Brother, you never spoke about our parents. She doesn’t know anything so it might be the reason why she’s uncomfortable.”
“I see. That’s also important.”
Gerard leaned slowly on his chair as he continued to speak.
“Lestia Verchester, you are my father’s daughter. The will that father left behind told your story.”
Lestia’s eyes widened upon hearing about their father’s last will as she looked at Gerard. Even Joel and Mathias had their eyes fixed on their eldest brother.
Among them, Gerard was the only one who knew the secrets of the birth of their youngest sibling. This was because only the family’s heir and successor had the authority and right to read the will that was left behind by their father.
All of them held their breath as they focused on what Gerard would say. However, he continued to speak calmly as if what he was going to say was just a trivial story.
“Your mother was a courtesan. She and father met in the capital and gave birth to you.”
Lestia asked in a small voice when she heard a word that she did not know.
“Ex, excuse me but… what is a courtesan?”
Gerard briefly replied to her question.
“The word refers to a high-quality prostit*te.”
“Brother! Really?!”
Mathias protested and did not hide his dissatisfaction with Gerard.
“Just like I said countless times, Lestia is just eleven. Do you have to tell her things like that?”
Mathias stood up with his fierce momentum as if he would attack him at any given moment. However, he did not take any action as he looked at Lestia. He was worried that Lestia would be shocked by their eldest brother’s words that did not even spare any hint of consideration.
However, unlike Mathias’ worries, Lestia remained nonchalant.
“Brother Mathias. I’m fine. I already knew what my mother did a long time ago. I have always heard it from my uncle.”
“Liti…”
Mathias bit his lower lip hard at Lestia’s words.
“This.”
Joel sighed briefly.
Someone could naturally know the meaning of the words courtesan and prostitxte. But only when they got older.
The reason why they were feeling regret and pity was because he was immersed in his role as an older brother. That was also the reason why he was looking at his older brother unknowingly. However, Gerard just ignored their dissatisfied gazes.
“Even if she’s young, she has to know the truth clearly. That is the only way for her doubt to disappear.”
Then, he continued to speak with his blue eyes fixed on Lestia.
“Your mother died as soon as she gave birth to you. According to what father had written, he did not take you back because he did not see the qualities of a wizard in you. So, he left you to her family.”
“…So, that’s my uncle.”
“That’s right. Father paid him enough for child support so he thought that it was already enough. However, I think differently.”
“Yes?”
“One shouldn’t throw a gemstone in the mud. No matter what happens, you’re still a child born with the blood of a Verchester. There are many brothers born in our generation but we were already a family born with a precious and valuable bloodline. And none of our bloodlines were found to be lacking.”
His tone was firm and was void of hesitation. But Lestia still had her tight grip on her skirt with a worried expression on her face.
“You must have a lot of questions.”
Gerard pressured her.
“Ask away.”
Only after hearing that did Lestia close her eyes and speak her thoughts.
“But how can the duke be sure that I am of the same blood as you? I don’t even have any attributed magic. And you also know that my mother is not trustworthy…”
Her uncle told her every day that her mother was a woman who died selling her body and that was the reason why they did not know who her father was. She grew up living a life that was filled with sarcastic remarks as he told her to be careful since his father might be one of the men who bought flowers from her.
“…I see, it seems like your head is truly filled with complicated thoughts.”
Gerard got up from his seat and approached Lestia as he placed his finger on her round and smooth forehead. Lestia’s eyes widened as she looked at Gerard. Although Gerard’s expression was firm and stiff, she felt that it was not as scary as before.
“Then, I should tell you in a way that’s more precise than words.”
“More precise than words?”
“That’s right. Any further conversation is meaningless. Get some rest. You will be busy starting tomorrow.”
Then, Gerard went past Lestia and left the dining hall.
He left the words ‘Let’s postpone the title issue until this is resolved.’ and left completely.
Lestia was completely dumbfounded. She had no choice but to look alternately at Joel and Mathias. Just like Lysian had told her before, Gerard’s words were so succinct and short that further interpretation was needed.
“Uhmm… Brothers, what does the duke mean by more precise than words?”
“Ugh. I think he meant that he would be calling that woman.”
Mathias rubbed his arms as if he was rubbing the goosebumps away from his body.
“Yes? That woman?”
Lestia asked but Mathias kept his mouth shut. It was as if it was difficult for him to answer her question. Lestia was now even more confused. This was not how he usually acted. Joel grinned as he answered her and soothed her confusion.
“I think he’s talking about Katrina Lockevest. She was Mathias’ professor back in the academy.”
“Ugh. Right, Liti. Really… She’s really a terrible and scary woman.”
Lestia tilted her head in confusion. It was hard for her to understand.
What does Mathias’ professor have to do with Duke Verchester?
Joel answered.
“Katrina is a wizard. She’s the owner of the magic eyes that can see the truth. That’s why Mathias can’t hide his lies whenever he makes a mistake and just glosses over the things that he did in the academy.”
“Hey! Joel! Why are you telling that to Liti!”
Mathias looked at Lestia’s eyes in embarrassment. He felt sad. He felt like he was straying further and further from the position of the ‘best brother’.
However, Lestia was just showing more interest in Katrina Lockevest’s magic eyes.
“You can see the truth with magic? Is that really possible?”
“That’s right. Isn’t that really amazing? You’ll be able to see it soon.”
Joel elegantly lifted his wine glass and wetted his lips before speaking calmly again.
“That’s why, Lestia, you’re definitely our sibling. That’s why our brother is very confident in calling over Katrina.”
“…Yes.”
Lestia replied in her small voice. However, her worries did not disappear that easily.
“Don’t worry about anything anymore.”
Joel smiled as he ordered someone to bring more dessert in front of Lestia.
✢✢✢✢✢
Just like what Gerard had said, Lestia truly did become busy the next day.
There were a lot of things that she needed to learn as the Verchester Ducal Family’s only princess. There was basic etiquette, history, literature, arithmetic, as well as various arts including basic chess and swordsmanship.
“My goodness, my lady. I think the duke is thinking of turning my lady into an iron maiden or something.”
Dora, who remained beside Lestia and watched over her all the time, complained. Even in Dora’s eyes, Lestia’s schedule that started as soon as she wake up was brutal and murderous.
“I can’t believe this. How can you be studying all the time except for when you’re eating your meal?”
“Dora, I’m alright. Butler Halo told me that my brothers all studied this much when they were younger.”
“Ehey! That’s because the young masters are not ordinary people! My lady, you shouldn’t overdo things. You know how to do it, right?”
The escort knights also nodded their heads. It seemed like they were also agreeing with Dora’s words.
“Dora is right. My lady! Don’t do any other physical or swordsmanship training if you’re having a hard time. We’re here for you! The only thing that my lady needs to do is stay still! Why does the duke want you to learn such things?”
Lestia smiled as she saw them getting worried for her.
“Everyone, thank you for worrying about me.”
But she lacked the know-hows so she never neglected her studies. Besides, she felt that learning new things was always fun. No matter how hard studying was, it wasn’t anymore difficult compared to the past when she used to walk around selling flowers just to buy a piece of bread.
However, Mathias did not like seeing Lestia like this.
“Liti, Liti, it’s already been several days. You’re not even playing with me. Are you just going to stay at home all day and study?”
Mathias supported his chin on Lestia’s desk as he blinked his purple eyes at her. His twinkling eyes looked like he was tempting her.
“Your schedule for today is over, right? Let’s hurry and go to the beach before the sun sets! We were supposed to go there before.”
However, Lestia stared at the thick book in her hand as if she was troubled.
“What should I do, Brother Mathias? I still have something to review today. I have to finish this.”
“Ugh. Poor Liti. I can’t believe you have to do something so boring because of eldest brother.”
“What? No, not at all. It’s really interesting.”
“Aaack! Liti! Studying is no fun! You’re being tainted by the Verchesters too! This is all because of the eldest brother!”
Mathias felt sad at the thought of losing their precious time together.
“Mathias, don’t bother our sister too much.”
Joel entered Lestia’s room elegantly.
“Lestia, is it hard? Do it while you eat.”
The maids pushed a trolley behind Joel. The trolley was filled with sweet cakes, fruits and cookies.
“It’s good to eat sweets while studying. I always do that too.”
“Wow, it looks delicious! Thank you, brother Joel!”
Mathias stared at Joel after seeing Lestia chirping happily.
“Joel, you’re so mean. How dare you seduce Liti with sweets again.”
“What seducing? This is how you should take care of our sister, Mathias.”
Joel shook his head as he looked at the books piled up on Lestia’s desk. A difficult book caught his eyes among the beginner books piled on her desk.
Brother, you never spoke about our parents. She doesn’t know anything so it might be the reason why she’s uncomfortable.”
“I see. That’s also important.”
Gerard leaned slowly on his chair as he continued to speak.
“Lestia Verchester, you are my father’s daughter. The will that father left behind told your story.”
Lestia’s eyes widened upon hearing about their father’s last will as she looked at Gerard. Even Joel and Mathias had their eyes fixed on their eldest brother.
Among them, Gerard was the only one who knew the secrets of the birth of their youngest sibling. This was because only the family’s heir and successor had the authority and right to read the will that was left behind by their father.
All of them held their breath as they focused on what Gerard would say. However, he continued to speak calmly as if what he was going to say was just a trivial story.
“Your mother was a courtesan. She and father met in the capital and gave birth to you.”
Lestia asked in a small voice when she heard a word that she did not know.
“Ex, excuse me but… what is a courtesan?”
Gerard briefly replied to her question.
“The word refers to a high-quality prostit*te.”
“Brother! Really?!”
Mathias protested and did not hide his dissatisfaction with Gerard.
“Just like I said countless times, Lestia is just eleven. Do you have to tell her things like that?”
Mathias stood up with his fierce momentum as if he would attack him at any given moment. However, he did not take any action as he looked at Lestia. He was worried that Lestia would be shocked by their eldest brother’s words that did not even spare any hint of consideration.
However, unlike Mathias’ worries, Lestia remained nonchalant.
“Brother Mathias. I’m fine. I already knew what my mother did a long time ago. I have always heard it from my uncle.”
“Liti…”
Mathias bit his lower lip hard at Lestia’s words.
“This.”
Joel sighed briefly.
Someone could naturally know the meaning of the words courtesan and prostitxte. But only when they got older.
The reason why they were feeling regret and pity was because he was immersed in his role as an older brother. That was also the reason why he was looking at his older brother unknowingly. However, Gerard just ignored their dissatisfied gazes.
“Even if she’s young, she has to know the truth clearly. That is the only way for her doubt to disappear.”
Then, he continued to speak with his blue eyes fixed on Lestia.
“Your mother died as soon as she gave birth to you. According to what father had written, he did not take you back because he did not see the qualities of a wizard in you. So, he left you to her family.”
“…So, that’s my uncle.”
“That’s right. Father paid him enough for child support so he thought that it was already enough. However, I think differently.”
“Yes?”
“One shouldn’t throw a gemstone in the mud. No matter what happens, you’re still a child born with the blood of a Verchester. There are many brothers born in our generation but we were already a family born with a precious and valuable bloodline. And none of our bloodlines were found to be lacking.”
His tone was firm and was void of hesitation. But Lestia still had her tight grip on her skirt with a worried expression on her face.
“You must have a lot of questions.”
Gerard pressured her.
“Ask away.”
Only after hearing that did Lestia close her eyes and speak her thoughts.
“But how can the duke be sure that I am of the same blood as you? I don’t even have any attributed magic. And you also know that my mother is not trustworthy…”
Her uncle told her every day that her mother was a woman who died selling her body and that was the reason why they did not know who her father was. She grew up living a life that was filled with sarcastic remarks as he told her to be careful since his father might be one of the men who bought flowers from her.
“…I see, it seems like your head is truly filled with complicated thoughts.”
Gerard got up from his seat and approached Lestia as he placed his finger on her round and smooth forehead. Lestia’s eyes widened as she looked at Gerard. Although Gerard’s expression was firm and stiff, she felt that it was not as scary as before.
“Then, I should tell you in a way that’s more precise than words.”
“More precise than words?”
“That’s right. Any further conversation is meaningless. Get some rest. You will be busy starting tomorrow.”
Then, Gerard went past Lestia and left the dining hall.
He left the words ‘Let’s postpone the title issue until this is resolved.’ and left completely.
Lestia was completely dumbfounded. She had no choice but to look alternately at Joel and Mathias. Just like Lysian had told her before, Gerard’s words were so succinct and short that further interpretation was needed.
“Uhmm… Brothers, what does the duke mean by more precise than words?”
“Ugh. I think he meant that he would be calling that woman.”
Mathias rubbed his arms as if he was rubbing the goosebumps away from his body.
“Yes? That woman?”
Lestia asked but Mathias kept his mouth shut. It was as if it was difficult for him to answer her question. Lestia was now even more confused. This was not how he usually acted. Joel grinned as he answered her and soothed her confusion.
“I think he’s talking about Katrina Lockevest. She was Mathias’ professor back in the academy.”
“Ugh. Right, Liti. Really… She’s really a terrible and scary woman.”
Lestia tilted her head in confusion. It was hard for her to understand.
What does Mathias’ professor have to do with Duke Verchester?
Joel answered.
“Katrina is a wizard. She’s the owner of the magic eyes that can see the truth. That’s why Mathias can’t hide his lies whenever he makes a mistake and just glosses over the things that he did in the academy.”
“Hey! Joel! Why are you telling that to Liti!”
Mathias looked at Lestia’s eyes in embarrassment. He felt sad. He felt like he was straying further and further from the position of the ‘best brother’.
However, Lestia was just showing more interest in Katrina Lockevest’s magic eyes.
“You can see the truth with magic? Is that really possible?”
“That’s right. Isn’t that really amazing? You’ll be able to see it soon.”
Joel elegantly lifted his wine glass and wetted his lips before speaking calmly again.
“That’s why, Lestia, you’re definitely our sibling. That’s why our brother is very confident in calling over Katrina.”
“…Yes.”
Lestia replied in her small voice. However, her worries did not disappear that easily.
“Don’t worry about anything anymore.”
Joel smiled as he ordered someone to bring more dessert in front of Lestia.
✢✢✢✢✢
Just like what Gerard had said, Lestia truly did become busy the next day.
There were a lot of things that she needed to learn as the Verchester Ducal Family’s only princess. There was basic etiquette, history, literature, arithmetic, as well as various arts including basic chess and swordsmanship.
“My goodness, my lady. I think the duke is thinking of turning my lady into an iron maiden or something.”
Dora, who remained beside Lestia and watched over her all the time, complained. Even in Dora’s eyes, Lestia’s schedule that started as soon as she wake up was brutal and murderous.
“I can’t believe this. How can you be studying all the time except for when you’re eating your meal?”
“Dora, I’m alright. Butler Halo told me that my brothers all studied this much when they were younger.”
“Ehey! That’s because the young masters are not ordinary people! My lady, you shouldn’t overdo things. You know how to do it, right?”
The escort knights also nodded their heads. It seemed like they were also agreeing with Dora’s words.
“Dora is right. My lady! Don’t do any other physical or swordsmanship training if you’re having a hard time. We’re here for you! The only thing that my lady needs to do is stay still! Why does the duke want you to learn such things?”
Lestia smiled as she saw them getting worried for her.
“Everyone, thank you for worrying about me.”
But she lacked the know-hows so she never neglected her studies. Besides, she felt that learning new things was always fun. No matter how hard studying was, it wasn’t anymore difficult compared to the past when she used to walk around selling flowers just to buy a piece of bread.
However, Mathias did not like seeing Lestia like this.
“Liti, Liti, it’s already been several days. You’re not even playing with me. Are you just going to stay at home all day and study?”
Mathias supported his chin on Lestia’s desk as he blinked his purple eyes at her. His twinkling eyes looked like he was tempting her.
“Your schedule for today is over, right? Let’s hurry and go to the beach before the sun sets! We were supposed to go there before.”
However, Lestia stared at the thick book in her hand as if she was troubled.
“What should I do, Brother Mathias? I still have something to review today. I have to finish this.”
“Ugh. Poor Liti. I can’t believe you have to do something so boring because of eldest brother.”
“What? No, not at all. It’s really interesting.”
“Aaack! Liti! Studying is no fun! You’re being tainted by the Verchesters too! This is all because of the eldest brother!”
Mathias felt sad at the thought of losing their precious time together.
“Mathias, don’t bother our sister too much.”
Joel entered Lestia’s room elegantly.
“Lestia, is it hard? Do it while you eat.”
The maids pushed a trolley behind Joel. The trolley was filled with sweet cakes, fruits and cookies.
“It’s good to eat sweets while studying. I always do that too.”
“Wow, it looks delicious! Thank you, brother Joel!”
Mathias stared at Joel after seeing Lestia chirping happily.
“Joel, you’re so mean. How dare you seduce Liti with sweets again.”
“What seducing? This is how you should take care of our sister, Mathias.”
Joel shook his head as he looked at the books piled up on Lestia’s desk. A difficult book caught his eyes among the beginner books piled on her desk.
