PDHMO 14

Chapter 14

“Housekeeper, where should I put these books…?”

“On the lower shelves where the young lady can easily reach. Ah, be careful with that one—it tears easily.”

“What order should these books be in?”

“If it’s not written on the cover, just look at the first page.”

I stood there with my mouth slightly open, watching the once-empty bookshelf being filled one book at a time.

“Oh my… There are so many more than I expected! Will they all fit in this shelf?”

Ellie, who had suddenly appeared beside me, muttered in surprise.

I looked up at her with eyes full of betrayal.
So this is why she was obsessively cleaning the bookshelf since yesterday?

But clueless as ever, Ellie didn’t notice my gaze at all and just continued admiring the books.

Unlike the chaotic mess in my head, the books were being neatly arranged.

What made it worse was how everyone—except me—looked so cheerful.

The servants who brought the books, Carter, and even Ellie…

When the last shelf was finally filled, Carter turned to me and spoke.

“These are all books that the Duke studied and read when he was young. Though they’re old, they’ve been well-maintained, so they should be quite usable for you as well.”

“But why all of a sudden…?”

“Yes…?”

Seeing how flustered I was, Carter looked even more taken aback.

“The Duke said that the young lady’s education should begin soon and instructed us to prepare. You haven’t been told anything?”

“I did hear about it… but this soon?”

“Ah…” Carter scratched his temple with his index finger, looking troubled.

“Actually, in most noble families, education starts once the child begins to speak. So around age three.”

“Wh-what?!”

What kind of early education is this world running on?
Three years old is when you’re supposed to be picking your nose and running around!

And yet they start studying already? And the books I saw earlier weren’t the kind that toddlers could even begin to read!

Why are nobles so intense?!

My face scrunched up before I even realized it.
The thought of having to study all those books someday made me dizzy.

Perhaps noticing my dazed expression, Carter’s smile turned a bit awkward.

“O-of course, we’re not expecting you to learn everything right away. Just gradually… Yes, very slowly.”

“Slowly…”

At what point in my life?

The bookshelf was packed full of books towering several times taller than me.
No way I’d finish them in just a few years. Absolutely not.

The lower shelves—within my reach—were filled with fairy tales.
But above that were math, history, humanities, encyclopedias on flora and fauna…
So many difficult-looking books packed in tightly.

Should I cancel this deal and look for another way?

No.
To protect Mom for sure, I need the Duke’s power.

And it’ll also be easier to investigate Cassio if I stay here.

Yeah. As long as I don’t screw up, Mom can live safely.
Let’s hang in there. Studying? Bring it on.

“Young lady, is something wrong? Is it the sheer number of books…?”

Clenching my fists in renewed resolve, I heard Carter’s warm voice.

“It’s not that. But Carter, I’m curious about something.”

“Yes, young lady. Please, ask anything.”

I looked around cautiously and lowered my voice.

“T-the Duke’s dad… and grandpa—photos, no, I mean… pictures? Where can I see them?”

“Excuse me? You mean the portraits of the former Dukes?”

“Yes, yes! That’s it!”

Had I reverted to toddler-speak after living as a kid for a while? I couldn’t even remember the word “portrait.”
Embarrassed, I clicked my tongue internally, but Carter looked me in the eye without any sign of judgment.
Well, from his perspective, I am just a five-year-old.

“They’re stored in the basement of the annex… but no one besides the Duke is allowed to enter there.”

“I see…”

It wasn’t like I desperately wanted to see them. But now that I couldn’t, I felt even more curious.

If outsiders were restricted, there must be more than just portraits in there.

Maybe treasures owned by the Elrathens? Or forbidden tomes too dangerous to show others?

It’s a classic trope in novels—important items hidden in the basement of a mansion.

If that’s the case, I’d better stay away.
I was just curious if the former Dukes had the same hair and eye color as me.
No need to make a fuss and get on the Duke’s bad side.

“Y-young lady, look at this! A picture book specially ordered by the Duke himself.”

Maybe Carter thought I was disappointed, and was trying to shift my focus.

He didn’t need to go that far… but seeing him crouch down to open a fairy tale book and get my attention, I decided to play along.

“Wow, I really wanted to read this one.”

The book he was holding was a tragic tale of a witch who fell in love with the mermaid prince.
She drank a potion to become a mermaid, but the prince ended up falling in love with a human princess.

So… a sad ending.

Fairy tales here weren’t much different from the ones back in my world.

Hiding my boredom, I flipped through the book.
Just then, there was a commotion outside the room.

“Madam, we’ll bring it in—”

“It’s okay. I want to deliver it myself.”

“But still… You just recovered, and now you’re cooking…?”

“I’m fine. Chloe!”

The door burst open, and a warm, buttery aroma filled the room.
The person who entered was…

“Mom!”

“Chloe!”

It was my mom, pushing a tray.

I ran straight into her arms, and she lifted me up with a bright smile.

It had only been two days since I last saw her, but the warmth of her hug made tears well up.

I burrowed deeper into her arms as she gently patted my back.

“Oh dear, were you really that lonely? Did you miss Mommy that much?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Mommy missed you too, Chloe.”

I think I stayed like that in her arms for quite a while.

“How is it? Does it taste good?”

“Mhm! Your pumpkin soup and scones are the best!”

With my mouth stuffed with scone, I gave her a big thumbs-up.

She rested her chin on both hands and gave me a radiant smile.

Seeing her happy face made me even hungrier.
I couldn’t hide my joy and devoured everything.

“Chloe.”

“Mhm?”

Mom called out gently as she watched me eat.

“How is it here? Are you okay staying in this mansion?”

“Hmm?”

Her eyes were filled with worry.

“Yeah! Everyone is really nice to me. Ellie, Carter, uh… Pinny…”

As I counted the names on my fingers, I glanced at Mom’s expression.

What would she do if I mentioned the Duke?

Should I try it?

“And… the Duke…”

“……”

Her pupils trembled slightly. Her expression didn’t change much, though.

A brief silence passed before the corners of her lips rose into a smile.

“Really? Everyone’s treating you well because you’re so adorable. My precious girl!”

Hmm… Not much of a reaction.

I wanted to see how she’d respond if I mentioned the Duke, but I failed.

She’s an adult, after all.

Even though the head maid insisted she needed rest, Mom stayed until I finished every last drop of soup and crumb of scone.

After that, Ellie also left to take care of something, leaving me alone in the room.

I was used to being alone when it was just Mom and me.
But after being surrounded by people the past few days, the solitude quickly felt boring.

Still, I didn’t feel like doing anything.

According to the Duke, I’d soon have to start studying and even train my ability. Every single day.

I was going to be absurdly busy for a five-year-old.
So until then, I wanted to rest as much as possible.

With that thought, I climbed into bed.

Ahhh, this bed was seriously on another level. So soft. It wrapped around my body like a cloud.
Once I leave here, I’ll never feel anything like it again.

Right. I should try to avoid getting executed and just stay here as long as I can. Heh.

Thinking random thoughts, I soon drifted off to sleep.