Chapter 36

Chapter 36

* * *

Though it was the first dinner we’d shared in quite a while, I couldn’t stop my anger from boiling over. It was no secret as to why. Kallen and Jade had read the poem I’d written for my governess without my permission. How did I know? It had been obvious.

Jade had suddenly suggested that I study poetry, and Kallen had lavishly praised my genius, claiming that my abilities manifested in all areas. He had even directed chocolate cake to be prepared every night for dessert from now on.

How could they read that poem? I’ll have to live with the embarrassment for the rest of my life. I ground my teeth, humiliated.

I should’ve gone back to the living room to get my homework. Why did I have to fall asleep? While I was mulling over my regret, Kallen and Jade looked perfectly at ease.

It’s partly my fault for leaving it out in the open, but shouldn’t they be sorry for reading it without asking first?

“What’s the matter, Leticia?” Kallen asked. “Is the food not to your taste?”

After pouting throughout the meal, I finally decided to speak up. “I hate you and Jade.”

The entire manor fell deathly silent. It was the first time I’d seen Kallen flustered since the night I cried while clinging to him.

“Darling, it was all…”

My ears perked up. Is the duke actually going to admit his mistake? Is he, of all people, about to apologize?

“Sion’s fault. He snooped first.”

I sighed. “Are you really blaming Sion right now? I know he would never do that!”

“Forgive me, Leticia. It’s all Father’s fault,” said Jade.

Now Jade’s also passing the blame?

“Thank you for the meal. I’ll be resting in my room,” I said, setting down my fork with finality much earlier than I usually would have. I jumped down from my chair and rushed upstairs.

I’ll go back to finish eating once Kallen and Jade have left. I decided to wait about thirty minutes. If I left it any longer, Sion would clear the dessert from the table. And I won’t be able to live with myself if I miss out on tonight’s chocolate cake.

I quietly stomped over to my bed and buried myself beneath the blanket, kicking my legs furiously. How dare they read that poem! I’m so embarrassed, I want to shrivel up and die!

But then I heard a knock at the door.

“Leticia?”

It was Kallen’s voice. I tiptoed to the door, but then hesitated. I turned back and sat down, pouting.

“I had some important news to share with you, but if you’d rather not hear it, I’ll be on my way,” he continued.

I cast a silent glance behind me.

“I believe you’d be overjoyed to hear such news, but…” He playfully tapped on the door again, making my shoulders hitch.

I wonder what it is. Are we going on an excursion? Like a picnic or the circus? What if that really is the reason? If I’m too stubborn, Kallen may change his mind. He’s so unfair! He’s the one in the wrong, but he knows how to bait the one wronged.

Before I knew it, I had gently grasped the doorknob. While I was deciding whether to turn it, Kallen spoke again.

“It concerns your school.”

School? My eyes widened. I thought I could hear him walking away, his footsteps growing faint. I quickly wrenched the door open and peeked out. But Kallen was reclined with one arm against the wall. His red eyes were staring directly at me. He grinned.

“There you are.”

He tricked me. To think I fell for his feigned footsteps…

I cleared my throat to cover my embarrassment. “What is it, Dad?”

“I was considering sending you to a private school and wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter.”

“But how? Surely they don’t accept students in the middle of the semester.”

“I found a way, though it took some time because gaining admission there is no easy feat.”

I looked down and fiddled with my thumbs.

“You learned to read and write very quickly, not to mention you are a gifted child. Going to school could provide the means to untold knowledge, but if it’s not to your liking…”

The more Kallen spoke of it, the more intrigued I became.

What kind of school is it, anyway?

“Attending an aristocratic school could be an enjoyable way to pass the time. You wouldn’t have to attend classes every day. You could simply go whenever the mood strikes.”

“But if I go, what will happen to my governess?”

“Not to worry. She was always under a short-term contract. In fact, it is due to end now that you know how to read and write.”

An aristocratic school? That must mean the tuition is expensive. I was hesitant, wondering if I was allowed to be excited, but I was also afraid that if I passed up this opportunity now, Kallen would change his mind. I rushed to grab his sleeve.

“When can I start?”

“That’s up to your discretion, my dear. As the semester is almost over, you can attend for around two months and decide your plans for next year.” The duke smiled faintly.

I thought about it, then puffed up my cheeks in anger. “Never mind,” I huffed.

“Are you sure?”

“If you won’t apologize for reading my poem, I won’t go to school.”

Kallen furrowed his brow. “I’ve never apologized before.”

My heart dropped when he frowned.

Did I take it too far? Did I get too comfortable and assume he would accept my childish behavior? Was I too arrogant? I fidgeted and clenched the hem of my skirt in both hands. Just then, I felt my body rise into the air. Kallen wrapped his arms around me and looked into my eyes.

“But if I’ve upset the world’s most precious young lady, I should learn to do so,” he said.

“I’m sorry, darling.” His voice was tender.

“You’re not just sorry because you got caught, are you?”

I raised an eyebrow as I noticed him wince. Of course...

“Given my interest in every little thing you do, I suppose I truly have become your father. Next time, I shall be sure to politely ask for permission like a gentleman. Satisfactory?”

“Hmph. Fine.”

“So, do you hate me or not?”

“No, I don’t hate you,” I mumbled as quietly as possible.

Kallen chuckled lowly. “Good. Remember, you are the only young lady who has the keys to my heart.”

I soon found myself sharing in his smile. I can’t believe I’m going to school. There will be kids there my age, right?

* * *

My first day of school had finally arrived, and I had woken up earlier than usual in anticipation. I was now dressing behind a partition, while Kallen and Jade read newspapers on the opposite side of the room. Marianne stood beside the maids, looking glamorous as she observed me trying on several dresses.

“Nope, definitely not this one. Pick out another. A white dress? Really? It looks as out of vogue as the temple! What is she, a priest?”

It was ironic that such a complaint was coming from the mouth of a saint, the temple’s most symbolic entity. I smiled awkwardly.

“I was expecting this,” Marianne went on. “It’s a good thing I came. My darling must look her best on her first day of school.”

The maids obeyed her orders, stripping off the white dress and bringing in another.

“Ah, this one’s quite an improvement. That shade of mint green complements your strawberry-blonde hair beautifully.”

“Really?” I asked. I twirled in my fresh mint-colored dress, just as Marianne instructed.

The maids smiled.

“I shall grab some matching ribbon and tie your hair into pigtails, my lady,” one of them said.

Marianne shook her head. “If she looks too much like a child, the other students will look down on her. Tie up just the top section of her hair. And make sure the bow isn’t too large. One with a gemstone sewn on would be ideal.” She dug through my jewelry box and extracted a green ribbon with a white sapphire. “This one’s perfect!”

“Her best dress should suffice,” Kallen’s voice called from beyond the partition. “The time has come for the other children in high society to realize my daughter is the most beautiful young lady in the world.”

“Oh, Kallen. You really are clueless. Do you know how sensitive and delicate children are at this age? The ideal first-day dress is pretty but plain.”

I nodded to myself. Marianne is definitely more reliable than Kallen in these matters.

“I like the dress Marianne chose for me. She’s always dressed well, so I trust her judgment,” I said, beaming. She seemed to enjoy taking care of others in this way, and I was also happy to receive her attention.

“Oh my! You say the most endearing things! I’m relieved to see you haven’t been tainted by others in this house that shall remain nameless.” Marianne leaned over to kiss my cheek. “You adorable little thing.”

“Please stop kissing her cheeks,” Jade said flatly. “You’ll wear them out.”

Marianne shrugged, and then her face lit up with a playful smile. “I imagine you’ll make many new friends at school,” she said.

“I hope so,” I replied.

But I don’t know how skilled I’ll be at making friends. Hmm… New friends, huh? Walter was the only friend I ever had. I wonder how he’s doing. Is he in good health? I stared out the window. He was so helpful in those days.

“I’m more curious about the school itself,” I said. “But I’m worried that I won’t be able to keep up with the other students.”

“I hear commoner schools are overcrowded with students, but that’s quite unlike the school you’ll be attending. The fewer the students in an aristocratic school, the more prestigious it is.”

“Is that so?” I blinked.

Will it be very different from the schools I was familiar with in my past life?

“Kallen! What’s the name of the school?” Marianne asked over her shoulder.

“Madam Poline’s School for Nobles.”

“A-are you serious?” She froze for a moment before darting from behind the partition. “How did you manage admission for Leticia? Did you make a handsome donation?”

“I have my ways.”

I peered out through the partition and saw Marianne leaning over, whispering to the duke. “Will she be all right? I’m worried… Of all schools…”

My eyes widened as I read her lips and heard her faint voice. What’s happening? Is the school really that prestigious?