Chapter 59. Poor Little Lamb Falls Into The Hands Of A Wicked Woman, Part IX
Translator: Khan
Editor: SootyOwl
Mielle's struggle during the count's absence was to learn embroidery, but there was no way to brag about her hack embroidery work, so Aria was curious about what the hell she was going to do.
"It's a little late, but I've tried to embroider a handkerchief."
Mielle took out the handkerchief, and Emma, who had been waiting behind her, took it to the count. He was seated quite far away, so the handkerchief was not visible to Aria, but considering Mielle's age, the embroidered handkerchief she had made was excellent. The count's satisfied laugh filled the dining hall.
"What great work!"
"Do you like it? I was worried because I'm young."
"I can't believe you are young! It's a lily more beautiful than any other in the world!"
'Is it because the handkerchief was embroidered by his biological daughter?' The count praised Mielle's handkerchief as if it had erased the one Aria had given him last time.
The countess helped, pretending to be surprised, and Lane and Cain also expounded lavish praise on her handkerchief. Aria stared at the handkerchief that came to her through everyone.
'How could you do this?'
Unlike in the past, the embroidery on the handkerchief was pretty good. Mielle had only been able to reach that level before after a few years of practice.
'Don't tell me... Isn't she lying? Wasn't this made by someone else?'
But there was something awkward about the embroidered work, so Aria was sure that it was Mielle who had made the embroidery.
"... Great, Mielle."
'What the hell is going on? How did she suddenly grow that much in skill?'
Mielle was not very good at embroidery, but she was much better at it than in the past. Even if she had spent more time learning it now, shouldn't her fundamental skill level remain unchanged?
Aria couldn't guess why she had suddenly grown.
"Really? I'm so happy... I finally feel what it is to be recognized by you," Mielle said, wrapping her cheeks in her palms.
Aria had become the wicked woman again because Mielle spoke as if Aria had never praised her.
'A bitch like a fox.'
Aria chewed her gums and tried hard to keep her face from shuddering.
Mielle had to know that everyone would praise her even though she was lacking in comparison. Unlike Aria, who was perfect but underrated, Mielle was the daughter of the count.
'So, you were able to put it forth without hesitation, even though it's far inferior to the one I made the other day.'
Unlike the daughter of a vulgar prostitute, Mielle was a noble girl who was loved for whatever she did.
"I'm just glad you gave me that compliment. I've made a few more. It's not much, but I'd like to give them as a gift to celebrate today."
'You showcase your handkerchief in a cowardly manner just like in the past! You must have been desperate to hand Oscar a handkerchief. The count, who would always be happy with it and accept it, is an exception. Who would refuse to receive a handkerchief that was given as a souvenir?'
Oscar would have to keep it or carry it with him because it would be a handkerchief received from the girl supposedly engaged to him. There's no doubt about that. Did Mielle know Oscar was coming? Or did she make him come? Either way, it was clear that she had been looking for a chance to hand him a handkerchief all day.
Emma handed out her handkerchiefs to the count, the countesses, Cain, Oscar and Lane after waiting for Mielle to finish her sentence. Aria's turn was the last, but instead of handing over the handkerchief like she had done to the others, Emma looked embarrassed and bowed.
"... I'm sorry, but I'm short of a handkerchief."
It wasn't surprising. She pretended it was not there. If Mielle had made a wonderful handkerchief, she would give it to Aria, but Mielle would not give her one because Mielle's embroidery skill was beneath hers. Mielle, who had so woefully prepared for that situation, wondered what to do with her eyes open wide.
"Don't tell me... Does that mean you don't have a handkerchief for my elder sister?"
"Yes..."
"What shall I do?"
'It's childish. Is that because you are still young? Do you want me to get hurt by such a small thing? That won't happen.'
Aria was a terribly wicked woman, so she could not get hurt for not receiving a handkerchief. Besides, there was no need for it. She was used to Sarah's handkerchief, so Mielle's was not even as good as a rag in comparison.
"It's all right, Mielle. We see each other every day, so I can get one next time."
Mielle, who did not answer Aria's reponse with a gentle smile, suddenly smiled awkwardly.
"I'm so sorry. I really wanted to give one to you..."
"No, it's fine. Now that you've made such great embroidery in such a short period of time, I can't wait to see how excellent your embroidery will be next time."
"... Is that so?"
Mielle's reaction was bitter. She seemed disappointed that the response was not what she had thought it would be. However, she blinked a few times to fix her expression and soon projected a face that was moved.
"I'll try hard to meet your expectations."
"Don't worry. You've always been good, even without trying."
'Regardless of your skills, you've always been like that. And you won't have to worry anymore because the idiots around you are going to cheer you up.'
The evil sisters of the Roscent family kept their smiles until the meal was over.
* * *
After Mielle's birthday, the year changed.
In the meantime, Aria sent a letter to Oscar and kept a close relationship with the wives through classes. She also built a close relationship with the count, who had no business trips schedule for the time being. She did not give him any information yet because the timing was not good, but she was able to maintain a smooth relationship just by staying out of trouble.
And she didn't get a handkerchief from Mielle. She didn't expect to get one, but she realized again how foolish Mielle was from such a natural consequence.
'Why was I so jealous of her in the past?'
Mielle wasn't as great as she remembered after her return to the past. Since she had received all kinds of education since she was very young, it was natural that she had more knowledge than the daughter of a dumb prostitute, and that she had perfect manners. In the past when Aria had known nothing, Mielle had looked great, and Aria had felt like there was a big wall between them, unlike now. It would take a while, but Aria thought she could jump as high as possible over any wall.
'Maybe I've already jumped over her.'
Through that birthday, Aria realized that Mielle had a childish disposition, like an immature child. So, Aria needed to build power first before Mielle could grow up and take control of the mansion.
A debutante ceremony would soon be held that year, bringing together the grown-up aristocrats. After that, there would be a meeting for Sarah, who was coming of age in that same year. So, Aria called Annie, whom she had not called all this time.
"Miss..."
She had a very shabby expression. 'Is it because she was neglected for a while, or because she misses the colorful life she enjoyed for a while?' Maybe both, but Aria overlooked the reason for it and defined it as a longing for herself.
"I haven't been able to call you because I've been busy.'"
Unlike Jessie, who stood by the door, Annie was sitting on the sofa. Annie was always special. Aria treated her in a way to make her feel special, and she hoped she felt it. That way, it would be easy for Annie to compare Aria to Mielle and weigh both of them.
Patting Annie's roughened skin, Aria whispered as if she felt sorry for Annie, "Why did you lose so much weight? Where did your soft skin go? How pitiful you are!"
"Miss..."
Annie looked very moved by Aria's sudden worry.
"But there was nothing I could do about it, wasn't there? I didn't feel the need to carry two maids."
Aria didn't have to take Annie because what she wanted from Annie was not her servitude. Annie was also very aware of that.
"There'll be a meeting soon. I'm definitely thinking of taking you with me."