Chapter 4
“Father, let’s definitely go to the department store today! People are saying that all sorts of designers and jewelers are gathering there.”
“Really?”
“It sounds like a good idea. We don’t need to follow every trend, but still, it would hurt our pride if the lady of the Adelheit family or its youngest daughter were to fall behind others.”
“Then let’s leave right after we finish eating. Karin, you can get a few more spring dresses made, and as for you, dear, buy some jewelry. The diamonds we bought last time have become too common. Diamonds are the easiest choice for those who want to appear as if they have something special.”
Rayliel paid no attention to their conversation. She appeared as quietly as a ghost and took a seat at the table, choosing the most secluded spot.
“Still, we shouldn’t stay out too late. The world has become too dangerous lately.”
“Oh, are you talking about the people who die once a month?”
“It’s really terrifying. Among the noblewomen, there’s even talk that it’s not a person, but a monster responsible for it, dear.”
Rayliel was also very familiar with the rumors.
For several months now, a large-scale serial murder had occurred once a month.
At first, it happened in a slum so dangerous that no ordinary person would dare to step foot in it. Next, it was a mercenary group. Most recently, prisoners locked in an underground prison were the victims.
Those who witnessed the scenes all either fainted or went mad, as the bodies were literally torn to pieces.
So, when Rayliel secretly snuck out of the mansion yesterday to lose her v*rg*nity, she felt a bit uneasy. She feared she might encounter that something—whether it was a monster as the rumors claimed, or a mad person.
If the next target of that something were the Adelheit family, would she feel a bit of satisfaction? Rayliel pondered to herself.
“You really must be careful, Seltin. And you too, my dear. You never know when or where something might happen…”
Heinz, who had been rambling on, suddenly paused.
His gaze had landed on Rayliel, who had quietly taken her seat.
“Rayliel, what on earth are you wearing?”
After a few seconds, Heinz’s cold voice filled the table.
Karin and Seltin’s eyes also turned to Rayliel. In their identical green eyes, there was a clear anticipation and enjoyment of what was about to happen.
Well, it was nothing new.
The only difference this time was that Rayliel herself had given them the excuse.
“There’s a limit to how much you can disrespect your family! How dare you show up to a luncheon dressed like that? Even a tavern wench wouldn’t go around like that! How dare you look so vulgar…!”
“Father, please don’t be angry.”
Seltin spoke up to soothe him.
“She must have been very tired. And as you just said, we are family, aren’t we? So, it’s okay for her to be comfortable around us.”
“…….”
“Don’t be too harsh. She still came down to join us for the meal, didn’t she, dear?”
Amusingly, Heinz clenched his fist tightly and then closed his mouth slightly at the sugary words of the mother and daughter.
It was nothing short of a farce. Rayliel scoffed, and Heinz, calming his anger, spoke in a voice filled with dignity.
“You should watch your behavior from now on, Rayliel! Even at home. I’ll let this pass today only because of your mother and sister.”
Rayliel did not apologize to Heinz, nor did she thank the mother and daughter. She just stared at her father with her blue eyes.
“You… what are you…!”
Heinz, unable to hold back his anger any longer, was about to spew curses when Rayliel spoke in a chilling tone.
“Why? Are you going to sell me off somewhere?”
“……What did you say?”
“For a father who never cared about my behavior, there must be a reason for you to say something like that only now of all times, don’t you think?”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.