His words echoed sentiments Emma heard recently during her own family’s meeting about her dream. She couldn’t help feeling bemused by the duke’s reaction, which eerily resembled her father’s. The man in question couldn’t hide his surprise over the documents. He flipped through the pages in a flash. Emma thought it astounding that he could comprehend every bit of information so rapidly, considering it should have been his first encounter with the papers.
“So…you intentionally sent away for these documents from another country…”
Unexpectedly, Duke Eslan wasn’t angry so much as thoughtful. His gaze didn’t stray from the materials. After a few beats of silence, he spoke slowly, carefully.
“Rashida. Our bloodline always needs to consider its position first and foremost. I have instilled in you the importance of considering our family’s status before declaring your intentions on any matter, yes? That includes the topic of whichever profession you aim for.”
“Yes… Yes, you have, Father.”
Though his words seemed strict and admonishing, his voice was gentle.
“There are two things in this world I cannot forgive—deception and lies. With that said, I can say I understand your earnestness about your choice of work. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”
Rashida cast her eyes downward, deep in thought for a few minutes. When she finally came to some sort of internal resolution, she lifted her head and spoke. “Father… I enrolled in the Magic Academy to master magic that would be useful to me in the role of a lady’s maid. The major I chose at school is also to further my goal.”
Her father remained silent, so she continued.
“After I graduate from Reaxuvil’s Magic Academy, I want to attend this vocational school in Ulster! It might not be an acceptable path for a ducal family, but… I swear I won’t cause trouble for you or our family’s honor. And when the time comes, I’ll marry whomever you select for me. So won’t you please grant me your permission to go after graduation?”
“Hm. I’m not sure I want to.”
His response came without a hint of hesitation, and Emma watched Rashida’s shoulders slump in defeat. But the duke wasn’t finished. His next words revived a ray of hope in her friend.
“I know of this institution in Ulster as well. And I know that those who graduate from it are in great demand by other countries’ royal families. I can bear with your attending the Academy for a few years…but I don’t think I can allow my beloved daughter to leave me for parts unknown in a faraway nation entirely.”
“F-Father…”
Rashida’s voice was thin, wavering. Duke Eslan’s eyes were gentle as he gazed lovingly at her, his expression one of an understanding father. Now I understand… He had always known about her dream. He had even prepared the perfect path for her to take so she could accomplish it. Emma realized he had been able to peruse the documents so quickly because he was already familiar with them. His surprise was about Rashida approaching him about this matter. All this time, he’d patiently waited for her to do just that. Instead, Rashida had tried to lie and talk her way out the first time, which was why he had been so infuriated then.
“Eugene.”
Rashida’s attendant snapped to attention at His Grace’s call.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“For a long time now, you’ve been teaching Rashida many things in secret, haven’t you?”
“I…have, Your Grace… Please forgive m—” His face pale but stoic, Eugene offered an apology, but Rashida’s father cut him off.
“Will you teach her more during the summer holiday? I won’t allow her to attend this school in Ulster, so I’ll need to compensate for her education in another way.”
“Yes! Yes, of course, Your Grace! It would be my pleasure.”
Still radiating a touch of nerves, Eugene nevertheless bowed deeply in acknowledgment. Rashida’s father stood up, satisfied that his instructions would be carried out.
“Now then, the rest of you. You’ll dine with us tonight before you return to your respective homes. I’ll have my people notify your families accordingly.”
“Thank you very much, Father.” Rashida watched her father walk away from the parlor. Tears welled in her eyes, and happiness gave her cheeks a rosy glow. “Father… He accepted my dream!”
“I’m over the moon for you, Rashida!” Emma exclaimed.
“Except…he did say he won’t let me attend this particular vocational school. That just means I’ll have to work harder to convince him.”
“Well… That’s certainly one way to look at it…”
Emma blinked as Rashida’s face puckered up in discontent. Persuading her father to let her attend this school would provide a new source of fuel for her friend’s fiery determination. Even so, this outcome was much, much preferable to Rashida being forcibly withdrawn from the Academy because of her failed attempts to deceive the duke about her dream to become a lady’s maid.
Rashida discussed her dream with her father without fear, and Eugene wasn’t dismissed from his post… All in all, things went exceedingly well. Emma sighed deeply in relief at having overcome this hurdle. Rashida then spoke to her friend.
“Emma! What do you say we talk, just the two of us, in my room until it’s time for dinner?”
“Of course!”
“Then would you mind terribly if Glen and I borrowed your garden for a bit?” Ian asked.
“Um…not at all… But why…?”
Emma and Rashida tilted their heads curiously at Ian’s unexpected request. Having received her consent, Ian twined his fingers, stretched his arms overhead, and limbered up. While conducting his light warm-up, he extended an invitation to Glen.
“Let’s borrow wooden swords and have ourselves a bout, Glen.”
“Hm… Why not? I could do with a bit of sport.”
Ian, what are you up to…? Heir of the Stephenson clan, her friend and protector, was raised using the principles of a special education for gifted children. Emma was well aware he had mastered swordsmanship as part of his learning. But this was the first time she’d seen her friend challenge someone of his own volition in such a manner, for his own mysterious purpose.