Chapter 155: Does That Mean? Yes.

Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Does That Mean? Yes.

Chapter 155: Does That Mean? Yes.

"From what you’ve told me so far, she doesn’t have full control over your father’s household, which means you still have a chance."

Sasha slowly raised her head, looking towards the armoured man who stood before her, as she tried to understand what he was suggesting.

Her stepmother might have considerable influence, but she wasn’t the only person living within the Vonroth household, and if her father still held a bit of authority over the family, then there might be others whose opinions could make a difference.

However, she had spent most of her life away from the household, and even if she was recognised as the count’s daughter, she barely knew anything about the people who served him or the nobles who depended on his county.

How could someone like her possibly convince them to support her?

"If you can prove to the household why you’re more suitable to be chosen than her offspring, then all your suffering won’t be meaningless."

"But how am I supposed to go against them... I’m just..."

Sasha lowered her head once more, unable to finish her sentence as she looked down at her hands, which seemed rather small compared to the future Osborne was describing.

She had never received a proper education as a noblewoman, nor had she been taught how to manage a household or deal with the complicated relationships that existed between nobles, and although her mother had taught her a few things during their time together, it was hardly enough to prepare her for something of this scale.

Even if her father accepted her return, she would still be entering a household where almost everyone had already formed their own opinions about her, and there was no guarantee that any of them would be willing to support her.

"True, you haven’t received the best care nor were you raised in the best environment, but you still have one thing that can tip the odds in your favour."

"You don’t mean..." Sasha froze.

She slowly raised her head, her eyes widening as she looked at the armoured man, wondering if he was referring to the same thing she had just thought about.

"Yes... If you’re willing to put your faith in me, then I shall lend you my hand and shape you into the perfect successor."

Sasha froze before a look of genuine gratitude emerged on her face.

---

To think that someone in the world believed in her this much, to the point of putting their own fate on the line.

"Thank you." Sasha smiled warmly for the first time in a long while.

Although she had only known Osborne for a short period of time, she couldn’t help but feel that he was someone she could rely on, especially after everything he had done for her since rescuing her from the traffickers.

He had saved her life, brought her back to the place she once called home, and even offered to help her confront the people who had made her life miserable, despite having no obligation to do any of those things.

And now, he was even willing to help her become the successor of the Vonroth household, even at the cost of making the countess an enemy, something she had never once considered possible.

Of course, she was still frightened by the thought of going against her stepmother, but knowing that she wouldn’t have to face such a difficult situation alone made her feel a little more confident.

Osborne nodded before raising a finger.

"That being said, in order for me to help you, there’s something you must do for me first."

Sasha blinked, wondering what sort of condition he was about to place before her.

’Is he going to ask me to sign some sort of agreement?’

Considering how much he had already done for her, she wouldn’t have been surprised if he wanted something in return, and although she didn’t have much to offer at the moment, she was still the daughter of a count, which meant there were things she could promise once she returned to her father’s household.

"Just have an open mind. Of course, I’ll need to be rewarded on occasion."

"Huh?"

Sasha stared at him for a moment, not quite understanding what he meant by that, as his request seemed rather different from the sort of conditions she had been expecting.

Was he asking her to keep an open mind whenever he made suggestions, or was there something else she was supposed to understand from his words?

Either way, it didn’t sound like anything particularly unreasonable, especially when compared to the things he could have demanded from her after rescuing her.

’Perhaps he’s just the sort of person who enjoys making strange requests...’

Sasha couldn’t help but wonder, although she quickly pushed the thought aside before nodding her head.

"Alright, I understand."

"You have my word." She said firmly, clenching her soft hands.

Osborne nodded.

"Good. Then follow me."

Sasha nodded before following closely behind as they headed down the hill.

---

Osborne and Sasha then went into town.

Considering the circumstances, he decided against taking her back to the Nicholas family residence, even though he had previously stayed there and was familiar with the people living in the house.

There was no telling how much information had already spread following the destruction of the traffickers’ encampment, and although the people responsible for Sasha’s kidnapping had been dealt with, he couldn’t be certain that nobody else had been involved in the operation.

Fortunately, finding an inn wasn’t particularly difficult, and after entering one of the more decent establishments in town, Osborne approached the receptionist and requested a room.

The receptionist briefly glanced at the armoured man before turning her attention towards the young woman standing beside him, although she didn’t ask any questions about their relationship.

After receiving the payment and completing the necessary arrangements, she handed him the key before directing them towards the stairs.

Osborne simply nodded and proceeded upstairs with Sasha following behind him, occasionally glancing around the establishment as she tried to take in her surroundings.