Chapter 5
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 5
Even though all the memories of living as Tulia were in my head, I somehow found myself separating "Tulia" from "me."
Marquis Frezier wasn't my father; he was Tulia’s father. The infamy built up in the past was merely the misdeeds of a villainess in a game.
For the sake of my mental health, it was a good choice.
“Young Master Tedric.”
The Grand Duke Frezier’s direct aide also had a seasoned, chilling impression.
“Please offer your greetings to His Grace.”
Tedric scrambled to his feet immediately.
“I-if only Grandfather stays h-h-healthy, then I…”
His voice trembled feebly, like the bleating of a goat.
To think Tulia was bullied by a guy like this every day—it was enough to make me sigh.
“Tulia. Tulia?”
Viscount Lilius, who was sitting next to me, whispered in a low voice.
“Just ask after your grandfather’s health like your cousin did. Understood? If you say anything unnecessary, the Grand Duke will have your head.”
I gave a small nod. Lilius’s expression relaxed significantly.
‘She used to just tremble every year. She couldn't even speak as well as Tedric.’
Well, that was the case for the other nobles too.
“Lady Tulia. Please offer your greetings to His Grace.”
Soon, my name was called, and I stood up.
It was a position where everyone’s eyes were focused on me at once. Furthermore, the Grand Duke Frezier was sitting in the seat of honor, staring right at me.
The Grand Duke’s eyes as he scanned me were devoid of any warmth. They were cold and overbearing.
An intimidating pressure that felt suffocating radiated from his gaze.
It was an atmosphere where even the most prominent nobles couldn't help but feel terrified.
That was why even his own flesh-and-blood grandchildren would stutter, leave a hollow greeting, and hurry away.
“Lady Tulia?”
When I just stood there silently, the aide’s voice rose in confusion. I swallowed hard and opened my mouth.
“Grandfather.”
From now on, I was going to beg Grand Duke Asis Frezier.
The budget I received from the main castle was far too small. No matter how much I was ordered into indefinite confinement, I was living a life worse than a prisoner in a dungeon.
If I kept wasting away like this, it would tarnish the reputation of the Frezier family.
For the sake of the Frezier name, couldn't he lift the confinement and restore the budget… and so on.
The moment I opened my mouth to utter the words I had simulated thousands of times in my head—
“You think it’s enough just for you to live well and eat your fill— Gack!”
The surrounding area, which was already quiet, suddenly became deathly silent, as if cold water had been poured over it. A few people even made choking sounds as if they were being strangled.
But honestly, the one who wanted to faint the most was me.
‘W-what did I just say?’
Why did my mouth move on its own? Was I dreaming while standing up?
However, the hand I had reflexively used to cover my mouth felt stinging and real.
‘Why? Why? Why is this happening? Why?!’
The words didn't come out according to my will. Even though it was clearly my mouth, it had uttered something completely different, like a robot outputting a fixed script.
And they were words that put me in the worst possible position.
At the same time, the status window—which I still didn't know how to turn off and had pushed toward my chest—flashed and displayed new text.
(!Warning: Due to the Personality Penalty, you will only say things that maximize the opponent's hostility.)
‘What?’
(!Warning: Reputation is dropping to a dangerous level.)
Reputation?
Simultaneously, a gauge bar appeared above Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s head. My eyes widened.
The gauge above the Grand Duke’s head was turning a deep, blood-red.
I didn't know for sure, but I had a strong feeling that if that gauge became completely red, I was dead.
I had to lift the Personality Penalty, and to do that, I had to raise my Personality Stat right now!
‘How do I raise my personality? Right now, how…?’
[System] You can raise stats using your owned Coins.
Suddenly, a sentence popped up like a salvation.
‘Owned Coins?’
My eyes snapped open.
Since I had scrutinized the status window so much, I could remember it immediately.
[System: Status Window]
Tulia Frezier (15 years old)
-Owned Coins: 1,000
These "Coins" were something I had never seen while playing The Milk Bread.
But 1,000 of them—for now, it was plenty. I tried to use these Coins on my Personality Stat immediately, but…
(!Warning: Cancellation is absolutely impossible after confirmation)
(☆Tip: Think more carefully than you would before standing surety for a boyfriend’s debt)
‘What?’
It was a phrase that would make anyone hesitate. More carefully than standing surety for a boyfriend?
“You don't even stand surety for family.”
The words of wisdom often spoken by celebrities with a smile came to mind.
Suddenly, my brain started spinning like crazy.
‘Should I just pretend to faint right now?’
Instead of raising my personality, if I poured all the Coins into the Wealth Stat, wouldn't I become filthy rich?
And couldn't I just run away from here tonight?
But that hopeful thought lasted only a moment.
“Tulia Frezier.”
Grand Duke Asis Frezier, who had been looking down at me with eyes that looked ready to carve me up, spoke.
“So, you think it’s enough just for me to live well and eat my fill?”
His blue-green eyes sank ominously.
If the freezing north wind were to become a person's eyes, it would look exactly like that.
“Are you saying that to me?”
How dare you?
“…!”
Personality. I had to raise my personality. I felt the urge to go all-in!
[System] 1 Coin has been consumed.
[System] Personality -9 achieved!
If I could raise it this much with just one Coin, it seemed like I could use the rest on Wealth after raising my personality enough.
In the meantime, I could see Grand Duke Asis Frezier’s patience running out by the second.
I had heard that the Grand Duke’s family ring on his finger was equipped with a poisonous needle that could take down an elephant.
They said the Grand Duke could tear a person apart with his bare hands…
[System] 5 Coins have been consumed.
[System] Personality -8 achieved!
[System] 50 Coins have been consumed.
[System] Personality -7 achieved!
[System] 150 Coins have been consumed.
[System] Personality -6 achieved!
.
.
.
[System] Personality +1 achieved!
[System] Remaining Coins: 0
[System] Personality Penalty has been removed.
Clink! The sound of rolling coins echoed as the text glowed.
“Grandfather!”
I immediately fell to my knees and slammed my head against the floor.
Thud!
“They say that thinking it’s enough just to live well and eat one's fill is the wicked mindset of young nobles these days, but I do not think so!”
My knees hurt so much from hitting the marble floor that I wanted to cry, but anything was better than dying right now.
Most importantly, my words finally came out the way I wanted.
“Because the budget given to me is so small, even the employees at my castle are starving and shivering!”
And that’s why they’re all just looking for a chance to escape to the main castle! While ignoring me!
“Since I will not be getting married, if you give me the dowry that would have been mine in advance, I will use it to first pay off the debt I owe to Uncle Lilius… Mmph!”
“Tu-Tulia!”
At that moment, Lilius rushed over and covered my mouth.
“What kind of insolence is this before His Grace!”
Lilius gave a forced smile and apologized to the Grand Duke.
“Father, please understand. It’s not just a day or two that Tulia has been acting like a wild colt…”
“Let her go.”
“But…”
“Did you not hear me? Lilius.”
“N-no, of course!”
Lilius hurriedly let go of me. I gasped for air and then locked eyes with the Grand Duke.
His eyes were still chilling.