Chapter 90

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 90

Chapter Title: That Still Strange Guest (4)

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After that, we chatted a bit more before wrapping up our reunion. Alicia might come back any moment, and I couldn't keep the mansion's guest holed up in this filthy storage room forever.

Ethan checked the time as he stood up and asked me,

"By the way, who's Anne? It sounded like you were calling Paula that."

"Oh, that's my name."

"When did you change it?"

"......It just happened. Call me Anne from now on."

"I like Paula better."

"Please."

I emphasized the last word, dragging out each syllable. He looked displeased, but Ethan nodded.

"You won't tell Vincent?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Why...

"I don't want him to know I was that maid back then."

"Why? Wouldn't it be good if he knew? Vincent... Come to think of it, he doesn't seem to recognize you, Paula. That's weird..."

Ethan crossed his arms, lost in thought. It wasn't weird at all, really.

"Did you trick him somehow?"

"......"

His sudden question made me hesitate. Ethan's eyes flashed as he stared at me.

"You didn't disguise your face or anything, did you?"

"......"

"Paula."

"You'll remember me looking different."

Ethan let out a deep sigh at my answer. He even scowled, which was rare for him. The way he furrowed his brow and looked at me felt like a scolding.

I had nothing to say. Not because I was wrong, but because it was so obvious. How could I honestly say this was my real face?

"Ethan. I don't want Master to know who I am. I just want him to stay in the dark, like now. Forever."

"Paula."

"I want to remain a good memory."

"Knowing what you look like wouldn't ruin that memory."

"Look at me."

Ethan gave me a look like he had no idea what I was on about. I grew even more frustrated and spread my arms wide, showing myself off. Look at me—this woman with nothing to offer, this plain, ugly little dwarf. The one everyone had stared at in horror.

"How disappointed would you be if that maid turned out to be someone like me?"

"What does that have to do with your face?"

"Yes."

"So you grew out your bangs for that reason too, huh?"

Exactly. Spot on.

"Your name too?"

"Partly. And in case someone came after me. You know why I left this mansion."

He remembered our last conversation and said nothing.

"Do you think Vincent judges people by their looks?"

"Who knows. But he'd be disappointed by an ugly face."

"What are you talking about? He wouldn't."

"Ethan. Everyone imagines things they're curious about. What does that person look like? What does that pretty girl's sister look like? What did that nagging maid who fussed over me back then look like? They picture it in their heads. And when reality doesn't match, they're disappointed."

"Paula."

"I don't want Master to be disappointed."

I didn't think Vincent was the type to judge by appearances. But separately, he'd already built an image of me in his mind.

That maid who stayed by his side in the darkness—he must have imagined her face too. Maybe at first, something mean-looking. But I made him picture me as pretty. It was my greed, my shallow pride.

"Vincent wouldn't do that."

"Everyone who's seen my face reacts the same. They all gasp. Some even get angry. 'Ugly wench' follows me like a label."

"......"

"Ethan. I'll be leaving soon. I'm here on a temporary contract, and it's almost up. Once it's over, I won't have reason to come back. I won't see Master again... We're parting ways anyway, so ignorance is better."

"Is that true? You really want Vincent not to know?"

"Yes. I hope he never finds out."

At least for one person, I can stay a good memory. A pretty one.

I'm glad Vincent can see again. Sorry, Ethan, but that's how I felt now. If he'd stayed locked in his room after I left, or kept living as the Count of Bellunita blind, I might have wanted to stay by his side.

Seeing him well lets me move on.

"As a pretty face, a good memory, a thing of the past... That's how I want to stay."

"......"

"Master wouldn't want to see me either. I'd be a stain on his life. And he doesn't need someone like me anymore."

"You really haven't changed, Paula."

His words felt like a rebuke. We've all changed, but you're the same. True enough. Change was foreign and hard for me.

Even living that sweet, poisoned cake life five years ago didn't change who I was. I ended up scraping by in poverty again, unable to escape this hell even after the little demon left.

Changing my name and cutting my bangs to bare my face wasn't real change. New bangs would grow and hide me again. True change was bigger—flipping my life upside down.

Like the man who lost his sight, stayed holed up, then bravely stepped out. Like the one trembling in fear of death but grasping hope with his own hands. Like her, living boldly despite lost love. Like Ethan, silently accepting his friend's sacrifice and brothers' deaths.

I couldn't. Just me.

"I hoped you'd live happier."

"I am happy."

"Truly happy people don't feel ashamed of themselves."

I smiled bitterly. That's why I disliked Ethan. Perceptive people excel at digging into hearts too. What I hid deep, fearing it would hurt to touch—even I avoided it—he easily uncovers and lays bare. Look at this. This is what you were hiding.

"If that's how you feel, I won't push."

"Thank you."

"But who knows what the future holds."

What? His meaningful words made me look up, and he smiled faintly. It felt sly. Unease surged. I desperately wished he'd do nothing, but he just kept smiling.

The round eyes widened further on the small face, tilting left. Then shaking right, tilting left again. The sparkling violet eyes showed confusion. The chubby cheeks puffed, then drooped. I examined the little face closely.

"What? Something on my face?"

"No. Nothing..."

I stared openly but pretended not to see, brushing off Robert's pants unnecessarily. At first, no big deal, but now my eyes kept drifting there.

This little lord is Violet's son. Realizing it, I saw the resemblance. The pale golden hair, violet eyes, unpredictable personality. Up close, Violet having a son would look just like Robert.

Preparations done, we headed to the parlor with Robert and his nanny. Joelie, Vincent, and Ethan were already there, seated around the table, chatting lively. They looked quite enjoying themselves.

Robert toddled over excitedly.

"Ethan!"

"Hey, squirt."

Ethan smiled faintly, scooped Robert up, and ruffled his hair. Unlike his warm welcome for me, his demeanor was oddly calm. Robert giggled.

"You've grown a lot since I last saw you."

"Yeah, I grew! I'm not a squirt anymore!"

"Still a squirt to me."

"Nooo―"

Robert kicked his legs in protest. He stretched his arms high to show how big he was now, and Ethan ruffled his hair again. Because he's Violet's son? Watching Ethan play around, they seemed to get along well.

Then Robert looked around, searching for something.

"What?"

"Where's Mama?"

"She couldn't come with."

His beaming face fell. He'd been hoping inside.

As the mood dipped, Ethan livened it up, saying he brought something fun. He picked up something from the sofa, catching Robert's interest. It was small animal-shaped stone figurines. Several of them.

Wow. Robert grinned wide, took them, and examined each one. Different animals. The gloom vanished from his face as he studied them. I was impressed inwardly. Vincent was good with kids, and so was Ethan.

Ethan spotted me by the door and glanced over. His lips curved up, so I bowed slightly.

"Put Robert over here. Audrey, milk please."

"Yes."

Audrey poured milk into a glass and set it before Robert. He grabbed it eagerly and slurped away. The nanny watched over him.

I stood blankly behind the nanny, then helped Audrey. Alicia took the teapot and filled Vincent's cup first.

"It's hot, so be careful."

Her voice was soft. As she poured, Alicia glanced at Vincent. He glanced back and picked up his cup.

Joelli chattered about the tea. How rare it was, good for the skin, etc. Vincent and Ethan just nodded occasionally, saying little. Alicia was the one reacting. "Wow! Really? Where'd you get it?" Her enthusiasm seemed more about joining the talk than the tea. Audrey shot her a look, and she retreated with a disappointed face.

Come to think of it, Joni was missing. I glanced around, then took a dessert plate from Audrey and set it on the table. Robert's eyes sparkled. I cut it into bite-sized pieces and offered one; he snatched it quick and beamed. His eagerness for food was cute, making me smile softly.

Then my eyes met Vincent's. I wiped the smile and bowed deeply. But I still felt his gaze, so head tilted slightly, placing the cookie plate, I caught sight of Ethan beside me.

His stiff face felt unfamiliar. Sipping tea with noble poise, not a trace of smile.

Watching his inscrutable expression reminded me of what he'd said last time. Why did unease stir? I shot him a glare; sensing it, Ethan looked up. His stiff face softened seeing me. No, he was smirking.

Ethan mouthed,

'Eyes are burning.'

'Don't do anything.'

I mouthed back and offered a cookie. Eat this and shut up, please. He caught my desperation, eyes crinkling as he took it.

'We'll see.'

But he added that ominous bit.

I glared fiercely; Ethan, biting into the cookie, couldn't hold back and choked with laughter. Definitely teasing. Making me anxious, what's so funny? Watching his once-stiff face try not to grin, a silent curse slipped out.

Catching it somehow, Ethan spat out his tea. Choking was payback for the headache.

"Oh dear. You okay?"

"Cough cough, yeah. Fine."

"Be careful. It's hot."

Joelli worriedly handed him a handkerchief. He wiped his mouth, but I'd already seen the drool. Suppressing a scoff at his sloppiness, I stepped back coolly. Lifting my head again, Vincent was looking at me.

My heart dropped. Did he see just now? Worried, I bowed deep again. Was it the joy of reunion after so long? I kept messing up. Fidgeting my clasped hands, I wished this time would pass quickly.