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THE next day, Ian arrived to escort Emma, and off they went to Duke Eslan’s abode.
“…And so this is my second summer recess in this life.”
“I had no idea…”
Inside the carriage, she confessed to him how she’d turned back time to the beginning of the summer holiday to help Rashida. Since Glen pointed out her recklessness yesterday, she’d been reflecting on her actions and decided that revealing everything to Ian was important. Not just for her conscience but for their relationship as well.
Glen did say he has the power to change history. And I… Well, even though I understood that on a certain level, I used the ability without serious thought. To mitigate any more mistakes on my part, I need as many people who can look out for me as possible.
“I truly am so sorry for violating the cardinal law of time travel.”
As Emma bowed her head, her attitude humble and repentant, Ian exhaled heavily.
“I’ve been with you for a long time now, Emma, and it’s the first time you’ve ever done something like this. That tells me a terrible fate must have befallen Lady Rashida for you to even consider breaking the rules.”
“I accept any and all punishment. I won’t stop you from notifying His Majesty, either.”
“No, I don’t think I will. Based on what Glen told you, the power you currently possess is a special one that only the Ulster imperial family has, yes? From my perspective, it isn’t something that the Monarchy of Reauxvil or the Stephenson family should interfere with.”
“Ian…”
Not only was he willing to turn a blind eye to her rash behavior, but he intended to help her as well.
“I’ll do what I can to support you today.”
“Thank you. Oh, one more thing. Glen… I mean, Lord Glen mentioned that he would be joining us, too.”
“I see… I’m not particularly surprised, to be honest.” He gazed pointedly at her, and Emma’s cheeks warmed.
“Ian, I… Whatever you’re implying, I-I think you’re mistaken.”
“Am I, though? At the very least, I don’t think I’m wrong about my thoughts on Glen’s feelings and motivation. Clearly, you have your suspicions, too.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
“In any case, Glen is taking all this seriously, isn’t he? I am surprised by his level of commitment to you.”
Ian’s absent-minded murmur practically sent Emma up in flames, from the crown of her head down to the tips of her toes. The next instant, the carriage arrived at the Eslan ducal residence.
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“YOU must be Lady Emma. Lady Rashida has been expecting you.”
“Thank you very much for having us today.”
“Emma!”
The maid led them to a salon they hadn’t seen the last time they had come here. Rashida awaited them inside. When they stepped through, Emma’s eyes widened, seeing Glen there, seated next to her on a resplendent sofa.
“Rashida! But wait… Glen, why are you already here?”
“You extended an invitation to him, didn’t you, Emma? Except you gave him a time that was much too early, you silly goose. Thanks to your oversight, though, we’ve been having a splendid time chatting about all manner of topics!”
Rashida beamed cheerfully, her smile loaded with hidden meaning. Feeling a tinge of suspicion, Emma focused her attention on Glen, silently demanding an answer. Yet he only feigned ignorance.
“Well… I did indeed invite him. I apologize for doing so without consulting you, Rashida!”
“Oh, pish-posh! None of that! Let’s have our own private chat in my room later, hm?”
She ended her request with a mischievous giggle. Emma realized her friend was in an uncharacteristically exuberant mood. For the most part, she could guess where the other girl’s imagination had wandered. That made her wonder what Glen had told her because, clearly, he had come here early on purpose.
“Lady Rashida, shall I serve the tea then?”
“Please, Eugene. Thank you!”
From deeper inside the parlor, a young man with strawberry blonde hair appeared, pushing a tea trolley. He appeared older than Rashida, perhaps around twenty years of age or so. He wore no tie with his white shirt, which looked comfortable and easy to move in. Emma realized this was the attendant-cum-bodyguard Rashida had gushed about.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Emma Grace Seagrove.”
“I bid you welcome, my lady. I’m Eugene. His Grace employed me as Lady Rashida’s personal attendant.”
Emma found his smile refreshing. This time, it was her turn to feel excited. She was finally connecting a name and face to the special person her friend wanted to introduce to her. Rashida blinked pointedly, exaggeratedly, at her several times, looking pleased with herself.
Ah-ha. So this is the person she holds a tendre for. By virtue of her inherent position, a duke’s daughter inevitably has to deal with unique circumstances. But if there’s anything I can do to alleviate her burden, then I shall.
Glen and Ian greeted Eugene politely before they moved to the large window facing the garden. They were already deep in conversation about something or other. Evidently, they had zero interest in Emma and Rashida’s girl talk.
Blast. There goes my plan to have a briefing session with Glen before we arrived. I guess I’ll have to do this without a strategy.
It took Eugene only a few minutes to pour everyone tea. Once he finished, they all returned to their respective seats.
“What might this be?”
“Lord Glen graciously brought it with him.”
A sheaf of documents Emma had never seen before rested on the table, along with the teacups and tea snacks. Upon closer inspection, they detailed the enrollment process for a school in the Empire of Ulster.
“I thought this information might prove useful. This school specializes in training ladies’ maids and servants of the highest caliber. For those children of nobles who have already completed their higher education, they can graduate in a year if they’re accepted. The school only admits a select few students every year, but once they graduate, they can work in any of the four vassal states. And, of course, Ulster’s imperial place is also an option for employment.”
Oh my! I would love to get my hands on this material, too! The thought popped into her mind unbidden as Glen spoke. She didn’t even realize one of her hands had unconsciously reached out for the documents until Glen, seated diagonally across from her next to Rashida, cleared his throat pointedly. Emma gasped in surprise, immediately pulling her hand back. She couldn’t help noticing his exasperated expression either.
Right, of course, this isn’t about me… You dolt, get a hold of yourself.
“Oh! Father’s home!”
Commotion could be heard from the foyer. The mansion’s owner had returned.
“When I told him my friends would be visiting today, he said he would enjoy meeting them. He kept his word, too, finishing his business quickly so he could come home and greet you all.”
Rashida happily exited the salon. Watching her walk away, Emma found it hard to reconcile this bubbly version of her friend with her devastated, sobbing figure. All because her father had denied her not only any excursions outside but visitors as well.
“Hm… The Eslan family is…different from what I pictured,” Emma whispered.
“I have to agree with your assessment,” Ian responded. “Although… I am aware that Lord Eslan despises dishonesty and corruption. So I find it hard to believe he would deny Lady Rashida without giving her a fair hearing.”
Then why did he react so poorly the first time? Emma realized the answer to her own question not long after.
“…And there ya have it, laddies and lass! My little girl was a right menace to her dear old father. Right, then, younguns. Regale me with stories of Rashida at school. I’m hankering to know everything about the apple of my eye. I sincerely hope she isn’t a spoiled chit who relies on everyone over much, eh?”
“Father, will you stop it!”
Her father had barged into their teatime, then entertained them with a string of stories from Rashida’s childhood. The duke’s attitude remained jovial as he boomed with laughter. As he posed that question to the rest of them, Rashida scolded him, pouting.
“Lady Rashida’s grades are excellent, and she has many friends, too. She’s an example to us all.”
“Wonderful, wonderful. Relieves my heart to hear it.”
When Glen saw Rashida’s father narrow his eyes thoughtfully at Emma’s polite reply, he exchanged a glance with Ian and gave the other boy a slight nod. Understanding Glen’s signal, Ian directed the duke’s attention to the documents on the table.
“Speaking of your daughter, sir, we brought some papers she requested. Though it hasn’t been long since she started at the Magic Academy, she wanted to think about her future after graduation.”
“These materials… Rashida, does this mean you were serious when you told me some time ago that you wished to become a lady’s maid?”