I was so concerned that not a single word of the book that was open caught my eye. I grabbed my head and closed my eyes.
Letâs empty this thoughts. Itâs time to do my assignment. Letâs read the book!
âDoes your head hurt? Or is it that difficult?â
While I was self-suggesting to dispel my thoughts about Kir, the voice I heard made me raise my head. Miss Katie came down and was already by my side. Afraid that she would be worried, I quickly shook my head and whispered in a low voice.
âNo. I was just thinking for a moment. What brings you here?â
I asked that question because it seemed like she came to see me, not the book. But instead of answering right away, Miss Katie checked the list of books I had chosen. I just picked it without thinking because I was half mesmerized by Kir in the morning, I hope there are no strange books among them.
âIs your father here?â
âHow did you know?â
âThereâs a way to know everything.â
Watching Miss Katie smile gracefully, I wondered if Mr. Hafterry had told her. I stayed at Mr. Hafterryâs mansion. But yesterday, since Father visited, I slept in the Grand Dukeâs residence in the capital.
Since I was staying out, I naturally informed my guardian, Mr. Hafterry, of the reason.
The only person who knew that Father had come was Mr. Hafterry, so the culprit could only be Mr. Hafterry. Disappointed, my mouth pouted.
It didnât matter if Mr. Hafterry told Miss Katie. I havenât seen Mr. Hafterry for quite some time even though I live in the same house because heâs so busy with his academy work. It was hard to meet me, but he went to see Miss Katie.
I feel like Iâve lost my teacher because I havenât seen him for so long. The sadness kept piling up.
âHave you met Mr. Hafterry?â
Miss Katie let out a low laugh at my sullen voice.
âNo. I havenât seen him.â
Huh? So, that wasnât it? I wrongly guessed. The pouted lips withdrew in embarrassment. I glanced over.
âThen how did you know?â
âI heard that Grand Duke Rheinfont was visiting.â
She reasoned that if the Grand Duke came, then Father would also come. Itâs natural, but I got emotional and impatient to reveal my sadness before I even thought about it.
âYes. He came with the Grand Duke.â
âYou donât have to come on a day like this. Donât you only see your father a few times?â
I wondered why Miss Katie came down to the library, but even on a day like this, she came because she was being considerate of me who was in the Sageâs study.
Miss Katie always told me in advance that if my father had come, I could rest because she was afraid that we would not be able to talk properly. Looking back, I think Iâm really good at meeting good people.
It wasnât long after I started studying in the Sageâs Study that I knew I was not a genius. There were so many real geniuses around me, so I couldnât even become at least ordinary.
Get out of here because you donât belong with us! â I was nervous that people would say that.
However, Miss Katie and the other sages accepted me easily. Sometimes, I couldnât even understand it â they did not even reject me or looked at me as someone whoâs lacking in many areas. They always made it easy for me to do as much as I could.
I was afraid of being rejected, so I worked harder. Anyway, everyone in the Sageâs Study were kind to me, and I could study without any burden.
âNo. Father is also busy because he came here for work.â
I could have taken a break from studying today if my father stayed in the Grand Dukeâs residence. However, Father also went about with the Grand Duke, so I couldnât be with him anyway.
âWell, since he came here on official business, he must be busy. Take it easy though.â
âThatâs okay. I can see him tonight.â
He said he would come back in the evening, so I could join him then. Miss Katieâs eyes widened with excitement. Miss Katie was really a nice person. The look in her eyes made me feel moved. Even though I am a student who was infinitely lacking, when I receive that kind of attention, I feel like I have become a really good student. My shoulders trembled for no reason.
At that time, Miss Katie picked up a book piled up next to me.
âDo you know why I gave you this assignment?â
What Mary had said yesterday flashed through my mind.