The Harvest Mouse Exits the Fairytale Together with Cinderella - Chapter 16

“Sewiouswy, I towd yew befowe stop an get wost…” (Seriosuly, I told you before to stop and get lost…)

“This crazy damn mouse…! ACK!”

The Count inadvertently blurted out his true feelings amid the pain, as if his finger might be severed.

Only then did Elodie spit out the finger, sporting a bitter smile. This had been her aim from the start.

“Damn… mouse, you say?”

At that moment, a murderous intent flickered across Edmund’s previously expressionless face.

He stepped forward, exuding a killing aura as if ready to draw his sword.

“Elodie is not a ‘mouse’, she’s a ‘mouse werebeast’, Father.”

Before him, a voice, pressing out each word forcefully, cut through them. Both Edmund and Elodie, surprised, turned to look at Sera.

“She’s a person.”

“What?”

“Father, you ordered the assassination of a person, a small and young child who fits snugly in my arms.”

Sera’s deliberate, slow speaking was to hide her uncontrollably trembling voice.

The Count of Bluewood had always been a daunting figure to her. She never dared to rebel when he exerted his authority and was overbearing.

She had to be a good daughter, hoping someday to be acknowledged.

But now she knew.

” It aweady bad now, why d’yew fink is not gonna be bad tomowwow!” (It’s already bad now, why do you think it’s not gonna be bad tomorrow!)

Even if time passed, only her age would change.

‘So then…’

Despite feeling powerless, Sera didn’t want to let go of this small child’s hand.

This child, abandoned even by her family, told her she could be happy and deserved happiness.

How could she not be moved?

Only then did Sera realize.

Ah, this is the consequence of neglect.

Even if something precious would come into her life in the future, she wouldn’t be able to protect it if she remained as she is now.

If she would continue living like this. If she would endure this moment…

She would live like this for the rest of her life.

‘So I must not back down.’

To save Elodie, she had already attempted her first act of defiance. The second was easier.

“I am Serafina Bluewood. The youngest and only direct descendant of the Bluewood family.”

“This, this is madness.”

“I am your daughter and have clearly seen what schemes you’ve plotted, and I can testify if necessary.”

“H-Hoooh, there are limits to madness! Impersonating my daughter in front of me?!”

Is this some kind of delusion? Who hired this crazy maid?

The Count babbled, glancing around as if seeking confirmation.

“Direct descendant? Look at yourself! What kind of noble lady dresses like that!”

He pointedly referred to her worn and tattered maid’s uniform.

Sera bit her lip, clutching her bruised hand tightly. But she couldn’t hide the shaking in her eyes.

‘There’s no way to prove it.’

She wasn’t even included in the family registry.

“My only daughters are Rose and Daisy!”

If even her only blood relation denounced her as not his daughter, who would believe her?

Her word was worthless as evidence.

In that moment of despair, she closed her eyes tightly.

“Your testimony has been sufficiently conveyed.”

Edmund stepped forward, protectively in front of Sera and Elodie.

“Young lord?”

“Step aside.”

“This child may have greatly contributed to finding Lady Ratzen, but she’s just a maid. Why would the young lord personally shield her?”

“Ha.”

The boy cut him off with a cold, hollow laugh.

“Even beasts know to value their offspring, but to be born lucky enough to wear human skin and do such things…”

And he ground his teeth, saying,

“If you do not step aside, I will draw my sword.”

“Young lord, you might be misunderstanding something. Let me explain, please calm down and talk…”

“Have I not kindly warned you before.”

At that moment,

A stern word from Duke Valkyriesen, who had been watching with a bored expression, dropped.

“I told you repeatedly. Do not waste my time on worthless things.”