HTSA CH 04

Chapter 4:

The Exit Strategy

Eila had no intention of watching this farce play out.

She’d already given up on the rest of her family—their indifference couldn’t hurt her anymore. But her mother was different.

She refused to let Irene endure the bratty tantrums of her so-called brothers.

‘If I see that, I might forget my plans and lose my temper.’

Just as Irene opened her mouth to reject Rosia—exactly as in the original novel—Eila spoke first.

“I’ll leave the household.”

Callios’s brow furrowed as he stared at her.

This was the first time all meal they’d acknowledged her.

The irony almost made her laugh.

“What do you mean, Eila?”

“I said I’ll leave the Blanche family, Your Grace.”

The stiff title made Callios’s face harden.

Eila had always planned to leave early—to avoid the coming storms. Compared to what Rosia would unleash later, losing a seat was nothing.

Without proof she was the true daughter, she’d be powerless against Rosia’s schemes.

“Why this sudden decision?”

“My presence here is an inconvenience. A commoner doesn’t belong at this table.”

She lowered her eyes demurely.

Rule #1 of Regret Novels:
The heroine clings to her abusers, enduring humiliation for scraps of affection.

Eila would break that rule first.

‘Staying here only means eating dirt.’

Her real path lay at the Imperial Academy.

“If you arrange a dormitory, I’ll leave quietly.”

At least there, she wouldn’t face their daily contempt.

‘I’d have been expelled soon anyway.’

Rosia’s manipulations and Callios’s ruthlessness guaranteed it. Better to leave on her own terms.

The Duke’s “Mercy”

Callios scowled.

“Do you truly believe the Academy will accept you now?”

“The Imperial Academy is for elites. You only attended because you were a Blanche.”

His voice dripped with disdain.

“A commoner with zero magical talent? You’d be torn apart.”

It was true.

Eila had vast theoretical knowledge but suffered from Mana Insensitivity—she couldn’t wield magic.

Yet she smiled sadly.

“I’ll manage. I’m grateful for your care… but I won’t ask for more.”

The brothers exchanged glances.

“Eila, Father’s right. You’ve seen how commoners are treated there.”
“Your ‘friends’ will turn on you the moment they learn.”

Even Rosia intervened, eyes welling with crocodile tears:

“If this is because of me, please stay!”

Her cheeks flushed as tears spilled dramatically.

“I’m so sorry for ruining everything! I never meant to—”

Eila cut her off, voice gentle but firm:

“Don’t apologize, Rosia. This seat was always yours.”

A lonely smile.

“You’re the lady of this house. You should be proud.”

Rosia’s face twitched.

‘How dare she tell me to be proud—right after being demoted to commoner?’

But she had no rebuttal.

A heavy silence fell.

Cedric bit his lip. Gerard stared at his plate. Only Irene watched Eila with glistening eyes.

“I’ll be fine at the Academy,” Eila reassured her. “Don’t worry.”

Finally, Callios relented.

“Very well. Go.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

She stood before he could reconsider.

“I won’t intrude on family time any longer.”

The Real Game Begins

Back in her room, Eila packed only her herbs—collected over years of study.

Though she couldn’t sense mana, her talent for potion-making was unmatched.

‘With these, I’ll build alliances. And one day… expose Rosia.’

She couldn’t fight a powerful mage yet—but she wouldn’t stay weak forever.

As she triple-checked her supplies, a wry thought struck her:

‘…Rosia actually helped me.’

Callios had planned to expel her eventually—but not so soon. Her presence had been too useful in managing the household.

By leaving first, Eila had stolen his leverage—and left Rosia with a critical mistake:

The family now felt guilty.

And guilt was the first crack in Rosia’s control.