Chapter 191 There's A Difference Between Not Knowing And Not Wanting To Know
"Chloe, what about studying while you're here?"
"I think I'll take lessons on etiquette and conversation skills from the governess."
"I have work at the merchant guild too, so I'm pretty busy, but I'll try to make time to study. I'm lacking in knowledge of history and literature."
"Ah, that's an extension of conversation skills, right? If you don't have knowledge, you can't have a deep conversation. That's why Adam is completely hopeless."
"Ah, yeah, that's how it feels."
"Adam's in a weird mood today, so I don't know what'll happen, but at least Chris is willing to study with me."
"Is that because of chess?"
Sara and Chloe exchanged a glance and burst out laughing. Rebecca and Robert, who were watching the two girls, were smiling too, but the Young Marquis couple looked quite displeased. Marquis let out a deep sigh as he gazed at the contrasting 2 pairs.
"Aunt, can Chloe study with us too?"
"That's fine. If possible, can you get Adam to join in as well?"
"If Adam wants to, that's okay."
Deep down, Elizabeth thought, "Getting him to want to do it is the hardest part!" But she knew that wasn't something a mother should say.
"But, aren't we going to study with Scott and the others who are taking the academy entrance exam?"
"Yeah, there are a lot of reading and math lessons. I'll study accounting while I'm here too. It's interesting, and there are textbooks for the basics, so I can study on my own in the capital city too."
"Accounting, isn't that what bureaucrats do?"
"Yeah, yeah. You write down how much you earn and how much you spend in a ledger. If you know the numbers, you'll have a good idea of how much money you can use afterwards."
"Absolutely no way would a governess teach you that kind of study!"
"Is it unbecoming for a noble lady?"
"I don't know about other noble families, but in our household, it's a must."
Chloe seemed to be the type who prioritizes reality over appearances. Sara thought that was even more admirable about her.
However, Edward, who sensed a strange atmosphere, scolded Chloe.
"Wait, Chloe. While it's true that my current situation has its problems, you don't have to give up your dignity as a noble lady."
"I don't understand, Father. How does managing my own money and keeping track of it mean giving up my dignity as a noble lady?"
"Chloe, what are you thinking, talking back to your father like that!"
Elizabeth also scolded Chloe. Sara, who felt sorry for getting Chloe in trouble, apologized to the Young Marquis couple. Even though she had her doubts, she knew that in this country's culture, it was taboo for a noble lady to talk openly about money. It was also against the educational principles of other noble families.
"Uncle, Aunt, I'm the one who made a mistake. Please don't scold Chloe."
"Sara, you don't have to apologize to Father and Mother. I also think that women should think carefully about money."
"Chloe!"
"Of course, I think it's impolite to talk about money in front of people. But isn't it different from not knowing about it at all? Mother, don't you plan to continue spending money without thinking about it forever?"
"It's not our place to interfere with your Father's financial matters."
"But the result is a debt of 10,000 Dallas!"
"You, of all people, are blaming Father like Sara? As a family, shouldn't we be on Father's side?"
Then, Chloe stood up suddenly and turned to face Elizabeth, her voice calm but clearly angry.
"Mother, I've always looked up to you as a lady. I knew you were busy with social events and felt lonely, but I endured it. But now, you're the worst. I'm thoroughly disappointed in you."
"What?!"
"I'm taking Father's side precisely because I want to think carefully about our finances. Sara pointed out Father's mistakes and helped us, didn't she? Sara didn't have to help us at all, but she did. And yet, you're saying we should abandon her?"
"But Sara isn't family, is she? Shouldn't family help each other?"
"We're the ones who looked down on her as a commoner, bullied her, and even tried to kill her. You can't say you're not responsible, Mother. Sara, who escaped from the royal capital and came to our territory, still helped us. And yet, you're accepting her kindness as if it's only natural. You're saying 'blame Father like Sara'? Are you a friend just because you say nice things? I've never been more ashamed to have been born to a mother like you."
"That's enough, Chloe! That's going too far!"
Sara hastily stopped Chloe, but the words she had spoken couldn't be taken back. Elizabeth's hurt face floated in her mind as she stood up, saying nothing, and quickly left the conservatory.
"Uncle, please chase after her right away. If you don't, Aunt will be in a terrible state!"
"I got it."
Edward also went after Elizabeth.
Christopher, standing nearby, lightly patted Chloe's back.
"That's not like you, Chloe. You shouldn't have spoken to Mother like that."
"I'm so sorry... I was too embarrassed to Sara... I apologize to Mother."
"Thanks for apologizing for me. But, that was really harsh on Aunt, wasn't it?"
"Maybe I said too much, but I'm not wrong, am I?"
Sara stood up and sat down beside Chloe, taking the chair where Elizabeth had been sitting just a moment ago.
"You think you're wrong because, as a woman, we should think carefully about money, right, Chloe?"
"Yeah."
"And you think I'm not the enemy for scolding Uncle, right?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks for understanding. I'm glad you understand, Chloe."
"Sara, I understand too!"
"Thanks, Chris."
Sara smiled brightly at Chris.
"But what you said last wasn't your true feelings, was it? You respect Aunt as a lady, don't you?"
"Well, maybe I should say 'respected' instead. When Sara pointed it out, I was filled with shame."
"So, you started disliking Aunt?"
"That's not true at all!"
"Then, you should properly tell Aunt that. There are people who can't convey their feelings, after all."
Chloe and Christopher looked down, remembering that Sara's parents had already passed away.
"But doesn't Sara get upset when people say things like that?"
"Uh, it's just that... well, I'm gotten used to it, what with uncle and aunt saying stuff like that..."
'It's hard to say it in front of the kids, but it's basically just whining like a loser.'
"But shouldn't you say something? Isn't it bad to just get used to it?"
"Yeah. I think Sara should get angrier."
"Honestly, when I left the capital, I thought I'd get my revenge. But when I got here, I got busy and didn't have time for that. Plus, being a noble sounds like a hassle, and it's nice to have someone else do it for you."
"So, Sara doesn't really want to be a noble, huh?"
"Well, I might become one in the end, but I'm not really enthusiastic about it. And Chloe, you should go talk to aunt. It'll be harder to talk later if you wait."
"Maybe so. I'll go."
Chloe headed to Elizabeth's room as Sara prompted her, but Christopher, who was left behind, asked Sara a serious question with a serious face.
"Hey Sara, do you plan on staying in Grandchester forever?"
"I don't know. It depends on the next Marquis of Grandchester, I guess. If I get uncomfortable, I might leave for another territory or country."
"That would be a huge loss for Grandchester."
Christopher's expression was so serious that Sara felt a bit uneasy.
"What's with the serious face all of a sudden?"
"I don't want you to leave, Sara."
"Hehe. Chris wants to have fun with me, right?"
"Yeah, I want to do a ton of fun things. I'll do my best to make Sara think so too."
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