CHAPTER 14
Meanwhile, Istasha was recalling what her father had told her before she came to the count’s estate:
“Go there and find out what kind of relationship they have with Duke Dinero. The Count has already laid all the groundwork.”
“If you find out just that much, the Count said he’d arrange a good marriage for you!”
But after a whole month, she’d found nothing.
Even when she subtly prodded Melin and Jacqueline, they truly seemed to know nothing.
“Stupid girl.”
How could she know so little about her own sister? She was utterly useless.
“Phew…”
As Istasha stood in front of Melin’s room, her delicate brow furrowed in frustration.
“Ugh, so annoying.”
The thought of wasting more time here infuriated her.
She was already at an age when noble ladies started receiving marriage proposals. She should be actively searching for a good match.
This was a complete waste of time.
“Callisto Skylar.”
He had been quite decent.
Maybe seducing the young marquis would be more fruitful.
“Is there a good excuse I could use to increase Ren’s tutoring sessions…?”
With that thought, Istasha opened the door.
“P-Professor.”
“Open your book.”
As soon as the door shut, Istasha took her seat with a cold expression. Melin, in contrast, fumbled with her books and dropped them under the desk.
“So clumsy. Do you think your sister would ever like someone like you?”
“I-I’m sorry…”
Watching Melin stammer, a faint smirk appeared on Istasha’s lips.
She’d thrown out a few sharp words to maintain her dignity as a teacher, since the class was progressing far too slowly. And they’d worked.
“As expected, poking at their weakest spot is always most effective with dim-witted children.”
The brat who had once thrown a tantrum on the first day about not wanting to study was now acting like a proper student. That pleased her.
“Let’s begin class.”
At last, the lesson ended, and I retrieved the magic recording device I had hidden in Melin’s room.
“Phew…”
But I didn’t play it right away. I took a deep breath.
My mouth was strangely dry, and my heart was pounding off-rhythm in my chest.
All I could hope was that this was all just paranoia.
But I’d been turning a blind eye for five long years.
It was time to face reality—especially after remembering the abuse Melin had suffered from Arthus all that time.
Beep!
The device began to play, and a familiar voice rang out:
“D-Did I get it wrong again…?”
“Sigh. Do you even realize how far behind you are compared to others your age? Lady Clemence will be very disappointed.”
“My sister?”
“Yes. She might even abandon you. Lady Clemence likes smart children.”
“R-Really…? I don’t want her to abandon me… sob…”
My heart dropped into my stomach. Dizziness washed over me.
“She focused in class because she was afraid I’d abandon her.”
It felt like a stone had been lodged in my chest.
To be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention to her, thinking someone better than me would appear at her side—just like in the original story.
But I never meant for her to go through this in the meantime.
Five years of neglect passed before my eyes like a lantern’s fading flame.
“Right? So I’ll teach you properly so you won’t be abandoned. Just listen carefully to everything I say.”
My emotions see-sawed between frozen numbness and fiery rage.
Finally steadying myself, I spoke firmly when Istasha entered my office:
“You don’t need to come anymore. Starting today.”
Caught off guard, Istasha’s lips trembled with confusion.
“Why so suddenly…? I don’t understand. Did I make a mistake?”
I almost laughed at her shameless words. A mistake? Could it even be called that?
“It’s not your fault. I’ve decided to send Melin to a beginner’s academy. As you said, she seems to lack social skills, so I want her to be around kids her age.”
Of course, if I told her the real reason she was being fired, she’d probably lose it right here.
“This isn’t the place for that.”
If Melin saw that kind of outburst in her current state, it would only traumatize her further.
Watching Istasha blink in disbelief, I thought to myself:
“Once she leaves here…”
…I would make her life hell.
But outwardly, I wore a remorseful expression and apologized with a furrow of my brows.
“I’m sorry, Lady Rowen.”
“But suddenly parting with Melin won’t be good for her emotionally.”
“I’ll take care of that myself. You don’t need to worry.”
“…Still.”
Her reluctance puzzled me.
“Why is she trying so hard to stay?”
I had to ask.
“You’re quite talented—don’t other families try to recruit you?”
Why was she so desperate to stay here?
At that, Istasha’s hands trembled as she replied:
“If people find out I was dismissed after just a month, rumors will spread that something’s wrong with me.”
Hmm. Rumors would spread, yes.
Though not the ones she expects.
I answered gently, as if reassuring her:
“I’ll explain things clearly so no one gets the wrong idea.”
But she was persistent, and my tone gradually hardened.
“No matter what you say, my decision won’t change. So this conversation is pointless.”
Unable to tolerate her anymore, I pointed to the door and told her to leave. Only then did she realize I had made up my mind.
“Agathe, please see the lady out.”
“Yes, my lady.”
With Agathe’s firm assistance, Istasha was escorted out despite her protests.
Moments later, her angry voice echoed down the corridor:
“You’ll regret this! I swear you will!”
A true villain’s parting threat.
And this is the woman they trusted to teach children?
She was clearly experienced in using fear to manipulate others.
This deserves to be public knowledge.
And rumors were most effective when they came from influential sources.
I summoned Lisa, the maid, and handed her a letter.
“Send this to the Skylar family immediately.”
Meanwhile, Callisto had just received a letter from Clemence and was rushing down the hallway.
The contents regarding “Istasha Rowen” were shocking.
He was stunned that someone other than the person he recommended had taken the job—and that it was that woman acting as Renox’s tutor.
What she had done to Melin was appalling.
“Baron Rowen’s recent behavior has been suspicious…”
There had already been quiet rumors at the academic society that the baron was cozying up to the Emperor’s faction, despite never being close to them before.
Trusting in the Rowens’ scholarly reputation, he had appointed Istasha to tutor Renox.
But now, “I can’t let this continue.”
So Callisto was now headed to inform Renox that his tutor would be changed.
It was likely Renox’s first regular interaction with someone.
It pained Callisto to sever that first bond so abruptly.
With a heavy heart, he knocked on Renox’s door. The boy’s unusually calm voice answered:
—“Come in.”
Opening the door, Callisto found Renox reading quietly at his desk.
“Renox—or rather, Ren.”
“Good afternoon, Young Marquis.”
“I have some unfortunate news. Do you have a moment?”
“Yes.”
Renox nodded, his expression showing that he already had an idea of what was coming.
“So it’s finally happening.”
He had mentally prepared himself for this outcome every night before bed.
“You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?” he whispered to himself.
With that reminder, his trembling hands steadied.
Callisto studied Renox’s delicate face before speaking:
“We’ll be changing your tutor soon.”
But at his next words, Renox blinked in confusion, staring at him blankly.
“Wait… I’m not being dismissed?”
