Chap 7

According to Teacher Julia's evaluation, my history and math grades were at a high level. Law was a bit difficult. There was too much to memorize.

Music, piano did not suit my nature. If I fail the exam, it will probably be because of music.

Misha handled three instruments, including piano, at a high level.

So the Countess often said during meals that extra points should be added to the music subject in the Academy entrance examination.

It's the artistic sensibility that music reveals, meant only for the chosen ones.

Meaning, it's because I'm a foundling that I don't handle instruments well.

Then I would put a small piece of meat in my mouth, nodding as if agreeing. Thinking to myself, 'That's funny.'

Even the Count wouldn't have predicted that the crude country girl would transform so elegantly in just seven years.

I won't deny that the beginning of this miracle was the Count.

But I feel like I've paid the price to get here, so I try not to have excessive sentimentality.

Because someday, if I can, soon, I will have to leave the Count's side.

(This is a time separator.)

The Academy entrance exam was a week away, and the Count was extremely tense. It wasn't because of me; it was because Misha was having a fit.

Misha cried and fought with the home tutors trying to concentrate on the lessons. The tutors were unfairly accused of asking something they never taught, and it was clear that the wronged party was the home tutor.

I ignored Misha's hysteria and the Countess's tension and focused on studying.

My face was dirty from not washing or washing my face, but cleanliness wasn't even on my priority list.

Because the Countess was neglecting to watch me while taking care of Misha all day, Teacher Julia took advantage of that and stayed in the mansion a few more hours.

Teacher Julia didn't give me a single reassuring word. Whether I'd pass at this rate, or if I'm still lacking, nothing.

She just told me to do my best until the end. As if I had ever not done my best.

When she left after her late lesson, I conveyed a message.

"Teacher, the Count asked if there's anything you want."

"Huh?"

"He wants to show his gratitude after the exam."

"I've already received enough compensation. But when will you stop calling him the Count? Isn't it time to change the address?"

She said so and left, smiling.

"...Tch."

Count. ...Father.

If I think about that now, my head will explode. I buried my head in the Imperial Law book again.

And shortly after. I closed my eyes because I was so sleepy after lunch, and when I woke up, the notebook I had placed on the desk was gone. It was a notebook where I had summarized what I studied.

"Misha!"

The culprit was too obvious. But when I thought about it, I almost memorized the contents of the missing notebook.

"Ugh, you're like a lunatic. Do whatever you want."

I grumbled like that and continued reading the book I was reading.

If I hadn't just buried my head and studied like a madwoman, I might have been able to think.

Then I wouldn't have regretted not immediately retrieving that notebook so much.

(This is a time separator.)

The Countess appeared in my room when the sun was setting.

I lifted my head from my desk as if a ghost had appeared, feeling a chilling aura. Since Teria had already left, I found myself facetoface with the Countess alone.

'Damn it....'

The Countess sat down on the sofa with graceful poise. I hastily tried to tidy my messy hair and sat down in front of her.

"You've been working hard."

"Not at all. I'm still lacking."

"Do you really think so?"

What kind of fresh nonsense is this?

Seeing the Countess's lips smile, I felt a part of my heart turn cold.

"Misha cried a lot."

I chose my words as carefully as possible.

"It's a time of great pressure."

"Do you know that she stole your notebook? She tried to copy it for the answers to the test given by the private tutors."

"...."

What's going on? Why is this happening?

My heart began to beat with a thumping sound.

"I didn't know. But stealing? It might help Misha with her studies, it's nothing more than a notebook, Countess."

I responded as if I were an obedient child who had exchanged my soul.

A faint smile lingered on the Countess's lips.

It's fascinating that a person can smile while harboring hatred.

The Countess said,

"The private tutors were impressed when they saw your notebook. Wondering which teacher had organized it, they misunderstood that I had hired more tutors."

"...."

Cold sweat broke out.

"Was it Julia who organized it?"

"That's...."

She cut me off, saying my awkward excuse was unnecessary, yet her voice was so gentle that it sounded almost unreal.

"You should give up on the academy entrance exam. The Count won't say anything if you say you can't do it."

"...!"

My breathing had already become ragged. She did not give me a chance.

"It's no longer just my personal issue. I cannot avoid intervening."

"...."