Chapter 14

“Teaching the kids isn’t a problem. It’s just that a lot of things have piled up. And I was craving cherry pie. You can’t find this flavor in the capital.”  

Hazel bit into the cherry pie, thinking to herself.  

A lot of things had piled up indeed. Not only had she reunited with her first love, but she had also discovered a deeply private secret.  

Vanessa, seemingly dissatisfied with Hazel’s repeated assurances that she was fine, cast her a playful glare.  

In the calm and peaceful atmosphere, Hazel relaxed her posture and leaned comfortably against the sofa.  

She sighed softly at the thought of how wonderful it would be if every day could be like today.  

Vanessa, who had been quietly watching Hazel’s profile as she stared blankly out the window, set down her teacup and spoke.  

“Instead of just staying at home, why don’t you go out for a bit? A lot has changed since you were last here, so it might be fun to look around.”  

“How long do you think I’ve been here? Can’t you let me rest for a bit?”  

“One day is plenty. Normally, you’d be busy running around, but now you’re holed up in your room the moment you arrive. How do you expect me to believe you came here to relax?”  

Vanessa’s raised voice left Hazel speechless.  

Her words hit the mark, and Hazel felt a cold sweat run down her back. The truth was, her main reason for coming here was to distance herself from Enoch Meyer.  

Of course, she also wanted to rest. She needed to soothe her weary heart in many ways.  

‘Though that’s also Enoch Meyer’s fault…’  

Hazel avoided Vanessa’s gaze with an awkward smile.  

She understood why Vanessa was worried. Hazel had always been the type to dislike staying still, constantly bustling around. Suddenly staying home must have seemed strange.  

But this time was different. She had come here literally to “rest,” so staying at home shouldn’t be a problem.  

And so, Hazel presented a theory.  

“Vanessa, be honest.”  

“About what?”  

Hazel narrowed her eyes and stared at Vanessa.  

“You’re trying to get rid of me because I’m annoying, aren’t you?”  

“Oh my, what are you talking about? Do I seem like such an unkind person to you?”  

Vanessa let out an incredulous laugh.  

But Hazel didn’t believe her. Vanessa had always been the type to pull pranks and pin the blame on her, even as a child.  

Even though many years had passed, some things about a person’s nature didn’t change.  

As Hazel pondered, Enoch suddenly flashed through her mind.  

Why had Vanessa brought up Enoch, someone she had no particular connection to?  

Could it be that Enoch was coming to this village?  

No way. Why would Enoch come to such a rural place?  

“Enough of that. Go out already.”  

Vanessa waved her hand dismissively, cutting off Hazel’s train of thought.  

As if she had decided now was the time to push harder, Vanessa called out to Emily, who had been bustling around in the kitchen.  

“Get ready; you’re going out. Take Hazel with you, and don’t worry about coming back late. You should get some fresh air too.”  

“…Miss Hazel and me?”  

“Yes. She’s going to stay cooped up at home until she leaves if we don’t push her. How can she waste her youth like this? At least you’re married, but she doesn’t even have a man in her life.”  

Wait, Vanessa! Hold on!  

Before Hazel could stop her, Emily was already by her side.  

Faced with the combined efforts of Vanessa and Emily, who seemed determined to send her out, Hazel raised her voice in disbelief.  

“Vanessa!”  

“Keep your voice down, will you? As an etiquette professor at the Academy, is this how you behave?”  

“It’s not etiquette; it’s general education and literature!”  

“Same difference.”  

Vanessa shrugged indifferently, her attitude making Hazel glare at her.  

But it was only for a moment. Hazel quickly softened her sharp gaze.  

“Fine, that’s not a bad idea.”  

After all, wasn’t she here to enjoy herself?  

Vanessa looked suspiciously at Hazel, who followed Emily without resistance.  

“What? Got a problem?”  

“I’m suspicious because you’re being so compliant.”  

“So, do you want me to go or not?”  

“Go. Stay out late. Better yet, meet a decent man and don’t come back at all.”  

“Is that something you should say to your only sister?”  

“I’m only saying it because I know you’re not the type. You used to act like holding hands with a man was a big deal. Now hurry up and get ready.”  

Though she had done something unimaginable back then…  

Feeling a pang of guilt, Hazel swallowed the truth and headed upstairs.  

“You probably didn’t bring any clothes, so wear this.”  

Vanessa handed Hazel a dress she had brought.  

“I’m fine. I can go out like this.”  

“If you go out like that, people will gossip that the Hoover Earldom can’t afford even a single dress. Do you want Father to hear such things?”  

Hazel wanted to retort that they really couldn’t afford it, but Vanessa’s firm insistence left her sighing deeply.  

“Fine! I’ll wear it, okay?”  

“Why are you yelling again? Is there something you don’t like about it?”  

Her expression made it clear that if Hazel dared to complain, she’d face a thorough scolding. Hazel quickly averted her eyes.  

The dress was different from the modest and calm outfits she usually wore as an Academy professor. It was designed to emphasize beauty.  

‘When was the last time I wore something like this?’  

Probably at her Academy graduation.  

As she looked down at the dress in her hands, Hazel quietly asked Emily, 

“Emily, did Vanessa eat something strange this morning?”  

“Hmm, no. She had her usual: one piece of bread, cream soup, and a slice of apple. Oh! And a cup of tea too.”  

Doesn’t sound like she ate anything different from me.  

Still, Vanessa’s willingness to lend her a dress was suspicious.  

It felt like she was up to something, but Hazel couldn’t figure out what, leaving her unsure of how to react.  

“What’s this? Are you scheming something?”  

“Oh my, is it so wrong to be nice? I just thought it’d be good for you to dress up and enjoy yourself since it’s been a while. If you don’t like it, give it back.”  

Vanessa reached for the dress as if to snatch it back, and Hazel instinctively clutched it tightly.  

Oops.  

Vanessa smirked, as if she’d expected this.  

It seemed Hazel’s childhood habit of clinging to her belongings to prevent Vanessa from taking them hadn’t disappeared.  

While Emily helped Hazel change into the dress, Vanessa stood with her arms crossed, watching her. Her gaze was so persistent that Hazel sighed quietly, her face pale.  

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you wear something like this, Miss.”  

“I don’t wear them at the Academy.”  

“You should wear them more often. Aren’t there lots of handsome men in the capital? Sarah came back from the capital and called me a country bumpkin! Can you believe that? She was only there for three days!”  

Ignoring Emily’s pouting complaints, Hazel looked at her reflection in the mirror.  

Perhaps because she usually wore navy dresses, this deliberate effort to dress up felt unfamiliar.  

The soft fabric clung gently to her body, flowing gracefully. Her hair, usually braided or tied up, was left down and adorned, adding an elegant touch.  

‘This is definitely a mood booster.’  

Vanessa stifled a laugh at Hazel’s expression, which tried to hide her pleasure. When Hazel glared at her, Vanessa feigned innocence.  

“You sprayed perfume too, right?”  

Vanessa fussed over Hazel as if preparing her for a debutante ball. It seemed excessive for a simple outing.  

Hazel carefully removed Vanessa’s hands from her hair and said, 

“I’m ready. You do know I’m not going to a debutante ball, right?”