MLIIWTFL Chapter 229

 229

"Do you really believe that Arie is doing this entirely of her own will? Haven't you even considered that those two might have influenced her?"

"She said exactly what she wanted when she had tea with Lady Sharon. Maybe when she's with kids her age, she can speak more freely, without pressure. Unlike how she still holds back around us."

"You're saying she might feel more at ease with outsiders than with us?"

"That's possible. Unlike us, her friends don't have to walk on eggshells around her because they're not haunted by memories of the past."

Even Achilles, who said that, didn't seem entirely pleased with the thought. But Alexander's expression twisted even more.

As a child, Ariette had suffered long-lasting trauma from the abuse she endured at the hands of that cursed Marchioness Irma and her private tutor.

Whenever he saw her trying to copy out dozens of pages from a book that didn't even need to be copied, just because a warm bowl of soup and some bread were served for a meal, or practicing her steps until her feet swelled up just because she'd been given a pretty dress, he couldn't help but curse himself.

But after long and patient effort, he finally managed to teach Ariette that all of these things could be accepted freely, without any price to pay. Now, she no longer hesitates when eating at the table, and she can whine or pout with far less restraint than before.

Still, Ariette would tremble and try to refuse whenever she thought a gift was too much.

They wanted so badly for her to grow accustomed to receiving, but seeing her react that way made them question if their own past mistakes were still chaining her down.

Achilles's words cut straight into that vulnerability.

"I don't like that she's spending less time with us, but if hanging out with her friends helps her heal, we'll have to deal with it. Besides, if we try to separate her from the only friends she's made, don't you think that'll hurt her even more?"

"If she hangs out with those two and starts learning etiquette, won't that only increase the pressure on her to debut in society? Can't you even think that far? Right now, she can use her duties as a civil official as an excuse, but if she quits and starts studying etiquette, everyone will assume she's preparing to enter high society. And you, of all people, are practically shunned by the nobility, how do you plan to handle that fallout?"

"Just say she's hanging out with her friends. We don't need to tell anyone about the etiquette lessons. Why borrow trouble?"

"How can you be sure those two won't talk about it to anyone?"

As Alexander crossed his arms and looked down at him, Achilles stood up and answered.

"Lady Eskis is so rigid and upright that once she's made a promise on her honor, she won't break it. And Lady Sharon… Honestly, we're in no position to criticize her."

Back then, he hadn't been thinking straight, blinded by the fear that Ariette might be hurt. But after serving in the knight order and dealing with all kinds of people, he'd come to realize just how reckless and stupid his past actions had been.

A 13-year-old girl had raised a book against a 17-year-old boy who threatened her, and she didn't back down from a Duke and his heir, her assailants. That kind of courage, Achilles understood now, was extraordinary.

So when he met Letticia again, he sincerely apologized for what he had done. Thankfully, even though Letticia didn't lower her guard, she accepted his apology without sarcasm or contempt.

Compared to the women who avoided Achilles just from being near him because of the rumors, Letticia's reaction was incredibly tolerant, especially considering she was the one who had been threatened.

As a human being, Achilles could deeply appreciate just how meaningful that was.

"She was cleared of all wrongdoing back then, and with her personality, she wouldn't hurt Arie, even if it were us, she might hold back. But with Arie? Never."

"And how can you be so sure of that?"

"Just look at how she treats me. Even when the other person has done something wrong, once she receives an apology, she doesn't hold onto grudges. She's nothing like the scheming types you find in high society."

Unlike Alexander, who as the heir of the family regularly appeared in social circles, Achilles was rarely invited to such gatherings due to his poor reputation. But as a knight, he had seen far more of the rotten underbelly hidden behind the polished image of noble society.

That's why Achilles was certain, based on his experience, Letticia wasn't the type to hide her true intentions or scheme behind someone's back. The likelihood of Ariette getting hurt by her was low, even if they became friends.

However, that alone wasn't enough to convince Alexander.

"She had been given an Elrey freesia and a letter of introduction from the Marquisate of Brie, of course she had to keep her mouth shut."

"Oh come on! You think I've only interrogated nobles once or twice? The truly two-faced ones take introductions like that and still secretly spread rumors or use others to bring it up again!"

Achilles raised his voice in frustration, confronting Alexander.

"I know you don't like outsiders, but aren't you tired of assuming that everyone, even those with no ill intentions, are scheming something? Of worrying about every possible scenario that hasn't even happened? There are good people in the world. So stop doubting everyone Arie chooses!"

"Once something happens, it'll be too late. If you stay that complacent and something like that time with her happens again, what will you do? Don't forget what's best for Ariette."

"So what are you going to do, even after Father gave his permission?"

"Stay alert. And act if necessary."

The fire crackled in the hearth. The brothers, who had been glaring at each other, turned away. As Achilles watched Alexander's back as he went upstairs, he clenched his fists, lost in thought.

Alexander always placed Ariette's safety above all else. If he believed it was necessary, he would even cut off her friends. But if that happened, Ariette would be heartbroken.

Should I talk to Father this time?

Achilles couldn't bear the thought of seeing Ariette sad. Of course, he also hated the idea of her getting hurt, but doing nothing out of fear would sadden her even more.

So, he concluded, the right thing to do was to let her experience things while protecting her as best as possible. To let her be happy, and share in that happiness with her.

With that resolution, Achilles headed toward the office where his father was.

***

"Investigate Lady Ariette Averil's working conditions."

Ezkhiel, who had been reading through a mountain of reports, paused for a moment, wondering if his brain had glitched after processing so many documents.

But no matter how he reexamined it, the order from his superior was exactly as he'd heard it.

"…You mean an investigation into the working conditions of Lady Ariette Averil of House Averil?"

"Yes. As soon as possible."

He asked again just in case, but his superior gave a small nod with his usual, calm expression. The question "Why?" rose in Ezkhiel's throat, but instead, he simply nodded and added the task to his memo.

Two days later, in the evening, Matthias held in his hand the results of Ezkhiel's overtime, the final report detailing Ariette's workplace environment and her reputation.

"The performance evaluation is excellent. However, she's been assigned to tasks typically not given to new civil officials."

"Tasks not for a rookie? What kind of things?"

"She's participated in meetings and even assisted with external communications. The reason isn't entirely clear, but it's presumed they assigned her those opportunities to give her merit, likely out of consideration for the House of Averil."

This kind of thing wasn't rare when a high-ranking noble was involved. In some extreme cases, people would even get credited without lifting a finger.

"Isn't it possible she was given those tasks because she's genuinely capable?"

"I can't say that's impossible. But it is certainly uncommon for such opportunities to be so concentrated on one newcomer."

At Ezkhiel's explanation, Matthias rested his chin on his hand and tapped the desk. His normally expressionless face was tinged with displeasure.

"That means she's probably endured quite a bit, whether from superiors who are intimidated by her noble house, or jealous colleagues."

"That is likely."

Although Ezkhiel worded it cautiously, it was almost certainly true. According to the subordinate who had investigated Ariette's reputation, rumors about her receiving special treatment had been circulating among her peers.

'Of course people would feel uncomfortable, having a high-ranking noble lady working among low-tier officials.'

Ariette's case was the complete opposite of Ezkhiel's, who had risen to the position of the Crown Prince's chief aide despite his low birth. But both of them shared a similar tension from not fitting in with those around them due to differences in status.

Fortunately, unlike Ezkhiel, Ariette had the support of her older brothers, one a chief aide to the Chancellor and the other the Knight Commander, as well as the Averil ducal house. So the isolation seemed to have remained at a mild level. Still, it was obvious that her work life wasn't easy.

"…Then the best solution is to assign her to a more appropriate position."

The desk tapping stopped. After reviewing the report once more, Matthias clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them, before giving an order to Ezkhiel.

"Draft a directive to the Minister of Culture. The content should be, the promotion of Ariette Averil."

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