Chapter 33
“Hello. I am Ian Vesperd,” he said politely.
Everyone in the palace—and probably the whole empire—already knew who Ian Vesperd was.
But he still introduced himself respectfully to show manners to their new teacher, not as someone of higher rank.
Amelia, however, froze and couldn’t even think to follow Ian’s example.
“Young Duchess, you don’t look well. Are you feeling sick?” Raul asked gently.
“Huh? Oh—no! I’m fine!” she blurted.
So much for proper manners.
She quickly stood up, awkwardly hopping with her short legs—cringe moment number one.
She waved her hands in the air before finally managing to grab her skirt properly—cringe moment number two.
“A-Ah, hello! I-I’m Amelia Vesperd!” she stammered, her pronunciation a mess.
She shut her eyes tightly, embarrassed, and avoided Ian’s confused gaze.
Her eyes were probably darting around nervously by now.
Raul Pierce… could it really be that Raul Pierce?
The teacher, Raul, looked to be in his early thirties—too young for someone personally chosen by the Grand Duke.
But what shocked Amelia even more… was that she already knew who he was.
“The Grand Duke and Duchess will be the ones helping you train your abilities. I, being powerless, won’t be much help with that,” Raul said humbly in his soft voice.
“I’ll be in charge of the first part of the successor lessons. There’s no official subject name, but if I had to call it something… I’d say it’s about your mindset.”
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat.
It really is that Raul Pierce.
Until now, knowing her past life had been her greatest strength.
But at this moment, her knowledge of the past filled her with fear.
Her heart was pounding so loudly, she could almost hear it in her ears.
“I may not be the best teacher, but I will do my best for the sake of Vesperd,” Raul continued.
Raul Pierce.
In the past, he was the Emperor’s most trusted strategist—loyal to the royal family more than anyone.
So… how could someone like that not know about the royal family’s hatred of Vesperd?
He’s here? In Vesperd?
Could he be connected to Joseph?
What really happened in the past?
“I should properly introduce myself,” Raul continued. “I am Viscount Pierce, one of Vesperd’s retainers. I’m honored to be chosen by His Grace to guide your lessons.”
Wait—he was a retainer of Vesperd? Then how did he become a royal advisor?
Amelia’s head filled with more and more questions.
Still, she tried not to show it—she would only seem strange.
I need to look into this more after the lesson ends, she decided, holding herself back.
If the Grand Duke had trusted this man, he must be someone very capable.
For now, her best option was to make a good impression.
“I’d like to say something related to your first lesson,” Raul said, pushing up his glasses and looking at them both.
“I am not a professional teacher. I’m not amazing enough to teach royalty.”
“…”
“But when His Grace asked me to take on this great task, I made one request in return.”
Request?
Amelia’s ears perked up.
She still wasn’t sure if Raul was on their side—or on Joseph’s, or the royal family’s.
But if he had been given any power from the Grand Duke, it could affect them.
She swallowed nervously and waited for what he would say next.
“This may sound rude…” Raul began.
“Please go ahead,” Ian answered calmly and respectfully.
His red eyes showed he was listening without prejudice.
Raul gave a warm smile and continued.
“I will be giving you both an assignment. I hope you won’t feel offended. It’s just to help guide your future lessons.”
Ian nodded, and Amelia followed him.
“If His Highness had full authority as the family head, what do you think Vesperd needs most right now?” he asked Ian.
Then Raul looked at Amelia.
“And if you, Young Duchess, had the full power of the duchess, what would you want to do?”
His gentle voice continued.
“Think about it and tell me during tomorrow’s class. One more thing…” Raul said, then smiled brightly as he added something shocking.
“His Grace has promised that, unless your ideas harm Vesperd or go against its principles, he will accept and follow them exactly as you say.”
“…!”
“That’s the true authority I was given.”
His eyes were smiling, but they also held a sharp glint.
“So if there’s anything you’ve been too afraid to ask His Grace directly—this is your chance.”
Raul placed one hand lightly on the podium as he finished.
Ian quietly raised his hand beside him.
“May I ask something, sir?”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
“What do you think, Raul?”
“…Pardon?”
Raul pretended not to understand.
If Amelia had truly been ten, she might have believed that Raul was honestly confused.
But she had already lived more than twenty years—she knew better.
Raul did understand Ian’s question.
He just wanted to confirm the intent behind it.
“This lesson was something His Grace really wanted,” Ian said.
“Yes. I heard that he had refused it several times before changing his mind.”
Ian nodded.
“If he gave you the first lesson, then he must really trust you.”
Amelia waited in silence, trying to grasp Ian’s intentions.
“And since this lesson is about mindset, it’s even more important—it will shape the future of Vesperd.”
“Haha. You flatter me.”
“That’s why I want to hear your opinion.”
“…?”
“Is there anything you personally think Vesperd needs—something you couldn’t say to His Grace?”
Ian asked seriously.
Raul’s smile faded for a moment, and silence filled the room.
Then, slowly, he smiled again—but this time it felt… different.
“You truly are His Grace’s son, Your Highness,” Raul said with a sincere expression.
It was a real smile—without calculation.
“Please take this, Your Highness! It will help clear your mind! I made it just for your studies! Hehe!”
May had come to visit, smiling even brighter than before.
“Does it taste bitter?” Amelia asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“No way! I worked hard to make sure it doesn’t!” May said, waving her hands.
She handed Amelia the medicine again.
Feeling hopeful but nervous, Amelia took a small sip.
Thankfully, it tasted like bitter chocolate—not bad at all.
As expected of May. Amelia finally relaxed and swallowed the rest.
Seeing May again after so long made her feel comforted inside.
“Oh, and about the thing you asked me to find out…” May suddenly whispered, even though no one else was around.
She had gotten used to being secretive when they were secretly planning things like the Asterin project.
It was so cute that Amelia couldn’t help but smile and whisper back.
“So… Raul really is a Vesperd retainer?”
“Yes! I found out that he used to give smart ideas to His Grace through the former Viscount when he was young!”
“Really?”
“People say he was so brilliant that he got noticed right away!”
