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Chapter 82

Chapter 82

There are various reasons why someone might drop a work they were watching. Maybe it just doesn’t suit their taste, or perhaps they don’t like the plot progression. It could also be that they forgot to keep up after not watching it for a day, or maybe it’s simply because the spring breeze is warm. Either way, there are plenty of reasons.

And the reason I dropped the original work of this world was due to the first two explanations. I found it while rummaging around because I had nothing else to watch, and neither the taste nor the plot was appealing to me. What shocked me most was the development.

‘How could you do that to a little kid?’

If Louise were a reincarnated or transmigrated character, I could accept it. I mean, she might look like a child, but that could just be her shell; her insides might be adult-level! Even if she were a time-rewinder, I could understand that. But unfortunately, Louise was just a pure kid, completely untouched by those tropes.

The original author threw way too spicy trials at an 8-year-old child, both physically and mentally. After seeing that, I thought, ‘Ah, no thanks.’ I dropped it right then. Back then, I had no idea my own life would end up spicy too, but at least I was already rolling with the punches as an adult.

“If you weren’t here…”

That was the last line spoken by Louise’s sister. The relationship between the Naird sisters could definitely be called a cliché.

The sickly little sister garnered all the family’s attention, and even though she was weak, she was always bright and cheerful, attracting everyone’s love. The older sister, while loving her younger sibling, began to feel jealousy as the attention and affection that should have been hers shifted to her sister. Sadly, no one noticed her plight as everyone was too focused on the younger sister.

The resentful glare she shot at Louise in her final moments was truly unforgettable. It was particularly striking because the artwork was also fantastic! Louise’s face, pale and ghostly, was drawn so vividly. I really didn’t want to see such high quality with those kinds of emotions.

As I turned my gaze to Louise, I couldn’t help but notice her making macarons with a bright smile, just like usual.

‘She’s amazing.’

How on earth could someone endure such hardships at a young age and still be so bright? Of course, Louise wasn’t a psychopath unaffected by her sister’s death. She suffered heavily and fell into depression around that time. That’s when she met the Mage Duchess.

I have no idea what events transpired in between, but the current Louise has grown up to be a cheerful and warm-hearted person on the outside. Frankly speaking, I almost didn’t recognize her on the first day at the Academy, not only because she had grown taller but also because her whole aura had brightened.

Who could have predicted that such a child could emerge so cheerful after going through so much? I thought the setup for her charm would lean toward melancholy, or perhaps something more tragic.

“It’s done!”

As Louise announced the completion of her macarons, the hyenas rushed in once again.

Weirdly enough, they really seem to have a thing for macarons. What’s going on with these guys? Is it really a matter of taste, or do they suffer from some extreme dietary restrictions? Do they seriously despise cookies that much?

*

As the topic shifted to family matters, I quietly kept my mouth shut. After all, I’m not in a position to talk happily about my family.

But I can’t let my discomfort show. If I do, it’ll be like advertising my family issues to everyone.

So, I stayed still. If I remain quiet, no one will pay attention to me. It’s a fleeting topic, so there’s nothing to worry about.

“I’m hurting too! Why is it only you!”

“If you weren’t here…”

As my sister’s last words echoed in my mind, I bit my lip slightly. Those words loomed below the surface, but they could suddenly erupt, regardless of my intentions.

I can never forget that line. How could I forget? It was my sister’s last wish. She basically died because of me. If I hadn’t existed, this tragedy wouldn’t have befallen her.

“Hilda didn’t leave us because of you. We’re the ones who should be resented. Louise, it’s not your fault.”

That’s what my father told me. Despite sobbing countless times over my sister’s death, my mother never blamed me. But really, what parental figure would blame their child?

If we were to share responsibility, mine would be the biggest portion. I was thrilled to receive the attention and love from both of my parents. I reveled in the care of our family members! And since I wasn’t satisfied with that, I even coveted some of the focus that should’ve been on my sister.

‘I shouldn’t have done that.’

This is all my fault. It’s my fault for hogging the family love that should be shared equally. If I hadn’t been in the picture, my sister could have led a love-filled, happy life. Love should be divided fairly, not monopolized by one person!

As guilt began to rise within me like a wave, my gaze met oppa’s.

No, no! I shouldn’t let him see my darker side! Just then, he averted his gaze. Maybe I disappointed him with my heavy expression.

“Let’s call it a day with family matters. If we end up hearing royal secrets, we might need to cut off our ears.”

But contrary to my worries, oppa took charge and decided to change the topic. He didn’t look disappointed by my face; instead, he seemed concerned and considerate. Then, out of the blue, he asked me to whip up some macarons.

What a blatant act of consideration! He wants me to make more because these were good? He barely ate any to begin with! He’s not really the type to fully appreciate the flavors…

‘He must be flustered.’

It seems he picked up on my mood and attempted to divert the conversation. As I discreetly gauged oppa’s expression, just as I suspected, his eyes were darting all over the place—clearly restless.

I almost let out a laugh, but at the same time, a few tears threatened to spill. It’s incredibly touching that he cared about this seemingly trivial issue, even if he could’ve just brushed it aside or felt disappointed.

He likely has no idea what I’ve been through. He probably doesn’t even know what I’m thinking. But just by looking at my expression, he still managed to worry for me.

‘Thank you.’

I mumbled it silently, unable to voice my gratitude aloud. In this situation, thanking him out of nowhere would probably make everyone else think I’m weird.

“It’s done!”

So, I brightened my voice and announced it cheerfully, just like I always do. Accepting oppa’s kindness was the only way I could repay him right now.

“Louise, this is delicious. You really excel in making these!”

After hearing Ainter’s praise, I belatedly realized I forgot to add medicinal herbs.

I always included a few beneficial herbs to help oppa regain his taste. The others often eat a lot of sweets, so I should at least make an effort to ensure they have something good for their health.

Well… one day without them should be fine.

*

Fortunately, Louise maintained her bright smile until the club activities concluded. Of course, I couldn’t know what she was genuinely feeling inside.

First and foremost, I don’t even understand how Louise deals with her childhood trauma. She might have fully overcome it, or she could still be suffering silently. While she often seemed cheerful, her expression today didn’t suggest the same.

‘I guess it can’t be helped.’

I’m worried, but there’s not much more I can do now. If she looks sad, I’ll try to cheer her up. If an unpleasant subject arises, I’ll switch topics. Anything beyond that is impossible.

After all, I’m officially someone who knows nothing about Louise’s past. Why would I give advice or worry about a history she hasn’t shared with me?

“Carl oppa… How did you know that?”

That would most likely be her response. I’d instantly become a stalking lunatic. Given that I’m the Executive Manager of the Prosecutor’s Office, I’d go from being a “creepy stalker” to “the malicious executive who dug into her family’s past.”

That would be enough to send Louise fleeing in terror. I might mend relationships with Irina, yet it would obliterate my bond with Louise. What a ridiculous game of equal exchange!

Regardless, Louise’s trauma is something she needs to share with someone trustworthy. If she hasn’t resolved it alone, opening up to someone she trusts might be the way to go.

‘Why is this kid so heavy-mouthed?’

She told me to confide in her if I had any issues, but here she is, keeping her own troubles to herself.

I find it somewhat infuriating, yet my sympathy for her overshadows that. Louise’s situation makes me act unusually kind towards her. Is it maternal instinct? Does this girl even know what happiness feels like?

“Hopeless idiots.”

I muttered in frustration with a sigh. The biggest dilemma is that Louise has no one she can confide in, even if she wanted to. If any of the five became close to her, she might have told one of them. Yet all they do is mess around and keep checking one another.

Louise is convinced it’s her fault for monopolizing their parents’ love, as that’s what led to her sister’s demise. Perhaps that’s why she’s hesitant to become closer to any of her friends. It seems she’s deliberately avoiding developing favoritism toward one person.

That’s why it’s on those friends to actively reach out to her, but these dimwits remain oblivious even as the semester approaches its end. For Louise to make a decision, she must confront her trauma—but it doesn’t even come to the surface to be discussed!

‘I’m sure the esteemed daughter wants to love, too.’

The Esteemed Daughter longs for love.

I recalled a title that is familiar to me alone in this world. I wasn’t able to think of it right after the possession, but one day it suddenly came to me. Of course, knowing the title doesn’t really give me any context, and it bears little meaning without the story behind it.

However, considering Louise’s situation in relation to the title, it strikes an emotional chord. Hey, everyone! Louise wants to experience love too! So, please, let’s make some progress.

‘But I doubt anything will happen.’

While I wish for some advancement, my mind has already concluded that it won’t happen. It’s probably more effective to pray for a sixth character to pop up instead!


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