The Bad Ending of an Otome

The young lady who used to struggle and yank Ophelia’s hair every other day had matured into a lovely young lady. 

Emilia now acted as if she never had those blazing eyes. 

She appeared to have cut the wick of emotions that used to blaze like a flame within her and learned to laugh like water. 

She bottled up her emotions, which used to run wild, and became Ophelia’s best friend. 

She was also estranged with Raretis. 

The transformation might have duped Raretis if he hadn’t been watching her continuously throughout the years.

Emilia, her former arch-enemy, became as close to Ophelia as if they were inseparable friends. 

Her eyes, dark and fierce as if bruised, gradually calmed down, and she smiled as if nothing had occurred. 

Raretis Hope completely grasped what he had lost until after petals dropped on a deceased person’s coffin when she vanished like a lie.

“Sir Raretis came to see you?”

Cassio Brahamdorff arrived late that night at the townhouse, carrying an invitation from the royal family.

“Yes. Sir Raretis appeared concerned about me.”

“And you received a gift, I heard?”

Instead of responding, I simply smiled weakly. 

Cassio whistled gently when he noticed the amethyst necklace I was wearing around my neck.

“I never thought Sir Raretis had a knack for choosing gifts for women.”

“It seems to your liking, too, Cassio.”

Cassio sighed and shrugged. 

I remembered Kitty, who wasn’t there. 

Everything I did while I was at this place was reported to Cassio. 

It didn’t matter if it was housekeeper Mrs. Nelly or Countess McGinty’s favorite servants. 

After all, I was merely a ‘guest’ in this home. 

Cassio had been quite busy recently. 

When I asked why, he simply said it was ‘to appease some old men at the royal court’ and smiled gleefully.

“The date is quite soon, next week.”

Looking at the invitation, I muttered.

“It’s only a tea party. Her Royal Highness and the Queen will be present, but nothing will change. Unfortunately, it’s a ladies-only affair, so I won’t be able to go.”

“No worries about the tea tasting bad then.”

“Are you sad, Emilia? Is it just me who spoils your taste?”

“If that were all you did, it would be a relief.”

Cassio gave a hilariously dissatisfied expression. 

I responded as usual, declining the invitation. 

I had to stay here for a while whether Cassio stopped Edmund from striking me.

“Be cautious. This time, neither I nor my aunt will be present.”

Princess Aloysia hosted the tea party. 

She made it apparent that she wished to collect friends her age to make connections. 

The Queen had intimated that she could accompany them to see the young ‘women.’

“There won’t be an Edmund Gloucester to slap me this time.”

“Is that all you remember?”

Elodie, of course, would be there. 

I had managed to flee the debutante ball under the guise of a slap. 

A confrontation was unavoidable this time.

“…I’m hoping nothing bad occurs. Don’t worry, I won’t come back crying, pleading with you to avenge me.”

“Imagine Lady Emilia clutching me. It’s difficult to imagine. But if that happens, I’ll ensure you get your vengeance.”

Cassio burst out laughing.

“Vengeance? How?”

“Whatever way you want.”

His smile was picture-perfect. 

I was disappointed that I couldn’t recall every element of the game. 

This man was not to be taken lightly. 

With Edmund, he even contributed to the demise of House Windrose. 

Despite knowing all of this, I couldn’t find any valuable information.

Cassio Brahamdorff was involved in several significant events throughout the game.

While Edmund Gloucester’s obsession with Ophelia drove him insane, Cassio’s intentions remained unknown. 

I should have taken Raretis’ suggestion and followed him to a safe location. 

But that would be counterproductive.

“That’s enough.”

“I thought so.”

Cassio laughed softly, his smile resembling that of a clown, a mask, or naturally effortless.

“I’m thinking of visiting the Gloucester estate.”

Cassio smirked.

“…Lady Emilia?”

“There’s a saying about needing to enter the tiger’s den to catch a tiger.”

“That phrase doesn’t seem meant for situations like this.”

“You stated that you are knowledgeable in a variety of fields. I may not be able to question him directly about Ophelia, but literature or something will provide a hint. What other reason would I have to go?”

“…It’s too dangerous.”

“What… They will not kidnap and cook me alive. When he slapped me, there was quite a commotion. And he won’t dare to do more because a lady is thrilled by his attention.”

Cassio merely stared at me without responding.

“If Lord Edmund Gloucester commits ‘some’ wrongdoing, the victim may be compensated. It’s simple to reach an agreement. But, Emilia, how far do you believe a prominent noble can go to conceal something?”

Cassio’s voice had an unusual tone. 

I paused for a moment before responding.

“…Beyond my imagination, I guess.”

“Well… at this point, I doubt anyone would be so bold as to mess with Lady Emilia. But remember that Lord Edmund Gloucester is known for his ability to apply magic to reality. His family is well-known for having a workshop. Have you ever heard the story of Bluebeard?”

“…So now you’re implying that Lord Edmund Gloucester is a madman hiding the bodies of his wives in a secret room?”

“I never said that. It was a metaphor for the dangers of accessing dangerous regions carelessly.”

Cassio’s statements weren’t a joke to me, who remembered the game’s awful endings. 

Still, only some ends were terrible, so it should be good… 

His remarks made me feel strange. 

He seemed to know just what kind of madman Edmund Gloucester was. 

Edmund was notably dedicated to Ophelia, but his remark about the Gloucesters’ home being a workshop piqued my interest. 

If the game’s story was true, relics of the ‘Ophelia Resurrection Project’ could be found. 

Even as an official guest, I doubted they would openly display such sensitive locations, but it was worth investigating.

“Edmund Gloucester is also his father’s adored son. That may not signify much right now…”

I knew his mother was brutal in his household, but did his father adore him? 

His upbringing appeared to be profoundly flawed.

“…Lady Emilia?”

“Why do you call?”

“Would you listen if I tried to dissuade you?”

“I might consider it if you give me the rest of Ophelia’s letter.”

“You lack business ethics.”

“You wouldn’t respond to an unfair deal anyway.”

Cassio let out a gentle sigh. 

His blond hair was clean, and his grey eyes were clear. 

He appeared to be more royal than the royalty themselves.

“Well, Lady Emilia’s stubbornness isn’t new.”

I was intrigued. 

Was he expecting me to be a capable chess piece? 

Even if he pretended to be honest or interested, it was unclear whether he was interested in me as a pet or a person. 

But when he handed me the letter, I thanked him sincerely. 

Was his supposedly speechless reply faked as well?

“Just don’t overwork yourself. I’m concerned about you.”

“I value my life too, so I’ll try to be careful.”

Kitty had grown on me. 

I liked her straightforwardness and chattiness. 

It made me think of Dorothy, who was still at the Marquis’s house when I abruptly left. 

Dorothy was skillful and swift, and she could handle my demands independently. 

However, noble houses do generally not send such chatty maids to their guests. 

So, was Countess McGinty or Cassio Brahamdorff responsible for Kitty’s assignment?

Ultimately, Kitty was a Brahamdorff household maid, and I was about to leave this place. 

If I let down my guard and told Kitty anything… 

Was this their intention? 

In any case, I smiled at the man in front of me, a great con artist, perhaps better than anyone I knew. 

He returned the smile. 

To the untrained eye, it is a warm, cheerful environment.