Meiana noticed a ring on his right hand. It was obvious that he was a noble, not only because he was Cedeloy’s friend but also from the ring. But why did a friend become a home tutor at Cedeloy’s house?

“Do you not know what a handshake is?”

She couldn’t hide her initial surprise as she shook his right hand.

“Excuse me. I’m Meiana Dawson.”

“Hmm.”

It was an ambiguous reaction, whether it was a chuckle or a response. Cedeloy, with an inexplicable smile, alternately looked at the two and spoke to Ash.

“You stay in the west wing. A room has been prepared for you.”

“Got it. Should I be careful of spiderwebs? You know well that even spiders get disgusted if they’re like me.”

“Don’t worry. It’s cleaned up well. Gémero!”

Gémero promptly appeared. Cedeloy nodded.

“Guide Ash to his room. Make sure he can rest.”

“Yes, Your Grace. This way, please.”

Ash Lauren bowed his waist. Only then did Meiana notice a robust-looking travel bag beside the chair where he had been sitting.

The metal part decorated with a few small scratches… did not look expensive at all.

After Ash followed Gémero out, Cedeloy personally stood up and closed the door to the reception room.

“What do you think?”

Meiana stared at him intently.

“I’m not sure what you mean, Your Grace.”

There was a tapping sound. It was the sound of Cedeloy tapping the table, as if knocking.

“Well, Ash Lauren. What do you think of him from your perspective? Does he seem suitable to be Ariante’s teacher?”

“Is my opinion important? You’ve already hired him as the Lady’s teacher…”

Cedeloy laughed briefly.

“Hired, indeed. Although that’s true, he didn’t come to teach Ariante in exchange for money. I’m only providing Ash with meals. And a little convenience.”

“Convenience?”

“He recently got divorced. There’s a bit… of a complicated dispute. He sent a letter saying he wanted to get away from annoying problems. So, while providing him a hiding place, I asked him to teach Ariante.”
Meiana wore an expression of uncertainty about how to respond. She was aware that Cedeloy would soon find a teacher for Ariante, but this…

“Don’t worry.”

As if delving into her thoughts, Cedeloy spoke.

“Ash was originally a full-time professor at the Royal University. So, there won’t be any lack in teaching Ariante.”

“…Your Grace, to be honest, the Lady doesn’t necessarily need a teacher from an excellent school. She needs someone who understands and appreciates her, like you do.”

“It seems Ash thinks he can’t do that.”

Meiana let out a short sigh.

“In my opinion, it seems like we won’t even have a peaceful class for a day, no… not even for an hour. I apologize for saying this about your friend, Your Grace.”

“He’s not exactly of a good nature. But he might get along well with Ariante. Just like you.”

Meiana, like someone lost in thought, slightly furrowed her brow.

“Are you saying that, in Your Grace’s eyes, I also don’t have a good nature?”

“Your nature… is not necessarily bad, more like a bit untamed.”

As she wrinkled her nose, Cedeloy returned to the table and sat down again. The sunlight falling behind him made his face appear even darker than usual.

“Swan will soon come under the jurisdiction of the duchy. They will study together with Ariante, and it might be difficult for the two kids to get along from the beginning. In that regard, Ash will be the perfect fit.”

“I’m not sure what you mean by ‘in that regard,’ but… Your Grace has made the decision. I won’t interfere. It doesn’t seem like something I should be involved in. At least one thing is reassuring. He won’t mistreat the Lady like Mr. Bimon, will he?”

Cedeloy closed and opened his eyes as if to affirm.

“And I have one more thing to ask of you.”

“Please tell me.”

“When Swan comes, I’m thinking of letting the kid stay on the east side of the mansion. No, that might be better.”

It’s probably because of House Storn. Meiana thought. She hadn’t set foot in the east wing. Although Cedeloy hadn’t explicitly ordered her not to approach, there seemed to be an implicit pressure. Perhaps she was avoiding the situation that bothered her…

“Which room would be good?”

When she asked, Cedeloy, with a pensive expression, lowered his gaze diagonally before answering.

“It might be better if it’s close to Ariante’s room. Should I hire new staff to take care of Swan?”

Originally, that would be the right thing to do, but Meiana wanted to maintain the current balance. Selecting another maid or servant could take who knows how long, and…

Having a boy named Swan stay on the east side of the mansion could certainly make Ariante’s nerves quite sharp for a while. Increasing the number of unfamiliar people might cause some disturbance.