Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 25
Adeline was escorted, or rather, transported to the Bertrand estate. With Genevieve’s help, she had prepared to go outside, her heart full of hope.
‘If I can just get out of this estate, maybe I can escape.’
However, just before she got into the carriage, Shane whispered in a voice only she could hear.
“Genevieve is in my hands, Adeline.”
“You threaten as easily as breathing.”
“Do you think I’d stop at only a threat?”
“…I didn’t know you were like this.”
“I told you already—you don’t know me at all.”
That was something she couldn’t deny.
Adeline didn’t know Shane at all.
‘I was a blind fool.’
Even though she managed to get out of the windowless bedroom and out of Shane’s estate, she was still effectively a prisoner.
It was a devastating feeling.
When Adeline arrived at the Bertrand estate in the middle of the night, Gregory spoke to her.
“Adeline.”
“Y-Yes?”
Adeline was extremely nervous.
Gregory was looking at the startled Adeline with a strange expression. He looked both surprised and pained. Adeline briefly met his green eyes, which resembled hers, before lowering her gaze.
It had been so long since she had faced her father. Moreover, the last few years before leaving Delmuz had been a blur, as she had hardly slept and had only vague memories of her time with her family.
‘After realizing this world was a novel, I was too busy avoiding them to cut ties emotionally…’
Gregory lightly patted her shoulder.
“You don’t have to worry about anything. We will take care of everything.”
“I’m not worried about anything…”
“We will restore everything to its place.”
Restore everything? What does that even mean?
Gregory patted her shoulder again. His demeanor was so solemn that Adeline couldn’t bring herself to ask any of the questions she had.
Patrick spoke.
“How much do you remember?”
“Uh? Oh, well, I…”
“Do you remember how you collapsed?”
Of course, she remembered it in great detail. It was the stage she had set up after preparing throughout her entire life. When Adeline confirmed with her silence, Patrick gritted his teeth and spoke.
“Never do such a thing again.”
“…”
“Never.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Adeline said softly.
Patrick, as the eldest son and heir to the title and estate, was a responsible man who rarely showed his emotions. Yet now, his eyes and nose were reddening as if he were about to cry.
“Brother, Father is calling you.”
“…Got it.”
“You must still be confused, so get some rest first, Adeline.”
Jeff lightly tapped Adeline’s head. It was a gentle touch.
Back in her room at the main house for the first time in five years, Adeline closed the door and slumped against it.
‘Was our family always this close? I’m sure it wasn’t like this.’
No, it wasn’t! They were cold and distant like a city chaebol family…!
As far as Adeline knew, the Bertrand family had a dry atmosphere.
No, it was closer to individualism. They weren’t on bad terms, but they prioritized their own lives.
Patrick was almost always tied to the Bertrand estate, so seeing him was rare, and Jeff was busy with his business, so for the few years before she left Delmuz, she had only heard from him through letters.
The Marquis and Marchioness Bertrand were just as busy, so even if Adeline hadn’t consciously distanced herself, they rarely spent time together harmoniously.
They were people who would grant their youngest daughter anything she wanted… but that didn’t necessarily mean they were a close family.
For the last few years, Adeline had felt they were almost strangers, so when had they become such a loving family without her knowing?
“Your standards are always unique, Master.”
“…Lloyd…”
Lloyd entered the room, his face as innocent as ever. Dressed impeccably in an attendant’s uniform, he looked like he had been working at this estate for decades.
“I knew he was crazy the moment you called him kind.”
“He was kind to me at that time.”
Lloyd snorted. Yeah, my eyes were definitely deceiving me. Adeline decided to change the subject away from a topic that was unfavorable to her.
“When did you get here?”
“I followed the carriage you rode on. I was watching for an opportunity outside the mansion where you were imprisoned and saw my chance when you came out.”
“It would have been nice if you had kidnapped me along the way.”
“Just me alone? You’re talking nonsense.”
“I know…”
Lloyd appeared to be unharmed. Confirming her young servant’s well-being gave Adeline some relief.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“No. I was just locked up. I’m glad you’re safe too.”
“…I have a lot to say, but I’ll hold back for now.”
If she had to listen to Lloyd’s nagging now, she might actually cry.
