Chapter 2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 2
“My name is Ri-ri.”
The true young lady of the Vermilion Bird Clan, possessing luscious red hair and eyes that sparkled like rubies, crossed the mansion’s threshold holding a red feather.
“I’m nine years old, and I had my first beast transformation not long ago.”
Upon seeing that brilliant red feather, radiant as a flame and a mark held only by the direct lineage of the Vermilion Bird, Clan Head Jeok Ah-yun’s eyes shook violently.
Having grown up wandering the streets, she reportedly had no idea she was a daughter of the Vermilion Bird Clan. It was only recently, through a first beast transformation that came slightly later than her peers, that she learned the truth.
“People told me if I brought this feather here, I’d be able to meet my real family.”
Like a ‘true young lady’ of the Vermilion Bird Clan, the child stated the reason for her visit in a clear, articulate voice.
“If this feather is truly yours, why did you bring it instead of transforming yourself?”
In place of his frozen father, Jeok Hwa-yu barked the question, his voice laced with suspicion.
“Th-that’s…”
Seeing the child’s restless, fidgety demeanor, his gaze grew even sharper.
“How are we supposed to believe your words?”
“I-I’ll do it! I can do it! The transformation!”
The child shouted while stealing a glance at their reactions. Then, suddenly…
Poof!
She squeezed her eyes shut and transformed into a red bird.
“...!”
“...!”
Jeok Ah-yun and Jeok Hwa-yu froze where they stood.
The child was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, of the Vermilion Bird’s direct lineage.
However, the transformation broke almost immediately, and the child collapsed onto the floor.
“Child!”
Jeok Ah-yun rushed forward to support her.
“My spirit core is weak… so transforming puts a strain on my heart. I was very sick when I was little, but I couldn't get treated in time.”
The child’s eyelashes trembled as she stammered out an excuse.
“I’m sorry. I’m such a stupid child, I can’t even transform properly…”
“Stupid? No! You aren't the stupid one, I am...!”
Jeok Ah-yun raised his voice and pulled the child into a fierce embrace.
“...I am the fool for not recognizing you.”
Jeok Ah-yun wept silently while holding the child.
With the return of the ‘true young lady,’ the clan fell into a festive mood.
The deceased Madam had not committed adultery; the children had simply been swapped because of a greedy maidservant!
The Madam’s reputation was cleared, and the Clan Head’s seemingly endless heartache finally reached its end.
Of course, even amidst that warm, celebratory atmosphere, So-ya alone was ostracized.
So-ya was the sinner who had lived in luxury, stealing the true young lady’s place while she suffered on the streets, unable to eat or sleep properly.
Even if it hadn't been So-ya’s will, there was no escaping the stinging glares directed at her.
Naturally, So-ya became even more withdrawn than before, keeping a low profile to avoid being seen.
And yet, of all days, she had run into the Young Master and the true young lady while out to do the laundry.
I mustn't let them see my face.
So-ya prostrated herself flat on the ground and bowed her head.
[If that hideous face of yours ever catches my eye again, I might just cut off those pathetic wings.]
The words her brother had left her with three years ago, the last time she saw him, remained lodged in her mind like a thorn, echoing painfully.
Feeling a cold gaze scanning her, So-ya squeezed her eyes shut and curled her body even tighter.
If I show my face, my wings will be cut off.
Though she had never been able to properly spread her wings because her spirit core had been taken, the thought of having them severed was terrifying.
Meanwhile, for a brief moment, Jeok Hwa-yu did not recognize So-ya.
A three-year gap was significant.
Furthermore, since children change rapidly during their growth period, it wasn't unreasonable that he failed to recognize her instantly…
But more than that, his gaze lingered on her shabby appearance and her swollen, water-logged fingernails.
The So-ya he remembered from three years ago had always been loved by the family, eating only the best food and wearing the finest clothes.
Her plump cheeks had always been full of life, and she wore only the cleanest garments.
But now…
“Oh my, who is this girl?”
Ri-ri poked her head out and suddenly interjected.
“She is a child who works at the mansion. You don't need to concern yourself with her,” Jeok Hwa-yu replied, turning away from So-ya.
“Ugh, she smells. It looks like she hasn't even washed. How filthy.”
Ri-ri spoke while pinching her nose.
So-ya’s face flushed bright red.
So-ya, who turned nine this year, was exceptionally small and frail compared to others her age.
It was because she hadn't been able to grow properly since her spirit core was taken three years ago.
On top of that, she hadn't been able to wash properly or even clean her own clothes for the past few days, so she must look quite pathetic to a precious young lady.
Feeling miserable, So-ya curled her fingertips inward to hide her swollen nails.
“Don't pay attention to such things. Why don't you come this way? Over there is the flower garden our late mother cherished.”
Jeok Hwa-yu spoke as he took Ri-ri’s hand to lead her in the opposite direction.
He hadn't said it specifically to hurt So-ya.
He said it because he was worried Ri-ri might take an interest in her.
The people of the Vermilion Bird Clan had not informed Ri-ri of So-ya’s existence—specifically, the fact that there was a wicked girl who had stolen the position of ‘true young lady’ before Ri-ri arrived.
The reason was simple.
They were afraid Ri-ri would be upset if she knew.
While Ri-ri was wandering the streets without enough to eat, So-ya had enjoyed everything that should have been Ri-ri’s.
How hurt would Ri-ri be if she found out?
She was already a child with so many scars.
“Wait a moment, Brother.”
However, contrary to Jeok Hwa-yu’s wishes, Ri-ri began to show interest in So-ya.
“Hey, you. Lift your head. Let me see your face.”
So-ya didn't know what to do.
Hwa-yu’s chilling voice, threatening to cut off her wings if he ever saw her face again, rang relentlessly in her head.
“I told you to lift your head.”
When So-ya hesitated to look up despite Ri-ri’s repeated command, Jeok Hwa-yu intervened with a slightly displeased tone.
“What are you doing? Ri-ri gave you an order.”
Is it really okay to show my face…?
So-ya cautiously, slowly lifted her head.
Upon confirming her face, Ri-ri’s eyes sparkled.
“I want to keep this girl by my side! Please let me have her as my lady’s maid!”
Ri-ri clapped her hands and shouted in a clear, melodic voice.
Flinch.
Jeok Hwa-yu’s expression stiffened in bewilderment, and at the same time, So-ya’s face turned deathly pale.
“But Ri-ri, this girl is too young and uneducated to be used as a maid. The ones currently by your side are much more—”
“Oh, but the maidservants with me now are all older than me. I want someone by my side who can be like a friend.”
Ri-ri brought her hands together cutely, feigning a desperate tone.
But Jeok Hwa-yu didn't budge.
“A friend? That’s absurd. How could you be friends with a low-born thing like that?”
“Are you saying you won't grant my request? I hate you, Brother!”
Ri-ri puffed out her cheeks and pouted grumpily.
The sight was quite adorable, but Jeok Hwa-yu replied in a stiff voice.
“...I believe I must discuss this with Father.”
To have the ‘fake’ who stole the true young lady’s place serve as the true young lady’s maid?
Anyone would find that strange.
However, the father, Jeok Ah-yun, thought differently.
“Very well, Ri-ri. Is there anything I wouldn't do for you if it’s what you want?”
Jeok Ah-yun stroked Ri-ri’s hair with a gentle smile.
“Yay! Father is the best! I love you most, Father!”
Ri-ri, who had rushed to her father after her brother refused her request, jumped up and down in excitement.
“But, Father.”
“It is Ri-ri’s request.”
Jeok Hwa-yu tried to protest, but Jeok Ah-yun cut him off with a firm yet soft voice.
Then, looking at his daughter with affectionate eyes, he asked, “Are you that happy, Ri-ri?”
“Yes! It was my wish!”
Ri-ri shouted, clenching her fists.
With her cheeks flushed a rosy pink, the child was incredibly lovely.
The atmosphere would have been even better if not for the words she added next.
“When I lived on the streets, I didn't have a single friend my age. Everyone hated me. They teased me and hit me, calling me a beggar without a father.”
The expressions of the father and son darkened instantly.
Ri-ri occasionally mentioned her time on the streets.
Whenever she did, the hardship she had endured could be felt beneath her bright, cheerful voice, aching the hearts of those listening.
Would it have hurt less if Ri-ri had cried about being lonely and miserable instead…?
Jeok Ah-yun gave a bitter smile and spoke to Ri-ri.
“Ri-ri, would you mind stepping outside with your brother for a moment?”
“Huh? Just me and Brother?”
Tilting her head in confusion, Ri-ri turned her gaze toward So-ya, who was standing awkwardly by the room’s threshold.
So-ya, who had been dragged here forcibly by Ri-ri, had been staring at the floor with a pale face for some time.
Soon, Ri-ri crinkled her eyes into a lovely smile and replied.
“Yes, Father!”
Ri-ri left a brief kiss on her father’s cheek and exited the room holding her brother’s hand.
Jeok Ah-yun watched Ri-ri’s retreating back with a soft smile.
However, the moment Ri-ri was no longer in sight, that gentle smile vanished as if it had never existed.
Jeok Ah-yun looked at So-ya with eyes that had turned chillingly cold.
The sharp contrast from how he looked at Ri-ri caused So-ya to freeze in place.
“It has been a long time.”
A voice devoid of emotion was directed at So-ya.