24
Noticing Serge’s discomfort, Parnel quickly interjected.
“Shall we head out, then? I’ll follow behind, so you two can walk side by side.”
Though there were guards at a distance ensuring their safety, Parnel made the considerate suggestion to let the couple walk together.
Feeling awkward, Railey took a hesitant step forward.
She had never gone out walking side by side with Serge like this before. In fact, they had never spent any close or intimate time together.
Ironically, when Serge had been in his fox form, she’d often carried him in her arms.
'Even though he’s my husband… It’s like suddenly being told, ‘Be friends starting today,’ with someone I barely know.'
It wasn’t just Railey who felt awkward—Serge, too, seemed hesitant as he shyly stepped up beside her.
The two began walking, maintaining an awkward distance between them.
Watching them from behind, Parnel gave a wry smile.
'Still, they’re married. At least hold hands or something…'
Of course, the sight of the adorable little ones would make anyone smile happily.
The three of them visited the capital’s most famous plaza to admire a grand statue, then headed to a nearby general store.
It was a well-known store among the nobles, stocked with everything from children's toys to interior decorations. It was so massive that calling it a general store didn’t do it justice—it was practically a department store.
'Wow, even the size of stores in the capital is on a whole other level!'
Railey had never been to such a large store before. Her eyes spun just trying to take it all in.
Many customers were browsing while holding their children’s hands, and it seemed some couples were there on dates too.
As they passed through the toy section and were browsing the ornaments, Railey suddenly stopped.
'Uwaaah… This is so pretty.'
What caught her eye was a snow globe, inside of which tiny animal friends were huddled together playing musical instruments.
Every time it was shaken, fine white powder gently swirled around them, creating a snowy world where the little animals sparkled in a charming display.
Railey had never really owned a proper toy—or even her own belongings—growing up.
At most, she’d sometimes get hand-me-downs that her brother had grown tired of.
Back at Viscount Vitence’s estate, her room had been in a corner of the second floor—more like a storage space than a proper bedroom.
It was cramped and musty, furnished with only the bare minimum. But she endured it, believing it was normal.
“You need to be used to a modest and frugal life. Only then will you be loved when you marry.”
“If you start getting silly ideas, you’ll become a vile woman obsessed with luxury! Even the temple scriptures say so!”
Such teachings from her nanny, Margaret, and her parents had felt like absolute truths.
Still, her longing for cute and beautiful things had never truly gone away.
One day, she had felt an overwhelming sadness while reading a fairy tale that described a tea party adorned with flowers and jewels.
'Flowers aren’t exactly a luxury, right? They don’t cost anything…'
That’s why Railey had once poured water into a chipped cup and picked a few flowers from the garden to decorate her room.
They didn’t match her bleak and barren room at all—but just that small touch brought her joy.
However, her modest happiness didn’t last long.
One day, her father—who usually never even looked into her room—suddenly showed up.
“Where did you get this?!”
“F-from the garden…”
“How dare you ruin a garden we’ve spent a fortune to maintain!”
In the circles of middling noble families with townhouses, the garden was practically the 'face' of the house—openly visible to passersby.
Even if the interior of their homes was humble, many nobles invested everything into their gardens to maintain appearances.
They cared more about the show than actual substance.
The Viscount of Vitence was no different. He might have pinched pennies elsewhere, but he spared no effort on what guests could see.*
And now, believing his daughter had ruined that display, he flew into a rage.
Of course, Railey had only picked two or three small flowers from a hidden corner, barely noticeable—but that didn’t matter.
In the end, Railey was harshly punished and was bedridden for days.
After that, she gave up on the idea of decorating her room. She didn’t even glance at blooming flowers anymore.
Feeling a strange tightness in her chest, Railey stepped back from the snow globe display.
Serge, who had been quietly watching beside her, asked softly.
“...Do you want it?”
“Ah…”
She did want it, a little.
But Railey felt embarrassed, thinking that desire was childish and immature.
Even though she remembered her past life, the memories were faint and blurry.
Her time living under the Viscount’s thumb had been much more vivid and formative.
Her sense of self was, in many ways, still like a child’s.
Still, Railey forced herself to bury her natural longing.
“It’s okay! Just looking at it was fun.”
“…”
“Is there anything you like, Young Master Serge?”
“No, not really.”
“Then shall we go somewhere else? There’s a famous tea house over there, or maybe some ice cream...”
“…”
Serge looked into her eyes for a moment, then spoke slowly.
“There’s a corner over there I don’t think you’ve seen yet. Since we’re here, you should look around—it’s possible something else might catch your eye.”
“Hmm, should I?”
“Yes. I haven’t looked at the second floor yet either, so I’ll check that out.”
“Then see you in a bit!”
Serge gave a small nod and walked toward the stairs on the opposite side.
Railey turned the corner to look at more ornaments she hadn’t seen earlier.
“Wow, this keychain looks just like the one Parnel made!”
“The keychain I made wasn’t this pretty though…”
“No! I actually think the one you made looks even more delicate and beautiful.”
At Railey’s compliment, Parnel blushed.
“...You’re too kind. But, if it’s alright with you, may I make one for you next time?”
“Gasp! Are you sure that’s okay?”
“Of course. I’d be honored if you accepted it.”
“Then I’ll definitely find a way to repay you!”
“You really don’t have to…”
As they chatted warmly—
Suddenly, Parnel grabbed Railey and pulled her protectively behind her.
Railey, startled by the abrupt movement, turned her head—only for her eyes to widen at the sight of a man approaching.
A harsh, scowling face twisted with malice.
Though his appearance had grown more haggard, it was still unmistakably him...
“So you were here, you wretched girl!”
It was none other than Viscount Vitence, wearing an expression full of murderous intent.
He stomped toward Railey with heavy steps, arm outstretched as if to seize her by the hair.
Of course, Parnel wasn’t going to let that happen.
She immediately blocked his arm and stood protectively in front of Railey.
“What do you think you’re doing?! I’ll call the authorities!”
“I am Railey Vitence’s father! You have no right to interfere!”
“...!”
Parnel had thought he was just a deranged man, but now realizing he was Railey’s father, she gasped in shock.
“You, come here at once!”
His terrifying gaze bore into Railey.
The moment their eyes met, Railey could barely focus on keeping her breathing steady.
Her body instinctively recoiled—years of abuse had trained that response into her.
But she couldn’t just tremble and do nothing. Desperately, she replied.
“I won’t go with you.”
“Are you defying your father?!”
The Viscount lunged again to grab her.
“Please stop this!”
Parnel held Railey tightly and blocked him again. The man sneered menacingly.
“Ha! And just who do you think you are to interfere? Want to end up in prison?”
“Ugh…”
“You do know that preventing a legal guardian from claiming their child is a punishable offense, don’t you?”
He had struck a painful truth—Parnel bit her lip.
She wasn’t part of the Duke’s household. She was just a regular civilian. She had no legal authority to stop a parent from taking their child.
In fact, this manipulative man could easily turn the tables and sue Parnel instead.
But Parnel didn’t back down. She had already heard that Railey’s parents weren’t normal.
Even if she had to suffer the consequences, there was no world where she could just abandon this girl.
And at that moment—
Railey spoke up.
“No. She does have the right to stop you.”
“What…?”
“She’s my bodyguard.”
Her small frame trembled as she leaned against Parnel—but her voice rang out clear and firm, unwavering.
🍓; The sentence means that the Viscount of Vitence, like others in similar situations, was very frugal (pinched pennies) in some areas, likely to save money. However, when it came to things that his guests could see—like decorations, food, or the appearance of his estate—he made sure to spare no expense or effort to make a good impression. It suggests he prioritized maintaining appearances and impressing others over economizing in those visible aspects.
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1 Comments
YOU GOOO GIRLLLL
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