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Chapter 107
Leaving the music classroom, while Arsel continued showing Evie around the mansion, the Duchess was deep in thought.
How can I win Evie’s heart?
Listening to the lively chatter between Arsel and Evie—(which was surprising in itself; Arsel, chatting so freely?)—she realized that the people surrounding Evie were anything but ordinary.
“Then… may I ask His Majesty?”
“Dean Seraphina told me to bring her a gift when I visit…”
“What about Dame Hilde from the Imperial Knights?”
“Professor Malles said during the break we should attend the ‘Numbers of God’ society meeting together.”
Evie spoke casually, but the names she mentioned were all people of tremendous standing.
Never mind their professions—once the Emperor was mentioned, wasn’t the winner of this game already decided?
She had never once thought she, the Duchess and mistress of this music school, could be overshadowed by another. But right now, she was experiencing defeat.
How could she, above all others, become a trustworthy adult Evie could rely on—surpassing those powerful figures?
The Duchess quickly found the answer.
By giving the child what she wants most.
Most children her age would want dolls, toys, clothes, or sweets. But Evie wanted to earn money.
So, the Duchess decided to give her that.
Of course, not for free.
“Then… two hours every morning should be enough. The music school is on summer break, just like the Academy. While the students are home, I’d like to organize the sheet music and books that I’ve neglected.”
“I’m good at that! At the upper school, I used to organize all the finished exams, books, and documents!”
Evie’s enthusiastic reply made the Duchess frown slightly.
She had been to the upper school in the territory before.
Most students there were fifteen or older, studying several advanced subjects. The books they carried were heavy.
They entrusted all that to such a young child?
Shameless.
“Alright. Then, in return for helping me, I’ll give you one gold coin a day. Would that be alright?”
“One gold coin… per day?”
Evie gaped in shock.
Her reaction made the Duchess recall the average wage in the capital.
She was a duchess, yes. People might think she lived comfortably only because she had luckily married into nobility. But in truth, she managed much of the school, mansion, and estate’s income herself. She considered herself well aware of the world.
Was the wage I offered too low? Had I been too stingy with the estate folk all this time?
Before she could dwell further, Evie exclaimed:
“T-that much?!”
Seeing Evie’s disbelief, the Duchess pressed further.
“Evie, how much did you earn at Elam’s upper school?”
“Until I left for the Academy, I earned ten silver coins a month.”
The narrowing of Arsel’s eyes behind Evie did not escape the Duchess’s notice.
Ten silver… per month.
Anyone could see that was exploitative.
Sensing the stiffness in their expressions, Evie hurriedly explained:
“I know it was a little. The orphanage director told me not to do it, too. But since it was cheap, they let me attend classes for free!”
She clenched her small fists, insisting cheerfully that she hadn’t come out at a loss.
The Duchess’s heart twisted.
Part of her wanted to storm into Elam, grab the school director by the collar, and shout, “How could you do this?”
Surely the orphanage director had known too—that was why he tried to stop her. But “free education” must have swayed them in the end.
The finances of a rural orphanage could never be abundant…
If it had been near the capital, nobles would have donated at least for appearances’ sake. But in the provinces? Almost never.
Thankfully, the Emperor ensured orphanages and hospitals were budgeted, so they didn’t starve through winter.
“Anyway, Evie, here in the capital, one gold coin a day is normal pay.”
At that, Evie clasped her hands tightly together.
Buy one, get one free? Work one day, earn a gold coin?
The capital is amazing…!
Her now-round cheeks flushed pink with joy, and her smile spread wide. The Duchess found herself smiling back.
“Our break is only a week long, but would you like to help? Is that alright?”
“Yes! I’ll work hard. Thank you very much!”
Evie bowed so deeply her waist bent, as though begging her not to change her mind.
Behind her, Arsel glared at his mother with discontent.
She’s my guest. And besides…
At Irene’s house, she was probably treated like a princess.
Before break began, Irene, Arsel, and Ruska had privately discussed what to do with Evie. Ostensibly, it was to avoid boring her with the same play, but really, it turned into boasting: I’ll do this with Evie!
Back then, Irene had laughed and said:
“I can make Evie into a princess, you know? Dress her in pretty clothes, stuff her with the South’s best foods. Desserts that make Academy meals look plain. And we’ll wear matching dresses, too… oh, you two can’t do that, can you? Hohoho!”
That day, Arsel finally understood why Ruska always snapped at Irene.
No doubt, Irene had smothered Evie with fine clothes, treats, and affection.
And here, in his own house, she was being made to work?
What if Evie thought Irene’s house was far more fun?
But then, the Duchess winked slyly at Arsel and said to Evie:
“If you’d like, you can keep coming during weekend outings to help. The same for winter break. It’s more work than you’d think. Would that be alright?”
“Really? I can keep coming?”
Evie’s voice brimmed with joy. Arsel’s frown melted, replaced with a grin.
He looked at his mother with admiration.
Not only had she won Evie’s favor, but she had cleverly ensured Evie would want to come back on her own.
That was the Duchess—his mother.
And along the way, she’ll begin proper lessons too.
That very night, Sylvia began drafting Evie’s personalized curriculum.
“Then let’s start tomorrow morning. It may be a bit tough at first—Arsel, would you help her? Explain things?”
“Of course.”
He answered immediately, as though no one else could possibly do it.
The quickness of his response made the Duchess chuckle inwardly. My son really is eager.
“But Arsel, aren’t you busy?”
“It’s fine. I used to help Mother the same way, so I can teach her well.”
Hearing that he was a “senior assistant,” Evie relaxed further.
The three happily chatted about the work ahead until a maid arrived.
“Dinner is ready, madam. The Duke is waiting.”
“Oh my, he’s home already?”
Normally she would have noticed, but being with Evie, she hadn’t.
Thinking of her husband likely sulking, the Duchess took Evie’s hand.
“Evie, aren’t you hungry?”
“Come on, Evie, let’s eat.”
Arsel, on the other side, also seized Evie’s hand.
“…?”
She wasn’t used to walking while holding hands with two people at once.
But somehow, being in between them felt good.
As they neared the dining hall, Evie remembered who was waiting beyond the door.
Duke Kaelan.
At the Academy, students feared Arsel yet hovered around him—because he was Duke Kaelan’s son.
The Emperor’s confidant. During the succession war, he had served as strategist under Clois, flawlessly controlling supply lines and rear defenses.
One reason Clois won the war was his presence.
So when Clois became Emperor, everyone expected Kaelan to wield immense power.
Instead, he never even kept a townhouse in the capital, living far from the palace. He left much of governance to ministers, withdrawing from the spotlight.
“But Duke Kaelan still watches over ministers and lords. If there’s even a hint of treachery, he sees it. They say he’s the scariest person in the palace.”
That was what Evie had heard.
And if he’s a duke… he’s second only to the Emperor himself.
At that thought, Clois came to her mind.
I miss His Majesty.
At Irene’s house, every night before bed, she lit the magic stone. Thanks to that, she always thought of Clois before sleeping.
He said he was very busy.
She had wanted to write him a letter, but gave up, thinking he wouldn’t have time to read it.
I hope he’s alright.
Watching the sunset through the window, she worried:
What if he forgets me before break ends?
At the same time…
“…No letter.”
Clois muttered, sulking at his desk in the imperial study.
“Is playing outside the palace with friends really that fun?”
He had seen how excited she was before break, and unease had stirred within him.
Those three will no doubt keep her delighted. Then, when she comes back, will she grow tired of me? Or worse… forget me completely before then?
And so, that evening, the two of them shared the same worry.
