Translator: Nox

Chapter 13

~Chapter 13~

“I agree as well.”

“I think she’s far better than the other guests.”

With the support of her colleagues, Catherine felt relieved and called for Harriet. Harriet, who had planned to head to the Soap Workshop after breakfast, ended up seated before Catherine and Agnes without knowing why.

“Sister, you’ve worked so hard at the Soap Workshop all this time. We’re truly grateful for your dedication.”

“Oh, not at all.”

There was no trace of the condescending air that other noble ladies often exuded in Harriet’s humble response. Nor did she come across as overly subservient.

Every time Catherine observed Harriet’s demeanor, her heart wavered. And yet, she kept reminding herself not to be fooled by appearances, forcing herself to act stern. Now, seeing that even the others viewed Harriet as genuine, Catherine couldn’t help but imagine how much her own coldness must have hurt her.

‘To judge her without truly knowing… I still have so much to learn.’

Regretting her hasty prejudice, Catherine decided to make amends.

“We believe you’ve reflected sufficiently, Sister. So from today onward, you no longer need to help with soap production.”

“Pardon? Does that mean I’m moving to another workshop?”

“No, I mean you don’t need to work at all anymore.”

At those words, Harriet’s eyes wavered.

“Then… what should I do now?”

“Like the other young ladies, Sister, you’re free to spend your time however you wish.”

This was far from good news for Harriet. She still had nine months left here, and the only way to pass the time was reading.

‘I already finish all the housework and still have time to read!’

If her days consisted only of three meals and reading, the remaining time would crawl by unbearably slowly.

“Abbess! If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to keep helping Sister Sophia. Even the smallest chores would be fine!”

“Pardon?”

Now Catherine and Agnes looked flustered.

“Does that mean… you want to keep working at the Soap Workshop?”

“Not just the Soap Workshop—anywhere is fine. The beekeeping workshop is a bit scary, but I’d be happy to work in the herb garden or the olive grove…!”

It took Catherine and Agnes a moment to process Harriet’s words. A noble lady asking to continue grueling labor? Why? Was she mocking them?

“Are you angry that we assigned you to the workshop?”

“No? I think there’s a misunderstanding… I want to keep working, Abbess…”

Her anxious expression seemed utterly sincere.

Regaining her composure, Catherine asked earnestly, “May I ask why?”

“Well…” Harriet shyly touched her ear as she replied. “It’s enjoyable making things… and for the first time, it feels like I’m doing something meaningful instead of just freeloading off my uncle’s wealth.”

Catherine’s face stiffened at those words. Worried she might have made it sound like she took the convent’s work lightly, Harriet hurriedly added,

“The convent’s products are truly effective. I suffered from acne and rashes for seven or eight years, but after just three months using the convent soap and lotion, they were almost completely gone.”

She had also used the herb oil and ointments. Even the Listerwell family’s physician had said it was a lifelong issue, but the rashes cleared up even faster than the acne.

No one could imagine now that Harriet’s skin had once been red, inflamed, and flaky.

For that alone, Harriet felt deeply indebted to the convent.

“Honestly, when I first arrived, I cried out of resentment and felt lost about how to endure it. But looking back, maybe God guided me here to heal my illness.”

Catherine’s gaze softened. It was clear Harriet wasn’t just saying this to curry favor. You could tell from the sincere sparkle in her eyes.

For the first time since the convent had become an exile ground for noble ladies, Catherine felt a sense of fulfillment mingled with pity for Harriet.

‘She said it feels like doing meaningful work for the first time…’

She’d even called herself a burden on her uncle’s household.

Could someone who thought so harshly of herself really have caused such outrageous scandals?

Could someone so immature and selfish speak so severely about themselves?

Catherine, who had harbored quiet doubts over the past two months, finally resolved to ask.

“Sister, this might be rude, but I must ask. We believe you’ve been forgiven in God’s embrace, so please answer honestly without fear or shame.”

“Yes…”

Harriet’s shoulders tensed. Catherine didn’t miss even that small detail.

“We’ve heard you were embroiled in numerous scandals. Why did you do those things? I want to know the reason.”

Clear confusion flashed across Harriet’s face.

Then Catherine sensed a wall of strong emotions rising up around her—built from distrust, the certainty that no one would believe her, and the sorrow of knowing she wouldn’t be understood.

Harriet took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

“Do you really want to know?”

“Yes, because I truly want to understand you, Sister.”

“Then I have a condition. Even if you don’t believe me, I won’t hold it against you. No one has ever believed me. But please hear me out to the end.”

“I promise. I’ll listen until the end.”

Bolstered by Catherine’s sincere demeanor, Harriet began recounting the events that still twisted her stomach just thinking about them.

“To explain my story, I have to start with my cousin Bella. Bella’s famous in society for her beauty, and men have been lining up for her since she was young… She’s very different from me in many ways.”

Catherine recalled what Agnes had said before Harriet arrived. Something about seducing men by pretending to be cousins…

“Bella is very pretty, but she’s not the angel the rumors make her out to be. This isn’t jealousy speaking. I’m saying this as a victim.”

Harriet had once been proud to have Bella as a cousin.

When the angelic Bella linked arms with her and acted cute, Harriet—despite being the same age—felt like Bella was an adorable little sister. She gladly met even Bella’s demanding requests.

Every time people said, “You two are like such close sisters,” Harriet swelled with pride.

But after her parents died in an accident and Uncle John became Viscount Listerwell, their relationship changed completely.