Chapter 5 Strategic Retreat
Dinner was basically a family gathering, so Sara had to sit at the same table with Marquis, her uncle, her aunt, and her cousins. In other words, it was a meal that made Sara feel heavy-hearted and difficult to digest. Moreover, as nobles often attended evening social gatherings, it was rare for them to have breakfast or lunch together.
In the midst of this uncomfortable dinner, Marquis spoke to Sara.
"Sara, I have something to discuss with you. Come to my study after dinner."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Her uncle and aunt also reacted to this statement.
"Oh, what business does Sara have with Father?"
"If it's about dresses or accessories, you can consult with me too."
It seemed that Sara directly asking Marquis for a favor was not to their liking. Her aunt spoke in a sweet, gentle voice, but her gaze at Sara was not smiling at all. She wouldn't be easily swayed by Sara's pleas.
"I want to live in the territory. I want to see Grandchester, where Father spent his childhood, with my own eyes and touch it with my own skin. And I think that, with a commoner's daughter like me who doesn't know etiquette, even Aunt wouldn't be willing to hold a tea party."
When Arthur was a child, he was frail and spent his time at the estate in the territory with his mother, Marquis's wife, and his older brother Robert until he entered the Academy. Father had told Sara many times about those memories. However, he had hidden the fact that he was a noble and spoke as if he were a simple country boy.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. But, indeed, living surrounded by nature in the territory might suit you, Dear Sara."
It seemed that her aunt saw an opportunity to get rid of Sara and agreed with her, and her daughter Chloe also chimed in, saying "Country life is perfect for Sara."
"Hmm. We'll discuss the details after dinner."
On her way to Marquis's study after dinner, Adam blocked her path.
"Hey, commoner. Do you think you can do as you please in the territory?"
"I'm not thinking that."
"Uncle is not sweet at all. He's always telling me to study and is a bother. So, he's going to be strict with you, okay?"
It seems like her second uncle is the enthusiastic education type. He might be a pain, but for Sara, who wants to learn, it's a good match.
"Thank you for your kind advice. However, I've been called by Grandfather, so I must hurry and attend to him. I'm afraid to say that I was late because Master Adam stopped me, but..."
"Ugh, just go already!"
Sara, after being dismissed by Adam, headed towards the Marquis's office.
"Grandfather, thank you for taking the time to see me."
"That's okay, but do you really want to go to the territory?"
"Yes. Although I'm at the bottom, as someone who carries the blood of Grandchester, I cannot stay like this. I must train myself so as not to trouble you, Grandfather, and everyone else."
"You're speaking like an adult. I thought you were still 8 years old."
Although she's not familiar with the manners of this world, she thought it was best to be polite and not offend the Marquis, but it seems she overdid it.
"I'll naturally become mindful of my words if I'm raised in a merchant family."
"That's not a merchant family, but more like a small shop, isn't it?"
"My mother taught me that it's important to always have an upward aspiration."
The conversation is getting lively, but it's not a lie. To be exact, it was a statement like "Treat customers with care" and "Let's make a bigger store in the future," but it's not like it doesn't have the same meaning.
"Hmm. Well, that's good. Saying you want to train yourself means you need a home tutor, doesn't it?"
"Yes. If you permit me, I want to acquire the education and demeanor that won't shame the Marquis family as a member of the household."
"I see. Then I'll arrange for a governess."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
The Marquis easily gave permission for Sara to go to the territory. Perhaps Grandfather himself was also worried about how to handle her.
There's a hint of unease about not knowing what kind of person Robert, the lord of the territory, is, but it seems I've managed to secure a healthy life without bullying and opportunities for learning.
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