Chapter 15

“Ophelia, stop being so spiteful. Helena is your younger sister.”

“Yes, I understand, Mother. That’s why I properly apologized to her. I admitted that I was in the wrong for making her slap me.”

“As long as you understand. Be more careful from now on.”

Sarah snorted and looked at me with an exasperated expression. She’d put on quite a thick layer of makeup so early in the morning. I silently mocked her for all the effort.

“To improve my relationship with Helena, I intend to make an effort to interact with her more from now on. Naturally, I’d like to have breakfast here with everyone as well.”

My twin tails swayed lightly as I took a seat at the empty chair. It hadn’t been left vacant for me; it was merely there to fill out the seating arrangement. As expected, no food had been prepared for me.

“Could you bring out my breakfast as well?”

“B-But…”

“Oh? I want to grow closer to my family, but that doesn’t mean I should be treated with such disrespect by the servants. That would be a shameful act that could tarnish House Desmond’s standing.”

I stated this firmly without losing my gentle expression. Until now, Ophelia had even been considerate of the servants’ feelings. Out of respect for her kindness, I intended to teach them a simple lesson: kindness did not mean they could get away with treating her improperly.

“Isn’t that right, Father? For the daughter of our distinguished and long-established Marquis family to be treated lightly by the servants is absolutely unacceptable. Or surely you wouldn’t take their side, Father?”

When I sought the agreement of my father, Hornet, he stared at me with an expression as though he’d bitten into something bitter. Of all the people in this household, he was the most devoted to aristocratic supremacy. No matter the circumstances, he would never defend the servants.

I’d wagered that he understood the difference between turning a blind eye and giving permission, and that he couldn’t simply dismiss my argument outright.

“…Bring Ophelia’s meal here at once.”

“B-But, my lord…”

“Are you suggesting that a mere servant like you has the right to argue with me?”

“P-Perish the thought! I’ll have it prepared immediately!”

Thanks to Hornet’s decisive order, my breakfast was finally served without further incident. In the end, no one could defy the head of the family’s wishes. Amid the dreadful silence, the only sound echoing through the dining room was the clinking of silverware.