Chapter 41

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A little before I started training with Mr. Miles.

The children seemed to have grasped the basics of Randal, so I began Clark's Haggle language lessons. I thought Nonna might be too young, but she said, "I want to study together." Can a six-year-old really understand three languages? Even I, who love language studies, didn't start learning my third language until I was ten.

"Nonna, it's enough if you can listen and speak."

"No, I want to study with Clark."

"I also prefer studying with Nonna."

For a noble boy to not mind studying with a girl six years younger is quite unusual, isn't it?

"Then let's start with a conversation between a traveler and a townsperson in Haggle. First, I'll be a person from the Haggle Kingdom. We'll take on various roles, so imagine you're a traveler and practice the conversation."

"Yes, teacher."

"Yay!"

Nonna probably doesn't understand much, but she seems to be having fun, so I'll let it be.

That day, I and the children became the staff of a bakery in the capital of Haggle. We practiced buying bread many times, taking turns with different roles.

"Can I have one round bread and two raisin breads, please?"

"That's three copper coins."

"What time does this shop open?"

"From six in the morning until six in the evening."

Clark and Nonna tackled the conversational lessons with laughter. After going through everything, Clark asked a question.

"Teacher, isn't the Haggle Kingdom cold?"

"Yes, it seems so. It's colder than Ashberry. I've read that it snows in November."

"Is spring late too?"

"In the Kingdom of Ashberry, spring flowers start blooming in March, but in the Haggle Kingdom, they start in mid-April."

"Teacher, Father says he will take me with him when he goes to the Haggle Kingdom for work. It would be nice if you and Nonna could come too."

"We look forward to hearing about your journey, Clark."

"Vicky, is Haggle far?"

"Yes, it's quite far. It takes about three weeks by carriage."

"Then it's fine. I'm learning lace-making from Susan."

Indeed, every time Nonna stays overnight at Susan's, she learns a bit more about bobbin lace. It's a time-consuming lace made by crossing threads wound on bobbins without using knitting needles or hooks. Susan is skilled, and I once saw one of her works—it was luxurious and beautiful.

Nonna loves physical activities but also enjoys meticulous tasks. She polishes silver spoons with great dedication. In that way, she reminds me a little of myself, and it makes me happy even though we are not related by blood.

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At the Asher Manor.

In the former Countess Courtney's room, Jeffrey and his mother, Courtney, are having a conversation.

"Jeff, I'm very happy that you're concerned about my health, but when you're busy, you should prioritize your duties, you know?"

"I'm a carefree bachelor, so I don't have many duties, Mother."

The former Countess Courtney tilted her blonde head and smiled.

"Edward told me you have a close lady friend. When will you introduce her to me?"

"That... I hope you can wait a little longer. Nothing is decided yet."

"Oh dear. The brave and bold Second Knight Regiment Commander is quite cautious. If it's about the lady's status, I can help you with that."

The problem isn't that.

Victoria doesn't seem to dislike me, but whenever I take a step forward, she takes a step back. It's probably because...

Jeffrey almost sighed but held it back. It was still around the time between evening and night, but after saying goodnight to his mother, Jeffrey retreated to his room and finally let out a sigh.

At the ball, she was the first to notice that the man was acting suspiciously. I now believe it was Victoria who knocked him out in the garden. She overpowered the skilled Prince Cedric, causing him a fracture, yet she herself was unharmed.

Victoria is fluent in four languages, skilled in cleaning and cooking, and excels in martial arts and swordsmanship. She is also good at climbing trees. I might be the only one who knows all of this.

From this, I can only draw one conclusion.

'Escapee agent'

I've never heard of an agent who, after being brainwashed to be loyal to the organization from a young age and receiving high rewards, would escape. But there are always exceptions.

"There's no benefit for her to get close to me or my uncle. She accepted the position as the Anderson family's governess when asked. She's not old enough to retire. If so..."

It all makes sense if she escaped from the organization. Her reluctance to talk about her past and her refusal to say what she fears. In that case, Victoria Sellar is probably a pseudonym.

At this point, my thoughts always circle back to the same place.

If I choose to live with her, the best course of action would be to leave this house and become a commoner to avoid causing trouble for my brother, his wife, and the children. Of course, I would have to resign as the regiment commander. I am prepared for that.

"What if we go to another country with her and Nonna?"

I've thought about this many times. Fortunately, I'm strong and can manage the languages of neighboring countries, so I could find some work and make a living.

However, Victoria seems to be telling me not to step in.

I feel like if I confess and say, "Let's live together," she'll disappear with Nonna.

If she really disappears, I doubt I'll ever find her again.

"Phew."

Jeffrey ran his fingers through his lustrous silver hair and looked up at the ceiling.

---

At Victoria's house, Nonna, who had been reading a book, called out to Victoria, who was in the kitchen.

"Vicky! When is Jeff coming next?"

"I'm not sure. The commander is busy, you know."

"When Jeff comes, I'll say, 'How much is this bread?'"

"He'll be surprised, I'm sure."

"I hope Jeff comes soon."

"Yes, me too."

Knock knock!

"It must be Jeff!"

Nonna stopped just before opening the door. One of the few rules in this house is to confirm the voice before unlocking the door.

"Good evening. I bought some delicious roasted chestnuts."

Hearing the familiar voice, Nonna quickly unlocked the door.

"Jeff! Good evening! Wow, roasted chestnuts!"

"Commander, thank you so much."

Jeffrey, Victoria, and Nonna enjoyed the roasted chestnuts together, laughing and chatting about trivial matters. Jeffrey cherished this time, knowing that if he pushed too hard, it might all disappear.