However, among the nobility, only one body, that of Ariella Bedford, could not be found, no matter how much the ruins were searched. Thus, the Duke of Bedford did not give up and searched for his daughter for years.
Finally, seven years later, she was discovered at the Marylebone Poorhouse, where she had been thought dead. It was a story worthy of a novel.
“Wow, it was true! The Marylebone Poorhouse, known to be even harsher than the Tolkan slums where I lived… You must have had a hard time, my lady.”
“It’s okay. There was nothing to worry about. I had good people by my side.”
Ariella intended to share a bit more about her benefactor. That someone who resembled you saved and raised me, allowing me to live like this.
However, she couldn’t bring herself to speak. For some reason, Lizzy’s expression had darkened. As if she had heard something very unpleasant.
Just as Ariella was about to express her confusion, Lizzy quickly continued her questioning as if nothing had happened.
“By the way, how did the duke recognize you and bring you back? You were separated at five, and your face must have changed quite a bit after living in the poorhouse.”
Ariella’s long eyelashes quietly fluttered.
This part was not known to the public. Very few, aside from a few close aides, were aware of it.
‘Is it okay to tell this child?’
The original Ariella would never have opened her mouth.
However, a moment of carelessness and the grace she had received from her benefactor broke down her defenses.
“Because of the scar.”
“Oh, the scar…!”
Lizzy’s gaze shamelessly dropped down. It was towards Ariella’s thigh.
The lady Lizzy served was so conservative that she was very reluctant to show even her bare skin to her maids. She refused help with bathing and changing clothes.
Curious about the reason, Lizzy had seized the opportunity to glance at her lady’s body on the day of the dress fitting. And she discovered it. A rose-shaped scar that was utterly unbefitting of a noble lady.
The scar was said to have been caused by a maid’s mistake when Ariella was two years old. Hot soup splashed onto the child’s thigh, leaving a burn.
Ariella, who couldn’t recall most of her memories before the incident, didn’t remember this story, but it allowed the Duke of Bedford to find his daughter.
A girl of the same age with bright blonde hair and violet eyes was rare, but there were others like Lizzy. However, among them, Ariella was the only one with the same scar.
“Wow… what a story worthy of a novel. How romantic! You must be so happy, my lady, to be the protagonist of such a tale!”
“If you say so, then I suppose it is.”
As Lizzy fussed, Ariella murmured in a low voice, her demeanor indifferent as if it were none of her business.
The conversation came to a halt when Ariella’s music teacher arrived.
However, even after that, whenever they were alone, Lizzy would often throw out bold questions.
Did she really have no memories before the age of five? What exactly caused the scar? What kind of child was Ariella before the accident…?
Ariella usually kept her words to a minimum, but occasionally, she would reluctantly provide short answers. Among them were stories she had never shared with anyone else.
“I have a faint memory of my mother sitting me on her lap and playing the piano. It’s really hazy, but sometimes it comes to mind. This is a story just for you.”
“Really? Why not tell the Duke…?”
“Just because it’s such a blurry memory.”
At Ariella’s words, Lizzy showed an expression of deep emotion. It seemed she was immensely happy to have been entrusted with such a secret. It made her feel special.
From then on, Lizzy truly devoted herself to serving Ariella. She followed her wherever she went, even giving up her own time off when Ariella was unwell.
Grateful for her kindness, Ariella took good care of Lizzy in return. She shared high-quality snacks, secretly gave her pocket money, and allowed her to use her free time as she pleased.
Sometimes, she would slyly gift her jewelry that she didn’t often wear.
“It suits you much better.”
“Thank you, Miss!”
Whenever Lizzy would say, “There’s only you, Miss,” and leap into her arms, a small smile would spread across Ariella’s face.
‘If I had a sister, this must be how it would feel.’
Though they were the same age, Ariella regarded Lizzy as her younger sister.
Thus, even as Lizzy’s appearance gradually began to resemble her own, with her bright blonde hair flowing and her fair skin exuding a scent of her own, Ariella simply found her adorable, like a younger sister imitating her older sibling.
