The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 8 - Chapter SS

Side Story 1: 

Dorothea - The Spouse 

It was during Leon’s return trip back to the Holfort Royal Academy.

Approaching the Bartfort’s port was a division of airships from the Roseblade Household; consisting of multiple warships as well as auxiliary vessels, it was an imposing display of power. Many people, including a young person and a middle-aged man, had gathered around the vicinity as the fearsome airships loomed in the blue sky. These two were civil personnel working for the port facility; but their work just now got interrupted, much to the veteran’s dismay, by a large number of gawkers that got in the way of their work to see the Roseblade battle fleet. However, perhaps because they too were both interested, the rookie talked about the airship to the agitated middle-aged man who is now taking a break, sitting on a wooden box.

-I've seen that crest before. The Roseblades... What happened for such a force to gather at a place like this?

The young man was visibly shaken as warship upon warship began descending toward the port. Could it be… an invasion force? The rookie felt anxious as absurd ideas dominated his train of thoughts. However, contrary to the startled young worker, the senior showed a collected appearance as he assured his subordinate.

-My instinct tells me this is a formal visit. I heard Master Nicks is arriving any moment now, he must be expecting them.

-I-Is that so? I thought that... guy made a mess again.

By "that guy" he meant Leon. In Bartfort territory, where people of diverse origins often stop by its port, there is no shortage of rumors, both good and bad. Among those rumors, Leon's name often comes up.

The veteran let out a slight sigh and commented:

-Young Master Leon? It seems that he has donned the title of marquess now.

A respectful wording with subtle humor made the young man laugh, that title did not suit Leon at all.

-Because of that guy, I almost forgot how hard it is to become a marquess.

-Young Master Leon is… exceptional. Frankly, I did not expect him to advance at all.

-Is that so? I don't know much about him, but he's a national hero, isn't he?

The young man was recruited to the port not long ago. Therefore, he could only get a few glimpses of the infamous Fiendish Knight from time to time. Recalling a particular encounter, the rookie suddenly was green with envy.

-I once saw him walking with two gorgeous ladies, weren't they, his partners? Goodness, I wish I had been born into nobility.

The veteran was taken aback by those words and immediately corrected the naive coworker.

-You really don't know anything. Almost everyone is aware of how troublesome those noblewomen can be.

-Is-Is that so? But if they're that beautiful, I could bear it.

-Hey, you’re young and ambitious, I will give you that. But don’t fly too high from reality.

Commoners like these two port workers didn’t understand Leon’s circumstances and most of the stories they've heard are rumors from faraway. Still, from Balcus's miserable life 

under Zola’s leash, it is safe for them to assume nobleman life is harsh. Suddenly, Zola stopped coming, and there were rumors that the Bartforts no longer associate with her.

The news was that the Kingdom was undergoing serious reforms, but people's perceptions won’t simply change overnight. As they were talking, they saw Nicks coming to welcome the Roseblade family. The young man saw the situation and gave his impressions.

-As you’ve said, here comes the simple guy.

-You have got some nerve. Don’t you dare say such words in front of Master Nicks.

Hearing such overly-casual remarks, the middle-aged man put on a stern face. The Bartfort barony is known for being benevolent to their subjects, but not even the most relaxed noble would tolerate disrespect directed toward them.

Then, the rookie stated his opinion:

-I would swear my undying loyalty to Master Leon, if he ever takes charge as the head of the family. I think that if I serve under the marquess’ banner, I will be able to participate in frontline conflicts, and prove my worth. Suppose a capital barony is too much to ask for, don't you think there’s a decent chance to become a knight or a rural baron?

The veteran shrugged his shoulders at the daydreamer.

-I prefer Master Nicks. He is firmer and has a more solid persona than the flashy Young Master.

-I'd rather have a boss of Master Leon’s caliber. That will give me ample chances to move up in the world and indulge myself in glamour.

This reminded the veteran of the time when he was young and wide-eyed, a simple time of aspiring to become a man like Leon and have a loving, beauteous wife. But he snapped back to reality, and his streetwise-self disagreed.

-Dream all you want; I won’t stop you. But that’s not a path a wise, self-aware man should follow. For me, I enjoy my moderate life as it is, work in the day and share booze with my pals in the tavern at night; risking life on the battlefield is such a needless thing.

The young man displayed displeasure as the old man openly criticized his fantasy.

-Such boring life isn’t something I yearn for. Look at Master Nicks, his life is so uninteresting.

-I get it, but still… living in peace is just easier...

-Why work hard when you can work smart like Master Leon? To be recognized by the court and rule on my own new land.

-Watch your attitude... Hold on, look over there.

While the rookie was busy rambling about, the veteran noticed a glamorous figure had descended upon the port. When the veteran pointed his finger at the person to guide the young man's view, there was a Roseblade woman that looked like a noble lady. The young man blushed when he saw the attractive noblewoman: her skin was ivory white and untanned, and her graceful hair glistened in the sunlight; letting loose the golden trail of silk, she was… captivating.

She was like a princess in any young man's dream.

-W-What a goddess!

-That Roseblade countess… I may have seen her before.

-Huh? When?!?

-It was on your day off.

As the young man expressed his regret, the woman seemed to have recognized someone, her ice-cold demeanor was replaced by a cheerful smile, that special someone was Nicks, whom she promptly jumped on and shared a long hug. The young port worker was left speechless at the sight of the passionate couple; the middle-aged man was nonetheless amused.

-The countess is the older daughter of the Earl. According to what I have heard, she is head over heels for Master Nicks, there’s even talk about them being future husband and wife.

-With that, my love story is over.

The young man’s mood had obviously grown sour, seeing the woman that lovestruck him hug another man.

-Bold of you to assume it even started at all.

By now, the elder’s words had fallen into deaf ears as the young man stood frozen at the spot.

◇

That was when Nicks went out to welcome the Roseblade envoy. Meanwhile at the Bartfort estate, Jenna has dressed in a maid's outfit. She had been working around the clock 

reluctantly, which explains her dissatisfaction, all that came out of her mouth were complaints.

-How much longer am I getting tortured like this?

She was planning to sneak out on the pretext of guiding Finley through the royal capital.

However, Luce wouldn't allow it. Luce put her hands on her hips and scolded Jenna, who looked dissatisfied.

-How can you still act like an academy student at a time like this!!? You’re an adult now, so act like one! If you don't like pulling your weight around the house, then get out there and find a partner.

-I won't be able to find one if I'm in the country!

-Foolish! You’re talking like our territory is in shortage of young men!

-Please, no. They all are so poor...

Left unmarried after graduating from the Royal Academy, Jenna, who had few contingency plans for her future, returned to Bartfort territory to live with her parents. However, she continued to refuse to be paired with the men Luce and Balcus would introduce her to. As a result of years accustomed to being around the academy’s noble boys, Jenna’s expectations for a partner had risen considerably, to the point that she wouldn’t even consider countryman as an option.

Luce sighed.

-When will you wake up to reality? You heard what Lady Angelica and Miss Olivia said, didn't you? Noblemen is a rare breed these days, it’s not the same anymore.

-I-I know...

In the Kingdom of Holfort, the state of war had greatly dwindled the amount of manpower compared to Jenna’s first year in the academy.

When it comes to war, Holfort noblemen really get the short end of the stick, since once they are knighted, there is no running away from the cruel battlefield; unlike commoners, who can escape relatively unscathed as refugees, unless they volunteer themselves. In this world, warships powered by floating stones are the backbone of any national armada; and any good airship requires a competent crew. Forcefully drafting people as cannon fodder is one thing, having a dedicated training regime for airship operators is another.

That is why, although casualties are unavoidable in war, the mortality rate of Holfort knights and noblemen was particularly alarming. And since there are more women than men now, the male cohort were in a power position, it was essentially the opposite to the previous status quo. Even though Jenna was aware of that, deep down she could not accept this situation.

-Not only Leon, but even Nicks caught a high lady. Why can’t I assume I also have some of that “Bartfort luck”?

Naturally, when she saw her older brother and her younger brother having beautiful wives who were way above their station, she got dreamy too.

What Luce spoke next was like a bucket of freezing water raining down on Jenna’s head.

-A “lucky Bartfort” would have gotten married in the academy, and you obviously did not.

-M-Mother!!!

Jenna raised her voice. She quickly became agitated, and she whined even more.

-Can’t you see I’m a victim here! Because of that hotheaded good-for-nothing of a brother, I ended up at the bottom end of the school caste. He totally screwed up my plans.

There was the time he picked a fight with the former crown prince Julius. And when he was imprisoned and framed as a traitor. There were many other things that happened, and Jenna reasonably had a lot to say.

However, Luce was having none of that:

-You even nagged Leon to buy you an exclusive servant, didn't you? Although in the end that bastard stabbed my son in the back.

-Don't bad-mouth Meolle! T-That was Leon's fault too.

Meolle was the exclusive servant hired by Jenna. He was a beautiful subhuman that Jenna treasured, but Balcus beheaded him because he betrayed Leon. Needless to say, no father would tolerate anyone who betrayed his son, so Balcus had a strict attitude toward Jenna, who was practically remorseless.

-I will throw you out of this house if you cover for that traitor any further!

-I didn't cover for him, so don't get angry…

As Jenna began to get depressed, Luce told her what Leon had been doing to the Bartfort estate.

-Look around, Jenna. Leon has been investing in the territory ever since he became a successful adventurer. Aren’t you aware that you have more money now thanks to him?

-I-I-I understand…

It all began even before Leon's academy life started.

Having obtained cheat items, Leon had been pouring money into territory of his parents, the Bartfort Household. It was given in the form of an investment since if he simply handed over the money it would be stolen by Zola, who was still Balcus’ main wife at the time.

Thanks to the Bartfort second son, the infrastructure had been overhauled, more people came to settle, the place became much livelier and trade was more frequent. Due to all of that as well as Zola’s withdrawal, the Bartfort family's financial situation was finally smooth sailing. Luce continued: -He's already independent and doing very well, but is it okay for you, as the older sister, to chastise him like that? I don’t expect you to be like Leon, but please at least show me that you will do well when we get older and we cannot support you anymore. You understand that feeling I have as a mother, yes?

Jenna averted her gaze when she was told that.

“I can't believe my silly little brother advanced to this point! I thought he was just a damn lucky guy who came across a lost item.” 

That was Jenna's assessment of her little brother. However, as time went on it dawned on her, Leon achieved feat after feat, and is now a national hero. It was unbelievable to Jenna, who knew what he was usually like.

 “Is it pointless to talk about Leon at this point?” 

In other words, Leon is an independent filial son to Luce.

On the other hand, Jenna was tied to her mother’s apron string. Jenna thought this was going badly, so she switched the topic to Nicks.

-Right, what about Nicks! Even Nicks couldn't get married until after he graduated!

-And now you’re picking on your big brother! Besides, Nicks already has a partner.

-Shortly after graduating, he didn't even have a pairing with anyone, did he? Isn’t it wrong to rush me?

-That-That's true, but....

Jenna got to thinking.

Well, I'll devote some time to think about how Nicks did it. After that, if I get the opportunity to live in the royal capital for about a year, I'll be able to get a good match. 

As the ladies were arguing, they were cut off. The person who interrupted was Yumeria.

-Excuse me~

Jenna looked at Yumeria and spoke in a nonchalant voice.

-We're busy right now, so go away. You can leave the job to someone else.

“Read the mood for a moment! I’m trying to persuade my mother, now is the only chance for my counterattack!” 

She immediately tried to persuade her again, but Yumeria didn't back down.

-But~

-What's wrong with you! Look, I'm busy right now...... huh?

When Jenna looked toward the elf maid, she felt a chill down her spine as the people behind Yumeria came into view. Luce too, was too shocked to say anything. Among the few who came in, there was Balcus.

-What are you doing? I thought I told you it was a great day.

Balcus, seemingly all too familiar with Jenna’s misbehavior, wasn’t even angry; instead, he was disappointed and had an expression showing pity. Nicks, who was with him, looked at Jenna: -We could hear your voice all the way from the front door.

Jenna, too, felt embarrassed for being exposed. More than that, however, the problem was the next person who had heard her.

-Wow, wow~

It was no other than Dorothea.

Luce hurriedly apologized for not having prepared a more proper welcome.

-I-I'm so sorry!

Dorothea, however, responded graciously.

-I broke the schedule by arriving too early, so it's my fault.

Nevertheless, Luce was uneasy, despite Dorothea being her daughter-in-law; she was after all a countess of the Roseblade family.

From Luce's perspective, coming from a family of country nobles, she is way out of her comfort zone. This situation was similar to Angelica from Redgrave Household, both her and Dorothea are virtually princesses for a lowly lady like Luce.

It was the same with Jenna.

-M-My apologies.

Jenna leaned in, but Dorothea moved closer to her and put her face close to hers.

The whispers were remarkably luscious, so alluring it made Jenna feel complicated even though she was of the same gender.

But despite her sweet voice, the words she spoke were bitter and disdainful.

-I can't~...... As a spouse, I cannot allow you to insult your own older brother. No, I will not allow for any kind of disrespect toward my dear husband, even if it is a member of his family.

-Hiii!

When she stepped back, Dorothea was smiling twistedly.

The others didn't seem to catch on with what was going on, they could only wonder why Jenna was showing such an abnormal attitude.

However, Dorothea spoke with a smile.

-We're sisters-in-law from now on, so let's get along, okay?

Jenna replied with a strained smile.

-O-Of course!

Inside, however, she was breaking out in a cold sweat.

“What just happened? What is with this woman?” 

Jenna was annoyed by Dorothea's provocative attitude, though she couldn't resist her because she's a countess.

“Hmph! A woman from the capital like you can't live in this backwater. I'm sure you'll run away” 

◇

The next day.

The reason Dorothea went to the Bartforts was to get used to life in the countryside, even though they were not married. This was partly at her insistence, but rumor has it that it was an official gesture to show the Kingdom that the two houses were involved.

Jenna couldn’t get why her family is getting a lot of attention.

“I wonder if Leon's fuss has drawn attention to our family. There must certainly be some misunderstanding here, right?” 

Leon is indeed amazing, but his family, the Bartforts, is different.

They are better off financially than they used to be, but they are still rural nobles.

Jenna, still dressed in a maid's outfit, decided to keep watch on the Roseblade countess, thinking that a lavish Dorothea would not be able to handle life in the outback.

“Let's see, I wonder if this young lady can live in the country. Highly unlikely, anyway.” 

Angie had also lived in the Bartfort house for a while, but at the time there was Luxion making things much easier. But Luxion usually accompanies Leon, and the second Bartfort son himself is not around here this time.

Jenna thought that in this situation, it won’t take long before Dorothea’s departure.

“I wonder if they’re coming over there? That place is a training ground, isn't it?” 

Dorothea put on a less cumbersome outfit and left the mansion.

As Jenna was stalking the couple from a distance, Yumeria called out to her.

-Hey... You’ve got some assignments for today!

-Shh!! You, over here!

-H-Hey...!

With that, Jenna pulled Yumeria, her supervisor, with her.

A large contingent was gathering on the training area.

There were several men besides Balcus, Nicks and Colin.

-What have they been doing since morning?

When Jenna said that, Yumeria explained from the side.

-Oh, didn’t you know? It’s one of their regular training sessions. It's an occasion where novices can interact with the knights, who often also participate.

-Knights? Ah~, our “knights”. Although none of them are like knights.

Jenna appeared disgusted mentioning the knights. Compared to a white knight that Jenna would imagine, these were just ugly countrymen with no sense of being a gentleman.

Even more surprisingly, among them, Dorothea was also participating.

-That woman, is she trying to score points here, out of all places? I don't get her~. A woman’s place is at home, not in the field. Fighting prowess is overrated, she's just wasting her time!

When Jenna said that, Yumeria spoke the truth without reading the environment.

-Hey, hey... you don't do housework either though, Miss Jenna.

-... I-I'll do it when I get married.

-Getting married won’t magically change the fact that you’re terrible with chores. Just like I’m aware of my clumsiness, I still make mistakes all the time.

Jenna gave a cold look to Yumeria, who was explaining that she had tipped over a bucket last time.

”Hey, what, is this girl pretending to be familiar and lecturing me? Does she really get it or is she just babbling empty words?” 

While Jenna was wondering to herself, a gunshot sound disrupted her line of thought.

She quickly turned her head and saw Dorothea holding a rifle.

She swiftly ejected the spent cartridge as if she were a trained marksman, quickly returned to her aiming posture and fired the next round, striking in the center of the target.

From the surrounding area, there was an "Oh~" of admiration and applause all around.

-Just what was that!?!

When Jenna was in awe with the precision, Yumeria clapped quietly, almost not making a sound.

-What a shot. The bullet almost hit dead center.

Regardless of their opinion, to both of them, Dorothea just displayed something exceptional.

The men in the training camp gathered around Dorothea after they all had finished shooting.

Nicks was impressed and spoke to her.

-That was way beyond my expectation. I didn’t know you were this familiar with firearms?

-”Good” marksmanship is up to interpretation. But my family upholds our adventurer roots, so I've learnt basic fire training.

-Eh? Regardless of gender?

-Of course. But my poor self couldn’t last long against actual humans, you knew that. I can only fight monsters through academy’s training. My ability with small arms is merely for entertainment.

-N-No, I think that was still quite a feat.

When the people around her were impressed, Balcus was thinking about something.

Then Colin, who was also taking part during the session, spoke to Dorothea:

-Miss Dorothea is amazing! Big sis Angelica can do a number of things, but I have never seen a noble lady handle weapons so well.

Colin's familiar attitude with Dorothea made everyone nervous for a moment, but Dorothea responded graciously:

-Oh, how kind~. You're Colin, aren't you?

-Yes!

-I'll bake sweets. It will be a small tea party.

-Yes, please!? That would be nice!

Dorothea’s kindhearted manner casted an aura of serenity on everyone around. Just a moment ago, people seemed to be troubled as Zola’s haunting image was still clear in their consciousness, but what little negativity that is left has vanished.

The knights further away spoke under their breath so Dorothea couldn't hear them:

-Wow~, Master Nicks was able to find a good wife.

-I was worried Nicks caught another Zola, but it seems the coast is clear for now?

-Did she really just say she will bake cookies for Young Master Collin?

-She can do both shooting and cooking, now that’s a real lady! And which of us was saying something about “Zola” again?

The Bartfort knights were no stranger to duchess Angelica, but thought of her as an exception, an outlier. With Dorothea's appearance, their perception was drifting toward optimism: "Real ladies are different!" 

Jenna, who was eavesdropping, knew she was no match, but nevertheless backtalked:

-It’s not like I need to know how to shoot, right? War isn’t my place. Besides, I could just buy candy...

Yumeria smiled:

-Miss Jenna, you can't do both.

... That line was like a dagger to Jenna’s crumbling heart.

◇

-Let’s give up for now, you need to relax.

-No! I need to see that woman collapse in tears!!

They arrived at the kitchen, where they watched Dorothea baking some confectionery.

There were a handful of Roseblade maids standing by, but Dorothea made the treats herself.

Jenna could also spot the silhouette of Luce nearby.

-I see you’ve already gotten the hang of it?

-I’m just a greenhorn hobbyist, mother-in-law. I have got nothing on a real baker.

-You don’t have to be so humble. This old lady here can only make rudimentary rural delights.

-If you wish, I can show you some of my house’ recipes. Actually, wouldn’t it be lovely if you join in with me?

-As long as I don’t become a hindrance to your effort.

-Not at all. I'm happy to cook with my mother-in-law.

-Then, if I may.

-Please don't be so formal. The marriage may not be official yet, but I think of us as part of the same family...

Luce was shocked by those words and was on the verge of tears.

-I know, it’s a simple wish for a mother to cook and bond with her daughters. But Jenna and Finley would never step foot in the kitchen. To have a fine young lady not only cherishes me as a mother-in-law, but to even cook with me...

-Mother-in-law please don’t get too emotional... Now then, let us make your simple wish become a reality.

Dorothea comforted Luce and before they knew it, they were standing side-by-side, making sweets together.

As Jenna watched the event unfold, she felt like her heart was sinking. Yet, she still made an excuse:

-Even I would have lent a hand, all you needed to do is ask...

Yumeria, who was tiptoeing beside Jenna, looked at her earnestly.

-She probably doesn’t want to ask you anymore, you never listened to her, Miss Jenna. If you want to do better, you must do it without anyone telling you.

-Y-You… You don’t have to tell me.

All-the-while, the daughter and mother-in-law were getting on well with each other.

-You're quite intricate, as expected of mother-in-law.

-Say, should we do this more often?

Yumeria then made a comment:

-... The two of them really are hitting it off.

-Ri-…Right...

-Miss Jenna, we’d better stop wasting time like this, if you work on improving yourself, I’m sure you will regain Miss Luce’s affection. Let’s go back to work, shall we?

Jenna almost admitted defeat, but she refused such humiliation.

-You all are being played for fools! This privileged countess is only pretending to be something she’s not… Soon enough, she will reveal her true nature...

Yumeria was growing weary of Jenna’s reasoning and gave a disinterested shrug.

◇

Jenna continued to monitor Dorothea for the next few days.

Yumeria, her overseer, was also dragged into Jenna’s mischief to wait for the Roseblade daughter’s “fall from grace”.

In reality...

-Why isn't she showing an ounce of distress? Don’t tell me she actually likes it here?

-Miss Jenna, as you can see the Miss Dorothea is warming up to life with your big brother in the countryside; she also gets along well with everybody, except you.

-Ugh! That’s beside the point! Nobody is being wary of this woman! She was just an outsider, what if she is an enemy!?

-You’re overthinking, Miss. And for an “outsider”, the countess really is amiable.

-It’s too suspicious! Nicks is gawking at her, Colin is smilingly calling her big sister, mom and dad are putting on their happy faces. Unacceptable! This is too good to be true!

In just a few days, all the Bartforts except for Jenna had accepted Dorothea.

Jenna was at a loss for words as her sense of reality was collapsing.

-New brides are typically wicked, aren’t they? Does anyone here remember Zola?

Yumeria dismissed:

-No one is saying Miss Dorothea isn’t like that, but I don’t think you’re right either. Besides, she is an intellectual countess, I would be upset if she turns out to be a rotten woman~.

Yumeria sweetly said she would be angry; but if anything displeases Dorothea, the Roseblades…

Even Jenna knew that much; plus, a few days ago the airship formation of the Roseblade had left a stark impression.

-I don’t buy it! A spoiled city woman travels all the way to the outback and acts all happy?

Does she yearn for a relaxed life like the screw-loose brother of mine? This is just… I-I just can’t… understand, she should be begging to go back by now...

-You can’t just assume things; aaaaaanyhow... Miss Jenna, I’m going to prepare some appropriate punishments if you don’t go back to your duty.

-This is absurd! I will have to use my own hands, it seems...

“If the adversary doesn't fail, you make her…”  When she thought that way, Jenna was summoned.

-Miss Jenna. Present to baron Bartfort’s workroom.

-F-Father? Don’t tell me...?

Balcus and Luce were there.

◇

Balcus' workroom was a simple yet elegant office.

It was a room normally reserved for paperwork, now hosting an impromptu meeting of three people: Balcus, Luce and Jenna. The first daughter was shivering in front of her parents.

The first to speak up was Luce.

-I have information provided by Yumeria. It looks like you haven't been working for a while and even interrupting with her work by dragging her around.

-She-she sold me out!?!?

-First off, Yumeria is not your servant. Her contract was signed by Leon. I have been receiving Yumeria’s report since you began neglecting your duty.

Jenna broke out in cold sweat when she heard that they had caught up to her sneaking around from the start.

Balcus folded his arms and gave a deep sigh.

-She has been persistently warning you to continue your work, hasn’t she? You may have a lot of things on your mind, and you were even observing how Dorothea does things. Yet you still have not realized your wrongdoings, abandoning your duty is one thing...

Luce had a composed complexion, but Jenna could feel the fire of anger building inside.

“This is not good. I have to think of something… anything!” 

-L-Listen, I-I thought she might get into trouble since she is a countess from the capital..., I just wanted to make sure she won’t mess anything up!

Desperate and driven to a corner, Jenna struggled to put together a decent excuse.

Luce instantly shut her down with a counter-argument:

-What nonsense. If you had such good will, instead of creeping around you should have helped her in person.

-W-Well, y-you see... I-I’m a little… embarrassed.

-You don’t know when to give up, do you? We know you all too well. “Shy” doesn’t exist in your dictionary. No point making excuses anymore, Yumeria already told us everything we need to know. You really think Nicks’ passionate partner would just pack her bags and take off?

-I-It's just that she lived a comfortable life, right? There’s no way she’d do well here.

-Dorothea's doing everything right, even better than you.

Then, Balcus commented on how the subject of the Bartfort territory viewed her.

-Dorothea has a good reputation among the servants and gentlemen of the house. During a village inspection some time ago, she made a good impression.

Luce followed up Balcus’ words with an assessment of Jenna.

-You, on the other hand, have received nothing but complaints from the house servants.

The Bartfort Household isn’t keen on hiring too many servants, so the number is far and few between; however, these select few are loyal retainers who had worked in the mansion for a long time.

These people, who had known Jenna since her childhood, all testified against her behavior.

Wait a min-... Ah… So, this is it...? 

She finally understood.

Jenna was brought down to her knees by Dorothea, who was more successful with her family than she ever was.

And from now on, her image will be tarnished, with the story of how the Bartfort first daughter was outsmarted and cornered while trying to harm her sister-in-law.

Luce, feeling pitiful beyond visible expression, broke the silence.

-Believe it or not, Jenna, there was this matchmaking proposal...

-We talked about this; I don't want a pairing....

-Let me finish. Dorothea consulted me in regard to use the Roseblade’s sphere of influence to introduce someone to you. In short, this man is a court noble who resides in the Royal Capital.

-What? -What? That means...

“It can't be! Gosh, it’s someone nice after all.” 

Jenna returned her palm to her heart; she had been waiting for this moment; but the unfortunate news struck.

Luce continued:

-... I declined.

-Huh?

While Jenna was left baffled, Balcus began to feel bad; except, he wasn’t feeling sorry for his blood daughter, he was sympathetic to Dorothea.

-It seems that the household already had quite a history with the Roseblade. I can't make my future daughter-in-law lose face by betrothing you to a court noble.

Luce seemed to share the same sentiment.

-What a handful...

Jenna began to tremble and protested.

-How could you? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

-As a mother, I would have seriously considered the proposal if you had behaved better.

You had your chance, and you threw it away to harass our esteemed guest? Why are you like this!?

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Jenna’s mind.

“Huh? So, if I worked hard, I would be able to live in the capital?” 

Finally, Balcus lowered his voice to Jenna.

-That was what could have been, unfortunately as you are too stubborn to change, it won’t happen. Although, if you can show us, you’re resolute, there might be hope. But we will not promise anything.

Luce was crying.

-This is too much for me, it’s pathetic...

Jenna collapsed, she couldn’t have thought what she deemed so trivial was her ultimate undoing; and for that, she paid dearly.

-You should have told me first!!!!

◇

At the same time, Dorothea and Yumeria too, were having a meeting.

-You have done well; this is what I have promised.

-I’m grateful, milady!

The reward guaranteed to Yumeria was a large sum of money. Dorothea, seeing how the elf maid was hugging the sack of money fondly, was curious to know where that money would go.

-I assume you already had something in mind?

Yumeria replied spontaneously.

-Yes! I'm going to send it to my son Kyle.

-Oh! That boy is in the Royal Capital, isn’t he?

-That’s what he has told me. We exchange letters frequently, so I thought this time I should send something along.

Hearing a delighted Yumeria explaining about her son, Dorothea let out a warm smile.

-You sure are a considerate mother.

-Hehehe, thank you very much.

Nicks came in by Dorothea’s side while Yumeria was scampering away with her little treasure. As they went past each other, Nicks asked his soon-to-be wife.

-I’m aware Yumeria is a carefree servant, but what is the matter with her today?

-My goodness, cut the formality darling.

-My bad. This is new to me.

When Nicks apologized, the countess gave him a “Be careful next time” look:

-I understand it is a novelty, but you will get weird looks if you continue like this. I don’t want others to belittle you.

-Y-Yes. -So, w-what happened?

To a dejected Nicks, Dorothea got straight into the matter.

-I tasked Yumeria to keep an eye on your troubled older sister.

-You must be referring to Jenna? Was there any issue?

Dorothea laughed at Nicks' concern.

-All is fine. I'm sure she's reflecting right now.

-So… everything is ok then? But do inform me if anything happens.

-Of course. We're a couple after all.

◇

Fast forward to the evening, in Jenna’s room.

The first Bartfort daughter has made up her mind.

-If I keep lazing around like this, then there’s no going back for me. No way! I must go to the Royal Capital and turn the tide. I’m not giving up!

To Jenna, the Bartfort mansion felt ever more unwelcoming, as if Dorothea had taken over the whole place. It’s suffocating to the point of extreme frustration; just one wrong step in front of anyone and she may be forced to get married and live miserably.

"Somewhere in this midst of chaos, there must still be an opportunity” . She encouraged herself.

Jenna, backed against a wall, seemed to have finally gathered her resolve.

-From now on I have to cut down on unnecessary things, otherwise I won’t have money to cover the travel expenses. Moreover, housework! I will do whatever it takes, even if it only increases my odds a little!

The Bartfort family are dangerous people when push comes to shove; and Jenna at that moment was, beyond doubt, ready to strike hard and strike fast.

-I will decide how my story ends, on my own!

Jenna’s blood was overflowing with determination.