The villainess reverses the hourglass

CHAPTER 44

But not now. She was different from the past, when she had lived in a constant struggle. She couldn't do the same now that she was aware of her position and of herself and had realized what the consequences of her every move would be. No, she wouldn't do the same. Besides, she couldn't afford to devote her time to such a small birthday party.

'If I use what I know to build wealth and power, I'll have to have a big party someday, even if I don't want to.'

It was a future that would be achieved if she went forward like this.

Jessie's expression darkened at Aria's determined answer. She seemed to think that she should keep up her master's public appearance because Aria was her master. The acts were not far away because she had already contacted the band and entertainers, so if she just called them on the day, they would come right away.

Jessie added at last, "If you change your mind, please let me know. We'll get ready quickly."

It was just in case. Recently, Aria had been quiet and changed, but more than anything, she had always been fickle. It wouldn't be strange if she were to shout out that she wanted Jessie to call the magician and the entertainers on her birthday.

Soon after Aria's birthday, Mielle's birthday would come. As always, Mielle had invited a number of reputable acquaintances and would have a decent and grand party, so if she prepared a simple party for Aria, a thunderbolt would fall on her later.

"It won't happen, but well, thank you. You sent them the invitations, didn't you?"

"Yes, I sent them to all of the people you mentioned and I received answers right away."

They were just the few young ladies who she had met through Sarah, but she invited them because she had to do something.

Fortunately, after receiving the birthday invitation from their new friend, they all happily sent a positive reply.

"Is this the end of what you wanted to say?"

"Yes, miss."

"OK, then leave."

The vanity and pretense that Aria had devoted herself to had been pushed out of her life because it hadn't helped at all in saving her life.

Jessie left, and Aria focused on reading again.

* * *

A gift arrived for Aria when her birthday was just around the corner. Aria was puzzled by it and asked the sender about it because she was still young, so she hadn't met anyone who could've sent her a gift.

The butler answered, maintaining his soft demeanor toward her, "The count sent it."

"My father sent it to me?!"

"Yes. Shall I get it?"

"Please!"

The count had to be busy preparing for his business in the North, so why would he send a gift?

Some time later, after the sound of a knock on the door, Aria gave them permission to enter, and a servant with a huge body came into her room with the butler. The servant was carrying the count's gift, which the butler had referred to. It was a box large enough to reach her waist. Aria was surprised to see the box placed down in the middle of the room.

"... My father sent this?"

"Yes, that's right."

Inside, there were some fur-lined coats, a few luxurious dresses, cute ornaments that girls of her age could use, and a plushy decorated with jewelry.

The teddy bear with a large jewel in its eyes, nose and ears was not a regular item even at a glance. The handwritten letter contained a message saying that he was sorry since he could not be with her, that he congratulated her for her birthday, and that he would be back soon.