Chapter 5 - Don’t Socialize With That Woman, Sister (1/2)

Chapter 5 – Don’t Socialize With That Woman, Sister

“I hate that woman so much, sister. She’s like an evil fox,” Martina said sourly.

Martina must hate Dorothea a lot if she used the expression “that woman”. Since I was an only child, I was glad to have a younger sister. It was even better that she was someone that hated Dorothea just as much as I did.

I smiled at Martina indulgently. “Why?”

“I think she’s just using you. She doesn’t regard you as a true friend.” Martina saw it right away. Dorothea didn’t consider Maristella a true friend. Ever. “I hate it when you’re being used. What are you getting from her? Don’t socialize with that woman, sister. You’re much prettier, smarter and nicer than Dorothea, so why are you hanging out with her? Do you want me to introduce you to my friends?”

Oh, you cute thing. My sister’s thoughts were so wonderful that I smiled without even realizing it.

“Don’t worry too much, Martina,” I reassured her in a soft voice.

“But I am worried. You’re so innocent. You can’t sense evil.”

“You really don’t have to worry. Your big sister is not as good-natured as you think.”

“Huh?” Martina tilted her head in confusion. She was so cute. I swallowed subconsciously and then explained it to her.

“I’m saying that I won’t be beaten up as much as you think I will be.”

“Oh…really?” Martina said in a dazed voice, and I nodded with a smile.

“Yes, Martina. So you don’t have to worry too much.”

“Ha, really.” Martina took both my hands and looked at me with emotional eyes. “I’m so glad. I’m glad that you’ve come to your senses now!”

I smiled and left a small kiss on her forehead, and then she asked another question.

“But why did you suddenly change your mind? You used to hate me when I cursed her. You said a child shouldn’t say that.”

“…”

Maristella…were you really that naive and stupid? I was mute for a moment, before I cleared my throat. “Ah…w-well, I just thought about what you said before. And I think you were right.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I won’t lead a life of suffering anymore, Martina.”

“Is that a promise?” She reached out her right pinky finger, and she was so precious that I thought I would go crazy. There wasn’t a large age difference between the two of us, so how could she be so lovely and cute?

I hooked my pinky finger around hers with a happy smile. Only after we tapped our thumbs together did she release her pinky.

“Come on, sister,” she said smilingly. “Let’s go to dinner. Mother and Father have been waiting for you.”

***

As far as I knew, families around the world rarely all sat together and ate. Not for any particular reason, but everyone just didn’t. Of course, there were also family members that weren’t on good enough terms with each other.

“Oh my, Marie’s here.”

“Marie, did you enjoy your tea party?”

Countess Bellafleur welcomed me as soon as I stepped into the dining room. I was embarrassed by the unexpected hospitality, but I straightened myself and pretended to be their daughter. In truth, their daughter had disappeared, and I was left in her place. It would be impossible to deceive these parents perfectly, but I at least had to try.

“I’m home, Mother, Father.”

I didn’t know if I was supposed to hug her or anything, but my first impression of Lady Bellafleur was that she was a very kindly woman. She had a face that seemed to glow with love and benevolence. I could tell who Maristella took after. Soybeans grew from soybeans, not red beans, after all.

“Come and have a seat, children. We’re a little late for our meal today.”

At the words of Countess Bellafleur, I hurried to sit on the left of Count Bellafleur, and Martina sat next to me. After a moment, servants brought dishes pouring into the dining room, including the appetizers. Eating this kind of extravagant meal was rare in Korea, and my eyes rounded at the sight. Maristella probably wouldn’t shovel her food in like I would, so I had to suppress my appetite.

“Marie is eating well today.”

I couldn’t completely control myself, however, and the comment ended up appearing in the middle of the meal. Annoyed by Count Bellafleur’s words, I smiled awkwardly and made up an excuse.

“Actually, I was pretty active earlier…see?”