Chapter 7

Siegmund hasn't sent a letter or made any contact. Though I think the fish I let slip was a big one, I believed a kiss was impossible. I think anything more would be even more impossible. It would be difficult to continue as a couple.

At the evening party, I am now free and considered quite beautiful, so men approach me to a certain extent. However, those who can't translate Loretta's language well leave dejectedly due to my sharp expressions.

"Do you have a taste for poetry, Miss Loretta?"

"How rude. Do you think I don't? (Translation: Of course I do.)"

"That sapphire necklace is lovely. It matches your eyes and suits you well."

"Of course it does. Is there a maiden who wears accessories that don't suit her? (Translation: I made sure to dress up nicely. Am I cute?)"

My habit of speaking condescendingly and rudely seems to be putting men off. It's not surprising that they think my character is twisted, no matter how beautiful I am. I can see the men backing away like ripples. I can see it, but this habit doesn't seem to be easily cured. I can become quite honest when I drink, but I want to avoid the scenario of being carried off while drunk. I've learned my lesson.

"You look in a good mood, Miss Loretta."

"If I look beautiful, then your eyes are blind."

Veronica was there. I'm feeling down because I couldn't accept the wonderful Siegmund, and I see all the men who gather around me quickly decide, "I should stay away from this young lady..." and hurriedly flee.

"Miss Loretta, you're so interesting and charming, yet the eyes of the world's men are blind. But wasn't it a waste that you didn't get to know Josephine and Adavan? They were rare gentlemen who could understand Loretta's language."

"I have no intention of selling myself cheaply. (Translation: I don't think just anyone will do as long as we can communicate.)"

"What about Siegmund?"

"..."

I knew there was no one better than Siegmund, so I couldn't say anything. Why did I find the kiss... unpleasant? I didn't with Alth. Just thinking about it makes me feel down. I thought Siegmund was wonderful, but when it came to it, I thought, "No way!"

"Hehe, Miss Loretta, you should be honest with your heart sooner."

"?"

We had a pleasant conversation. Veronica said she had a feeling she would soon receive a proposal from her intended. She seemed excited. She also mentioned that Alth was once again surrounded by young ladies.

Indeed, when I see Alth at the venue, he is surrounded by many young ladies. But he doesn't seem very happy... rather, he looks melancholic. Lady Harriet isn't with him today. He looks so melancholic, I wonder if he's feeling heartbroken because Lady Harriet isn't with him... thinking about it makes my chest ache.

"Is Alth still looking for that woman?"

Veronica asked.

"Recently, he doesn't seem to be looking. The fever seems to have cooled quickly."

My words came out a bit sarcastically. I didn't want him to keep searching obsessively, and it would be better for Alth to look elsewhere... but I'm a bit disappointed. It was Alth's first time, but it was mine too. The thought that it was so easily forgettable is complicated.

"Recently, haven't you and Alth been getting along well?"

Is that so? I feel that way too...

He often smiles at me and sometimes compliments me, saying, "You're cute." I no longer feel the thorns in Alth's gaze as I used to.

"Could it be that you've awakened to Loretta's language?"

"I don't know."

I turned my head away, and Veronica laughed. She must have noticed my joy.

It would be nice if Alth could understand Loretta's language properly and we could become 'close siblings.' It's a bittersweet wish I've had since childhood, to become close with Alth.

"You really do love Alth, don't you?"

"Please, stop saying things that could cause misunderstandings."

L-love... I do like him, but I don't want to cause rumors in society!

***

I returned home in the carriage with Alth as usual. Alth seems a bit dazed. He didn't even touch the tea I made, just staring at the cup.

"Are you not feeling well?"

"No, it's not that."

I asked out of concern, but it doesn't seem to be that. Alth took a sip of the tea as if remembering something.

"You were surrounded by so many beautiful young ladies today, yet you didn't smile and just sighed gloomily. Were you being rude? (Translation: Are you suffering so much that you're being rude?)"

"It's not that... love is complicated."

Alth smiled in a troubled way. My heart ached.

"Lady Harriet wasn't with you today. Did you lose her affection because of your indecisive attitude? (Translation: A man should take a bold step, I think.)"

If Alth is truly in love with Lady Harriet, I'll support him. I can only pray, but I've heard she's a wonderful person.

Alth smiled wryly.

"Lady Harriet is not that kind of person... I only sought her advice on matters of love."

"Love..."

I frowned.

Could it be that... I thought he had completely moved on, but perhaps Alth still can't forget the one-night stand at the masked ball. It's a memory that will stay with me forever, but Alth seemed to feel it was fate. I know it's wrong, but a part of me is a bit happy. I shouldn't feel this way.

"Alth, after being so rudely rejected, are you still clinging to the young lady from the masked ball? (Translation: Are you still hurt?)"

Did I plant a trauma in him? I want to say I'm sorry, but I can't... If Alth knew his virginity was taken by his hated sister, he would be hurt... But has he stopped hating me recently? If so, that's good? Wait, I'm getting confused.

Alth looked terribly troubled.

"No... I am still clinging to her... To be honest, there are many young ladies who throw themselves at me when I'm drunk. I only tried to comfort the one who reminded me of my sister. When I saw her acting cute and clinging to me, I thought, 'If my sister acted like this...' and got excited. Holding her, I imagined my sister in my arms, and it was very arousing... At first, I was filled with a sense of fulfillment, thinking she must be my destined woman, but then I realized I might have just used her as a substitute... If the real her appeared before me, I would have been overwhelmed by guilt."

Alth smiled in a troubled way.

"Once I realized, my longing for my sister grew... When I saw her about to be kissed by Siegmund, I lost control out of jealousy and kissed her forcefully... Seeing her cry and reject the kiss, I felt terrible and fell into self-loathing."

"Alth, you're a pervert for having lustful feelings for your sister. (Translation: I'm confused if you suddenly see me as a sexual object.)"

"Do you despise me? Do you find me disgusting? It seems I can't help but love my sister."

"..."

Well, I do like Alth quite a bit, and after we got physically intimate while drunk, I thought, "What if I got pregnant?" but I never felt any disgust. I like him, but... I thought he hated me, so I unconsciously put up defenses and tried not to see him as that kind of object.

"Hey, sister. Will you choose me? I won't touch anyone else. I swear it will only be you. I love you. Your kindness, your stubbornness, your cuteness, your sweet voice. Please become mine."

Alth's moist eyes looked at me. My heart raced. The box I had sealed in my heart opened. My heart was filled with a whirlwind of love for Alth.

"No."

When I said it bluntly, Alth's face darkened.

"Be mine? Who do you think you are? You be mine! For life! If you ever look at anyone else, I'll never forgive you. (Translation: Love me forever. I don't want you to cheat.)"

Alth's face brightened immediately. He nodded repeatedly, and I could almost see a tail wagging.

"But, sister... I have one request to remove my obsession."

"What is it?"

"Sister, can you lift your skirt and spread your legs for me?"

I'll leave it to your imagination how Alth reacts when he finds the mark that identifies me as the masked woman.

---

End of main story. There is also a bonus chapter.

The bonus chapter is quite long.

It's almost part of the main story, and you won't see the full picture of this story without reading the bonus. Please read the bonus as well.