I was shorter than the other girls my age, and my body was also petite. My hair, which reached my chest, was dry and lifeless, and my sun-tanned skin was darker. My hair was a dead black. My eyes, which were the same dark color as my hair, were large but slanted upwards, giving them a fierce look, and my small nose, dotted with freckles, pointed upwards. My lips were small and rough, often bleeding.
An ugly dwarf.
That's what the boys my age used to call me.
In contrast, my younger sister, Alicia, was beautiful from a young age. She was about the same height as me, but her body was appropriately curvaceous, and her chest was also large. Her light brown hair, which reached her waist, shone due to consistent care. Her skin was fair because she avoided going outside when the sun was bright, and her large eyes, straight nose, and full lips were so alluring that even a slight smile could captivate anyone.
Even I thought she was truly beautiful. She was so beautiful that her reputation spread beyond the village. The village lord's son fell in love with Alicia and proposed to her. In fact, all the men in the village had a crush on Alicia. As a result, even her bad temper was considered charming.
He was silent for a moment, as if imagining the insolent maid who had dared to be rude to him.
Would you also despise me if you saw me? You might be reluctant to keep me around because I'm ugly and unattractive, just like others. Perhaps it's fortunate for you that you can't see. You don't have to see this ugly face.
Even if, by some miracle, Vincent could see me, I wouldn't want to show him my face.
I don't want to be hurt. From the beginning, it was just my voice, and the lies I told were unintentional. But it's not bad if he continues to have this misconception. It would be truly delightful if, in my life, there was at least one person who remembered me as beautiful.
"You must be beautiful. I can't imagine it, though."
"I hear that a lot."
She smiled bitterly.
"Just now, you said I looked ordinary."
"That was just being polite."
"You're so kind."
He shook his head and released the end of her hair he had been touching. It seemed his curiosity was satisfied. Fortunately, he didn't notice the trembling in his fingertips as he held the book.
"Sir, you're also very handsome."
"I know."
"Oh, that's a bit unlucky, isn't it?"
Hearing her honest words, he slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. A hint of joy filled his slightly curved emerald eyes. So, he can... even laugh.
"You'll be easy to find."
Hmm, really? I'm different from the woman in your mind.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. If I say to bring the smallest person here, it will be you."
It was an unexpected response. The smallest person...
"I'm not that small."
"You are."
"I'm not, really."
"You're so small, you could be used as a walking stick."
"I'm not small, I tell you."
Her blunt response made him laugh again. Joy overflowed from his relaxed face. Usually, he had a stiff or frightened expression, but seeing him laugh like this made me feel good too. I found myself smiling along with him.
"You're really mean."
"Maybe just to you."
It seemed like we were about to have a contest to see who was meaner.
"By the way, the wind is quite strong."
"Don't change the subject."
"Ah, I understand. Think whatever you want."
She declared her surrender and playfully kicked her feet. The wind blew softly, and a ticklish laugh echoed through it.
"If you're cold, let me know. The wind is still chilly."
"I'm fine with this."
He took a sip of the tea and turned his head. I focused my gaze back on the book, intending to continue reading from where I had left off.
"I feel like taking a walk."
It was a casual remark. I looked up at him again. Vincent still had his gaze fixed to the side. The wind tousled his hair. Today, he seemed unable to concentrate on reading the book. It wasn't just because of the wind. And the same went for me.
"The weather is really nice."
"Indeed."
He held my hand tightly and followed me, a step behind. Walking hand in hand with a grown man was a bit awkward, but it felt like taking a walk with a younger brother.
"If you get tired, let me know. I can carry you."
"I'm not injured in my legs."
"Still, I insist."
Due to spending a long time confined to his room, his stamina had significantly decreased. So, I held his hand and walked slowly. After the incident with Ethan, he started to get out of bed. Of course, he still spent most of his time in the room, but it was a good change compared to when he was always in bed.
The wind blew softly. I tilted my head back, enjoying the pleasant sensation. My hair, which had been covering my face, flew in the wind, and a cool breeze brushed against my skin. Vincent's golden hair also fluttered in the wind. The sound of our steps on the crisp forest floor was delightful.
"Sometimes, it's nice to come out like this."
"Enough."
"Why?"
"Because we might run into someone, and that would be a headache."
True. I didn't sense anyone around, but I kept my senses alert just in case, looking around.
"Even if no one is here, I'll let you know if someone comes."
"No one will come."
"Really?"
"I used to come here often when I was young. With Ethan and Violet."
"Um... I've been curious since last time. Who is Violet?"
Ethan and the letters, it seemed their relationship wasn't simple. I asked, thinking it was a good opportunity since he seemed to be in a good mood.
"If she finds out you're blind, she might ask for an annulment."
"No way."
"I don't know what she's thinking, but our engagement wasn't based on love. It was arranged for the benefit of our families. So, if one side becomes useless, it's natural for the engagement to be broken off."
"..."
"I can't hide it forever, but it's better to delay it as much as possible."
Last time with Ethan, and now with this, everyone seems to have an agenda in their relationships. I realized that the life of the nobility isn't simple.
"Because of what I said last time, right? There's no need to comfort me."
"No, that's not it."
His direct statement made my response slow. I tried to deflect, but it didn't work on him.
Actually, after his shocking confession, the atmosphere between us had become a bit tense. I started to be more cautious around him, and he became even more quiet. We weren't used to having trivial conversations, but the mood had become heavy.
I wanted to lighten the mood, but he easily saw through my intentions.
"There's no need to lie."
"I really am not."
"Believe me, I do."
Just pretend you didn't hear.
I pretended not to hear and focused on the walk. He didn't say anything more. The forest was quiet, and the chirping of birds filled the air, calming my heart.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew. The tablecloth I was holding fluttered in the wind.
"Hey! Sir, wait a moment!"
I put down the basket hanging from my wrist and let go of his hand. I could sense his confusion behind me. I called out for him to wait and chased after the flying tablecloth. I thought it would be easy to catch, but every time I tried to grab it, it slipped away, and when I almost touched it, it flew away again. This led me deeper into the underbrush.
The tablecloth finally stopped after hitting a tree. Thinking this was my chance, I rushed to grab it.
At that moment, a large hand suddenly appeared from somewhere and picked up the tablecloth.
Someone was in the forest.
I hadn't sensed anyone, but a stranger stood before me. I was taken aback by the sudden appearance of this unfamiliar person. His brown hair fluttered in the wind. He had his back to me, so I couldn't see his face.
Who is he? Is he one of the staff here? But I've never seen him before. Of course, many people were employed here, and I had only seen a few of them. Still, this man didn't seem like a staff member. His attire and the aura he exuded were elegant.
As I wondered, he turned around. The face that appeared before me was young. As expected, I had never seen him before.