I Will Abandon My Family! - v4 Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23 (Patreon)

v4, Chapter 21

Moving Marie
Life is fulfilling.
Cyril is growing up healthy, without any illness.

Members of the Royal family and their relatives aren't at ease until the children are at the age of three.
Especially within the first 10 months of birth, it's said to be challenging due to fevers and illnesses, but Cyril has had none of that.

In fact, other doctors also examined him, and they said it's rare to see a baby so healthy.
Young Master Elysion was also healthy and thriving, but it's generally challenging for Royalty to grow up well.

The reason identified was the diet.
Because they are Royalty, immediately after birth, the baby is separated from the mother and raised in a separate room, causing stress to the baby. Additionally, introducing solid food, claiming it's good for the body, is not ideal.

A balanced diet with a focus on vegetables, moderate exercise, and going outside, not staying confined to a room, are important.

I don't intend to criticize the upbringing of high-ranking nobles. However, there are many areas for improvement, such as the burden on the mother's body, and the negative impact on the child due to poor marital relations.

Well, it's not good to be too concerned.

“Lady Marie.”

"Yes?”

"A letter has arrived for you."

"Thank you."

Upon receiving the letter and checking the back, it was from the Guild back in the Ranford territory.

"It seems I haven't aroused suspicion."

I secretly investigated that person without Henry's knowledge.

Dania Ranford.

"I need to be prepared just in case."

I can't rely on Henry completely. I have to make preparations for when I need to act.

"I won't call you 'mother' anymore. Dania Ranford."

I gripped the letter and made a vow.
By letting those two roam freely, more victims will be added to their list.
So, I must settle this with my own hands.

"I share the same blood as that person... but I won't become like her."

I was the one who was hurt.
That's why I can understand the feelings of those who suffer in the same way.

I will never become like them.

"I remember the words Henry said to me that day when he tried to give up everything for my sake."

Yes, the day I couldn't escape from the curse of those two.
Recalling the events of that day when, despite having temporary freedom, I couldn't be completely free.

"If I hadn't met Henry, I would have been a puppet. Because of those two..."

Henry, who changed my fate.

It all began when I was 13 years old.

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v4, Chapter 22

The Day We Changed Our Destiny
On that day, I left the fief with anxiety.

"Seriously, passing by a fluke..."

I was able to enter the academy as a special student, but that person never showed a good face until the end.

"It’s an unwelcome favor from the Countess. It's not just about exposing shame publicly. Why can’t she do this favor for Shepherd. You are already a hindrance... just being here is a bother, and you are a money drain, too.”

I studied desperately in between housework.
The Countess, who supported me, and the Headmistress at the monastery provided me with a chance.

But during that time, while the household chores increased to hinder me, I studied without sleeping. During the time when my desk was taken away, I wrote on the ground while doing garden cleaning to memorize.

Effort doesn't betray you.
It was a phrase taught to me by my Father.

Even if that effort was rewarded, that person would never acknowledge me.

"You'll probably get expelled from the academy soon anyway. You're not like Shepherd. No one pays attention to you. You're just a nuisance, a hindrance. You should just do housework at the estate."

I understand.
I am an unnecessary existence, without value.

Nevertheless, my Father said this to someone like me.

"Do your best."

Even with those short words, I was happy. The Countess also said that studying at the academy was necessary for my future, so I never turned back.

"Marie!"

"Father?"

"Wha… Dear! What about your work."

There was no carriage prepared for me, but my Father had the carriage ready and running. However, he didn't look pleased.

"I finished early in the morning and rushed to get the carriage ready, so there's no problem. I'm going to the Royal Capital for work, so we're going together."

"You're being... "

"There's no time left. Get in."

Departing, he closed the door of the carriage, interrupting Mother's words.

"Father..."

"She doesn’t have to say such unpleasant things even at a time like this... Marie, don't worry about it."

"Yes."

A kind father.
There were dark circles under his eyes.

He must have come in a hurry.

"I wanted to attend your entrance ceremony..."

"No, it's okay."

That’s not possible.
My Father has important work.

"It's enough."

"I'll write you a letter every day."

It must be tough every day.
He's busy, yet he forces himself.

"And if some strange man talks to you, scream... oh, I'm worried. I hope you don’t attract any weird pest."

No gentleman would talk to me like that.

"My cute Marie."

"Father."

But, even if just a little, my heart felt lighter.

"This is my gift to you. It's a matching fountain pen and dictionary for both of us. Study hard."

"Yes, Father."

I carefully stored the differently colored fountain pen in my bag that he gave me as a gift.

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v4, Chapter 23

Meeting Henry
As the representative of the new students, finding my place was challenging.

"Look, it's her."

"That's..."

I was looked at with disdainful eyes, and even classmates whispered about me.
It seemed they saw me, a country-raised person, as a different existence.

Fortunately, I received hand-me-down uniforms, which was good.
While other nobles had formal wear, I didn't even have a single dress.

Even the uniforms weren’t free.
Father managed to raise the money and bought it for me.

Even the uniforms were incredibly expensive in the Royal Capital.

While looking for a seat, I heard,

"There's space here. Sit down if you're going to sit... don't bother me."

"O… okay. Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Don't act so timid; it's annoying."

"Yes."

The person next to me gave me a sharp glare.

"What a surprise. The top student who defeated me is sitting next to me."

"Huh..."

"Don't tell me you don't remember? Or maybe you don't care about someone you defeated?"

I couldn't say anything.
I vaguely remembered, but what should I say in response?

"A... auu..."

"Don't cry! There's no need for that!"

As tears welled up, the person now looked flustered.

"I'm sorry... I'm out of place."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Raise your head. I'm not angry or anything."

Unintentionally, I ended up making others uncomfortable.

The words of Mother and Brother echoed in my head.

(Marie, all you do is cause trouble for others.)

(You shouldn't have been born! You failure.)

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