Chapter 5

Dinner is generally a time when the entire family gathers to eat, so Sarah would have to sit at the same table as the Marquis, her uncle, aunt, and cousins. In other words, for Sarah, it would be a meal that felt heavy and hard to digest. Moreover, since the nobility often have evening social events, it is rare for them to eat breakfast or lunch together.

During such an uncomfortable dinner, the Marquis spoke to Sarah.

"Sarah, I heard you have something to talk to me about. Come to my study after dinner."

"Yes, Grandfather."

At this, her uncle and aunt also reacted.

"Oh, what does Sarah need to talk to Father about?"

"If it's about dresses or accessories, you can consult me as well."

It seemed that Sarah's direct request to the Marquis did not sit well with them. While her aunt spoke in a soothing tone, her eyes did not smile at all. Even if Sarah begged, they would definitely not buy anything for her.

"I want to live in the estate. I want to see and feel with my own eyes and skin the Granchester estate where Father spent his childhood. Also, I thought that having a commoner girl like me, who doesn't know proper manners, might make it difficult for you to host tea parties."

Arthur, as a child, was frail and lived in the estate with his mother, the Marchioness, and his older brother, Robert, until he entered the academy. Her father had often told Sarah about those memories, though he had hidden the fact that he was a noble and spoke as if he were just a country boy.

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that. But, indeed, a life surrounded by the estate's nature might suit Sarah."

Seeing an opportunity to get rid of Sarah, her aunt quickly agreed. Her daughter, Chloe, also chimed in, saying, "Country life would suit Sarah perfectly."

"Hmm. We'll discuss the details after dinner."

After dinner, as Sarah was heading to the Marquis's study, Adam blocked her way.

"Hey, commoner. Do you think you can do whatever you want once you get to the estate?"

"I don't think that at all."

"Uncle is not lenient. He always nags about studying. He will be especially strict with you."

It seemed that the other uncle was the type who was passionate about education. While it might be bothersome for the cousins, it was convenient for Sarah, who wanted to learn.

"Thank you for your kind advice. However, I have been called by Grandfather, so I must hurry. I would be hesitant to say that I was delayed because Adam stopped me..."

"Ugh, just go."

Sarah brushed off Adam and headed to the Marquis's study.

"Grandfather, thank you for taking the time to see me."

"That's fine, but are you really sure you want to go to the estate?"

"Yes. As a descendant of the Granchesters, even a distant one, I cannot remain as I am. I believe it is necessary to train myself so as not to cause trouble for you and everyone else."

"Quite a mature way of speaking. I thought you were only 8 years old."

Although she was not well-versed in the manners of this world, she had tried to be polite to avoid offending the Marquis, but it seemed she had overdone it.

"Growing up in a merchant family, one naturally becomes mindful of one's words."

"That was more of a shop than a merchant family, but I see."

"Mother always taught me that having a strong desire to improve is important."

While she was embellishing the story, it was not a lie. Her mother had indeed said, "Be polite to customers" and "Let's aim for a bigger store in the future," which could be interpreted as having a similar meaning.

"Hmm. Well, that's fine. If you want to train yourself, you will need a tutor."

"Yes. If you allow it, I would like to acquire the education and manners befitting a member of the Marquis family."

"I see. Then I will arrange for Gavanes."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

The Marquis readily gave his permission for her to go to the estate. He was probably also unsure about how to handle Sarah.

While there was a slight unease about what kind of person Uncle Robert was, it seemed that she had successfully secured a healthy life without bullying and opportunities to learn.