Chapter 9

It's short.

Since then, I've been banned from leaving the magic academy. It seems Master Georg has pulled some strings. I guess it's because I messed up with the valuable touchstone and, despite my immense magical power, I couldn't control it, making me dangerous. I had a vague idea that this might happen, yes.

For me, not being able to visit that treasure trove is a huge shock... but I guess I brought it upon myself. Besides, I don't want to run into the prince and get dealt with. I hope the latter doesn't happen.

"Riz, come down here."

While I was sighing, my face buried in the pillow, wanting to read a bit more in my room, my mother's gentle voice came down to me. It's unusual; she rarely calls me when it's not mealtime, especially since I usually read in my room.

"What is it, Mother?"

"Father... or rather, someone has come to see you."

"Me?"

Mother, you know I hardly have any acquaintances. I don't have any playmates because the neighborhood kids keep their distance, and I don't go out except for physical exercise, so I don't have any acquaintances.

...Could it be the prince? No, no, that's impossible; the prince is the heir to the throne and shouldn't be able to leave the city easily.

Then, it might be Master Georg, who seemed to bear some hostility towards me. He might be angry about what I did to the touchstone and might even want to dissect me. The dissection part is just a wild guess, though.

"...I understand, I'll be right there."

Although I really don't want to, I can't ignore it, so I reluctantly left my room and went down the stairs.

And it turned out to be the least expected scenario.

"Are you Lady Lizbet Adeleshan?"

The person waiting in the guest room... was a stranger. Why?

He was a man (probably) wearing a hood and a robe that almost completely covered his body. He was a bit short, about the same height as my mother, giving an overall impression of being petite.

"Who are you?" I asked, staring at him intently. He smiled wryly, probably not used to being looked at like that by a child.

"I am Jildred Savan. I was asked by your father to teach you magic."

Realizing he was wearing a hood, Jildred removed it and bowed politely. His green hair, tied back, flowed smoothly.

...I thought his name sounded like a pirate's for a moment, which was very rude of me, but I didn't say it out loud, so it's safe. It's just a similar name, so it's fine.

I was frozen in place. Jildred slowly raised his head, and he was quite handsome.

He looked like a boy, probably around twelve, who hadn't yet undergone the coming-of-age ceremony (which is at fifteen in this world). His face was more that of a beautiful youth.

His eyes, the same color as his hair, were soft and gentle, with a smile on his lips. I stared at his vivid green eyes and kept my thoughts to myself.

"I am Lizbet Adeleshan. Did you come all the way here?"

"I was asked to teach you at home."

I nodded and lowered my eyes, rubbing my hands that were out of my short sleeves.

My mother smiled wryly and continued the conversation for me.

"Did it take you a long time to get here? If it's far, it must be quite a hassle to come here..."

"No, it's not that far, and I'll be staying at an inn."

"But the inn costs a lot, doesn't it? If you like, you could stay with us while you teach this child."

Mother, who is a noble, worrying about the cost of an inn, is a model housewife. Mother apparently came from a middle-class family and married into our family. I think it's wonderful that she had a love marriage, but personally, I have other things to worry about.

Jildred's face brightened at the offer, and he asked, "Is that okay?"

Of course, it would be convenient for Jildred, and if I were in his position, I would accept it too.

My kind mother nodded with a smile, and Jildred looked relieved.

...Well, it's already decided, and I have no objections.

"This child is shy, please forgive any rudeness."

"No, no, I was also shy at this age. ...Lady Lizbet, I look forward to working with you."

Jildred approached me and gave a friendly smile. I raised my head a little and smiled back, "I look forward to it too," acting shy.

Mother, don't just label me as shy. I don't have any friends, that's true. I don't have any acquaintances my age, that's true. Oh, except for the prince.

...I'm going to have a hard time, in various ways.