TVRTH [Book 1]

Chapter 30

Oscar Frederick, Part VII

Translator: Khan

Editor: SootyOwl

Aria devoted herself to the meal without expecting the conversation to turn in her direction. It was different from the day before when she had drawn their attention. She didn't know what kind of conversation had gone on between her step-brother and step-sister, but they were completely rejecting Aria.

Aria cut the meat halfway through, making sure there were no particulars in their conversation. Unfortunately, she couldn't get much information. She was just able to understand that Mielle and Oscar were not very close.

When Cain urged Oscar to answer Mielle's one-sided questions, Oscar did so briefly.

'How should I get between those two?'

Rather, that was the problem. They didn't seem particularly close, but their relationship had continued. Accepting that as if it were natural, like air, the conclusion of their courtship would be engagement and marriage.

If they had had a close relationship, she might've been able to break through the gap, but she didn't know what would be needed to break a relationship like that. Even if Oscar became interested in and liked Aria, she felt like he would still become engaged to and marry Mielle.

"Is he the type of man who would fall for a honey trap? Or do I have to pretend to be miserable?'

She thought both might work. The whole thing was very ambiguous.

'I'll have to try both of them.'

First, he had to pay her back for the handkerchief. Only then, would she be able to start. So for now, she had to stand still, making sure not to blame the pair of anything. She needed time.

As she was lost in thought, the speed with which she ate her meal slowed down, so Oscar asked her, "Is something bothering you? Are you OK?" He looked worried. "Are you sick?"

"No, I'm fine."

'Oh, I got it. Pretending to be miserable works.'

When she tried to put the meat in her mouth with an awkward smile, his worries further increased. If Mielle had not dropped the fork frivolously, he would have brought Aria some water.

Aria swallowed a bright smile into her mind.

* * *

Oscar and Cain returned to the academy early the next morning.

The countess, who had not returned to the mansion for days, having become interested in something recently, felt sorry about her absence after learning of it.

She called Aria in secret and asked about how Oscar had been in the mansion.

"Well, nothing, in particular, stood out."

"It was a good chance, so I feel sorry I wasn't here."

Whose chance was it? Was it for Mielle, who could see him more often than her? Or for Aria, the one who had seen him for the first time? The countess's dark red lips drew a crescent-shaped, sad line.

But her mouth soon recovered liveliness. Not long after they returned to the academy, Oscar's repayment for the handkerchief arrived at the mansion.

Two gift boxes were delivered under the name of the family of the Duke of Frederik. The butler, who identified the messenger from the family of the duke, informed Mielle about this.

Aria, who was just preparing to go out for a meeting with the young ladies, was unexpectedly able to find Mielle at the front door of the mansion, sweeping the gift boxes with her palm. Around her, were the butler and several maids, all of whom poured their blessings on the gifts she had received from Oscar.