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Chapter 13
As Whitey lightly licked Eleanor’s cheek with its tongue, the girl burst into a bright laugh. Not stopping there, she even wrapped her arms around Whitey’s lowered neck and clung to it.
“They seem… to get along very well?”
“They may look big, but they’re gentle. They’re kind to those who aren’t a threat. For children like Eli, they actually see them as something to protect.”
“My goodness.”
After hearing the explanation, Madam Hermann finally calmed her startled heart.
It was exactly as Ailesia said. Even though Eleanor was behaving rather mischievously, Whitey remained perfectly calm.
Even Blanki beside them was gently wagging its tail, looking strangely pleased—as if it were watching over its own pup.
“Whitey, can you carry Eli properly and follow us? Take your time if you want to play a little on the way.”
“Woof!”
Ailesia walked side by side with Madam Hermann as they continued toward the west wing.
“This works out well. I actually had a few questions for you.”
“If I can answer them.”
“Lady Grand Duchess calls you ‘Teacher Milenov.’ Is there a reason for that?”
“Not really. We just needed an appropriate title, and that was the most convenient one.”
“You were living in the Chernil Forest even before meeting the Grand Duchess?”
“Yes.”
So it was just basic background questions. Nothing difficult.
“If it isn’t rude to ask… how skilled are you in magic?”
“Hmm. There probably isn’t anyone my age stronger than me.”
That was not a lie. There was no way a human mage of similar age even existed.
Madam Hermann looked slightly flustered, but Ailesia only shrugged.
It’s not like I can say I can handle two insane dragons.
Perhaps misinterpreting her expression, Madam Hermann changed the topic.
“In truth, the fact that the Grand Duchess is so attached to you is already enough qualification.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
Her opinion seemed somewhat different from the retainers who had opposed her earlier.
“For a child, having an adult they can rely on is a great blessing. If that adult has both character and ability, there is nothing more to say.”
“Do you think I can properly teach Eleanor?”
Madam Hermann nodded gently.
“I do not believe we could find a better teacher for the young lady than you.”
“Hm.”
Ailesia pretended to think, but could not hide her smile.
She really only says nice things.
In the original story too, she had been described as a gentle person—but experiencing her directly, she was even warmer than expected.
Above all, every word she spoke clearly carried concern for Eleanor.
“It seems we will have to continue this conversation another time.”
Ailesia, about to reply, closed her mouth. They had arrived at the west wing.
“I still have many interesting stories to share, so it is a shame. I will personally serve you tea soon.”
At Madam Hermann’s suggestion, Ailesia’s eyes brightened slightly.
So she’s saying we should stay on the same side.
For someone like her who still needed information, it was more than welcome.
“Grand Duchess, you will need to walk from here.”
“Yes!”
Madam Hermann personally lifted Eleanor down from Whitey’s back. She even lightly stroked Whitey’s nose.
Wow… this woman is fearless too.
Perhaps alerted by the earlier commotion, servants rushed out and immediately lined up in two rows, bowing as soon as they saw Eleanor.
“We greet the Grand Duchess.”
Madam Hermann straightened Eleanor’s clothes and immediately began giving orders.
“Reni and Sera, bathe the young lady and change her clothes.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
“Mark, go to the kitchen and prepare sixty servings of steak immediately. Use only the highest quality cuts. No heavy seasoning—only herbs and mild spices. It is for these wolves.”
“Si-sixty servings of steak?”
The servant named Mark sounded flustered, but Madam Hermann only gave him a sharp look.
“I will inform them immediately!”
He quickly ran toward the kitchen.
“This is Lady Ailesia Milenov, a guest of the highest honor under His Grace’s orders. Prepare the room next to the Grand Duchess’s at once. Lucy.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
“Make sure it is properly arranged so she can rest tonight without inconvenience. Take whatever staff you need and use all necessary supplies.”
“Understood.”
“And Hilda.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
“Prepare tea and refreshments and bring them to the Grand Duchess’s room. No need to rush—prepare them with care.”
“I will do my best.”
After finishing her orders, Madam Hermann bent slightly to meet Eleanor’s eyes.
“Grand Duchess, please bathe and change, then come to your room.”
“What about Teacher?”
“She will be escorted to your room.”
Ailesia stepped closer to Eleanor and crouched down, pulling her into a tight hug.
“Wash up nicely, become even prettier, and then meet Teacher again, alright?”
“Yes!”
“Good girl.”
Ailesia kissed her forehead lightly. Eleanor giggled, covering her head with both hands.
“Teacher, see you later!”
Waving enthusiastically, Eleanor went inside first.
Ailesia then approached Whitey and Blanki, gently stroking their necks.
“A meal will be ready soon, so stay here. You can walk around a little if you’re bored, but many people here don’t know you yet. Don’t go beyond thirty meters from this building, alright?”
“Woof!”
“Bear with it just for today. You’ll be able to relax soon. If anything happens, call me.”
“Woof woof!”
Whitey lay down obediently in a comfortable spot. Blanki yawned lazily and sat beside it.
“Please lead the way, Head Maid.”
“This way, please.”
Madam Hermann glanced at the two wolves with curiosity before entering the west wing.
She guided Ailesia up the central stairs and said casually,
“The Grand Duchess seems to be very fond of you.”
“Oh, that? I’ve done a lot of volunteer work at orphanages.”
“Orphanages?”
“Yes. I’m used to taking care of children.”
Her tone was calm, as if it were nothing special. Madam Hermann looked at her with renewed interest.
That alone… doesn’t seem enough reason. Aside from the late Grand Duchess, I have never seen the young lady attach herself to anyone like this.
Madam Hermann suddenly recalled Eleanor’s infancy.
Even back then, Eleanor was not very shy—but she was sensitive to physical contact from strangers.
Changing clothes was manageable for maids, but when it came to bathing or diaper changes, she would become terrified unless it was her parents.
And then she would quietly cry—big eyes full of tears, without making a sound.
“Is this the room?”
Ailesia’s voice snapped Madam Hermann back to reality.
Thankfully, her body had remembered the way, and they had already arrived at Eleanor’s room.
“Please wait inside for a moment. I will send tea and refreshments shortly.”
“Alright.”
Madam Hermann bowed respectfully and opened the door.
“Please rest comfortably.”
“Thank you.”
Ailesia slowly looked around the room once before sitting down on the sofa, suppressing the strange heaviness in her chest.
“So this is…”
Eleanor’s room, described only briefly in the novel.
The interior was decorated in a cute, childlike way, clearly meant for a young girl—but somehow, it felt faintly lonely.
…This familiar feeling.
A hollowness that furniture and decorations could not fill. Because there was no warmth of parents here.
It was the same feeling she once had before living with her aunt.
For a moment, long-buried memories resurfaced.
…My aunt really spoiled me. And so did my teacher.
