Don't Trust the Heroine

CHAPTER 12

"Sorry, I don't have much of an appetite."

"You'll get sick if you keep this up. Anyways, you should wash up before we get ready for breakfast," Suzanne spoke, clutching her hand stubbornly.

Madenna was forced to get up and walk as her reflection on the hanging mirror on the wall followed her.

She was donning a black dress, her hair was tangled, and her eyes were hollow.

It would be a delightful view for her enemies.

'That's right.'

It had only been a month since Madenna's mother, Luciola, had died.

Still unable to fully overcome the pain of losing her mother, whom she had admired and loved, she shut herself inside the mansion while mourning the loss.

Suzanne was the only one who took care of Madenna, who slept all day long as her way to cope with the painful reality.

All the maids, who had originally looked after Madenna and had good relationships with her, had stopped working because of various reasons. Some were caught in acts of thievery, while others had some mishap befall them.

Now that her mother had passed away, Suzanne was the only one who could take care of Madenna.

The breakfast was laid in the sunlight-filled drawing-room. Some of the dishes were already served on the table.

Madenna sat down on the chair Suzanne had pulled out for her, and soon the servant came out with egg and juice.

When Suzanne saw Madenna simply stabbing her food with a fork, she spoke in a soft voice, "You must regain your composure, Countess. You are now the head of the Rodenherg family."

"...yes."

"Do you want to go shopping with me today? We can take off your mourning clothes and put on a pretty dress!"

It was a rather presumptuous remark. However, Madenna thought she said that out of concern.

"We kept getting letters of invitation to nobles' parties. What are you going to do, Countess? Will you refuse them all?"

"Yes, please do..."

"If only I could attend, I'd act as your substitute. It's such a shame that I'm not qualified yet."

After listening to Suzanne, Madenna suddenly realized, "Ah...right. I've been preparing your debutante ball for a couple of years, but I've been distracted by my mother's funeral."

"Of course, it's understandable."

"Anne, I'm sorry. You must have expected a lot. You must be disappointed."

"You're welcome. Never mind me, Countess, you need to take care of your health first," Suzanne said Hearing her selfless decision, Madenna felt even more guilty.

It was true that she was heartbroken by her mother's death, but that didn't mean she could neglect Suzanne.

"No. It's already been a month. I need to get a grip," Madenna shook her head as she leaned against the chair.

"First of all, I'll have to change my clothes. After that, let's go out to the boutiques."

"Thank you, Countess."

"Let's buy the most beautiful and expensive dress. Suzanne, you have to look better than anyone else."

"Thank you for your words, but I'm sure everyone will point fingers at me if I wear fancier clothes than the Countess."