Resetting Lady

“Nancy!”

If Carynne had been with her maid, that maid would know the reason.

However, the inn was quiet.

They had booked an additional room for the maid, but the next room was empty. Strange.

There was enough time after Raymond had left. He had definitely informed Nancy of the change in inns. And she had left in high spirits, saying she would return the necklace for a refund.

It had been more than enough time for her to return.

When Raymond came back from checking the next room, Carynne said in a small voice,

“…She’s gone.”

“What do you mean?”

“She ran away with the necklace and all the money.”

“…What?”

Nancy had succumbed to temptation once again.

Carynne handed Raymond a note left by Nancy.

[ To my dear lady,

Congratulations on meeting Lord Raymond! But I too have my own life to live, right? The difference between the amount you promised and the necklace was too much, so I had no choice. I wish you happiness and a long life!

I will use the necklace and the money to fund my new life as well.

Please don’t be too angry, Mr. Terris loves me too. Please bless our future.

With all my love,

Nancy ]

“…Who’s Terris?”

“The coachman. He’s been Nancy’s favorite… and the most dependable man working at my family’s manor.”

“Hahahaha!”

As Raymond laughed, Carynne added,

“Just so you know, she took all of your money too.”

“…Oh. That’s not good.”

“Right.”

Now, they didn’t even have enough money to pay for the inn, let alone a gift.

Their faces turned grim.

‘I left the cat in charge of the fish…’

Carynne sighed and pressed her forehead. Nancy was greedy enough to steal ‘Isella’s necklace’. Even when she knew of Nancy’s materialistic nature, Carynne had still hoped to trust her this time, but she was betrayed so quickly.

“Sir Raymond, how much do you have on you right now?”

“As you can see.”

Raymond shook his empty wallet. Only dust came out.

“It seems impossible to bring a new gift to Isella now.”

“How about writing a heartfelt letter instead of a gift?”

“With what kind of heart?”

“Just express your sincere desire to become friends…”

He must be joking.

Carynne shook her head. If she were the recipient of such a letter, she would dislike it.

“Even if a handsome man gives it, Isella won’t accept such a thing.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Isella was accustomed to receiving only luxurious gifts from Raymond. There was no need to even ask if it was from Carynne.

The two of them sat side by side, deeply sighing.

“I never imagined she wouldn’t even meet me…”

They had thought becoming friends would be difficult, but it was a matter of degree. Even if Isella disapproved of Carynne, Carynne had some expectations of spending time together at the beginning, chatting as they had done before because that was the proper etiquette.

However, this time Isella continuously refused Carynne’s visit.

Now that Isella was greatly disappointed in Raymond, could Carynne have succeeded by visiting and gifting her the necklace she loved the most? Of course, that too could have failed, but Nancy had run away with the one method that might have been worth trying… leaving only regret.

“What should we do about the inn fee?”

“We might manage by pawning something we have, though staying here any longer would be difficult. How about returning to Hare estate first and then trying to meet Miss Isella again?”

“It would be nice to go together with Isella on the way…”

“Since she won’t meet you, there’s nothing we can do.”

Carynne felt a bit down as she saw Raymond pulling out his wristwatch to look at it. She was expecting to accompany Isella and Verdic back to the Hare estate, but that plan had fallen through.

“…And thinking about returning to my father without having succeeded in anything makes me feel a bit depressed.”

“You haven’t even started yet. Life is a series of frustrations, so don’t get too down about it.”

Ignoring Raymond’s less than comforting words, Carynne felt ashamed imagining herself returning to her father to admit she hadn’t succeeded.

She had boldly gone forth proclaiming she would persuade Verdic, at least foster a friendly relationship with Isella, but in reality, she hadn’t even met Isella, and Nancy had betrayed her trust and run off.

Perhaps she should kill Nancy one more time just to blow off some steam?

“Carynne, I’ll be leaving first then. Get your things ready and prepare to board the carriage.”

“Hold on, Sir Raymond. It seems too wasteful to return just like this.”

“But what else can we do?”

“We have to try. I must go see Isella Evans again.”

* * *

“Carynne Hare is back again, Master.”

Verdic was amused by Carynne Hare’s persistence, visiting yet again without getting tired.

However, Isella’s condition wasn’t so good. Verdic put down his newspaper and adjusted his glasses.

“Father! I want to call off the engagement with Lord Raymond! I won’t do it!”

“Isella. What are you talking about?”

Isella was sprawled on the bed, sobbing.

Verdic had ordered a servant to call Raymond, but Raymond had long since left the mansion. Listening to Isella’s cursing and crying, Verdic had a headache learning the whole story from the nervous servant.

Raymond and Isella had argued, and Raymond had insulted her appearance.

It was unbelievable to Verdic that Raymond would say such a thing, but for now, he had tried to console his crying daughter. Isella then glared at Verdic from the bed.

“It’s all your fault! Why didn’t you make me prettier! And to choose a man like Sir Raymond. You really have no eye for people!”

“How is that my fault? And you were the one who liked Sir Raymond!”

Attempts were made.

But Verdic wasn’t generous enough to tolerate his daughter’s immature tantrums. The reason for her outrage being her appearance was ridiculous.

The money spent on Isella’s hair, skin care, body shape maintenance, clothes, and accessories was enormous. Not even Isella’s mother had spent that much.

Verdic said Raymond wanted to break up over her appearance, but Isella seemed not to listen properly. The aspect Raymond pointed out was something Isella had always been sensitive about.

“You’re pretty enough.”

But Isella lay there, pretending not to hear. Irritated, Verdic slammed the door. He hadn’t thought Raymond would actually break off the engagement.

“Let Isella decide on the matter.”

Verdic was tired of hearing Isella’s whining. Anything that could divert Isella’s attention would be good. It might even be beneficial for her to spend time taking out her frustration on Carynne Hare.

With Verdic’s permission, the servant bowed.

“Understood, Master.”

* * *

People become fond of others for various reasons. Therefore, Carynne decided to try a method she had never attempted before.

“It might just work.”

“Carynne, honestly, I find it hard to agree.”

“It’s worth a shot.”

“It would actually be worse than doing nothing.”

Carynne decided to borrow money from Isella.

***

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