Chapter 82

I couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Everyone's gaze immediately turned to me.

"Why are you doing that?"

"It's nothing."

In response to Father's question, I shook my head gently.

"But I'm just starting my social activities."

"Yes, you are."

"The role of a governess is incredibly important, so wouldn't it be better to choose carefully? We should consider their experience and all sorts of things..."

"Considering their experience, someone who has worked as a royal nursery governess would be quite helpful."

"Well... that's true."

Right. That's true, but I know—

'Mrs. Asha was Dahlia's personal tutor!'

I suppressed the urge to shout and clutched my head.

Personal tutor.

Just saying that makes it sound like she only gives lessons at set times and keeps her distance from Dahlia, but that's not the case.

Dahlia only came to the Astra Manor as an adult.

There was a mountain of things to teach, but because of her age, she couldn't have a governess.

So, they called Mrs. Asha a personal tutor and assigned her to Dahlia.

Instead of a governess.

Instead of Dahlia's governess.

That means we had a lot of conflicts.

"If Miss understands her role, it would be for the best."

"What?"

"Miss should realize that one tear from Miss Dahlia could send her to the underground prison."

Dahlia was a very special and important person, possessing three blessings.

Not fake blessings like mine, but real ones.

Moreover, her 'Healing' blessing had been developed up to the fourth level.

In other words, as long as there was a breath left, she could revive any patient.

'It did take a while, though.'

Still, it was a nearly miraculous ability.

So, everyone in the world praised and admired Dahlia.

Not just the Astra Manor, but even the royal palace would bend over backward for Dahlia.

Mrs. Asha was very proud of such a Dahlia.

In fact, just by being Dahlia's governess, she enjoyed tremendous power.

By elevating her status and giving her real power, Mrs. Asha was willing to do anything for Dahlia.

And that arrow often pointed at me.

'I almost died several times because of that woman!'

For such a person to be my governess.

Absolutely not.

"Father, since this is the person who will be with me the most, can't I choose someone I like?"

"You?"

"Yes!"

"Hmm, it's hard to find someone suitable to be a great noble's governess."

As Father worried, it was true.

Not just any noble, but a direct descendant of the Astra Dukedom.

Naturally, the conditions were strict.

And there were very few people who met those conditions.

We couldn't just choose someone who didn't fit.

If there was even a slight blemish on my governess's experience or status, people would gossip about it.

They would say, "There must be a problem if she has such a governess."

'But I can't have Mrs. Asha as my governess, either.'

"If we can't find anyone, I'll ask for help."

Seeing my strong desire, Father nodded readily.

"Alright. You can choose."

"Yes!"

I smiled broadly and resolved.

I'll search the entire empire if I have to, but I must find someone else!

Mrs. Asha is absolutely out of the question!

* * *

The conditions for a great noble's governess were clearly stated as three:

- Must be a noble.

- Must have graduated from an academy.

- Must have a recommendation from another governess.

Of course, these were just the stated conditions.

They were like a minimum threshold, and there were many more implicit conditions.

"Here are the resumes."

Miguel handed me the organized resumes.

As soon as the rumor spread that I was looking for a governess, resumes started pouring in from all over.

I examined each one carefully.

"Hmm, um..."

The applicants were all people of considerable influence.

Being the third child of the Astra Duke and the daughter of General Diamond, only those with considerable confidence would submit their resumes.

But...

I put down the documents, leaned back in my chair, and frowned.

Miguel, seeing my expression, asked, "Is there no one you like?"

"Yeah."

The resumes themselves were perfect. After all, they were all excellent in terms of ability.

But the problem was what wasn't written in the resumes.

Especially their character.

'Mrs. Nante introduces the children she takes care of to humble families for money...'

I pushed Mrs. Nante's resume aside.

Mrs. Lucion is a supporter of the Empress.

'She'll report everything I do to Empress Roselia.'

Mrs. Lucion's resume also went into the trash.

'Mrs. Make? Why is this woman on the list?'

This crazy person beats children without their parents' knowledge.

'Probably caused a scandal about three years later when it was discovered.'

Beating children? Such a person should be in prison.

"Hmm..."

No matter how I looked, there was no one suitable to be my governess.

Most governesses are from provincial noble families.

For such women to succeed as governesses in the capital, they must have had a strong personality.

'So it's no wonder there are no truly caring people...'

But shouldn't they have a sense of vocation as a profession?

The lack of suitable candidates was a problem.

Seeing me groan, Miguel said, "Come to think of it, there was a time when they tried to find a governess for you when you were young."

"Yeah."

Father tried to assign one, but I said I was fine.

I didn't really need one back then.

"Didn't you say there was someone you had in mind back then?"

"There was... but not anymore."

"If she's working elsewhere, we could offer a higher salary to bring her here?"

"She's not taking care of noble children."

Miguel looked puzzled.

"Did she quit being a governess? But even if so, with a high salary..."

"No, she's somewhere else."

"Where exactly...?"

I said with a gloomy face, "In prison."

"...What?"

"She hit someone and went to prison."

Miguel, at a loss for words, finally managed to say, "It's a good thing we didn't bring her."

"Exactly."

I pressed my temples.

They all looked shiny on the outside, but each had their own problems.

But it would be hard to find more people who meet the conditions.

'Maybe I have to choose from these, even if I don't like them.'

Even a less-than-ideal choice would be a hundred times better than having Mrs. Asha as my governess.

"Who's the best among them?"

I spread out the remaining resumes on the desk and asked Miguel.

After pondering for a while, Miguel pointed to one name.

"How about this person?"

[Canela Mia]

It was a name I had never heard before.

"Where did she work?"

"It's her first job. But she has experience as a nursery maid (assistant to a governess) in the royal palace for the First Prince."

"Really?"

Although she doesn't have experience as a governess, her experience as a nursery maid for the First Prince makes her a good candidate.

"Reason for recommending her?"

"She seemed enthusiastic about the job."

"Enthusiasm?"

It was a somewhat vague criterion.

In response to my question, Miguel took out a letter from his pocket.

"This is a letter Canela Mia left with her resume."

I took the letter and opened it.

[Mr. Miguel,

I apologize, but I heard that Miss Erylot had a big incident during the Harvest Festival.

Although it's not good to spread rumors, I'm worried and felt compelled to write a few words.

I'm sure Miss Erylot was shocked, and I hope you're doing well.

I hope you're not disoriented by the sudden change in people's attitudes.

Even if those attitudes are positive, they are completely different from what you've been used to, which could lead to a loss of trust in the world.

However, I want to firmly tell Miss Erylot:

There are such people in the world, but there are more good people.

I'm writing this through you because I don't know Miss Erylot personally, and I hope my words will resonate with her.

I'm including chamomile tea leaves to help calm her mind.

Please serve it to Miss Erylot.

I wish her a life full of happiness.

Children should always be happy.

I'll end here.

-Canela Mia]

'Oh...'

I nodded as I read the letter.

I can't judge her just yet, but she seems like a good person.

"Among these, she seems the best. I should at least interview her."

"Understood."

Miguel organized the resumes.

* * *

First District, Cartier Street.

This was a bustling area in the capital.

The street was full of bustling people, giving a sense of vitality.

Han Ji-hyuk and I headed to the patisserie that Canela Mia often visited.

Han Ji-hyuk asked me, "Why are we sneaking around like this?"

"Huh?"

"Isn't it better to set up a meeting? The timing might not match, and she might not come today."

"If I set up a meeting, she'll know I'm the Astra heiress."

"Shouldn't she know?"

Isn't that obvious?

"To really understand a person, I need to see how they act in their daily life, not just when they know I'm the employer."

Just like me.

"I see, I get it."

Han Ji-hyuk looked at me intently.

Why is he looking at me like that?

I might be good at socializing, but it feels a bit unfair to get this kind of look.

We arrived at the patisserie and went up to the second floor.

The second floor had an open view of the first floor.

We ordered something and watched who came and went.

After a while, Han Ji-hyuk nudged my arm.

"Isn't that her?"

Han Ji-hyuk pointed to a woman choosing bread.

She had her wavy red hair neatly tied up.

A mole beside her nose.

The same face as the portrait sent with the resume.

I nodded slowly as I examined her face.

"That's her."

I found her.

Canela Mia.

Canela was sitting with a group of people, chatting.

She seemed very approachable and stood out among the group.

Her gestures were big during the conversation, but they didn't feel exaggerated or forced.

She waved her hands and laughed loudly, but no one frowned.

She definitely seems to get along well with the people around her.

'Approachable people are good.'

They can get along with other families' governesses and gather various information discreetly.

The information I need from governesses isn't just about major events.

Even small preferences and recent news can become valuable clues when combined with other information.

"Ha ha ha!"

Canela's sudden loud laugh startled Han Ji-hyuk.

He looked a bit flustered and whispered to me, "Her voice is really loud."

"Loud voices are good, actually."

Better than a soft one.

Good for communication, and in case of emergencies, a loud voice can be an advantage.

"Plus, the patisserie is small."

"True."

The small size of the patisserie made Canela's and the others' conversations easy to hear.

Like the conversation we just overheard.

Canela waved her hands and said, "Oh, sister. Why are you so worried? You'll do great. Don't hesitate, just submit your resume."

"But I didn't graduate from an academy... and I'm not like you, a former royal nursery maid. I'm not applying to a great noble family like the Astra Dukedom, but..."

Huh?

Suddenly, our conversation caught my attention.

I perked up and focused all my attention.

After all, hearing others talk about you is always the most interesting.

Canela, resting her chin on her folded hands, said, "You really love children, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Isn't that the most important thing? No matter how much work there is with noble children, the most important thing is to love the child."

"Is that so?"

Han Ji-hyuk, wide-eyed, whispered, "She really has a good mindset."

"Yeah, she seems like a good person."

A good governess should prioritize loving the child over money or ambition.

Not that pursuing money or ambition is bad, but taking care of a child is more tiring and difficult than you might think.

Especially when it's not your own child.

Children are still growing, so they naturally make mistakes and act unreasonable.

Because they are children.

That's what they're supposed to do.

A good governess should guide and correct these behaviors, so someone who loves children is better.

'If you don't like children, it would be hard to see them every day, no matter how much money you make.'

Canela's words were sincere and reasonable.

She seemed like a good person, giving sincere advice to her friends.

Listening to Canela, even her friend seemed like a good person.

The conversation that followed was also interesting.

"Approach the gentleman if you like him."

"Ah, I'm not pretty or talented... He runs a large fabric shop in the capital, how could I..."

"What? You're pretty. And with such a kind heart, what are you talking about? If he's a good person, he won't miss someone as precious and considerate as you."

Ah, really.

Even listening to it makes me feel good.

Han Ji-hyuk and I looked at each other and nodded.

'I should ask her to come for an interview.'

A governess will be with me almost 24/7.

She will inevitably learn my true identity.

I'm not a bad person, but I'm not perfect either.

Of course, I have clear reasons for what I do, but understanding those reasons is a different matter.

'If she can see people's strengths so well...'

And character is the most important.

If my information leaks, it could be a big problem.

Canela and her friends continued their conversation, and there were no red flags.

After some time,

Thud, a few of Canela's friends got up, saying they had to go.

Canela lightly organized the things she had eaten to make it easier for the staff to clean up.

Ding, the clear bell on the door rang as the door opened.

Canela and her friends started to disperse, some heading in the direction of their homes.

Han Ji-hyuk and I, waiting for a moment, followed Canela out of the patisserie.

We planned to greet her and ask her to come for an interview.

Then, Canela turned into a side alley ahead.

One of her friends, a tall and slender woman, was with her.

So, I carefully followed them into the alley.

Thud!

"Ouch!"

As soon as I entered the alley, I bumped into the slender woman.

Being relatively short, I was pushed back and fell on my butt.

"What, what? Who's this kid?"

The slender woman, surprised, turned and spoke to me.

But she used informal speech.

'Well, I do look young, so she might be startled.'

When you bump into someone unexpectedly, you naturally blurt out words.

Han Ji-hyuk, who followed behind, helped me up.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

Actually, no.

I probably hit my tailbone when I fell.

'Ouch, it hurts.'

But I had other plans, so I didn't show my pain.

We were outside, so I couldn't rub my butt and just winced.

Then, an irritable voice came from behind.

"What are you doing? If you bump into someone, you should apologize."