At that moment, Swan spoke again in a hushed voice.

“Everyone will worry. And… because of themselves, they will think that way. Isn’t that right, teacher? Others end up taking responsibility, isn’t that so?”

Ash smiled and looked at Swan.

“Do you have that kind of experience too, Swan? Have you ever thought that someone else’s problem was your responsibility?”

Swan didn’t respond. Ash, too, didn’t insist on getting an answer from the child. In his view, this ten-year-old boy was carrying too many thoughts and concerns for his age.

“But the problem is that it’s not the boy’s original nature.”

Sometimes, during class, Ash could catch glimpses of the original Swan. When he didn’t need to suppress or be downtrodden, he would return to the appearance of an ordinary boy.

He was innocent, a bit mischievous, and curious. Just a moment ago, when talking about what ‘rights’ they had with Ariante, he demonstrated that…

Ash said, “So, the essence of this conversation is one thing. Regardless of what it is, you should never casually give away your rights to others, and remember that responsibility always follows rights. Now, Swan, do you understand what you should do? Tell me what you want to do.”

Swan pondered deeply. Although his face turned red, this time, he didn’t try to postpone his answer to Ash. When Ariante, who had grown bored waiting, sat down and started tearing off pieces of grass, Swan spoke.

“Well, I… I want to take a walk in the forest.”

“The forest? Do you mean the peacock lord’s forest over there?”

Swan nodded. Just as Ariante, who had risen with excitement, was about to hold the hands of the two kids, Ash, who had unexpectedly solidified his expression and stepped forward.

“Teacher, why are you…”

As Swan, looking up at Ash, stopped speaking and stared somewhere, a faint burp sound accompanied a small sigh from the boy. Ariante, holding onto Ash’s hand, also opened her blue eyes wide.

“What are you doing here?”

Jocelyn’s stern voice was heard. Her black scarf fluttered like a ominous flag announcing disaster in the wind.

The moment Jocelyn appeared, Ash noticed that the two kids tensed up instantly. If there was a difference, it was that Ariante was showing hostility with all her might, ready to pick a fight, while Swan had frozen stiff like someone frozen to the bone.

Ash rarely faced Jocelyn head-on. He had heard a few words about her from Cedric, but originally, he didn’t know about her or care about the atmosphere of terror she created as the housekeeper.

Intentionally ignored by Jocelyn, Ash also never showed any interest in her, so there had been no words exchanged between them.

But now, there were children. Ash advanced, hiding Ariante and Swan behind him.

“Can’t you see? We’re in the middle of a class.”

Jocelyn arrogantly lowered her gaze while tightening the knot on her scarf. Ariante and Swan, who met eyes with her, held onto Ash’s hand even tighter.

Jocelyn said, “His lordship has prepared a study room for the class.”

“Ah, did you think I wouldn’t know that by now? Your consideration is remarkable. Your patience is also admirable.”

“Patience, you say?”

“How much time has passed since I came here? I’ve been turning a blind eye to a housekeeper who doesn’t even know where the study room is, thinking she’s been considerate. That’s quite a bit of patience. Anyway, unlike your concerns, I know not only where the children’s study room is but also everything about this mansion, so you can go now.”
Ash’s words were polite, but there was a hint of sarcasm. Jocelyn’s lips, which had been expressionless, trembled for a moment. She slightly lifted the pointed end of her chin, then looked straight at Ash.

“It seems like you misinterpreted my words. I meant that the class should take place in the study room.”

“Are you the owner of this house?”

Jocelyn furrowed her wrinkled brow.

“What are you talking about?”

“Go ask the Balthminster Duke, your master. I’m teaching the kids in the garden, and I don’t mind if you just leave us alone. But if the Duke generously gives you some money and tells you to kick my ass and chase me away, then do it immediately. However, if not, don’t interfere with what I’m doing.”

“I am the housekeeper of the Balthminster Duke family. My late father and grandfather served the family faithfully for generations. They, too, did not hesitate to advise or criticize household teachers or employees if they were not dedicated to their work for the family.”

Ash responded, “So what? Are you suggesting I should willingly accept your advice? Is that what you want to say?”

He inwardly chuckled as he saw Jocelyn’s face darken a bit more. This woman seems like she’s made of stone, Ash thought. Like a character from an old story, a wolf that eats people.

Jocelyn stared at Ash as if she held a grudge against him and said, “If you’re not in the middle of a class, I will take Master Swan for a moment.”