Chapter 131. Treating Her Like a Child

Roelyn wrote a letter to Angela.

Angela was the only friend she could exchange letters with.

The letter was trivial. It’s already as cold as early winter here. Brother Enoch seems busy with the upcoming harvest festival, so it’s hard to see him. Even so, he personally takes care of the Grand Duchess’s meals and spends more than an hour a day with her in leisure time. He’s truly devoted. It’s an eyesore…….

‘And the Grand Duchess…… is really a strange person.’

[Even though I show that I dislike her, she still comes to have tea for an hour and chat. She brings flowers, gifts poetry or novels, and once even brought a huge teddy bear as a gift……. Does she think I’m a child?]

Next to Roelyn, who was writing grumpily, the huge teddy bear sat neatly. The red silk ribbon she had tied around its neck shone with a glossy sheen.

‘I wish you could come to Evitern Castle often, but I don’t know if Brother Enoch will allow it.’

Pressing black letters onto the beige paper, Roelyn sighed deeply. My daily life hasn’t changed much here either. My health is poor, so it’s hard to go out……. I mostly stay in my room.

Half of the letter’s content was complaints, but Roelyn believed that kind Angela would understand and sealed the envelope with wax.

After calling a maid to send the letter, it was already lunchtime. She had no appetite, but she couldn’t skip meals if she wanted to take her medicine.

Roelyn approached the table in a gloomy mood, pulled out a chair, and sat down weakly. How long will I have to stay at Evitern Castle? In the past, I would have been happy to be by Brother Enoch’s side, but…….

‘……Brother Enoch has changed too much. He’s not the person I used to know.’

The reason was obvious. The Grand Duchess…… Ellenore.

‘What kind of magic did she cast on Brother, really.’

As Roelyn shook her head, lunch was served in front of her. Roelyn picked up her utensils without enthusiasm. Thinking about the bitter medicine she had to take after the meal made her lose her appetite even more.

* * *

The highlight of the October harvest festival is undoubtedly the fireworks.

Apparently, this time, they prepared especially large and splendid fireworks. Ellen nodded continuously, looking at Jasmine, who was chattering beside her with a pleased expression.

“Last year’s harvest festival finale was a red dragon, which was really amazing. But the big peonies will be just as splendid and beautiful. Sitting by the window in the attic on the top floor, drinking warm mulled wine while watching the fireworks…… Ah, it’s really the best.”

Jasmine’s chatter was like a pleasant piano performance. A serene and pastoral background music.

“The chef’s mulled wine is so popular that it runs out quickly. But Laila, I’ll make sure you get to taste it. You’ve never had mulled wine before, how did you even live?”

“I, I’ve had hot fruit wine with sugar…….”

It was an exceedingly peaceful time.

Until someone’s sharp shout shattered the tranquil air.

“Get out of my room right now!”

Ellen and the two others walking beside her stopped almost simultaneously. They turned their heads in the direction of the sound. It was where Roelyn’s room was.

“……Isn’t that Princess Roelyn’s voice?”

Jasmine whispered softly, and Ellen quietly nodded, frowning.

Why is Roelyn acting like that? What on earth is happening…….

“I don’t need a tutor like you!”

……A tutor?

Come to think of it, Enoch had mentioned bringing a tutor for Roelyn.

In truth, Roelyn was far beyond the age for a tutor. She had already received sufficient education from professors invited by the royal family, and unless she pursued an academic path, there was nothing more to learn.

However, Enoch believed Roelyn needed to learn more about politics and diplomacy. Additionally, he claimed she lacked cultural refinement and needed to fill that gap.

Thus, whether she wanted it or not, Roelyn got a tutor, who was none other than the Marchioness Margaret Reditch.

“Your Highness, I was merely stating the facts.”

“Facts? Don’t be ridiculous! How dare you insult a princess like this……!”

The two were having a heated argument in the hallway. Several maids tried to intervene but failed.

Jasmine and Laila, next to Ellen, whispered anxiously.

“Your Grace, what should we do? Should we call for His Grace?”

“Should I go fetch him?”

“…….”

Ellen quietly observed the situation and then slowly started walking towards them. Jasmine and Laila clung to Ellen in alarm.

“Are you really going to intervene yourself?”

“I’ll go fetch His Grace!”

Knowing that Roelyn’s temper was no joke, the two were worried that Ellen might get caught in the crossfire.

But Ellen wasn’t stepping in without a plan. In the past few weeks she spent with Roelyn, Ellen had thoroughly understood her. She had perfectly grasped how to handle Roelyn.

So, there was no need to call Enoch.

She could handle it herself.

As Ellen approached Marchioness Reditch and Roelyn, she spoke softly.

“What’s going on?”

All attention turned to Ellen at once. The maids gasped, and Roelyn, after a moment of surprise, glared at Ellen with hostile eyes.

In contrast, the Marchioness, befitting her role as the princess’s tutor, answered calmly and respectfully.

“There was a minor disagreement with Her Highness.”

“A minor disagreement? Don’t be ridiculous! You crossed the line! Marchioness!”

Ellen first approached Roelyn and gently patted her trembling shoulder. As Roelyn, who had been breathing heavily, gradually calmed down, Ellen asked the Marchioness again.

“What exactly happened?”

“Um…….”

The Marchioness explained the situation.

She was teaching Roelyn diplomacy, which included basic content that Roelyn already knew. When Roelyn pointed this out, the Marchioness responded.

‘Even if it’s something you already know, it’s better to start from the beginning. Revisiting it thoroughly might reveal things you didn’t notice before.’

Roelyn then flared up.

‘I’m not lacking in basics. I’m not a child, and why should I study things I learned ten years ago? What do you think I am?’

But the Marchioness didn’t back down.

‘If you learned it ten years ago, you might have forgotten some of it. We need to study it step by step from the beginning…….’
‘Enough. I don’t want to learn from you, so just leave.’
‘I can’t do that. His Grace ordered me to teach you well.’
‘I’m a princess of this country. Even if Brother Enoch wishes it……!’

Thus began the ‘minor’ disagreement, and eventually, the Marchioness delivered a direct blow. ‘I’m sorry, but Your Highness must start from the basics.’

‘I see, that’s what happened.’

So that’s why Roelyn was so angry. Ellen understood the situation instantly.

‘The Marchioness isn’t wrong. The problem is Roelyn’s pride and stubbornness are too strong to accept direct advice…….’

The Marchioness was a wise person and a good teacher, but she didn’t know how to handle someone as delicate, sensitive, and childlike as Roelyn.

If Ellen were Roelyn’s tutor, she would have coaxed her into learning the basics without offending her.

But the Marchioness, being straightforward, told Roelyn directly, which led to this mess.

And the solution to this situation was surprisingly simple.

Give her candy.

Roelyn was just a grown child.

“Roelyn, you must be very upset.”

When Ellen clasped her hand tightly, Roelyn flinched and blinked. Ellen knew very well what Roelyn’s weakness was. Roelyn was a Frederick…… a child starved of affection.

“But the Marchioness didn’t mean any harm. She probably thought that learning from the basics would help you become an even more dignified princess. Isn’t that right, Marchioness?”

Ellen gave the Marchioness a silent signal to agree. Fortunately, Marchioness Reditch was quick-witted. She nodded promptly and answered.

“I may have been too eager, Your Highness. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.”

Though still lacking in flattery, it wasn’t bad. Ellen quickly intercepted before Roelyn could respond.

“Enoch is looking forward to it, Roelyn.”

Roelyn, startled, opened her eyes wide. The vulnerability of a child craving love and attention was visible in her pale, transparent gray eyes.

“Brother Enoch is…… looking forward to it?”

“Of course. You’re his only sister.”

“…….”

First, strike at the weak spot.

This method would work. Ellen was confident.

“But…… if Enoch hears that you argued with the Marchioness…… he might be disappointed.”

Another flinch.

Expectation, disappointment. Linking those two words naturally makes a person feel burdened and responsible.

Ellen skillfully manipulated Roelyn’s psychology.

“I won’t tell Enoch about this. So, Roelyn, will you follow the Marchioness’s guidance? So that Enoch, who went to great lengths to find a tutor for you, won’t be disappointed.”

“…….”

In truth, it wasn’t Enoch but his aide who personally persuaded the Marchioness to come…… well, such minor truths could be adjusted through mutual understanding. Ellen hid her dark intentions and smiled kindly.

After a moment of silence, Roelyn nodded in resignation.

“……Alright.”

Ellen smiled brightly, genuinely pleased.

“You made a good decision, Roelyn. I’ll be looking forward to it too. I believe you’ll persevere and do well.”

She didn’t forget to look at her with pure expectation. Roelyn, though a bit awkward, accepted it quietly, and thus the incident was resolved.

After Roelyn and the Marchioness returned to the room, Ellen hurried to inform Enoch and align their stories.

Ellen subtly noticed that the maids following her had a strangely changed gaze.

Just as she was about to leave the stairs, Jasmine suddenly spoke.

“Your Grace, I’m in awe.”

“……Pardon?”

“You handled Princess Roelyn so easily, it’s amazing. You’re truly remarkable!”

The other maids nodded in agreement, their eyes sparkling so brightly that Ellen felt a bit burdened and awkwardly smiled.

I just didn’t want any troublesome issues because of Roelyn…….

……Well, anyway, since the result is good, I guess it’s fine.

* * *

The morning of the harvest festival dawned.

Ellen washed and dressed neatly, then headed to the city of Ortez with Enoch.

The city was bustling with a festive atmosphere. Colorful decorations were hung everywhere, and the streets were packed with tourists.

Children in white clothes wandered the streets with baskets of paper flowers, enticing tourists, while accordion players played outdoor performances with hats at their feet to earn money.

The role of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess at the festival was not complicated. Meet the lord’s deputy to open the ceremony, visit merchants to encourage them, and blend naturally among the people to enjoy the festival. All these scenes were being photographed.

Maybe that’s why? Ellen felt uneasy in many ways.

The fact that pictures of herself, merely a terminal Grand Duchess, would remain…….

However, the festival was so enjoyable that her laughter in the photos couldn’t possibly be fake. The same went for the drawing sketched by a street artist.

“It’s far from capturing Your Grace’s beauty, but please accept it. It’s my drawing.”

“Ah……. Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”

Ellen looked quietly at the drawing the street artist handed her as a gift.

In the drawing, she was…… smiling brightly beside the person she loved. Looking incredibly happy.