The Bad Ending of an Otome

Such calculations would be impossible to perform using Cassio Brahamdorff. 

He’s the type who measures others’ misery and hope on his scale. 

I knew his response if I asked him why I let myself get slapped or if he expected Edmund’s conduct against me.

‘What exactly do you mean, Emilia? That is not possible. Sir Raretis Hope is a speculative person.’

He’d say something along those lines. 

Instead, I can make him more cautious without learning his intentions or objectives. 

Anyway, he’s using me to figure out something. 

Though I may be merely a chess piece in his game, the game is far from over. 

He wouldn’t allow a valuable item like myself to go unnoticed.

“…Yes.”

His voice was quiet. 

A complex expression flashed across his face before landing on my hand, securely grasping his cravat. 

His firm voice returned as if pounding the final nail.

“That’s right.”

“Indeed, since we’re partners.”

The man’s face distorted slightly as I smiled faintly.

“Ah, right. Does my role appear too minor to be termed a partner? Should I change it to hanger-on living off the Brahamdorffs?”

“Lady Emilia, you tend to underestimate yourself too much.”

“Is that so? Then, to balance things out, I’ll act a little more pompous in front of Cassio.”

“…That wasn’t my intention, but it’s fine.”

He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

“If Lady Emilia takes the lead, this inept cavalier will simply follow. To think you’d march around in steel shoes and a poison ring…”

“The steel shoes are on hold.”

“Even if not the shoes, I’ll look for something similar.”

I nodded quietly. 

Such artifacts are uncommon, but with the Brahamdorff family’s riches and resources, they would undoubtedly find a way.

“Come to think of it, Lady Emilia, isn’t there anything you want?”

“I just want to eat, dress, and sleep well.”

“That answer is correct in its way, but…”

With a puzzled expression, the man stared at me.

“Ever since you were at the Marquis’s mansion, I’ve never seen you ask for anything.”

That was correct. 

When Ophelia was living, she would take on even things I didn’t need, and asking for it was unpleasant when I did need anything. 

The Marquis’s mansion never made me feel materially deprived. 

That is precisely why I did not ask. 

Knowing they would undoubtedly deliver anything I requested. 

With Ophelia, there was already an abundance of elixirs and rare silks, toys, and other items, so it felt cumbersome to request something new out of pure curiosity.

I gradually lost my desire for material goods. 

I took very few possessions when I left the Marquis’s mansion.

The items I sold were basic baubles that would be unremarkable if lost. 

Her coffin was filled with the most valuable stuff. 

So she wouldn’t be lonely in my absence. 

Because she was greedy, her casket was packed with colorful memories, which she wouldn’t have minded. 

Only a few items remained. 

Several ribbons and little trinkets.

Among them, one in particular stood out. 

She gave me a locket necklace for my fifteenth birthday. 

It couldn’t be opened for some reason. 

When shaken, it rattled, but that was all. 

It was carefully carved and had a little bird and tree branches, but it wasn’t particularly precious. 

I rarely wore it because it was fairly huge. 

It’s got to be somewhere among my other jewels. 

I brushed the memories aside and responded.

“If I ask, will you give it to me?”

“Shall I pluck the moon from the sky for you?”

“What’s the point of bothering with the moon? It’s not something I’d be able to eat or sell. Just give me some extra pocket money.”

“Pocket money?”

Cassio inquired once more, clearly perplexed. 

Noble ladies do not often carry money. 

A maid or servant frequently carries a purse and pays on their behalf. 

Even when seeing dressmakers or other businesses, I never handled money directly. 

But I stated confidently.

“I’m going to make friends and go out.”

Young Lady Beth had written me a note recommending that we go to a delicious dessert shop in the capital the next time we meet. 

I didn’t intend to be imprisoned in this townhouse like an outcast for the rest of my life. 

For the time being, it’s a social season, and the excuse of getting slapped is no longer valid following the recent royal tea party. 

I need to get out here. 

Ophelia advised me to try everything. 

I’m a nice friend who pays attention to Ophelia’s statements. 

It’d be even better if I could spend Cassio Brahamdorff’s money. 

I can treat myself without feeling guilty.

Only when Cassio took me to dressmakers and jewelry stores, did I feel intimidated by the overwhelming. 

If he offers me gold coins, I can use them openly and prudently. 

It was at that precise moment.

“Aren’t you coming with me?”

His voice sounded dissatisfied. 

Any naïve young lady’s heart would have melted as he grinned, lowering the corners of his eyes. 

Why is he clinging to me so tenaciously? 

I pushed the chair I was sitting on backward, trying not to be shocked by the man’s face that had suddenly approached. 

It made a squeaking sound.

“Are you free, or, should I say, do you have nothing better to do?”

“I’m not free, but I always make time to be with Lady Emilia.”

“How unfortunate. You should go back to your work.”

“Being with Lady Emilia would be a delightful break from my busy schedule.”

“So, if I take the money, do I have to earn it?”

“I didn’t mean it that way, but if Lady Emilia accepts me even under that misconception, I am willing to be misunderstood.”

In the end, it all comes down to the same thing. 

I let out a long sigh. 

Why is this man this way? 

Being spotted outside with Cassio Brahamdorff carries a number of risks. 

Of course, I went to places like dressmakers, but I went primarily to shop. 

I have yet to go to cafes, sites, or opera houses with just the two of us. 

The man beaming at me was naturally endearing. 

Even if he had boiled a thousand snakes, he wouldn’t be out of place if it came to cunning.

“…Do you intend to remain single for a while? Sick of talking about marriage?”

“Depending on the situation… Well, yes.”

Why is he asking that of me?

“If you’re considering using me as a shield, I can be useful. Though I feel bad for Countess McGinty.”

“Why do you feel sorry for my aunt?”

“Because I told her I’d never harbor romantic feelings for you.”

“…Is that so?”

Cassio’s voice softened.

“Yes. I assured her not to worry because I had no frivolous thoughts. Not to trust me, but Cassio’s ability. I even considered finding her a suitable niece-in-law… but…”

The man’s demeanor deteriorated as I continued to speak.

“…Now that I think about it, maybe I’m being arrogant. After all, you can get by on your own.”

“Yes…”

His words seemed drawn out and trailed off.

“If you want to use me as a shield against annoying marriage proposals, I’ll join you. Why not.”

“…I would appreciate that.”

He sighed in response. 

I nodded casually.

“It’s been a while, Sir Edmund Gloucester.”

Time has a way of going slowly when you want it to fly and flying when you don’t want it to come at all. 

Today was one of those occasions. 

I was better prepared than before, and I smiled professionally.

Today’s gorgeous purple gown was made of silk imported from across the sea. 

The same material was used to make the long gloves that extended up to my elbows. 

I wore the amethyst necklace around my neck and the rose ring on my left little finger. 

My hair was adorned with a purple velvet headband surrounded by pearls. 

Kitty beside me appeared extremely agitated. 

Mrs. Nelly, the skilled housekeeper, was also watching the proceedings.

Edmund Gloucester’s outfit could have been more light. 

A dark blue coat, a stiff shirt with a high white collar, and cufflinks set with blackbird-shaped stones. 

His piercing blue eyes, gazing through his monocle, cast a short glimpse at me. 

His long hair was tied and draped beautifully.

Looking at him, one would never guess he might erupt like a volcano. 

He was the epitome of an educated gentleman to the outside world. 

But I was fully aware of how badly his eyes may distort. 

At first sight, those cold blue eyes appeared to contain blue flames with force, lacking self-control. 

They didn’t always do so, but when it came to Elodie or Ophelia, they tended to react explosively…

‘What does it matter?’

He was someone who imprisoned others, misled himself, got obsessive, and eventually went insane. 

He hadn’t shown it yet, but based on his actions, it seemed improbable that he would. 

I purposefully smiled big. 

Edmund’s face crumpled slightly as he saw my smile as if a portion of the cream on the edge of a nicely designed whipped cream cake had fallen to the floor.

“I hope your journey here was comfortable.”

“…It has been a while, Lady Emilia.”

Despite my expectations, Edmund appeared calm, as if he had studied self-control for the day.

“I’ve come to personally apologize for the disrespect I’ve shown you, My Lady.”

Edmund knelt on one knee in front of me in the drawing room. 

It was an incredibly gracious gesture. 

Then he reached out his hand to me.

“I sincerely apologize for the rudeness I showed to a lady making her debutante, losing my temper during a past argument.”