Translator: Nox
The squirrel will raise the baby tiger.
My entire family came outside to watch me board the carriage sent from Blan Castle.
It wasn't as though I was moving terribly far away….
Feeling slightly sheepish at how elaborate their send-off was, I offered the coachman an awkward smile.
He nodded with a good-natured smile, as if telling me to take my time saying goodbye.
Lulubell Durams
“I'm off! I'll visit again soon, so please head back inside, everyone.”
Baron Durams
“Take care of yourself, Lulubell!”
Jackjack ☁
“Lulu, Lulu! Wahhh….”
Lily Durams
“Lulubell, be careful not to fall ill!”
Rion Durams
“Have a good trip, Sister.”
Everyone was busy shouting farewells, cupping hands around their mouths or raising both arms high to wave with all their might.
Even after stepping inside the carriage, I stretched my arm out through the window and waved back continuously.
I could hardly take my eyes off Jackjack, who was sniffling in Mother's embrace.
Tears pricked at my eyes, and a dull ache bloomed in my chest.
It felt this way even though we weren't parting for good.
‘I'll be home every weekend…. Why are they making such a huge fuss…?’
I grumbled inwardly, yet I couldn't stop the tears running down my cheeks.
In truth, the biggest fuss was probably inside my own heart.
I could clearly picture all the difficulties my siblings might face without my hands around to help.
Hurriedly raising my hand, I brushed away the dramatic emotions welling across my face.
I decided to focus on what presents I could buy my family once I worked hard and earned my salary.
Only then did my heavy heart lighten just a bit.
***
As the carriage passed into the grounds of Blan Castle, my heart suddenly fluttered with anticipation.
It was finally sinking in that I was embarking on a fresh start.
When the carriage pulled to a halt before the main castle, familiar faces were lined up in waiting.
‘Could they really be out to greet someone who's just an employee?’
No way. Assuming another guest must be arriving, I stepped down from the carriage.
Maurice Keatingkitty
“Welcome, Teacher Lulubell.”
The very first to welcome me was Maurice the butler.
He smiled warmly as he handed me a flowerpot blooming with tiny yellow freesias.
Lulubell Durams
“Head Butler. It's an honor to see you again.”
Lifting my skirts slightly, I offered him a respectful curtsy.
Maurice Keatingkitty
“I heard Sir Onca beat me to the punch with a bouquet, so I prepared a potted plant instead. That way, you may keep it in your room and enjoy it for a good long while.”
He had evidently heard about Gale handing me a bouquet the day we departed for the north.
Lulubell Durams
“The vice commander already gave me a congratulatory bouquet, and now you've prepared this as well. Thank you so very much. I'll take good care of it.”
Maurice Keatingkitty
“I must apologize that it isn't anything grander.”
Lulubell Durams
“Just looking at flowers brings joy. Besides, the grandest gift of all is the thoughtfulness behind it. Thank you truly for your kindness.”
Maurice Keatingkitty
“I am grateful to hear you say so, Lady Durams.”
Seeing the gentle smile on Head Butler Maurice's face, I returned it with a grin of my own.
Jane
“Teacher Lulubell. Welcome.”
Behind Maurice stood another welcome face.
Jane, the head maid, was smiling as brightly as the morning sun.
Lulubell Durams
“Jane! Seeing you again makes this even more wonderful.”
Jane
“Come right in, Teacher. I'll carry your luggage. Let's head to your room.”
Lulubell Durams
“Yes, thank you.”
I followed Jane over toward the annex.
Jane
“Now that you're working here, please feel free to drop the honorifics with me. It will make attending to you much easier for me as well.”
Jane spoke briskly as she led the way toward the servants' quarters.
Lulubell Durams
“Well then… I will, Jane.”
Since Jane seemed to be around my age, I accepted her request.
She was likely worried that if I continued speaking formally to the head maid, it might invite gossip among other noble guests or servants.
Jane
“Teacher, this is where you will be staying.”
Lulubell Durams
“Goodness….”
I was assigned a room on the first floor of the annex quarters.
Without an ounce of exaggeration, it was the size of the drawing room in my family's manor.
A plush bed sat in the center, flanked by a tea table, a chest of drawers, an antique nightstand, and fine paintings.
It was far more splendid than any lady's chamber I had ever laid eyes on.
Lulubell Durams
“House Blantiger's wealth truly is something else, to grant a mere employee a room like this.”
When I marveled without reservation, Jane beamed.
Jane
“His Grace personally gave instructions to ensure your room was prepared exceptionally well.”
When I blinked in bewilderment, Jane burst into laughter.
Jane
“You are Young Master Hokan's sole tutor, after all. He was likely showing consideration so you wouldn't become fatigued or run into unnecessary hardship.”
Lulubell Durams
“So everyone else's room isn't like this, then.”
Jane
“Of course not. We took special care to prepare the coziest, most comfortable room possible. Do you like it?”
Lulubell Durams
“Like it? I love it. It would be wonderful if we could share some tea together at this table from time to time.”
Jane
“Excuse me? With me?”
The bright smile vanished from Jane's face, her eyes rounding in pure shock.
Lulubell Durams
“Oh… would having tea with me make you uncomfortable, Jane?”
As I murmured awkwardly with a self-conscious smile, Jane shook her head vigorously.
Jane ///
“Uncomfortable? Not in the slightest! It's just… how could someone like me take tea with a noble lady?”
Lulubell Durams
“What does that matter? In the end, we're both employees of Blan Castle.”
Jane
“Still… I am a maid, while you were hired as a tutor, Lady Durams. It is entirely different.”
Lulubell Durams
“Then let's only care about that outside this room. Deal?”
“Jane, I hardly know a soul here. Please, be my friend.”
When I took Jane's hands in mine, her eyes widened even further.
Jane ///
“Me… your friend, My Lady?”
At my vigorous nod, a warm smile finally returned to Jane's lips.
Looking at me with eyes touched by genuine emotion, she slowly nodded.
Lulubell Durams
“How did you become head maid so early, Jane? You must be the youngest head maid I've ever seen.”
Jane
“My mother served as the head maid at Blanders Castle for a very long time, and I grew up working as a maid under her from a very young age. Then, when His Grace moved here to the capital, he appointed me as the head maid of Blan Castle.”
Lulubell Durams
“Oh, wow. That really is a remarkably fast promotion!”
Jane
“I was simply very fortunate. It's all thanks to learning the ropes step by step from my mother back at Blanders Castle. Ah, did you happen to see Linda while you were there? She is my dearest friend.”
Lulubell Durams
“Thanks to Linda, I had a very comfortable stay in the north.”
Jane
“You did see her! Is she doing well?”
Lulubell Durams
“Yes, she seemed to be. Her spirits looked quite bright.”
A hint of homesick longing pooled in Jane's sparkling eyes.
Lulubell Durams
“Then the north must be your hometown as well.”
Jane
“Yes, it is. When I receive vacation leave, I plan to visit.”
Lulubell Durams
“I hope a day comes when we can travel there together.”
Jane nodded eagerly, her face flushed with excitement.
Clasping the hands of my newest friend, I gave them a cheerful shake.
***
Hokan Russell Blantiger
“Teacher, where's Jackjack?”
When I stepped into the annex drawing room, Head Butler Maurice and Hokan were sitting on the sofa.
The moment Hokan saw me, he asked after Jackjack before even offering a greeting.
Lulubell Durams
“Jackjack is at home, Hokan. I came here starting today for work, you know.”
“Oh….” Hokan's reply was steeped in disappointment.
He must have grown quite fond of Jackjack during our travels.
Lulubell Durams
“Jackjack wanted to come along, too.”
Hokan Russell Blantiger
“You should have brought him.”
Lulubell Durams
“You and I have to begin our lessons in earnest starting today. We wouldn't be able to study if Jackjack were here. But next time, I'll bring Jackjack along so you can play.”
Hokan Russell Blantiger
“Okay….”
Lulubell Durams
“Or you could come visit my house to see Jackjack.”
Hokan Russell Blantiger
“Uncle won't allow it.”
Lulubell Durams
“Why not?”
Maurice Keatingkitty
“His Grace instructed us to maintain strict security around Young Master Hokan ever since arriving in the capital, and to refrain from outings whenever possible. After all, we must prepare for any potential dangers before he enters the imperial palace.”
Maurice, who had been listening to our conversation, chimed in to explain.
Lulubell Durams
“Around when will Hokan be going to the imperial palace?”
Maurice Keatingkitty
“His Majesty the Emperor may pay a personal visit to Blan Castle soon. A missive arrived asking whether a banquet would be held to celebrate the relocation to the capital. We will likely have to host a ball at least once, and it is possible Young Master Hokan's future will be addressed then.”
Hokan Russell Blantiger !
“I'm not going! I'll never go!”
Having quietly listened to Maurice, Hokan suddenly leaped to his feet and shouted.
Hokan Russell Blantiger !
“Uncle dragged me here just because he felt like it, and now he wants to throw me into the imperial palace, too?! Why do adults always do whatever they want?!”
Kuhn Russell Blantiger ⚔
“Sit down.”
It was right then.
From behind, a chillingly low voice cut straight through the air.
