Lord Preston's Secret Tutor (47 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 25
The sensation brushing against her fingers was soft, and the beige fur carried a pleasant fragrance. It was a cozy feeling, as if she might drift off to sleep at any moment.
“Happy birthday once again, Benjamin. I’m truly glad to have met you.”
“!”
In that instant, the boy’s eyes widened in surprise, as though he’d just heard something utterly unexpected. Jacqueline, smiling gently, turned her back.
“Then I’ll see you later. I hope you have a wonderful birthday party.”
“Thank you, Miss Somerset. ……I’m glad to have met you too.”
A belated reply drifted from behind her. Instead of turning to look at the boy, Jacqueline simply gave a light wave of her hand.
Just as she crossed the corridor to return to her room,
“What on earth do you mean by that?”
William’s hushed, sharp rebuke reached her ears—so angry that Jacqueline unconsciously halted mid-step.
What’s going on?
For someone as flawlessly composed as a butler from a storybook to lose his temper meant something serious must have occurred.
Glancing around, Jacqueline leaned over the railing, stretching her neck forward. The voices were coming from below the staircase.
Beside William stood a man who appeared to be a member of the orchestra. The baton in his hand drifted aimlessly through the air, as if it had lost its purpose.
He wasn’t just a member—he was the conductor.
As William’s face grew increasingly flushed with anger, the conductor lowered his head further.
“How dare you say such a thing now? Don’t you know what kind of event this is today? It’s a celebration for Master Benjamin Preston’s birthday.”
“I’m fully aware of that, sir.”
“And yet you intend to ruin it like this?”
“I deeply apologize.”
“So what do you propose we do? The banquet is about to begin—do you plan to perform without a piano? Do you think our guests won’t notice? If you’re determined to disgrace the Preston family name, then I’d say you’ve succeeded.”
“But surely a replacement performer could arrive as soon as…”
“You’d better start looking for a new profession!”
William’s threat flew straight at the man. The conductor, realizing this wasn’t an idle warning, turned ashen-faced.
“What’s happening, William?”
At the unexpected voice, William, who had been scanning left and right, slowly tilted his head up upon hearing her whisper, “Over here—up here.”
“Miss Somerset!”
Ignoring the butler’s flustered exclamation, Jacqueline leaned even farther over the railing.
“Be careful… you’ll fall…”
“What exactly is going on?”
William stepped back a few paces so she could see clearly. Only then did Jacqueline pull her upper body back behind the railing.
William let out a sigh of relief, then muttered again, his face once more flushed with anger.
“The pianist was run over by a carriage on the way to the mansion. Of all things, his fingers were broken. It seems the orchestra has decided to sabotage the banquet.”
“Good heavens! Is the performer all right? Was he seriously injured?”
At her question, William blinked slowly, as if only now recalling that detail.
“Hmmph.”
He cleared his throat. To him, the upcoming banquet mattered far more than the pianist’s well-being.
Yet Jacqueline wore a worried expression, concerned that the musician—whose face she’d never even seen—might have suffered serious injuries.
Trying to mask his embarrassment, William replied in an even sterner tone.
“The bigger problem is that it’ll take at least an hour for a new performer to arrive. The banquet is supposed to start any moment now.”
“Oh dear.”
“Master Benjamin’s birthday celebration will end up the subject of everyone’s gossip—of course, in the worst possible way.”
“I completely understand your concern, William.”
Jacqueline nodded sympathetically. The conductor’s head sank even lower, as if he wished to vanish into the floor.
Watching this, Jacqueline lightly raised an eyebrow. A good idea seemed to strike her, and she looked down at William with bright, sparkling eyes.
“Perhaps I can help?”
“Pardon? You, Miss?”
William asked, bewildered.
Instead of answering, Jacqueline disappeared behind the railing. Soon, light footsteps approached from nearby.
William’s expression grew increasingly puzzled.
***
When Windsor entered the drawing room, those who had arrived earlier rose from their seats. He exchanged brief handshakes and rehearsed greetings with them.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Not at all—it’s the kind of event one absolutely must prioritize. The family hosting tonight’s banquet should never suffer the indignity of an empty guest list.”
The room, filled only with men, was thick with the scent of tobacco. After exchanging pleasantries, they returned to their seats, exchanging discreet glances among themselves.
It was exceedingly rare for Windsor Preston to attend banquets—in truth, it was almost unheard of.
Though he occasionally held events at his estate, those had been few and far between, as they’d been in mourning for Jeffrey Preston.
But today was Benjamin Preston’s birthday celebration, and his absence would have been unthinkable.
Thus, this banquet presented the perfect opportunity to verify the rumors circulating through high society recently—rumors that Windsor Preston was ignorant of noble etiquette.
No one knew who’d started the rumor, yet it had swept through society in no time. Honestly, it did sound plausible.
After all, he was the son of an opera singer and a former soldier—it wasn’t as if he’d had the refined upbringing needed to master the intricate customs of the nobility.
As they conversed, they covertly observed Windsor’s every move, like hyenas eyeing rotting meat.
“Long time no see, Lord Preston.”
“A pleasure, Count Saltrein.”
Windsor greeted Count Saltrein and naturally took a seat. A teacup and teapot already sat on the table. He poured himself a cup of tea.
—Be careful the stream of tea doesn’t make a sound.
Jacqueline’s voice seemed to echo from somewhere. He let out an unconscious chuckle, then immediately adopted a stoic expression, as if he’d never smiled at all.
Yet some had caught that fleeting moment. Their expressions were as astonished as if they’d just witnessed the sun rise in the west.
Holding his teacup, Windsor leaned back deeply into his chair and spoke in a relaxed tone.
“The subtle fragrance isn’t unpleasant.”
Then he brought the cup to his lips. Every gesture and inflection was flawless. Those watching him raised their eyebrows in surprise.
“The Prestons wouldn’t serve anything less than the finest tea. Surely you agree?”
“Though imported teas are fashionable these days, nothing compares to Noyard, with its history and tradition. In my opinion, this appears to be Noyard-grown tea.”
“Noyard is undoubtedly excellent, but personally…”
—They’re wealthy people with nothing better to do. They’re eager to talk—just open the floodgates, and they’ll chatter endlessly. All you need to do, Lord Preston, is nod along occasionally.
—Aren’t you making this too easy?
—I’ll prove just how exceptional a governess I am through tonight’s banquet.
Jacqueline had been confident—and her advice proved accurate.
Windsor simply nodded along as the conversation shifted seamlessly from the tea’s origin to tobacco.
His governess was sharp, incisive—and remarkably capable.
“Come to think of it, Lord Preston, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you smoke a cigar.”
When the topic turned to him, Windsor replied while holding his teacup, his expression indifferent and his tone flat.
“I haven’t yet discovered the appeal of cigars.”
“What a pity—you don’t know what you’re missing.”
Viscount Jeffman shook his head, looking genuinely regretful. Count Saltrein chimed in with theatrical flair.
“I’d heard all soldiers were heavy smokers, but apparently that’s not always true.”
“…….”
For a moment, the drawing room fell as silent as if doused with cold water. Everyone who’d been chatting in small groups fell quiet, their ears clearly tuned to this conversation.
Rather than speak rashly, they watched Windsor carefully. Only Count Saltrein, who’d just dropped a bombshell, remained unconcerned, calmly exhaling cigar smoke.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense and precarious,
“Hahaha! These days, tobacco from Slenn is of surprisingly fine quality. If you invest in the merchants importing Slenn tobacco, you won’t lose a penny—take my word for it.”
Viscount Jeffman smoothly changed the subject as if nothing had happened. Others quickly chimed in to shift the mood.
“Ah, I’ve tried it once myself. It’s a bit light, but surprisingly good. Which company imports Slenn tobacco again?”
“Well, that would be…”
Windsor let the renewed chatter fade into the background as he turned his gaze toward Baron Haines. The baron, who had been sitting idly with a bored expression, noticed Windsor’s glance and looked up.
Since their eyes met, Windsor spoke first.
“I hear Lord Haines’ horse has been performing quite well lately.”
Instantly, Haines’ eyes lit up. The dullness vanished from his face as he eagerly leaned forward, drawing closer to Windsor.
“How did you know that, Lord Preston? Thunderbolt is finally repaying my faith! After a poor run of form, he’s redeemed himself in the past few races.”
Just as he was about to launch into a long-winded explanation, faint music seeped through the door. A servant appeared at the entrance to announce the start of the banquet.
Baron Haines ended the conversation with a disappointed expression. “Come visit my stables sometime soon.”
“I will.”
Windsor gave a light nod and rose from his seat. The men exited the room one by one to find their partners in the ladies’ parlor.
Those attending alone headed straight to the banquet hall. Windsor followed them at a leisurely pace.
Everything was perfect. The music was melodious, and the banquet hall was splendid. Smiles of satisfaction graced the lips of the gentlemen and ladies entering arm-in-arm.
Occasionally, children could be seen curiously surveying their surroundings, clearly eager to dash off—but restraining themselves with all their might under their mothers’ stern glares.
At that moment, William approached silently, whispered briefly into his ear, then disappeared.
“…….”
Windsor’s indifferent gaze slowly shifted. It settled on the deep brown curtains—the hiding place of the orchestra behind them.
Cold Male Lead Became My Clingy Husband (Female-Dominant)
Feng Bai Su transmigrated into a matriarchal novel, becoming the sister of the female protagonist and the Seventh Princess of the Feng Ling Kingdom.
After working herself to death in her previous life, finally reincarnating as a princess, she only wanted to be a lazy fish who could eat, sleep, and play.
Until she met the male protagonist from the book, Wei Jing Mo, and he took a liking to her!
Wei Jing Mo is the top young man in Feng Ling City, talented in both appearance and ability, from a prestigious family, with a cold and otherworldly appearance, a figure like the bright moon in the hearts of noble ladies. It was thought that only the most powerful and talented noble lady in Feng Ling City would be worthy of such a brilliant young man. Who knew that this young gentleman would secretly admire the infamous Seventh Princess?
Short scene 1:
Feng Bai Su looked at the young man crying like a pear blossom in the rain before her, and couldn’t help but doubt her life.
Wasn’t the male lead described as a cold and otherworldly figure in the book?
Then who was this poor little thing crying with swollen red eyes and tear-stained face?
Short scene 2:
Wei Jing Mo stared intently at Feng Bai Su who was about to go out, wanting to say, “Be careful on the road.”
Before he could speak, Feng Bai Su suddenly bent down and bit his cheek.
Her peach blossom eyes were full of disdain: “Tsk! You’re so clingy!”
Wei Jing Mo: “…”
A talented fox spirit female lead with a flirtatious appearance but actually abstinent VS A cold-looking but actually naive and clingy little jealous male lead
MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (98)
Nice one FL😆… But still it hurts me reading it as they mocked her as the impoverish noble girl.. I felt the range of windsor😭
best gift ever😁😁😁 way to go Windsor, good thing you listened to Jacqueline.
Our ML might feel jealous with FL ex-fiancee(• ▽ •;)
Inline Comments (1305)
The Devil of the Black Fleet!
Lol. Benjamin doesn’t even focus to the ugly Count. He’s just excited to see his uncle’s reaction. Such a cutie 😭❤️
“Especially that trouble-seeking mouth of yours. I still remember vividly—just l
Hmm, she never looked like the type to throw words like that right in someone’s face.
With that thought, Benjamin took another step. His legs, which had just moments
Go, baby, go! You got this! *feels like a proud mom*
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Ashiel_26
Ohh ~ I think he’s starting to get worried for our FL😌 .. A worthy of governess