Vol 1 Chapter 4 – First Lesson

My interview with the duke wrapped up, and classes don’t start until tomorrow. By the time I arrived, the sun was already setting.

Dinner was plain but tasty. Evidently this household eats the same food as ordinary families—“That’s the northern tradition,” they said. A fine tradition, if you ask me.

They offered me wine, but I reluctantly declined; I still had prep work for tomorrow.

I’d sketched out the lesson plan on the train, but now it was time for a final review.

The next morning, after finishing breakfast, I returned to my room.

Someone would come fetch me when it was time, so I got dressed and waited.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen Her Highness at dinner last night or at breakfast today.

…Maybe I teased her a little too hard yesterday?

“E-excuse me!”

“Come in.”

The one who stepped in was Ellie-san. Yep—nothing beats a professional maid for looking the part.

She seemed nervous about something.

“M-my lady is waiting. P-please, this way.”

“Sure. And thanks for handling my luggage yesterday.”

“N-not at all! I-it’s a maid’s job…”

She kept stealing glances at me.

Huh? Did I do something to put her so on edge?

…Can’t remember. Well, she’ll warm up eventually.

She led me through the manor. If we’re heading this way, then—

“Right through here. She’s inside.”

“Thanks.”

Eek!

“U-um…”

“Ah—sorry about that.”

Bad habit—I ended up patting her head again. Not good, not good. Come to think of it, I did the same thing yesterday.

So that’s what bothered her—better work on that.

I bowed to Ellie-san and stepped into the greenhouse.

A bit farther in stood a private room. Talk about extravagant—the duke really spoils her rotten.

I knocked. “Come in,” came the reply. Inside, the temperature was perfectly controlled—nice and comfortable.

One entire wall was bookshelves stretching to the ceiling, crammed with rare and antique volumes.

…How much did it cost to build this place and assemble that collection? Best not to think about it.

Her Highness sat writing at a desk, but she noticed me and gave a small nod.

She hurried to her feet. Today she wore a demure outfit in crisp white.

“Good morning. Would it be proper to say ‘nice to meet you’?”

“…Allen-sensei, you can be a bit mean, you know.”

“No maid outfit today? It was quite cute, though you look nice in this too.”

“…S-see? Mean!”

“Ha-ha, my apologies. I’m Allen. For the next three months I’ll be your teacher. I may not be much, but I’ll do my best.”

“I’m Tina Howard. F-first, let me make something clear!”

She planted her hands on her hips and fixed me with a look.

She was trying her hardest to project authority, but… she’s just too short. After yesterday’s impression, all I see is a little kid standing on tiptoe.

“First, from now on you are forbidden to call me ‘Your Highness’ or add any honorific like ‘sama’! I’m your student, so call me Tina.”

“Ellie’s okay, th—”

“N-no she’s not! Geez! Stop derailing the conversation. Next, lying to me is forbidden. Even if the truth is painful—I’m ready to hear it.”

“Understood. I won’t hold back.”

She’s really hung up on this.

I’ll have to teach her how to relax her shoulders later.

“Lastly, after each study session, um…”

“Yes?”

“If I do well that day, please praise me.”

“Oh, that’s all? Certainly.”

“H-huh?”

“Nobles are often so capable that they hardly ever get praised. Give them a little approval and they light right up—and their grades soar. I’m a big believer in generous praise.”

“I-I see…”

“Well then, Tina, shall we get started? Ah, before we do—”

“Y-yes! Um?”

“A handshake. Here’s to working together.”

—“I’m in your care.”

I smiled and took her small hand.

She’s only thirteen. When I was that age—nope, don’t go there. That way lies a migraine.

Then again, that was only four years ago. Feels like another lifetime.

“Um, sensei, could you… maybe let go of my hand now…?”

“Ah, sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, really…”

“Today I’d like to gauge your current ability.”

“My ability?”

She blinked in confusion.

Yep, she really is adorable. Give her a few years and she’ll be a real knockout.

“You know the Royal Academy entrance exam has both written and practical sections, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And Tina, your practical skills are utterly hopeless.”

“…Right.”

“Then we should devote as much of the next three months to practice as possible. But first, I need to know how strong your written skills are so I can divide our time properly.”

“That makes sense, but… how will you find out? The Academy changes the exam every year, so it’s hard to prepare.”

“Oh, that’s a lie.”

Hweh?!

What a great face. I discreetly stored it away in my orb.

I went on.

“Even the Royal Academy’s tests follow patterns. It’s just that the cycles run not in years but in decades—sometimes a century—so nobody notices. Honestly, that headmaster has lived too long for his own good.”

“…So you’re saying we can study for the written portion?”

“Exactly. I’ve prepared some sample problems, so please work on these today.”

Her stunned expression was downright cute.

But after handing her the test (yes, I patted her head and praised her properly), I spent that night grading—and it was my turn to be speechless.

—In short, the young lady is a prodigy on par with Lidia.