Now This Family Belongs to My Mother Chapter 28

“Fa-Father!”

 

“Honey!”

 

Stella and Diane shouted at the same time.

 

If you kneel in the hallway, even the passing servants will see you. It was such a humiliating punishment that was rarely given, as it would damage one’s dignity. Even Nicholas, who always caused trouble, had only received it when he was young, and Stella had never experienced it. But just to win my favor, Gale cast out his own daughter.

 

“Honey, what does that make our Stella if you give her that kind of punishment?”

 

“Stella, go out and kneel right now!”

 

But such words had no effect on Gale, who saw nothing but money.

 

“Sniff, sob…!” In the end, Stella left for the hallway, crying.

 

I pretended to be surprised and tried to stop Gale. “U-Uncle! You don’t have to do this! Isn’t it too harsh for Stella?!”

 

“Those who do wrong must be punished.” After saying that, Gale glanced at me, as if checking my reaction. “Are you feeling better now? I hope this clears up any misunderstanding you have about us. Stella’s mistake has nothing to do with us. So, you don’t have to worry about entrusting the Royal Blue’s profits to us.”

 

“I understand your intentions, Uncle.”

 

Gale’s face brightened at my words.

 

“So I’ll think about it.”

 

But at my next words, Gale’s face twisted.

 

I flinched and stepped back. “Are you angry?”

 

“N-No. Of course not. Why would I be angry? Hahaha!” He laughed heartily, pretending to be cheerful, then said, “How long will you take to decide?”

 

“It won’t take long. It wouldn’t be polite to keep you waiting too long.”

 

Gale’s face brightened again. “Hahaha, that’s right! Our Epirosa knows what’s what!” He then patted my head. Diane glared at his hand as if she wanted to kill it.

 

“May I return now?”

 

“Of course, of course. Go back and get some rest.”

 

I bowed politely and turned around, ignoring the burning gaze on my back. When I opened the door and went out, I saw Stella kneeling on the floor and sobbing. The servants walked by, whispering as they saw her. Her hair was a mess, and she sat, soaked, crying on her knees. She looked miserable and wretched. It suits her perfectly.

 

Hearing the door open, Stella looked up and glared at me. “You…!”

 

“Stella.” I looked down at her with sad eyes. “You always say you’ll take care of me, but you always end up disappointing me.”

 

“Hey! If you think I’ll just—”

 

I bent down to meet Stella’s eyes as she was about to shout. Surprised by my suddenly close face, Stella gasped.

 

I whispered to her coldly. “In this life, I hope you don’t disappoint me.”

 

In this life, I hope you fall as I expect. Utterly and completely.

 

* * *

Before my regression, when I was naive, I genuinely liked Stella. Having grown up with a mother who wasn’t in her right mind and a life full of struggles, I had an emotional void. It was like a hollow emptiness in my chest. The one who filled that void was Stella, with her smile as warm as spring sunlight.

 

“I’m so happy to have a cousin the same age as me! Let’s be best friends from now on!”

 

I really believed those words.

 

“There’s no one but you who can do this. You’ll help me, right?”

 

So, I did dangerous things without hesitation to make Gale the heir. My friend and my light, all of it was for Stella. That’s why the betrayal hurt even more.

 

A grudge engraved in my bones. This time, I’ll pay her back. And I won’t be fooled again. In this life, I’ll take care of my real family, not you.

 

“Mom, how have you been?”

 

It was in the temple sanctuary. Mother had a vacant expression, but she turned her head at the sound of my voice. Then, she smiled brightly.

 

“Epi, rosa…”

 

It felt like flowers were blooming in my chest. Of course, when I saw the silver mask standing against the wall watching me, those flowers wilted.

 

“I’m her daughter, her daughter.”

 

“…”

 

The silver mask was silent, as always.

 

“Even if he’s like that, he’s very devoted to the patient,” said the bishop who had accompanied me. Unlike before, he now acted very politely toward me. It was all thanks to my donations.

 

“Is she getting better?”

 

“She complains of pain much less now. However…”

 

It seemed her mind was not fully clear yet. Even after giving her the Phoenix’s egg and an antidote for the curse, there’s no significant improvement. How terrible a curse did Kobel cast on my mother?

 

I trembled with anger. “I’d like to talk to my mother alone.”

 

“Yes, I’ll wait outside.” The bishop left the room.

 

I looked at the silver mask. “You too…”

 

“…”

 

“Sigh, just stay there.”

 

It didn’t seem like talking would help. So I ignored her and fed my mother the soup I brought.

 

“It’s delicious!”

 

My mother smiled brightly. Then she looked straight at me. “Thank you, Epirosa.”

 

For a moment, her eyes became clear.

 

“…Mom?”

 

I froze in surprise. But soon my mother laughed innocently like a child again.

 

So there is at least some improvement? I looked at the small egg my mother was holding like a toy. While I was at it, I decided to ask her something. “Mom, do you remember Marchioness

 

“Mom, do you remember the Marchioness Cadence Gent, your old friend?”

 

Mom nodded. “…I miss her.”

 

“!”

 

I was surprised. It was the first time my mother had mentioned missing someone other than me.

 

“Really? You remember? You miss her?”

 

“…”

 

“Should I bring her? Do you want to meet her?”

 

Mom said no more. Still, she definitely remembered Marchioness Cadence! If I bring her, maybe Mom’s memory will improve. For the first time in a while, I felt a new hope.

 

Waiting for me outside the room was an unexpected person.

 

“Cardinal?”

 

It was none other than the second-in-command of the temple, Cardinal Lenon Gianni. He is young, handsome, and very popular.

 

“I was waiting because I have something to tell you.” He spoke politely. “Soon, there will be the feast day of Saint Pabello.”

 

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Saint Pabello received God’s blessing, became a healer, and saved many people. Especially, the miracle he performed in Rutledge was a great inspiration to me.”

 

The Miracle of Rutledge. It referred to when Pabello visited Rutledge during a plague and performed God’s miracle. It’s said that after praying for three days and nights, the well in Rutledge became holy water and cured everyone.

 

“I want to be like him.”

 

Lenon’s eyes widened. “You know so much. Your faith is deep.”

 

“You flatter me.”

 

“It’s not flattery. Many know of Saint Pabello’s feast, but few know each of his miracles.” Lenon genuinely praised me, but my mouth tasted bitter.

 

I only learned all these miracles while looking for ways to make Gale the heir. Besides, my knowledge of black magic was far too extensive for someone supposedly devout.

 

Lenon clapped his hands. “This is perfect. You’re truly a fitting person for Saint Pabello’s feast.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I’d like to bless Lady Epirosa at this year’s feast.”

 

It was unexpected.

 

“Milady, you created Pasa Blanche and saved many people. Moreover…” He lowered his voice. “You’re also the true creator of Royal Blue. You’re perfect for Saint Pabello’s feast, who was a healer.”

 

Only the temple knew I was the creator of Royal Blue. That’s why Cardinal Lenon knew. He intended to honor me, a major donor of medicines to the temple, and create a spectacle at the feast. And he’ll emphasize that my medicines are also part of God’s plan. There was no harm in it. In fact, I needed such an occasion.

 

“Thank you for the offer, Cardinal. If it’s God’s will, I gladly accept.”

 

“I’m the one who should thank you for accepting.”

 

“If it’s alright, may I reveal at the feast that I’m the creator of Royal Blue? I want to confess it before God first.”

 

Lenon’s eyes sparkled. “Of course. Your faith is truly amazing.”

 

I smiled shyly at Lenon’s praise. “It seems like it’s God’s will.”

 

This was an opportunity granted by God.