บท 59: Conditions

"I wanted to ask what it is like in your previous world... In a world where there isn't magic, but only machinations, was it a peaceful place? Does the concept of nobility exist? Do gods also exist? I would like to know, Ellen... However, I am not so insensitive as to ask my daughter about her previous life that made her suffer a lot." The Count's smile was a little sad as if he understood that the reason she came clean was that she didn't want to hide anymore and that hiding would only cause her to live a much more difficult life.

Ellendise took a deep breath. She indeed suffered a lot in her first life.

"Father... everyone suffers. I am not unique. But I am happy because you are very open-minded. I half expected that you would condemn me or send me to the Temple to be executed."

"What?" The Count looked horrified by what she said. He shook his head, looking pale and confused.

"Ellen, what made you think... No, no, no. I wouldn't. Although I allowed Agnus access to you, the Temple is another thing. Whether you have memories of your past or not, you are still my and Debora's child."

Ellendise was taken aback after hearing this. The only reason she expected that was because she thought of the novel where the original villainess, Ellendise, was condemned by the Count when Countess Debora died.

Although life was better now and the Count was tender and kind to her, who could say the same in the future? This was still a world based on a novel. There could have been a butterfly effect or some kind of alterations but the original characters would still be the same.

"I see. Then forgive me for completely misunderstanding you, Father." Ellendise said in a mild manner.

"It's... fine. I suppose it can't be helped. You must have been scared."

"Scared? Father, I am actually angry."

"You don't look angry."

"I was taught not to be angry by my instructors. A noble lady doesn't get angry."

"Do you.. really believe that?" The Count said, looking at her with an expression that said he didn't believe her, not one bit.

Ellendise then began to laugh. "Oh, Father. You know me so well. Yes, I am angry but now... not as much as before. I can only blame my own incompetence for not hiding well."

"How... how old are you, Ellen?" The Count seemed very reluctant to ask this but he also was curious enough to know.

Ellendise smiled.

"Take a guess, Father."

"I do not wish to guess the age of my own daughter. On second thought, don't tell me. You are my ten-year-old daughter, Ellen. It is better for me to think like that." The Count said, looking quite nervous but Ellendise was not going to humor him this time.

"I was 28 years old when I died, Father. This would make me 38."

The Count stiffened then he closed his eyes and covered his ears.

"No. I did not hear anything!"

Ellendise felt amused seeing the Count like this. "Father, although I am mentally older than I appear, I am still your daughter, right? And your daughter wishes that you grant her permission to become independent once she reaches adulthood. This is in lieu of your transgressions for allowing a male body to gain access to her bedroom chamber and for risking her life, safety, and chastity."

Ellendise twirled a lock of her hair. "Although I was an adult when I died, I never got to marry. So in this life, I wish to experience these normal things. For that to happen, I must remain chaste since the people in this world are rather traditional."

"Was the customs of your previous world different from the people of this world, Ellen...? Ah, forgive me. I said I wouldn't ask.."

"It is fine, Father. The customs are not that different but the place I came from was a place where people are liberated and much more open-minded. Women can be leaders. They can have jobs and own their properties. Additionally, inheritance is decided solely by a person's capabilities, not by their birthright."

"That... sounds like a wonderful place." The Count said, smiling slightly. "If inheritance can be decided solely by one's skills, then maybe Rufus would have.."

The Count didn't continue. He looked at her with a soft and apologetic gaze. "If you had been born in another family, you would have suffered more but I am glad you were born as my daughter. In this way, I can do something to protect you."

"Ellen," The Count said in a firm tone.

"Yes. As head of Vitron County, I grant you permission to become independent once you complete your coming of age ceremony. However, you must accept my conditions for this to happen."

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