Chapter 91.1

As Lia returned from the orphanage, her heart raced with excitement. It was as if she had been transported to an entirely new world, a stark contrast to the heavy heart with which she had arrived at Del Casa just a week prior.

On a crisp morning, Lia found herself sitting on the backyard stairs, lost in thought as she gazed at the distant stone fountain and basked in the warmth of the rising sun. The laughter of children and the sparkling glances directed her way only added to her bewilderment, her mind constantly drifting to memories of fumbling for answers with hands as brittle as autumn leaves.

“If you’re happy, that’s all that matters,” Claude had whispered, pressing a kiss to her hand. For the first time in her life, Lia felt like she had tasted a fragment of the life she had always dreamed of, a sense of reckless self-confidence washing over her that she could accomplish anything.

But Canillia’s worries deepened; she couldn’t shake the feeling that her dreams of becoming a teacher were within reach yet uncertain.What should she do? Would it be okay to ask for help? Perhaps, if she asked the grand duke, he might come up with a solution for her and build a school. But even then, she knew she would still find a way to make a difference, to help others.

As Lia sat deep in thought, her knees tucked to her chest, she was startled by the sudden warmth of a coat draped over her shoulders. She looked up to see Ivan, his hair now shorter than she remembered, standing before her.

“If you catch a cold like that, I’ll be in trouble. Please come inside,” he said, gesturing to her thin clothes.

“It’s warm now, the weather has cleared up,” Lia protested.

“Still, the Grand Duke is worried,” Ivan replied.

Lia couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration for Claude, who was unable to leave his work and come to her. She wondered if he had more free time, would he have come to her and taken her with him.

“Is he still in the office?” she asked.

“Yes,” Ivan replied.

“Would it be difficult for me to go see him?” she asked.

“There will be no such thing,” Ivan said confidently. He was sure his master was waiting for her visit.

After dusting her butt, Canillia returned the coat to Ivan and made her way inside the house. Ivan watched as she walked steadily, pausing to catch her breath while gripping the railing, before continuing on with renewed determination in her step. The atmosphere was vastly different from when she had first entered the academy all those years ago. Ivan couldn’t help but be reminded of someone else who looked similar to Canillia. It was said that when you love someone, you begin to resemble them.

Lost in thought, Ivan put his coat back on. The greenery around them was becoming thicker, a sign that spring had truly arrived. As Canillia had pointed out, the days of needing a coat were behind them, and the warm weather was well on its way.

***

Lia knocked twice on the door before gently pushing it open and entering the study. Claude, who had been sitting by the window and engrossed in his papers, looked up as the door opened and a glimpse of emerald-green light filled the room. After glancing at the clock, he put down his pen and stretched his back.

“Come in.”

She was dressed in her usual loose shirt and pants, as her legs still caused her discomfort and the risk of stumbling.

“If you’re busy, I can come back later.”

“No, it’s fine. I was just taking a break. Come here.”

Claude extended his hand, and Lia walked towards him, her steps now steady thanks to the treatment from the doctor. However, Claude couldn’t shake the worry that the more she became lively and smiled in front of him, the more uncertain her future seemed to be.

He pulled her close and sat her on his desk. With so many problems, such as taxes and the reconstruction of the city, piling up, she was the only source of solace for him now.

“Is it true that you’re very busy?” Lia asked.

“Yes, very busy,” Claude murmured, “That’s why I need you.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Lia leaned into him, her arms gently stroking his head. Claude buried his face in her chest and spoke tiredly, “I’ve sent a request for aid to the royal palace. To deal with the expenses of war.”

Lia looked up in surprise, “Already?”

“Already,” Claude replied, his voice heavy with defeat, “It’s already too late.”

“Even so…” Lia began, but Claude cut her off.

“Think of it as another woman standing by my side, wearing my arms or sitting like this facing me. I… my blood boils, but you don’t feel anything?”

Lia shook her head vigorously, her big, clear eyes filling with disapproval. Her arms were warmer than the sun shining down his back, and Claude silently looked up at Canillia, caressing her long hair and pressing his lips to hers. The more he got to know her, the more deeply he fell in love. Each glance and gesture from her only served to further entrench the ache in his heart.

“Well, I have a favor to ask of you,” Lia said, breaking the silence.

“What is it?” Claude asked, his gaze still fixed on Canillia.

“I want to know how to become a proper teacher,” Lia replied.

“Teacher?” Claude repeated, turning his attention back to Lia.

“Yes,” Canillia said, her voice tinged with frustration. “The academy diploma I got in the capital was given in the name of Canillian. If I were a man, I would have been able to get a job without a diploma, but I’m a Canillia.”

Claude let out a hum of understanding, knowing all too well the discrimination she faced.

Recently, it had been quiet, he knew it would be like this. Lost in thought, he pushed his chair back and stood up. Then, he went to the bookshelf and took out a book. This was the book he had intended to give her as soon as he arrived at Del Casa.