Chapter 54: The Duke and the Nanny (1)
“You say I'm angry?”
Just a moment ago, it was Princess Emilia who almost crushed the prince with her enthusiasm, and yet… he's revolting against me now? Children do not understand the mystery.
I said while rolling my eyes:
«Me? Your Highness? Of course not.”
Edwin narrowed his eyes like a watching fish:
“Really? Are you really not angry?
What a pushy child is this...
He suddenly shouted: “Ahh!” When I pressed hard on his leg muscle.
"Yes! What do you do!"
“Then why did you mention the leader to me?”
“What about Sir Jerome?” He asked spontaneously and with an aggrieved expression. “Aren't you the one who said you loved him too?”
I furrowed my eyebrows: “Me? Love that guy? impossible."
“But... you were the one who sent me to the Knights of Gloria...”
He looked at me sheepishly and added: “I thought you respected Sir Jerome.”
“I sent you because the Knights of Gloria are the best in the empire, not because I admire Duke Jerome Crowner,” I said coldly.
He hesitated a little, then asked faintly: “So...do you hate Sir Jerome?”
“I cannot love a man like him.”
His eyes widened in surprise: “Why?” He is strong, honorable, and just. Don't you think it's wonderful?
“You really want to know why I hate him?”
He nodded enthusiastically, his wide eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I smiled coldly and then pressed his leg again.
“Ahh!”
“If you stay awake after the massage, I'll tell you.”
He buried his face in the blanket and squirmed, as I continued working mercilessly. After half an hour, I was done.
“Your Highness, we are done.”
He didn't reply. Just the sound of even breathing, and a small tear at the corner of his eye.
I sighed: Maybe I was too hard on him.
But I muttered sarcastically as I fixed his cover:
This is his reward for defending Jerome in front of me. What a bold child.
I touched his forehead lightly, then went out quietly carrying Emilia, who had fallen asleep.
"nanny! nanny!"
A violent knock on my door with the first strings of dawn.
“What now?” I muttered angrily as I opened the door.
Catherine's face was pale:
“D-a guest is asking for you.”
"a guest? At this time...?
Suddenly a huge hand reached out and grabbed the door.
“Could you please have a little talk, Miss Rachel Brown?”
The man before me, with his heavy cloak and imposing dignity, was Jerome Crowner, the leader of the Knights of Gloria.
Here I am walking in the palace garden with a man who was once my target. I came back from the dead, and the events continued without stopping.
He said while looking at the palace:
“It's my first time in the Third Prince's Palace. Really luxurious.”
I answered him coldly: “What do you want from me?”
He smiled sarcastically: “Is that so frank?”
“I don't have time to listen to your comments about the palace when I could be sleeping.”
He laughed lightly: “Haha, you’re not really an ordinary person.” Then he put his hand on his chest:
“How is Prince Edwin? "I heard he fainted during training."
“He recovered quickly, just muscle pain.”
“Normal for his age.”
There was silence for a moment, then he suddenly stopped and said:
“You're a commoner, aren't you?”
"Yes."
“I heard you were adopted by the Brown family. Are you still in contact with them?
I frowned, but he continued calmly:
“I'm sorry, I had to check your background to make sure you were trustworthy.”
In fact, there is nothing to discover. Rachel Brown is just an ordinary woman...but why dig up my past?
“So, did I pass your test?” I said sarcastically.
He smiled shyly: “I apologize for the doubts.”
“And now?” I looked at him sharply.
He bowed slightly and lowered his voice: “I came with an offer.”
“What offer?”
“The prince is training to strengthen his body, right? That means he'll need a sword. The truth is that when I saw him today, I was affected.”
I looked at him coldly: What should I do with your affection?
He said confidently: “I realize that your circumstances do not allow for attracting great teachers, so… I would like to train him myself.”
I immediately replied: “I refuse.”
He froze: “What?” Are you kidding?
“You heard me right. "I refuse."
He grabbed my wrist, pleading: “But why?” “No one is more worthy than me.”
I gave him a sharp look, and he immediately let go of my hand.
“I don't owe you an explanation,” I said coldly. You yourself said you would never teach him. I do not want to expose him to the wrath of the second wife. "The anxiety he is experiencing is enough for him."
He was silent for a moment, so I continued: “Then tell me, what suddenly changed your mind?”
He was a little confused, so I preceded him: “His participation in training the knights, this is what you agreed upon with His Majesty the Emperor. "And that's enough."
His eyes widened: “The Emperor agreed? How did you know?
“I ran into him by chance and talked to him.”
He looked surprised, but I concluded: “His joining the training is more than enough.” Thank you.”
I turned around, but he shouted: “Stop!” I didn't say you could leave!
I turned to him and said coldly: “Sorry, I am not a dog that you call and it comes, or you command it and it goes.”
His face changed immediately: “You have exceeded your limits.” Do you realize who you are talking to?
I approached him step by step until we were almost touching. She smiled meekly, but her words were like knives:
“I don't trust you, Duke Crowner. This alone is the reason for my refusal.”