Chapter 12: 12

Once outside, I moved west, opposite the direction I went the previous day. Why, you ask? Of course, that’s because I was worried I’d meet that arrogant little jerk again. 

People tend to frequent places they’re used to and prefer places they’ve unconsciously become familiar with. If I only took short walks outside and dodged the place I met him yesterday, I probably wouldn’t run into him ever again. My opponent was just a kid, so it was sure to work.

Though it was called a mansion, the place was more like a castle, its size representative of the Duchy’s prestige. The building was so large that walking from one end of it to the other was more than enough exercise for this child’s body. 

As I expected, I didn’t run into that kid while walking around. There was no way such a little guy could walk all around this entire estate. There won’t be any more accidental meetings in the future.

After returning to my room, I opened the history book I’d be studying that day. The mansion was quieter than my own house, so I could concentrate much better.

I wonder how focused I was? I was startled by the knock at the door and went over to open it.

There stood a handsome young man in his early twenties. He had blue hair, tied at the nape of his neck, and exuded a calm, intelligent, and gentle atmosphere. 

“Arendine, how have you been?”

A voice as pleasant as his appearance tickled my ears. Every time he calls my name in that sweet voice, my cheeks automatically lift up in a wide smile. I greeted him politely, hiding my reaction.

“Hello, sir. I’m fine. And sir too, hope you’ve been well.”

The handsome man smiled with his eyes at my formal bow. This is Mr. Haftery, who has taught me since I was 4 years old. 

When I first met him, Mr. Haftery was only twenty years old and quite young. Because of this, my father had hesitated to appoint him as my tutor. 

However, I’d insisted that he would suffice since he was from the empire, and I did not need a highly qualified teacher since I was going to start at the basics anyway.

My reason for choosing him was very simple. That handsome face and warm manners. He was such a charming man that even my four-year-old heart was immediately set aflutter.

Of course, although I’d only looked at his appearance at the time, I now know that his skills are also very good.

“Ah, please come in, sir.”

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After greeting, I hurriedly invited my teacher inside. I wasn’t allowed to go out during my stay at the Duke’s manor, so my teacher was given special permission to come and teach here.

The teacher came inside and looked around my new room for a moment. 

It had all the basic necessities, including a neat bed, a table, and a closet. Finally, his eyes fell on the history book on the table, and his lips slightly tipped up. 

“Were you preparing for class?”

“Yes, I have to work hard, after all.”

Following up on my words, I pulled out a blank paper and prepared for the class as usual. But the teacher didn’t seem to have any intention of starting the class right away. I tilted my head at Mr. Haftery, who was staring at me calmly.

“Isn’t it uncomfortable here?”

His questioning expression was tinted slightly with concern for me. He was worried about how going through a sudden change of environment might affect me. 

Indeed, it was right to be worried about a child who had to live alone in another’s house. Especially since her only guardian has gone to the battlefield.

“I’m not uncomfortable at all. The bed is nice, and Mrs. Seryl takes good care of me, so I get to eat well.”

Were you worried that I’d be kicking up a fuss? He let out a sigh of relief at my reply. My cheeks were tickling from all the soft gazes I’d gotten that day.

“Don’t you miss your father?”

No matter who I’m talking to, the conversation eventually leads back to my father.

To be frank, my father was just a typical blunt man. And it’s not like I’m an actual kid either. What do you think happens when you put together a brusque man and a precocious child?

We rarely meet up with each other, and even when we do, our conversations are not particularly deep or meaningful. It usually consists of brief questions and short answers

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