Chapter 6 - An Unusual Dream

"Oh, my apologies..."

To avoid spoiling my father's good mood, I hastily apologized and attempted to step away from him.

He grasped my wrist firmly. "Stay still."

My field of vision swayed violently as he spoke. Before I knew it, I found myself being carried in a bridal style, causing me to choke with embarrassment.

"F-father?" Stuttering was not my usual demeanor, but our awkward display in front of everyone made it unavoidable.

Instead of answering, he continued to stride forward, holding me in his arms.

"We are returning to the carriage."

I looked up at him, taken aback by his words. His icy blue eyes and contorted expression met mine. It appeared that he was annoyed by my interference.

"I assure you, Father, I am perfectly fine."

I tried to convince him to release me, but he disregarded my pleas.

"Silence," he ordered in a frigid tone.

While enduring the shame of my undignified position, I managed to swallow my embarrassment.

Why is he behaving so strangely today?

His demeanor had been peculiar during our shopping expedition as well. Perhaps it was due to stress, but my head throbbed with pain. The discomfort was so intense that when my father settled me on the carriage seat and removed my shoes, I was unable to utter a word.

It hurts.

A stinging sensation gnawed at the backs of my feet. I must have chafed my heels.

"I will apply some medicine and rest when we return home."

As I attempted to endure the pain, I heard a stern voice.

"Why didn't you inform me?"

It seemed that my father's foul mood stemmed from my actions.

Despite my objections, he insisted on accompanying me to the carriage.

I endeavored not to reveal my mounting stress levels.

"It truly is inconsequential. Let us resume our shopping," I calmly replied. By feigning composure, I hoped to avoid being treated as a burden.

That should suffice, shouldn't it?

Contrary to my expectations, I was met with an icy voice.

"We are going home."

"What? But..."

"Do not utter meaningless words and remain still."

Upon hearing those words, I clamped my mouth shut and released a small sigh. Despite my efforts to comply with his wishes and behave amicably throughout the day, his expression remained far from favorable.

Making him happy is an arduous task indeed. I felt my forehead growing warmer, and my headache worsened.

What is happening? I feel unwell.

Just as I became aware of my unsettling condition, my father spoke.

"Jubelian." I turned towards him, and he let out a sigh before opening his mouth again. "Sooner or later, I'll... a suitable one... shopping... your thoughts..."

How peculiar. My father's voice kept faltering, and I struggled to grasp his words due to my pounding headache.

Well, I shall simply agree with whatever he says.

Although I couldn't hear him clearly, I nodded in acquiescence. I did not wish to further dampen his spirits. However, my head grew increasingly heavy, making it impossible for me to remain upright. At that moment, I heard him speak once more.

"Is something amiss?"

Fortunately, I could discern his words clearly this time.

"It is nothing. You needn't worry about me."

As I attempted to respond, his eyes widened in shock.

"Jubelian?"

He called my name. That was the last thing I heard before consciousness faded.

***

A carriage bearing the crest of a lily and sword, symbolizing the Floyen House, was spotted in the distance. A butler emerged to greet the approaching carriage, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I wonder if his rendezvous with Lady Floyen went well today. He seemed quite excited about it."

Recalling his master's serious expression as he inquired about his daughter's preferences, the butler struggled to suppress his amusement, but laughter eventually escaped his lips. As the carriage arrived at the mansion and the door swung open, he bowed respectfully to welcome his lord.

"Welcome, Master..." Upon looking up, his smile immediately vanished, and his eyes widened in astonishment. "L-Lady Floyen!"

Jubelian, cradled in her father's arms, appeared as pale as death.

"W-what is..."

The butler stammered, attempting to find the right words, only to be interrupted by his master's commanding voice.

"Derrick." Panic flickered in his master's eyes, yet his expression remained as cold as ice. "Summon Allen. Immediately."

***

In the past, there were instances when Jubelian fell ill, but her father never bothered to visit. It used to sadden her, but now I felt indifferent.

"Wake... up..."

Annoyed, I struggled to open my eyes to see who was softly murmuring in my ear. I could barely discern a man with a hazy and distorted visage. My body felt weightless, as if floating amidst the clouds, rendering me disconnected from reality.

"Jubell!"

It was peculiar. There was no reason for him to call me in such a manner or gaze at me with eyes on the verge of tears...

"No, this cannot be. If you are gone, I..."

They say dreams are the unconscious expression of our deepest desires.

"Please, awaken."

What a dreadful dream.

Just as I thought that, I once again descended into darkness.

***

When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on my bed.

"How are you feeling, Lady Floyen?"

The first person I saw was Allen, the Floyen House's family physician. Only then did I realize that I hadn't fallen asleep but had actually fainted.

"How long has it been, Allen?"

"Three days, my lady."

I surveyed my surroundings, observing the maids who gazed back at me with anxious expressions.

"Are you feeling alright, Lady Floyen?" Allen inquired once more.

Merilyn, Julia, and Sella. I counted the maids in my room. My father was nowhere to be seen. Well, I never expected him to be here in the first place. He hadn't even graced my debutante ball with his presence.

At that moment, the door creaked open. Allen's countenance brightened as he beckoned the person inside. I turned around, expecting to see Derrick, our butler. Yet, I widened my eyes in astonishment. It was my father who stood at the threshold.

Why is he here?

I stared at him, struggling to fathom his presence. With gentle deliberation, he placed his hand upon my head.

"You're awake."

Despite his emotionless tone, his large hand radiated warmth.

Is this a dream?

I could scarcely believe what was unfolding. As I continued to stare at him, his hand retreated.

"Rest."

I gazed vacantly at his retreating figure before chuckling to myself.

Do not be deceived, Jubelian.

He had been cold-hearted towards me since I was young. He had even confined me in the original novel.

"He merely checked on me to avoid appearing heartless, neglecting his ailing daughter."

I dispelled any lingering attachments, refusing to nurture futile expectations.

***

"You have been exerting yourself excessively of late. Please rest adequately."

Following Allen's advice, I decided to rest while reading a book on my bed. How tedious. A novel would have provided more entertainment, but the book in question delved into human resources and estate management.

This is my punishment for neglecting my studies until now.

Some may question why the duke's only daughter would bother studying, but the reality was far from simple. My father would never bestow his title upon an inept individual like myself, thus it was likely that he would remarry to produce an heir. In such a case, I would be compelled to marry or strive for independence with a meager portion of my inheritance. However, the former was not my intention.

Marriage would be too perilous.

In this conservative setting, married women were confined to fulfilling their familial responsibilities. Diligently preserving their family's reputation while upholding their dignity as hostesses was expected of them. Moreover, they often faced restrictions on living luxuriously if their husbands served as their sole source of income.

"All of this contradicts my goal of spending money freely whenever I desire."

There was only one viable solution.

"If I acquire a substantial inheritance and attain independence, I may have the opportunity to amass wealth."

If fortune favored me, I might secure a significant share of the inheritance, as well as certain titles entrusted to my father. However, the greatest obstacle awaited beyond that. In my new life, I acquired manners and basic literacy skills befitting a noble lady. Yet, with these modest abilities, survival in this world would prove challenging on my own. Establishing a source of income was a possibility, but I knew better.

"Venturing into business is not suited for everyone."

Though I possessed knowledge of modern civilization, my repertoire of skills and expertise was limited. I lacked exceptional oratory and business acumen, as well as a wide network of connections. There was a high probability of failure, leading to debt.

"At present, the only solution I can conceive is maximizing the money inherited from my father. The problem lies in not knowing how."

As I sighed, resigned to this unpleasant conclusion, a knock resounded on the door.