed noblewomen who had broken engagements should remain in seclusion.
And partly because of the scandal involving her younger sister.
“I read about what happened in the newspapers,” the Baroness said with a sigh. “That viscount’s son caused both you and Lydia terrible suffering.”
The moment Lydia’s name left her aunt’s lips, Eleanor unconsciously clenched her fist.
So Aunt was worried only about Lydia too…?
Because Eleanor was merely an extra in the story, everything that began with her always ended with Lydia, the heroine.
In the chaos Edward Hans had caused, the only people who had sincerely worried for Eleanor herself were Stella and Lisa.
Eleanor braced herself for the rest of her aunt’s words to revolve entirely around Lydia. She had heard too many conversations that began with her name only to become concern for Lydia instead.
“How lonely must you have been in Bayern all by yourself?”
The unexpected words made Eleanor flinch.
She looked up at her aunt in surprise.
“To be honest, I worried about you more than anyone. Your former fiancé lost his mind chasing after your sister without a single thought for your honor, and those worthless newspapers gleefully spread the scandal everywhere. Isn’t that far too much for one girl to endure alone?”
Stephanie’s dark brown eyes shone warmly as she looked at her niece.
That kind gaze had always been directed toward Lydia, never Eleanor.
Her nose stung.
Her aunt’s kindness and concern seeped into her heart.
“That’s why I deliberately asked you to come here,” Stephanie continued softly. “There are things I want to discuss with you, and… I wanted to see my eldest niece again after so long.”
“Thank you. If not for you, Aunt, I would’ve stayed trapped inside that estate indefinitely.”
Eleanor’s voice trembled with genuine emotion.
Knowing that someone besides Stella and Lisa truly cared for her made something inside her soften all over again, like pudding melting at the slightest touch.
“I refuse to let some half-witted fool make my niece suffer. Eleanor, stay here as comfortably as you like.”
The Baroness gently took Eleanor’s hand.
Though warmth had returned somewhat, her fingers were still cold and delicate.
How much anguish must this child have endured alone?
The thought made the Baroness’s chest ache.
After dinner, the two moved to the sitting room and shared tea together.
Sipping herbal tea meant to calm both body and mind while chatting with her aunt was genuinely pleasant.
The early summer night breeze remained cool, drifting softly through the half-open window.
Finishing the last of her tea, Eleanor let out a yawn.
“You must be exhausted from traveling, and yet I kept you here talking so long,” the Baroness said apologetically as she set down her cup.
Eleanor shook her head quickly.
“Not at all. I wanted to talk with you too, Aunt. I really enjoyed spending time together.”
“You say the sweetest things. Now off to bed with you and get some proper rest.”
“Oh, right. What was it you wanted to tell me? I’ll hear that before I go.”
Eleanor had started to stand, only to remember the matter mentioned in the letter. They had gotten so caught up talking that she had completely forgotten about it.
Seeing Eleanor’s half-closed sleepy eyes, the Baroness waved her hand dismissively.
“It can wait until tomorrow. You’ve had a long journey today, so go rest.”
And honestly, Eleanor was exhausted.
The long train ride and severe motion sickness had drained her completely. She was so sleepy she could barely keep her head upright.
“Good night, Aunt. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes. Sleep well, Eleanor.”
After saying goodnight, Eleanor allowed Lisa to guide her to the room assigned to her within Oclama Castle.
It was the room she always used whenever she stayed in Oclama.
After barely managing to wash up and change clothes, Eleanor collapsed onto the bed.
While Lisa was adjusting the curtains, Eleanor fell asleep almost instantly.
Her quiet breathing confirmed she was already deeply asleep.
Lisa had intended to say goodnight properly, but seeing her mistress sleeping so peacefully, she simply pulled the blanket over her and quietly left the room.
Exhausted herself from the journey to Oclama, Lisa headed to the room assigned to her as well.
Morning in Oclama felt entirely different from Bayern.
It was lively.
Noisy.
Full of life and energy.
The moment the curtains were drawn back, bright morning sunlight flooded the room.
When Eleanor opened the window, she heard birds singing—sounds she never heard back in Bayern.
Below the window came the bustling voices and footsteps of servants hurrying around the estate.
Still half asleep, Eleanor climbed out of bed.
Though the room was familiar, it was not truly hers, and in her groggy state it felt strangely unfamiliar.
Only after washing her face with lukewarm water did her mind finally clear.
“My lady, you’re all ready.”
Lisa smiled proudly after skillfully braiding Eleanor’s hair together with pale blue silk ribbons.
Her nimble fingers tied even the very ends neatly with ribbon.
With light steps, Eleanor headed down to the dining room.
Baroness Pomfury was already waiting.
Eleanor lightly lifted the hem of her dress with both hands in greeting.
“Good morning, Aunt.”
“Did you sleep well? Was the bed comfortable?”
“Yes. Since it’s the room I always use when I visit, it felt comfortable.”
Eleanor smiled brightly.
Relieved, the Baroness smiled back.
As Eleanor walked toward the seat beside her aunt, her eyes briefly drifted toward the chair on the opposite side of the table.
A girl she had never seen before sat there quietly.
Eleanor had visited Oclama countless times, yet she had never once met this girl.
The sunset-colored hair and eyes left a strong impression.
Curious about the stranger’s identity, Eleanor sat down first. As soon as she took her seat, the maids waiting nearby began bringing out dishes one after another.
“Eleanor, this is your first time seeing her, isn’t it?”
Once the appetizers had been laid out and the servants withdrawn, the Baroness spoke.
Eleanor nodded, looking curiously at the girl across from her.
“Is she from another noble family?”
It seemed a reasonable guess judging by the neatly groomed hair and elegant dress.
Yet suddenly the girl’s brows twitched faintly in irritation.
The displeasure in her eyes made Eleanor flinch, wondering if she had said something wrong.
But the moment the Baroness turned her head toward her, the girl’s expression transformed instantly into perfect composure.
The shift was so immediate Eleanor could only stare in confusion.
“This is Vanessa,” said the Baroness. “She’s a child I sponsor.”
“A sponsorship?”
“Yes. I’ve supported her for a long time now, but since the end of the year before last, she’s been living here with me in Oclama.”
That explained why Eleanor had never met her.
Eleanor had last visited Oclama during the summer two years ago, and last year her aunt had remained in the capital instead of returning home.
Now that she thought about it, she vaguely remembered hearing that her aunt sponsored several children.
It was common for nobles to sponsor children.
Even the Sticov family supported several themselves.
Still, one thing surprised Eleanor.
Vanessa was sharing the same dining table.
Usually, sponsored children were commoners.
Occasionally nobles sponsored children from ruined or struggling noble families, but if that were the case, her aunt would surely have introduced Vanessa with her surname as well.
Since she had only introduced her by first name, Vanessa was likely a commoner.
Though Eleanor had long since grown accustomed to this world after transmigrating into it, she was not the sort to flaunt class distinctions.
Even so, it was extremely unusual for a noble to dine at the same table as a sponsored commoner child.
“I treasure this girl dearly, so I don’t treat her differently,” the Baroness explained warmly. “She’s exceptionally capable and will someday become a great help to both Oclama and Pomfury.”
Vanessa blushed shyly at the praise.
Since the mistress of the estate herself felt that way, Eleanor had no reason to object.
Instead, she smiled kindly.
“It’s nice to meet you, Vanessa. I’m Eleanor Sticov, Baroness Pomfury’s niece. I thought there wouldn’t be anyone my age here in Oclama, so I’m happy to meet you. I hope we get along well.”
After speaking gently, Eleanor waited for her response.
She had expected Vanessa to smile back warmly.
Instead, the girl only stared.
Those dusk-colored eyes pierced Eleanor sharply like blades.
What is this…?
Just as Eleanor’s smile began to falter, Vanessa finally lowered her head.
“My name is Vanessa. Though I am lacking in many ways, I humbly ask for your kindness, my lady.”
The greeting was polite and flawlessly mannered.
Yet considering Eleanor had spoken so warmly, the stiff response left her feeling awkward.
Still, she answered softly without showing it.
“Of course.”
The Baroness smiled in satisfaction.
“Vanessa is two years younger than you, Eleanor. I hope the two of you become close.”
“Yes, Aunt.”
“Yes, Baroness.”
Listening to Vanessa’s obedient response, Eleanor felt an odd sensation creep over her.
She could not quite explain it.
It was simply… strange.
And oddly familiar.
That feeling lingered throughout the entire meal.
From the main course to dessert, Vanessa continued treating Eleanor with a peculiar attitude.
Eleanor could not even explain exactly what felt strange.
It was simply strange.
Even while Vanessa joined conversations smoothly and responded cheerfully to the Baroness, Eleanor could not shake her discomfort.
It felt like she was overlooking something important.
Yet both Vanessa and the Baroness acted perfectly natural, making it difficult to bring up.
“What are your plans for today?” the Baroness asked.
“I thought I’d visit Lake Nipla this afternoon. Since I haven’t been here in so long, I wanted to see it again.”
“Vanessa loves that lake as well. Why don’t you two go together?”
“I’d love that,” Eleanor replied.
As she answered, she glanced toward Vanessa.
Vanessa was already staring at her expressionlessly.
The moment their eyes met, Eleanor smiled politely.
Vanessa immediately turned away coldly and smiled toward the Baroness instead.
“It would be an honor.”
“That’s wonderful. In fact, Vanessa, why don’t you show Eleanor around Oclama altogether? Since you’re close in age, I’m sure you’ll have fun together.”
The Baroness clearly hoped the two girls would become friends.
Had Vanessa seemed more welcoming, Eleanor would have been genuinely delighted too.
But seeing the subtle stiffness in Vanessa’s face only made Eleanor more uncertain.
Still, neither of them could reveal their discomfort in front of the Baroness, who so clearly wished for harmony.
So both girls maintained polite smiles.
“If Vanessa doesn’t mind, I’d really like that. I was originally planning to go around with Lisa.”
“As if I would refuse the chance to accompany you, my lady. I know Oclama better than anyone, so please leave it to me.”
Completely oblivious to the strange atmosphere between them, the Baroness smiled brightly.
Seeing how pleased her aunt looked, Eleanor decided to change her mindset for her sake.
Maybe she’s just shy.
There were plenty of people in Bayern’s social circles who acted distant simply because they were timid.
Not everyone was naturally sociable.
“Eleanor, after breakfast, could the two of us speak privately for a while?”
After neatly dabbing her lips with a handkerchief, the Baroness looked at her.
“Of course. If it’s to spend time alone with you, Aunt, I’d gladly come even at dawn.”
“What a darling you are. Let’s have tea together later. I’ll prepare the chamomile tea you like.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
Smiling brightly, Eleanor turned her head.
And for the briefest instant, she caught it.
The twisted smile curling at Vanessa’s lips.
It lasted only as long as a leaf brushing against the back of a hand, but Eleanor saw it clearly.
…This feels familiar somehow.
Looking at Vanessa’s innocent, lamb-like face, the unease inside Eleanor only deepened.
Where have I seen a smile like that before?
