Gacha Kingdom Building

Chapter 197 The Umbral Duchess (03)

-This chapter is written using Isabella's POV-

It's been some time since someone needed to come and knock on my door to wake me up.

It used to be a habit of mine to step out of bed as late as possible, but recently, I started to enjoy the mornings a little more.

At first, it was out of necessity since a certain group was forcing me to train and study every day.

But I started appreciating it with time as I got to know them better. Every morning there was something I wanted to ask them about, and they were always happy to talk to me and show me new things.

Truly, I'm glad for them.

There were times when I was so afraid of stepping out that I even thought being locked up was for the better.

I'm not sure what would have become of me if that went on, but... Because of that, I can precisely understand the frantic knocking on the door.

The person behind it knows very well how much I've changed, and if my guess is right, he's trying to protect said changes.

As usual, he still scares me a little, but I've come to understand him a little better now.

In its own way, he cares.

Although... There might be another explanation for his panic.

Lenard: "... Your last words?"

Miwen: "Hm... Good morning?"

I ended up sleeping in Miwen's bed last night.

I was feeling angry, betrayed, and sick, but... I knew I could importune him about my feelings.

I've become quite good at it...

However, this time, he did something different.

I told him about how I felt about my father before all of this.

That I thought he loved me since he had had sacrificed his reputation for my sake.

I thought that even though he was cold and distant, since he allowed me to live with his family, brought me to parties in public, and even presented me as his daughter to other families, he must've cared for me.

Surely it was just that he couldn't be open about it. He had to reprimand me for the sake of his image even when he knew I wasn't at fault.

Idiot as I was, I fooled myself into believing this was our little secret.

I also told him that I always knew that there was something wrong. That my instincts screamed he was like the people who saw me as a tool for their own gain.

And also... That I couldn't live without burying these feelings. Discover exclusive tales on empire

Because my father was my last hope.

One unreachable, but precisely because of that, inextinguishable.

I wanted to believe that he was my ally, that if I was on the edge, with no way of turning back... He would save me before the last step.

After I told Miwen all of this, instead of reassuring me, he opened up about himself.

As untrustworthy as always, he refused to tell me much about himself, but... He told me about his family.

I didn't understand at first what was the point.

I mean... I was envious of him, of course.

Although not present, from his descriptions, it seemed like they all genuinely loved each other in his house.

But... There was one thing I noticed.

One person who piqued my interest more than anyone.

His sister, Maya.

His words were gentle, but they carried so much pride when they were about his sister.

Her qualities, her demeanor... It was almost tangible.

I could tell he truly loved her.

More than that, he respected and believed in her...

And that... hurt me a little.

After all... She was my complete opposite. Something I could never hope to be.

But I think this was the point. He knew I would end up feeling like this, probably because... At some point, he must've felt similarly about himself.

I never thought the two of us could be so similar, but... It was somewhat reassuring to think about it.

As the story went on, Miwen reached a certain event. A situation that made him discover that his sister wasn't as infallible as he believed, or hoped her to be.

Even though he was weaker and worse than her in every aspect, from ability to morality, he could still be of help.

There were things he could do and she could not precisely because of their differences.

Because there were things he could do precisely because he wasn't as good as her.

His story was about the time she saved the wrong person. A seemingly innocent outcast at the bottom of society, but in truth, someone who might've not been worthy of anyone's effort.

Isabella: "Did you know? My brothers have a darker hair color than mine."

Miwen: "It's hard not to notice."

Isabella: "Yeah, well... Albert's is pretty close to my father's, but Lenard's is even darker than his was. I think that's because of Pamela. Her hair is a pretty dark black..."

Miwen: "It might be, yes."

I was searching for a topic to talk about while he styled my hair and I landed on one that I was sure would bore him.

However, it apparently wasn't the case.

He seemed to be paying a lot of attention to me.

I wonder why... I'm not even sure why I chose this of all things to talk about, but...

Without me thinking, my mouth continued to run off on its own...

Isabella: "I think mine is lighter and brighter because of my mother. I don't remember her, but I'm sure her hair was a lighter shade. Maybe even a pretty blonde like your sister's?"

Miwen: "Could be... Isa..."

Isabella: "No, no... It's fine. I was just thinking that this is what she gave me, right? And if I can boast a little, I think it's a very pretty color. It's a little vibrant... And I'm sure it would look better on someone else, but... This is mine, right? But... Uh... What do you think? Does it look good on me? Do you think I look pretty? I-"

Miwen: "Isabella. I think your hair is a very pretty color. And I think it suits you too. But if you're that worried about what I think about your appearance, I must say, honestly, that I think you're incredibly beautiful when you're not trying to hold back your tears."

But it's not fair, is it?

I already cried yesterday. For so long...

I took up the time he could have spent with the girls he loves, and all I did was bother him.

Isn't that all that I've been doing?

Isabella: "...Miwen... Why is it me?"

Miwen: "..."

Isabella: "...Did I do something to deserve this? Why is it all the time? And so much? Why... Does the world hate me?"

Miwen: "..."

I'm being unreasonable...

He should reprimand me...

So why is he not?

Isabella: "...I'm tired..."

It's not about rest...

I'm afraid this is all my life will be, forever.

And if that's the case, maybe it's not worth-

Miwen: "I can forgive you for forgetting about me since your hair is that pretty, but aren't you forgetting about too many people?"

Isabella: "...They follow you, it's-"

Miwen: "They like you, Isa. It's not just about my girls either. Your brothers planned their whole lives to try and take you out of this house. Even though they wanted to believe in their family, they still chose to protect you. The moment I revealed Albris' plans to Pamela, she turned her back on years of marriage to protect her family. You included. You have achieved and changed a lot Isabella. You have things to be proud of now. You have people you can count on."

Isabella: "...Then... is it greedy that I want more?"

Miwen: "I don't think so."

Isabella: "...Will you support me?"

Miwen: "That's what I'm here for."

Isabella: "...I need to wipe my tears and think a little before heading downstairs... Do you mind?"

Without me having to utter another word, Miwen went towards the door to leave my room.

But before he could go...

Isabella: "Miwen...!"

Miwen: "Hm?"

Isabella: "Thank you! For being someone I can count on. I swear I'll make you proud."

Miwen: "Pfft. I'll be looking forward to it."

Those words... I dreamed of saying them to someone else before.

But it doesn't matter now.

Sadly, everything had to collapse before I found my purpose, but...

Maybe now I'm ready to be my own person...

There's no one to control me... Everything I want... They are my own desires now.

I can take everything with peace of mind.

It's only fair... Since I started with nothing.