Resetting Lady

“Even if I fail, the worst I’ll get is being called a beggar or splashed with water.”

“…Just wait a few days and I’ll gather enough money. It’s better to trust me and wait. I’ll think of something else Isella Evans might like.”

“Sir Raymond, stop doing unpleasant things and just watch.”

“Unpleasant…”

“Lord Raymond, it’s your actions that are unpleasant. I mean, I know that you did it for me, but… You went as far as kidnapping and killing her, but that method failed. I’ll handle it my way this time, in this life.”

Raymond was not at all in favor of the idea of borrowing money, but Carynne thought it might be a solution.

People feel more positive when they give help than when they receive it. That’s probably why parents love their children more—they give more.

Carynne, who had never had children, wouldn’t know, but it’s commonly the case. Maybe Isella would prefer being able to give something rather than just receiving gifts.

‘Wait, Isella did give me gifts a few times before to show off, but.’

Carynne shook her head. Giving something as a show-off and feeling gratified by helping someone in need are different. Maybe Isella would find a new sense of fulfillment in helping Carynne.

If things worked out, this could be an opportunity to become friends with Isella.

And if not, well.

It was still better than doing nothing at all.

Carynne thought so.

* * *

“…So, what gift did you bring this time?”

In the bright drawing room, Isella asked with a locked voice, seeming to have cried. What kind of personal attack did Raymond unleash that the girl was left in this state?

Perhaps listening to Raymond’s advice would have been better. Carynne gulped dryly.

“Actually, I couldn’t prepare a gift, Isella.”

“…You’ve been bringing gifts continuously, and now you’re trying a different method? It’s not some nonsensical gift of the heart, is it?”

“To be honest, I came to ask for a favor.”

Isella’s voice became even colder, and Carynne felt slightly tense.

“Could I borrow some money?”

Carynne asked, closing her eyes tightly. Would Isella throw water at her? Scream?

But unexpectedly, the reaction was calm, and Carynne slowly opened her eyes. Isella was looking at her with a disinterested expression. It was a face Carynne hadn’t seen before.

“I’m curious about the reason.”

* * *

Carynne elaborately narrated her plight with a dramatic tone.

A maid, almost like a nursemaid to her as she had been taking care of Carynne since childhood, had eloped with the coachman, taking all her money and the necklace. Carynne pitifully added that a considerable amount of money was spent on buying that necklace.

“…My goodness.”

Isella looked at Carynne with disdain when she mentioned her financial struggles because of the necklace, but she was displeased about Nancy.

“The maid ran away with all my money with the coachman… Now I don’t even have money to go back.”

“…Such people should all be killed.”

Isella started cursing Nancy and the coachman.

Any employer who starts keeping several servants inevitably faces friction with them, ranging from them not doing their jobs properly, taking the employer for granted, to running away with money or having affairs.

There were many ways to become closer to someone, and talking badly about others was one of them.

The two young women spent the time eagerly bad-mouthing the servants. The conversation dragged on as more snacks were served. Isella bit into the cookies.

Instead of dignity, her chewing was filled with anger. In the past, Isella would not eat such fattening cookies.

“If you treat them well, they always stab you in the back… I won’t let them get away with it.”

“…Right.”

Carynne hoped the target of Isella’s non-forbearance wasn’t Raymond, but…

Looking into Isella’s eyes, it seemed Raymond was included.

After a long conversation and snacking with Carynne, Isella wiped her mouth and looked at her.

“Fine, I’ll lend you the money.”

“Pardon?”

“I said I’ll lend it to you.”

Isella still had a rough tone in her voice.

“Really? Oh, thank you, Isella.”

Carynne’s face brightened. The light in the greenhouse illuminated Isella’s face. Her eyes were puffy, and her face had some pimples, probably from lack of sleep, but still seemed to shine.

Life really was long and full of surprises. Could this lead to a friendship-like relationship?

But Carynne’s thoughts were interrupted by Isella’s next words.

“But there’s a condition.”

Of course.

Carynne felt bitter. Obviously, Isella wouldn’t just readily agree. Thinking that one conversation would create a sense of camaraderie, leading to friendship and a loan, was too much even for Carynne.

However, things were different this time, so maybe it could turn out better. It was the first time Isella had paid such close attention to her story. Carynne was willing to meet whatever condition Isella might have. Carynne looked at Isella with hope.

“What’s the condition?”

“I’m planning to run away. Help me.”

But this was unexpected.

Carynne felt a chill go down her spine.

* * *

The issue wasn’t buying a carriage, but finding someone to drive it. Even with Isella’s wealth, no one in the village was willing to incur Verdic’s wrath by doing something that bold.

Everyone in the village knew Isella’s face, and they all refused, fearing any dangerous undertaking. Verdic was known for his thorough retaliation, so no one wanted to get involved with him.

And Raymond couldn’t escort them himself—Isella would definitely refuse. Raymond considered wearing a wig, but he couldn’t hide his body, height, or voice.

In the end, he had to ask someone he knew—the most skilled person who would come running for money.

“He’s skilled enough.”

But Raymond’s expression wasn’t all that bright.

It was after Carynne met Zion that she realized why.

“Zion Electra, at your service.”

“Pleased to meet you, Miss Carynne Hare.”

“Good day to you, Sir Zion.”

Raymond introduced him. A young knight. Carynne could recall seeing this young man at her wedding.

He was Raymond’s direct subordinate. They had shared a room. But in her memory, he was always severely injured, with half his face torn or burned off.

Unlike the memorable past, Zion’s face now could be called handsome. Was it because Raymond was injured? Carynne felt strange. It’s as if the two men’s roles had been reversed.

“You’re Sir Raymond’s subordinate?”

“Yes. And you must be Sir Raymond’s secret mistress.”

“Zion!”

“Ah, whoops. My apologies.”

Carynne blinked.

She was thinking about whether she should be angry or not, but before she could come to a conclusion, Raymond had already grabbed Zion by the neck.

“I wasn’t trying to insult anyone. Really. It’s just that meeting you in person, I can see why Sir Raymond called off the engagement. ‘Mistress’ might not be the right term. Then, you are lovers, aren’t you?”

“Be careful with your words.”

“Ohh, is it one-sided?”

“…Shut up. Miss Carynne is… well, she’s just entangled with Miss Isella this time.”

“Sir, yes, sir.”

Raymond considered punching him in the stomach but stopped himself when he saw Carynne staring at them. The slick, dark-haired man kept smiling despite the threat.

“Sorry, Carynne. I couldn’t find another coachman.”

“…No, it’s okay.”

After answering Raymond, she turned to the other man.

“Thank you, Sir Zion.”

What mattered was Isella. There’s no need to pay any heed to other people.

Carynne thought this as she firmly shook Zion’s hand.

It was a tight grip, but that was all.

***

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