I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 5

It took me a week to get over the fever.

Throughout that whole week, I had constant nightmares and my whole body was in pain. Anytime anyone touched me, I could barely hold back a scream. The medicine prescribed felt like it didn't help at all.

The group's families got wind of what happened. They sent me "Get Well" baskets amongst other stupid things. The Royal Family's personal attendant, Charles Winston, even stopped by to give a small bottle of premium medicine and to give the Royal Family's words of recovery.

As I couldn't personally get out of bed myself, Clara and other servants had brought the gifts to me. However, I would only take one look at everything and utter one sentence.

"Put it in the storage."

I had said it so many times that eventually they didn't bother coming to my room to disturb me; they just went straight to the storage.

After half the week had passed, the "Get Well" gifts stopped coming. I was too delirious in the fever to care, not that I would've in the first place.

The day after the week-long fever was like a dream. I woke up refreshed and surprisingly energetic. It felt like I had gotten rid of the impurities in my body. Which was probably just me being relieved that I could finally take a proper bath instead someone just wiping me down with a damp towel.

"Young Miss, shall I sent news of your recovery to the Young Masters?" Clara stood at my right, her head bowed as another maid brushed out my hair.

I had just finished getting out of the bath when she had approached me with those words. To be frank, I didn't want to contact them again. I felt like I should cut off them right now. However, how could I do that? It's too premature to act so decisively. They probably have a feeling something was wrong during our last meeting.

I gave a smile that had no warmth to it. "Mm, I suppose I should let them know. It must've frightened them, for me to be so sick that I was unable to properly thank them."

"They have received your thanks," answered Clara, "this servant has made sure of it."

I only gave a faint, "Hm."

After my hair was brushed, I put on a blouse with lace sleeves that paired nicely with a pale blue skirt. I made my way out of my room and down to the Lavender Tea Room, where Mother was chatting quietly with a guest.

"Mother, Maerie has arrived~" I said cutely, dashing over to give my Mother a hug.

Mother laughed gently. "Oh dear, I suppose you have."

I grinned before casting a glance at the lady sitting across. Memories flickered faintly before my eyes as I slowly recognized her face.

"Maerie, you remember your Aunt Wynn, right?" Mother looked expectantly at me. I nodded my head at her before curtsying.

"Hello, Auntie Wynn. I hope you had a safe journey here," I greeted respectfully.

Aunt Wynn seemed pleasantly surprised by my attitude. "Eva, Maerie has seemed to grow so much! She's turning into a fine lady."

Mother seemed proud and stroked my hair. "Yes, she's maturing very fast."

I smile childishly at them, acting as if I don't know the meaning behind their words. Having seen an unruly niece these past ten years, it's no wonder Aunt Wynn immediately points out the difference in my behavior. However, I am not bothered. I too would have pointed it out.

"Mother, Maerie wants to go shopping." I clutched at the sleeves of my mother's dress.

She seemed slightly bewildered by my request. "Maerie, what do you want to shop for?"

I gave a sheepish smile. "Maerie thinks that she needs a new wardrobe since she's already a big girl. Going shopping with Mother and Auntie will help Maerie choose clothes faster."

Seeing that she got included, Aunt Wynn softly chuckled. "Does my precious niece want to go shopping with this old hag?"

"Auntie is so young, how can she be considered old? You and Mother have good taste; Maerie trusts you to help her with her outfits! Please come spend some time with Maerie~" I pleaded, looking between the two of them with earnest eyes.

Mother and Aunt Wynn look at each other with amusement before Mother finally appeased me.

"Okay, Maerie. Mother and Auntie will go shopping with you. However, wait a few days. You've just recovered. It would be unsafe for you to go out so soon."

I give a squeal and hug Mother. I rush over to the other side of the table and gave Aunt Wynn a look of anticipation. She sighed lightly before inviting me with her arms. I immediately dove into them and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, Mother and Auntie!" I chirped, turning and dashing back out the door.

•••

Aunt Wynn.

She's my Mother's older sister. Although they have a seven year age difference, they're no more closer than if they were born as twins. They truly care for one another.

In the beginning, I saw her as a nuisance. She would constantly get in the way of the boys and I, disciplining me in place of my Mother. In the first life, she had tried to get me to act properly even as I began to attend the academy. She had convinced my Mother to send me to her house, where she would force me to practice etiquette and social behaviors. I was vehemently against it to the very end.

Ironic that after the first year, when I understood the differences between me and the other nobles, I actively sought after her on my own.

To no surprise, she had given up on me and refused to see me. I didn't have the guts to beg anymore than what my pride would let me. That's when I started to learn on my own, through multiple trials and errors.

This time, Aunt Wynn is someone that I will regard highly. Instead of rejecting her offer, I will deliberately make that an option for me.

And I will take that opportunity.