The Reason Why the Forsaken Fake Returned Chapter 32

“If it’s the script you sent, I’ve already—”

 

“Please discard that one. And I implore you to read this instead. There’s no one but Miss Griche who can take on the lead role. I heard you haven’t decided on your next script yet.”

 

“The Imitating Jay…”

 

Intrigued by the striking title, Shailoh flipped through the script page by page. As she delved into the script, Wyson continued his explanation.

 

“A fire burning on its own casts no shadow. In the first place, the very concept of a shadow becomes meaningless.”

 

“Interestingly, it’s an allegory. Instead of character names, there are birds like the snipe, nuthatch, thrush, and jay.”

 

“Yes. They’re the names of birds satirizing humans. It’s the story of a jay that mimics other birds. In the end, it gains enlightenment, finds its own voice, and stops imitating others.”

 

As Shailoh turned the pages, her eyes sparkled with interest. The story felt oddly familiar. Perhaps it was her own story.

 

“It’s certainly intriguing. There’s a lot to be learned from it. The characters are interesting, and it’s captivating.”

 

“Then—”

 

“But I can’t do it. I must be going now.” Shailoh closed the script, cutting off Wyson, who was filled with hope.

 

Bewildered by her firm refusal, Wyson stood up as Shailoh did. “Why not? I thought it suited you perfectly.”

 

It was precisely because it suited her too well. She feared her firmly worn mask would be taken off. On stage, Shailoh had always performed with layers of disguises, but this work demanded she stand bare before the audience. Unable to speak honestly, all she could do was refuse.

 

“I’m sorry. But choosing a script is my freedom.”

 

With the coat Doris had draped over her shoulders, Shailoh left the waiting room. Just before following her out, Doris glanced at Wyson, who had slumped down in defeat, and murmured. “But it’s quite surprising. I didn’t expect the famous Mr. Wyson to be from the North.”

 

“From the North? How do you know that?”

 

“He doesn’t drag out his words like the capital’s nobles, nor does he use an incomprehensible dialect. Yet, he has this peculiar habit of dropping his words at the end, which is typical of Northerners. My brother-in-law, who was from the North, was just like that.”

 

“Maybe he moved down here.”

 

“It’s rare unless it’s for something like marriage, like my brother-in-law.”

 

“Why’s that? Is Duke Yesiol someone who binds his people so tightly?”

 

“Not at all. But the Yesiol family ruled the northern territory long before being granted their title and land. The people’s trust and loyalty to the duke are akin to religious faith. My brother-in-law would jump at the mention of Duke Yesiol’s name, saying he wasn’t someone to be spoken of lightly…”

 

“Miss Sasha!”

 

Doris stopped mid-sentence at the call. Recognizing the boy running towards them, Shailoh waved before getting into the carriage.

 

* * *

It had been two weeks since Jenin started working as a messenger for the Elton family, and to avoid any potential issues, they had minimized contact. After ensuring no one was around, the three of them boarded the waiting carriage.

 

“That ointment you gave me was helpful. I think I’ve managed to win over Ines to some extent. She often talks to me about her time at the duke’s household.”

 

“That’s great. Ines was a maid who worked at the duchy for a long time. She didn’t hold any significant position, though.”

 

Still, having worked there for so long, she probably knew quite a lot about what happened in the duchy. She might even know about Oliver.

 

“Have you brought up Oliver yet?”

 

“Not yet. But I’ve laid some groundwork. I mentioned a close friend from my hometown with whom I lost contact. She promised to help me as much as she could.”

 

“That’s good to hear. I’m sure she’ll help once you get a bit closer.” Shailoh smiled and patted Jenin on the head.

 

“Um… Miss.” Jenin, who had been giggling under Shailoh’s touch, hesitantly asked, glancing around. “How is Greta doing? Is she well?”

 

“Yes. She’s staying comfortably at the clinic. Every day she asks me when her brother, who’s gone far away for work, will return.”

 

At Doris’s explanation, Shailoh added, “The doctor said that with good medicine and food, she can grow up without any problems. Even though her growth was delayed, it’s not too late for her to catch up with her peers.”

 

“Really?”

 

Jenin, overwhelmed by the unexpected good news, lowered his head, unable to speak as tears welled up in his eyes.

 

“That’s such a relief… truly. Greta was more upset about being shorter than other kids than about being sick. Before she grows up, maybe…”

 

“You don’t need to say more, Jenin.” Shailoh, embracing the small figure, smiled gently. “Greta is safe now. More than that… I’m sorry for getting you involved in this. But there was no one more suitable than you.”

 

“No, it’s okay. You definitely gave me a chance to refuse. You even said you’d take care of Greta regardless. Joining Baron Elton’s house was my choice. You’re taking care of Greta and covering her expensive medication and hospital bills, so this is nothing. And…” Jenin scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. “I hope Mr. Oliver and Miss Olivier can meet. I’m sure they were siblings who got along well, like us.”

 

“Oh my, how precious you are!” With eyes brimming with affection, Doris alternately kissed Jenin’s cheeks. “Where did such a darling come from?”

 

As Jenin’s face turned bright red and he froze like ice, Shailoh burst into laughter.

 

“Let her go, Doris. Jenin’s face is going to explode. You just came down for an errand, right?”

 

“Ah… yes, yes!” Finally snapping out of it, Jenin dashed out of the carriage like a bird with its tail on fire.

 

With just the two of them left, Shailoh set the carriage in motion. Inside the rattling carriage, Doris changed the subject.

 

“By the way, about the gypsies you mentioned last time. I did some digging, and there’s something unsettling about it.”

 

“Something unsettling?”

 

“Yes. Not just one or two, but a group of about a dozen people vanished overnight. Is that even possible?”

 

“What?” Shailoh’s eyes widened as she hid their trembling hands. A chill ran down her spine, making her hair stand on end. “So no one can find them? It wasn’t an accident?”

 

“Since they were an ostracized group, it seems no one paid much attention. People just assumed it was because they were wanderers. I need to look into it more, but the duke’s influence is definitely involved.”

 

“Something smells fishy. I need to write to Sir Roderick. In the meantime, don’t miss even the smallest clue.”

 

Shailoh pressed her left hand over her pounding heart as if to calm herself. Then she suddenly flung open the carriage window.

 

“Milady? Are you feeling suffocated?”

 

“No. I just felt like someone was watching us.”

 

“Watching us?” Doris’s eyes widened as she followed Shailoh’s gaze into the dark alley. “There’s no one there. It must be your imagination.”

 

“I suppose so.”

 

Not a single soul was visible in the dim distance. Shailoh tilted her head in confusion and closed the window again.

 

Behind the carriage, which disappeared in a cloud of dust, a chilling gaze flickered for a moment before vanishing.

 

* * *

Every day was hell for Ines. Claire’s bullying, once started, never ceased. Pouring scalding hot tea on Ines’s feet was a common occurrence.

 

“Aaah!”

 

“How dare you brew tea like this? Are you mocking me?”

 

“I-I’m sorry!” Ines wiped her tears with the back of her hand and hurriedly got down on the floor to mop up the spilled tea.

 

Claire clicked her tongue and waved her hand dismissively. “I can’t stand the sight of you. Go fetch Elza, you useless thing.”

 

“Yes…”

 

Sniffling, Ines limped out of the room, only to find a familiar face waiting outside. Though usually an annoying colleague, at this moment, Elza seemed like a savior, and Ines called out to her with relief.

 

“Elza, the madam is calling for you.”

 

“Did she pour the tea again?”

 

Ines, instead of answering, looked up with teary eyes and pleaded quietly. “Elza, how long will the madam keep doing this? What did I do wrong? Should I just quit?”

 

“I don’t know, Ines.” Elza sighed softly and placed her hands on Ines’s shoulders. Elza needed someone to bear the brunt of Claire’s whims and temper for the time being. “You know, the lady just needs someone to take out her anxiety on.”

 

“That’s ridiculous! Why does it have to be me of all people?”

 

As Ines looked up in frustration, Elza frowned and pointed out. “Don’t you remember the fake lady? It was the same back then.”

 

“T-That’s…”

 

It was an incident she had tried to erase from her memory. The thought of how she had joined in the bullying made her feel uneasy. The young lady who had served as the fake lady had been kind and innocent. However, as soon as the real Claire returned, everyone turned their backs on her all at once. Even knowing she was innocent, they couldn’t stop.