Shepherd (3)
Why is someone as perfect as me stuck with such a shabby girl as my sister?
And yet, the Guild, and even the peasants, treat Marie well.
"Young Miss, are you studying today as well?"
"If you'd like, please take this."
"Young Miss, please don't push yourself too hard."
Even though I'm here, they prioritize Marie.
"Hey, this carriage is mine for the day."
"However, Young Miss is..."
"Do you dare to defy me, a commoner!"
"Please stop this, Elder brother!"
"Don't touch me, you filthy–!"
I pushed away Marie, who tried to grab my arm.
"Shepherd, what are you doing?"
"Mother, Marie grabbed my arm..."
"My, what a thing. Marie, as punishment, you'll clean the stable for a week! I won't allow you to go to the church either. You're probably just skipping your studies anyway."
"That's not..."
"No excuses allowed! Instead of wasting time, go earn some money. Stop being such a money drain."
Hah... serves her right.
I'll make her work like a slave while Father is away for a week.
She should cry and apologize.
But Marie didn't even cry.
She silently did her work without speaking.
Feeling bored, I made a mess where she had cleaned.
"Marie, it's still dirty, isn't it?"
"Yes..."
"You can't even clean properly. How much of a failure are you!"
But she didn't cry.
Even as those days continued, Father's absence made it easier to abuse her, gifts started arriving addressed to Marie.
It was a dress, but it didn't suit Marie.
"We don't need such a beautiful dress. Let's sell it."
"Oh, there are hair ornaments and necklaces too."
Spending money like this is ridiculous.
So, I decided to sell it, but...
"I'm sorry, but I can't buy this item."
"What about this one..."
For some reason, the merchant said they couldn't buy it, so Mother wore it to the evening party...
"Lady Dania, that necklace is..."
"It's a gift from my husband. It's nothing much..."
"What are you saying! That pearl necklace is a valuable item known as the Tears of the Siren."
"Yes, but it's something for unmarried women to wear."
"I heard it has the words 'for my little princess' engraved on it"
Later I found out that it was custom-made by a merchant related to Father's work for Marie. The term 'my little princess' holds a special meaning for a daughter.
"Haha... Wasn’t it actually a gift addressed to your daughter?"
"There's no mistake, right?"
"I can't believe it..."
I was humiliated in public.
"What is this!"
"Please stop, Mother! That was from Father..."
"It's because of you that I was embarrassed!"
"Why!"
The dress that brought shame was torn and burned, but it wasn't Father who prepared the dress; it was the Countess who had ties with Father and often made snide remarks to Mother.
That woman always found ways to provoke Mother.
And on top of it all...
"Mother, why is Marie going to the Royal Academy in the Capital?"
"Seriously, why is she such an eyesore?"
She started offering assistance to Marie to get back at Mother and arranged for Marie to attend the prestigious school in the Capital.
What do you think about this chapter?
