Thatâs something I could go through even if I was not a princess, Ferdel.
âThere will be several people who will want to use you. Therefore, you must be kind to everyone yet never forget to also be firm.â
âBe kind yet firm with everyone?â
Perhaps, I guessed Ferdelâs âeveryoneâ meant people who are lower than me in the social class. Ferdel nodded upon hearing my answer.
âYes, princess, but if that proves too difficult, you could also find someone who will always be on your side, no matter what. Someone who does not see you like a princess, but who only thinks of you and you alone.â
Itâs easy to say those words, but is it easy to find someone like that?
I had a question about what he told me, but what Ferdel said wasnât wrong either, so I just sighed. As expected, living was hard everywhere.
âThen⦠are you on my side, Ferdel?â
Ferdel opened his eyes wide upon hearing my question. He didnât expect me to ask him this directly, did he?
He swept his chin as if he was agonizing for a while and smiled at me.
Hey, what was that suspicious smirk? Huh?
âhmm⦠Iâm not on Caitelâs side, but I will gladly be on your side, princess.â
I didnât need his pity!
He smiled at me as if he couldnât see my crumpled face, and suddenly, Ferdel tilted his head.
âNow that I think about it, you truly are fortunate, princess. You even have me for a teacher.â
âWhatâs so great about that?â
âOf course, you should feel great about it!â
âWhy should I?â
I frowned as hard as I could, but Ferdel didnât hesitate to assert himself.
âWell, because Iâm rich with a prestigious background. More importantly, I am extremely handsome!â
⦠Sureâ¦
Wait, I thought I heard that same thing from someone before. I asked back with a forced smile.
âYou are joking, right, right? Ferdel?â
âNo, Iâm serious.â
Oh, my good heavens! Why was everyone around me like this?
Why couldnât I grow up around ordinary people!?
I had so many concerns in my head. Suddenly, Ferdel looked at me with twinkling eyes. His sparkling gaze was somehow more burdensome than before.
What is with him?
âSo, why donât you try calling me master? M. A. S. T. E. R!â
ââ¦.â
Good grief. I didnât think I could ever call him my masterâ¦