Chapter 9 Riffia Granbell's Regret
My name is Riffia Granbell.
I am the wife of Count Granbell, Carlot Granbell.
But... until recently, I was overwhelmed by a sense of crisis, feeling like I was losing my position.
This was all because of the sudden appearance of my stepdaughter, Yumie.
"Mother, thank you for today as well!"
She greets me cheerfully, bowing her head slightly.
If she were a commoner, it would be a perfect greeting, but as a noble, it's a different story.
"Yumie, don't bow your head so deeply. Just lightly hold your skirt and pull your feet back... like this."
I demonstrate a proper bow right in front of her.
Then, Yumie claps her hands, her eyes sparkling.
"Mother, that's so beautiful! How can I learn to do it so naturally like that!?"
"Practice, practice."
"Ah, yes... that makes sense..."
She laughs awkwardly, a bit troubled.
Not long ago, I was so overwhelmed that even such a smile would irritate me.
No matter how much I wished for a child, my body just wouldn't allow it.
The whispers at social gatherings that Lady Granbell had become infertile were the most humiliating thing for a noblewoman.
Still, I believed my husband would always be on my side.
We had a rare love marriage among nobles, and I was aware that we were seen as an enviable couple.
I thought he felt the same way.
That's why, when I saw the illegitimate child he brought home without consulting me, I felt betrayed.
I couldn't help but resent the existence of that child, whom Carlot called his daughter.
"That." was supposed to be the place for the future child I would bear, not some unknown "you."
"Then, I'll practice hard too! Please watch me!"
I have unjustly unleashed my ugly feelings on Yumie many times before.
Even if I apologize, there's no way she would forgive me.
And if I thought keeping my distance would help, that was also wrong, as none other than Yumie was shouting that out.
"Even someone like me wants to become a family."
But... even though I know in my head that I should treat her like Neil, my past guilt makes it hard to do so.
Every time harsh words slip out, my regret grows, and I unconsciously build walls in my heart.
"Mother, how was that? I think I did pretty well!"
While I struggle with my feelings, Yumie smiles at me.
I often wonder how she can smile so easily.
Then, while still questioning, I talked to Yumie's personal maid and received unexpected words.
"Miss, she can be quite mischievous most of the time, and her way of speaking is rather boyish. However, she seems to really enjoy dressing up cute. She believes that if she acts cute, the ladies will love her..."
In other words, Yumie is desperately trying to play the role of the "ideal daughter."
With all her heart, she is trying to spread smiles just to be recognized as part of the family.
I feel a surge of affection, thinking how brave and endearing she is.
At the same time, the fact that I am the one who pushed this little girl to such lengths fills me with guilt.
That's why I must gather my courage.
With the weight of my guilt etched in my heart like a cross, I will, this time as her mother... help her regain her true smile.
"Yes, you did well. You really studied, didn't you? Good job!"
"Really!? Thank you!!"
As I pat her head, Yumie beams with a smile.
I can't tell if this is a forced smile or a genuine one.
I simply haven't spent enough time with her to know.
So at the very least──I vow in my heart that I will never let this child show a sad face again.
"By the way, Yumie. Is there anything you want?"
"Something I want?"
"Yes. I'll prepare anything for you."
It's not just to make up for the past, but I thought about giving Yumie a present.
She said she likes dressing up, so maybe a dress or some accessories?
"Calling a designer to make something custom from scratch isn't a bad idea."
As I thought this while waiting for Yumie's response, she lowered her gaze as if she was unsure.
"Um... is it really okay if I ask for anything...?"
"Of course."
Does she think I'll get mad if she says something silly?
I thought, so I tried to respond as gently as possible.
Yumie hesitantly lifted her gaze──.
"Then... I want you to hug me tightly, Mother..."
She asked for that.
"Ugh, cough, cough!"
"Are you okay, Mother!?"
"Y-yes, I'm fine."
I choked a bit because her request was so unexpected.
No, it wasn't just the request.
The way Yumie looked up at me with those innocent eyes after thinking it over made her seem so cute that I almost lost my focus.
"Um... is that really all you want?"
"Yes, that's what I want."
"...Got it."
Following her request, I knelt in front of Yumie and wrapped my arms around her.
Even when I touched her again, Yumie's body felt so delicate that I worried I might break her if I hugged her too tightly.
I held her gently, as if she were something fragile, and then I heard her voice near my ear.
"Hehe... Mother, you're warm..."
Just hearing that made my heart feel warm inside.
I thought about that familiar feeling and remembered.
It was the day Neil was born──when I held him in my arms for the first time, it felt the same.
"...Yumie."
"Yes, what is it?"
"You are my daughter. So... whenever you want to be spoiled, just ask."
It was more of a wish for her to do so than just permission.
When Yumie heard that, she replied cheerfully, "Yes!"
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