Chapter 4
Vivian’s eyes grew wide with curiosity, and Betty laughed playfully at the sight. Vivian, eager and impatient, urged her for an answer.
That morning’s newspaper had already stirred interest among everyone in the mansion. The news of a noble from the capital coming to visit had caught everyone’s attention. Betty was quietly excited as well. The guest was none other than Edmund Lockberg. A viscount of Argent, a navy officer, and the most prominent noble in the region, he was also famously handsome.
With a slightly proud look, Betty folded the towels and walked out of the room. Vivian hurried after her, her short legs working hard to keep up.
“Who is it?”
“I’m not telling you.”
“Why not?”
“Because you disappeared yesterday without a word. This is your punishment.”
“That’s so mean.”
Betty winked and left the room with a teasing smile. Vivian flopped onto the bed and buried her face in the soft blankets. The warmth comforted her, and she closed her eyes.
So, mean.
She felt a growing curiosity about the secret that everyone else seemed to know. Frustrated, Vivian kicked her feet and stared up at the ceiling with determination.
A guest of the Faubert household. I’ll make sure to ask tomorrow.
With that promise to herself, Vivian slowly closed her eyes. Her cheeks turned pink as she drifted into a sweet dream filled with cakes.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Young lady.”
“…”
“Young Lady Vivian.”
“Betty?”
“Time to wake up.”
Sunlight poured into the room, filling one side with its warmth. Vivian squinted and pulled the blanket over her face. But Betty was faster and gently took the blanket away. Forced to face the bright light, Vivian sat up with a frown.
“Madam Pourin is here.”
“…”
Oh no. That was not good news.
Vivian quickly got ready and made her way to the garden, where the lesson for the day was scheduled.
At the entrance, she took a deep breath and lifted the corners of her mouth into an awkward smile. As she stepped into the garden filled with green leaves and fresh air, she saw Madam Pourin clearly, holding a teacup with graceful hands.
“Good morning, Madam.”
“You seem to be in a cheerful mood.”
Vivian’s effort to sound bright was quickly shut down by Madam Pourin’s sharp gaze. She was always strict, but today, she looked even more intimidating. Vivian hurried over and sat down in the chair beside her.
“Tsk.”
The disapproving sound from Madam Pourin made Vivian’s shoulders sink.
“I’m sure I taught you not to move so carelessly like someone being chased.”
“I didn’t think I was being that loud.”
Vivian replied with hesitation, carefully watching Madam Pourin’s reaction. Her words were met with a cold and piercing stare.
“There is never any improvement with you.”
“…”
“Since you missed yesterday’s lesson, we’ve fallen quite behind. You’ll need to work even harder to catch up.”
“…Yes, ma’am.”
“Bring it in.”
At Madam Pourin’s words, food was placed on the table. It was a warm soup made from crushed tomatoes. As the dish was being set, Madam Pourin cleared her throat and began to speak.
Today, she had decided to review the table manners Vivian always struggled with. The viscount and his wife would surely welcome the upcoming guest with dignity. But if someone asked whether their daughter Vivian would do the same, Madam Pourin’s answer would be a firm no.
“A very important guest will soon arrive at Faubert.”
Vivian’s eyes opened wide in surprise. It truly felt like she was the only one in Faubert who didn’t know who the guest was.
“They are guests of very high status, the kind we rarely see in such a quiet place. That’s why, Vivian, you must work even harder to avoid making mistakes in front of them.”
Madam Pourin straightened her posture and nodded slightly to Betty, who was standing next to Vivian, signaling her to serve the prepared food. It was time to shape another young lady, both for Vivian’s sake and for the viscount couple who had placed their trust in her.
After the lesson, Madam Pourin savored the elegant aroma of the steaming tea and calmly listed the mistakes Vivian had made. Her words made Vivian’s throat tighten. She lifted her chin in frustration. The white ribbon tied in her hair swayed with the motion.
So, mean. She’s being so mean.
Vivian pouted and gave Madam Pourin a sharp look. Madam Pourin simply opened her fan and smiled behind it, clearly enjoying the moment.
Vivian had no idea that Madam Pourin had seen her legs swinging above the floor, as they always did, but had turned her head as if she had not noticed. It was a quiet kindness, one of many the strict teacher had shown this unruly girl from the small estate.
Vivian stared at Madam Pourin with narrowed eyes, then relaxed and glanced around before asking carefully.
“Madam, do you know who the guest is?”
“If you mean the guest…”
“Yes, the important guest coming to Faubert. Everyone here seems to know but me.”
It wasn’t easy to ask, but Vivian’s curiosity had finally won over her pride. Neither her mother, nor Betty, nor Grandpa Len would tell her anything about this mysterious visitor. Since yesterday, the thought had consumed her.
A sudden storm had swept into the calm Faubert.
It was far too exciting for someone as curious as Vivian to ignore. To her, Faubert felt like her own personal kingdom. She roamed every corner of it without a care. So this new guest, coming to stay in Faubert for the summer, was like a pebble thrown into her still and quiet routine. A single splash that could send waves across her entire world.
“Can’t you please tell me?”
“Well…”
Madam Pourin, who had never bothered to hide her stern expression before, hesitated for the first time. Vivian’s innocent face and clear eyes made her pause. She almost answered, then slowly smiled instead. With a graceful motion, she snapped her ornate fan closed and curved her eyes in a smile.
“If you follow today’s lesson perfectly, maybe I’ll tell you.”
Vivian’s eyes, shining with hope, looked more sincere than any child Madam Pourin had ever taught. She was far from perfect in etiquette, but of all the children she had guided, Vivian shone the brightest. While girls her age dreamed of love, Vivian alone dreamed of adventure. She was a bold girl, unafraid of challenge.
Madam Pourin could not predict how this young bud would bloom in Faubert’s peaceful garden. But there was one thing she was certain of.
One day, when this girl fully blossomed, Faubert would be home to the most graceful lady in the empire.
Her gaze settled on Vivian, who now sat silently with her lips pressed tightly together. In a calm voice, Madam Pourin called for Betty.
“Open the hall.”
To make that future a reality, she would have to keep a firm hand on this wild young lady.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Letter for you!”
The ringing sound of bicycle wheels echoed noisily through the quiet afternoon, filled with the salty scent of the sea.
The Port of Lekleman was the largest harbor in the Duchy of Leman. The merchant ship that had departed from Faubert arrived there safely, and the exclusive contract for Leman’s famous wine was completed without any problems. Everything had gone according to plan, except for one thing. A long-awaited letter had arrived later than expected.
As soon as the postman arrived at the gate, Hayden jumped to his feet and ran down to meet him without hesitation. He had been waiting for this letter more eagerly than anything.
The postman, who had just been about to place the letter into the mailbox, was taken by surprise when a blond boy approached in long strides and quickly snatched the letter from his hand. The boy moved like someone catching prey. The postman stood there blinking, then scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as he watched the boy disappear with the letter.
By now, the bright blond hair that gleamed under the strong coastal sunlight had become a familiar sight to the postman. It suited the vibrant season of this place perfectly.
The boy from Argent, with his striking looks, had spoken to the postman first a few days earlier while the postman was passing through the area near the harbor where travelers often stayed. That had been the first encounter.
A month ago, the merchants from Argent had arrived at the Port of Lekleman. It was obvious the boy was one of them. When he asked in awkward Lemanese, his voice still carried the accent of Argent.
“Is there a letter for this address?”
His expression had been so serious that the postman had instinctively checked his bag. It seemed the boy was waiting for something very important. But there had been no letter. The postman had shaken his head.
The boy had looked down, clearly disappointed. The postman, feeling a little sympathy, gently told him it would probably arrive soon. That scene repeated itself for several days. The boy would ask the same question, and the postman would shake his head again.
Finally, the letter the boy had waited so long for appeared in the postman’s hand. The clean handwriting revealed the boy’s name for the first time.
To Mr. Hayden Harper
It looked like a kind and affectionate letter, sent by someone precious.
Satisfied that he had finally delivered it, the postman got back on his bicycle. Now that the letter had reached the person who had been longing for it, it was time to pedal off and deliver the rest of the mail to others who might also be waiting.
