Chapter 11
Her father’s face was flushed red, dripping with sweat from all the running.
Had he really… been looking for me this whole time?
“I thought something had happened to you… You have no idea how this father…”
His reaction was so intense that I felt dazed. I had never seen that expression on him before.
“Were you… worried?”
“Of course I was! You have no idea how much…”
I parted my lips but couldn’t say a word. My chest stung.
I’m sorry.
I was so flustered I didn’t even think about that…
No, I didn’t know you’d be looking for me like that…
It felt strange. Even without looking in a mirror, I could tell my expression must be twisted in a weird way.
Not the stiff face from tension, nor the cold, blank expression I wore so often.
Maybe… I looked like my father, who was crying.
Unable to say anything, I just clutched tightly at the hem of his clothes.
“No, it’s all right. Don’t be scared. You’re back safe, that’s all that matters. That’s enough.”
With those words muttered over and over, I buried my face in his embrace.
Maybe… Father didn’t find me as uncomfortable as I thought.
That was enough for me, too.
Ah.
It seemed I had fallen asleep in Father’s arms last night.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was someone’s breath softly brushing against me.
It’s already morning.
A little girl with pink hair was sleeping next to me, her mouth slightly open and twitching as she mumbled in her sleep, still not letting go of my hand.
“Rose.”
She’s my younger sister, but really—she looks just like a steamed bun. A warm, fluffy steamed bun.
Those soft, squishy cheeks were just too cute.
I just can’t imagine it. A future where our Rose is dating that thief boy.
My thoughts drifted to that boy—the one I’d shoved through the hole in the wall.
What happened to him after that?
I poked Rose’s squishy cheek once and was about to take another nap, stretching as I yawned—
SLAM!
The door burst open, and Lyra came rushing in, her face filled with urgency.
“Lyra, what’s wrong?”
“Young Lady Hil! You’re awake! That’s good. We only need to wake Lady Rose now. Please get up right away. This is no time to be lazing about. Hurry, please!”
I was stunned.
Our always-calm and icy-cool Lyra… this panicked?
She even started propping up the still-sleepy Rose, who had her head hanging and was barely conscious.
Why not let her sleep more? Why the rush?
I was about to complain when Rose groaned, opening one eye just a bit.
“Mmmnnyaaa… I was gonna sleep more…”
“No, you may not. Open both eyes, please. Why is your morning sleep always so stubborn?”
“Hing…”
“Lady Hil, please don’t just lie there either. You need to start getting ready. Now. Everyone, come in! Get the young ladies ready at once!”
Under Lyra ’s command, the other maids rushed in after her.
In the blink of an eye, Rose and I were spun around, washed, dressed, and tidied up like dolls being dressed for display.
Rose was dressed in a bright pink dress, and I was fitted into a calm, pale yellow one.
Feels like we’re heading to some grand party.
“Can someone explain what’s going on now?”
“You’ll understand once you go downstairs.”
…What?
Surely it’s not something like… war?
Wait, could it actually be something like that?
A chill ran down my spine.
There were rumors that a territorial war had broken out in a neighboring region, causing many casualties.
In the original “The Young Lady Is Sweet,” there had been no mention of Rose’s territory burning or being caught up in war, but my very existence had already proven that anything could change now.
“A completely unexpected guest has arrived, and the whole estate is in chaos.”
“Guest?”
This time, it was another maid who answered—Sien, one of the faces I’d seen often enough to now recognize.
She always avoided direct eye contact with me, and though she answered, her eyes rolled nervously as if speaking to me physically pained her.
Still, I tried to smile warmly and greet her politely. But after a second, I gave up on that futile effort.
Instead, I decided to convey sincerity—even if it came out blunt.
“Thanks for explaining, Sien.”
“…”
“Sien?”
There was no answer.
I drooped a little inside. Ah… my first attempt had failed.
Was my face really that scary or uncomfortable to look at?
Or was it because I used her name that made it awkward?
Still, after last night with Father, I’d gathered a bit of courage. I stared into the mirror, calmly taking in my own reflection.
Be brave.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
“She… she called me by name!!”
Sien bounced in place just outside the room, feet drumming on the floor with excitement, while the other maids shot death glares in her direction.
There was no way Hildea would know just how thrilled Sien was—or how fiercely jealous the other maids now looked.
Holding back the urge to faint, Sien even stuck her tongue out at Lyra, who stared at her like a spirit of envy incarnate.
Serves you right! You were always so smug because she only ever called you by name!
Even with all the chaos, Sien decided then and there that she would proudly write all about this moment in her secret conversation notebook.
With great effort and a touch of elegance, Rose and I finally made our way downstairs, all dressed and ready.
Well, at least it’s not a war… thank goodness for that.
I hadn’t expected this kind of situation to be waiting.
“……”
“……”
The moment I saw the unfamiliar guest, I immediately understood why the entire Hillington estate had been turned upside down.
I couldn’t believe it.
No way… Why are you here?
Gabriel.
He was the very boy I’d rescued through the dog hole just yesterday.
With angelic features, radiant hair, and yet an icy expression like a cold mask plastered over all that beauty.
His violet eyes shimmered like gemstones under the light, reflecting countless hues.
He was striking to look at, but knowing how cold and ruthless Gabriel had been to anyone who wasn’t Rose in the original novel, I couldn’t help but tense up a little.
Then I gave myself a small shake.
Wait, no. He’s the one who stole. Why should I be nervous?
I was the one who saved his life. I was the one who hid him. I helped him.
Why on earth should I be the one feeling awkward?
“Father.”
“……Hil. You’re here..”
“Sorry I’m late. I was getting ready.”
“……”
Huh? That’s odd. Why does Father look… sad?
I decided it must be my imagination. As I felt eyes turning toward us, I walked over and stood beside Father.
I couldn’t cling to him like a child. Instead, I gently moved Rose behind me, shielding her a bit—especially since she wasn’t yet familiar with noble etiquette.
This wasn’t in the novel. So Gabriel hasn’t fallen in love with Rose yet.
I took a deep breath, recalling everything I knew about noble etiquette.
Can’t afford to show any weakness now.
The dukes were already engaged in formal conversation, so all Rose and I had to do was make our presence known and take our seats quietly.
As long as we didn’t make eye contact…
That should have been the case.
“……”
“……”
Just as I was calmly about to sit, I realized Gabriel was staring directly at me—and I froze in place.
What is his deal?
No, that wasn’t just a casual glance.
Is he glaring at me?
Seriously? What a nerve. Isn’t this what you call ungrateful?
But I recovered quickly.
One of the first lessons I’d ever received was how to hide my true feelings—especially from those who were hostile or overly friendly.
Never let your real thoughts show.
“Should I say hello first?”
You came here uninvited, so you ought to speak first—you little brat.
As I delivered that veiled jab with perfect decorum, I saw his brow twitch ever so slightly.
When I glanced at Father, I noticed his lips twitching too—like he was suppressing a laugh.
No way. Is he… trying not to laugh? Nah, can’t be… right?
“Pardon me, my lady. I’m Gabriel of the House of Belkius.”
Short and polite. I gave a slight nod in return and answered calmly.
“I’m Hildea of Hillington. It’s an honor to meet you. This is Rosériel of Hillington.”
There was a moment of silence.
But the staring contest between Gabriel and me didn’t end.
Judging by the cold tension that had filled the room before we arrived, it didn’t seem like Gabriel had come bearing pleasant news.
Right. In the original, he did try to steal the relic to disgrace us.
Still, I’d expected a reaction when he saw Rose…
But Gabriel’s gaze toward her was neither lovestruck nor mesmerized.
It was cool. Detached.
If anything, he looked completely uninterested.
This is weird. None of this happened in the novel. Don’t tell me… he failed to steal the relic yesterday and that changed everything? Or is the Emperor trying to put pressure on our family? Otherwise, why is Gabriel moving this early?
My thoughts were racing.
Gabriel’s gaze flicked between me and Rose.
I sat up straight, keeping perfect posture, but still—I swallowed hard.
His stare felt like he was searching—like trying to remember someone from memory.
Wait… don’t tell me… does he recognize me from yesterday?
Just as that terrifying thought crossed my mind, his gaze shifted to Rose, who was sitting beside me with a goofy smile.
Ah.
A wave of relief—and something else I couldn’t quite name—washed over me.
So he really did come for Rose. I was being paranoid for nothing.
“Duke Belkius,”
Just then, Father spoke with an unmistakable firmness, as if he could no longer tolerate the standoff.
“I believe I deserve an explanation for this sudden and discourteous visit—especially after you asked to summon both of my daughters.”
…He asked for us?
Startled, I looked up—and saw Gabriel turn to Father with a graceful smile blooming on his lips.
I knew it was fake, and yet that smile was so radiant, I found myself stunned for a moment, almost mesmerized.
Somewhere nearby, I could’ve sworn I heard someone grinding their teeth.
“I’ve come,”
Gabriel said slowly,
“to propose a marriage alliance between House Hillington and House Belkius.”
