I Won't Go Back To My Family Who Abandon Me novel Chapter 34

***

"I'm disappointed, Irene."

Marquess Leroy said as she snapped down the report card.

This one piece of paper caused her to feel sick on the day she'd wanted to relax.

The Marquess looked like she would say more, when Irene spoke up to express her frustration.

"Mother, I can't help it because the test paper disappeared last time."

"Are you proud of losing your test paper?"

"...."

Irene couldn't say anything more after her Mother's dry, emotionless response. When she just lowered her head, the Marquess was looking at her in disappointment and sighed to herself.

"I don't know what your father will say about this report card."

"Mother..."

"At this rate, will you even be able to qualify for the Imperial Wizard's exam?"

Contrary to what her Mother was worried about, Irene was trembling from head to toe.

"I can do it next time. If I get good grades in all my subjects, I'm sure I will qualify."

"Are you confident you won't lose your test papers again?"

"Mother..."

Irene looked at Marquess Leroy with a puzzled look on her face. However, the Marquess' expression did not change as she lightly clicked her tongue.

"I'll keep this report card to myself. The next time you make a stupid mistake I'll tell your father the truth. So pull yourself together."

"Yes, Mother..."

When she nodded helplessly, Marquess Leroy picked up Irene's report card roughly, crumbled it up, and left the drawing room.

Irene was left alone, she swallowed her tears while she clenched her skirt tightly in her hands. What Marquess Leroy said lingered in her ears.

[The next time you make a stupid mistake I'll tell your father the truth. So pull yourself together.]

She ended up hearing something she didn't want to hear the most today.

˜If...'

If I make a mistake again.

˜Will I be abandoned like my eldest sister?'

She wanted to believe it wasn't true, but when she looked at the atmosphere of the house, she wasn't so sure. Marqui Leroy's business was going well, so it was currently going smoothly, but she didn't know when or how it might change.

"No..."

Irene jumped up and ran to her room with a pale face. All she could do right now was read books and study.

˜I'm not going to be kicked out like I'm nobody.'

Like she's useless, like she wasn't needed.

She will show her worth without fail, and regain the trust and love of her parents.

Then she remembered.

[I don't want you to let the gaze of others destroy you.]

[You're precious to me.]

It was a voice she heard every time she studied.

A warm voice that sincerely cared about her.

"...."

As soon as she entered her room and sat down at her desk she belatedly realized who the voice belonged to.

"Sister Leticia..."

Those were the words Leticia had said when she saw Irene mentally crumbling.

[I'm proud of you.]

[It's okay to make a mistake.]

But...

˜You're wrong.'

She knew her worth was being evaluated, and she couldn't pretend not to care about the gaze of other people on her.

Somehow she felt like crying today.

Irene held it in and opened her books once again.

***

As soon as they arrived at the Achilles mansion after the Hunting festival, they ran into Ian. He came to meet them at the door and smiled when he brought tea into the parlor for everyone.

"Good job at the festival."

"It wasn't a big deal. Nothing else happened?"

"Oh, someone came to visit."

Enoch had inquired if Ian was bored protecting the mansion alone, but Ian gave an unexpected answer. Ian handed Leticia a cup of tea before going into more detail.

"Seois was here. He really wanted to meet Leticia."

"Me?"

Leticia pointed to herself in surprise, and Ian nodded.

"Yes, he asked you to come to the Academy of Magic if you don't mind."

"Thank you for passing on the message Ian."

Leticia smiled and took a sip of tea.

˜Did you find out what my ability is?'

Somehow she was nervous and looking forward to it as well. Leticia wanted to hurry up and go meet him.

During this time, Elle was quietly looking at Ian while pouting her lips in frustration.

"Next time, you're coming with us to the Hunting festival. You can't stay bored and alone in the mansion again."

"You're right, it would have been better if we went together. It's a shame."

Leticia and Elle spoke as if they were upset, and Ian tried to smooth it over with an awkward apology.

"Okay, let's go together next time. I'm busy right now, so I'll go back to my room first."

Ian left before hearing their answer, they were surprised to see he was already leaving to study. Enoch had been quietly watching the scene, he slowly rose from his seat as well.

"I'd better go to the Imperial Family now. I have to go straight into training."

"At once?"

The Hunting festival had only just ended, Leticia was surprised that Enoch said he would be entering the palace. Enoch smiled and stroked Leticia's head to help soothe her despondency.

"I'll return quickly."

"Yes, have a safe trip...

Enoch looked down at Leticia, he could clearly see her holding back her disappointment. He leaned down slightly and with a determined look, said to Leticia.

"If I get back safely..."

Leticia nodded, she felt nervous because she understood what he meant.

"That's too obvious."

"Hugging you?

"It's not that...!"

She tried to cover Enoch's mouth in a hurry, but the words had already popped out. The moment Leticia raised her voice without realizing it, she made eye contact with Elle, who had a curious expression.

"Elle, this is..."

"Hmm! I suddenly remembered I have some urgent business."

Elle left the parlor quickly, while clearing her throat. Enoch smiled like he had all the time in the world, despite the fact that anyone could tell he was preparing to leave straight away.