But not now. She was different from the past, when she had lived in a constant struggle. She couldnt do the same now that she was aware of her position and of herself and had realized what the consequences of her every move would be. No, she wouldnt do the same. Besides, she couldnt afford to devote her time to such a small birthday party.

If I use what I know to build wealth and power, Ill have to have a big party someday, even if I dont want to.

It was a future that would be achieved if she went forward like this.

Jessies expression darkened at Arias determined answer. She seemed to think that she should keep up her masters public appearance because Aria was her master. The acts were not far away because she had already contacted the band and entertainers, so if she just called them on the day, they would come right away.

Jessie added at last, If you change your mind, please let me know. Well get ready quickly.

It was just in case. Recently, Aria had been quiet and changed, but more than anything, she had always been fickle. It wouldnt be strange if she were to shout out that she wanted Jessie to call the magician and the entertainers on her birthday.

Soon after Arias birthday, Mielles birthday would come. As always, Mielle had invited a number of reputable acquaintances and would have a decent and grand party, so if she prepared a simple party for Aria, a thunderbolt would fall on her later.

It wont happen, but well, thank you. You sent them the invitations, didnt you?

Yes, I sent them to all of the people you mentioned and I received answers right away.

They were just the few young ladies who she had met through Sarah, but she invited them because she had to do something.

Fortunately, after receiving the birthday invitation from their new friend, they all happily sent a positive reply.

Is this the end of what you wanted to say?

Yes, miss.

OK, then leave.

The vanity and pretense that Aria had devoted herself to had been pushed out of her life because it hadnt helped at all in saving her life.

Jessie left, and Aria focused on reading again.

* * *

A gift arrived for Aria when her birthday was just around the corner. Aria was puzzled by it and asked the sender about it because she was still young, so she hadnt met anyone who couldve sent her a gift.

The butler answered, maintaining his soft demeanor toward her, The count sent it.

My father sent it to me?!

Yes. Shall I get it?

Please!

The count had to be busy preparing for his business in the North, so why would he send a gift?

Some time later, after the sound of a knock on the door, Aria gave them permission to enter, and a servant with a huge body came into her room with the butler. The servant was carrying the counts gift, which the butler had referred to. It was a box large enough to reach her waist. Aria was surprised to see the box placed down in the middle of the room.

My father sent this?

Yes, thats right.

Inside, there were some fur-lined coats, a few luxurious dresses, cute ornaments that girls of her age could use, and a plushy decorated with jewelry.

The teddy bear with a large jewel in its eyes, nose and ears was not a regular item even at a glance. The handwritten letter contained a message saying that he was sorry since he could not be with her, that he congratulated her for her birthday, and that he would be back soon.

I guess things have worked out a lot better than I thought. I cant believe that he even wrote a letter himself and sent me a gift.

In the past, that had never been the case. He had just given her money for a birthday party. Therefore, she wasnt expecting much, but his business seemed to be going well now.

Not many places produced fur. It was produced only in the North. It would be easy to monopolize once he got the right accounts through. It would be difficult to break a deal halfway against a noble, so now, the count would accumulate massive wealth from the monopolized fur.

You changed your mind this much with just one piece of information. Isnt that too easy, Father?

Well, that was why he had fallen for her beautiful mother. She wished she could take away Mielles seat as easily.

Aria, smiling from the tens of thousands of thoughts of harming Mielle, appeared to others to be just a little girl who was delighted to receive her fathers gift.

* * *

She had a class with Sarah in the afternoon. It was the last class before her birthday, which would be soon.

Aria was going to ask Sarah for a favor in that days class, which would bond the close connection between them.

While waiting for her, she absorbed herself in reading. Time passed, and she heard the sound of the carriage outside the window. It might be someone visiting, so when she looked out, she saw that the carriage had come to a stop near the mansion.

When Aria opened the window and stuck her head out, she could see Sarah was in a benevolent mood that day. Aria waved her hand and welcomed her loudly and enthusiastically. As it had always been, Sarah raised her head and turned to Arias room, and the two shared the joy of their reunion with smiles.

Sarah!

Lady Aria.

At first, she had pretended to be an innocent girl with the idea of showing herself that way, but recently, she was attending class showing half of her true self.

Sarah was the only one who could certainly help her at this time, and she was somehow at ease with her.

In the past, she had been scolded thousands of times not to run in the mansion, but not after her return to the past. The only response she got now was, How happy you are to act like that!

That was because everyone knew she had changed. It was because they knew she acted gracefully like a butterfly every day. Although she was acting the same way as in the past, their reactions varied widely depending on her regular behavior. Furthermore, it was already clear that Aria was particularly fond of Sarah.

There was no one to help her, and Sarah was just a humble, etiquette teacher, but Aria followed her meticulously. That made her look like an innocent girl, one who did not ask anything, looking simply at people for who they were. However, none of them knew how calculating she was.

Teacher!

When she reached the first floor, Aria ran to her and hugged her waist.

You should have stayed in your room since Im going up anyway.

Though she answered coldly, her arms gently hugged Aria. Aria felt affection from the hands that swept across her back.

I saw you, and without even realizing

Well, what did I say about the greeting? Ill have to train you from the start again.

As Sarah warned her with a face that did not look harsh at all, Aria released her hands from her waist, grabbed her own skirt and curtsied to greet her gracefully. Sarah also greeted Aria politely.

Youre cold, arent you? Lets not dally here and go up instead.

Lets do that.

The two went up to the third floor, hand in hand. They had a friendly chat with each other before they started the class, drinking warm rosemary tea to warm their chilled bodies. Arias upcoming birthday was the main topic of the conversation, and that was the topic Aria had hoped for.

So, its Arias birthday soon.

Thats right.

Do you have anything special you want?

Sarah would have already prepared a gift because the party was in a few days, but she looked ready to offer Aria anything she wanted.

How can I not respond to her when she came into the snare with her own feet?

Contrary to what she had in mind, Aria mumbled and did not answer easily. When her reply was delayed, Sarah said either some jewelry or a dress would be good.

No, Ive already got dresses and ornaments. Those are enough. Im more of a

Aria blushed and twisted her body. She looked ashamed to continue.

What the hell does she want?