Chapter 8

After Master Alan went out, Rebecca and I studied in the library of the annex.

The library was very spacious, with desks arranged for studying, and I sat next to Rebecca, watching her study.

I had given her some problems to solve, and I was grading them.

The results were...

"Perfect score, excellent, Miss Rebecca."

"Ah, thank you."

Despite the variety of questions on the country's history, politics, and business, she answered all of them correctly, which was truly impressive.

It's only been a year since she came to the ducal family, yet Miss Rebecca is really excellent.

I feel a bit reluctant to admit it, but maybe Mrs. Nable's education was good?

"How was your study with Mrs. Nable?"

"Well... Mrs. Nable decided the scope of the exam, so I would study in advance and take the exam, then review the parts I got wrong."

"...What? Wait, that's all?"

"Yes, mostly..."

"Just deciding the exam scope? Did Mrs. Nable teach you anything within that scope?"

"She said that knowledge comes from learning on your own, so I read books and studied everything by myself."

Really...?

All she did was decide the exam scope, create the exam, and have you take it?

Rebecca studied everything by herself?

It's true that if you know the exam scope, you can study, but it's difficult to keep learning on your own without being able to ask anyone questions.

Did you keep this up for a whole year?

You thought the study time was just for the exam, but what about studying for the exam?

Maybe...

"Did you stay up all night studying for the exam?"

"Yes, I have a poor head, so I had to study for a long time..."

Rebecca looks apologetic, but I feel my anger towards Mrs. Nable rising again.

That woman...! I was a fool to try to acknowledge her at all!

Just deciding the exam scope and creating the exam without teaching anything is not teaching!

It's amazing that Rebecca has grown so much, but it's because she is amazing, not because of Mrs. Nable's education.

"Even after studying for a long time and getting a perfect score, Mrs. Nable scolded me... Ah, no, it was my fault for making mistakes, so it's not Mrs. Nable's fault at all!"

"...It's okay."

I couldn't hold back and hugged Rebecca, who was sitting.

That Mrs. Nable is really the worst... Not only did she not teach, but she also scolded Rebecca for studying hard on her own.

I have to get back at her properly someday.

"...?"

Rebecca, surprised by my sudden hug, let out a confused voice.

"Rebecca, you are really, truly excellent. You are kind and wonderful."

"Is that so...?"

"Yes, really. I am very proud to be part of a family with a good child like you."

"...Thank you."

When I stroked Rebecca's head, she tentatively put her arms around my back.

"I... I'm also happy to be part of a family with you, Miss Sophie."

"Thank you, Rebecca."

Ha, you're so cute...!

When she whispered it in my ear, I felt my heart skip a beat.

I pulled away from Rebecca and stroked her head, thinking.

I didn't expect her to be this good at studying.

I thought the only thing I could teach her was studying... but maybe she's already better at studying than I am.

I was supposed to teach her more this afternoon, but I need to reconsider.

If I teach her more, it might be about magic or tactics.

I'm not that knowledgeable about those, so I need to hire another teacher.

Since I can't do that today... that's it.

"Rebecca, let's end today's study here."

"Already? But we've only solved the problems."

"You got a perfect score, and I don't have anything else to teach you. So today, let's make a reward."

"Make a reward...?"

Rebecca tilted her head cutely, and I nodded with a smile.

"Yes, a dessert."

I enjoy making desserts and used to do it occasionally before I got married.

I might not be as good as professionals, but I can make simple things with Rebecca.

"Dessert?"

"Yes, do you like sweet things?"

"Ah, I haven't eaten much, but I like them!"

Her very cute smile, girls really do like sweets.

The meals at the Bernhard Duke's residence are delicious for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but desserts are rarely served.

If they are, it's just a little fruit.

I haven't checked, but Master Alan might not like sweets.

Or he might think that eating is just for nutrition and all meals are the same.

Since no sweets are served, I've been wanting to make some and eat them myself.

"Let's make them together, Rebecca."

"I've never cooked before, is that okay...?"

"It's fine, we'll make something simple."

We headed to the main house's kitchen.

The cooks were surprised to see us, but after explaining the situation, they let us use a part of the kitchen.

Something quick, sweet, and delicious... how about pancakes?

"Let's make them together."

"Yes!"

Since the kitchen is a bit high for Rebecca, we got a small platform for her to stand on, and she put on an apron.

Oh, how cute... an angel has descended into the kitchen.

"Let's make pancakes today. There's a lot of mixing, so I think Rebecca can do it."

"Understood, I'll do my best!"

We started cooking together.

The cooks were watching us from behind, probably to make sure we don't get hurt.

Or...

"Okay... is this good enough?"

Watching the cute angel work hard, they must be finding it heartwarming.

Given the kitchen atmosphere, it's probably the latter.

I'm watching too, but I need to help her properly.

"Yes, that's good. You're doing well."

"Yes! Hehe..."

She smiled adorably, probably happy to be praised.

She's so cute that not only me but all the cooks in the kitchen smiled.

Rebecca continued to mix the ingredients energetically, and I finished baking them.

"These are pancakes."

"They're fluffy!"

"Hehe, yes. Now, let's add butter and honey..."

"Wow...!"

She watched the honey drizzle over the pancakes with sparkling eyes.

Her reaction is so cute, I love it.

Eating here would be impolite, so let's go to a room... how about Rebecca's new room?

"Rebecca, how about we eat in your room? Should we prepare some tea too?"

"Yes! That sounds great!"

It was a good idea to come to the main house's kitchen, as it's easier to take the pancakes to Rebecca's new room.

I asked a maid to prepare tea and other things.

We moved to Rebecca's room and waited for the tea to be ready.

While waiting, Rebecca fidgeted and kept glancing at the pancakes.

Hehe, she's eager to eat.

After the tea was served, Rebecca said, "Itadakimasu!" and took a bite.

"Mmm! It's delicious!"

She said with a bright, beaming smile.

"I'm glad, but eat slowly. You might choke."

"Ah... Yes, sorry."

She blushed, probably embarrassed by her excitement.

But the pancakes seem delicious, and she continued to munch happily.

Ha, she's so cute.

I confirmed that they were delicious, but watching Rebecca eat them cutely makes me feel full.

Rebecca continued to eat with a beaming smile, and soon the pancakes on her plate were gone.

"Ah..."

Rebecca looked a bit sad for a moment, but then she smiled politely and said, "Thank you for the meal."

Oh, I'm so full...!

"Rebecca, can you eat my share?"

"Eh? No, it's fine! I've finished my share..."

"I'm so full. So, Rebecca, can you eat it for me?"

"Ah, is that okay?"

"Of course, if you don't eat it, the pancakes we made together will go to waste."

"Then, I'll eat it...!"

Rebecca looked a bit apologetic but started eating the pancakes again with a bright smile.

Ha, she's so cute... her cheeks are full, like a squirrel.

I could drink tea all day while watching this scene.

After finishing the pancakes, Rebecca and I continued to chat over tea.

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