“How about this? Tell your father that I will prepare a tutor for homemaking in his stead, and that you will be having lessons at House Sevensworth,” I suggested.
For old-guard families, it was standard for women to have tutors for homemaking but not much else, since they believed that women had no need for academics. Since Lady Janail had been engaged to the first prince, they’d approved of her having specialized tutors for the sake of appearances. However, now that she was no longer engaged to royalty, there was a high chance they wouldn’t allow her to continue. My offer to provide a tutor was rude as it went against her family’s direction, but I didn’t mind since this was for her sake.
“I don’t have any confidence... I don’t know if someone as slow as me can do this...”
“After I met Sir Gino, I learned the importance of not giving up on my happiness. I was even lower than you in school, but I decided to fight for my happiness and not give up, and I changed. I’m sure you’ll be able to change and become happy too.”
“Putting in the effort to change yourself is fun,” Lady Ekatarina said from behind me. “Watching yourself become who you want to be, little by little, is very enjoyable. It makes working hard every day very fulfilling.”
It was fun gradually getting better at embroidery and being able to do what I previously couldn’t. It was a lot more fun than staying in my shell. I was sure that Lady Ekatarina’s hard work and determination was because she knew that same joy.
Lady Janail fell silent, seeming to be contemplating a great deal. Lady Ekatarina and I patiently waited for her to speak again.
“I’ll do it... I’m done following orders... Now it’s my turn to work hard for my happiness...”
Now that she seemed motivated, we began to discuss the specifics. Since we didn’t have much time, we decided to focus on the kinds of training that House Treves needed their wives to have. In the meantime, the Sevensworths would look for a tutor. After her studies progressed to a certain point, we’d speak with Sir Anthony. Up until now, Lady Janail had had no clue what to do and had been very uneasy. But now that she had a clear goal, she cheered up a little.
Now that this topic had mostly been settled, our conversation changed to the war that my house would be leading. Sir Gino would be going to war soon and I was so worried, I couldn’t help but cry.
“Lady Anastasia, it might not be possible immediately, but I’d like our houses to form an alliance.”
“I-Is that the official stance of House Byron?”
I couldn’t help but be surprised by Lady Ekatarina’s words. Both of our houses were in the neutral faction; however, we were different in the sense that House Sevensworth had a direct connection to the former king. Besides, House Byron was cautious of our house’s expansion of authority and took strides to limit our movements. It wouldn’t be easy to simply form an alliance. Plus, our house would soon be waging war and might end up destroyed altogether. There weren’t many houses who would suggest forming an alliance right now.
“No, this is my own personal opinion. However, I will make sure that the members of House Byron come around.”
She’s amazing. We’re only a little over twenty years of age, and Lady Ekatarina isn’t even the mistress of her household yet. But even so, she was declaring that she would be able to bend the will of her house. Nobles didn’t tell lies, so she wouldn’t so easily mouth off something that wasn’t possible. She simply had the confidence that she could accomplish this.
“There’s still time. I will make sure that our house supports yours even during war. After all, we’re friends.”
I felt so touched by this declaration that my tears began falling once again. I’d been so filled with worry since the news of Sir Gino going to war, and her words made me so happy in the midst of it all. She was a very wonderful person and a precious friend of mine.
“Whoooa! A single lady changing the policy of their entire household is amazing! You’re so impressive!” Lady Janail exclaimed.
For women who belonged to old-guard families, they couldn’t even decide what dress they were going to wear on their own. The notion of changing an entire family must have been a huge shock to Lady Janail.
For the sake of my family’s survival, Lady Ekatarina was working hard. As the mistress of this household, I needed to work even harder. I wanted to do something as well, but what? In my mind, going to battle would be best, but Sir Gino was vehemently against it. If I kept asking, he might come to dislike me. What should I do?
“Lady Grimardy, it’s nice to see you after all this time. I heard you’d stopped by, so I thought I could come by and greet you,” Sir Gino said, entering.
It was very rare for him to pop in during a girls’ tea party, but we all easily began talking, and Lady Ekatarina told Sir Gino her earlier proposal.
“In that case, I’ll cooperate for Ana’s sake too. First, we’ll increase the types of magic tools being sold to House Byron from the Simon territory. If the benefits of trade between our territories become strong enough, it’ll be easier to convince your family of an alliance. It may take some time to build the facilities necessary to increase production, though.”
Sir Gino’s as capable as always. He’s already come up with a realistic plan. It wasn’t too rare for families to clash and, as a result, friendships to be lost. I wished to stay Lady Ekatarina’s friend for a long time, so it’d make me very happy if we could form an alliance.
However, Sir Gino was right that it would take time. The Simon territory’s population was disproportionately small due to how poverty-stricken they’d been all these years. First the population needed to grow, which most likely wouldn’t happen before the war began.
“Um, by the way... Lady Byron, Lady Grimardy, may I...call you by your first names?”
The two of them tilted their heads at his question. Out of our elite class, Sir Gino was the only one who still called the noble ladies by their family names. In our most recent counseling session, he’d made a resolution to overcome this. That was why he was bringing this up now. Sir Gino was taking steps to overcome his distrust of women.
“Of course, I wouldn’t mind at all. You have the same family name as Lady Anastasia now that you’re married, so I’ve been calling you by your first name for a while,” Lady Ekatarina said.
“I don’t mind at all either... But also, you’re asking us now? You might be the only one out of our former classmates who still calls people by their family names.”
“Thank you both,” Sir Gino said.
I was surprised to see that he was wearing a genuine smile. If this had been the Sir Gino of the past, he would’ve stayed stone-faced in front of women. If he did smile, it would only have been as the barest curve of his mouth. Now, however, he was very naturally and warmly smiling.
I’m so glad he’s able to do this now. It shows how much better he’s gotten. But also, I feel very conflicted. Lady Janail was clearly struck by Sir Gino’s gentle smile. After conversing a little longer, Sir Gino excused himself to return to work.
“What’s the matter? Why are you puffing your cheeks out like that? It’s very adorable, though,” Lady Ekatarina asked, giggling, after Sir Gino left.
“You can’t have him.”
“Huh?” both Lady Ekatarina and Lady Janail asked.
“You can’t have Sir Gino. Please look elsewhere.”
At this, the two of them began laughing.
“So this is what it looks like when a kitten’s fur stands on end,” Lady Ekatarina laughed.
I’m not a kitten. I’m an adult woman.
“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of trying to take him,” Lady Janail said with a grin.
Seeing this, I felt reassured and calmed myself down. As I did, I realized what I’d said out of jealousy and quickly apologized to Lady Janail.
“Don’t worry. He was always surrounded by girls at school, so I always knew you had it tough. I can understand why you’re so defensive after having to endure that for so long.” She smiled at me.
I truly hope that this kind girl can find her happiness.