3

Eric Gosling, unable to use the Prince’s name, found a letter from Connie Clarence in the author mailbox he had set up under his own name and delivered it to the Prince.

In Connie Clarence’s letter that the Prince was unfolding and reading, the phrase “……can send me the book……” was visible.

Just as his eyes were about to linger longer on the letter, the Prince folded it.

“Send this to Miss Connie Clarence.”

The Prince handed Eric his new book.

He was a strange prince who had previously handed over his book to be sent with the last letter, then suddenly changed his mind and said not to send it, and now was telling him to send it again.

Judging from the contents of Connie Clarence’s letter, it seemed the Prince had first asked “shall I send you the book?” But why ask something like that? When it was obvious no reader would refuse.

Just like when he had instructed Eric to find out that Connie Clarence was a teacher at Steen Elementary School, and then unlike his usual nature, used his influence to have the Princess assigned to her class, and also when he had asked about the vice principal of that school.

At first, Eric had thought it was just personal interest in a particularly devoted reader, but……

“You could have just sent it last time without all this trouble……”

“Just do as I say.”

The Prince cut off Eric’s question and repeated his order.

‘He’s up to something.’

Eric knew exactly the behavior patterns of His Highness the Prince, whom he had stuck with for 18 years as if it were fate or destiny. Whenever the Prince had something to hide, or his explanation was flimsy, or he received a difficult question—in other words, when he didn’t want to answer—he would cut off the conversation just like this. Then he would suddenly turn serious and call him “Sir Gosling.”

But only Eric knew this sneaky side of the Prince.

He was probably the only person in the entire country who knew this side of him.

Even Her Highness the Queen who gave birth to the Prince might not know this aspect of her son. After all, he played the role of a prince full of courtesy and kindness to everyone so well.

What ulterior motive did this outwardly perfect but inwardly sly Prince have this time?

He had almost sent the book last time, but stopped, and now after receiving a reply, he was sending his book……

‘……!’

Could it be to receive another reply?

Although he hadn’t confirmed the entire contents of the Prince’s letter, Eric’s sharp mind was uncannily deducing the Prince’s intentions.

But even after figuring it out accurately, he hit another wall.

If that reason was correct, the next question was why he would feel that way in the first place.

It didn’t seem like it had been that long since he received the previous letter from Connie Clarence, yet he wanted another letter……

In fact, Eric knew Connie Clarence very well too.

How could he not? She was such an important woman.

For months after the Prince published his book under the pen name “Leonie,” there had been no response.

Eric had suggested that even while keeping his identity secret, more aggressive promotion might generate some response, but the Prince had flatly refused, saying, “More exposure would certainly sell more books, but I don’t want that.”

It seemed he wanted to be recognized purely for his writing. That’s how sincere he was about his work.

But as sincere as he was about his writing, even if he had tried to be satisfied with just publishing them, he must have felt disappointed that no one was reading it.

Although he didn’t openly show his disappointment.

The Prince’s book, which had been fading into obscurity, began to become known to the world and receive meaningful responses thanks to the appearance of the protagonist of that letter, “Connie Clarence.”

One day, a fan letter came from that woman to the author’s mailbox, and shortly after, the Prince’s writing began to appear in the cultural sections of newspapers with news about new books.

Finding it strange that reviews suddenly appeared simultaneously in several newspapers, the Prince instructed Eric to quietly investigate the cause. The supremely capable Eric discovered that a reader named Connie Clarence had submitted reader reviews to various newspapers, and those reviews were so excellent that they caught the editors’ attention.

As the book began to appear in newspapers and generate responses, literary magazines also rushed to publish reviews of the Prince’s writing, and the name “Leonie” began to rise as a rising star in the literary world. Absurdly and amusingly, “she” was introduced as a rising “female” author.

In any case, it was clear that Connie Clarence was the number one contributor, or benefactor, who had made the Prince’s name known.

Moreover, as if to prove herself a devoted reader, Connie Clarence continued to send letters about once a week after her first fan letter.

As diligently and persistently as a daughter living away from home might send greetings to her parents.

Actually, the frequency had decreased a bit recently…… But still, deliberately asking if he could send a book to encourage more fan letters…… that seemed a bit petty. It wasn’t as if fan letters were only coming from that woman these days.

As his thoughts reached this point, Eric’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the Prince.

What a petty prince. It was frustrating that he was the only one who knew how petty and narrow-minded this prince really was, when the entire nation knew him as someone who inhaled elegance and exhaled courtesy with every breath.

It was even more frustrating that he could never voice these thoughts aloud.

Perhaps he should find a bamboo forest to speak into, like that minister from some distant kingdom.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Do you have some complaint?”

The Prince uncannily pointed out his disloyal gaze. How sharp his instincts were.

“Not at all. I was just wondering what kind of mood you’re in. First you reply to a fan letter, and now you’re even sending a book. Are you having a romance with that reader?”

Eric was the type to say what he wanted within acceptable limits, even if he couldn’t outright call the Prince “petty and mean-spirited.” The Prince had shown absolutely no interest in women, to the point where Eric suspected he might be impotent. Such a prince wouldn’t suddenly develop romantic feelings for a woman he barely knew, even if she was a reader he’s grateful for. It seemed more like he had developed some obsession as an author, but unable to say that directly, Eric used different words to mock him.

“……What are you saying? Sir Gosling, I notice today that you have a tendency to say whatever comes to mind. I wonder if someone with such a frivolous mouth can be called a prince’s aide.”

Frivolous!

Eric was about to immediately object to his words but closed his mouth momentarily upon seeing the Prince’s face. For some reason, the Prince’s face had turned red. As if he were embarrassed.

Embarrassed…… The Prince wasn’t that type of person. In the dictionary of the noble Ryan Stanton, His Highness the Prince and future king of the Kingdom of Greet, there might be dignity but no embarrassment.

Why on earth was his face red? Was he angry?

Perhaps he had slightly crossed the line that the Prince allowed. After all, he was the Prince and Eric was his aide.

“Your Highness, you know better than anyone that I, who exclusively assists Your Highness who only works under a secret pen name, am not loose-lipped. If anything about me is light, it would be my feet, not my mouth. So I will now withdraw to send the book immediately.”

Eric countered the absurd criticism by pointing out the Prince’s weakness while simultaneously reversing his attitude to flatter the Prince.

In any case, Eric was good at walking the tightrope in front of those in power, and that was the secret to his position as the irreplaceable aide and friend to this cunning Prince.

“Who said you’d send it right away? I’ll write a reply to send with it.”

“Pardon?”

Eric’s voice cracked slightly as he asked again.

Now what kind of capricious power play was this? Another reply?

One of the Prince’s eyebrows rose dramatically at Eric’s cracked voice.

“Leave. I’ll call you back.”

“……Yes.”

Eric glanced at the Prince taking out writing paper again through the closing gap of the door to the Prince’s office.

His face was already intensely focused on that trivial task. Just like someone writing a love letter.

‘Tsk tsk, he’s properly caught the attention-seeking disease.’

Eric clicked his tongue to himself.

⁕⁕⁕

Ryan, who had only written the greeting on the letter paper, put down his pen and began to carefully read Connie’s letter once more.

[Dear beloved Author Leonie, hello. This is Connie Clarence.]

As soon as he read the letter again, that strange sensation struck his left ribs once more.

A feeling like his ribs were slightly cracking? Not painful, though. A tingling sensation that strangely spread a pleasant warmth—what was it about the word “beloved” that made him feel this way every time?

[How can you be so kind and considerate?

I felt like I was walking on clouds all afternoon at the mention that you could send me a first edition with your signature.

I’ll be waiting with folded hands for the day your book arrives. And if that book really comes into my hands, I might even kiss it every day.]

Why kiss the book? Maybe if it were the person who wrote the book, or the person who gave the book, but…

Well, of course she doesn’t literally have to do that.

[So you’re not a mother of a baby. And you’re not “expecting” either? Hmm…… Are you a single-lifestyle advocate then?]

When he reached this part, his face frowned again, just as it had when he first read it.

He had explicitly told her he was a man, so how could she be so obtuse?

She said she wasn’t smart, was that really true?

For him, a prince, to be a single-lifestyle advocate—that would make the entire Kingdom of Greet grab their necks in shock.

As it was, his father and mother were already pressuring him about their heir’s royal marriage being delayed, suggesting he consider marriage with the princess of the Temparan Kingdom. Although he knew the Temparan princess was the most suitable marriage partner, he had been postponing it because somehow he didn’t feel like marrying a woman whose face he had never seen, but it wasn’t something he could postpone forever, giving him a headache.

“I’m a man, Connie……”

Muttering discontentedly, his eyes moved to the next line.

[I’m so glad your eyesight is good. They say people usually transition from nearsightedness to farsightedness as they age, but it seems you have the innate eyes of a writer.]

“Sigh……”

A long sigh escaped from the lips of the twenty-five-year-old Ryan. She seemed to have definitely categorized him as an elderly person.

How could a woman with such poor reading comprehension have been the top graduate of Steen University? If he hadn’t personally seen her receiving the award at the graduation ceremony, he would certainly have had serious doubts about Connie’s comprehension abilities.

[I actually laughed when I read what you wrote about my workplace superior. Since he’s the vice principal, he is indeed a workplace superior, but somehow it made me think of a middle-aged adult. In fact, our vice principal is a very young person. Both the vice principal and I might look like mere youngsters to you, author.]

At this part, he wanted to crumple up the letter. Connie seemed to imagine that the age difference between Ethan Schwab, who was the same age as her, and “Leonie” was not three years but around thirty years.

I’m twenty-five years old, Miss Connie Clarence, twenty-five.

[Actually, the vice principal is a friend who graduated from the same university as me. It’s quite surprising for us to meet again as “workplace superiors.” But that friend remembered that I like your books (Could he have had even a tiny bit of interest in me? Ah…… well, it probably wasn’t that significant), so I felt a bit overwhelmed. I’ve felt grateful to him throughout university because he comforted me with your book when I was having a hard time (though he doesn’t even know he comforted me). Oh, you’re wondering how he comforted me with your book? I once told him about a passage from your writing that consoled me. I guess your writing gave comfort not just to me but to him as well?]

Memories of comforting her when she was having a hard time?

If he quoted from a book I wrote…… isn’t that just me comforting you? Not that guy.

[I was busy and hectic every day as a student, but becoming a teacher makes it even more chaotic. However, the joy of receiving a reply from you will give me strength for the next few weeks. Thank you so much. Just as you are such a presence for me, I hope you too meet many good people who give you strength.

From Connie Clarence, whose heart felt like it would burst as if receiving a love letter after getting your letter.

P.S. Did I mention the name of the school where I’m working last time? I’m sad that my memory seems to have deteriorated right after graduating from university.]

It was fortunate that she didn’t remember whether she had written the school name or not. He planned to insist she had written it even if she remembered she hadn’t.

By the way, ‘as if receiving a love letter’? Ha! It seems she definitely doesn’t think it’s a love letter. Well, since she seems to think of me as a single, elderly grandmother with good eyesight, what could I expect?

By this point, he felt that subtle explanations wouldn’t work with this woman.

If the homeroom teacher’s sentence comprehension is at this level, Daniella’s national language skills will improve slowly.

With a self-deprecating smirk, Ryan began to write his letter again.

⁕⁕⁕

During the national language class, right after finishing the explanation about coloring alphabet picture characters they had learned over the past two weeks, William came forward.

“Teacher, there are some alphabets that Sana missed when she was absent. Can I help her with those from beside her?”

Connie, who had already planned to explain separately to Sana, smiled gently and gave William an extra activity sheet that Sana had missed.

“Yes, could you give this to Sana too? Help her if you have time while doing your own. If you need any help, just tell me.”

Come to think of it, William’s seat was next to Sana’s. It seemed fortunate that William, who was not only smart but also considerate, was sitting next to Sana.

As Connie smiled watching William and Sana, her gaze eventually turned to Daniella and Callian.

Callian, with his elbow on the desk and his cheek resting on his hand, was watching Daniella work on her activity sheet.

There he goes again.

The reason Callian came to school was clearly to watch Daniella.

There had already been several disputes between Connie and Callian over this issue. Each time, Callian refused to yield. Just watching Daniella instead of doing his work.

This really can’t continue.

For Callian’s sake, for Daniella’s sake, and for the study atmosphere of the entire class.

“Callian, you need to do your activity sheet.”

Connie went to Callian’s side and blocked his view of Daniella as she spoke.

“Move.”

Callian looked up at Connie with a sideways glance and said.

“This is the time to do this work. I won’t move until you complete all these letters. Hurry up and do it.”

“……”

Callian gave no answer and even crossed his arms.

Silence flowed between Callian and Connie, and eventually, Callian glared at her.

From Callian’s tightly closed lips, Connie could feel his strong determination not to yield to the teacher.

I’m sorry, but I have no intention of yielding to you either, Callian.

“……”

“……”

The silence continued for a few more seconds.

In truth, although she tried not to show any change in expression during that silent time, Connie’s heart was pounding violently with worries like “How long will Callian resist and hold out like this? What should I do if he refuses to follow my instructions to the end?”

But she couldn’t let the child see her fear and tension. If she yielded to him now, he would not follow her instructions in the future, and guiding that child would become even more difficult.

This was a crucial turning point that would determine whether Callian could properly adapt to school life.

Connie knelt down to meet the child at eye level.

Though Callian subtly pulled his face back when his teacher’s face came right in front of his, his expression showed little change.

The child must have instinctively sensed that he was in the middle of a showdown with the teacher.

What words should she use? How could she make this child decide to follow her instructions and participate faithfully in class?

In that brief moment, Connie’s mind was busy searching for the right answer. Since Callian had no attachment to school or classes, it wouldn’t be easy to change his mind with those incentives.

She needed to target what was most important to this child.

Callian’s goal was…… yes, that’s it.

Hoping her strategy would hit the mark, Connie opened her mouth.

“Callian, showing that attitude in front of your teacher is impolite, and during class time, you need to do what the teacher tells you to do. That’s the school rule. So if you want to continue to ‘stay’ in our class, follow the school rules. What I’m asking you to do right now is complete these picture characters.”

Connie spoke slowly while firmly pressing down on the activity sheet with her hand. Not threatening, but not particularly friendly either.

What this child, like a small resisting predator, needed was not kindness but strictness.

Callian looked down at the activity sheet Connie pointed to and then looked back at her.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

Callian picked up his pencil and pulled the activity sheet toward his chest.

‘It worked!’

Callian’s goal was to be next to Daniella, and Daniella was in the classroom.

This clever child Callian, who precisely understood Connie’s warning implying that if he didn’t follow the teacher’s instructions, he wouldn’t be able to stay in this classroom near Daniella, finally decided to follow Connie’s words for his own goal. Fortunately.

Connie was so grateful to Callian for deciding to follow her instructions that she almost hugged the child, but she barely suppressed that impulse and stood up nonchalantly, straightening her crouched knees.

“Yes, that’s how you do it, you’re doing very well, Callian.”

Though she couldn’t hug him, Connie praised him with gratitude packed tightly into her words and moved to Sana’s seat. William was diligently helping Sana, but she needed to let William focus on his own activity too.

She had overcome the small but fierce mountain that was Callian.

Now, the large mountain of the silent Sana remained.

⁕⁕⁕

The satisfaction from her achievement after the breathless confrontation with Callian was short-lived. During break time, while Connie was asking Sana if anything had happened over the weekend, a sudden thud followed by a shout of “Hey!” was heard.

Startled, Connie jumped up from her seat. William was sprawled on the classroom floor.

Rushing to William, Connie quickly checked his face and body. Fortunately, there were no visible injuries.

“Are you okay, William?”

“I’m fine.”

Though he answered that way, William’s eyes were glaring at Callian standing next to him.

Something seemed to have happened between William and Callian. There had been several instances where Callian went to William’s seat to snatch his book or poke him, which Connie had warned him about—was this another such case?

“What happened?”

Just then.

“Callian pushed William off his chair.”

Daniella intervened with her testimony. Connie looked at Callian.

“Callian, did you push William?”

“William made me angry first.”

Callian snorted.

“When did I! You suddenly pushed me.”

William glared at Callian as he spoke.

“I asked you to show me that, and you said no!”

Callian shouted.

“Why should I show it to you!”

William’s voice grew equally loud. So he could raise his voice like that too.

“Stop, both of you stop fighting. Everyone go back to your seats.”

With all nine other children except Sana gathering around, it was chaotic. She needed to have the children sit in their places first and then understand what had happened.

“Callian hit first! I saw it! Callian pushed William!”

“Yes, that’s right! I saw it too.”

But far from returning to their seats, Natalie and Nathan joined in with their testimonies.

“I understand, so please go back to your seats. Take out your notebooks and colored pencils and draw whatever picture you want.”

She had planned a different activity, but made a quick change.

“Teacher! My notebook is missing.”

“Can I draw with a pencil instead of colored pencils?”

“I don’t want to draw!”

“What should I draw?”

“I saw Callian hit him too!”

“I want to draw a dog. How do you draw a dog?”

After responding to the flood of questions, she was finally able to call William, Callian, and Daniella one by one to understand what had happened.

The full story was that Callian had tried to take a drawing that Daniella had given to William as a gift, and when William refused, Callian had pushed him roughly. And unfortunately, contrary to William’s claim that he was fine, upon closer inspection, a large bump had formed on the child’s head.

It seemed he had hit his head on a nearby desk when he fell.

Regardless, Callian was refusing to apologize to William.

“Callian Brightling needs to apologize to me.”

However, William also seemed determined not to let this go. This was the first time the polite-to-Connie and kind-to-friends William had shown such a firm and tough attitude. The will to no longer tolerate someone who had never once apologized for using violence against him without reason seemed to be emanating from his entire body like smoke.

“William was wrong for not showing me the drawing, so why should I apologize? You’re the one who was wrong!”

Far from admitting his fault, Callian even blamed William.

The fact that the incident stemmed from Daniella, who was an absolute figure to Callian, made it even more problematic.

Callian had agreed to follow Connie’s words earlier partly because she had used Daniella, but also because Callian didn’t have any particular “hostility” toward Connie.

But William, who had received Daniella’s “affection” in the form of a drawing, had undoubtedly become Callian’s “enemy.”

〈This school is certainly famous for having children from extraordinary families, but this year, your class is particularly intense. There’s the princess, the young master of Brightling, and even the young duke of the Wayne family…… It’s truly a collection of precious children. Oh my, it must be difficult for you.〉

Suddenly, Teacher Anna’s words came to mind.

So this is what she meant……

In this gathering of precious children, those very precious children were now clashing.

“I won’t forgive you until you apologize.”

William finally declared.

William, who had looked as soft and delicate as a young sprout, suddenly appeared like a powerful tree with deep, thick roots in the most influential ducal family in the kingdom.

The situation was not looking good.

⁕⁕⁕

School dismissal time. Connie was busier than any other day.

With her right hand holding William’s and her left hand holding Callian’s, she first headed to the marquis family’s carriage that Callian would take. A woman who appeared to be a servant was standing in front of the carriage.

“Hello? I’m Connie Clarence, Callian’s homeroom teacher. Please deliver this letter to Callian’s parents.”

It was a letter describing how William got a bump on his head and that William’s mood had not improved.

Though not directly stated, it was heavily implied that Callian needed to apologize.

“Has something happened to the young master?”

The woman received the letter with a sour expression. Her face looked as if she had anticipated the letter’s contents.

“Please tell them that if they wish to consult after reading the letter, they can come to the school. I’m sorry, but please read the letter for details. I’m a bit busy right now.”

Connie had no time for a lengthy conversation as she also needed to deliver a letter to the servant of the carriage William would take.

After sending off the still-fuming Callian in the carriage, she immediately headed to the Wayne family’s carriage.

She needed to deliver a brief letter expressing regret about the bump on William’s head and asking for it to be examined again at home.

⁕⁕⁕

She thought that with the basic level of education and common sense that nobles presumably possessed, they would understand the content of her letter well……

But contrary to Connie’s expectations, the marquis couple, Callian’s parents, did not send any reply, and Callian, who came to school the next day, was still refusing to apologize. It wasn’t just refusal—his attitude was more like “Apologize? What’s that?”

Could the letter not have been delivered? Or did they receive it but not properly understand its contents? Or did they think Callian didn’t need to apologize?

The two children sitting diagonally from each other growled at each other all day, and with Daniella taking William’s side each time, Connie had to desperately prevent Callian from charging at William several times.

In the midst of this, Callian’s fist missed its target and landed in Connie’s stomach.

The seven-year-old child’s strength was surprisingly powerful.

Connie felt slightly dizzy but quickly regained her composure.

Callian, who didn’t listen to the teacher’s instructions and did as he pleased; William, who followed the teacher’s instructions diligently but wouldn’t let go of his hostility toward Callian; and Daniella, who rejected Callian’s blind affection while being full of goodwill toward William.

All day long, Connie had to spend the day feeling as if there was a powder keg in one corner of the classroom, and three hours after the children went home, she realized that the powder keg had finally exploded when she saw the person who visited the classroom.

Graham Wayne, William’s father and the Duke, was entering the classroom.

Actually, she thought his visit made sense.

Yesterday’s incident was quite significant, but even before that, Callian had continuously provoked William and never apologized.

“Father, you must be very upset, right?”

After a brief greeting, she immediately got to the point.

“From what William told me, this has been ongoing. A child twice William’s size using violence and not apologizing means such incidents could continue to happen.”

“I’m sorry.”

As a teacher who had failed to properly educate Callian, Connie had nothing to say. However, it was difficult to assure that such incidents wouldn’t happen again. That’s how unpredictable Callian was.

“Please don’t misunderstand; I’m not here to hold you responsible for this incident.”

Despite the Duke’s words, a sense of shame as large as her sense of responsibility washed over her—the helplessness of not being able to restrain or persuade Callian, and the feeling of being severely criticized by a parent for something that happened at school.

“I heard that you continuously instructed him to apologize. But that child not only didn’t apologize but even tried to swing his fists again today, I heard. I even heard that you were hit in the process…… I’m more concerned about whether you’re alright.”

“No, it wasn’t that serious. Thank you for your concern.”

In truth, she could still feel the lingering impact of that punch in her stomach.

“William is not a violent child, but he’s also not one to tolerate being unfairly hit. I didn’t raise him that way. I would like to formally refer this matter to the school’s conflict resolution committee, but I thought I should speak with you first.”

Connie felt a slight spasm in her thigh muscles.

The school’s conflict resolution committee…… She was well aware that Steen Elementary School had such a thing. But Callian was just a newly enrolled child……

“Father, I completely understand how upset you are. I also understand how worried you must be. But could you perhaps forgive him just this once? Callian hasn’t been enrolled for long, so he’s had very little time to learn the school rules and how to behave in relationships with friends. He hasn’t apologized yet, but since he’s a child, I think he’ll gradually improve. If you could give him a little more time, I’ll work hard to ensure he apologizes later.”

In response to Connie’s earnest request, the Duke let out a short sigh.

“……Alright. Since you’ve gone to such lengths to say this, I’ll let it go this time. Teaching children must not be easy; I should be the one apologizing. However, please don’t stop me next time. As the child’s guardian, I also need to fulfill my role. Having lost his mother, I’m not in a very relaxed state of mind either.”

“Yes, thank you for saying so.”

Connie barely managed to answer while pressing down on her trembling thigh with one hand.

Her chest felt tight as she watched the Duke leave the classroom with a somber face.

She had promised to guide him well, but could she really do it?

What should she do……

⁕⁕⁕

“From now on, never say things like ‘I’ll take responsibility.'”

When she went to seek advice and explained the general situation, Teacher Anna cut her off sharply.

“In fact, Steen Elementary School is stricter in its discipline than anywhere else. Everyone sends their children here knowing this. They think they’re sending their children to a place with vetted peers. But in this case, one side is clearly at fault, yet the child who did wrong is refusing to apologize, so it’s not really a complicated matter. There’s no need for a teacher to make promises they can’t keep, like ‘taking responsibility.'”

“Ah……”

“Our school is different from ordinary schools. It’s a school attended by children of nobles and even royalty. They all come from families with powerful backgrounds, so if the school gets entangled in conflicts, it could even create difficulties in operation. That’s why when enrolling, everyone pledges to abide by the results of the conflict resolution committee if any problems arise.”

“They even make a pledge?”

“Yes, and if they refuse to follow the results, they’re expelled. It’s a rule that’s enforced without exception, and it’s because of such strong rules that Steen School has established its firm position as a prestigious institution.”

“Expelled?”

She felt a chill. A first-grader being expelled? Isn’t that too harsh?

“Teacher Connie, don’t think of it so seriously. Steen Elementary isn’t the only school in this kingdom. It’s just the most difficult to get into, the most expensive, and the most preferred school in the kingdom. Even if expelled from this school, there are many other schools, and since these families are wealthy, they also have the option of home education. It’s not the end of the world.”

Teacher Anna was speaking as if it wasn’t serious at all.

“The school can’t accommodate all the demands of these formidable families. So there was no need to dissuade the Duke when he said he would formally complain. Will Callian Brightling apologize and behave properly tomorrow? It was predictable from the start. I don’t think anyone from the Brightling family has ever graduated from Steen School. They may have excellent genes for making money, but there’s not much else in that family.”

“……”

So the school rules were that strict, and the parents were that formidable.

Connie shuddered as she newly realized what kind of place this school she had been employed at was.

“If something like this happens again, never say ‘I’ll resolve it myself.’ The reputation of Steen Elementary School is maintained because only excellent children remain. Everyone knows this, which is why they send their children here. Even royal children. The truly serious cases are when parents become dissatisfied with the teacher, but the Duke said he had no complaints about you. Even those with high social status and reputation sometimes hold teachers responsible for everything if they lack proper manners.”

Teacher Anna spoke once more, decisively and simply, like cutting a cake with a knife, and then took out her class journal.

“Having matters go through the committee is also a way for the school to protect its teachers. We can’t be the shrimp that gets its back broken by getting caught in a war between whales.”

“A shrimp……”

The image of herself being crushed between the Wayne ducal family and the Brightling family suddenly appeared vividly in her mind.

“Hang in there, Teacher Connie, that class won’t be easy. Well, if the Brightling family’s child ends up leaving, things might get a bit easier. Since it’s come to this, try to look on the bright side.”

Teacher Anna smiled gently as she looked at the clock.

First with the class journal, then again with the clock—she had sent two signals indicating that it was almost time to leave and asking Connie to go.

Connie had no choice but to return to her classroom with her complicated thoughts.

Expelled?

The face of Callian, who had been snorting all day and looking for opportunities to hit William, came to mind.

His face was so flushed red, matching his red hair, that it was pitiful to see. He was certainly difficult to control and even more difficult to guide. But he was just a seven-year-old child who had just enrolled. Wasn’t he still too young to face expulsion due to his actions? Shouldn’t he be given more chances?

Tomorrow, Callian would likely cause trouble again. Duke Wayne would no longer be patient and would refer this matter to the conflict resolution committee.

But to just hand it over to the committee so she wouldn’t be a shrimp with a broken back? Was that really the solution? What was her purpose as a teacher if that was the case? If she just watched difficult children get expelled……

That doesn’t seem right……

It would be different if she had done everything she could as a teacher and still failed.

After an intense internal conflict, Connie finally checked Callian Brightling’s home address.

Following her visit to Sana’s home, it was time for another home visit.

⁕⁕⁕

Even though she had left right after walking out of Teacher Anna’s classroom at the end of the workday, it was already dusk by the time she reached Callian’s house.

Unfortunately, the Brightling residence was located on the outskirts rather than in the city, and there was no shuttle carriage to the front of the mansion, so she had to walk quite a distance.

Even taking a carriage directly would have taken 40 minutes, but getting off at the main road and walking took well over an hour. From the moment she arrived at the mansion, she was already worried about how she would get back out.

She was surprised anew that Callian had been commuting from such a distant place.

Connie truly realized the wealth of this family upon seeing the grandeur of the Brightling residence, which seemed more appropriate to call a ‘palace.’

Even just the reception room, a festival of splendor, seemed to be about three times the size of a classroom.

“Who came?”

While Connie was secretly amazed at the dazzling interior of the reception room, a familiar voice reached her ears.

“Hello, Unc—Count Brightling.”

For a moment, she almost called him “Uncle,” but realizing that title would be awkward, Connie quickly addressed him by his title of count.

“Hmm…… Callian’s teacher…… ma’am?”

“The young master’s homeroom teacher has……”

“Go away.”

The butler followed behind and started to explain something to the Count, but the Count waved him off.

Bowing politely, the butler left the reception room.

“What brings you all the way to our home?”

The Count asked as he approached Connie with large strides.

Connie unconsciously took a step back, feeling pushed by his enormous physique that came too close.

“Ah, excuse me.”

As Connie stumbled, bumping into the sofa table, the Count took a step back and said. His tone was strangely rude.

“I came to discuss something about Callian.”

At Connie’s answer, the Count looked toward the window.

The question ‘Why is he looking over there?’ was soon resolved by his words.

“At this hour? It’s quite late at night, isn’t it?”

It was already dark by the time she arrived because the trip had taken so long, but it wasn’t all that late at night…

She had come in urgency, feeling that Callian needed to apologize the very next day, but visiting someone’s home in the evening without prior notice was certainly a breach of etiquette.

“I apologize for visiting so suddenly at this late hour. I knew it was improper, but I felt I needed to consult with you before Callian goes to school tomorrow, so I came despite knowing it was discourteous. I apologize again.”

Though she felt uncomfortable by the criticism in the Count’s words, Connie spoke as calmly as possible, remembering her purpose for coming here.

“Is that so? Then tell me.”

But Connie felt her throat tighten at the Count’s attitude, which seemed more like he was interviewing a job applicant rather than dealing with a teacher who had come to discuss a child’s issue.

“Count, I know you’ve been bringing Callian to school since the day of enrollment, but could I perhaps consult with Callian’s parents as well? I think it would be better to speak directly with his parents.”

Finally, Connie responded somewhat sharply, unable to hide her displeasure at the Count’s attitude any longer. As if to say, you are not Callian’s father, so I want to talk to his father or mother.

In fact, although Callian’s parents had never appeared at school, it was also more appropriate to discuss a child’s issues with their biological parents. She had already confirmed that Callian was the only biological son of the Brightling couple.

“Ah, parents…… Haha! Right. I’m not a parent. Certainly not. Not only am I not a parent, I’m still single—if I had such a troublesome kid, wouldn’t that be a problem? But what can I do? The so-called parents have gone off on honeymoon trips with their lovers to the opposite sides of the country. They left, forgetting that their child was starting school, so I, who’s not even married, had to take the child to the enrollment ceremony. Well…… it’s a topsy-turvy world, isn’t it? Both dad and mom are so busy with their lovers that they’ve left their child with someone like me of all people. This is truly a comedy like no other. Don’t you think so, teacher?”

“……”

Connie’s face turned bright red.

‘So busy with their lovers’? Is this something that can be said in front of his nephew’s homeroom teacher? She finally remembered what Teacher Anna had said about Count Brightling.

‘Scoundrel, beast, violent tendencies.’

Not a single word was wrong. She hadn’t seen his violent tendencies yet, but at this rate, she might soon.

“Why are you silent? Your name is……? I forgot. Actually, did I ever hear it in the first place? I don’t remember.”

Of course you wouldn’t. When I introduced myself on the first day in front of the parents, you and Callian were in the middle of being late.

“Connie Clarence.”

She found it pathetic that she had to tell her name to this rude person.

“Right, Teacher Connie Class, so why did you come again? Since the parents aren’t home, let’s talk to me.”

Connie Class? Really. You’re not even a first-grader in my class.

Some of the children in Connie’s class occasionally mispronounced “Clarence” as “Class.”

But those were children, while this person was a proper adult who seemed to be at least two heads taller than Connie—was his listening ability poor, or was he doing this deliberately?

Though extremely displeased by the Count’s rude attitude, she had no time to point it out now. She needed to focus on the purpose of her visit to this house: making Callian apologize to William.

Moreover, according to the Count’s explanation, Callian wasn’t receiving attention from his parents, and if he was also cornered at school, wouldn’t that be too pitiful?

“Count, Callian has hit a child in our class multiple times. It wasn’t a mutual fight where they hit each other, but a one-sided violence. Then yesterday, he pushed that child quite hard, causing him to injure his head. So Callian needs to apologize to that child. If not, both the child who was hit and his parents say they will formally complain about this matter.”

“To summarize, Callian hit a child and isn’t apologizing?”

“Yes.”

“Well, how badly did he hit him? Did something break? Or, um…… did something tear?”

“What? No, nothing like that, just a bump……”

“A bump? A bump? Haa.”

The Count snickered. She couldn’t understand what was so funny, but his next words left her dumbfounded rather than understanding.

“I thought something serious had happened. Why should he apologize? The kid’s already been hit. If he feels wronged, just tell him to sue. We can pay compensation, can’t we?”

“……!”

Connie doubted whether she had heard correctly.

How could anyone respond like that?

“He should have hit back or something. What was he doing while getting hit? And after getting hit, he wants an apology? Who’s this loser kid that got hit by Callian?”

“Count?”

“Yes, teacher?”

Connie had called him with a rising intonation as if asking if he was in his right mind because his words were so absurd, and the Count mimicked her with the same rising intonation.

“……Count, what do you mean ‘hit back’? Calling the child who got hit a ‘loser’? Don’t you think that violence should be avoided, and if violence is used, an apology is appropriate?”

“Not particularly.”

The Count, who had been switching between informal and formal speech as he pleased, shrugged his shoulders as he spoke. Connie felt an impulse to scold this red-haired man who was twice her size, but she barely managed to keep her mouth shut and endure.

“If Callian hit someone, there must have been a reason. And if he doesn’t want to apologize, there must be a reason for that too. I have no intention of forcing an apology from such a child.”

Connie realized that talking with the count was impossible.

She couldn’t understand how such a mindset could exist, but at the same time, she immediately understood why Callian had been provoking William whenever he felt like it and had never apologized even once.

With parents who forgot their child’s enrollment and went on honeymoon trips with their lovers, and an uncle with this kind of mindset……

Callian was surviving in a different kind of barren environment from Sana.

Living with her maternal uncle’s family, Connie knew well how to deal with people who couldn’t be reasoned with, people whose framework of thinking was completely different from her own. They cannot be persuaded. The most effective method of persuasion is simply to let them know what harm they will suffer from their choices.

“Count, the child who was hit is William Wayne, the only son of the Wayne ducal family.”

Her maternal uncle usually tended to grovel before people of high status or position.

“Ah, Graham Wayne. It seems that feeble man has raised an equally feeble child.”

“……!”

She thought she knew how to deal with such people……

At this moment, Connie realized that the lessons she had learned from dealing with her maternal uncle did not apply to everyone.

No matter how wealthy the Brightling family might be, Duke Wayne’s position was second only to the royal family. The fact that they had messed with the only heir of that family wasn’t working as a threat to this arrogant Count at all. Why on earth not?

“Duke Wayne was going to formally refer this matter to the conflict resolution committee. He said he would be patient just once more, but if Callian doesn’t apologize, the Duke will no longer be patient. Then this matter will go to the committee, and it’s clear they will conclude that Callian must apologize. And if he doesn’t follow that decision, Callian will be expelled from school. The regulations at Steen Elementary School are quite strict.”

She now informed him more specifically about the harm Callian would suffer. Perhaps his comprehension was poorer than she had thought.

“Ah…… expelled. I see. But what can I do? Actually, I don’t like school much either. I was expelled from there too. I don’t think it would be bad for Callian to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.”

“Count!”

Connie finally raised her voice.

Is this person really in his right mind?

“Wow, Ms. Class, you’re quite forceful?”

He was even snickering!

“How can you say expulsion would be fine for a child? Of course, I know there are alternatives to our school, but it’s clear that expulsion wouldn’t be a good outcome for young Callian. Don’t you think that since he’s still young, he should be guided properly, learn how to apologize, and be helped to have a proper school life with other children?”

“Hmm, no, I don’t.”

Connie increasingly realized that her skills in dealing with unreasonable people, which she thought had been well-honed through her maternal uncle, were actually not much at all.

The world was wide, and unreasonable humans came in many varieties.

Really, how can such a person exist? Poor Callian!

The Count was such a mess that it seemed remarkable that Callian had managed to even sit in school all this time.

Though she was furious, if the family wouldn’t cooperate like this, there was nothing else Connie could do. Callian would not apologize to William tomorrow either and would provoke him again. The Duke would eventually formally raise the issue, Callian would be expelled, and this Count would transfer the child to another school without batting an eye.

But at this rate, there was no reason to expect Callian to do well even if he changed schools. Moreover, there wouldn’t be a child like Daniella for Callian to become attached to.

Ah! Perhaps his obsession with Daniella is also due to ’emotional deprivation’?

A child with such an adult as a guardian couldn’t have learned how to give and receive love normally.

A new school without Daniella……

Callian might cause problems and be expelled from that school too.

“Count, did you perhaps complete your elementary education with a home tutor?”

“Bingo! Steen Elementary School, public elementary school, and then homeschooling. Well, the home tutors kept changing, but still.”

“……”

Callian’s future seemed visible. He would grow up to be a person who hadn’t learned social skills, who was arrogant and rude, and who had thrown away all moral concepts. Just like this Count!

“As Callian’s homeroom teacher, I’m truly saddened. I really want to teach him. In my classroom.”

“That’s unfortunate. If you’ve finished what you wanted to say, perhaps you should leave now?”

Connie felt her shoulders drooping with frustration.

To be driven out of this mansion without achieving anything, without being able to help Callian at all.

She thought that Sana, who might be suffering abuse as she had, was the most pitiful child. But now she saw it wasn’t just Sana. Callian was also suffering a different form of abuse. And as a teacher, she was powerless in the face of such abuse by their guardians.

Connie bit her lower lip as she headed toward the entrance of the reception room.

There was nothing more she could do for Callian.

“……!”

But after taking a few steps, she suddenly stopped and turned toward the Count.

Nothing I can do? What have I really done so far?

She had visited this house for Callian’s sake because she was a teacher. And she had been able to become a teacher thanks to Ms. Lisa who visited her home every day.

But was it right for her to give up on a child so easily after just one visit? Not just anyone, but me? No, even if everyone else did so, she shouldn’t.

Although she was surprised by a different kind of ‘badness,’ even if dealing with Count Brightling wouldn’t be easy, it couldn’t be as difficult as the maternal uncle that Ms. Lisa had to deal with. Her uncle had tried to prevent her from going to school, but the Count was the very person who had brought Callian to school. At the very least, he was someone with the intention of sending the child to school.

I can’t give up! I won’t!

Having instantly changed her mind, Connie stared directly at Count Brightling.

What could be the weakness of this man who seemed very twisted but showed no gaps?

Her uncle’s vulnerabilities had been public opinion and affection for his daughter, which Ms. Lisa had exploited. She too needed to find this Count’s vulnerability and somehow widen it to get in. Right now.

〈I hate it too, no, I hate it more. So be quiet!〉

As Connie desperately searched for the Count’s vulnerability, what finally came to mind was the image of the Count entering the classroom, dragging the struggling child.

Yes, that’s right……

The Count had said verbally that he hated it, but in reality, he had forcibly dragged the child into the classroom. Even though he wasn’t the child’s father, just an uncle. Why would he do that……

〈Ah…… expelled. I see. But what can I do? Actually, I don’t like school much either. I was expelled from there too. I don’t think it would be bad for Callian to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.〉

He doesn’t like school? He also said it wouldn’t be bad for Callian to follow in his footsteps. Is that really true? Or is it actually the opposite?

“Count.”

“You haven’t left yet?”

Though they had been staring at each other, the Count asked with feigned innocence as if he hadn’t known she was still there.

“Callian hasn’t even been in school for a month yet, so if you were going to accept his expulsion so easily, why did you grab him by the collar and bring him to school for enrollment that day? Did you perhaps hope that Callian would learn how to get along with other children at school? Unlike yourself, did you want him to enjoy school and complete it, so you remembered the enrollment ceremony that even his parents forgot and brought him? Even though, as you said, he’s not your child.”

The image of the Count forcibly bringing the child who was resisting and didn’t want to enter the classroom that day was her last hope.

She might have misjudged, but she didn’t want to miss even the slightest possibility.

Perhaps the Count brought Callian to enroll because he loved him. Even though it was a place that remained a wound for him because he had failed and been expelled, he hoped his nephew wouldn’t end up the same way.

Could that be why he brought his nephew back to that very school from which he himself had been expelled?

Moreover, apart from bringing the child so dramatically that day, the Count hadn’t behaved particularly rudely or inappropriately in the classroom and had stood there patiently. Considering that she couldn’t recall anything unusual about the Count’s behavior that day, to the extent that she had no idea he was such an uncouth person.

“……Hahaha!”

The Count, whose face seemed to have frozen for just a moment, burst into laughter belatedly.

At his boisterous laughter, which was close to mockery, Connie felt her knees might buckle from the frustration of having misjudged.

“Teacher, did you see me as someone overflowing with affection and responsibility? Since you won’t be Callian’s homeroom teacher once he’s expelled anyway, I don’t need to speak formally to you, right? You look very young.”

Connie’s face crumpled. How could he be so rude.

“I’m still Callian’s homeroom teacher, so please maintain your manners.”

“Well, fine, if you insist. Anyway, don’t make such a sad face. The Brightling family blood is all like that. It’s in the genes, the genes. Well, I admit I hoped Callian might improve a bit. But how could I, with what enthusiasm, teach a child abandoned by his parents, especially when I haven’t learned much myself? Don’t you think? Even if he gets expelled from school, well…… he’s already used to this dysfunctional household, so he’ll be fine.”

The Count casually spilled out words that dropped from hope to despair.

But Connie didn’t miss how he slightly avoided meeting her gaze despite his words.

“Count, Callian is a seven-year-old child who has just enrolled. A child who could grow up well with proper guidance from now on, if he receives expulsion as his first result, it might not be okay. No child deserves to be broken from the very beginning, and such a thing can’t possibly be okay. So please be an ‘umbrella’ for the child. In Callian’s current situation, only you and I can help him.”

“What, umbrella?”

“I’m asking you not to let Callian, who has trouble controlling his emotions and is in difficulty because of it, face the overwhelming rain alone. School is a new society. It’s the first rain he’s encountering in social life. Please be Callian’s umbrella along with me.”

“Look, teacher.”

“Please don’t make him learn only from home tutors after being expelled from Steen Elementary School and then from public elementary school, like you. If homeschooling isn’t a choice but a necessity because he was expelled, Callian will carry the memory of being rejected from his first social experience.”

“……Why are you like this?”

After being quiet for a while, the Count asked with a frown.

He had switched to informal speech again. But there was still no time to quibble about that. She had to persuade the Count somehow. She had already caught the faint uncomfortable emotion that had seeped into his face.

“You know why I’m like this.”

“I don’t know. Why are you so desperately clinging to someone else’s business? Do you want something from me?”

Connie almost flared up at the insulting remark.

But she remembered the boy from her high school class who used to hurl insults at her, calling her a “filthy orphan,” who actually liked her. She had found out by chance later, and from that incident, she learned that some people say the opposite to hide their true feelings.

Perhaps this Count was also trying to provoke and anger Connie to hide his true feelings after they had been exposed.

“What I want is for you to help Callian. He’s your only nephew, after all.”

“……”

The Count stared at Connie without saying a word, as if glaring at her.

“Count?”

“Sigh……”

After a long silence, he let out a sigh that was difficult to interpret.

Connie unconsciously swallowed.

What was he going to say……

“If it’s Duke Wayne, money won’t resolve it, so is there, well, anything else that might work on that Duke?”

At his words, Connie’s heart beat so fiercely it seemed like it might make a sound.

It wasn’t what Connie had hoped for, but it was clear that he had changed his mind and decided to try to prevent Callian from being expelled.

“Both William and his father only wanted an apology. And of course, that violence shouldn’t be used in the future.”

“Let’s think of alternatives to an apology. Apologizing is a bit difficult for me too.”

Another wall. Because there were no other methods. Besides patiently teaching and persuading Callian about why he should apologize and why he shouldn’t use violence.

“I’ve never done things like apologizing or practicing non-violence like you mentioned, so I can’t think of any other methods. You said you’d be the umbrella, so the umbrella should come up with the ideas. I said I’d cooperate…”

“First…… please let me meet Callian.”

After being lost in thought, Connie finally made up her mind.

Above all, she needed to do for Callian what she hadn’t been able to do properly at school.

“No, no! Put me down!”

Callian entered the reception room, shouting loudly while perched on his uncle’s shoulder.

“Why did the teacher come to our house?”

As soon as his feet touched the floor of the reception room, Callian asked confrontationally.

She had seen this expression several times at school, but now Callian’s expression looked different from before.

Perhaps it wasn’t defiance toward the teacher, but rebellion against not being understood and not being loved?

In fact, Connie herself might have been captivated by the prejudice that Callian, unlike her own childhood where she was openly abused, wouldn’t have any pain given his wealthy environment and having both biological parents. Because of that, she had been biased toward correcting his wrongdoings rather than understanding and empathizing with him, and her primary goal had been that Callian should acknowledge his wrongdoing and apologize since he had done wrong.

But now that she knew Callian had grown up under an uncle lacking morality and parents who neglected their child with indifference, her priorities had changed. Before discipline, what this child might need was someone’s understanding and affection.

“I came because I have something to talk to you about, Callian.”

“To tell me to apologize to William?”

“No, right now I want to apologize to you.”

“……?”

Callian’s sharp eyes rounded slightly.

“You just wanted to see the drawing Daniella made, and you were really upset because you couldn’t see it, and how angry must you have been to act that way. But I didn’t understand your feelings, and how much more angry and wronged must you have felt. I’m sorry.”

“……”

Callian’s eyes grew even wider. Watching the wariness melt away in the child’s enlarged eyes, Connie felt even more regretful.

A child whose eyes would round like this with just a few words……

If she had embraced this child’s feelings from the beginning, perhaps Duke Wayne wouldn’t have had to come to the school, and she wouldn’t have had to visit the Brightling residence like this.

Of course, if she had to make an excuse, it wasn’t easy to comfort Callian’s feelings in the classroom. She also had to consider William’s feelings, and it wasn’t easy to find a place and time to separate the two children to consider each of their feelings individually. But such physical reasons couldn’t be an excuse for her failure to fully understand the child’s feelings.

If there was any advantage to this situation now, perhaps it was learning what kind of situation Callian was in through this home visit.

And also gaining the realization that children might have their own difficulties in any environment.

“Callian, you were very upset, weren’t you?”

“……Yes, I felt bad. William doesn’t even like Daniella, but he received a drawing all by himself and wouldn’t show it to me!”

“Yes, that’s understandable. But Callian, that’s why I’m more worried. You need to see Daniella’s drawing too, and you probably want to become closer to Daniella, but I’m afraid you might not be able to come to school anymore.”

“If I don’t apologize, I can’t go to school?”

He was indeed a very sharp child. Callian’s eyes wavered as he immediately understood Connie’s words.

“Yes, that might be the case. That’s the school rule. School is a place where you must apologize if you hit someone else, and if you don’t, you can’t attend anymore.”

Now it seemed possible to teach him why he should apologize and why he shouldn’t hit others.

It was amazing how pliable the child’s heart was, reading what the teacher wanted and moving to the next step Connie had desired as soon as his emotions were acknowledged.

“I hate it. I hate him.”

Of course, his attitude didn’t change magically right away.

“Yes, I understand how you feel. But what about Daniella? You like Daniella, don’t you.”

She felt sorry for constantly using Daniella as bait, but there was no more effective bait than this.

“……”

“If Callian can’t come to school anymore, you won’t be able to see Daniella. You’ll lose the chance to become closer to her.”

“I hate it……”

Did he mean he hated apologizing? Or that he hated not being able to see Daniella?

“Daniella will like Callian who apologizes to William. If you want to become closer in the future, shouldn’t you often show the side of yourself that Daniella likes? If you don’t come to school, I think Daniella might forget about you.”

“……If I apologize, will Daniella draw pictures for me too……”

“If you apologize and Daniella thinks well of you, maybe someday Daniella will draw pictures for you too. Pictures that you’ll never show to William, that only you can look at again and again. Don’t you want that? Don’t you think you might receive such a picture someday if you apologize?”

“Tsk……”

Callian suddenly kicked the chair beside him.

“Callian, if you kick the chair like that……”

Reflexively about to say that he shouldn’t do that, Connie closed her mouth. Perhaps Callian had made up his mind to apologize. Maybe he was expressing his frustration because it hurt his pride and made him upset? She shouldn’t pour cold water with a scolding while the child was fiercely fighting with himself.

“Are you upset because you have to apologize?”

Suppressing her urge to discipline, Connie once again tried to read Callian’s feelings while subtly making his decision to apologize a fait accompli.

“Are you sure? Will she really draw pictures?”

Callian asked with tears welling up in his eyes. Oh, how pitiful.

“I can’t be certain whether Daniella will draw pictures or not because that’s Daniella’s decision to make. But I believe that if you continue to behave in ways that Daniella would like, she will do so someday.”

This was the best Connie could say.

“Waaaaaah.”

Callian burst into tears.

He’s decided to apologize.

Looking at the crying Callian, Connie’s eyes also grew hot. She could feel how upset the child must be to give up his stubbornness, how difficult it must be to swallow his pride.

Connie looked at the Count with strength in her eyes. Wondering what kind of uncle would just stand there while his nephew was so upset.

But when the Count met her eyes, he just shrugged his shoulders. He even had his arms crossed.

When a child is crying…… you should hug them, really, why is he like that!

Whenever Connie cried from being upset, her Dad would hug her so tightly that she would forget she was crying, making her eventually stop crying and say, “Let me go, Dad.”

While making it impossible for her to cry, he would say with his mouth, “You’re upset, you can cry as much as you want.”

“Hug Callian.”

Connie mouthed the words. But the Count either didn’t understand her words or tilted his head to one side and narrowed his eyes.

“Hug him, I said. The child is crying.”

She desperately mouthed the words again, but at the Count’s response of mouthing “Why should I,” Connie clenched her molars.

Well, with that Count’s personality, maybe just watching without being contrary is his way of helping.

Finally, Connie knelt down and gently hugged the child. She hugged him prepared for the child to push her away, but surprisingly, Callian continued crying while being hugged.

“Callian, I already like you so much. Enough to want to hug you like this. If Callian apologizes and doesn’t hit others in the future, Daniella will someday come to like you as I do. This is a top-secret that only women know, and I’m telling you specially. Actually, women like men who apologize well and never hit others. Remember this, women really hate men who hit.”

Connie whispered while hugging Callian.

Of course, she said it because he shouldn’t hit William anymore in the future, but it was also her sincere belief.

Who in the world would like someone who hits others? People who hit others are merely objects of fear and hatred. Like her maternal uncle who hit her at every opportunity.

Callian rubbed his face against Connie’s shoulder, soaking her blouse with tears, and then wriggled out of her embrace.

Was this a small revenge against the teacher who made him apologize? Feeling the wetness on her shoulder, Connie inwardly gave a bitter smile.

“Don’t tell William about that.”

Callian said something incomprehensible.

“What?”

“The secret, the women’s secret.”

“Ah……!”

At Callian’s continued words, the bitter smile quickly changed to a joyful one.

“I’ll apologize tomorrow! Goodbye!”

After declaring this, Callian left the reception room, and Connie, bidding farewell to the Count who still had his arms crossed, said she would leave too.

“You’re quite the liar, teacher.”

“Pardon me……?”

Her footsteps heading toward the reception room entrance stopped at the sudden, incomprehensible accusation.

“That men who apologize well and don’t hit others are liked by women, that’s a complete lie.”

“What do you mean it’s a lie? It’s true!”

“True, my foot. According to my 24 years of experience, that’s either a lie or an error due to incorrect statistics.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t apologize and I hit others well, but women all like me. They cling to me to the point of annoyance.”

“Huh!”

Connie unconsciously snorted and then, surprised, quickly covered her mouth with both hands. Although the Count lacked any manners and only talked nonsense, still, to snort at a parent…

“Hmm? Why, can’t you acknowledge my words?”

“No! I can’t acknowledge it at all. It seems you’ve committed the fallacy of hasty generalization based on your limited experiences.”

“‘Limited experiences’…… How do you know whether my experiences are many or few? Do you even have experience meeting men?”

“……!”

Heat rushed to Connie’s face.

She couldn’t understand why she had to hear such things from a parent.

“So, teacher, do you like such men? I’m curious.”

The Count asked with a gentle smile, finding something amusing.

What kind of man is this. He’s really a strange guy.

It wasn’t a question worth answering, but……

“What’s with that expression?”

Still, I want to answer!

“Yes, I like that kind of man. It seems there are many women who like you, Count, but I probably won’t be one of those annoying women who cling to you, so you don’t need to worry. Since it’s late, I’ll be going now. Oh! And even though you’re a count, I am still your nephew’s homeroom teacher, so please show some respect. Your informal speech is quite offensive.”

“Hahaha, are you certain?”

His speech became more polite, but what was with that fake laugh? It was still offensive.

“What…… shall I go?”

Telling him to speak politely and he asks if I’m certain—what nonsense!

“Are you sure you won’t be a woman who annoyingly clings to me?”

“Goodbye.”

Connie no longer had any desire to deal with the seemingly mentally unstable count, even if he was a parent, so she simply left the reception room.

Callian is just a child. That person is a grown adult. But the adult seems to have more serious issues. Well, adults usually are more problematic.

“Oh, no!”

While mentally launching fierce criticism against the count and thinking about leaving this house as quickly as possible, Connie let out a sigh as soon as the butler opened the front door.

It was pitch-black night outside.

Why do rich people build their palaces so far from the city center?

In this remote location, she had no idea how to get back home.

“Teacher.”

Just as a sigh was about to escape, the butler called to her.

“Yes?”

“Shall I prepare a carriage for your return? It’s quite a long walk to the main road from here, and the outskirt forest paths could be dangerous.”

The butler’s face seemed to radiate light. Unlike his employer, it was admirable how considerate the servant was.

Ah…… perhaps this level of compensation explains why he endures working under such an employer.

“Yes, that would be greatly appreciated. I was actually wondering how I would get back.”

“Very well, please come inside and wait for a moment.”

The butler walked away, presumably to arrange for the carriage, and Connie went back inside the building.

“Oh? You haven’t left yet. You said you wouldn’t be like those clingy people……”

Unfortunately, the count, who was just coming out of the reception room, saw her and sneered.

Though she didn’t want to engage with him, she couldn’t ignore the homeowner’s words as she had earlier, especially since she needed to wait for the butler.

“The butler said he would prepare a carriage for me, so I’m waiting. It’s too dark outside to walk.”

“Ah…… too dark? Hmm, that’s fortunate. I was just about to head out myself, let’s go together.”

What is he saying!

“No, I’ll go separately……”

Just then, the butler returned.

“When there’s only one carriage?”

Click.

She felt as if something had actually dropped inside her stomach.

Probably the chain of my self-control or patience.

Connie clenched her molars. This man was definitely the real liar.

Only one carriage? Even a seven-year-old would see through the lie that a mansion of this size would have only one carriage.

But the butler, who was about to say something, closed his mouth tightly.

He was clearly about to say there were more carriages, but after checking his master’s expression, he quickly shut his mouth.

This is unfair!

But naturally, a servant’s thoughtfulness would be directed more toward the master of the house than a first-time visitor.

Should she walk through the dark forest path, or ride in the same carriage as this ill-mannered man?

Connie quickly calculated the practical benefits.

Be patient. Patience is the better choice.

“Then it seems we’ll be riding together, Count Brightling.”

Choosing safety over pride, Connie put on a mask of smiles. If they had to go together, a pleasant atmosphere would be better than a hostile one.

“Andrew Brightling.”

The count unexpectedly introduced himself, shattering her mask.

“My name is Andrew Brightling, Teacher Connie Clarence.”

The count, having interpreted Connie’s expression somehow, smiled faintly and introduced himself again, this time calling her Connie Clarence.

“Ah, yes. I understand, Count.”

I heard you perfectly well; I just didn’t understand why you were telling me. I already know your name.

“I told you my name so you could call me by it.”

Why is he acting like this? Connie couldn’t help but shudder slightly.

“Oh, are you cold? It is night after all…… Perhaps I should lend you my clothes?”

“I’m fine!”

Connie answered sharply, almost as if repelling his words, before he could finish speaking.

Could it be that he was offended when she said she wasn’t interested in him? Is he a narcissist who thinks every woman in the world clings to him? How can someone with such a personality have such confidence?

Ah……! Now that I look at him, his appearance is quite impressive!

She finally noticed the count’s appearance. Red curly hair identical to Callian’s, and deep blue eyes that contrasted with his hair color. A large, imposing physique and height, yet skin as white and clean as a baby’s. And a face that looked three or four years younger than his apparent age of twenty-four. His appearance matched exactly Teacher Anna’s description of being “pretty as an angel.”

“You say you’re fine, but why are you looking at me with such enchanted eyes? Have you already started wanting to cling to me?”

Jerk. Teacher Anna’s description was absolutely accurate.

“That’s not possible.”

“Well, let’s just say you don’t, and let’s go out now.”

Despite Connie’s denial, the count’s expression didn’t change as he went out the door first and climbed into the carriage waiting in front of the entrance.

Such bad manners on top of everything else.

Generally, when men and women ride in the same carriage, it was customary for men to board after women.

This man seemed like someone who hadn’t been properly taught anything. It was strange how he could claim women liked him, and equally strange that such an ill-mannered person was one of the wealthiest family heads in the kingdom.

I must teach Callian well so he doesn’t turn out like that.

Connie boarded the carriage with educational fervor burning inside her.

⁕⁕⁕

‘Connie Clarence.’

Brightling silently repeated the name of the woman sitting across from him. He found it amusing how she wrinkled her brow every time he called her ‘Class.’

Does this woman who looks like she could be blown away with a breath actually have some temper? Even so, it would be a laughable temper that just makes her tremble when angry.

As he examined the woman’s face—so small it was amazing that her eyes, nose, and mouth fit properly—the vague impression he had when first seeing her began to become clearer.

Height about 163cm, weight hmm…… 43kg? I’d have to put her on top of me to know for sure.

Peculiar hair, either pink or silver…… I’d like to run my fingers through it.

Blue eyes…… the same color as mine?

Skin so white it’s almost transparent, and eyes that seemed small because she kept squinting were actually quite large for her face size. Her lips…… hmm……

Suddenly, a strange thirst came over him.

His gaze left her lips, as if avoiding something, and immediately moved below her neck.

She’s skinny but somehow, strangely……

When Andrew’s downward gaze reached the woman’s chest area, he turned his head to look out the window.

Further thoughts were a bit uncomfortable.

Still, as the woman said, she is Callian’s teacher.

He didn’t know he had such a ticklish moral conscience, but apparently, he did.

Whether this conscience came from the emotion he felt when she said “there are no children who deserve to be broken, and such things could never be acceptable,” or from seeing the woman embrace the crying Callian, unlike his own childhood when no one embraced him no matter how much he cried, he couldn’t tell.

Well…… she did look very much like a ‘teacher’ then.

Like a teacher he never had the chance to meet.

In any case, he was now interested in this woman. Even to the point where his throat felt dry looking at the shoulder line visible through her wet blouse.

Andrew unbuttoned his jacket.

“Wear this.”

Yes, I need to cover up those damn shoulders.

“I’m fine! I said I’m not cold!”

She should just do as she’s told. Like most women who cling to him do.

Maybe that would actually be less fun?

But regardless of fun, a woman who puts up walls like this was troublesome in a different way.

“It’s because I can see through your clothes. Callian got a lot of saliva on your clothes.”

At his words, Connie Clarence’s face turned red.

What’s with that?

Andrew frowned.

Why does her blushing face look…… sexy?

What the hell is wrong with me?

“So please put it on. As you’ve probably noticed, I’m the type who does whatever I feel like. If I want to hit someone, I hit them, and if I want to hug someone, I hug them.”

If you don’t like it, hurry up and take the jacket.

“Count!”

Connie Clarence shouted, literally glaring at him.

Why is she making such a fuss, changing colors like a chameleon?

Should I cry too? She was quick to hug Callian when he was crying and whining earlier.

Actually, he felt so ridiculous about his strange reaction to this woman who looked so young she could pass for a girl that he might actually be able to shed a tear or two.

“And is it appropriate for a teacher to shout at a parent like this? What was it called? The Conflict Resolution Committee? Can parents file complaints about teachers there?”

“You’re rude, ill-mannered, know nothing about etiquette, and, and, your behavior is extremely inappropriate. I’d rather file a complaint with the Conflict Resolution Committee about your inappropriate behavior, Count.”

“You could, but…… Ah! Would that get Callian expelled?”

“Count, really……!”

“Then we wouldn’t be a parent and teacher anymore, and I could speak informally to you, Teacher Connie Clarence.”

“Ha! This……”

Connie Clarence huffed and muttered something inaudibly before turning her head away sharply.

That, that, was she cursing?

“Connie Clarence, the teacher who’s good at cursing too, I told you my name is Andrew Brightling. Call me by my name, by my name.”

He added, looking at the woman’s reddened profile.

How much redder will she get? How much more will she flare up? He wondered with anticipation.

However, the woman neither turned her gaze nor responded further.

Well, that’s no fun.

Despite clearly knowing that he was staring intently at her face, the woman refused to turn her face until the very end.

“I’ll get off here now.”

Until she said she would get off as soon as the carriage reached the main road.

“There won’t be many public carriages to transfer to at night. Are you planning to walk?”

“……”

The woman openly bit her lower lip.

Ha!

Why is this woman acting like this? Is she doing it on purpose? Is this some new seduction technique?

Despite knowing full well that she was doing this out of anger, he somehow wanted to think the woman had intentional motives—a strange train of thought even to himself.

In any case, Connie Clarence was undoubtedly a woman who was quick-witted and valued practicality over unnecessary pride.

Even while huffing so hard her chest heaved, she ultimately didn’t get off the carriage.

I like that even more.