Chapter 12
Why is Sir Philip acting this way? He immediately turned pale when I said the name. I am sure that his body tensed up when I called that name. Is it possible that they know each other? If they do, then I might see Sir Asher earlier than I expected to.
“I don’t know anyone with a name like that, my lady.” He replied. Eh? Something isn’t right. He wasn’t looking at me when he said those words. Is he being truthful? I tried to wait for him to tell it to my face directly.
“Are you sure?” I asked again. He faced me and nodded.
“Yes! I do not know anyone born with that name, my lady.” He snapped! He doesn’t need to freak out like that. He was looking at me with apologetic eyes. I guess Sir Philip is a new knight? Maybe he is really like this as a person. I must not put too much pressure on him.
Maybe I was just imagining things. If Sir Asher is in the same unit as him will he not go to me personally? Since he was acting like he really wanted to see me so badly in his letters when I was still staying at the Cabin. I still believe in his words so I will believe Sir Philip. I will meet Sir Asher if he wants too since he said that he will find me soon and protect me. There’s no need to rush things. For now I need to focus on the present! I will not let my mind distract myself. Also the things that happened between Asher and I that night are intense and can clearly make my head explode. I need to focus!
“Alright I believe you, Sir Philip.” I said and he smiled.
“Really?” he smiled, “I mean thank you, my lady.” He said and cleared his throat. He looks like a caring and kind person. I’m glad that he doesn’t have a strict personality. I can rely on him.
Minutes later, Maia announced that my teacher had arrived. The door flung open and I quickly stood up to greet her. Avalon Sinclair, that’s right. Countess Avalon Sinclair is known all over the kingdom because she graduated at the top university with the highest marks possible. She was also tasked to teach the royal families for their education. I am privileged enough to receive her knowledge.
She has grey hair and white strands that highlight her hair. Despite her age, you can clearly tell that she was a noble lady. Her posture and elegance screams royalty. She’s wearing a green dress and I can say that she looks stunning!
“Greetings to the one and only daughter of Viscount Oscar, Lady Celeste Amaranth.” She greeted me and I smiled. “The news is true, you really are a beauty.”
“The pleasure is mine. It’s nice to finally meet you, Madam Avalon Sinclair.” I responded and smiled. She looks a little bit strict but I guess she’s really nice! I can’t wait to learn many things from her. “Let’s continue our conversation with tea. Please sit down.” I said and she nodded.
The servants rushed in and served us some tea. The library was spacious enough to accommodate both of us. Sir Philip refused to join us and he remained standing near me since he kept on complaining that this is his job whenever I asked him to rest. At the end I got to convince him to sit while guarding us.
“So, Lady Celeste, can you tell me about your educational background? Please be as honest as possible. Know that this is an important aspect in your learning.” She told me. I don’t really have anything. I haven’t got into school but I can read thanks to my Mother. I think I can at least say that.
“I was raised in a secluded place by my Mother. I have never gone to school but I can read and write thanks to her. There are also books that I read before, since I asked for it during my birthdays and I get to read them. We have a small library back home. To be honest I don’t know how to explain how deep or shallow my knowledge was.” I said and she nodded.
“I see. Your Mother, did she live a good life?” She asked bitterly. By any chance, did she know my mother?
“Pardon?”
“You Mother Ophelia and I have been good friends in the past. Everything came like a wind and the day she decided to leave I was not able to say good words for her. She’s so strong and she managed to face everything with bravery. I guess part of that is because she has you.” She said and sighed. “You resemble her very much.” She added.
“My Mother said that she was happy with her life and she doesn’t regret anything. My Mom is a kind person. She cares for others more than herself.” I said and looked down. She put me first at all times. She treated me like treasure but moulded me like a sword. She took good care of me but never left me weak.
“That sounds really like Ophelia. As a colleague of hers who was greatly in debt with her kindness I will do my best to teach you.” She said and I smiled. I knew it! She is a kind person! I’m so glad that Mom made a lot of friends here at the Capital.
“I am grateful to be under you, Madam Avalon.” I bowed.
“Alright, now let’s test your knowledge.” She said and ordered Philip to gather some books “Get the books from that shelf to the end. Make it quick.” She said and Philip obeyed her.
She said that she knew the exact order of books here since she used to stay here when she was younger. Also this big library served as a learning place for the crown prince. The Amaranth family and the Imperial family have created a strong alliance even until now. Maintaining the relationship with the Imperial family will do this much.
The book stacked beside the table. “Let’s start with this.” She said and handed me the book that is entitled ‘The First Crown’. I know this book already.
“This is about the history of how the Imperial Family became the royal bloodline right? It’s about how the Oberon Family conquered the land and made it their own.” I said and she was surprised.
“I-It is. I guess you read advanced books with your Mother.” She said and handed me another book. ‘The Golden Pen’, that’s weird because I know this book as well.
“This book is about the great philosophers that helped the country rise. It also has principles that one noble must possess, right?” I said while scanning the book. I read this and discuss every page with my mother. We have nothing else to do but read back in time.
“H-How about this?” she said and handed me another familiar book.
“This book is about the economic advancement of Oberon country through decades, right? How do trades become more secure and upgraded? This one is one of my favorites!” I said and hugged the book. I really like this one since I really want to have my own business.
“What?!” Madam Avalon exclaimed.
The books went on and on but I have really studied all of it back home. In my eighteen years of living in that Cabin, what do you expect me to do? Aside from cleaning and cooking this is the only thing I’ve been busy with. My mother is hands on when teaching me as well. I really miss having debates with my Mom.
“I can’t believe it. Ophelia, how could you teach all of this to your daughter? What else do I have to teach you then?” She groaned and I was worried she might get angry.
“Etiquette. I have no knowledge of it.” I said and her face brightened up.
“Right! Let’s do that.” She said and smiled. I am relieved.