The Beast of the Albard Mansion - Chapter 34
It was dinnertime.
Today was a special day as Sister returned to her place after four years. Father nodded in satisfaction upon seeing her seated in her usual spot.
As usual, Father recited a long prayer, spoke about the legacy of the Albard family, and began to boast about himself.
The next part typically involved asking my brother questions about the development of our region and family. But today, Father looked at Sister instead.
“Solivia, I’ve summoned your fiancé to the mansion. He should arrive tomorrow or the day after. Make sure to present yourself well and behave in a way that pleases him. You spent four years studying at the academy—surely you’ve learned proper etiquette.”
“Father!”
Sister bristled at Father’s words.
His eyebrows shot up, and he looked on the verge of losing his temper. I held my breath, frightened by his expression.
But Sister continued to speak, seemingly unfazed by his reaction.
“I have no intention of meeting the man you’ve chosen. I met someone at the academy. I’m going to marry him.”
It was a bolt from the blue.
Mother and eldest brother were also taken aback. Father slammed his fist on the table, sending dishes clattering to the floor with a sharp crash.
Sister mirrored his stubborn expression and slammed the table as well.
“Don’t think you can control me!”
“Do you not know where your tuition came from?! Everything you eat and drink comes from my pocket! Do you dare deny the person who raised you?!”
“I will repay everything I’ve received. With my grades, I can get a good job. I won’t live a life I don’t want just because I owe you!”
Mother, who had been silent, screamed shrilly.
“A job? Are you saying you want to work?”
The idea of the daughter of a count working like a commoner was incomprehensible to them.
“We shouldn’t have sent you to the academy! We allowed you to live as you wished until you were ready to marry. And this is how you repay us!”
Father’s body shook with anger, viewing Sister’s decision as a betrayal.
Mother, trying to prevent Father from raising his hand, called for the maids.
“Take Solivia to her room. Do not let her out until she reflects on her actions! No food or water!”
“Mother! How could you do this to me?!”
Despite knowing Mother’s harshness was to protect her, Sister cried out in frustration. Mother turned her head away, ignoring her pleas.
As the maids dragged her away, Sister shouted that she would never bend to their will. I sat there, trembling.
The three years Sister fought to enter the academy, the time she was beaten for seeing a man Father disapproved of, the times she fought at the dining table, and the arguments with our eldest brother—all of these remained traumatic memories for me.
Though I wasn’t the one involved, the violent scenes were terrifying for my young eyes. Father had charged at her as if to kill, and Sister had faced him with a determination to die.
The fear I had thought I had overcome resurfaced, as if a candle had been lit. The trauma from those childhood memories quickly returned.
I was scared of Father, and I feared for Sister’s safety. While she was always kind to me, she also felt like a volcano ready to erupt.
I stayed in my seat until the commotion died down.
Father stormed out, smashing furniture and nearly breaking down the door. Mother left, supported by the maids, and my brother sighed as he walked away.
No one paid attention to my trembling presence, and I feared being noticed.
After everyone had left, I fled to my room and threw myself into Desi’s arms.
“Desi, Desi!”
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Sister fought with Father. She fought with him as soon as she got back.”
“But it wasn’t you who fought. Why are you shaking?”
“But I was scared. I was afraid she would get hit again. I was scared there would be blood and screaming. I can’t handle it if she tries to take her own life again. I just can’t…”
“You coward.”
Despite his words, Desi gently patted my back. I rested my ear against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
“If anything happens, I’ll protect you. So don’t be scared.”
“I’m scared that Sister will get hurt.”
“I don’t really want to protect your sister.”
“You’re too mean, Desi.”
“Can’t help it. I wish your family didn’t exist.”
“Don’t say that. Never.”
“Okay.”
Desi’s unusual comfort gradually calmed me. I felt reassured, believing Desi would protect me in any terrifying situation. The fear faded, and the darkness lifted.
“So, no academy then?”
“Oh!”
Desi’s words reminded me about the academy. I had completely forgotten. I slumped my shoulders.
“It can’t be helped. Sister admitted to meeting a man at the academy. Father was furious about it. Since she caused a scandal, I’ll never be allowed to go.”
“She met a man?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t expect the academy to be that kind of place. You absolutely cannot go.”
