Former Assassin – 3

The dog I stabbed with a cake knife was saved thanks to Amaryllis’ order to take care of it.

 

One of the reasons why the dog survived was because the cake knife had a blunt tip. Moreover, because my strength was that of a child, the blade didn’t pierce its heart.

 

How strange…

 

Aware that the cake knife alone wasn’t enough, I used all my weight to stab the dog.

 

Apparently, I’d overestimated the strength and weight of a child.

 

Knowing well how she’d react, it’d be better if I didn’t mention that to Amaryllis. 

 

It seems that the daughter of a noble has to be ladylike.

 

Lately, the maids seemed to be avoiding me. 

 

…I was just acting in self-defence.

 

This world is difficult for me to live in.

 

“E-excuse me…”

 

The person who timidly called out to me was the girl who’d sneaked into the garden with her dog.

 

She was wearing the dress Amaryllis bought for her.

 

Brown hair and brown eyes. To me, she seemed plain, but others might think of her as cute. Her name was Rosemary.

 

She was an orphan, and she just happened to pick up that dog. Ever since then, the two lived together as if they were family.

 

The dog’s name was Bruce.

 

Isn’t it crazy to take care of a dog when you’re struggling to fend for yourself?

 

Afterwards, Rosemary was adopted by the Violet family. Amaryllis felt pity for her, an orphan. 

 

When I saw that, I concluded that people with riches and wealth tend to easily help others.

 

My former self had no such luxury, so I couldn’t be bothered with anyone else. 

 

“Nice to meet you. I’ll be in your care from now on, Older Sister.”

 

“Nice to meet you, too.”

 

The maids were watching our exchange with unease.

 

After the incident with Bruce, they seemed to think that I’d stab someone whenever I was the slightest bit annoyed. As a result, everyone was jumpy.

 

I had planned what I should do when Rosemary approached me.

 

I decided that a friendly smile would be a good starter, so I did just that.

 

The result? A huge success.

 

Rosemary, who seemed anxious and about to cry, laughed merrily at my words.

 

The maids also took a breath of relief.

 

I should slowly learn how to act like a normal person. That way, my life will be a bit easier.

 

◇◇◇

 

When aristocratic children became 6 years old, a tea party would be held to serve as a rehearsal for their debut in society.

 

 

 

Rosemary and I also learned about the appropriate manners and customs. 

 

Studying isn’t difficult.

 

I can easily learn anything that I deem necessary for survival.

 

“Lady Serena sure is talented! She absorbed everything I taught her like a sponge!”

 

My tutor smiled and patted my head—

 

—Whoops.

 

At the sudden, abrupt touch, I almost drew my hidden dagger and chopped off her hand.

 

My body had reacted instinctively because I’d once lived in a place where I couldn’t live otherwise.

 

But it’s different here.

 

I have to get used to it.

 

—To a life without bloodshed.