Chapter 76
Chapter 76
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: The Forced Birthday Party
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“What’s on the schedule today?”
As Rubette asked while stretching her side, Siena flipped through her notebook and replied.
“Artisan Helen entered the country from the Carta Kingdom last night. You have a meeting at lunch, and at 2 p.m., there’s a slot booked to check the prototype for the accessory shop’s January new releases at the workshop.”
“Good.”
Siena, having relayed the schedule, handed Rubette a towel and a water canteen.
Rubette took them with practiced ease, draped the towel around her neck, and gazed at the scenery of Lubon visible from the mountainside.
08:00 AM.
Morning jogging time.
Even in winter, the clear weather made it perfect for exercise.
“Mmm, nice air. I’ll be back.”
“Have a good run, miss.”
Today, too, Rubette started running without fail.
* * *
Rubettria Diorus’s days lacked even twenty-four hours.
Crunch. As she bit into an apple slice, Rubette frantically reviewed the approval documents piling up before her.
“Isn’t your birthday the day after tomorrow?”
Wishit asked, truly pitying Rubette, who was buried under work, work, work, and more work.
“A birthday that comes once a year—what’s so special about it?”
“Hmm.”
Rubette brushed it off nonchalantly and furrowed her brow.
“The wristwatch production is falling way behind.”
The accessory shop report showed orders overflowing, but production had paused.
All because one customer had ordered a full women’s set: necklace, earrings, bracelet, ring.
Engraver Hamilton Galakio had no time for watch embellishments with that order on his plate.
“Who the hell has so much money they’d order a full set of A-grade diamond accessories? So many rich folks in the capital…….”
What can you do? Rubette muttered, shaking her head.
Having roughly scanned the documents, she now unfolded and read the letters stacked just as high.
Letters arriving nearly every day. So many that she read them in batches every three days—and ninety percent of that bundle was from Viego.
Rubette, your birthday’s coming up soon.
Your last letter came to mind and tugged at my heart. So I’ve prepared a memorable gift for you. I hope you have a happy time.
And though you’re busy, please write back. I’m always waiting.
Viego.
Crunch. Rubette bit into the apple again, reading the letter with a blasé expression before narrowing her eyes.
“Wishit, what did I write to Oppa last time?”
“Who knows? Didn’t you reply to the letter where Viego asked what birthday gift you wanted?”
“Oh, right.”
New Year had dawned, and it was her first birthday as an adult at sixteen.
How horrific her sixteenth birthday had been in her previous life. Tormented by those wicked twins—forced to eat rotten food, locked in closets……
‘That day, Rebecca couldn’t stand it and stepped in, only to get caught by Molga…….’
The memory was so awful she shook her head to dispel it, then grinned.
Not this time. If she were in the capital now, who knows what schemes those demons would cook up……
‘I’m in isolation mode~’
They couldn’t torment her even if they wanted to. For the first time, exile felt blissful.
“I remember. I was so thrilled at not seeing the twins’ faces that I wrote him.”
[Oppa, I’m in trouble for causing mischief and getting punished, so no need for birthday wishes.
Sigh…… I miss Riki, Lillia, and my friends who always celebrated with me, but what can I do?
I’ll spend this birthday in quiet reflection. That’s all.]
She recalled clutching her stomach in glee while writing that insincere ‘what can I do?’
“This birthday, I’ll finally get some peace!”
She had no idea what gift Viego was sending……
“But skipping Molga and the twins’ faces? That’s gift enough!”
Stretching, Rubette beamed contentedly.
* * *
Two days later, January 6th. My birthday.
The day that should have been happiest—ended in despair.
“Shit.”
This world must have some unchangeable fate, even after regression.
Otherwise, how could such an absurd situation unfold…….
“W-what…… is all this…….”
Around twenty imperial guards in uniforms symbolizing the Emperor’s direct command began surrounding the villa, filing in one after another.
“Duchess Rubettria Diorus, a pleasure to meet you. I am Dillon Osiris, the Emperor’s sword. Here is a gift and personal letter sent directly by His Imperial Majesty—please confirm.”
“Th-thank you…….”
Stepping outside, I took the letter proffered by Sir Dillon, captain of the Emperor’s knights.
The Diorus family’s golden cherished one, Rubettria Duchess—sincere congratulations on your sixteenth birthday.
Now an adult, devote yourself further to society and etiquette to honor your house.
Though in isolation, I send my knights unavoidably—yet I hope you enjoy a happy day there all the same.
Emperor, Leonhardt van Rashumah Decard.
“As the Duchess is publicly under investigation, we’ve been assigned, though I’m sure it’s inconvenient.”
As I read the Emperor’s letter and staggered in disbelief, Sir Dillon explained.
“But His Majesty commanded that the full knight order wait outside the villa, so please disregard them and enjoy your birthday celebration.”
With a bow, Sir Dillon retreated before I could respond.
Stone-faced, he took up position at the villa entrance. Meanwhile, carriages pushed through the snow-blanketed mountain path, arriving one by one.
‘Shit…….’
Opulent carriages bearing crests of the realm’s finest noble houses.
From them emerged young nobles my age—ladies and lords.
Some faces familiar, most not.
“Miss!”
As I stood dazed, Rebecca rushed over with yet another letter.
“What……?”
“It’s from the Young Duke.”
“Here! Gimme!”
This wretched forced birthday party? Had to be Viego’s doing.
I snatched the letter from Rebecca’s hand and unfolded it.
My dear sister, Rubette.
Knowing you’d be sad without friends for your birthday, I pulled some strings.
Crown Prince Highness, as investigation lead, said a party was impossible in isolation……
Still, heartbroken, I personally petitioned His Majesty—and luckily, he permitted it.
So many wished to celebrate with you; as your brother, I was overjoyed.
I’ve handled all preparations—just enjoy yourself.
Viego.
“Whoa…….”
Reading it, I clutched my jaw, then my nape.
Of course. Quick-witted Lark would’ve shot down such a ridiculous party request outright.
But Viego wouldn’t quit—he went straight to the top, cornering the Emperor for this nightmare……!
[Did that jerk Viego eat his common sense for breakfast?]
I couldn’t voice the vulgarity, so I vented to Wishit beside me.
Wishit clicked his tongue at the endless carriage procession.
[If that guy had any sense, Rubette wouldn’t have suffered so much last life.]
[True……]
Spot on. Viego, who’d pawned his tact to Andromeda, was an brother impossible to adore.
‘Making this insane mess with no malice—now that’s a talent, Oppa…….’
The only escape? SOS to Lark. But even that was tough.
[Duchess, tomorrow’s your birthday? Tried clearing time, but schedule’s packed.
Still, heading over right after palace duties—so wait just a bit. Got an amazing gift; look forward to it.]
He wasn’t due till evening.
“Rubettria Duchess, happy birthday. I’m Sharon Pellet of the Pellet Count family.”
“Y-yeah…… Thanks for coming…….”
“Duchess, happy birthday. Thanks for inviting me. I’m Erica Langton.”
“Y-yep, nice to meet you…….”
Pigtail-sporting grade-schooler girls handed me gift boxes one by one as they entered the villa.
‘Stuck hahaha-ing with these kids all day?’
A massive carriage stamped with the Diorus crest rolled up, and I forced a hollow laugh.
‘And now the demon spawn joins?’
Clopping right before me, it disgorged the faces I loathed.
Lillia. And Riki.
“Rubetteeee! Missed you!”
“Hope you’ve been well…… Whoa, you’re really Rubette?”
With so many eyes, they feigned delight outwardly, but malice oozed from their sidelong glances.
Facing the angel-faced twins, I gritted my teeth behind a forced smile.
“Mm. Missed you too……”