"Congratulations, Older Sister Joyce!"
After breakfast, Irene ran toward Joyce with sparkling eyes—after all, Joyce no longer needed to do cleaning work. In Irene's understanding, that was practically a grand promotion.
Joyce merely smiled and shook her head, not saying much.
Just then, Diana approached.
"Joyce, I've already arranged for your new attire. It will be delivered shortly."
"Thank you for your trouble, Head Maid," Joyce replied with a formal bow.
Diana nodded lightly, gave her a deep, meaningful glance, and left.
Only then did Irene suddenly realize—Joyce was no longer technically a maid. She was now Teacher Joyce, Mellitoria's private tutor. That meant she would also be moving into her own room.
Would she… be living alone from now on?
At the thought, Irene immediately hugged Mellitoria and burst into tears.
"Older Sister Irene, wh-what's wrong?"
Mellitoria panicked, and Joyce also turned around, wondering what trouble Irene was making this time.
"Older Sister Joyce is moving away," Irene wailed. "I'll be all alone! I won't hear her bedtime stories anymore!"
Ever since listening to Joyce tell The Imperial Princess that night, Irene had become completely addicted. Without bedtime stories, she couldn't sleep at all.
Joyce sighed.
"How old are you? Why are you acting like such a child?"
But Mellitoria's eyes lit up.
"Older Brother gave me a bigger room! Older Sister Irene can sleep with me!"
Irene froze—then her eyes shone.
That… was actually a great idea.
Joyce pretended not to notice Irene's sudden excitement, cleared her throat, and said,
"Alright, Miss Mellitoria, I will explain your study schedule from today onward."
"Eh? We're starting already?" Irene said miserably.
Ignoring her, Joyce continued:
"Miss Mellitoria, you'll come to the classroom every morning from 8 to 12. After lunch and rest, you will spend one hour cultivating your personal interests."
"You will study for five days and rest for two days."
As soon as she said this, Irene asked curiously,
"Older Sister Joyce, what does 'cultivating interests' mean? Do teachers really teach that?"
Joyce really didn't want to answer, but Mellitoria was also staring at her blankly—like two confused kittens—so she had no choice.
"I'm not sure of the precise meaning," Joyce admitted. "But according to the Lord, everyone has something they love and something they excel at. Studying and improving that is the purpose of this class."
Irene's eyes widened.
"I like pastries and making delicious food! Teacher Joyce, can you teach me?"
"I don't teach extra students."
Rejected instantly, Irene didn't even feel hurt. Instead she turned to Mellitoria.
"Mellitoria, what do you like?"
Mellitoria tilted her head, frowned seriously, and after thinking for a long time said softly,
"I… don't know~"
"Teacher Joyce!" Irene urged, "Please hurry and start Mellitoria's classes!"
Meanwhile, in the study:
"Although Mellitoria now bears the Arnold surname, we cannot announce it publicly yet," Ron instructed Egbert and Abel. "There are spies watching the Baron's Manor. For her safety, only we need to know."
Both men nodded.
Ron then asked about the land reclamation work. Abel answered:
"I've been checking frequently. Half the marked area has been cleared already. Those lads haven't taken a single day off—they're eager to work."
"Lads," of course, referred to Sig and the knights.
Ron estimated the potato maturation period.
"We need to accelerate the progress. Egbert, recruit another batch of workers from the territory."
"Yes, Lord."
Ron frowned.
"The supervisors aren't mistreating them? Water and food are being provided?"
Egbert immediately reassured him,
"Please rest assured, my Lord. I have people watching. Absolutely no problems."
Ron nodded to Abel,
"When Sig and the knights go there, tell them to observe as well. If anything unusual happens, report immediately."
Egbert sighed with admiration.
"The Lord's benevolence is a blessing to the people."
Ron waved him off casually.
"Anything unusual in the territory recently?"
"Everything has been quite stable. Thanks to your governance."
Ron accepted the compliment calmly. Joyce had been handling documents for days, so he needed an update.
Since things ran smoothly, Joyce's ability was proven once again. But Ron planned to travel to the Royal Capital soon—her behind-the-scenes work would inevitably be exposed. Better to explain now.
He looked at his two most loyal subordinates.
"There's another reason I called you both today—"
After he finished, the study fell into tense silence.
Egbert was the first to react.
"Lord, absolutely not! You are master of the Arnold Territory. You must not delegate power to an outsider!"
"I am not giving up control," Ron said helplessly. "I remain the Lord."
"Leaving the entire Arnold Territory in the hands of a commoner will create disaster! Please reconsider!" Egbert pleaded, genuinely distressed.
Abel also looked ready to object, but Ron raised his hand.
He had expected Egbert to resist—but not so fiercely.
"Egbert," Ron said calmly, "Joyce has managed the territory's affairs for days. Have you seen any problems?"
"…No, but—"
"You've handled these affairs yourself. You know how difficult it is. And yet, someone you call 'just a commoner' can complete the work easily. Doesn't that prove her ability?"
Egbert fell silent.
Ron continued, voice firm:
"Our territory lacks talent. Development is slow—far behind other Arnold lands. Now that a rare talent has appeared, should I still turn a blind eye?"
Egbert's eyes trembled. He remembered the reality of their land: anyone with talent went to the Capital. Remote territories like theirs had nearly no hope of attracting capable people.
Ron stepped forward and placed a steady hand on the old butler's shoulder.
"Egbert, stubbornness is not loyalty. Using talent wisely is the true way to make a territory flourish. Don't you want to see a prosperous Arnold Territory?"
"I…"
Egbert's eyes reddened. He was too loyal, too devoted—sometimes to the point of rigidity.
Ron didn't let him continue. He pulled the old man into a quiet embrace.
"I know you're worried about me. About the Arnold name. That's why I trust you."
At those words, Egbert finally broke down and wept silently.
Ron smiled and patted his back.
One down.
He then turned to Abel.
To his surprise, Abel immediately bowed with fierce resolve.
"Guard Knight Abel will always be loyal to the Lord's will!"
Ron: Tsk. Didn't even let me act persuasive.
Egbert composed himself and said,
"If the Lord has chosen Joyce, then I trust your judgment."
Ron nodded.
"Joyce is still inexperienced. You must guide her. The Arnold Territory needs both of you."
Egbert's eyes glowed with devotion.
"Yes, Lord."
Ron handed him a stack of papers.
"Give this blueprint to Master Hadley. Tell him to create a model. It's a new farm tool that will greatly increase agricultural efficiency."
Egbert was shocked. Ron truly intended to transform the Arnold Territory.
[Affection: 94 (Devoted)]
Ron nearly sighed.
A Few Days Later
After dinner, Ron casually asked Mellitoria about her studies.
"What have you learned recently?"
Mellitoria wore a clean little dress, looking very much like a tiny noble princess.
Hearing Ron, she stood up, held her skirt delicately, stepped back with one foot, and performed a perfect noble curtsy.
"Older Brother, the teacher taught me to recognize animals."
Ron froze mid-sip of tea.
He stared at the refined, elegant Mellitoria in disbelief.
"Older Brother?" she whispered nervously.
Ron set down his cup.
"…Who taught you that curtsy?"
"Lady Diana," Mellitoria replied. "She said I must act according to my position. Did I do something wrong?"
"No. You did very well."
Mellitoria flushed with pride.
Ron wasn't unhappy. This world had strict class etiquette. Enjoying privilege meant bearing responsibility.
However…
"You're still little. Don't worry too much about manners yet. Learn your characters first—so you can read on your own."
"Yes, Older Brother!"
She smiled brightly and began reciting the animals she knew. Ron listened patiently.
Then Mellitoria frowned.
"The teacher said they are all common animals. Older Brother, what do they look like?"
Ron choked.
He hadn't actually seen most native animals in this world.
"…Ah. That reminds me—I have something important to do. Mellitoria, I'll tell you next time."
And he escaped.
Mellitoria blinked in confusion. Irene tried and failed to hold back her laughter.
"Mellitoria, want some pudding? I made some just for you~"
"I want!"
Irene placed two puddings on the table. Mellitoria looked around nervously.
"Don't worry," Irene said casually. "Teacher Joyce is in the study, and Lady Diana is in the back kitchen."
Mellitoria dug in. Irene also took one—of course she had made two for herself.
Between bites, Mellitoria asked:
"Older Sister Irene, why do you call Older Brother 'Young Master'? Everyone else calls him Lord."
"Because he used to be the Young Master—just like you are now the Young Miss," Irene said naturally.
Mellitoria nodded slowly—not understanding at all.
"Just don't tell anyone else," Irene whispered. "It's our secret."
"Absolutely! Older Sister Irene is the best!"
After a few bites, Mellitoria suddenly asked:
"Older Sister Irene… that little boy my age… did he go home?"
Jonah had disappeared since that night. She thought he had left with his mother, finally understanding he was not Ron's sibling.
Irene answered absentmindedly,
"I heard he was locked up. Not sure about the rest."
Clatter.
Mellitoria's spoon fell. Irene looked up—knowing this was bad.
That night, Ron visited the dungeon.
If Mellitoria hadn't pleaded during the day, he would not have come so soon. As it was, he intended to keep the boy confined longer.
Abel dismissed the guards and personally stood watch outside as Ron spoke with the child.
The next morning, however, a small figure appeared again in the Training Ground.
Ron announced to the knights:
"Meet our newest member. His name is Karl. From today onward, he joins the Arnold Family's Knight Squad. Treat him well. Karl, greet everyone."
The boy stepped forward.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Karl. From today onward, I pledge my loyalty to the Lord."
The boy once known as Jonah… was now Karl.
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