Chapter 23: One year later, part 3.

Translated and Edited by: luccayn.
Enjoy!

“So… you're intentionally letting her know everyone else is happy?”

“Yes. Some of the aristocrats who coddled up to her have already married someone else, and some even jumped ship to another mistress, smiles on their faces and all. It would be more effective if I told her about their newfound happiness and all the love they now have. Well, though she adored being loved, it was only about her. Never for others. However, by doing what I just told you, she'll begin to doubt whether they had ever loved her in the first place.”

I've been informed she was incredibly angry at the former count and countess of the Camell house—her grandparents—who cared for her unconditionally. The letters she'd received from them during her house arrest did not contain any convincing reason for their lack of actions, resulting in a worsened dissatisfaction toward them.

…No. Regardless of the reason, the fact they hadn't come to see her when she wanted, the way she wanted, was reason enough for her disrelish, suspicion, and even distrust.

The letters she received painted a clear picture. Everyone she knew was either happily married, or head over heels for someone other than herself. She was left alone to suffer, despite being destined to be loved, or whatever other nonsense she came up with in delusion.

Even if she wanted to find out the truth behind these letters, she had no way to send a message to them. Moreover, even if she thought the contents had been forged, she wouldn't be able not to read them. That would mean cutting her only glimpse at the outside world.

Perhaps she had a fleeting hope that maybe, just maybe one of those letters was an announcement she'd be rescued from a life of labor. And so with each reading, her unreality cracked whether she liked it or not; all that would remain was the reality that, due to her actions, no one stood by her side and she was left unloved.

“Fufu, that's interesting. Good, I'll adopt that idea. However, using the letters as your idea was presented would be a burden on you, and very time-consuming. Therefore, let's use gossip letters instead. Since the watchdog will always be around her anyway, let's have them whisper happenings as a chirping sparrow. Those who disregard the law, respect, and others' advice seem to have a fondness for romantic gossip. So, if we relay a variety of stories in the form of rumors, she'll have an easier time digesting it.”

After listening to my own two coins, the marquis quickly revised my idea through snickers. He told me I should only get involved if push came to shove. The grin on his face was the spitting image of Rein's as we drank my sorrows that fateful night. Once again I thought to myself, wow, they really are father and son.

Though when I looked over at Rein, he had a faraway look on his face. It wasn't like anything of note happened during our conversation, so… was it just my imagination?

—Well, that's what her current situation is today.

Ah, the effect of the gossip plan suggested by the marquis had yet to be seen. He is a man who values preparation and careful testing above all, so he'd waited a bit before starting the plan. That way, it would seem more natural and less of a construct. She only started receiving the gossip recently.

In fact, she had quite the appetite for hearsay. Perhaps due to her lack of entertainment, I was informed she'd stick close to her house-cum-hut once every few days to listen to the guards outside. She'd press her head on the thin walls of her abode, or get close to open windows, trying to take in the rumors in any way she could.

And after hearing the gossip, she'd usually start screaming by herself.

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