The tea was still warm, but Annie frequently poured some new tea without giving it a chance to cool down. She was probably anxious to gain another favor from Aria, who smiled a little and picked up the tart Baroness Sirby had brought as a gift and handed it to her.

Miss?

Eat.

Bu-but!

How dare I eat the precious cake brought as a gift?

Even Aria had not yet eaten a bite of it yet. If she had been dealing with what was left, it couldve been done. However, the master who she served was right in front of her, and it was hard for her to imagine herself eating with her master.

If youre going to attend parties or meetings, you will have to eat something with me. Whats your concern?

Unlike Annie, who was stumped, Aria seemed not to care about it at all. Annie had heard that she was going to a party with Aria several times, but that had never crossed her mind.

Isnt that what a noble-born, playmate maid does?

Nevertheless, Annie picked up the tart and took it into her mouth. The sweetness that spread through her mouth almost made her cry, but she recalled being warned by Aria of it, so she hid her expression as much as she could and swallowed the tart.

Youre really good now. Its enough to take you to a meeting.

Thank you, miss

Will Aria really take me to a meeting?

That was Annies biggest concern. Obviously, when she thought about it, there was no possible way, but she had lost her soul to the sweet things that Aria had given her.

She shouldnt do this. She knew it, but she couldnt help it. There was no way she could think of anything else while Aria was dangling those jewels right in front of her eyes. However, she couldnt get away from the mansions de facto leader, Mielle, and her head was swirling with what kind of false report to make that day.

So, it will soon be Mielles birthday.

Yes

Annie came to her senses when Mielles name came out of Arias mouth since she was having a satisfying day by Arias side, contrary to Mielles instructions to help the wicked woman destroy herself.

Are her preparations going well?

Well Well, I dont know

Really? Its been a long time, so I thought Id take you Dont you think its more comfortable to be around people you are acquainted with than around those youve never seen before?

Annies eyes widened at her statement.

Does Aria really mean to take me with her?

Her heart was pounding, and she couldnt say anything.

I cant help it if you dont know. I have to put it off for another time.

At the moment, Annie almost said that the arrangements for Mielles birthday party were progressing very smoothly, but she managed to put up with it and swallow to keep the words from spilling out.

My master is Miss Mielle, not Aria, a humble bitch, she said to herself.

Aria waved Annie off when she saw her dull expression, realizing that she wasnt ready to confide in her yet. You should go now. Call Jessie.

Jessie had been resting for days out of Arias consideration. Indeed, Jessie had been cleared up since Aria was molding Annie, but Jessies days had been uneasy. She had not known what to do with her extended time off.

Annies back became drenched with cold sweat when she was asked to call Jessie. She had to step back now, but she had become impatient because she was afraid that everything she had just enjoyed would go to others.

Aria, looking back at Annie, who was biting her lips without an answer, ordered Jessie to be called back again.

Yes, miss.

In the end, Annies choice was Mielle. Instead of creating unnecessary misunderstandings, Annie chose to nip the events in the bud. She could come up with an excuse for her presence elsewhere, but she couldnt do it on Mielles birthday, which was unlike anything else.

Aria also swallowed a bitter smile as she watched Annie step back quietly. Not yet. She wasnt ready yet.

* * *

A few days later, Mielles birthday came around. The mansion was in an uproar as they were busily preparing for guests since dawn. So, Aria, whose eyes were open early in the morning, sat by the window, drank some warm tea and looked outside.

The gifts are really colorful.

It was an image she had often seen before, but it was new every time she saw it. Aria had never had such an experience. While watching the colorful boxes coming off the wagon, she was still wondering about was in them.

Jessie wriggled her fingers behind Arias back, expressing uneasiness. These days, Aria was definitely different, but she didnt know when Aria would become anxious and angry again.

Fortunately, Aria did not do anything mischievous. She just silently observed what Mielle was receiving. The thought of taking all those things away one day made her apply strength to the hand that held the tea cup.

Now was the time to persevere. Everything was supposed to come back to her anyway. Unlike in that stupid past, she not only knew the future but she had the hourglass.

It wouldnt be bad if I humiliated her with the hourglass.

She had not received an invitation, but when thinking of Mielles personality and because she was family, it wouldnt be a problem for her to attend the party unexpectedly. Of course, she had to endure the ungrateful gazes of those who loved Mielle, but the way they looked at her caused her no problems.

Im more concerned with a reply not coming from Oscar.

It didnt take too long to get back and forth from the academy, but Aria, who had sent her first letter as a friend, hadnt received a reply yet. There was no way he wouldnt keep his promise, and since she had so bewitched him, he would send it eventually. However, she was worried that he might have come to his senses.

If so, Ill have to lure him again. This time, he wont get away from me.

Imaging this and that, Aria adorned herself beautifully. She decorated herself moderately so as not to bring too much attention to herself, but as not to be overlooked either. Even though she was still young, she had a wonderful appearance, so she would be able to catch everyones attention even if she didnt decorate herself gorgeously. That was one of her specialties.

There was a spontaneous outpouring of admiration from Jessie, who combed Arias hair. Aria was enjoying the benefits of being a member of the Roscent family and having a comfortable life. As a result, she had grown very beautiful since she was growing taller and more mature.

Jessie didnt notice it much because she saw Aria every day, but she was so fascinating that others eyes naturally turned toward her. Of course, that was to be expected for a girl of her age, but it was a significant growth for her, who had been small enough to look the same age as Mielle. Now that Aria had started to grow, Jessie was sure that Aria would join the adults soon.

Everyone was so busy that she simply finished her breakfast and went to read a book in her room, waiting for Mielles birthday party to begin. It would be better to be as abrupt as Mielle had been in her party. If she showed up clumsily and pathetically, even those in Mielles camp would be filled with sympathy for her.

With such a pleasant image in her mind, she closed the book and looked out the window. She could see a familiar carriage from afar. It was the carriage of the Roscent family, lillies etched all over it. It was a strong, large carriage that was a little different from the daily carriage. This one was fit for both luggage and people, for bulk loading, and for long trips

The only one who can ride that carriage is the count.

It was a perfect winter, and it was about time he came back, but she never dreamed hed come back on Mielles birthday. If the count had indeed returned on Mielles birthday, Aria became a bit miserable even though she was only his step-daughter.

Aria stared at the count, who got off the carriage and held his own daughter in his arms. She knew that she had a long way to go and that she was discriminated against, but somehow, the loneliness that she had felt in the past hit her all over. Why?