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Chapter: 20
It had already been a week since Ceria had been using her abilities inside the Velbart mansion, often without anyone noticing.
Rumors had started circulating within the Velbart estate: “Some mysterious wind is causing strange occurrences.”
For example, laundry that had been hanging on the line would suddenly be neatly placed into a basket, or a young maid carrying plates would almost trip, only to be mysteriously helped back up.
Though the stories always claimed someone had been “helped,” the more they spread and grew, the stranger and more ghostly they became.
Some even linked these tales to the whirlwind that had chased Tilda relentlessly, speculating that perhaps it was the work of a ghost.
“‘The Velbart Mansion Ghost Incident—could it be a curse on the Velbart family?’ What do you think, Ceria?”
Theodor, sitting across the table from her, spoke, holding a popular gossip magazine from the capital.
“Don’t read it out loud.”
Ceria felt like burying her face in her plate at Theodor’s teasing tone. Whoever had written that headline had clearly aimed for maximum sensationalism.
The duke, who was supposed to be the bait, remained silent, while the commotion was happening elsewhere. Ceria had considered the possibility of a worst-case scenario like this, but she never expected it to actually happen.
She poked a single pea with the fork she was holding.
“This is not what I wanted.”
“I know.”
Theodor stood and placed Ceria’s plate on a tray. Lunch between Ceria and Theodor had always been like this—clearing others away to discuss the progress of their plans.
To outsiders, they would probably seem like a close sibling pair. It was a thoroughly convincing deception.
Ceria glared at Theodor, displeased.
“By the way, why didn’t you stop the newspaper article?”
“It’s just gossip; it’ll die down soon. The content isn’t anything important.”
Theodor wasn’t wrong, but still, it was troubling. A single gossip magazine could irritate the Duke of Velbart, which was the last thing she wanted.
As Ceria fretted, Theodor checked his watch.
“Wasn’t today Harrison’s class?”
“Ugh.”
The moment Theodor said “Harrison,” Ceria’s face twisted in dismay. The Duke was still calm, and to make matters worse, Harrison’s class overlapped today. It seemed this would be the worst day yet.
Ceria sighed deeply and rose from her seat.
Alex Harrison.
He had served as Minister of Administration before recently retiring and was recognized among scholars as a top expert in his field.
He was also notorious for his massive ego and patriotism, never willing to compromise on his opinions.
“…So, His Majesty the Emperor achieved the unification of the entire continent. Something no previous emperor had accomplished! Truly a feat that will go down in history, Princess Velbart.”
As expected, Harrison spent today’s class praising the Emperor of Antithesia.
“Yes, indeed.”
Ceria had long since grown accustomed to his provocations during class—they were obvious tests of patience.
Doesn’t that old man ever get tired?
He spoke with such fervor it was almost pitiful.
Seeing Ceria remain expressionless, Harrison cleared his throat and began writing large letters on the blackboard.
[Unified Policy]
“You are familiar with this policy, correct?”
“Yes. It’s the policy promoted to ensure harmony among all nations after the unification of the Antithesian Empire.”
“Exactly. It is also the policy His Majesty pays the most attention to every year.”
The “most attention” part… Ceria almost let out a bitter laugh. In reality, discrimination still occurred routinely, even inside the Velbart mansion.
Today’s lesson would focus on one part of that policy: ‘Providing Opportunities.’
“I see,” Ceria replied flatly. She was neither curious nor interested, only wishing for this class to end.
“The idea is to give every people the chance to integrate into society without discrimination. And one of the beneficiaries of this policy is myself, Alex Harrison.”
What nonsense was this? Harrison always used these lectures to extol the greatness of Antithesia. Today seemed no different. Ceria feigned mild interest and asked:
“Aren’t you from outside Antithesia?”
“No, I’m from Orga. His Majesty noticed me and personally took me into his service. Truly an honor!”
“Ah… yes…”
Orga had long been a fraternal country to Antithesia. During Antithesia’s conquest, Orga had quickly surrendered and aided the war. Harrison’s boasting was merely propaganda.
“But doesn’t giving opportunity mean nothing if not everyone can seize it?”
Ceria’s tone was unusually sharp. She smiled slightly, but her words were firm.
“Why do you think that?”
“Just because someone is given the chance to pick an apple doesn’t mean everyone can eat it. Tall people can reach it, but short people cannot.”
“Seizing opportunities is each individual’s responsibility. Expecting more is greed.”
Harrison slammed the chalk down decisively, signaling he wouldn’t argue further. But Ceria pressed on:
“Even if it results in one side taking everything?”
“What are you trying to say, Princess?”
Harrison’s expression hardened—he seemed genuinely angry. Normally, Ceria would stop, but today, she didn’t want to.
“Do you truly believe all peoples can live together like this? Really?”
“Of course. His Majesty is doing his best.”
“Even though most of the street beggars are from other nations?”
“They are merely losers who did not seize the opportunities given!”
Bang! Harrison slammed the podium with both hands, his flushed face resembling a man consumed by madness. Ceria shivered instinctively. He was leaning across the podium, staring as if ready to strangle her.
“And yet, Princess, you yourself seized your opportunity. Who would have imagined someone from Ajenta could belong to the Velbart family?”
Harrison spoke without hesitation.
He was clearly unbalanced—an example of someone intoxicated by absurd ideology. Ceria wanted to refute him, but it would be pointless. Harrison, after all, was the Duke’s appointed tutor. Any complaint could backfire.
Ceria lowered her gaze, silent. Harrison, satisfied, chuckled and resumed writing on the board.
She gritted her teeth. His classes were always exhausting, but today was far worse.
“Let’s stop here for today. It seems the Princess still needs more lessons.”
“….”
Back in her room, Ceria collapsed wearily. Erica and Amy hovered around her, nervously checking in.
“Are you alright, Princess?”
“Yes… I’m fine.”
Ceria closed her eyes.
After some time, Theodor’s voice echoed:
“Tough class today, huh? You usually manage just fine.”
Ceria instinctively frowned but then relaxed and smiled slightly.
“Yes, a little tough. But where are we going now?”
Theodor, unusually tidy, looked more carefully dressed than usual. This wasn’t just a casual outing.
“I received word from the palace. We’re to meet His Majesty.”
Now? Suddenly? Didn’t he say not to come for a while? There must be another reason—perhaps something requiring Theodor to leave the mansion.
Could it be… the Duke of Velbart is summoning me?
Ceria’s eyes widened as she looked at Theodor.
“I might return a little late. Can you manage on your own, Ceria?”
She nodded obediently.
“Of course.”
“Good. I’ll go then. See you later.”
Theodor gave a faint smile and left.
Ceria went to the window and watched until his carriage exited the estate. Now completely alone, she would soon face the Duke of Velbart.
At that moment, a knock at the door made her reflexively turn her head.
“Princess Ceria, may I come in?”
As expected, Calson appeared. Ceria, eyes wide, regained her composure and asked:
“What is it?”
“The Duke wishes to see you, Princess.”
Finally.
Ceria silently cheered and jumped to her feet.
