Chapter 22

Such a crazy thing could 5d76b77bec only be done by Emma.f6a0fa549b116e8e

“Gasp.”f6e3f27e4b423572

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I stood frozen, more 933eea59aa astonished than Edwin, the 54190c7dcb person in question.829cc88e663477a7

Edwin was the sole e3d6d12aa1 heir of the Duke.3ac2ef29b44e1120

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It was unthinkable 8e11b2204a for a mere 6daef652e6 servant to implore 1d1c53cbab the Duke so 5936b1a33e rudely, even leaving 6372589094 aside the issue 15af461044 of noble etiquette.f4b7af8f9dc0bd25

No, putting all that aside.20f3e1b364fd4f50

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘How dare she…!’2819ea17fef56572

A spark flashed before 3aad1867f0 my eyes.b0bc10aea4191794

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As anger surged 4f97d7f872 even more than 05dafc34d6 when I was e05b6fd79e pushed and fell.13432a0198cf8e3e

At the moment, I wanted 2643b25e5b to rush out and scratch 1114bc2b1e and pinch the woman.0bc507e8eb203da9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“What are you doing?”4c3556944962a2b2

Edwin, who was staring 91dd71557c at his rejected hand, 5f170be7c3 tilted his head and 931a5c310a asked.40264637b8e45e0c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Emma grumbled with a 8d223c3363 torn voice.dc0b56e5d9b40e91

“What exactly are you doing, Young master?”8c09f5e976e084bb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What did I do?”597fdd989a12545a

“Do you already forget who’s responsible for Young master Joshua’s injury?!”953725950df2bf7d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Stop it, Emma!”93b22da6ebc26dc1

Joshua, looking helpless, tried to 731a1a36c9 restrain Emma.ab6211624dcbfc24

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

However, neither of them paid 84a541c1db any attention.1b94e9389216e695

“Are you blaming me for Joshua stumbling and falling alone in the woods?”7938050e9474d40f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yes! He’s your brother! If you really had to take your sick brother out, you should have paid more attention!”7378d0f98aa3fd57

“…Ha.”50f65273fa08c64f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Since then, you haven’t even apologized, and you shamelessly come here as if nothing happened…!”77bd7e2747f23d77

“Ah―!”19d1a8e9d3e3c70a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

At that moment,2a23037fc4a7123e

Amidst the fierce exchange of words between the two, the sound of a child’s crying echoed.3b15f445c5936dfb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“D-Don’t fight with my b-brother! I h-hate Emma! Waaaah!”fe5842b016629e59

“Enough, young master! Please don’t cry, our little master. It’s all this maid’s fault.”b9dd5f072103fd11

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Go away! I don’t want to see the maid’s face! Waaaah, I hate you!”95b8e819ebfb718a

In response to Joshua’s outburst, Emma seemed at a loss.c299979f22d94ac7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’ll, I’ll leave! I’ll go out, young master! So please, don’t cry. Cheer up, okay?”ee3fbf4012bcaa3d

Unlike when dealing with 09a592d130 Edwin, Emma hurriedly stepped b6a2ca7597 away.d82aa5c92c3051c8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But even so, she 735a01eecc did not leave Edwin a497baadb6 alone.b6b575af135e225f

“Please leave as well, Young Master.”2da542f80ce9fb5c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Why should I?”96c0f096f7e51694

“Isn’t it almost time for your swordsmanship lesson?”9190b4cf073cfecc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“There’s still 10 minutes left.”397e0e6ebd12819d

“You should prepare for the lesson in advance. If you keep doing this, I’ll have to report it to Sir Sven!”2260f3ad52b4df12

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

In a threatening tone, c60ae265de Edwin furrowed his brows.6caf095d233de63a

“Ha.”90f9d266c61453aa

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Then, with a 28dbae87a0 short sigh, he 2cd8e94334 turned away.ea36d9e32a8e5638

“Br-brother…”14861aed7d8694ab

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Though Joshua called 8e4e15edf3 him pitifully, Edwin a1be87ff07 did not look 87f3a85748 back.f2c393ac23e0e9e8

Thud—3425d1eab2c59186

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Finally, the two left, and 04fd5eca5d the door closed.eda051711aecbdc4

And all that 0aca607e86 remained was me.f053c83213eb4f3b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“This is annoying.”4a897ed7d02c9679

The only one with 2b665422ea a dry expression asking c87a8bd424 when I cried was 7c363c0383 Joshua.3e43e2f1ce1a7007

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I was dumbfounded for a moment at Joshua’s changed expression.a7800690567b5e5f

‘Was it a fake cry?’a2ed29c275fb2c64

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As expected, it was unusual.26e81e360eae2de9

‘I shouldn’t find it funny.’d070bd3d7a4ad4a1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

While making such a a2468f07eb resolution, Joshua sighed deeply.c9bed78db3c9a50c

“Why is Emma constantly pleading with my brother in such a miserable manner? Joshua doesn’t seem to mind at all…”d4d6b25cd505e5f2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Does Emma behave that way to Young Master even when there isn’t a special occasion?”aa3b8a82f2988d91

“No. It wasn’t like that before, but it started after Joshua hurt his knee…”02c66f5f6348c9e7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Joshua added with a 573db66d44 melancholy expression.43b7a2aad607de3f

“Brother went along with me because I begged him uncontrollably.”a0446057d9e791ee

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘I had no idea.’ff1eb83bde2347f7

When I was adopted into the Duke’s estate, Emma had already taken control of all the servants. Moreover, Edwin was so busy juggling his succession lessons and academy studies that there was no chance to encounter Emma.d277ef7fda3c74d7

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The original work, narrated from Diana’s perspective, was no exception.02d757225cf04959

‘If I were Edwin, I would have immediately expelled the nanny taking care of my sick brother.’ca6c2bed165a51da

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Edwin, kind and gentle, seemed 6e993c0257 reluctant to drive away the ed0d1cf945 nanny for his ailing brother.fc98895d825a3dc1

‘Indeed, rescuing someone like me led to such an outcome.’5224fbd9da4d2dae

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As I recalled Edwin’s last moments in my past life, my mood sank deeply.bd5103a8b617577c

I clenched my fists 44daae4a5b and made a vow.9c8feff22f7fd28a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘No one will lay a hand on Edwin recklessly.’9e423b156b7a1f12

I needed to 5bf656eb5b quickly devise a 3d2f4a0f5a plan for what 06137e1eea to do next.2f3735c0f45579a5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I turned to hurry 8465ca14b5 back to my room.2bfd34798942675a

“Hmm?”c8cfcff5a230be34

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

However, for some reason, my body wouldn’t move forward.5142365e48b63464

Glancing back, I saw c775f8c130 the hem of my 09da474acd dress tightly held.630cdf9f3abba451

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Joshua opened his eyes and mumbled, “Where are you going?”0ccb8acd95b25ab1

“Hmm? To my room.”e4de331997fd80ad

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s all over. Are you saying you’ve 9d882748d2 finished chatting now?”0c52f0757b34c19c

‘Since when did he learn to talk like that?’831d0c41f23f4dff

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I was taken aback for a moment, then answered, “Well, yes. Anyway…”3b6d705f3951f5be

“Hmph! I haven’t finished.”868ef0f2b47edfb5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Joshua cheekily added, “Chase me around.”272e939f7f038773

“Playing tag?”bfb767d15a7e2bfc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Is that not the same as that and that?!”7082dc0f09015753

Joshua got irritated with my 8f673eb94d response.c565c0ba6e1822ce

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Despite that, his grip on the hem of my dress didn’t loosen.d5110dd8660721af

Seeing him like this, I couldn’t help but let out a stifled laugh.5b74b91c53d899dc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Umm…”854c025a425690c7

“I hesitated for a moment. While I wanted to come up with a plan to revenge Emma Casten immediately, it seemed okay to investigate Joshua, who didn’t even appear in the original.75c0e638d86ab25f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

After contemplating, I 3a74eec4c8 set one condition.4de0fe8487bc3406

“If you don’t call me ‘sister’ again, you’ll get a scolding!”6f5d2ed5ee9b493d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Okay! Bellche nuna!”32e2f6a021dc7c7f

Joshua agreed and started calling me ‘nuna’ again.0082941af71fe343

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I looked at Josh 06a98c4e24 with a bit of 37c19048d6 guilt.9af4884171960283

‘When he grows up, this will be his embarrassing past.’1910ac2db37ad7ae

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

* * *c0f906f31cbbc869

“Look! This is the Elgion Mountain Diamond!”23c3ef6495da3f0f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Wow, it’s beautiful.”d8783b35c85c8051

“This is the emerald I got from our deep mine!”4a715d42d896bf27

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Wow, amazing.”9b203ef053f75c7c

“And this is…”e60b558e26f0fd17

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Wow. It’s the best, Master.”d6ff6a50c06a3932

“Hey!”46fecfc555a32919

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Suddenly, Joshua, who was c605c88cab showing a ring with bd7b9a6760 a topaz, shouted.46e26c69e907f54c

“Are you a girl or what?!”594bd910a5059f1c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Ugh! That’s right!”d57376a3c55fea10

“What’s wrong with the string?”7e3f07b09ea1aa39

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jingling!9d7399d7da16b866

Accessories hanging on Joshua’s body made a clear sound and sparkled as they moved.136cc9bbc4026c27

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I couldn’t help but wonder.a06584ea3ec76efd

‘Who exactly is the girl here….’015c30afbbc109d8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Starting from a tiara, necklace, bracelet, to a ring…2c893b463e1f538b

Joshua, adorned with various jewels, b3b2efcd5d looked like a short-haired princess dcfab80d19 of a wealthy country.eb9fee8798285f41

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

And here I was, playing the role of a maid clapping hands for an hour, admiring the princess’s beauty.fe437e201877a366

‘How did it come to this….’83c91f190be6d911

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Let’s play prince!”aa61450e54ed7b29

When Joshua shouted 4807e5bd90 like that, I 0b77df19b9 thought it was a7e490280a just playing house.f109a722f1b1118e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

But then, he a07ab75835 unexpectedly crawled under f048740039 the bed and 335805174f pulled out a 72f2d93840 quite large box.c22a15b5925c43ed

Taking out various splendid accessories from the box and proudly putting them on his body was the so-called ‘prince play.’48f4ab072334fe62

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Indeed, out of the ordinary.’488c794a8a71f891

The glamorous box with 7cc18fa467 a mirror on the 47c7105113 lid turned out to 0f3283034c be a genuine jewelry f440b4312b box.3e05c5e77decdc4f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Who on earth gave this to a 5-year-old boy?’6d392486ba106bff

Perhaps my reaction was 1e2771cd04 a bit disappointing.7d52acba194b93d0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Do you hate jewelry?”ace0c4718e6d5f04

Joshua asked awkwardly. I shrugged my shoulders in 3d833f9e7f response.34dc0e844c953f6f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Well… to be honest, I don’t know much about jewelry.”e5d6e19d5b236cc3

“Diamonds, don’t you know?”5fdcc399a4a4b75f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah, I don’t know.”dfa9cdb6d0f6360b

“Not knowing diamonds….”5a66c8e30c7a8bf5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

In response to 1b43e7e749 my answer, Joshua 95600e8e79 grumbled with a d4eda5dc88 shocked expression.a90dcde21b89efa4

“Ignore it.”4483239f95e46514

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘This guy.’54ab85cac3bd64b4

I was annoyed 02c6bf6132 but held back.3da449679e415db1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

After all, I’m just a commoner orphan, so not knowing something doesn’t go against the setting.96c869513159741e

Of course, I knew cf065801e2 what a diamond was!7ca79413532d2b73

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Emeralds, topazes…ebf36d2e74549ceb

But when it came b76f82b3b7 to jewelry, I only c1b055926d had unpleasant memories.9e53e8f58eb344bf

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Ta-da! Look at this, Belze! The Duke went to 88dd312262 an auction and bought 082d34d5fe it because he thought 81d4e490c9 of me!’60d186476d26e467

‘Did the lady steal it? How can she ed86e7d74f be so vulgar 574e5b5561 in everything she bb8c6bc781 does, even as 813dd5a1fb a commoner!’73f24009e57fe7ee

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Voices from the past that 77f62546b8 I overheard one day echoed b7fc71bb05 in my ears.3c39719690866f93

“Huh…?”1f2cda0785ede42d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

At that moment, something 7603889968 caught my eye inside 94ee83ad82 the jewelry box.fd3b3d3a83585456

Among many rings, one 39a85a803d sparkled particularly.d84b040cc2b45dc7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A large ring e981d74cc4 with a sapphire e6ebc28036 embedded in it.f50854748711264d

“This is…”8ef7723825164ecd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Sapphire! Is this Arha?”b04df73927b8c774

Joshua, who easily recognized 75b2d2ca7f what I was looking 2b84197fc6 at, pulled it out.6ff55f0ef8be2b84

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

There was no way he wouldn’t know.3c2d38ae390d960c

“It was found in Miss Belze’s room, my lord!”2779e7a9f6114f7e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“The heirloom of the late Duchess that Master Joshua used to have…!”0591a4e492bd7cec

Because it was a ring 2e48319a9c known to have been stolen 83933cd447 by me in a past a9f7ac4396 life.86501933426adc80

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Joshua, having put 00d13268f4 it on my 1c962be817 most plump thumb, 1f2f9dc05b showed it to 1f412fc0e1 me.01db761c6aeb22b1

Even though it was 18ed5e0b7c worn on the sturdiest 4c1c797fda thumb, the ring still c8e7891861 spun loosely.cd5bb98837820a24

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Isn’t it pretty?”ace293bb31f30038

“……Yeah.”7b0b516024c9d2e7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I obediently nodded, 3cc439a33a and then Joshua 6bd2e634f2 asked abruptly.5e20e9d6d2089051

“Do you want it? Should I give it to you?”c90ae009dc31daea

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“No.”fa9cda43c2bb0f8e

“Why not?”449e473787ec0ae4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Perhaps not expecting a refusal, 0b95173a2a Joshua widened his eyes in 13f22d7836 surprise.5222a44ae0e1f3a7

“When the maid sisters see my treasure box, they always ask for just one….”42f0ce1456bfce03

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“So you give it to them?”aca06cd28b1d86ba

“Yeah!”fa1d8497e67f63fc

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“How are those maid sisters doing?”c73650a42f4e249e

“They all have to hurry back home because their fathers are waiting!”1e0eb6a58c99e754

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

At Joshua’s cheerful proclamation, a cold sweat broke out on my spine.28017bd04e07f525

If I hadn’t regressed, I might have received a scolding and returned to the temple as well.0d93a7defbeae73a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Knowing what I knew now, Joshua’s treasure box felt a bit ominous.88a7d0d8174e4649

“That… is it from the Duchess?”d647623813c5a5eb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah! It’s Josh’s mom’s! How did you know?”adf665c679aaf082

“I saw the painting on the second floor.”c9d199dcd37ade5b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Oh! Mom’s painting?”b7c156fc44edbc15

The portrait of the Duchess 13dd8285f6 hanging in the second-floor lobby 4979c5b184 also depicted a sapphire ring.72d1268d1fcc8d90

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I only learned about 92ea4e9a83 it after being accused e908a93e0b of being a ring b5fa6d0033 thief.4201fe30b9bdd188

To commemorate their c76ef9151a first wedding anniversary, 9ce0f41205 the Marquis had 14b76f5b91 gone to a 36a25a0df0 distant country to c95fe21028 fetch a very b6de44d93a expensive ring.024de9cb456bf2d7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The marchioness had 3573601b33 cherished the ring cf5d861102 so much that 1db3352b24 she wore it 52e88bf2a8 instead of her b84b917f04 wedding ring while 79ab40d8a1 she was alive.dba120277963aaf1

“Be careful with that.”185a2e2d4e14084d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I cautiously advised Joshua, 3f37987bfa who was genuinely innocent.a250b4d7571efed1

“Don’t give something like this casually to others.”3105afd82423f8a5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Why?”9d6ab467809d5b10

“Because you’re going to have to take it out later when you’re upset with your mom.”a3bf8b2d936b9daa

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh, uh….”0cd444dd69b21ee3

Joshua’s eyes widened at my words.2e2afd3685ee8762

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It seemed like 6d6adf37d3 there was no 16640a0fde one else who 53c4487a94 had given him 3431f7478c such advice.9f48ad82b027ff67

“Oh, I see….”613b6bbbfbeefbcc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Joshua, who seemed 2f2174399c to be deeply 6d9e34561a pondering, soon mumbled ddf82f75ea with a disappointed 6e08015790 expression.7e519f610a1b930c

“Since everything is Josh’s, do as you please. If you really want to give it to someone, you can… when you have someone you want to give it to.”ef41a299eb655b05

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s right.”48b6372fdf80fd5a

Because that way, he could adaea3ec66 claim ownership of the ring.d8111b1b1e56a175

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I responded with 662bbceec6 a cold sneer.3bede517bbbe9ce8

After Joshua’s death, Emma Casten openly claimed that the Duke had given her this ring.4caab09e111c3364

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The servants, naturally, murmured their fab4f39b4e dissatisfaction to Emma.28d6db987aad4737

Having gained control inside 86d9059632 the mansion, she constantly 48192ec580 harassed me.8e4ed669ddfc9f13

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

When I, fed up 19f020bbeb with the situation, threatened 02753250d6 to expose the truth a6184dfb98 to the Duke, she 7172e736bb had a maid bring de2e4ad96b me into my room 1edb441671 and framed me as 35ba2a979e a thief.b061067ae0f80261

‘Damn it.’63ed5d745174d2a5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Even thinking about 21b94fa948 it now made 0a59e37428 my teeth chatter.60fc8a29402903cd

“But hey, Sister.”8976f07ce9bb7870

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As I shivered, Joshua suddenly 0c5118dc54 called me.96dff3813644b938

“Does brother not want to see Mom?”a617ea47af72f41d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Edwin? Why is Edwin suddenly brought up?”a4cc4d6cae7f7bf4

“Uh, well… actually, all of this belongs to Mom.”2e960626d1d3ae99

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Joshua shyly confessed.f83d37ea2a3cf210

‘This all belongs to the Duchess.’227b8d3b299a6bd4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Now I understood why a 29ea3e53d6 seemingly normal boy had so b762621ba1 many accessories.4a5683a45b3cfe44

‘…Sorry, Josh.’64c47121a24207ae

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Feeling guilty for b671584308 judging him strangely 5915380ae0 for a moment, 759a8d1d28 I apologized silently.a6f9aa11e2370c8e

“But brother, while Josh is pestering Dad for these, he never asks for anything else and always gives in! Our brother is really nice!”7274d8e2f8ebfbcd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

That was obvious.af79387c05639ec8

A healthy boy wouldn’t play with adult women’s accessories.140ca2f2ee800a98

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘Sorry, Josh.’38f3fe9d330f6d64

I apologized once again.6c8a52d243236459

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Brother probably wants to see Mom too, right?”fb607ffb155c0ac3

“…Yeah, probably.”5c53b2d54a652940

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Then, will brother take this?”c530069199ee25cc

Joshua, with the sapphire c66de99749 ring on his thumb, 032596d696 flashed a smile and 0af57100e6 said.cd7f7470b2679d35

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

At that moment, a good 7f10cb4f39 idea flashed through my mind.2e77b64ac90dc5b9