Chapter 6

Three months had passed since Elizabeth moved to the Sutherland villa. It was decided that she had become accustomed to her new life, and Gavannes was assigned to her.

"Do I have to study a lot like you, big brother?"

She asked Charles with a worried look. Elizabeth secretly praised herself for her childlike behavior, which had become quite natural.

--- After that, I didn't neglect to observe children, not just in the countryside but also in towns. But fundamentally, I was not a mature adult. I was a cruel and immature child, no, a monster.

Charles stroked Elizabeth's head and said,

"Don't worry. You'll be fine, Beth. You might not be able to play as much as before, but you'll be able to play even more enjoyably. Playtime will become more precious."

"Really? I don't quite understand, but I'll do my best."

She understood the meaning but deliberately said she didn't. The boy who had just turned nine was more mature than the previous Elizabeth.

"Big brother, I want to have a picnic again! This time, not in the garden, but on the hill over there."

"Hehe, if you study well, we'll go together."

"It's a promise!"

Elizabeth particularly enjoyed picnics. Having lunch on a blanket, sitting freely outdoors, was more refreshing and fun than a tea party with tables and chairs.

Elizabeth had initially intended to spend her days seriously atoning, but in the end, she acted as she pleased. While she had started to consider others in her actions, her fundamental character didn't change easily.

Pretending to be a common child, she climbed trees and caught crayfish in the stream—actions that were hardly commendable for a noble lady. However, her relationship with the villa's staff was very good.

She didn't look down on commoners because of her memories of living as a lowly prostitute. She had learned firsthand that, regardless of status, they were all human beings.

--- Running around until I'm tired and getting covered in mud is so much fun. It feels like I'm really alive. Mary often scolds me, but it tickles and makes me happy.

Elizabeth, who had initially intended to correct her life, often forgot her purpose and lived a fulfilling life.

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After a while, Jane from Gavannes arrived from the capital. She was a 16-year-old woman with her brunette hair tightly tied back and a stern face.

When Jane heard the servants at the Villiers Marquess residence in the capital talking about how terribly spoiled and temperamental Elizabeth was, she firmly resolved not to quit this rare and well-paid job, no matter what unreasonable things the young lady might do. As the eldest daughter of a poor viscount's family, she needed to send money to her parents, who still had young siblings to care for. This resolve made her expression even sterner.

Jane's tragic expression softened soon after she began teaching Elizabeth. Elizabeth was an incredibly honest and excellent child.

"Miss, you are truly remarkable, understanding so quickly, and I am deeply moved! Yes, your manners are perfect, and I am very happy to be your teacher!"

"Hehe, thank you, teacher. I want to learn more things. I want to find a job where I can be useful."

"You are saying something strange. You should marry a fine gentleman and live as a noble lady. There is absolutely no need for you to work."

"Oh, but teacher, you are a noble lady and work to be independent. I think that's wonderful. I want to work and be useful to others like you."

Jane, though a noble lady, had never lamented her situation of having to work, nor had she taken pride in it. Therefore, she was surprised by Elizabeth's words. She wanted to teach her even more to help her become the person she admired.

--- Studying is surprisingly interesting. The previous me only perfected manners and dancing to avoid being looked down upon, but I decided that studying was unnecessary for a lady. Well, I wasn't a lady anyway. To be honest, studying for children is a breeze. Since time is precious, I'll show my full potential here!

Elizabeth took her studies seriously. It was purely enjoyable. On days when the weather was bad and she couldn't play outside, she spent her time reading children's literature recommended by Jane.

The previous Elizabeth never read literature. She couldn't understand what was interesting about it. This was probably because she couldn't empathize with others at all.

The current Elizabeth is a young lady who loves books.