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Chapter 53
“Step aside, Nox.”
“I don’t want to! If I move, you’re really going to expel him from the academy, aren’t you?”
“Of course. Why, is that a problem?”
Elaina’s merciless tone was completely different from the woman Nox was used to. Her face, stripped of any trace of warmth or humor, was frightening—and yet, Nox braced his legs and refused to back down.
“You told me yesterday, remember? That one mistake is forgivable, but only fools repeat their mistakes.”
Nox glanced over his shoulder. His eyes met Bark’s.
“Everyone should know whether he’s a fool or not, shouldn’t they?”
“So what are you trying to say? You want me to forgive the boy who insulted your brother?”
“I slapped him too. That was just as wrong.”
“Nox, those two things are not the same. You didn’t mean to, but insulting someone—especially when it’s something he’s been doing habitually—is a very vile thing.”
“I know that. But still…”
Nox looked back again. Seeing Bark fidgeting restlessly filled him with frustration, and he suddenly shouted.
“What are you doing, idiot! Hurry up and apologize!”
When Nox said he might actually be expelled, Bark finally snapped out of it, jumped to his feet, and shouted loudly,
“I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again! I won’t bully girls or say awful things anymore. Please, forgive me just this once!”
Nox also turned toward the marchioness.
“I’m sorry too. Even if I was angry, I shouldn’t have slapped him. My hand just moved on its own. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me, Marchioness.”
“Ah… well, I…”
The marchioness fumbled for words, darting her eyes nervously.
She wasn’t a fool. When she came to the academy, she had fully intended to scold that annoying boy—Grant Duke’s younger brother—until he wept.
But standing before Elaina’s icy glare, seeing herself trying to cover up her son’s faults and smooth things over out of pride, she suddenly felt small—ashamed of her own pettiness.
“The one who should apologize… is me. Nox Grant, I’m truly sorry—for my son’s behavior, and for my own today.”
The scandal surrounding House Grant and her son’s character were two separate issues. Yet she had judged a child she’d never even met simply because of his bloodline.
Nox looked desperately toward Elaina. After a long silence, she let out a quiet sigh.
“If that’s how you see it, then… fine.”
But she didn’t forget to warn them.
“Bark Virua. Nox Grant. You both just made a promise before me—not to repeat your mistakes. Can I trust those words?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“I’ll never hit anyone again. I promise!”
“Good. Then…”
Elaina turned to the teacher standing blankly nearby.
“The House of Grant wishes to resolve this matter amicably.”
Hardly had she finished when the marchioness hurriedly added,
“The House of Virua feels the same way.”
The tense, precarious meeting suddenly shifted into a tone of reconciliation. The stunned teacher quickly gathered himself and nodded.
The entire reason guardians were called was to help the children reconcile. Usually, just seeing the other’s parents was enough to make the kids reflect on their actions.
The academy wasn’t a court—it was a place of education. The fact that the fight hadn’t escalated into a family feud was a huge relief.
“Then, as a consequence, both students will perform one week of community service together. During that time, I hope you’ll reflect and remember your promise not to fight again. This concludes today’s meeting.”
The teacher hadn’t done much besides mediate between the two guardians, but he quickly wrapped things up nonetheless.
The children, as if nothing had happened, soon began chatting noisily again. Bark and Nox, saying they had to grab homework from the classroom, dashed off together. The marchioness bowed once more to Elaina.
“Thank you so much for forgiving my son’s foolish behavior, Your Grace.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing. I acted rudely toward you in front of the children. I’m sorry.”
Perhaps this was what people meant when they said children could be wiser than adults.
When Elaina heard those insulting words about Lyle, anger had flared inside her like ice water poured over her head. Even seeing Nox beg her not to tell Lyle only made her angrier—like throwing oil on fire.
She had never harmed anyone out of malice before, but she had never been the type to quietly endure provocation either.
If not for Nox, she really would have expelled Bark Virua from the academy today. Even Marion’s stories about Bark—how violent and arrogant he was—had already convinced her there was no reason to let him stay.
But when Nox stood before her, pleading for mercy, she finally noticed Bark trembling in fear.
He was only ten years old—the same age as Marion. Realizing she’d nearly crushed a frightened child without compassion left a sting of shame.
Honestly…
Why had she been so furious? Part of it was because Bark had hurt Nox, but what truly enraged her was the insult against Lyle.
Even if the offender was just a child, she couldn’t forgive that.
“Maybe I empathized with Nox too much,” she murmured to herself. Yes, perhaps she had.
After that day, Nox’s academy life changed dramatically.
To everyone’s surprise, he became friends with Bark Virua—the boy who had once been his sworn enemy.
Bark no longer bullied his classmates. It wasn’t just because of Elaina’s warning—he had reflected on his own behavior and felt genuine shame.
When Bark, the self-proclaimed leader of the class, made peace with Nox, others who’d held prejudices against him also began to open up.
For the first time, Nox—who’d never had friends his age—found himself truly enjoying life at the academy.
“Are you leaving early again today? The coachman said he waited forever for you yesterday.”
Elaina asked as she watched him prepare an hour earlier than usual.
“Ah, I’m stopping by Bark’s house today. The marchioness said she’d send a carriage for me, so you don’t need to pick me up.”
“The House of Virua?”
“Yeah. We’re studying together for exams—helping each other with the subjects we’re good at.”
“Oh my, that sounds wonderful. Then I’ll send some snacks to the marquisate.”
“…No need. What am I, a little kid?”
He muttered bashfully and hopped into the carriage. As it began to roll away, he leaned out the window and shouted,
“Then… cookies! Marion’s coming too, and she loves cookies!”
“Alright, but don’t stick your head out the window—it’s dangerous!”
Elaina shook her head with a helpless smile.
Her married life with Lyle was peaceful—remarkably so. It was hard to believe a whole month had already passed.
“It’s good to see young Master Nox enjoying his time at the academy,” said the butler beside her, his face beaming.
Hearing that, Elaina suddenly remembered something.
“Oh, right. Butler—when will the renovation of my room be finished? I can’t stay in His Grace’s chambers forever.”
“Ah, well… about that… I’ll check again, but you know, my memory’s not what it used to be. Oh dear, I forgot again—you have interviews today for new staff! I’d better see to the preparations!”
And with that, the butler scurried away at lightning speed. Watching his hasty retreat, Elaina couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
