His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 13: The letter

Chapter 13

Madam Sinclair was way stricter than my mother. This is just the first day of our class but I can feel that this will not be as easy as I thought it would.

“Have you read the book I gave you as an assignment?” madam asked.

“Yes Madam. I’m still reading and memorizing it.” I said and she nodded her head.

“Good. The higher society consists of a large group of individuals with powerful connections. It is good to know them by name so you would know how to act when you meet them.” She told me.

She gave me a hard covered book that consists of the names of different families in this Kingdom. It also indicated their wealth which keeps them on top of the high society. That includes my family, the Amaranth household who established many businesses over the past years. My father is indeed a great merchant, I wonder if I could meet up to his expectations. I also saw Madam Avalon Sinclair and her family as a line of notable scholars. Being a teacher suits her well as it comes so naturally to her.

“I have a question.” I said. “It says in the book that there are four Princes but there are only three listed on it. Where’s the fourth?” I added.

“Ah, that book was issued three years ago. Back then, the fourth Prince wasn’t acknowledged yet. He was a child full of mystery. It turns out that the King had an affair with a lady who was not named. He was accepted as the fourth heir to the throne. I also taught him in this library. He was the one I mentioned to you. That person is a good person and I believe it.” Madam Sinclair said.

“He sounds like an interesting person. What’s his name?” I asked.

“Yves. That’s what everyone calls him. It’s not possible to meet him soon at parties so please do well in our lessons.” She said and I nodded.

I glanced at Sir Philip and he looked like he agreed to what Madam Sinclair said. I wonder if he met the fourth Prince as well.  “Does Sir Philip know the fourth prince as well?” I asked and Philip jolted. He always tense up.

“I believe so.” Madam Sinclair said.

“Y-Yes! I am currently his command as a knight.” He said and I was amazed. Philip must be a really reliable person! He’s working with the imperial family.

“What was he like? Is he married?” I jokingly asked.

“N-No, my lady! The fourth prince was not the type of person who would marry with such haste.” He added.

“I agree. That person has never dated anyone seriously. He just likes to play with women but I’ve never seen him dating anyone seriously.” Madam Sinclair said.

“Is that so?” I said and laughed.

“Are you interested in him?” Madam asked.

“No. I was just curious since I need to remember everyone. It’s not that I am interested.” I said and smiled. There’s no way I will date a playboy. Based on what I heard he’s not a good person to get attached with. I just need to be nice with him I guess.

“That being said, let’s continue this next time. I also have some errands to attend to.” Madam said and I bid her goodbye. She said next time we meet, we will have to tackle harder lessons that include posture and gestures of a lady. She gave me assignments again. We will have class three times a week. The other days I’m meeting different people and welcoming them in the manor. Sometimes I go with my father during meetings to introduce me and ask for my ideas as well.

When my father tells me to join his meetings I feel glad. It feels like he trusts me with the manor’s business. Sometimes I also share my ideas in exchange for going to the meeting. During those days I get more and more engaged in the family’s role in the high society. It was hard maintaining a good relationship with people in this standard however; when I look at my Father he just does everything so well. I admire him for his excellence and intelligence. I wish I can be like him someday since, I will be the new lord of this house after him. Thinking about it, it gives me too much pressure. This is the reason why I must do well on my glasses with Madam Avalon Sinclair.

Days passed by and everything went well. It was exhausting but it was fun! To be honest I never felt more alive. Usually, when I was just in the cabin I would only watch my Mom do the house chores and study but living here in the Manor is different. Everyone seems lively as well! I feel happy for Maia because she became good friends with the other servants. We still have our chat time at night time but it’s not as often as before. We are both getting busy.

I’m slowly adapting to this life and everything seems to be going my way except for one thing, my step mother. She was trying to watch every move that I made here in the Manor. She sometimes talks down to me when she is scolding the maids for being too close. She was rather strict and cold. She never greeted me since the day I put on this house. She never joins me for dinner when father is not around. Raquel, my step mother, hates me to the bone.

I have heard of why she does. Upon hearing it, I truly understand. My father never loved her and she was stuck here for political marriage. I heard from the maids that she had multiple affairs but the Viscount never cared for it, instead he advised her to keep it in the eyes of the people. Despite my father knowing she’s having an affair he just let her. She tried to please my father but it was an unhappy marriage. Until now, she’s hoping to put a chain of my father's wealth and name. Now that I am here, she sees me as a threat.

“How pitiful.” I exhaled. I don’t want to battle with her. I don’t want to cause trouble to anyone at all.

I tried to arrange my stuff that I bought in the cabin since I was too busy to do it last week. I tried to pull the baggage and slowly opened it. I can’t really leave anything behind. Everything has a sentimental value to me. It was hard for me when I left four things or three. It stressed me so much.

As I lifted the books a piece of letter fell on the floor. “What’s this?” It was folded many times. I suppose it was a letter. I put the books aside and tried to examine the letter that I saw.

It was a bunch of old letters but they all seemed unopened. I gasped when I saw what’s written on the back of it. “To my beloved Oscar, from Ophelia.”

I have never seen this letter before. Did Mother really write these for Father? What should I do? I should give it to my father quickly, right? These might be her last words or at least a love letter? I heard they are madly in love. I wonder what’s inside this. It feels like I want to read it! My Mother did not even write anything for me. So unfair.

I sighed and smiled. I wonder if my father will smile when he reads this. I must see him now.