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VOLUME 1: A DAILY LIFE LIKE CINDERELLA
CHAPTER 7 - Conversations with a Jack-of-All-Trades and Marriage with Ubel
After escaping from the maids and the prospect of marrying Ubel, I headed downstairs to the kitchen. It was almost time for the bread delivery.
Although I usually ask them to leave it by the door leading out from the kitchen when there is no one home, I make an effort to receive it in person during the day.
After a short wait, an old man pulling a cart arrived.
"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, I just arrived."
I received the bread and paid the money. In reality, the money wasn't for the bread; it was a personal payment to him.
As a daughter of an aristocratic family, I'm not allowed to go outside alone. When walking through the city, I need at least a lady-in-waiting or a maid, but Lyacobe wouldn't allow it.
In my confined state at the mansion, this old man extended his hand to help me. He used to be a baker serving the Shilto family, but after being dismissed by Lyacobe, he began working at a bakery in the city.
Worried about me being left behind, he pretended to deliver bread to come meet me.
When I sell dresses or make purchases, he runs errands for me in the city. I secretly gave him silver cufflinks, which were my mother's belongings as retirement gifts, and he seems to feel indebted to her, so he is helping her out is any ways he can.
It is a good thing he was tight-lipped too.
His loyalty and discretion are highly appreciated.
"The owner of the second-hand shop keeps complaining that the dress from Filbach hasn't been put up for sale recently."
"Well—"
I used to sell all the dresses Filbach gave me to maintain my solitary life. However, after having a precognitive dream of being constantly brought back by Ubel, my attachment to money disappeared.
I hid the dresses Filbach gave me to avoid Jillke finding them. Since I mostly ordered replacement dresses, the shop expressed a desire to purchase Filbach's dresses. I used to think I didn't need money and even donated part of the saved money to the orphanage. However, now I might need money and dresses in the future.
"If we could manage with just one dress..."
"Yes, that's true."
While I want to help the old man, I contemplate what to do. Then, a brilliant idea crosses my mind.
"If I temporarily lend them as costumes, would that work?"
Lending them would bring in rental fees, and I could get them back when needed.
Lyacobe and Jillke wouldn't find the dresses, and it seems like a win-win situation.
"I see, got it. I'll try to negotiate."
"Thank you."
With a new ambition to marry Klaus, it's essential to secure the dresses. It's a brilliant plan.
Even though he became a grand duke, Klaus was somehow unmarried. There wasn't any information on why he remained single, but if the seat of a wife is vacant, I'd like to fill it.
Avoiding the fate of death puts a heavy burden on the body, but it's better than being killed miserably while being implicated in Ubel, Lyacobe, and Jillke's sins.
"Is there anything else you need?"
Normally, I would say no and shake my head, but today is different.
"I would like information about Klaus von Lure Dingfelder."
"Who's Klaus?"
"He's the nephew of the Schwert Grand Duke."
"What! Schwert Grand Duke, isn't that the enemy of the Shilto Grand Duke's house?"
"Yes." I affirm him as I give him an additional fee.
Without pressing further, the old man accepts the request and receives the fee.
"What information do you need?"
"I want to contact him, so places he frequents, acquaintances, and preferences."
"Understood."
The old man intentionally says loudly, "Please continue to enjoy our bread!" and leaves. I feel relieved as it seems like I can take the next step.
---
The kitchen during Christmas dinner was unbelievably busy. Roasting a large turkey, filleting carp for a wine stew, and grilling a large deer.
How many potatoes did I peel for the side dishes? I can't remember.
After finishing preparations, an unimaginable fatigue sets in.
Frying the thickly peeled potato skins in oil and eating them in a corner of the kitchen, I receive a summons from the spatula.
"Elysia, the master is calling you!"
"Me?"
"Yeah! Hurry up!"
Covered in oil, I go to my father's private room. In addition to my father, Lyacobe and Jillke are also present. Jillke looks at me with a triumphant expression. I could somewhat imagine what would be reported.
"Apologies for the delay, Father."
"Elusia... you're in a terrible state."
"I'm busy with my manners apprenticeship."
"Come to think of it, you weren't at the dining table either. Was it that bad?"
"Yes, well..."
Since the servant chosen by Lyacobe was almost useless, I had no choice but to do my best. I'm grateful to the former head chef who left a recipe collection.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Ah, yes, that's right."
Father begins speaking with a somewhat awkward expression.
"Do you know that Ubel, a friend from the academy, is here?"
"Yes. I've seen him briefly, and he seems like a wonderful person."
I inadvertently spoke out my unanticipated thoughts, and my lips twitched. However, it seemed like no one noticed, and I felt relieved.
"I was planning to marry Ubel to you.”
"Really!?"
I pretended to be happy, and Jillke burst into laughter. It seemed like she found my anticipation of marrying Ubel amusing.
"Well, that was the plan, but it turned out that Ubel liked Jillke better."
"Wha...!"
I collapsed, kneeling, and buried my face in the floor. Shaking, I press my hands against it. What surged within me was— a smile.
As planned, Jillke did it. In a short time, she managed to win Ubel's heart and persuade Father and my brother to change their decision. It was nothing short of amazing. It was a splendid performance.
"I-I don't know what I should do if I can't marry Uber-sama...!!"
"No, you'll be making your social debut soon, right? You'll be able to find as many marriage partners as you want there."
My father's weakness is that he can't say he'll find a new fiancé.
However, it was convenient for me, who wanted to marry Klaus.
"Buuuuuuuuuuuuut, th-that's terrible. I like Ubel"
"I guess it can't be helped. Ubel liked Jillke better."
The more miserable I act, the happier Lyakobe and Jillke will be.
As a token of my gratitude, I played the role of a pathetic girl who couldn't bear to look at this situation.
"Elusia, go rest in your room."
"Alright."
I leave my father's private room and close the door.
At that moment, I spat out blood.
Anticipating it, I quickly press a handkerchief against it.
Perhaps due to changing the fate of marrying Ubel, the amount of blood was greater than usual.
The dizziness was also very severe.
Struggling against the wall, I barely make it back to my room, collapsing before reaching the bed.
Like the closing of the curtains on a stage, my vision turns completely dark. I could only hope that this wasn't the moment the curtain falls on my life.
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