The Incompetent Noblewoman Marries the 'Devil of the Far East' as a Substitute Bride—Told by Her Parents to 'Die in Place of Your Sister,' She Left the House, but Her New Family Turned Out to Be Wonderful and She's Happy - Episode 1.9
When I got out of the bath, the people in black suits dried my body with a towel.
When I said I could do it myself, Akino Akino-san told me, “Please don’t take my job.”
It seems that taking care of my (the head’s wife’s) personal needs is also part of the black-clad staff’s duties.
Since I felt bad about taking the job, I decided to surrender myself.
“Miss, how shall we style your hair?”
Sitting in front of the washbasin, Akino Akino-san, who is standing behind me, asks me.
“If your hair is too long and getting in the way, I would be honored to give you a haircut, if you don’t mind.”
Indeed, my hair is unnecessarily long.
Especially the bangs. They’re completely covering my eyes.
If you are going to cut it, I was about to say, “Please do.”
What came to mind was Lord Satoru’s smile.
“Lord Satoru… um… do you prefer long hair? Or short hair?”
Akino Akino-san slightly relaxes her lips.
“Are you curious about it?”
“Y-yes. I’m… concerned…”
From now on, I will be by Satoru-sama’s side for a long time.
I thought it would be better if it wasn’t too unsightly, even just a little.
“A girl in love… indeed!”
“Wha…?! How could someone like me have feelings for Lord Satoru?! It’s too much to bear…!”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to deny your feelings.”
Akino Shuno seems to be having a lot of fun.
But… such… love… such…
I just met Satoru-sama…
Mr. Sato is kind even to a woman without any magical power like me.
He’s such a wonderful man, and that’s exactly why someone like me doesn’t match up…
“Well… I think Satoru-sama prefers it long.”
“Ah, um, then… the longer one.”
“Understood. That said, I’ll go ahead and cut your bangs.”
Ms. Akino Ake
“Your hair is truly beautiful. It’s almost a shame to cut it.”
“I’m, I’m sorry… for having you cut it for me…”
“It’s fine, it’s actually an honor! I get to style the hair of the future head of the Ichijo family!”
parents.
That’s right.
“Ms. Akino Akino, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course! Please feel free to ask me anything!”
“Well then… I would like to inquire about your mother and father, Satoru-sama.”
With a sudden stop, Akino Shuno-san halts her hand.
I look at her reflection in the mirror.
Because the face is hidden by the cloth, the expression cannot be discerned.
However, it felt like her demeanor had completely changed from just a moment ago.
“Why are you asking about Mr. Satoru’s parents?”
Akino Akino’s voice tone is low.
Could it be… that I made you angry?
“I’m sorry for saying something that might have offended you!”
“Oh, no! It’s fine. I’m not angry at all!”
Akino Akino-san says in a flustered tone.
“Both of them, already… are not here.”
“Not here…?”
“Yes. Mother… [Mori Sumi] has passed away.”
“!? So… that’s how it was.”
I can’t believe I asked something so lacking in delicacy.
“It’s only natural that you don’t know. After all, you came here from a foreign country.”
Let’s make sure to listen carefully.
The home environment of the person you will be living with from now on.
“Your mother is called Sumi, isn’t she?”
“Yes. She was a very beautiful person. And she was a kind person. Not only to Mr. Satoru, but to us servants as well… specially. She treated us like family.”
Peeking slightly from behind the cloth, Akino Akino’s mouth was smiling.
I must have liked Sumi-sama.
“Mr. Sumi has passed away, and as the next head of the family, Mr. Satoru has succeeded the Ichijo family.”
“huh?”
That’s strange. Absolutely strange.
“Um…”
“I’m very sorry, Lady Rei.”
As if to interrupt my words, Akino-san speaks.
“In this mansion, I strongly recommend that you do not bring up the topic of [Ichijo Ietsugu]…”
“Lord Ietsugu…?”
The fact that the Ichijo family name is attached means…
Could it be… Lord Satoru’s father…?
Akeno-san is giving off an atmosphere that says I shouldn’t ask.
The topic of father is a taboo in this house… I wonder.
“The name Ichijo Ietsugu is taboo in this household. Especially… in front of Lord Satoru, you must never speak it.”
Anyway, for now, let’s not talk about your esteemed father, Lord Yetsugu.
I don’t want to make that person, who is being so kind to someone like me, feel uncomfortable.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“No, not at all. By the way, while we were chatting, your haircut is done.”
Suddenly, Akino Akino steps aside from in front of me.
“Huh? Huh?!”
Looking at the reflection of myself in the mirror… I couldn’t help but let out an indecent scream.
Knock knock.
“Akino, I’m coming in.”
“Ah, yes! Please, Sato-sama!”
Huh, S-Satoru-sama is coming in?
“I was worried because you took so long to come back from the bath… What’s wrong, Rei?”
Using Akino Akino as a shield, I hide from Satoru-sama.
“B-but… I can’t possibly show myself like this…”
“What does this mean?”
Ms. Akino Akino answered, “I had my hair cut.”
“Ho, let’s see. Show me.”
“I-I don’t want to…”
“Just come on, look!”
Satoru-sama looked at me through Akino Akino-san.
His red eyes widen round.
The person reflected there… was a different person.
Long, deep indigo hair, beautifully styled.
Her cheeks are lightly powdered, and her lips are adorned with rouge.
And what I’m wearing is a kimono, which everyone in the Far East wears.
Wrapped in a kimono dyed in indigo, with my hair cut and makeup done, I look like a completely different person.
“I apologize for wearing such expensive clothes when I’m just a nobody!”
“Someone like me, all dressed up and getting carried away… I’m sorry!”
“Um…? Lord Satoru…?”
Lift your head.
Satoru-sama’s face…
I wonder why, my cheeks… were flushed.
“Uh… sorry. It’s just that, um… well… never mind.”
Satoru-sama turned on his heel and left the room.
“Did I do something wrong? Hey, Akino Shuno-san?”
She was frozen with her mouth wide open.
W-what could be wrong…?
“I was super surprised! Hey! Don’t you all think so too!?”
Yeah, yeah, yeah! The people in black suits are nodding.
“Did I do something…?”
Then, Akino-san says.
“The young lady has stolen something very important from Mr. Satoru.”
“Stealing!?”
“Y-yes… Satoru-sama’s heart!”
Yes?
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