Chapter 3 - Walking on Eggshells

I doubted if I had heard anything at all when an unfamiliar voice reached my ears.

Huh? My father responded to me.

It had been a considerable length of time since I last heard him speak. I was momentarily taken aback before regaining my composure. Once I grasped the meaning behind his words, I clenched my teeth.

That rascal, Mikhail! He said he needed to hurry back for training. He lied to me!

Upon this realization, my irritation intensified. I felt the urge to unleash a torrent of curses at Mikhail for his mistreatment, but I swiftly reined in my emotions.

Calm down, Jubelian. He's no longer a part of my life. Let's handle this situation with grace.

Although this was my second chance at life, the various part-time experiences from my previous existence had taught me not to be easily ruffled. I recalled a time when I had to deal with an obnoxious customer and controlled my outward expression.

"You've come home early today," my father remarked.

Ah, now that I think of it...

In the past, Jubelian used to arrive home late due to her constant presence by Mikhail's side. However, since I had severed ties with him today and returned home promptly, my arrival was much earlier than usual.

Should I divulge the truth to him?

Similar to the original story, my father seemed to hold Mikhail in high regard. He often went out of his way to accommodate him and treated him with a relative benevolence. Since I, as his sole child, had proven to be of no use, he might have contemplated making Mikhail his successor.

A chuckle escaped my lips.

If I were anything like the previous Jubelian, I wouldn't have dared to reveal the truth. I would have been too afraid that my father might despise me for making such a mistake. However, I had learned a valuable lesson from Jubelian's past: seeking my father's love was an exercise in futility.

Gazing into his azure eyes, mirroring my own, I spoke resolutely, "We have parted ways."

Although I refrained from mentioning Mikhail's name, he undoubtedly knew to whom I was referring. The lines etched upon his face confirmed this.

"Why?" His concise question brimmed with discontent.

I comprehended why he posed this query. If Mikhail became his son-in-law, my father would no longer fret about the succession matter. However, now that we had severed our relationship, I had shattered his plans. Nonetheless, it was a matter between two individuals that I needed to handle independently.

"I did not wish to spend my life with someone devoid of genuine affection for me."

As soon as the words left my lips, a look of horror contorted my father's countenance. He appeared astonished that I had terminated a relationship with such a talented man merely out of pride. His narrowed eyes seemed to reproach me. Though my heart tightened, it did not ache. I was no longer a child who could be wounded by his words.

"All I desire, Father, is to marry someone who will genuinely love me. I yearn for happiness."

In truth, I had contemplated a life of solitude, but I deemed it prudent to conceal my intentions. If I were to further offend him, he might treat me as he did in the original novel, thrusting a metaphorical dagger into my hands. I had not realized this before, but now I understood: enduring perpetual indifference was preferable to enduring cruel abandonment.

I will exist in the shadows, causing you no disturbance. I implore you to grant me solitude, as you have always done.

In the past, such a thought would have reduced me to tears. However, at present, I did not experience any sadness. It was as if all my emotions had evaporated. I stared at my father's retreating figure and sighed in relief.

"Ah, I shall retire to my room and rest."

I felt an overwhelming fatigue from the multitude of events that had transpired today.

***

Jubelian's maid, Merilyn, nervously swallowed.

"The restraints that used to occupy Lady Floyen's attention have vanished..."

These past few days had been relatively bearable for Merilyn, as Jubelian had been in good spirits. However, everything changed with the sudden and unexpected news of her breakup with Mikhail.

"I am in a predicament now."

Jubelian, or Lady Floyen, was a woman of extraordinary beauty. Assisting her in adorning herself with exquisite garments and accessories was rewarding. However, her tumultuous emotional state rendered Merilyn's role exceptionally challenging. Jubelian would freely scream and curse when overwhelmed with frustration. When she shattered an expensive tea set or tore her garments in anger, the maids would be consumed by anxiety, fearing that they, too, would be subjected to such treatment one day.

Merilyn spoke cautiously, mindful of not provoking Jubelian. "I shall assist you in changing your attire, Lady Floyen."

Jubelian's radiant sapphire eyes gazed at her with indifference. Merilyn nervously gulped, wondering if she had said something amiss. In that moment, a subtle smile graced Jubelian's face. Merilyn found herself fixated on that smile, as if under a spell.

"She looks so exquisite when she smiles."

Merilyn remained transfixed on Jubelian's visage when she heard her speak.

"Why do you stand there, Merilyn? You mentioned helping me change my attire, did you not?"

The lady's smile had faded. Merilyn snapped out of her daze, realizing her unintentional delay, and paled with fear.

What have I done? Have I irritated her?

Her legs grew weak, but she mustered the courage to lift her gaze.

At that moment, a clear voice resonated above her bowed head.

"Actually, Merilyn, you need not assist me. Instead, please prepare a bath for me."

Jubelian's tone cast doubt in Merilyn's mind. It didn't seem as if she were irritated or angry. Merilyn regarded the beautiful lady with suspicion. When their eyes met, a brilliant smile bloomed on Jubelian's countenance, akin to a blossoming flower.

"Ah, and please procure bath products that promote restful sleep. I am fatigued and desire an early bedtime."

"Yes, yes, of course. I shall prepare some lavender-scented ones." Though she stuttered, Merilyn managed to compose herself and respond promptly.

Why is Lady Floyen behaving in such an unusual manner? I cannot acclimate to this...

If someone were to ask Merilyn about her thoughts on the lady, she would unhesitatingly declare that Lady Floyen was a challenging person to serve. While physical abuse was absent, she had inflicted considerable psychological harm upon her maids.

"I shall await the bath then. Thank you."

Jubelian gracefully concluded their brief exchange and proceeded past Merilyn into her chamber. She had imparted a comforting remark rather than a spiteful one. Merilyn glanced at the closed door, her legs momentarily giving way.

"Merilyn! Are you all right?"

Sella, an assistant maid, rushed towards her. Merilyn declined her assistance.

"I am fine. Please prepare some garments for Lady Floyen while I ready the bath."

Merilyn endeavored to calm herself after issuing instructions to Sella.

Why is Lady Floyen acting so strangely today? I must not grow accustomed to it...

The Jubelian she had known would unleash tantrums when her mood was sour, subsequently dampening the spirits of those around her.

It is as if she has undergone a complete transformation.

The mere notion sent shivers down Merilyn's spine. She struggled to regain her composure.

"Enough with these futile thoughts. I must fulfill my duties diligently."

Yet, Jubelian's smiling countenance continued to haunt her.

Is it due to her lack of energy? I even found myself feeling sorry for her.

At this realization, Merilyn released a sigh and gave herself a resounding slap.

"What am I thinking? Snap out of it, Merilyn."

She reminded herself to remain vigilant in the presence of the Lady.

***

Taking a bath always proved to be an enjoyable experience. Soaking oneself in warm, fragrant water had a remarkable ability to disperse unnecessary thoughts. However, the events of the day had left me so fatigued that even the prospect of a bath seemed unappealing.

"Should I forego it altogether?"

For some time now, the idea of simply retiring to bed had been tempting me, but I swiftly dismissed the thought.

"No, they are exerting themselves to prepare it. I ought not change my mind at the eleventh hour."

A sense of remorse washed over me as I realized the cruelty I had exhibited towards the maids. I yearned to start anew, but it was already too late. Even if I were to display kindness towards them now, they would likely view it with skepticism.

Now that I had resolved to be a benevolent lady moving forward, I patiently awaited the completion of my bath. Despite my determination, I found it impossible to stifle my yawns.

After another five minutes of waiting, the notion of canceling the bath began to occupy my mind. Just then, a knock reached my ears.

"The bath is prepared, Lady Floyen."

"Very well."

I rose from my chair, intending to proceed to the washroom. However, my weariness compelled me to resist the urge to yawn. When I finally succumbed, tears involuntarily welled in my eyes.

"Oh, I am exceedingly sleepy. It seems impossible to take a bath like this..."

I brought my hand to my face, intending to wipe away the tears, when a voice reached my ears.

"Lady Floyen!"

Merilyn stood in the room, her eyes filled with astonishment, an uncommon expression for her.

Oh no, did she witness me yawning? I must have resembled a gaping hippo with my mouth agape. I forced a graceful smile, doing my utmost to keep my lips sealed shut.

"Apologies for that. Did I appear disheveled?"

Merilyn, demonstrating her professionalism, made no mention of my yawn.

"Are you all right?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Evidently, I had appeared fatigued in her eyes, prompting her to inquire whether it was prudent for me to partake in a bath. I resolved to speak the truth.

As I let a few tears trickle down the corners of my eyes, I confessed, "I am exceedingly tired, so I shall postpone the bath until tomorrow. Could you assist me in changing into my sleepwear?"

Merilyn silently nodded, hastening to help me with my garments. For some reason, a sullen expression lingered on her face.

Perhaps... it is because I needlessly had her prepare the bath. I had heard somewhere that understanding someone's perspective becomes easier if one has experienced a similar situation. Perhaps it was due to my previous part-time job experiences, but I felt sympathy for Merilyn, who had endured so much under the previous Jubelian.

"I am fatigued... that is all."

Merilyn's eyes widened at my explanation. She promptly bowed her head.

"It is of no consequence. Please rest."

Despite her attempt to conceal it, she appeared upset.

"Thank you, Merilyn."

For an instant, it seemed as if her legs wavered, but I attributed it to my overwhelming tiredness. As soon as Merilyn departed from the room, I collapsed onto my bed.

Did I really cut ties with Mikhail today? A surge of joy swept over me, my body trembling with laughter.

"What a relief!"

Though I felt remorse for Merilyn, who was likely distressed by my actions this evening, I had successfully broken free from Mikhail. Thanks to that, I could now slumber peacefully.