Chapter 25
As Calliope stepped past the maid and into Illan’s office, her eyes met her father’s immediately. Judging from his expression, he had seen her brief exchange with the Marchioness’s maid just outside.
Not wanting to explain what they’d talked about, she took the lead and asked first:
“Why was the Marchioness’s maid here?”
“There was a family matter we needed to discuss, so I sent documents through her,” he replied.
They were a couple who communicated through their attendants and paperwork—fitting for nobles, really. It was, in its own way, an ideal aristocratic marriage. Calliope walked up to the desk where he was seated.
“You wanted to talk about my tutors, right?”
“Yes. I selected as many as I could from your list, but I didn’t contact those I judged to be unfit.”
Instead of answering, Calliope picked up the documents on his desk. They appeared to be contracts with each of the tutors. As she skimmed through them, she let out a brief, dry chuckle.
“Not bad.”
In her past life, more than five of her assigned tutors had been influenced by Ditron. This time, only two. Whether it was because Ditron wasn’t pressing as hard now that he was trying to manipulate her directly, or because the list she’d submitted had worked—she wasn’t sure. Either way, it was a good outcome. Of course, someone new might still get bought off, but the chances were lower now.
“And I managed to hire the one tutor you specifically requested.”
Illan’s eyes drifted to the back of the paper Calliope was holding. She flipped it over, confused—but it was blank.
“I didn’t know you were interested in swordsmanship.”
“Ah.”
So that’s why he was glaring at the back of the paper. Calliope quickly spotted the name she had wanted among the assigned tutors—Bellona Byrontz, a royal knight of commoner birth.
Twenty years ago, when the Queen had fallen ill and gone to recuperate in the countryside, she was attacked by monsters. Bellona, then a mercenary, had defended her and been awarded a knighthood on the spot. A commoner knighted directly by the Queen—it had stirred resentment among many nobles.
“Well, it never hurts to learn.”
Illan’s brow twitched slightly. As someone deeply trained in swordsmanship himself, her light tone must have rubbed him the wrong way.
Swordsmanship was considered a gentleman’s art among noblemen. But why shouldn’t she learn it casually, if she wished? He said nothing, though displeasure clearly lingered in his expression.
Calliope skimmed the remaining names and gave a nod, signaling her approval.
“As you’ve probably heard, Bellona Byrontz said she’ll decide whether to continue teaching you after your first lesson.”
“That’s fine. I expected that.”
“If you wanted someone with royal ties, there were others. It didn’t have to be her.”
“But I want her.”
Calliope knew exactly what he meant. Bellona was not only a commoner by birth, but also a woman. While the kingdom technically allowed women to inherit titles, a former king had once barred female succession in an attempt to suppress his own daughter. Though that policy had since been reversed, the old bias still lingered. Many older nobles still frowned on female knights and matriarchs.
“Her position in the royal order isn’t exactly secure. And training under royal knights is harsher than you may think. If all you want is basic self-defense, someone from a neighboring house would be more suitable.”
“But she’s the best, isn’t she? I’d rather learn from her than be looked down on by some third-rate male knight.”
“…Who said anyone would look down on you—”
“You just did, Father.”
Illan’s mouth shut tight. Calliope returned the documents to his desk, bowed politely, and walked out.
Ugh. I’m exhausted.
Just looking at his face made her feel twice as tired. Rubbing her temples, she headed back to her room. Jack trailed behind her, eyeing her carefully—but she had no energy to care.
That morning, Calliope had spent time with the children, playing and tutoring them. Afterward, she gave Kaphir and Carolie each a bit of homework. They grumbled—saying they already had enough from their own tutors—but eventually left without too much fuss.
After taking a short break, Calliope turned to Jack.
“Sir Byrontz is supposed to visit today, right?”
“Yes. The other tutors will start next week, but Sir Byrontz specifically asked to meet today.”
“I have no plans until this evening anyway. That’s fine.”
“You won’t be visiting the old man today?”
“Wow. You’re just saying it outright now, huh? He’s unwell. Send word to the family apothecary—have them prepare a heavy dose of Ronz and send it to him.”
“Understood.”
As Calliope stood up to change clothes, a sudden thought struck her.
“Come to think of it, do I even have anything suitable to wear for sword training?”
Jack blinked, caught off guard, then frowned slightly.
“You have a few riding outfits. That should do for now.”
“Then I’ll wear one of those today.”
Jack went into the dressing room and returned with three different riding outfits. Calliope chose the darkest-colored one. As Susan helped her change, she hummed a tune.
“I wonder what kind of person they’ll be? Your first tutor—it’s exciting.”
“People say she’s rude and arrogant, but that’s all nonsense. She might come off cold, but she’s more thoughtful and kind than she seems.”
Susan paused, tying the laces of the riding trousers, and tilted her head.
“How do you know that, my lady?”
“There are ways of knowing.”
Calliope gave a light laugh, playing the part of someone full of secrets rather than explaining further. Susan caught the hint, realizing she wouldn’t get more out of her, and quietly fastened the last button on the blouse.
A knock sounded at the door. Jack peeked out, then returned to close it behind him.
“Sir Byrontz has just arrived at the training hall.”
“Then I’d better head there now.”
Her sturdy riding boots clicked lightly against the floor as she walked. On the way to the training hall, Calliope found herself thinking back to the past.
When she first debuted in high society, she had struggled to fit in and once made a mistake at a gathering. Unable to bear the ridicule, she’d run out into the hallway and cried quietly. She still remembered the woman who had silently handed her a handkerchief. It was old but clean, and it had felt so warm.
The training hall, located at the northern end of the Marquisate estate, had once been frequently used by her father, Illan, in his youth. Now it was only used occasionally—for the Marchioness’s light exercises and Kaphir’s sword lessons.
Calliope entered the cool, quiet space and looked around until her eyes landed on a figure with a tightly bound ponytail the color of deep mahogany.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Byrontz. I’m Calliope Anastas.”
She approached and bowed with proper courtesy. A face younger than she remembered looked back at her with sharp eyes.
“Bellona Byrontz of the Royal Order.”
Her precisely tied ponytail, with not a single stray hair, said everything about her personality—strict, disciplined, and no-nonsense. Calliope stood tall before her, waiting for the next words.
“I was told you personally requested me as your sword instructor.”
“That’s correct.”
Bellona narrowed her eyes slightly, as if withholding several questions, but said nothing and folded her arms behind her back.
“You’re aware that I will decide whether or not to become your official tutor after today’s session?”
“Of course.”
“In that case…”
Bellona glanced at Calliope’s outfit and frowned slightly, then pointed to the training hall floor with one finger.
“Start running. Ten laps. Full speed.”
“Excuse me?”
Susan, caught off guard, let out a small squeak, but Calliope didn’t hesitate. She pushed off from the ground and began to run. Susan looked helplessly between the two women, then—despite not being told to—began running as well. She doesn’t need to run. Why is she doing this…?
One lap. Two. Three. Calliope kept running, her pace steady. Susan, confident in her own fitness, barely made it through four laps before collapsing. By the fifth, Calliope was clearly winded, but it didn’t seem like she’d give up before reaching ten.
Her long white hair became a nuisance as it tangled and whipped around her. I should’ve asked for a hair tie, she thought with irritation. Bellona watched her silently, then turned to the panting Susan, who was sprawled beside her.
“Does the young lady do any regular exercise?”
“No, not really…”
Despite her gasps for air, Susan answered dutifully.
“Before rejoining the Marquisate, my lady lived in a village near the mountains. Maybe that’s why she’s like this.”
She couldn’t outright say her mistress had lived like a commoner, so she softened the truth. Bellona seemed to understand and nodded once before turning her gaze back to Calliope, still running.
Any ordinary noble girl would have collapsed by lap two—ten laps would be unthinkable. But Calliope was still going, breathing hard but maintaining form.
Truthfully, Bellona had come today with the intent of putting the girl through a brutal first session and then turning down the job. She was a commoner, a woman, and treated as a nuisance even within the Royal Order. She didn’t understand why a noble girl would pick someone like her.
“I… I finished…”
Lost in thought, Bellona looked up to find Calliope in front of her, panting heavily. She hadn’t stopped abruptly—she kept walking slowly, cooling herself down, running her fingers through her tangled hair with visible irritation.
Susan, having regained a little strength, hurried over with a hair tie and carefully twisted Calliope’s fine, pale hair into a single long braid. Her face was flushed red, her breath coming short—but regular. And despite her exhaustion, she stood upright with perfect posture.
Bellona’s eyes narrowed. This girl was more prepared than she had expected.
