Chapter 12
From the very beginning, Cecenia thought it wouldn’t be strange if Teddy ran away. Anyone would want to escape if left alone without a guard. But unexpectedly, Teddy was diligent.
“What are you thinking about?”
It was at that moment.
Cecenia, who had finished her meal and was savoring her tea, snapped out of her thoughts at the sudden voice.
Only then did she realize it was the weekly family dinner gathering.
“I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought.”
“You must be preoccupied with business.”
The marquis, who looked a bit tired, gazed at Cecenia with an awkward smile.
“Probably. Are you all right, Father? The family dinner was originally scheduled for three days ago… I heard it was canceled because you weren’t feeling well.”
“Ah… Yes. I suddenly felt unwell. But I’m fine now.”
“I see. But didn’t my sister come to dinner?”
“Haha. You ask that rather late. She seems to have collapsed after pushing herself too hard. She was so eager to prove she could manage the marquisate properly.”
The marquis clicked his tongue and shook his head.
“Well, at least she’s trying.”
In the past, everything would have been pushed onto Cecenia. Claiming to have a headache, feeling sick. Saying that as a younger sister, she should help. Cecenia had always been used like that.
‘Thinking back, she was truly selfish.’
Even after using her, Elzer never once acknowledged Cecenia’s efforts. She took all the credit, acting as if it was her own achievement. But Cecenia never resented that.
She had believed that, in time, everyone would come to recognize the truth.
‘How foolish. If I don’t say anything, no one will ever know what I’ve done. I didn’t realize that before.’
She would no longer live that way. From now on, she would make sure everyone knew what she had done. She wouldn’t let others take credit for her achievements. She vowed to let the whole world hear of her success.
“Of course.”
“But this is unexpected.”
“What is?”
“Father, you don’t seem too worried even though my sister has collapsed.”
Elzer had always been prone to illness since childhood. The marquis pitied her deeply and would personally care for her whenever she fell ill, staying by her side for days.
But now, he spoke as if it were someone else’s concern, without much emotion.
“Do I? Haha. I have other things on my mind… More importantly, are you all right? You don’t look well.”
“Father, you seem different.”
“I do?”
“Yes. You’ve become… kinder, I suppose. You’re worrying about me.”
He twitched slightly, as if surprised. The marquis had never worried about Cecenia, even when she was unwell. He always said she was strong and would recover quickly, barely checking on her. Now that he suddenly acted concerned, it made her feel uneasy, as if she were sinking into mud.
“Do I?”
“You’ve always been kind only to my sister.”
“Do not bring up Elzer.”
“Huh…? All of a sudden? Did you have a fight?”
Just a few days ago, he had looked at Elzer with deep affection. But now, his expression and actions had completely changed as if he had flipped a switch.
“Well, not exactly a fight….”
It was strange. What was going on? People say sudden changes in behavior mean someone is nearing their death. Could the marquis be dying?
“A-Anyway, what was that business you mentioned?”
As if trying to change the subject, he waved his hand and leaned forward.
“Oh. It’s still a secret.”
“Still, tell me. If you need anything, I can provide more support.”
Should I tell him? In the past, Cecenia always reported to the marquis before starting a business. That was the only way to get funding. But this time, she had received independent capital and moved on her own.
‘Even if I tell him now, there’s nothing he can do to stop it.’
With that thought, she slowly opened her mouth.
“I bought cotton.”
“Cotton?”
“Yes. Winter is coming. A winter colder than any before. The demand for cotton will increase.”
Would he get angry again? Cecenia watched him carefully. In her memories, the marquis had called her crazy for such an idea. She braced herself, thinking it would be better to endure it now rather than later.
“I see. Wouldn’t it be wise to buy firewood as well?”
His response was strange. In the past, he would have yelled at her for making such a foolish decision.
Even just two weeks ago, he would have done so. But now, he only looked at her with a sorrowful expression.
“Firewood?”
“Yes.”
Originally, she had bought both cotton and firewood. But firewood was harder to manage than cotton. It required a larger storage space and needed to be kept dry in a well-ventilated area.
Cotton was light and easy to transport, but firewood was heavy and difficult to move. That’s why she had hesitated to buy it this time.
“If it’s a matter of money, I can give you more support.”
“You’re really acting strange.”
It was as if he already knew she would need firewood. His behavior was completely different from before, and it unsettled her.
“Am I? Haha. Nothing strange about it….”
“Anyway, I’ll let you know if I need it. For now, I don’t.”
“Of course. Anytime, just ask.”
“Yes.”
That was all. Cecenia and the marquis had never been a particularly affectionate father and daughter. She had known from a young age that he didn’t love her as much as he loved her sister. She never tried to get close to him after failing a few times as a child.
So this conversation felt strange.
“Well then, may I leave?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
Even his gaze felt strange. It made her feel itchy inside. She didn’t want to talk anymore. Since dinner was already over, she quickly bowed and stood up.
“Um. Cecenia.”
It was then.
“Yes?”
“Do you… want the title of marquis?”
Just as she was about to leave, his question stopped her in her tracks.
“I always thought you wanted it since childhood. Maybe I was too quick to declare that Elzer would inherit it.”
“Are you regretting it now?”
“A little….”
Cecenia shook her head as she looked at him.
“Father.”
“Yes?”
Cecenia hated even calling him that. Even when she found out that Elzer had an affair with her husband, the marquis worried about Elzer instead of her. It made her stomach churn. Even now, sitting face-to-face at dinner, pretending nothing had happened.
But for her future, now was not the time.
“Keep things as they are. Favor my sister. Give her the title. I’ll live my own life, running my business.”
She turned away without hesitation.
“Then, I’ll take my leave, Marquis.”
