Chapter 12 Pretentions (Part 1)

The Marqius came before lunch time together with his aides. Unexpectedly, he brought a lot of sweets, just like a normal father, who gives treats to a child he haven't seen in a long time. He even talked with Aillenne for a long moment as if the previous actions of the Marquis is a lie.

He even shameless joked and laughed and Aillenne would awkwardly reply with a smile.

'Is he being serious? What's his purpose in coming here?'

'Aillenne died and after five months of revival, you only visited her only at such time?'

She thought bitterly while looking at the bright appearance of the Marquis.

"I'm really sorry, my daughter. I wasn't able to pay attention to you because of the state affairs that your father is handling. You understand what I'm talking about, right?"

Her father questioned with an expression as if he really meant what he said, but she knew that instead of answering, it is better to shut up and nod.

'Yes, let's just agree to whatever he says.'

"This place is not suitable for someone like you. I heard from the commander of the family knights that you lost your way just a few days ago?"

'Huh? Why question about that?'

An incredulous expression was written on her face. However, she quickly wiped it off.

"I'm sorry to have worried you, father. I will not do it again."

"Yes, I hope so. You should know the weight of your words. Then, by tomorrow you'll stay at the main mansion. Everything's in place, only you were missing. This father of yours prepared everything you may need. Your mother and your siblings missed you already. I hope you will lighten up the mood of the main house."

He smiled like an affectionate father, though his words cannot be trusted.

'What did he just say? Prepared? And I'm the only one missing? I thought you've thrown me here so that you can't see even a speck of my hair as it's annoying to you? Why do you want me to be in there? Because my mother and siblings missed me? Did the sun rise from south?'

Thoughts rushed into her head and she tried hard to keep her mouth shut. She felt bursting in unknown feelings, but...

Her heart thumped. She instinctively knew that it is due to the feelings of this body's original owner.

'So this is how you made Aillenne to be desperate. It is quite a remarkable and an easy way to manipulate a child.'

'You knew that Aillenne desperately wants your attention but you coldly looked at her like a trash you always detest. You look at her with contempt as if she's the most vile and ugly creature you ever lay your eyes on. Then you people, turned back as if she's unworthy of your time and attention.'

'But what's this? When you need her for something you'll give her a carrot? Aillenne's such a naive rabbit.'

She grumbled inside while scolding the original Aillenne in her head.

'My grandma told me that people should not beg for attention. So this time, I'm going to apply it.'

'I'll never be hungry of attention just like what Aillenne did. Because of that, I'll die and I don't want such thing to happen after all the effort I made.'

"Yes, father. I'm happy."

"You should."

After emptying the cup of tea, the Marquis stood up and bid his farewell, smiling at first then turned around coldly.

'Hah! I really pity Aillenne. She's so pitiful that even a tiny drop of affection would be fine for her.'

'Sadly though, I am not Aillenne. Let's live a good life, Aillenne! I'll find ways to escape.'

After the visit of Marquis, the place where she reside were quickly filled with servants and moving carts to move her stuffs. They transferred the small things she owned to the west side of the main building.

'They really like putting Aillenne in the west. What's with the west though?'

The original mentioned that all through out Aillenne's life, she lived in a cold and desolate house on the west part, far from the main building of the Marquisate.

Things were actually provided, but she still lived like a sore to the family. They will look at her in contempt and would continuously ingrain to her the only task she's given.

She didn't know if such change is normal or what but...

"Maybe it's normal. The plot had changed when I entered this child's body."

Her first goal is to escape the Marquisate and avoid any death flag. I've used up every strategy up to plan G, but it doesn't matter though, she still have it up to plan Z.

Plan Z is when she couldn't escape and used all types of tricks but still forced to do what her parents want.

Change only the plot of being killed and just worry about myself.

For now let's just live quietly.

***

The maids were busy tidying the place. Some were sweeping, some were mopping and others were baking cookies. It was such a peaceful morning.

The nanny had been knitting a cute baby blue colored hat that will surely pair her young lady's newly designed dress.

The nanny was surprised by the lady's ingenuity. At first they were filled with horror when the lady had torn off clothes then tried to sew.

The young lady whom they knew, who never touched household items, was suddenly interested in needle and thread.

After some twist and turns, they watched the lady skillfully turn a dress into a more glamorous one. It was such a design they haven't seen, but looked already alluring and cute.

Little did they know that Aillenne had gathered a few gold buttons, jewels that can be easily sold by simply tearing it off from the dresses and shoes she were given in the guise of redesign.

All of her clothes were cheap and substandard. It is coarse and could easily irritate the skin especially on hot weather.

The maids would look at her with pity whenever news that the Marchioness had bought a new set of dress for herself and the youngest lady when Aillenne couldn't have.

The dress can bring shame if she will wear it in an occasion where a lot of people can see her. Good thing there are none.

But just like what happened in the guild, the dress she's given until now is worse than anyone could imagine.

However, the accessories attached are genuine and quite expensive.