Thoughts of the Brilliant Count’s Daughter (3)
The person who was a friend of His Majesty the King has been continuously exploited by his wife and son.
That person was Viscount Diaz Ranford.
I also know about that person.
He’s well-known among the middle-class nobility, and his daughter, Young Lady Marie, was quite famous during our generation.
She had been an exemplary student since the start of the academy, surpassing even higher-ranking nobles and maintaining the top position, leaving numerous achievements within the student council.
In contrast, I was in the regular course, but I had heard rumors about her.
When our territory was struggling due to financial difficulties and a plague during my younger days, Viscount Ranford selflessly donated medicinal herbs.
I have no idea how much it cost him.
I am so grateful to Lord Diaz, who helped us without repayment, and to—
The one who helped me when I was in trouble at the academy.
“Unforgivable…”
For hurting the person who had saved my family.
But at that time, my anger was directed solely at Lady Ranford.
I thought Shepherd might have been merely used.
But—
When I met him in high society and talked to him, I quickly realized.
“Women don’t need education. Don’t misunderstand things.”
In public, he acted like a good person, but he was a hopeless and foolish scoundrel deep down.
“Even if she’s a Count’s daughter, she’s ultimately just a woman who relies on men.”
“You are a terrible man.”
“I’m the one who approached her first.”
“Well, she might be Count’s daughter with no engagement, but she has money.”
Behind my back, he spoke vulgarities, insulted me, and my anger grew colder.
It’s not like I’ve fallen for him.
It’s not like I have feelings for him, but…
“What about your sister?”
“Ah, that scum. She’s useless and ugly… someone focused on academics despite being a woman. I wish she would just drop dead already.”
“Hey, she’s still your sister, right?”
“Unfortunately so. She could have been useful if she became the wife of a wealthy, elderly noble. She’s utterly useless, which is why I drove her out of the estate.”
“That’s really harsh!”
At that moment, it was the first time I wished for someone’s death.
No, just killing him wouldn’t be enough.
I wanted to make him taste the suffering of living hell.
“I will crush him.”
I won’t call using others cowardly.
I understand that sometimes, it’s inevitable to do to protect one’s family and home.
But who’s responsible for that man’s comfortable life?
He doesn’t understand that his life is possible because of the sacrifices made by others.
In the shadows, I investigated Ranford’s situation and discovered a horrifying truth.
That vile woman was treating Viscount Diaz as if he were dead, using him as a prize.
I also learned that Lady Marie was forced out, left with nothing, along with her husband.